Coming to 34th Street: Amazon

Yesterday, the story was Amazon is opening its first brick-and-mortar store in 7 West 34th Street. Today, the story takes a twist: Amazon is also taking over 7 West 34th Street.

Above is 7 West 34th Street, just before Mango opened on the ground floor. WWD reported today that Amazon is opening a pop-up in the Express space that sits to the right of the building's entrance.

Mango left, Express, or soon-to-be Amazon, right.

My bet is on WWD (and it's not just because my boss and I were quoted in the story). The timing and location are perfect for a holiday pop-up. But I'll take it all: holiday pop-up, building takeover, drone hub, Amazon hot-tub station, bring it on. 34th Street is very happy to welcome Amazon to the street's ever-changing and impressive retail ranks.

Amazon
Coming to 7 West 34th Street

Shake Shack: Coming to Herald Square

Great news: Shake Shack is coming to Herald Square in the fall of 2015. The New York Post reported earlier this morning that Shake Shack will open a 3,265 square-foot space on the southwest corner of Broadway and 36th Street in the same building that houses the new Urban Outfitters. 

Photo from NYPost.

Photo of 1333 Broadway at 35th by Angelito Jusay Photography.

1333 Broadway, with Urban Outfitters, its Hairroin Studio and Intelligentsia coffee outposts, and the incoming Shake Shack, is going to be quite the dining and retail powerhouse in Herald Square. 

Shake Shack

Coming to 1333 Broadway in the fall of 2015

34th Street Retail History: 1992 - 2013

The retail landscape on 34th Street changes at a rate that often surprises me, even with years of documenting 34th Street retail under my belt. Just when I think nothing new could possibly join our district, someone moves out, or revamps their building, or goes bankrupt. 

Our archivist gathered photos to represent this constantly changing landscape via a video history of buildings and retailers on 34th Street. Below is our newest version, featuring H&M Penn Station, Victoria's Secret Herald Square, the Macy's corner at 34th and Broadway, and 213-215 West 34th, now home to DSW, Joe Fresh, and Payless.

 

New retailers are coming to 34th Street as we speak: a Swatch boutique is opening in the old Billabong space, Crocs is taking over the old Tad's Steaks, Urban Outfitters is going into 1333 Broadway, Esprit remains closed (although as-yet-to-be-unnamed retailers are looking), and Journey's has left Herald Center, which is slated for a big overhaul and possibly an exciting new store.

Also, early next week we should be able to announce a new brand joining Footaction, Lane Bryant, Cohen's Fashion Optical, Payless, Joe Fresh, and DSW on the West End of 34th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, a block that's had huge turnover in the past year. Go West, young and old shoppers, because retail on the street is expanding towards the Hudson.

Breaking News: Swatch to take Billabong Space

According to a story in Crains New York today, Swatch is taking over the Billabong space at 112 West 34th Street. 

The Crain's story also claims 34th Street now joins "... Fifth Avenue, Times Square, Madison Avenue, and most recently, SoHo, in the $1,000-a-square-foot-and-up club." We are honored, indeed. Also, this is the second story in a week I've read about the "retail renaissance" of Herald Square. We're practically trending.

Back to Swatch: rumor has it we'll be shopping 112 W. 34th not just for Swatch's iconic plastic watches, but also for the company's other brands like Tissot and Longines. I could definitely see that happening on the second level of the 1,800 square foot store.

As an early adopter of the classic black Swatch watch, I'd like to say Welcome, Swatch, to 34th Street! 

Swatch

Coming soon to 112 West 34th Street, just west of Broadway

Goodbye, Tad's Steaks

We wouldn't be a 34th Street blog if we didn't pay homage to the closing of Tad's Steaks on 34th Street.

Tad's today, all closed up but someone left the lights on. The Tim Hortons and Pizza Hut here are also closed.

Now shuttered on 152 West 34th Street. Incoming is a 13,600 s/f Crocs store, scheduled to open this summer. Adieu, Tad's Steaks. I can't honestly say I'm going to miss the steaks as I never partook, but those who have are welcome to lament the loss of Tad's in the comments section.

Tad's at night. Photo source.

Retail Rumors: Urban Outfitters Coming to 34th Street?

Lois Weiss' Between the Bricks column woke me up this morning with a tantalizing retail rumor: Urban Outfitters may be signing a deal at 1333 Broadway, aka 3 Herald Square.

1333 Broadway this morning

This is a choice location, indeed. Right across the street from Macy's Herald Square, this former Conway's space boasts 61,927 square feet. Previous intel had Dick's Sporting Goods moving in, but that deal fell through last September. Although a gigantic sporting goods store isn't a bad thing, I love a gigantic Urban Outfitters even more.

Across from Macy's Herald Square

Below are shots I took of the ground floor from Broadway this morning, moving south to north.

Yes, that's three gateways to the lower level. Fingers crossed that the ink is hitting the contract soon.

Update: According to the Commercial Observer, the news is confirmed and Urban Outfitters will be coming to 3 Herald Square.

Breaking News: Crocs is Coming to the Block

Crain's reported today that what is now a Tad's Steakhouse on 34th Street between Broadway and Seventh Avenue will become a 13,600sf Crocs outpost next summer.

I need these boots for my girl. She's got basic pink Crocs clogs and a pair that look like a puppy.

 The space at 152 W. 34th Street, just west of Old Navy and across from Macy's Herald Square, is currently home to Tad's, Tim Horton's, and Pizza Hut. I welcome the addition of Crocs to 34th Street, and look forward to buying my girl shoes there. I don't personally wear Crocs, but if you have a kid they are a lifesaver. Easy on, easy off, and pretty much indestructible. Also, you can get really ridiculous, fun styles at Crocs that your kid will worship and you might secretly covet, like Spongebob and fleece-lined Realtree® Mammoth clogs.

Crocs

Coming Summer 2013 to 152 West 34th Street

Coming to 34th Street: Sam Ash

News broke this morning that music store Sam Ash is moving the majority of its West 48th Street stores south to 34th Street.

"Sam Ash's Drum Shop on West 48th Street via Bam Bam the Influence" - Racked NY

Many will continue to lament the fading away of "Music Row." Sam Ash was prophetic in telling Jeremiah's Vanishing New York back in 2009 that "Music Row as you know it will be gone in a few years." But the property owners of Sam Ash's current locations are planning a condo, so the music store is coming to 333 West 34th Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues (and may also keep a small presence on 48th Street). This will make Sam Ash neighbor to B&H, Hammerstein Ballroom, and Madison Square Garden.

Sam Ash's new location, walking west toward Ninth Avenue.

View from the south side of 34th Street between 8th and Ninth.

We happily welcome the addition of a music store like Sam Ash to West 34th Street, and with the proximity of several music venues it certainly seems like a good fit.

Sam Ash 

Coming to 333 West 34th Street

Timberland Opening on 34th Street

Here's the Timberland store last week during one of the multiple rain storms that seemed to occur just as I stepped outside the dry environs of our office building:

The store was wrapping up construction for its opening tomorrow, Friday, May 27th. Note also the new little restaurant to the left of Timberland that quietly opened a few weeks ago: Hole in da Wall Fine Food. I have not yet reviewed this fine dining establishment, but Friday when I visit the new Timberland store, I will reveal how fine the food is in Hole in da Wall. 

But back to our exciting new 34th Street store. Here are Timberland details: a 4,400 sq. foot space (built with lots of recycled materials including reclaimed wood and recycled stoneware) stocked with outdoor apparel, accessories and footwear for men, women and kids including the Earthkeepers, Timberland Boot Company, and Abington collections. Even better, Timberland is designing New York-inspired footwear and t-shirts exclusively for the Herald Square store. Ahh, they are playing right into my greedy Herald Square hands! Bless the Timberland, and welcome them to 34th Street.

Timberland opening Friday at 28 W. 34th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues

Mango Coming to 34th Street!!

Mango, the Spanish retailer currently featuring ScarJo as their spokesmodel, is coming to 34th Street. As of May 1st, Mango will be taking over from Lane Bryant at 7 West 34th Street. That's 5,500 sf of Mango. With Uniqlo opening down the street in the fall, this block of 34th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues is feeling pretty fabulous. The two international retailers will be joining Victoria's Secret, H&M, Levis (coming soon), Steve Madden, Zara, Geox, Esprit, Dr. Jay's, Banana Republic, House of Hoops, Aeropostale, Bebe, and Desigual on the north side. On the south side, Timberland will soon be joining stores like Strawberry, WHO.A.U, Forever 21, Bare Escentuals, and Gap. Welcome, Mango!

Go here to enter to win a $50 JCPenney gift certificate

Mango soon to be taking over at 7 West 34th Street

Levi's on 34th Street

Future site of Levi's on 34th between 5th & 6th.

Change is all afoot on 34th Street again, which warrants a big round-up post of retail news on the block. But till I muster the energy, today Levi's will suffice. Foot Locker is leaving their store at 45 W. 34th, but don't panic, sneakerheads. There is still the mammoth, gorgeous Foot Locker down the block at 120 W. 34th, which is home not only to Foot Locker but also Lady Foot Locker and Kids Foot Locker. Also, there is still a Foot Locker in Manhattan Mall on the first floor of 33rd & Broadway.

From the Levi's store in Times Square.I'm just gonna call these football pants. I need.

I have to admit that when I first heard Levi's was coming to the block, I was all "ok, I'll get my husband's jeans there." He's a 501 man. But then I attended the IFB Evolving Influence Conference in February, and was fit by one of the sponsors, Levi's, for their new Curve ID jeans. I took my measurements and my card to the Levi's store in Times Square, and left with a new pair of jeans (love) and a whole new level of Levi's understanding. The service was fantastic, and the styles impressive. And I'm not just talking jeans (see above). Although these denim overalls are also on my list.

I need these, too.

The mini-me version for BabyHerald.

Now I'm pretty stoked about shopping Levi's for more than my husband. Welcome, Levi's, to 34th Street, and open up your store soon, please, I want to buy those overalls, et al. down on 34th.

Levi's, coming soon to 45 W. 34th Street

Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, 

all in 120 W. 34th btwn Broadway & 7th

Foot Locker, Manhattan Mall level 1, 33rd & Broadway

World's Largest Guess Store Opens

Last week, on the last day of Fashion Week, fabulous Intern Craig and I had a lovely walk from Lincoln Center to the Guess flagship opening, where we ogled the enormous, brand spanking new store at 575 Fifth Avenue at 47th Street. We also drank some champagne, took a trip down memory lane with a few jello shooters, and scarfed some black licorice and gumballs. But back to the store.

My photos from the evening.

Now this is what I want to see at every store opening: retro-80's metal leggings. My mom threw out a homemade pair of mine back in the late 80's, no joke.

This location, the world's largest, is truly a showcase for all things Guess. I had an eye for the retro ads plastering the walls on the second floor, featuring Claudia Schiffer et.al. But the store's newer gems are on the first floor, where one finds the international jewelry collection exclusive to the Fifth Avenue location, a denim runway, and woman's pieces sold only in the US flagships. The first Guess dress department and the men's collection is located on the second floor.

Accessories, above, and the denim runway, below. All of these photos are courtesy of Guess.

We weren't the only ones enjoying the party. What's an opening without a few celebrities?

Julie Alexandria from MTV's "The Seven" wears Guess' LouLou Romper, above. Yes, I need this for spring. Below is Reshma Shetty of "Royal Pains." We all need her Guess flared trousers for spring.

According to WWD, Paul Marciano of Guess Inc is "looking to open stores on 34th Street, Third Avenue and in the Flatiron District." We've heard this before with the old LOFT space on 34th Street which is now rumored to be the future home of Uniqlo 34th Street. And you've heard of Timberland moving into the south side of 34th Street? But we'll talk more Timberland another day.

A version of this story was first published on NearSay on February 18th.

Banana Republic Splits It Up on 34th Street

There's a new retail space opening on 34th Street, and I'm not talking about a vacant building.

Outside the store. That's some new store's window space on the left, Banana will keep the right.
Inside the store, please forgive their construction.










The property owner is taking a slice out of Banana Republic's mens department on the first floor and is turning it into a separate, ground-level space for a new store.

In this reconfigured space there will be about 2,000 sf on the first floor and 11,500 in the lower lever (the link above says "second floor" but from my understanding, it's the basement. I could be wrong).

I think the Banana is going to look better after this and I'm not just blowing smoke. This store was so big, I rarely ventured to the back of the selling floor. Sometimes less is more. And now the new store speculating/rumors can begin and liven up these dog days of summer before back-to-school excitement tries to grab us all by the wallet. And yes, I did have to restrain myself from naming this post "A Banana Splits on 34th Street."


Banana Republic & New Mystery Space
17-19 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues

News, Brooms, and Shoes

Can a broom and work gloves be sexy?

Click for full effect.
That leopard print broom gets pretty close. If you can make a wall of cleaning products look this good, you might just get me to actually clean my apartment. Nice merchandising, Duane Reade.

I was just going to talk brooms today, but then this story hit the New York Post: DSW is coming to 34th Street on the block between 7th and 8th that's now primed for new retail. Duane Reade, too, is bringing more sexy broom to 34th Street with a new 12,000 square foot store in the same box (DSW will have 35,000 square feet on four floors). In the near future, expect to hear more scintillating retail news about this 34th Street block.

Duane Reade, 1350 Broadway at 35th Street