The Best New Retail in New York – May 2024
New York stores span expansive spaces offering everything to chic boutiques with a curated selection.
One theme this month is pop-ups turned permanent, with retailers testing out locations and communities first before committing to a fixed spot. Events remain a popular activity to signal the arrival of a store and attract new customers, with stores partnering with local eateries to demonstrate how they work with the community.
This month we have found a flooring brand offering a $1 million competition prize, an outdoor brand launching with drinks and activities, and a luxury clothing store with such carefully chosen furniture customers keep asking to buy it!
Take a look at the latest inspiration from the best new stores in New York.
Yeti, Flatiron
Drinkware brand Yeti has launched its latest new store in New York; it’s first one in the city.
The store contains the brand’s full range of outdoor products, including clothing, coolers and bags. The brand is hoping the store will be a hub for customers to learn more about coolers, as well as hosting a range of events. Additionally, customers will be able to personalise particular products, such as the Rambler range of drinkware, and recycle older and damaged items for rewards.
The launch was celebrated with a selection of foods from Hometown Bar-B-Que, and alcoholic and alcohol- free drinks from Raicilla de Una, OxBow Brewing Company, and Parch. Customers could also get a bespoke NYC tumbler or washable bag as a free gift with purchases.
Kizik, Mall of America
Following the success of its recent NYC pop-up, innovative footwear brand Kizik has launched a new permanent store at the Mall of America.
The brand is known for its hands-free shoes and has found that a physical store allows customers to try out the technology for themselves. Kizik is also hoping to connect more with its highly engaged community, who frequently share how much they enjoy the shoes.
Customers visiting the store are greeted by a footprint on the floor that aims to encourage them inside, and a dark blue and white decor. Designed by MG2 as a continuation of the Motion is Magic campaign, the ethos aims to highlight the benefits of Kizik footwear.
Floor & Décor, Brooklyn
Flooring brand Floor & Décor has opened a new store in Sunset Park.
The store is aimed both at consumers and trade professionals, and is open 7 days a week. A design centre staffed by 80 professionals offers free appointments to help customers choose materials for their flooring. The store also offers a special delivery to residents and businesses within 60 miles.
Floor & Décor celebrated with a number of launch events, including a competition for a $5,000 floor makeover, a dice roll challenge where customers could win $1 million, and a selection of food and activities. Trade customers were able to attend a special networking event that showcased the professional services the brand offers, including a reward programme.
L’Ensemble, Brooklyn
Luxury clothing retailer L’Ensemble has launched a new appointment only store in Dumbo.
The store is aimed at offering a luxury experience to everyone, and will help customers find pieces and offer styling advice. To keep the store experience intimate, the brands and pieces are carefully chosen to allow customers to find rare items. Brands include Mfpen, Guest in Residence, Savette and Kallmeyer.
Customers who visit the store will need to make an appointment though people who do walk in are able to book via text. The consultants will greet them, offer them drinks, and talk with them about what they are looking for, with items offered at a range of prices. The brand is hoping that its existing clients will recommend the store to others, maintaining that feeling of exclusivity.
Frame, Madison Avenue
Another pop-up turned permanent store arrives in New York this month, courtesy of lifestyle brand Frame.
The store has been designed by Flora Byk to resemble a chic living room, but with the stark white walls and art pieces, it also has a gallery feel. In keeping with the era of the building, the store incorporates a number of 1930s elements, such as pillars and sculptures. There are also furniture pieces and artwork from a range of up-and-coming and well known designers and artists, including Akiko Hirai and Kenjiro Okazaki.
Customers are able to browse a curated range of women’s and men’s clothing, specially selected in order to not overwhelm customers with choice or obscure the store aesthetic.
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