Madison Avenue, one of New York City’s most prestigious shopping destinations, experienced a remarkable turnaround in 2022 with the opening of Kirna Zabête and Irene Neuwirth. These new additions signify the resurgence of the retail scene on Madison Avenue after countless storefronts remained empty during the early days of the pandemic.
Kirna Zabête, known for its pioneering retail concept, opened its second Manhattan location just days before Christmas. The store, spanning 3,000 square feet, was designed by the renowned S.R. Gambrel interior design firm and features stunning design elements such as pink Venetian plaster work and red lacquered details. Founder Steven Gambrel’s vision came to life in a remarkably short time, with the entire construction process taking only eight weeks. The store aims to cater to the “uptown girl” clientele and has already seen success with its first day of business generating record-breaking revenue. Kirna Zabête has plans to further expand with upcoming store openings in Nashville and Miami in 2023.
Irene Neuwirth, the Los Angeles-based jeweler, also opened her second flagship store on Madison Avenue. Designed by Pamela Shamshiri of Studio Shamshiri, the store showcases Neuwirth’s exquisite jewelry pieces. Shamshiri’s impressive design background, including her work on the Maison de la Luz Hotel in New Orleans, shines through in the store’s breathtaking space. The store will be officially celebrated in early 2023.
According to Adelaide Polsinelli, vice chairman of Compass Realty, the surge of retail openings on Madison Avenue is expected to continue into the next year. Polsinelli highlights the renewed stability and rent growth in the New York retail market, particularly in prime high street retail corridors. The recent openings of luxury brands like Peter Millar and IWC Schaffhausen demonstrate Madison Avenue’s appeal to discerning shoppers. Soho has also experienced a revival, with experiential retailers and strong brands securing long-term leases in highly sought-after spaces.
In addition to the store openings, Madison Avenue welcomed the new Hermès location this year. Spanning over 20,250 square feet, the store combines New York dynamism with Parisian elegance. Housed in a former Bank of New York building and adjacent townhouses, the store showcases Hermès’ craftsmanship and features artworks from established and emerging artists. The design, created by the Parisian agency RDAI, pays homage to New York’s Art Deco architectural style.
Madison Avenue’s vibrant retail scene was further enhanced by the permanent establishments of Jonathan Cohen, John Elliot, and Balmain, as well as the relocations of Canali and Altuzarra. The avenue’s bustling atmosphere is complemented by the buzzing restaurant and private club scene, with Casa Cruz becoming a popular spot on East 61st Street.
Soho, another renowned shopping district in New York City, also saw several store openings. Givenchy, Courreges, Jennifer Fisher, and Save the Duck were among the notable additions. Additionally, Fendi and Louis Vuitton hosted pop-ups dedicated to showcasing their iconic accessories.
The retail revival on Madison Avenue is a testament to the resilient spirit of New York City. The street’s prestigious brands and upscale shopping experience continue to attract shoppers from near and far, setting the stage for even more exciting developments in the years to come.
Useful Links:
– Kirna Zabête Official Website
– Irene Neuwirth Official Website
