Off-price retailer remembers 9/11 and city with mural

New York -- The storefront of Century 21 Department Stores’ flagship in lower Manhattan has been given a stunning makeover to honor the city and in remembrance of the 9/11 terrorist attack.



The off-price retailer has partnered once again with internally famous street artist Thierry Guetta (commonly referred to as Mr. Brainwash), who has painted a vibrant mural on a 65-sq.-ft. by 225-sq.-ft. wall on the flagship’s façade. The store is in the financial district and close to where the World Trade Center once stood.



The mural depicts painted images of iconic NYC sights and sceneries. It also includes an oversized hashtag that reads: #NYCISBEAUTIFUL. (The artist also painted a mural last year for the retailer.)



A year in the making, the mural is meant to project a forward thinking remembrance of 9/11.



"This isn't just about New York; when 9/11 happened the whole world was watching. We wanted to do something that is a representation of the city's resilience and diverse beauty, of the strength of the community – that shows we won't forget and remind us to give love on this day and every day," said Mr. Brainwash. He painted a similar mural last for the store.



Developed through the artist’s friendship with Century 21 co-owner Isaac Gindi, the mural is meant to acknowledge the strength of the city and lower Manhattan, where the retailer’s flagship has been since 1961. The interior of the store was heavily damaged in the collapse of the twin towers that made up the World Trade Center.



"We're so honored to be collaborating again with Mr. Brainwash; his piece represents the vibrancy of New York City and the power of the Downtown community. It's an honor to be headquartered in one of the city's most thriving areas and pay tribute to the beauty of New York City and all Americans as we remember 9/11," stated Isaac Gindi, co-owner and executive VP.



Century 21 is headquartered in downtown Manhattan, and operates five stores in New York City, and three additional locations in New Jersey including Paramus, Morristown and Elizabeth.



In October 2014, Century 21 Department Store opened its first store outside of the New York City metro area, in Philadelphia.