As I write this in January, the year has begun with some good news for Madison Avenue (after a sudden closure) and the usual new dining and fitness spots. But the biggest news since 2020 launched is truly, well, magical.
Expecto Patronum
Warner Bros. will open the world’s first flagship store for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter next to the Flatiron Building (935 Broadway) this summer. The 20,000-square-foot store will house the largest collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products in the world under one roof, including apparel, signed artwork, wands exclusive to the location and more. Wizarding World merchandise can be found at the Harry Potter theme parks, the Warner Bros. studio tours and several shops in London.
All About Apparel
Fendi and Berluti have taken spaces at 595 Madison Avenue, which is a positive sign for Madison Avenue after the closings of Barneys and Coach. Meanwhile, BAPE (A Bathing Ape), which offers Japanese streetwear, signed for a location at 650 Madison, as did Balmain. Downtown. BAPE has also taken the entire building at 163 Mercer Street for a summer opening. It will relocate from 91 Greene Street. The former wagon house was once home to Marc Jacobs’ flagship. Mackage, a Canadian maker of luxury outerwear, is relocating its SoHo flagship to 138 Spring Street. Desigual returns to Fifth Avenue a few blocks north, taking 605 Fifth (at 48th Street). It closed a unit at Fifth and 45th Street in late 2016.
More for Men
Beyond your local barbershop: Chaps & Co., a men’s grooming chain from the United Arab Emirates, will take 821 square feet at 1165 Broadway, with an opening expected in May or June. This will mark the upscale brand’s first location in the United States. Chaps offers hair and beard services, as well as facials, all accompanied with a complimentary adult beverage.
It’s About Time
From abattoirs to avatars: Audemars Piguet and Rolex will open stores in the Meatpacking District, reported the New York Post. Audemars Piguet will open its second NYC boutique with 5,171 square feet on the second floor of 52-58 Gansevoort Street, while Rolex will open at 29 Ninth Avenue, commonly known as Soho House.
Fit & Fabulous
Fitness Factory Health Club will open an 18,000-square-foot gym at the luxury residential building at 475 Clermont Street, located between Clinton Hill and Fort Greene, Brooklyn, sometime mid-year. The center will feature classes, equipment, personal training and spa amenities. At press time, Elvis+Elvin, which offers luxury beauty products at salons and beauty stores in the U.S. and at in-store boutiques in Hong Kong, was to have opened its first flagship store at 73 West Houston Street sometime in the first quarter. After more than 30 years at 131 Essex Street, Fancy Pharmacy is relocating to 132 Allen Street. Also moving in the region is skincare brand Winky Lux, which debuted at 100 Rivington Street, up from near Grand Street.
Wining & Dining
Salt Bae will open a NusrEt Steakhouse at 412 West 15th Street in Meatpacking. (Bae’s real name is Nusret Gokçe). Another sign that the Lower East Side is becoming ever more posh: Omakase will open an upscale restaurant with Michelin-starred chef Chikara Sono at 177 Ludlow Street. The company has eight units in New York and Tokyo. Also on Ludlow, the co-founder of Mikey’s Burger has reopened at 134 with Burger People, offering a traditional menu of burgers, shakes and fries. The former Dean & DeLuca space at 40 Wall Street has been taken by Italian restaurateurs who will open Nero.lab, with a bar, two seating areas, a takeout location and spaces for classes.
Taco Bell will launch another of its Cantina concepts — which will sell alcoholic beverages and a custom menu — at the Paramount Building (1501 Broadway) sometime this summer, said Commercial Observer. Look for dining with a very high view when Peak debuts at the 101st floor of 30 Hudson Yards. The restaurant was designed by David Rockwell and is managed by RHC, which will also have a lounge at Hudson Yards’ mall.
Home Sweet Home
Online bedding retailer Brooklinen has debuted its first permanent store at 127 Kent Avenue in Williamsburg. It tested a SoHo pop-up last year. Modani Furniture has opened at Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, New York. This is the second city area location for the Miami-based home furnishings company.
Debra Hazel
Debra Hazel Communications
debra@debrahazelcommunications.com
201-618-5247
