Exhibit 99.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350)

The undersigned, R. Brad Martin, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Saks Incorporated (the “Company”), has executed this certification in connection with the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 3, 2003 (the “Report”).

The undersigned hereby certifies that:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certification as of the 13th day of June, 2003.

/s/ R. Brad Martin             

R. Brad Martin

Chairman of the Board of Directors

and Chief Executive Officer