Thursday, November 28, 2013

Hour Passion Opens Tomorrow on 34th Street!

Big news: tomorrow, on Black Friday, the first Hour Passion store in the U.S. opens on 34th Street! The Swatch Group, the world's largest watch manufacturer, is behind this multi-brand concept boutique that includes Longines, Rado, Tissot, Balmain, Certina, Mido, Hamilton, Calvin Klein Watch and Jewelry, Swatch, and Flik-Flak.
Image courtesy of The Swatch Group
Soon after the Herald Square Hour Passion opens, Swatch will open a second U.S. location in Las Vegas. The 2,500 square foot 34th Street boutique, just steps from Herald Square and across the street from Macy's Herald Square, will feature each brand in its own retail area. Exclusively in New York is a mezzanine lounge where customers can view selected timepieces and brand exhibits and novelties.

Image courtesy of The Swatch Group
Nick Hayek, President of Swatch Group Management Board said: “The US market and the American consumer are very important to us. We feel that they should be served in the best way possible. The outstanding Hour Passion boutiques in New York and Las Vegas will give consumers a chance to experience some of our finest brands.”

Special opening day hours for Black Friday are 8am-9:30pm, and Hour Passion will offer an exclusive brand gift with each purchase. During the holiday season, the store will be open from 9am to 10pm Monday-Saturday and 9am to 8pm on Sunday. Regular hours will be 10 am to 8 pm Monday-Saturday and 11am to 7pm on Sunday.

Welcome to 34th Street and New York City, Hour Passion!


Hour Passion
112 West 34th Street just west of Broadway
Opening tomorrow, November 29th, 8am

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Black Friday Sales on 34th Street: The Top 15 List

Black Friday has come early this year with some stores already dropping deals. But Friday, and in some cases Thursday, will feature even bigger discounts and incentives in stores. We've put together a list to help you figure out where and when to shop Black Friday on 34th Street. Below are our top fifteen picks for the year's biggest shopping holiday on 34th Street (in no particular order). The list may be updated through the week. Happy holidays, and happy holiday shopping!

#1. Macy's Herald Square
Click here for a Black Friday specials preview. There will be doorbusters and morning specials. And if you haven't shopped Macy's in the middle of the night during the Black Friday frenzy, take it from someone who has been there: it is a blast! Below Macy's has kindly shared with us their #BlackFriday survival kit. Take their advice and stick to the Keds.

Open 8pm on Thanksgiving Day and staying open till 10pm on Black Friday.
151 West 34th Street between Broadway and Seventh Avenue


#2. JCPenney
Click here for their Black Friday offers. Doorbusters, big deals, and SNOWGLOBES! Yes, everyone can relax, the free Mickey Mouse snowglobes are back, and it looks like they will be available in the Manhattan Mall store at 4am on Black Friday. Plan that shopping strategy accordingly!

Open 8pm on Thanksgiving Day and staying open until 9pm on Black Friday
Manhattan Mall, 901 Avenue of the Americas at 33rd Street

#3. WHO.A.U
They're calling their Black Friday sale epic, and I cannot disagree: jeans and sweaters for $9.90? Totally worth a 12am call time, especially considering WHO.A.U's high quality and adorable clothing.

Open Thanksgiving Day 9am-6pm
Open 12am on Black Friday
22 West 34th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues

#4. H&M
Pre-Black Friday deals are going on now, starting at $2.95 for accessories, and more deals from $2.95 on Black Friday. Also, the scratch-offs are key: first 100 people in line get a scratch-off valued up to $300, only valid Friday 11/29.

Closed Thanksgiving Day
Open 12am on Black Friday
435 Seventh Avenue at 34th Street
47 West 34th Street at Sixth Avenue

#5. Uniqlo
Stop by the store for special promotions on Black Friday (specials are not yet announced)! While there, look for the adorable Orla Kiely turtle-neck T-Shirt (below), and check out the ultra light down. The hooded coat below is now on special for $69.90.

Closed Thanksgiving Day
Open 6am-9pm on Black Friday 
31 West 34th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues
#6. Express
The Black Friday fun has already begun at Express! Right now you can get 50% off every single item until noon on Friday. I am so totally impressed.

Open 10am on Thanksgiving Day at 7 West 34th Street and open through Black Friday.  
Open 8pm on Thanksgiving Day at the Manhattan Mall store at 33rd and Sixth Avenue through 11pm on Black Friday.


#7. American Eagle Outfitters
Click here to shop their holiday gift guide. Currently, American Eagle has 40% off everything. Starting Thanksgiving Day through 6am on Black Friday, everything in the store is 50% off. After 6am on Black Friday, everything is 40% off.

Open 10am Thanksgiving Day till 11:59pm on Black Friday at the 40 West 34th Street store
Open 8am Thanksgiving Day till 11:59pm on Black Friday at the One Penn Plaza store at 34th and Seventh Avenue.

#8. bebe
Bebe is "Bringing Sexy Black Friday" this week and they aren't kidding! When you've got dresses like this on sale, who's arguing?! Stop by on your 34th Street Black Friday route for the best skinny pants, cute quilted vests, and yes, sexy dresses. They are being very coy about their Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday specials: "You have to come in and see," they purred. I'm thinking that's a good thing. Updated to add: 30% off everything plus a gift with $125 purchase when you shop early on Black Friday. See store for details.

Open Thanksgiving Day noon-6pm, Black Friday 8am-10pm
One West 34th Street at Fifth Avenue

#9. Desigual
30% off the entire store! That's the entire store, Desigual by Lacroix, the shoes, bags, and adorable accessories, and the amazing, yes, amazing kid's collection (all at the 34th & Fifth store).

Open Thanksgiving Day 11am-2pm, Black Friday 12am-10pm, Herald Square store at 35th and Sixth
Open Thanksgiving Day 11am-4pm, Black Friday 12am-10pm, Fifth Avenue store at 34th Street

#10. Joe Fresh
40% off everything starting today through December 2nd.

Open Thanksgiving Day 1pm-8pm
Open Black Friday 7am-10pm
215 West 34th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues

#11. Old Navy
50% off the entire store, starting 7pm Thanksgiving Day. Also, a chance to will a million dollars for the first 500 people in line at the store before opening at 7pm.

Open Thanksgiving Day 8am-4pm. Reopening at 7pm through Black Friday
150 West 34th Street between Broadway and Seventh Avenue

#12. Gap Herald Square
50% off the entire store on Black Friday.

Open Thanksgiving Day noon-10pm
Open Black Friday 12am-11:45pm
60 West 34th Street at Broadway

#13. Hour Passion
The Swatch Group's first U.S. location of this multi-brand boutique opens on Black Friday, and will offer an exclusive brand gift with every purchase.

Opening Day: Black Friday 8am-9:30pm
112 West 34th Street just west of Broadway


#14. Vince Camuto
30% off all regular-priced items, and 50% off all sale items through December 3rd. Updated to add: Then Ten Hour Event. 40% off all regular-priced items, and 50% off all sale items, from 12:01am-10am on Black Friday.

30 West 34th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues

#15. Banana Republic
Special gifts and surprise offers every day till December 1st.

Open Thanksgiving Day 10am-11pm
Open Black Friday 12am-10pm

Monday, November 25, 2013

From the Archives: The Nantucket Sea Monster

We can't wait for the parade! Last week we featured some Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade history, and today our 34th Street archivist Anne Kumer covers float designer Tony Sarg and one of his Macy's balloons. This post also appears on NYC Circa.


Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade float designer Tony Sarg owned a curiosity shop in Nantucket, Massachusetts. In the summer of 1937, and with the help of many others, he staged an unusual sighting off the coast using one of his Macy's balloons, the Nantucket Sea Monster.

The initial sighting off the coast of Nantucket, MA

Footprints are found and measured on the shore.

Spectators examine the beast

Some are more daring than others

Tony Sarg with fellow spectators and the Nantucket Sea Serpent.
The Nantucket Sea Serpent made its debut the following November in the 1938 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.


 All of the following images, plus more, can be viewed on the Nantucket Historical Association's flickr page.

Here is a video of the "discovery" from the NHA YouTube channel.



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Friday, November 22, 2013

34th Street Weekend Picks: Doorbusters, Pre-Black Friday & Gift with Purchase

JCPenney
It's that "doorbusters" time of year, and JCPenney is getting it started early this weekend! Shop in stores today from 3pm to close, and tomorrow till 1pm for doorbusting deals. Note: the doorbusters are in-store only, but click on the flier below for more info on the 48 Hours Sale.  Manhattan Mall lower levels one and two, 33rd Street and Sixth Avenue

Bare Escentuals
Free Gift with any $50 purchase! See below for details, and visit the 34th Street boutique and get that gift (valid only in boutiques)! 44 West 34th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues


H&M
Shoppers, get your engines going, because Pre-Black Friday is here. H&M has up to 70% off, and those deals for Black Friday itself are looking really, really good.  435 Seventh Avenue at 34th Street and 47 West 34th Street at Broadway



Thursday, November 21, 2013

Broadway Bites: The Last Weekend!

We're very sorry to remind everyone that this is the last weekend of Broadway Bites. Be sure to stop by and indulge in delicious #bwaybites culinary delights one last time this weekend in Greeley Square.


Go out with a bang with a famous Bee Sting pizza from Roberta's, Red Hook Lobster Pound lobster rolls, teriyaki balls from Mimi & Coco's, tacos from Jicama, brats and beer at Dorrian's, or breakfast at Bantam's Bagels. Oh, how we are going to miss you, Broadway Bites!



Broadway Bites
Greeley Square Park
Between 32nd and 33rd at Broadway and Sixth Avenue
Open daily from 11am-9pm through Sunday, November 24th

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Breakfast with Santa at Stella 34

Did you know Santa loves Italian? This holiday season, his favorite trattoria, Stella 34 in Macy's Herald Square, has invited him to breakfast, and you can join him! Also, kids are invited, too.


As a member of a family who is starting their own holiday traditions this year instead of going out of town, I signed up for this right away, because:

A. It's adorable. 
B. I get a bellini. 
C. My girl gets candy cane and gingerbread takeaway treats. 
D. You get a digital download and a keepsake photo with Santa. 
E. Elves come to your table with Santa!

D seals the deal: no waiting in lines to get the Santa photo, which is $39.95 at Santaland but part of the package for the breakfast (click here for more details). Below is more information from Stella 34, but clearly, as points A-E above illustrate, this has all the ingredients for a great holiday tradition.



Stella 34 Trattoria
Select dates from November 30th - December 24th
Reservations, click here. Call 212-967-9251 for further questions.
6th floor of Macy's Herald Square
Express elevator at 35th Street and Broadway entrance

Monday, November 18, 2013

From the Archives: The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Today our 34th Street archivist Anne Kumer shares some history of the 34th Street district. This post also appears on NYC Circa.

The holidays are upon us, and in less than two weeks, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will wind its way down Central Park West and Sixth Avenue to the Macy's flagship store at 34th Street and Broadway.

The first Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade took place on November 27, 1924. At the time, it was called the Macy's Christmas Parade, and featured animals form the Central Park Zoo. In 1927 the parade featured the first giant character balloons, held up by store employees, and one year later, the parade debuted giant helium balloons designed by illustrator and puppeteer Tony Sarg.

From 1927 to 1983, every balloon was fabricated by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Akron Ohio. The University of Akron currently holds the company's archive, which includes a great collection of Macy's Parade float photos. All of the images below, except for the wartime poster, are from that collection.

Tony Sarg with one of his creations at the Goodyear Rubber and Tire Co. in Ohio, 1933. Image: University of Akron

Here, a 9-story tall Gulliver balloon is accompanied by several animal friends including "Tom-kat" and "Jerry the Pig," 1933. Image: University of Akron

In 1942, Macy's balloons were deflated, and the rubber and helium donated in support of the WWII effort.


The yearly parade resumed in 1945, two weeks after the end of WWII, and has been a highly anticipated event ever since.

Crowds gather outside of Macy's celebrated widows at the flagship store on 34th Street, 1945.Image: University of Akron

Other Sources:
1. Gripo, Robert; Christopher Loskins. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
2. Sullivan, Robert (Ed.). Life: America's Parade: A Celebration of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.



Friday, November 15, 2013

34th Street Weekend Pick: Rainboots and Friends & Family

Desigual
Take 30% off select items at their mid-season sale, including the rainboots below, available at the 34th and Fifth Avenue store. 358 Fifth Avenue at 34th Street


Unique Eyewear
Need glasses? Visit Unique Eyewear, ask for Terry or Khaliha, and get $20 off any purchase of $100 or more (excluding sale frames or lenses). Just mention the 34th Street Partnership, and take advantage of this exclusive 34th Street deal!  19 West 34th Street, Suite 1218 (12th floor) between 5th and 6th Avenues


AEO
Friends and Family starts today! Get 30% off everything in store, click here for more details and to print coupon.  40 West 34th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, and One Penn Plaza at 34th Street and Seventh Avenue



Uniqlo
Special on jeans! Who doesn't want to hear that?! Regularly $19.90, now $14.90.  31 West 34th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues


Thursday, November 14, 2013

Winter Kids at Uniqlo 34th Street

Yes, of course the winter kid stuff at Uniqlo is RIDICULOUS cute.




But that top sweater coat totally takes the cake. Irresistible. This is a small sampling of what's in-store at the 34th Street Uniqlo, be sure to drop by soon to shop all of their adorable baby and kid's styles.


Uniqlo
31 West 34th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues


Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Thanksgiving Dinner at Stella 34

To some, a true holiday means not staying home all day stuck in a kitchen cooking. And Stella 34 Trattoria at Macy's Herald Square has the perfect meal planned for those of us who believe Thanksgiving dinner is best when someone else is doing the cooking. Also, Stella does the dishes. 

All the details below from the good people at Stella 34 Trattoria.
Give thanks and celebrate Thanksgiving with a classic 3-course menu of traditional favorites and Italian-inspired dishes on Thursday, November 28th 2013. The meal begins with appetizers for the table, leads to entrée selections with family-style side dishes and finishes with three dessert options, each paired with a housemade gelato. This Thanksgiving, Stella 34 Trattoria invites you to experience a rare holiday offering, turducken; a delicious and complex three-bird roast of foie gras stuffed chicken within a duck, within a turkey. Advanced dinner reservations are required due to holiday security at Macy’s Herald Square.

4pm – 10pm | $60 Adults; $40 Children
Visit www.stella34.com for menu and reservations.


Stella 34 Trattoria
At Macy's Herald Square
Enter at the 35th Street and Broadway entrance and look for the Stella elevator on the right
212-967-9251

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Gap Herald Square: It's a Belt Thing

Every time I pass a rack of belts at Gap, I stop and snap them with my iPhone.


But I almost never post them. Then the other week I checked out my Gap photo folder and realized I've got a thing for Gap belts. They do skinny belt so well, and their other styles are always just right. Like that neutral tan belt below, or the darker one with smallish studs, and that super-skinny braided belt. 


Just put me on the Christmas list for a Gap belt, OK?


Gap
60 West 34th Street at Broadway

Friday, November 8, 2013

34th Street Weekend Picks: Aeropostale, Vince Camuto, bebe

AéropostaleIt's Friends and Fashion weekend at Aéropostale! Get 40% off one item, and 30% off everything else. Click here for more details.  15 West 34th Street just west of Fifth Avenue; Manhattan Mall level 1, 33rd Street and Sixth Avenue


Vince Camuto
Boot sale! Click here for more details, and don't miss this, I adore my Vince Camuto booties.  30 West 34th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues


bebe
Besides very pretty peplum, bebe is having a Veterans Day Weekend Sale, with select items up to 70% off.  1 West 34th Street at Fifth Avenue


Thursday, November 7, 2013

The Broadway French Market Tote: Now on Sale!

We've got a new tote for the 34th Street Broadway French Market, and we think it's perfect for your weekend market shopping.


Cute, n'est-ce pas?  We also like its eco-tote status: it's made from natural vegetable fiber and is reusable, recyclable, and biodegradable. You can find it for sale at the Broadway French Market for under $8. But for those of you who aren't in New York City, we're having a tote sale at our online shop this week. The Broadway French Market tote, and its Midtown sister, the Bryant Park tote, are both now 50% off! Click here for sale information and more product details.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

DSW Shoe of the Week: Boots

Clearly, the star of the show today is this perfect, elegant Diane von Furstenberg boot ($299.95).


But, because pretty just isn't enough for me, I tried on this funky little Joe's Jeans bootie ($99.95), and almost wept when I couldn't find the right size.


Pretty, funky, classy, cool: DSW 34th Street is where to find all them boots.


DSW
213 West 34th Street just west of Seventh Avenue

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

34th Street's Forever 21: Beavis and Butt-head. And Store Renovations


Don't fear Forever 21 fans, the 34th Street store is still open. They are just going through massive first floor renovations, so go on up to the second floor and enjoy the big shoe section. Finally, all those cute shoes in one place.


Also, there is a Beavis and Butt-head T-shirt, and it doesn't suck.



Forever 21
50 West 34th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues


Monday, November 4, 2013

I Think I Need: Gap Logo Tees

I've been meaning to bring this one up for a while: classic Gap logo tees. I'll admit I'm completely surprised I'm saying this, because as much as I love and shop Gap Herald Square, I have never owned a T-shirt that says "Gap" on it. But their new logo tees look really, really great. The one above is kind of amazing.


I first noticed the new tees in the men's department at Herald Square.


Again, I'm impressed. I would totally wear one of the above home from my boyfriend's if I was still doing things like borrowing boyfriend's T-shirts. Now I just wear my husband's shirts on the weekend, sleep in his boxers, and "borrow" my sisters' clothes when I'm visiting. But none of that is so exotic that it will spawn a whole genre of clothing, right? Sister jeans? Husband jackets? No way! Or never say never?


Gap Herald Square
60 West 34th Street at Broadway