For nearly five decades, Tim Braun has been a defining voice in luxury retail. With more than 30 years at Neiman Marcus, including decades leading the Scottsdale store, he has shaped the Valley’s style landscape while forging lasting community ties. Known for his deep relationships with clients, his passion for fashion, and his unwavering support of philanthropic causes like the Heart Ball, Time has built a career that blends elegance with impact.
As he looks toward a new chapter under the Saks Global acquisition, Tim reflects on his journey and the lessons that continue to inspire him.
You’ve spent decades in luxury retail. What first drew you to this industry?
At a young age, I admired my family's love for fashion and quality tailoring. My grandfather was a custom tailor for prominent people in our hometown and my mother was a fashionista that taught me how to express my personality through fashion. I spent years in the luxury jewelry business catering to affluent clients on the east coast and throughout the entire US. After joining Neiman Marcus 34 years ago, that love for jewelry and fashion continued and was elevated with responsibilities to grow valued clients around the country. I’ve stayed inspired by meeting world-renowned designers and helping emerging talents find their place at Neiman Marcus and in the fashion community.
When you first stepped into your role in Scottsdale, what vision did you have for the store and community?
I came here on a mission to influence the potential of a growing market... supporting it with philanthropy, high fashion, and loyal relationships within the community. I saw that potential after the success of Neiman Marcus’s concept store, The Galleries at Biltmore Fashion Park. I wanted the challenge of elevating our main store in fashion while strengthening philanthropic ties. The Valley had the opportunity to attract new affluent, luxury-minded residents through its arts, culture, culinary delights, architecture, and love for fashion.
You’ve called Scottsdale home for years—how has that shaped your connection to the Valley?
I have lived in 3 areas of Scottsdale over 20 years and I now call this home. The connection I have built in the Valley has been an important part of my self development and has shaped my personal lifestyle. It has helped me grow through a love of the culture, the kindness of the citizens, and being surrounded by so many fellow residents that support this city.
With the Saks Global acquisition of Neiman Marcus, what does this merger mean for shoppers?
With the merger of two iconic brands in our market, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, the merger of Saks Global makes us the largest multi luxury retailer in the world... but what excites me most is our pursuit of the extraordinary. We are continuing to build two brands that have a long legacy of luxury. Both brands will remain loyal to their DNA, but will operate as one united culture.
How do you see this merger impacting the customer experience here?
We recognize the importance of each store in this market and the customer experience will be held to the highest standard to represent the legacy brands. We will continue to put an emphasis on our service, styling, curated selection of fashions as well as maintaining a differentiated view for each brand.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about building relationships in retail?
To understand the client and recognize their lifestyle through a genuine approach; building trust that allows us to style them and be their fashion authority.
You’ve been such a visible supporter of the Heart Ball and other philanthropic efforts in the Valley. Why is giving back been so central to you?
Growing up, my family instilled in me the belief of giving over receiving. That value has stayed with me throughout my career; not just in seeing the satisfaction of those we serve, but in feeling it within my own heart. I experienced this firsthand when I briefly worked in corporate and met Stanley Marcus, the founder of Neiman Marcus. His vision that the brand would always support the community and its clients has guided me ever since.
What does the Heart Ball mean to you after so many years of involvement?
Since our store opening in 1991, our store has been intimately involved with all that support the Heart Ball. Their passion and dedication to this cause is contagious and our support has flourished all these years. We are very proud that both brands have supported the committee with the Kick Off Luncheon and the Heart Ball Addressing Luncheon.
When people think of your time leading Neiman Marcus in Scottsdale, what do you hope they’ll remember most?
I hope I’m remembered for my passion in building relationships with our clients, my support of what matters to them, and my genuine love for what I do.
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