New York

The Best New Retail in New York – September 2024

The Big Apple continues to draw an exciting and broad range of retail to America.

More stores are revamping their older spaces to either deliver new concepts or provide more digital elements. Stores this month are replacing older till systems with mobile ones, implementing scanning for skincare and precision measurements for footwear.

We also see sustainability cropping up, either at the design stage to influence the choice of materials used, or through in-store services to repair older items or offer pre-loved collections. Many stores are also using limited edition and bespoke services to lure customers to physical locations, from tote bags and giveaways, to exclusive collections and in-store personalised styling advice.

Read on for inspiration from the best new retail in New York.

 

Arc’teryx, New York City

Outdoor retail brand Arc’teryx has launched its largest flagship store this month.

The store is focused on sustainability and includes the ReBIRD Service Centre which helps customers extend the life of their clothing and other products. The services offered include repairs, such zipper replacements, as well as waterproofing and repanelling, and washing. Another sustainability area is the ReGEAR collection which is a specially selected range of second-hand items. These products have been fully refurbished by Arc’teryx and the collection includes rare and limited edition pieces.

There are other services available to visitors, such as an in-store café called A-Frame. Customers will be able to choose from a range of drinks including the brand’s range Arc’tonics. For entertainment, there is a theatre space which will be used for a wide variety of community events, such as art exhibits, brand films, workshops and other promotional activities.

 

Image credit: Foot Locker

Foot Locker, New York City

This month has also seen a flagship store relaunch from Foot Locker, an American footwear brand.

The new store concept includes Home Court which has been created in partnership with Nike and Jordan, though it also includes other popular brands such as Puma and New Balance. The Home Court area includes The Clinic Digital Experience to allow customers to jump and test the performance of different shoes. They can also use 3D scanners for measurements to help them find the right fit.

The brand is also debuting Kids Foot Locker at this space, to engage younger customers. Features such as digital sizing and selfie spaces are included alongside an activity table and interactive sizing.

 

Image credit: Purple

Purple, Soho

Fashion brand Purple has launched its first physical space and flagship.

The store design is minimalist with chrome and marble throughout, and black sofas for customers to relax. The products are spread about sparsely, allowing shoppers to browse all the items without feeling overwhelmed.

The brand also hopes the space will become a new hub for Purple, and includes a DJ booth and recording studio for recording podcasts and staging other events.

 

Image credit: GU

GU, Soho

GU, a brand from Uniqlo, has debuted in New York alongside the launch of a digital retail presence for the rest of the US.

The store will offer womenswear, and a range of trending products in accessories and footwear. There will also be menswear including an exclusive collection launched with Japanese fashion brand Undercover.

The opening of the store was celebrated with a limited edition tote bag, designed by artist Shantell Martin, containing GU products and an opportunity to win a shopping trip. These were offered to the first 300 customers to visit the store and make a purchase over $100. A range of other treats were available to visitors, including exclusive Japanese items and collaborations.

 

L’Occitane, Manhattan

French luxury beauty brand L’Occitane has revamped its New York boutique.

The store has a Provencal design which is light and airy, with archways, natural tones and terracotta tiles. The till system has been replaced with mobile point of sale to allow shoppers to buy items throughout the store.

Personalised beauty services are also available at this location, including specialist skincare analysis using a scanner to provide detailed skin insights. Customers can also treat themselves to mini-facials and hand massages with L’Occitane beauty specialists. Other services include gift wrapping and a private shopping experience with a beauty host.

 

Image credit: Eton

Eton, Madison Avenue

A new flagship from Sweden has arrived in New York courtesy of menswear brand Eton.

The store design is minimalist and evokes not only the brand’s Swedish roots but also vintage and retro stylings, with mid-century modern furniture giving the store the feel of a living space. The brand worked with architects to choose sustainable fixtures and fittings, and bespoke lighting to resemble a skylight.

While Eton is known for its dress shirts, customers will also be able to find the new knitwear range, as well as more casual shirts. Visitors who go to the bar will find the Custom Made service for bespoke and personalised styling, including monogramming and fabric choice.

 

Hourglass X Barneys, Soho

Cosmetics brand Hourglass is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a pop-up bringing back a New York icon, Barneys.

The pop-up has been designed with former Barneys staff to ensure the space is authentic. It includes Barneys’ playful humour, such as a porta potty being used as a place to take selfies, and Hourglass products being used to create a giant poodle.

Products from Marc Jacobs, AREA and Thom Browne will be available, alongside other designers. As space in the pop-up is limited, there will be daily drops. There is also limited edition Barneys x Hourglass cosmetics, with packaging illustrations by Na Kim, and a limited edition Hourglass fragrance launch.

The pop-up will even include a café named Freds, an homage to the former Barneys restaurant, where customers can not only get drinks and snacks, but also Freds branded merchandise.

It’s not too early to be thinking about your 2025 retail strategy. Give your team an inspiration injection on a Q4 retail safari. Dates are now limited so get in touch to book your bespoke tour.