Soho stands as Manhattan’s bustling retail hub, characterized by its throngs of shoppers and minimal store vacancies.
However, when it comes to a concentration of international brands and a wealthy clientele, Madison Avenue, particularly beyond East 59th Street, holds the crown. Unlike Soho’s influx of tourists and day-trippers, Madison Avenue’s patrons are predominantly affluent residents from the neighborhood itself.
To gain insight into the recent dynamic changes in the area, we turned to Matthew Bauer, the president of the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District.
This prestigious stretch between 59th and 86th streets has witnessed a wave of significant openings since the start of the year, including the relocation of Sotheby’s to the Breuer Building last autumn.
Among the notable newcomers are fashion and accessories brand Falconeri at 764 Madison, jewelry house Pasquale Bruni at 789 Madison, and the dining establishment Marcel located within Sotheby’s.
Canadian luxury outerwear brand Mackage moved to 791 Madison, a larger flagship than its previous address nearby.
Bauer also explained that top-tier jeweler Graff is combining two buildings into one at 710 Madison and will temporarily move to No. 773, previous home of Kwiat/Fred Leighton, which reopened in a larger space at No. 713.
Meanwhile, CH Carolina Herrera, which is a separate fashion brand/label from the Carolina Herrera boutique farther north, is moving soon from 802 Madison for a new and larger store under construction at 825 Madison.
Dunhill, which hasn’t been seen on Madison in decades, returns soon at 821 Madison. And Loewe plans a new flagship for its Casa brand at 694-696 Madison. The latter address was once the longtime home of celeb-magnet restaurant Nello.
“The stores are reinvesting in Madison Avenue,” Bauer said. “This is an international shopping street but the market is very local.”