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

Joe Fresh: Open Again on 34th Street

Guess what? Joe Fresh is back in business on 34th Street.

When I stopped by this morning, they weren't yet open for business, but a quick peek inside revealed a bigger and prettier layout. I can't wait to shop, try on some clothes in their new dressing rooms, and take advantage of those opening day $5 deals, good from now through Sunday.

Welcome back to 34th Street, Joe Fresh, we've really missed you!


Joe Fresh
215 West 34th Street just west of Seventh Avenue

34th Street Updates: The American Eagle Outfitters Pop-Up

The newly renovated American Eagle Outfitters on 34th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues is open and fabulous, but today we are here to tell you the AEO pop-up on 34th and Seventh is still open for business.

There's always something in front of this store when I want to shoot it! #BusyIntersection

The pop-up helped fill in the AEO blanks while the store down the block was closed for a face lift, and it looks like it's sticking around. We will update soon on selection inside, but it's an awfully convenient location for those of us who regularly stalk the 34th and Seventh corridor and need a new button-down.

American Eagle Outfitters

34th Street and Seventh Avenue

Opening Soon on 34th Street

1. American Eagle Outfitter's

The store at 40 West 34th Street has been closed for renovations, but will re-open any day now. Possibly, it is opening now as I type. The store has a gorgeous new shiny look with big video screen included (on the second floor, below, facing the street). Also, the pop-up at Seventh and 34th Street down the block is still open for business, filling the 34th Street AEO gap during renovations. Updated to add: store has re-opened!

Getting ready to open last week on 34th Street

2. Hour Passion
This Swatch boutique will be opening soon at the old Billabong space in 112 West 34th Street. Look for a wide variety of brands including not just Swatch but also luxury brands like Longines and Balmain.

3. Kids Foot Locker
Things are moving along fast at the old Brookstone space which will become home to a dedicated Kids Foot Locker store (below, to the right of Skechers). I get all my girl's kicks at Foot Locker just down the block, so I'm highly anticipating a whole storefront dedicated to the kids (no news on projected opening date).

4. Crocs
In what once housed Tad's Steaks will this winter become home to a big Crocs experience. I admit it, as a mom, I'm ecstatic. It doesn't matter if you scorned Crocs as a singleton, once you have kids you bow to the ease of the shoe made of a proprietary material that doesn't smell, is easy to clean, and can go from sidewalk to sprinklers, to pool, or beach and back.

5. Joe Fresh
This was originally a pop-up on 34th Street, then became permanent, and then closed last spring for renovations. Can't wait to see its fabulous new look on 34th Street (should  reopen very soon, again, might be opening right now...)

Moving In: Kids Foot Locker

That was fast: Kids Foot Locker is taking over the recently closed Brookstone space at 142 West 34th.

An article in Real Estate Weekly yesterday, titled "Foot Locker loves 34th Street," states "The retailer was so eager to secure the space, it will leave three of the buildings' five floors empty, selling from built out space on the first and second floors when it takes occupancy in August." 

This new Kids Foot Locker joins the company's other brick and mortar stores on 34th Street including House of Hoops at 11 West 34th, Foot Locker, currently including Kids and Lady, at 120 West 34th, and Footaction at 225 West 34th. Clearly, 34th Street loves you back, Foot Locker.

Kids Foot Locker 

Coming soon to 142 West 34th Street

Ruby and Jenna Pop-Up: Last Day is Tomorrow!

Try to get to the ruby and jenna pop-up today or tomorrow, because tomorrow is their last day at 1293 Broadway, and everything is 40%-70% off! Sad to see them go, but perhaps they'll return to 34th Street someday? Their trendy, junior-skewing merchandise is a perfect fit for 34th Street.

ruby and jenna pop-up
1293 Broadway just south of 34th Street in Herald Center

Tour the New Lane Bryant on 34th Street

I recently stopped by the new Lane Bryant on 34th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues to check out the flagship's new digs, and it's truly a beautiful store. Let's take a little virtual tour. 

First, note the classy new signage:

Then walk into an open, airy floor plan with sweeping staircase and balcony:

By the staircase please enjoy browsing the Lane Collection, available in only 11 Lane Bryant stores:

Now go up the escalator and enter Cacique's Seriously Sexy zone. Adore the neon-accented lingerie!

Feeling sleepy? Pick up some lounge wear:

Then take in the view:

Take the staircase back down to the ground floor, and enjoy the new Lane Bryant logo:

We heart you , too, Lane Bryant. Congrats on the beautiful new flagship on 34th Street NYC!

Lane Bryant

225 West 34th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues

Joe Fresh and JCPenney

JCPenney's CEO Ron Johnson is out, former CEO Mike Ullman is back in, and speculation is rife on the future of the century-old department store. Ashley Lutz of Business Insider has been closely covering the end of Johnson's tenure, and is hot on the heels of what could happen next for the retailer.

There have been a lot of missteps in the past few years, but here's hoping the baby is not thrown out with the bathwater: namely the in-store boutiques. Don't forget, JCPenney had started down this road before Ron Johnson with MNG by Mango and Sephora. Adding Joe Fresh in the Johnson era seemed particularly inspired, as the very affordable brand with its cheery, bright merchandise is a great fit.

Joe Fresh boutique at JCPenney Manhattan Mall

Joe Fresh is stylish but not dauntingly chic, and its pricing is impressively low for the quality. Also, the Canadian retailer is a master of attractive and colorful merchandising, as it's almost impossible to walk past a Joe Fresh and not want to try something on. Hopefully, JCPenney shoppers feel similarly and voice their opinion with their wallets, so JCP is encouraged to continue exploring in-store boutiques and brand collaborations.

Tomorrow I'll post cute Joe Fresh merchandise, but for today would like to send out good wishes to our friends at JCPenney Manhattan Mall, and hopes for a big turnaround in the store's near future. I've greatly enjoyed the addition of JCPenney to our shopping district, and think it merits mentioning that in the almost four years of shopping the store, I've encountered exactly ZERO rude sales clerks. As a fellow Midwesterner, I'd like to say a big "thank you" for that.

West End Updates: Lane Bryant Open, Joe Fresh Temporarily Closed

Lane Bryant is back on 34th Street just west of Seventh Avenue, and she's looking lovely.

Pretty store, yes? There's even a mezzanine level. There have been a ton of changes on this block recently. Walk west from  Lane Bryant and you'll see the newly opened Cohen's Fashion Optical and the future home of a sports footwear store relocated Footaction, soon to open. Walk east and you've got Party City, Payless, a currently shuttered Joe Fresh, and DSW. Wait, what? Joe Fresh is closed?

Don't panic, it's reopening soon. Remember, Joe Fresh was one of the pioneers of the new west end of 34th Street with a pop-up back in late 2011. Now that the pop-up is permanent, it looks like Joe Fresh 34th Street is getting a makeover. Look for the store to reopen mid-June.

Lane Bryant

225 West 34th Street

Joe Fresh 

Temporarily closed for renovations at 215 West 34th Street

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.

Hip Hip Hooray: Joe Fresh is Here to Stay

34th Street, Joe Fresh has permanently landed on your west end.

It's been a greatly welcome pop-up, and now we're delighted to hear that Joe Fresh is an official, full-fledged addition to 34th Street. And yes, Joe Fresh 34th Street is having a 60% off sale.

Now if we can just get that other awesome pop-up ruby and jenna to stick around forever we'll be happy shopping campers.

Joe Fresh

215 W. 34th Street just west of Seventh Avenue

ZARA Now Open on 34th Street!

The angels are singing, shoppers are rejoicing, life is complete. Zara has re-opened on 34th Street. 

The first floor is now totally dedicated to us girls; on the new lower level you'll find men and kids. During a quick walk-through today I saw about 20 things for my Santa wish list. It's a gorgeous store with a gorgeous selection of apparel, shoes, and boots. Zara just does it better than most, don't they?

Happy Thanksgiving to all! And don't forget our Black Friday post for your shopping needs (Zara has 50% off select items).


Zara
39 West 34th Street

Sad News: Daffy's Closing Shop

A WWD article over the weekend confirmed that Daffy's is shuttering its doors, with most stores "...set to go dark by the end of October." Liquidation sales will "start shortly."

This is very sad news to us at the 34th Street Partnership, as Daffy's was a regional retailer that took great interest in the neighborhoods in which it operated stores. We would like to extend our thanks to Daffy's for its years at Herald Square, and say in earnest: We are really going to miss you. 

Personally, I'm going to miss the great deals Daffy's always provided, like much of the below from a store visit last week. Daffy's carries smaller, lesser-known European labels, in addition to some of the big ones. I'm going to miss the high quality, chic finds Daffy's was so consistent in providing. Also, their kid's clothing and shoe buy? Always the best in town for the price. 

Daffy's Herald Square

34th Street and Broadway in Herald Center

Victoria's Secret Manhattan Mall: Now Open. And Closed.

Don't be confused. As of today, a gorgeous new Victoria's Secret is open in the old Charlotte Russe space on the first floor of Manhattan Mall. It's a great space, which you can't really tell from my crap iPhone shot:

It's really a pretty store, stop by for a visit!

The Victoria's Secret on the second floor in Manhattan Mall is now closed. The flagship store on Herald Square is still open, but don't forget, they'll be closing soon for renovations. Luckily, Victoria's Secret has provided us with a nice sign at the old Manhattan Mall space, telling us what's up:

Which is a lot more helpful than, say, no sign:

Ack, Zara! Shoppers are freaking out! Now everyone thinks the store is gone! Or never existed. But seriously, what do they care? We love Zara so much that as soon as that wooden thing is gone and the store's renovations are complete, we'll be packing into the 34th Street store, cash and credit card in hand. Yes, the store will reopen. I got the scoop from a friendly security guy in the building next door. That is the most reliable information I can currently get on Zara, who should be tipping him big bills for Christmas 2012.

And now that I think of it, there's tons of construction going on at 35th Street behind Zara. Wild speculation: they are expanding! Oh, I love starting a good retail rumor.


Victoria's Secret
Manhattan Mall level one, 33rd Street and Sixth Avenue
Zara
Currently closed for renovations at 39 West 34th Street

Victoria's Secret Herald Square: The Renovation Update

Victoria's Secret is playing musical stores this summer while they renovate their Herald Square store to make it an even bigger lingerie destination. A 50,000 square foot lingerie destination, to be exact, which means they are more than doubling their current size. The space will now be big enough to "have its own runway for fashion events."

Soon to be even bigger and better.

The Herald Square flagship has acquired 30,000 square feet of lower level parking garage under their store, and obviously need some time to get rid of that parking-garage feel. In the meantime, they will be moving to Manhattan Mall in what was Charlotte Russe. The Herald Square location will close the end of May, and the Manhattan Mall location will open mid-to-late May.

Coming soon!

This will make two Victoria Secrets in the mall*, but we're used to seeing double in the 34th Street district: we've got two Foot Lockers (and one House of Hoops by Foot Locker), two Victoria's Secrets, two H&Ms, two Desiguals, two Paylesses, two Aéropostales ...we've got a lot of twos.

I hope people won't be panicking in front of the Herald Square Victoria's Secret like they are at the temporarily-closed Zara down the street (seriously, daily I see women shaking and pounding on the locked door and peering through the dark glass). With VS you've got an option: walk down Broadway to 33rd Street and look for Manhattan Mall across from Greeley Square. Walk through the doors. Victoria's Secret will be waiting for you at the end of the first floor, or at its permanent location on the second floor.*


*I don't know if the first floor location will become permanent, or if the second floor location will close, as Victoria's Secret could not yet comment on this. Either way, Victoria's Secret will be well-represented in Manhattan Mall!


Victoria's Secret Manhattan Mall level one, 33rd Street and Sixth Avenue
Opening mid-to-late May
Victoria's Secret Herald Square, 34th Street and Sixth Avenue
Closing temporarily for renovations end of May

Esprit 34th Street Opening Party

Champagne bar on the second floor, soon to be ringing cash registers, I'm sure.

Last night's opening of the Esprit 34th Street flagship was a big crush and a lot of fun. Many thanks to Esprit for the invite. The 34th Street Partnership (the BID I work for) welcomes the store to 34th Street with big, happy open arms. As my boss said upon entering the sleek, modern space, pounding with loud music and packed with beautiful people, "34th Street will never be the same." He would know, as he's been working for the 34th Street BID since these days:


But back to Esprit: While swinging through the store with Craig, we made note of the Esprit Collection label, the dresses (including a tiered number (left) and a "dark cement" shift), the scarves, the quality of fabrics for the prices, and the retro Esprit looks. OK, I think I had more appreciation for these than Craig, as he doesn't have fond memories of poring over Esprit catalogs as a youth.

Guests could try on clothes last night, but I preferred sipping champagne with Craig, Midtown Girl, and her friend Jenn. I'll be in the store later this week doing the usual dressing room photos. You, too, should drop by the store opening tomorrow and Friday to win a free outfit or get a $20 Esprit cash card. Be sure to go here for an invitation.

Esprit opening party photos from Craig's Fashion Herald tweeting last night.

Update: Craig checked out the line this morning, and tweeted that it was down the block to Lane Bryant (below). He also found out that the first people in line had been waiting since midnight - !



Esprit Flagship, 34th Street btwn 5th and 6th, opening tomorrow at 9am

Esprit 34th Street Opening: Love it and Leave it

Next Thursday, March 25th, is the big date, and there will be fabulous grand opening fun for all at the new Esprit on 34th Street. This space will soon be the largest Esprit store in North America and the second largest in the world. And that staircase I spotted last Monday? Guess I was thinking too small. This store will not be just two levels, but three. Looks like I got an intern just in time.

Here's the fabulous Esprit deal they're calling Love it and Leave it, straight from the media alert's mouth:

"In honor of the Esprit 34th Street's grand opening to the public on March 25th and March 26th, Esprit 34th Street invites customers to "Love it and Leave it."At 9am, noon, and 5:30pm, the first 50 people lined up outside who have an invitation will receive a wristband to participate. When they fall in love with a new Esprit outfit and decide to leave a clothing item of their own for donation to the Salvation Army, they get that outfit for free! Anyone who is not participating in "Love it and Leave it" and tries on any item in the store will receive a $20 Cash Card. Get an invitation and learn more at: www.loveitandleaveit.com."

See? It's fabulous when you get twenty bucks just to try something on! If I got twenty bucks every time I tried something on I would have been out of debt years ago. What a fun hello to 34th Street shoppers. So be sure to drop by next Thursday and Friday, bring those clothes that have been hanging long ignored in your closet, and get yourself some new, 34th Street Esprit.


Esprit 34th Street, opens 9am March 25th between 5th & 6th Avenues

Goodbye Luxury Watches, Hello, Austrian Crystals

Tourneau on 34th Street and 7th Avenue has packed up and left, leaving the ghost trails of luxury watch counters and a sad Rolex sign behind.










Bon voyage, Tourneau 34th Street! You had a great manager. If you'd like to learn about ETA watch movements read the results of my interview with Benjamin here.

So what can put the sparkle back in Rolex? Swarovsk, of coursei! According to our sources, a Swarovski boutique will be filling Tourneau's big luxury shoes. Welcome, crystal heaven. Ages ago, I coveted a Swarovski navel ring because Naomi Campbell had one. Oh, how things change. Now she's famous for playing catch with phones covered in Swarovski crystals and other sundry means of keeping staff in check. And my belly ring-wearing days came to a halt around month seven of pregnancy. Maybe, when the new store opens, I'll go buy myself some crystal adornment with Baby Herald in tow for nostalgia's sake. And, of course, to celebrate the arrival of a shiny new addition to 34th Street.

Update: article in WWD today (March 4th) says the Swarovski store on 34th Street will be their new retail concept, Crystal Source.

Was Tourneau, soon to be Swarovski, 34th & 7th Avenue

Sign Confirms It: Esprit Coming to 34th Street

Esprit has the sign up so it's official. Looks like they are moving into Apple's intended space at 21 W. 34th Street in March of next year. I've heard the company is changing it up these days, so here's to checking it out and seeing some fun old Esprit back in the mix.

And in other 34th Street news, the Geox store next door is open and looking brand, spanking, shiny new.


I, or one of my cohorts who is not plagued with hugely swollen feet, will be visiting soon to check up on the pretty, two-level shoe store. I never thought I'd miss my bony feet, but yes, I'm looking forward to being able to try on shoes again.

Esprit, coming March 2010, 21 W. 34th Street btwn 5th & 6th
Geox, 29 W. 34th Street btwn 5th & 6th

There's a New Kid in Town

P.S. from Aeropostale, coming Holiday '09 to Manhattan Mall. P.S. is going in the old Jimmy'Z space (Jimmy'Z was also owned by Aeropostale). So gone with the graphic T's for adults, and in with the graphic T's for kids. The addition of P.S., Aeropostale's new tween concept store, will pretty much round out the changing of the guard at Manhattan Mall, except for the old Enzo Angiolini space on the 2nd floor and the old KB Toys on Level One. Aeropostale has performed well during this recession and has been kicking some Abercrombie butt. I can say that as Abercrombie isn't in the 34th Street district. Ha, see what happens when you don't drink the 34th Street Kool-Aid?!

P.S. from Aeropostale, Manhattan Mall level 1, 33rd & 6th, opening Holiday '09