Broward County a tough sell for high-end retail

Broward County residents with a yen for Burberry, Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. still have to cross county lines to bring those brands home. These retailers have stores in Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties, but none in Broward. After the Saks Fifth Avenue at the Galleria closes this summer, the mall’s Neiman Marcus will become the county’s only luxury department store. Despite Fort Lauderdale’s recent push to attract five-star beachfront hotels and condominiums, retail analysts say Broward shoppers shouldn’t hold their breath waiting for high-end stores to follow, especially in a challenging economy.