Being in the retail real estate business, the Besen Retail team has to have an interest in shopping. Hence why much of this blog is centered around sales, store openings, and new retail concepts. But even people who love retail have issues with the retail business. Executive Director Matt Mager expressed his love hate relationship with shopping in the industry .
“I love retail, but I hate paying retail.”
I agree.
-Caitlin
While many restaurants are donating to Haiti, they aren’t the only ones; boutiques are too. From now through January 22, Alexis Bittar will done 100 percent of sales to relief funds through Catholic Relief Services. Not only is this for a good cause, but the jewelry is gorgeous! Shop online or at their West Village or Soho locations.
Jewelry display at the Bowery Bazaar (picture via Racked)
Over thirty-six vendors fill the Bowery Bazaar, a new indoor market with a wide selection of clothing, vintage and new jewelry, hats, scarves, home goods, handbags, pasteries, and chocolates. Shoppers are invited to taste the freshly baked cupcakes, try on bracelets and rings, and speak with the vendors and designers about their products, creating a one-of-a-kind personal shopping experience. Elliott Dweck and I stopped by the bazaar, finding a variety of prices that can fit any budget. Visit the Bowery Thursdays through Sundays, but take your time rummaging through this market, as it is crammed with goods perfect for everyone on your holiday shopping list.
-Caitlin
Shopping on Fulton Street (picture via Downtown Brooklyn Partnership)
1. New Sidewalks
The Fulton Streetscape Project has replaced the once messy sidewalks with new concrete on both sides of Fulton Street from Flatbush Avenue to Boerum Place. Don’t worry, the construction is minimized during shopping hours to avoid hurting local businesses. With only 18 feet left to go, the finishing touches will be completed by the Spring, including street lights, benches, bus shelters, and other streetscape elements. A 17,000 SF public square will also be added, entitled “Albee Square.”
2. Dazzling Holiday Lights
Three breathtaking gateways at the prominent entrances of the Fulton Street shopping district will be installed for the holiday season. The gateways are baseed on designs that the lighting contractor had installed in Italy, making this the first United States installment. On top of the light display, 22 pointsetta holiday streamers will be draped along Fulton Street. The decor is sure to keep the area sparkling through the next few weeks.
3. New Growth
On top of the already prominent businesses like Cookie’s Department Store, Crunch Gym, and Sleepy’s, new national tenants are moving in. Most recently is Arby’s, set to open at 347 Fulton Street in the historic Gage and Tollner Building. The eatery is scheduled to open before the end of the year, and will begin hiring locally.
Want to be a part of the Fulton Street community? Take a look at our space for lease 558 Fulton Street, a 600 SF space plus basement.
-Caitlin
An overhead view of the Union Square Holiday Market. (picture via Fashion Geek)
After weeks of preparation, the Union Square Holiday Markets opened today at 11am, and will remain open until Wednesday December 24th. The square will be filled with imported and handmade holiday ornaments, decorations, antique prints, fine arts, toys, jewelry, candles, cashmere, and clothing. This year marks the 14th anniversary of the first holiday market, and will include over 100 gift boutiques. Make sure to fill up on the gourmet treats, baked goods, and hot chocolate being served all month long. The market will be open Monday through Friday 11am to 8pm, Saturdays 10am to 8pm, and Sundays 11am to 7pm.
-Caitlin
Limelight Marketplace, ex-church and ex-nightclub, now shopping center has filled 45 out of its 60 available spaces, according to the Real Deal. One of the most notable new tenants is “It’s Sugar,” a spin off of Dylan’s Candy Bar, who plans to home the world’s largest gummy bear among other bins of candy. The bear will weigh 5 pounds, and sell for $40 if you want to try to go into a state of sugar comatose. Other future shops include Hunter Boots, Sabon, and baby store Silly Souls. The store is expected to open for the holidays.
-Caitlin
The iconic Metro Theater is now for lease. With plans approved for a 5,000 SF ground floor, a 5,000 SF 2nd floor, and a 5,000 SF selling lower level, the space is perfect for a restaurant or nightclub. The theater sits between 99th and 100th streets at 2626 Broadway, in a one-of-a-kind neighborhood with heavy foot traffic. In a unique art deco style, the building is a unique signage opportunity with a movie marquee and a rich history.
Like the space but don’t need that much footage? No problem. The building can be broken up into smaller spaces based upon what you need. For more information, please call 212-213-6480 or email me at caitlin@besenretail.com.
-Caitlin
Fashion’s Night Out will be back in 2010, and it will be even bigger than the first. Today Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and NYC & Co. came together to announce their plan for next year’s city-wide fashion extravaganza. For those of you who don’t remember, last month 700 retailers in the city remained open until 11pm, holding parties, celerbrity events, and designer appearances to boost the retail and fashion industries. A portion of proceeds was donated to the Sptember 11th Memorial and Museum.
WWD reported Mayor Bloomberg’s enthusiasm. He noted, “The numbers are in, and it’s clear that Fashion’s Night Out was a tremendous success. Thousands of New Yorkers attended the events in all five boroughs, supporting the city’s retail and fashion industries, and helping a worthwhile cause. It’s sure to be an even bigger event in 2010.”
While studies showed that foot traffic in stores was up by 50 percent, retailers are hoping that more people will come out to buy rather than party and get autographs. They are also pressing to have no sales tax on September 9th, the day of next year’s event. Take a look at my experience from Fashion’s Night Out here, complete with champagne, Bloomingdales, and new riding boots.
-Caitlin
Madison Square Market
Take a walk down to Madison Square Park today until November 1st and enjoy the Madison Square Market. In flea market style, the park is lined with tents selling food, jewelry, clothing, and other goods. I took a trip today to scout out the area. The food portion is peddling everything from $6 bags of honey crisp apples, to the most fashionable dessert of the moment, cupcakes. Restaurants from all over the city are participating, including Fatty Crab, Viking Danish Cuisine, Wafels and Dinges, Cabrito, Suzette, Hill Country Barbecue Market, and even Ben and Jerry’s. Fatty Crab overflowed with people, with a lunch time line stretching across the area. Before you leave, make sure to try a sample of Breezy Hill Orchard’s fresh apple cider or purchase a pumpkin.
As for shopping, I noticed a couple recurring trends, one being a large selection of recycled items. Bags constructed out of recycled paper and plastic, and Nahui Ollin had handbags made solely from candy wrappers. Angelic glass, just a few tents away had a variety of vases made from old glass bottles, the perfect way to add a vintage appeal to your apartment.
If you are looking for gorgeous handmade jewelry, this is the place to stop. A selection of distinctive pieces created with stones, silver, gold plating, and colorful beads, the market is brimming with jeweled accessories. The most common trend I spotted was charm necklaces. Usually a gold or silver chain with a single tiny charm at the end, maybe a small owl, pinecone, bird, or heeled shoe.
The market is open from 11am-8pm daily, and may be the best place to start your holiday shopping!
Remember: Click again to resize pictures
-Caitlin
In the lovely Port Authority heading to Syracuse
I hate Port Authority too. The masses of tourists, the long lines, the grimy basement-like bus terminals, it makes me sick just thinking about booking a ticket. Unfortunately, without a car, the Greyhound is my preferred mode of transportation, making Port Authority a necessity. Yesterday I started my journey to Syracuse for homecoming weekend (Go Orange!), and with time to burn I toured the area to find you the best shopping and eating. So if you do have to send some time here, you are prepared with some of the best places to stop.
1. Dean and Deluca
On 8th Avenue, right across the street from the lovely Port, is a beautiful gourmet cheese, wine and bake shop with simple decor and clean seating. While it may be a bit on the pricey side, you need to be a bit pampered before you spend the next four hours on a cramped bus, sitting next to a screaming child. Try some of the braised artichokes, or a caramel apple for a fall-esque snack.
2. Muji
After Dean and Deluca, head next door to Muji, selling everything from fashion, to stationery, to housewares. Pick up one of their soft travel neck cusions for only $9.95 (it comes with a cute bag) or maybe a recycled paper notebook and pen set, to write fanmail to your favorite blogger. With low prices and no-frills style, Muji is a must-stop shop.
3. Zaro’s
For the best cakes, pies, chocolates, or breads, go to Zaro’s. Not only are their sweet treats delicious, but they are pleasing to the eye. I stood staring at the glass encased cakes for a few minutes before I started snapping pictures, appearing to be an uber-tourist. The selection includes strawberry and chocolate doused cheesecakes, buttery lace cookies, and even a variety of fresh multi-grain breads.
4. Book Corner
If you didn’t know by now, I’m a book nerd. Reading is and always has been one of my favorite activities, which is why I couldn’t help but slip Book Corner in there. I have a Kindle, so I don’t usually buy hard copies of books, but I always like to look. And if you are going to be taking a long trip, you are going to need something to keep you occupied, because we both know you aren’t going to be able to sleep in those stiff chairs. Book Corner has all of the new best sellers, as well as a plethora of magazines and newspapers.
Safe travels!
-Caitlin
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