NYC Retail: Top 10 New Stores
It’s been another big year in terms of new store openings in New York City. Here are my top 10 faves:
Birchbox: The 4-year-old online beauty subscription brand goes brick-and-mortar with a two-level store that brings its digital experience to life. Touchscreens and iPads enable customers to source customized product recommendations, and view customer reviews and video demonstrations. (433 West Broadway)
Bond No. 9: Fragrance marketer Bond No. 9’s redesigned flagship is chic and rich in atmosphere. It’s modeled on a 21st-century version of the Palace of Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors, complete with glittering chandeliers and smoky mirrors. (9 Bond St.)
Express: The three-level, 22,500-sq.-ft. store has an ultra-contemporary look, with marble checkout counters, chandeliers and tall glass display vitrines. The 150-ft.-high exterior LED billboard is a show-stopper. (1552 Broadway)
H&M: The world’s biggest H&M is also its most upscale to date, with marble tiles, leather furniture, stylized mannequin groupings and such extras as a free personal shopping service. Housing all its collections under one roof, the 57,000-sq.-ft. space has a four-story atrium set off with a 26-ft. by 20-ft. LED screen. (589 Fifth Ave.)
J.C. Penney: The iconic retailer is testing new design treatments, layouts, merchandise presentations and service options at its first-ever location in Brooklyn. The streamlined 124,000-sq.-ft., single-level store is bright and modern, with large murals of local landmarks. (Gateway Center)
Oakley: From its tectonic-plated exterior to its floating digital ceiling, Oakley embodies technological innovation and personalization. The store boasts a custom eyewear bar where customers can use touchscreens to build their own eyewear. The ceiling content mixes branded storytelling, art pieces, animations and footage of Oakley athletes. (560 Fifth Ave.)
Polo Ralph Lauren: The first-ever Polo flagship reflects the brand’s new, more youthful sensibility, and has a modern American feel. Showcasing the full range of Polo menswear and women’s clothing and accessories over three levels, the 38,000-sq.-ft. space also features a coffee shop — with the designer’s own personal blends — and a full-service restaurant. (711 Fifth Ave.)
Topshop: The British fashion brand’s new flagship is big — 40,000 sq. ft. — and dazzling, with a cool vibe and plenty of on-trend merchandise. It promises to replenish its stock weekly, with 300 new pieces delivered every seven days. (608 Fifth Ave.)
Under Armour: The activewear giant’s two-level Soho flagship is an immersive brand experience. Check out the upfront video wall that showcases Under Armour-affiliated athletes engaged in various sporting activities. (583 Broadway)
Urban Outfitters: The brand’s first-ever “lifestyle” store is also its largest space to date. The 57,000-sq.-ft. store is big on independently operated branded in-store shops. It includes such extras as a hair salon, bookshop, coffee bar and photography shop. (1333 Broadway)
Marianne Wilson