This month, retail brands arriving in New York have favoured SoHo and Madison Avenue as the preferred location of choice. In particular, British brands seem to have chosen Madison Avenue as holding some similarity to London, whereas SoHo has an industrial appeal.

This has influenced a range of different designs from brands. Some have been inspired by the surroundings and incorporated industrial or New York themed elements, including illustrations and facades. Some brands have included their own heritage, with London themed designs for brands from Britain, and medical designs for a scrubs brand. Others have taken inspiration from completely outside the location, with one store opting for an ancient ruins store design.

The other key theme this month is store launch celebrations. Many brands are now putting in effort to add fun themed elements to encourage customers to visit, with freebies, giveaways, free drinks and snacks, personalisation, live illustration, curated installations, music and more.

If you’re looking for retail inspiration, read on for the best in new retail in New York.

 

113 Spring, SoHo

113 Spring is a new wellness space, which curates its products, treatments and experiences around a theme that changes every four-to-six months. 

The store has been designed using modular materials to adapt with these changing themes. There are canvas partitions between rooms which allow a range of digital displays to be projected onto them. The displays use a bespoke programme called SpringOS which absorbs information from the environment, such as how people move between the spaces, to curate information.

The layout of the store has a number of themed experiences for visitors to enjoy, either to explore on their own or as part of a series of activations. Customers will find a product gallery on entering the store, where they can find innovative ranges from up and coming brands. 

Products purchased here can be customised at the Maker Bar, a space that will be used for hosting craft and maker events. Customers can relax at the Bar, which will also be used for some events and activations.

 

FIGS, Upper East Side

Medical brand FIGS has launched a new space this month for healthcare professionals in New York.

The store is specifically located near two health centres in order to better serve the healthcare community. The brand creates a variety of stylish medical scrubs for both women and men, in addition to a range of health accessories.

The new space has been conceived as a hub for the healthcare community and has cheeky medical touches, such as a chandelier made from pills, and other health-themed fixtures. A number of services are available from different areas in the store, including the Color Clinic, for a colour analysis to find the right colour FIGS for each customer. There is also the Customisation Station, where customers can personalise their purchases.

 

New Balance, SoHo

Another arrival to SoHo this month is footwear brand New Balance, following swiftly from the relaunch of its Flatiron flagship. The brand believes that the creative spirit of SoHo matches that of the brand itself.

The exterior of the store uses a pale pink paint, with stylised graffiti on the windows reflecting life in New York, while the interior uses nudes and natural tones, allowing the brightly coloured products and fixtures to draw attention.

Slogans and signs adorn the walls to emphasise the importance of the right fit, encourage finding a running style, and tell the story of the brand. 

Customers can explore the broad range of New Balance products, including the latest releases of footwear for men and women. Additionally, the brand offers 3D foot scanning to ensure that shoes fit customers exactly.

 

Monos, SoHo

Canadian luggage brand Monos is another brand launching in the SoHo area, with further stores planned.

The latest flagship has been created by Bernard Dubois, a designer from Belgium, to evoke the idea of discovering ancient ruins. The brand cites Chan Chan in Trujillo, Purruchuco in Lima and Buddhist monasteries in Termez as inspiration for the store’s design. The circular design includes brown tiles and structured platforms which feel as though they may have been discovered as the result of an excavation. There are also industrial style pillars, which nod to the heritage of New York.

The aim of the store is to help customers take a journey, not just throughout the store, but to also feel as though they have journeyed away from the city itself. The products are minimally spread throughout, making the space feel uncluttered and tranquil.

 

Charles Tyrwhitt, Madison Avenue

British menswear brand Charles Tyrwhitt has launched a new flagship in New York.

The new store incorporates design elements related to London to help connect the New York space with the brand’s heritage. Customers visiting the store are greeted with two iconic red telephone box doors either side of the entrance. Additionally, once inside, there is a London-themed seating area, with Union Jack flag cushions and rug.

Customers are able to find the full Charles Tyrwhitt range from suiting, casual, accessories and shoes, with staff on hand to provide style and fit advice.

 

Astrid & Miyu, Madison Avenue

Another British brand arriving in Madison Avenue this month is jewellery brand Astrid & Miyu.

The design of the new boutique is to feel relaxing and welcoming, with the brand choosing neutrals for the colours, and combining the twin influences of New York and Britain. Brass fixtures and furniture have been found in the UK, while New York is featured through decorative art from local creators. There are also illustrations and sketches on the walls, courtesy of the brand’s own design team.

The store features some of the same areas that are a popular feature of other Astrid & Miyu locations, such as a personalisation area for customers to either customise products, or create charm bracelets and necklaces. The brand also offers a range of piercing and tattoo services, and having a bracelet welded onto the wrist.

 

Cybex, SoHo

Baby brand Cybex has launched its latest boutique in SoHo.

The design of the store is inspired by the New York location and heritage, with steel pillars which nod to the iron found historically in the area.

Customers can find the full product range of baby products and accessories, including carriers, seats and prams. These include a number of new ranges such as Urban Mobility, a functional and sleek range, and exclusive collaborations with Jeremy Scott, like the Cybex Car, a retro futuristic baby blue pram that resembles a 50s car.

A number of VIP services are available, including shopping with store experts to get tailored advice and product customisation, pram testing, inspection, cleaning, repair and assembly services. There is also a club for Cybex members, which provides a community and guidance for parents across a range of topics from safety to wellness.