Apple planning Upper West Side NYC store
updated 09:40 am EST, Wed December 19, 2007
Upper West Side NYC store
One of Apple's 40 new retail stores planned for 2008 will be another New York City shop, according to reports. Following the recent opening of its third (and largest) Manhattan retail store earlier this month, the company is intending to tear down and rebuild a storefront at 1981 Broadway, on the northwest corner of West 67th Street; the current building is an 8,500 square-foot Victoria's Secret, and was at one point the site of the Cineplex Odeon Regency Theater. Victoria's Secret parent company Limited Brands has reportedly been attempting to sublease the space for some time.
Apple is rumored to have been interested in the real estate as far back as two years ago, but is said to have become distracted while attempting to build its flagship Fifth Avenue store. Rent in the new area is estimated to cost approximately $275 to $300 per square foot.
When Apple completes its new store, it will be the company's fifth in the New York City area: aside from Fifth Avenue, there are also SoHo, 14th Street and Staten Island outlets. The concentration of Apple Stores in New York City is unique, dwarfed only by the number in the Bay Area in California, within close reach of Apple's headquarters.
Perfect location
12/19, 09:52am reply
Finally, perfect location for New York City. Right behind NY Philharmonic (and the Julliard School of Music, and the Metropolitan Opera), it will be packed at all times. The are is known to be inhabited by people of artistic background. That usually means two things: more disposable money, and more disposable time to shop.
Keep them coming, Apple!
vasic
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2005
Yippee!
12/19, 10:03am reply
Well, long before they went for the Meatpacking district, there were rumors of a store in this 'hood.
As opposed to the other three stores, this is not a "place to be seen" kind of neighborhood. "Trendy" it is NOT. BUT, if you want folks in the arts or those associated with Columbia, this is a place for a lot more "serious," better educated folks. No tourist crowd like the other three, but I gotta think, more serious people. IF it really opens, after the first bloom, I'd bet you they will find more sales per customer visit than the other stores... which Do attract a lot of gawkers and tourists.
All in all, an excellent location.
paulc
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2000
How about 125th Street?
12/19, 10:36am reply
Come on Apple, show show love to the 'hood.
uucp
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2005
@paulc
12/19, 10:43am reply
"Serious"? WTF, you gentry scum.
sputschic
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2007
Need one in Southern VA
12/19, 11:53am reply
The immediate surrounding area where I live (Roanoke, VA) has a population of about 300,000 people. Not huge but nothing to shake a stick at. There are also a number of colleges and universities (VA Tech being one) very close by.
The closest Apple store is at least 3 hours away. Apple needs to fill this gap. There's only a very small computer shop that sells Apple computers. We have a Best Buy but they don't have the Apple store within a store there.
This area has an excellent mall in a great location (directly off an interstate, next to an airport and hotels). It gets a large amount of traffic and has some big name retailers.
Please Apple... Put an Apple store in Roanoke, VA.
Smurfman
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2001
Too Fast?
12/19, 12:17pm reply
I'm a little concerned about rapid, multiple store openings. Apple wouldn't be the first company to expand quickly during good times only to shrink just as rapidly during a downturn. I love Apple products, but people tend to think that whatever good or bad situation that exists currently will persist forever. (reference: housing market, krisky kreme, toys are us) Apple might get stuck with expensive leases and real estate they need to unload.
That being said I want a Brooklyn store!!!
Zeeb
Mac Elite
Joined: Feb 2006
notehead
12/19, 02:12pm reply
The mention that Victoria's Secret had been wanting the property makes me consider some enticing cross-brand possibilities... If Apple were to staff an Apple Store with negligee-wearing Victoria's Secret models, they'd really be onto something! :P
notehead
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Apple becomes Gap
12/20, 12:16am reply
I think Apple is in danger of becoming the old Gap. Already Apple products all look the same. The same kind of demographics buy Apple. And like the old Gap they are in danger of over expanding. The location is great but kind of weird area. The locals tend to haggle and demand a bargain. Artistic they are not.
henjin
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2007
sigh
12/20, 07:47am reply
This is the time that I truly miss MW Expo NY in the Summer...Shame on you IDG!
Tanker10a
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2003