34th Street Weekend Sale Picks: Mango, Banana Republic

Mango

Up to 30% off at Mango, one of my favorite, go-to, never-fail retail destinations on 34th Street. Which translates to: need a dress for a special party? Stop by Mango. Need a great interview skirt/pants/jacket? Mango. Want a great, collection-quality piece that looks designer? MANGO. 

7 West 34th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, see store for sale details

Banana Republic
Take an extra 50% off sale styles at Banana Republic. Score, because we love their separates and perfect dresses. Just look for all styles that end with .99 or .97 cents.
7 West 34th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, see store for sale details

From the Archives: Woolworth's in Herald Square

In this post, archivist Anne Kumer shares some retail history. A slightly different version of this post appears on NYC Circa, a New York City history blog.

Eleven years after B. Altman opened store at 34th and Fifth, the Woolworth's Board of Directors announced that the company would build a large store at the NE corner of 40th Street and Fifth Avenue. The new "Five and Ten Cent Store deluxe" Woolworth's opened in the Fall of 1917.

Parade route along Fifth Avenue -- most likely a WWI send-off parade. The parade is heading south; the view looking north. The Woolworth's store is on the far right, and brownstones where the future Arnold Constable building are to its right (north). Date, ca. 1917  Image: NYPL

Over ten years later, in 1930, the first supermarket was built in Jamaica, New York, making it possible for food shoppers to obtain most, if not all, of their groceries under one roof. That, along with the growth of the suburbs throughout the 1930s, popularized discount retailing. Discount retailers such as Woolworth's, and in the 1950s, Korvette's and McCreery's, offered frequent sales, less individualized customer service, and savvy merchandising to attract a wide range of customers.

Window shopping on Fifth Avenue, ca. 1930. Image: MCNY

Throughout the 1930s, Woolworth's continued to grow and expand operations throughout the U.S. and in Canada. There was at least one store in the 34th Street Partnership District during this time. This one, in Herald Square, at the corner of 35th Street and Broadway, boasted a lunch counter large enough to accommodate 500 people at one time.

Woolworth's at 35th Street and Broadway, c. 1927 Image: Collection of Dan Pisark

In 1937, the NYT announced that plans were filed to build the company's 1,000th store further uptown at 39th Street and Fifth Avenue, just one block south of the existing flagship store. It opened a year later, in 1938, sixty years after the the first  "Woolworth's Great Five Cent Store" was opened in in Utica, New York.

Fifth Avenue looking north from 39th Street, ca. late 1930s / early 1940s. Image: Pisark

The new Woolworth's store was designed by architects Starrett & van Vleck, known for designing the flagships of several other department stores, including Lord & Taylor on Fifth Avenue between 38th and 39th Streets (It's still there.).

Woolworth's shopper shot by Stanley Kubrick, 1947. Image: MCNY

The F.W. Woolworth Company went defunct in 1997, and as of 2001 the company has been part of Foot Locker Inc.

There are two Foot Locker stores in the 34th Street area, each within blocks of the former Woolworth's store at 35th Street and Broadway, aka 1333 Broadway, which will soon undergo another retail transformation when Urban Outfitters moves in.


Other Sources
Union League Club Landmarks Preservation Commission Report, LP-2389
This book from Google book.
Wikipedia

Opening Friday: Broadway French Market

So excited about this: a farmer's market is coming to Herald Square!

The Bensidoun-run Chelsea Triangle French Market last summer.

We've partnered with Bensidoun USA to bring the Broadway French Market to 34th Street. Think fresh local produce, cut flowers, organic goods, and handmade crafts. No more out-of-the-way trips to get decent fruits and veggies, because the Broadway French Market is right by your work, Midtowners. I know, #JOY. 

Stop by the plaza on Broadway between 35th and 36th Streets every Tuesday and Friday, 11:30am-6:30pm, May 3rd through November 26th, and get your local honey, wine, and artisan goods. Below is a little preview of what you'll see at the market's debut this Friday:

Robibero Family Vineyards
Harry and Carole Robibero's goal is to produce premium artisan wines that are distinctive to their terroir. Robibero wines are handcrafted, limited in number, and sold namely in their tasting room and online, so be sure to take the opportunity to taste them at our Broadway market.

JuLi Ra Design
Holding a degree in finance, the designer of JuLi Ra, originally from Hawaii, moved to New York City a couple years ago and pursued first a career in cooking, then one in jewelry-making. Her unusual path to jewelry design influenced her aesthetic, and inspires her pieces of art made out of colorful pearls, chains and ribbons.

The Original Delancey Street Peanut Company
This Newark company has been in business for over 100 years, and offers a unique selection of dried fruit, nuts (including brittles), and various raw bar products. Best, you'll be able to mix together whatever your heart desires at the Broadway French Market!

Canele by Celine
Celine Legros, the mind behind this pastry business, describes herself as French by birth and New Yorker by heart. The ex-business lawyer used to make caneles for her family and friends as little treats and presents. She decided to make a business out of her passion when chef Jean-Georoges Vongerichten tasted her pastry and asked if it was for sale. Celine makes caneles in different flavors such as chocolate, orange, lime, rose water, caramel, and pink praline.

The Orchards of Concklin
Operating in Rockland County since 1712, The Orchards of Concklin produce traditional pies and cookies from century old recipes, as well as their famous Apple Cider Donuts. The Orchards will also sell cider, local honey, cheeses, teas, and coffees.

Come by opening day this Friday and discover food and crafts from the above vendors, as well as vendors like Mead Orchards, Meredith's Bread, Olive Oil of the World, Tierra Farm, Yonas Gourmet Delights, Anthi's Greek Food, Vesco Food, and Lavender.



Broadway French Market
Broadway Plaza between 35th and 36th Streets
Tuesdays and Fridays, 11:30am - 6:30pm
May 3rd - November 26th

34th Street Weekend Sale Picks: Dresses, Shoes & Accessories!

Intern LCogs writes up sales on 34th Street for the weekend...


#1. H&M

Because they are having a Mid Season Sale! Each one of these dresses I tried on are $15 or less- such a great deal! (Sorry for making such serious faces in all of my photos) 435 7th Ave.

#2. Forever 21

Because they've got a ton of clothing racks and a wall full of shoes on sale! I would have tried some shoes on, but since it was pouring rain outside I thought it wouldn't be such a good idea to put my wet feet into some brand new shoes. 50 W. 34th Street.

#3. Strawberry

 Because they've got great Fall deals on clothing and accessories! The bags they have in store right now are super cute, so get one on sale while you can! Manhattan Mall, Levels 1 & 2 (33rd. St. & 6th Ave.)

#4. Express

Because they're having their semi-annual clearance sale! There are some hidden gems in those sale bins just waiting to be found. Manhattan Mall, Level 1 (33rd. St. & 6th Ave.)

Have a fantastic weekend everyone! :)

From the Archives: A Relic of Early Modernism in Midtown Manhattan

In this post, 34SP's archivist Anne Kumer shares some 34th Street retail history. This post also appears on NYC Circa, Anne's history blog about New York City and its public spaces and buildings. 

Recently, I went shopping with 34th Street fashion guru and Fashion Herald author Tricia, and she noticed the new Steve Madden store, along with a few guys talking in front of it who did not look like tourists, casual passersby, or purchasers of the 5-inch heels Madden is known for. (That last one is an unfair assumption. I have for sure seen many a gent rock a heel way better than I can in this city.) We accosted them, and after explaining what we do for the district, found out that one was the architect for the store. He then dragged us out into the street saying that we were right this minute across from one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. This one -- 22 West 34th Street.

Photo: A. Kumer, 34SP

I had noticed the building before, but never thought much past why is there would so much wall and so little window. Also, it's backed up against the Empire State Building on 34th Street, so it isn't as if there's nothing else to look at. He had such a glow in his eyes as he described the unusual modernness of this design for the time it was built, that I can only imagine he sees it like this instead.

Photo: NYPL digital collection

Designed by architecture firm De Young, Moscowitz & Rosenberg, and built in 1934, it's known in my trusty AIA Guide to New York City, and the above photo, as the Spear & Company building. Originally established in Pittsburgh in 1843, Spear's was a furniture store known for selling knockoffs of modern-style pieces. In addition to a whole lot of facade wall, the building was equipped with air conditioning, indirect lighting, and an auditorium, and cost about $300,000 to build.

In a 1938 New Yorker Skyline column, Lewis Mumford (also cited in Christopher Gray's 1995 Streetscape column) accused the building's designers of practicing fake functional with that small bank of windows facing east, and covered by the Spear's sign, which was yellow neon on a blue background.

By the early 1990s, many of the windows were painted over, Spears was long gone, and signage on the building looked like this:

Photo: N. Mintz, 34SP

A few years later, and a lot of work on behalf of the 34th Street Partnership, the wall sign is gone, though there is still a remnant of a vertical sign and masked windows.

Photo: 34SP

Now thankfully, (scroll all the way up for a refresher), the windows are unobstructed by vertical signage and paint. Mumford would be at least a bit more pleased.


Additional citation:
The Architectural Guidebook to New York City, by Francis Morrone and James Isla, p. 140

Kat Von D

After a day of running around 34th Street, I popped into Sephora to buy the Furterer dry shampoo. And there I saw this:

























Funny that just yesterday we were talking about Kat's new line in Sephora on 34th Street. Sorry this is last minute, but if you're a fan, you may already be doing this:

at first I thought someone was selling iphones - look, one guy even brought a chair!










the line goes past Old Navy - this before 3pm.


Kat will be signing autographs from 5 - 7pm. Makeup artists were setting up for the event, and can help you choose from her limited-edition color collection (lipsticks, liners, and shadows).



Sephora, 130 W. 34th btwn Broadway & 7th

Shopping and Baseball

Sometimes you can combine shopping and baseball, especially when it's All-Star weekend in your town. These guys will be appearing in the 34th Street Foot Locker store in support of the MLB All-Star game:

When: Sunday, July 13th

Where: 34th Street Store - 120 West 34th Street

Who: Don Mattingly, Former NY Yankee

Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm

When: Monday, July 14th

Where: 34th Street Store 

Who: Darryl Strawberry, Former NY Met

Time: 12noon - 2:00pm

While there you can pick up some Sperry's or the Oscar the Grouch New Balance. And be sure to check out the All-Star gear; I highly recommend the very handsome wind-breaker for your man. Or get the All-Star jersey of a favorite player. It's only natural to mix shopping and sports, don't you think?

Foot Locker, 120 W. 34th between Broadway & 7th

Altogether Now

Here's what made me jump up and down and yell in my office last week because, well, I'm a little excitable:

"This is going to be Topshop in all its glory...It's not going to be Americanized. It will be London transferred to New York," said Sir Phillip Green, the retailer's owner....Green arrived in town this week for some advance publicity, and to prowl for other Manhattan sites. On his radar - 34th Street, and ________ and _______ Avenue in the _______. He said he's not close to securing a second site, but things could change during this visit. "I've got 10 sites to look at in three days. If the right deal comes up, I would do it," Green said. "If I find three, I will open three."

-WWD, Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Obviously ______ & _______is not a direct quote. But in order to keep the good Topshop karma coming 34th Street way, I cannot mention any other part of town in conjunction with the T word (karmic law). Not that I wouldn't love to see Topshops all over NYC, I'm just putting my psychic effort behind the ONE street (Topshop 34th Street, Topshop 34th Street). If I could, this post would be like a psychedelic record from the 60's and have subliminal messages. Play it backwards and it would say "Topshop, 34th Street" over and over in a scary voice.

So let's start the universal cosmic chant that Sir Philip Green and associated real estate bigwigs will be unable to resist: "Topshop 34th Street, Topshop 34th Street." Oh, I'm so overcaffeinated this morning.

Who shall be our chant leader? Of course, SwamiLeon!

For Our Readers

For those of you who live and work in the 34th Street district, or shop on 34th Street, or have the ability to get to 34th Street, we've got some info on an in-house sample sale this week. It's a dying breed, a true friends and family sale, so if you'd like an invite email me (see "contact us" at left) and I'll send you the details.

This is NOT a clothing sale, but more of a home furnishings & gifts thing that was sent to the 34th Street Partnership to share with its members. Hope you get a chance to enjoy a little Friends and Family...

Foiled in Black

This morning, one of the world's great procrastinators (me) finally realized she needs to get out her spring clothing. Because even though it was wet and looked cold, I put on a short-sleeved turtleneck and felt immediately hot. And not in the good way.

Have you been putting off the dreaded clothing shift this season, too? Because every weekend I swear I'll do it (like my taxes, ha!) and yet now it's almost June. In the future I'm designing a closet that just rotates, like a door to the Bat Cave, and on the other side is next season's wardrobe perfectly stored and wrinkle-free. But I'm also the woman who dreams of a magic laser machine that one steps into and, zap! Gone is your unwanted hair, blemishes, veins, and all other banes of feminine existence.

Back to this morning, which could be the last morning of seasonal indecision: I chose mostly black. Black jeans, said black turtleneck and yellow rainboots. Ha, I couldn't have been more wrong! So I'm now going out to shop sunny and muggy 34th Street and walk the fashion walk of shame. Luckily this is well-populated midtown Manhattan where I'm bound to see not only shorts and gladiators, but also sweaters tied around waists and boots.

Here's what I'm looking for, dresses, which I don't really own because I'm a pants girl. But the forecast for this summer is hot, meaning much hotter than last summer. So I'm going to concede to some dresses like these from Forever 21:


$24.90, $19.80, & $24.90. I'll try them on this week and see how they fit. I'm thinking the shirt dress on the far left will be more of a shirt.
Here's some more from Banana Republic:











$130, $150 & $98. That model makes me want to bleach out my hair. Love these dresses, and I knew the Banana would have a great khaki coat dress, perfect for the office. It is the original safari store, remember?

And finally, a Fashion Herald PSA: Dudes, the pirate look is so last year. Please keep your eye patches and swords at home when you shop Macy's Herald Square. This should also keep you out of jail on beautiful holiday weekends.

Forever 21, 50 W. 34th btwn 5th & 6th
Banana Republic, 17 W. 34th btwn 5th & 6th
Macy's Herald Square, 151 W. 34th btwn Bdwy & 7th

Roses are Punk Rock

Here's Foot Locker & Lady Foot Locker's newest hot kicks, Punk Rose ($54.99). Word has it they are flying off the shelves on 34th Street:










Ah, the love affair with punk and all things black. How I miss those trappings of youth! Maybe I'll go all nostalgic and get a pair of Punk Rose. I love the colors and how they've updated the classic punk rock look.

Or maybe I'll buy some major cool points with my goth/punk niece and buy her a pair. But don't get excited, kid. I'm no pushover; you've got to earn these with good grades.

Can you tell which ones I love?? Pink lightning bolts, way rad!

Lady Foot Locker, 120 W. 34th btwn Broadway & 7th