Hudson Yards is Manhattan’s wild blue yonder. But more than glittering penthouses, fine dining or luxury shopping, the new neighborhood on the Far West Side promises space-starved New Yorkers the true luxury of elbow room. Its high-end retail hub opens Friday.
The gleaming glass-and-steel complex, located between 10th and 12th avenues from West 30th to 34th streets, is America’s largest private development, with 18 million square feet of mixed-use space. The megaproject features more than 100 upscale shops and restaurants, from NYC’s first Neiman Marcus to restaurants helmed by star chefs José Andrés, Thomas Keller and David Chang.
“I’ve worked with a lot of retailers in the city, but never in a space of this size and scope,” says Mary McGreevy, vice president and general manager of Neiman Marcus, which spans floors five through seven of the mall. “It’s so different. There aren’t many walls. The dressing rooms are so generous. The aisles are wide. You don’t feel you are in Manhattan when you are in the store.”
To create what a department store spokesperson calls a “feeling of ease and openness,” the chain worked with architect Janson Goldstein. The firm created a massive open-escalator well, connecting the 8,000-square-foot shoe department on the fifth floor to women’s contemporary fashion on the sixth.
The breccia stone-lined flagship will feature unique pieces of art by Roy Lichtenstein, Roxanne Lowit and original sketches by Halston, as well as a large mobile by Alexander Calder, titled “Mariposa,” imported from the Michigan Avenue store in Chicago.
“Every aspect of the experience has to feel luxurious and relaxing,” says McGreevy, noting that there are five living-room-like areas where customers can kick back, as well as three restaurants, a show kitchen, a chocolate bar and a spot serving wine on tap.
“The idea is that customers could come and spend their entire day with us,” she says.
While shoppers can easily enjoy a full day of retail therapy in Neiman Marcus, they can also venture out into the mall at 20 Hudson Yards, which features designer brands such as Fendi, Kenzo and Tory Burch, as well as fast-fashion labels like Zara and H&M.
On the first floor, Cartier, Coach, Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman are all unveiling sleek new store designs. Steps away, Sally Hershberger is opening a new “bang bar” for quick trims, while Van Cleef & Arpels and Piaget will be debuting jewelry exclusive to the location in their boutiques.
The second level — also known as the “floor of discovery” — features experimental retail concepts and online-only brands opening brick-and-mortar spaces.
Swimwear designer Heidi Klein and Los Angeles-based avant-garde stockist Frankie CoLab are among the brands opening their first-ever New York locations. Meanwhile, digital native M.Gemi, an Italian shoemaker, is unveiling its first permanent shop here. Other boutiques on the menu: Atelier Cologne and luxury children’s clothier Milk & Honey Babies.
For a truly one-of-a-kind shopping experience, check out Snark Park, the brainchild of NYC architecture firm Snarkitecture. The exhibition space will change immersive installations three times a year. Each one will be paired with a retail component — think collabs with brands from around the world and Snarkitecture-designed limited-edition objects — along with exclusive Kith Treats.
The third floor is home to athletic and office stalwarts like Banana Republic, Aritzia and Athleta, along with beauty labels ranging from Jo Malone and Kiehl’s to Origins.
Need to rest and refuel? Zip up to 3DEN, an exclusive Soho House-esque lounge, on four.
But don’t laze too long. After all, there’s more than a mile of shops to explore.
