Stores this month reflect the cultural melting pot that is New York with influences coming from Japan, Sweden, Italy and the UK.

Many are also keen to include New York elements, either through choosing historic buildings and spaces or via melding interior design influences.

Sustainability is another key theme this month, with refillable water stations, recycled artwork, vintage furniture and partnerships with resellers incorporated into stores.

Finally, many spaces are keen to emphasise their luxury nature with exclusive VIP areas for seeing collections early, private shopping or seeking an elevated store experience.

Take a look at all the inspiring new retail that we have found in New York.

Image credit: Ghirardelli

Ghirardelli, Manhattan

The Empire State Building saw the launch of the Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop.

The store design reflects the brand’s long history by using its traditional signage and interior colours of blue and gold.

Visitors to the store will be able to choose from 13 sundaes, including a new mini hot fudge sundae, and other products such as waffle cones, milkshakes, cookies and brownies. There is also a Pick & Mix space where customers can customise their chocolate to take home.

The launch saw R&B legend Mary J. Blige cut the ribbon and free hot fudge sundaes were available for the first 102 in line (one for each of the 102 storeys of the building).

Image credit: LuisaViaRoma

LuisaViaRoma, Manhattan

Italian luxury brand LuisaViaRoma has launched a new flagship in New York.

The store nods to its Italian heritage with fixtures and flooring made with materials from Tuscany, and includes vintage pieces and specially created furniture.

Customers visiting the store can expect to find a range of ready-to-wear items from brands like Helmut Lang, Maison Margiela and Lanvin. Digital screens are dotted throughout to provide access to the LuisaViaRoma website.

 The brand has also partnered with Vestiaire Collective, a resale platform, to provide a curated collection of vintage items. Shoppers can also bring in their own item to exchange for vintage products or a voucher.

Additionally, VIP customers can access an exclusive area, separated from the main store.

Image credit: Antler

Antler, SoHo

British luggage brand Antler has launched its first standalone store in Spring Street, home to a number of UK brands.

The design of the store is inspired by the brand’s British heritage and has moveable elements to create a space for events. A foam bench commissioned from Jumbo NYC sits in the centre, and there are digital displays to show visitors diaries, demonstrations of products and other content.

Shoppers can find the latest collections from the brand, as well as a number of exclusive collaborations with lifestyle brands, such as Gomi, Grind and Soho Skin, for tech, coffee and skincare respectively.

VIPs will be treated to previews of Antler’s collection and can also visit an exclusive area for appointments.

Tomorrowland, SoHo

Another store making its New York City debut is Japanese clothing brand Tomorrowland.

The store stays true to its roots by keeping the store design the same as its spaces in Japan. It combines natural modern elements with traditional, including glass, stone and marble, and custom designed furniture.

Customers will be able to browse through menswear, womenswear and accessories, zoned in three different areas. Brands carried in-store include Kimoto Glass, Archivia and Shihara, amongst others. A private shopping experience is also available.

Image credit: Rothy’s

Rothy’s, Flatiron

DTC sustainable footwear brand Rothy’s has launched its latest flagship in New York.

The store reflects the brand’s ethos around recycled plastic, by incorporating an installation made from wool and other sustainable art displays.

Outside the store, people can fill their reusable bottles at a water station. While this is a temporary addition, the brand hopes to eventually have a permanent refill station there.

The first 250 visitors to the store were able to hand in a used plastic bottle and receive a new refillable Hydro Flask.

Image credit: Nordic Knots

Nordic Knots, SoHo

Another entrant to SoHo is Swedish rug brand Nordic Knots, which has launched its first US flagship in New York.

New York holds a special connection to the founders as it is where they first developed the idea for the store, which was designed by Studio Giancarlo Valle. The store combines New York City history with sleek Scandi style.

It has the feel of a home with an archive. There is vintage furniture in neutral shades, along with stainless steel units to display the rugs. Artworks are included throughout, from artists such as Sissòn, providing a stylish environment to inspire people.

Customers are able to customise rugs by providing measurements and can also book an appointment with a design expert.

IKEA, Manhattan

New York has also seen a new pop-up store this month, in the form of the IKEA Sleepeasy, open from 8-11 and 15-18 August.

The interactive space will showcase IKEA’s new product range for sleep, including comforters and mattresses. Visitors will find the space through a Swedish bodega that has a hidden door. Inside are six exhibitions based around the sleep elements that IKEA has identified for great sleep; sound, air, light, temperature, decluttering and comfort.

The store will also offer music, food and a silent disco.