From cosmetics to paint to bras, the retail landscape is changing fast on the Upper West Side. Check out what we’ve been hearing lately.
A cosmetics store called bluemercury is opening in the space that formerly housed Korean deli K&S Market on the corner of Broadway and 92nd street, Assembly member Linda Rosenthal tells us. Bluemercury has another location on 84th and Broadway that hasn’t gotten much love on Yelp, with several complaints about the service. Here’s the company’s website.
The Chase bank that several tipsters said would be coming to the former Banana Republic space at 86th street and Broadway may still be coming — but brokers continue to market the space actively, which makes it seem like the deal might have fallen through. We’ll update if we hear more.
Teddy, the women’s boutique on Columbus between 70th and 71st, is closing this week with a sale. Thanks to Emily for the tip.
Brokers at RFK are also actively marketing the home of Bra Smyth and the newsstand next to it on 77th street and Broadway, saying the spaces are available “immediately.” Those spaces sit at the bottom of the Hotel Belleclaire right next to the former home of Big Nick’s. After Nick was forced out, the owner of the Bra Smyth said she had a long-term lease and didn’t expect to be asked to move. The brokers have marketed those spaces before as part of a package deal with Big Nick’s.
Sherwin-Williams, which sells paint and stains, has opened on the corner of 89th street and Amsterdam.
I really hope that the Chase Bank deal doesn’t fall through, as it stands right now I have to go all the way to 90th to go to a Chase. A branch on 86th will be so much more convenient. Better that than some overpriced local bodega that charges double for the toilet paper that I can just as easily have delivered right to me from Costco via google express for half the price and free delivery.
Jason, what’s the deal? The Chase at 86th and Columbus isn’t working for you? Needs to be on 86th and Broadway? You guys kill me. You complain about then loss of the local blacksmith, quilting supply and cropping (Google it kids) store, yet you don’t want to walk an extra 75 yards to pull $100 out of checking to pay for a couple of margaritas and an order of guacamole. Stop complaining and go with it or do something to change it. The concept is known as ‘lead, follow or get out of the way”. Embrace it.
Peace out 🙂
Jason, you live in one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the country and are complaining about paying a few dollars extra for toilet paper.
Also, given your concern with having to walk four extra blocks to visit a bank, it is hard to understand your lack of appreciation for corner bodegas that offer great convenience.
In closing, please move to the suburbs, thank you.
Jeff, really? Because I live on the upper west side i’m automatically “rich” and should overpay for household items? In what world does that make sense? On that logic, the rent for the corner bodega should also be high right? Makes no sense.
Are you really overpaying? Bodegas are super-convenient and offer hundreds of items right outside your front door. In exchange for that wonderful service, you agree to pay $0.25 more for a roll of toilet paper, $0.50 more for a can of tomatoes, etc.
As a bonus, you’re friendly with the clerk and the guys at the deli, and your neighborhood retains character instead of beginning to resemble a suburban strip mall. Seems like a good deal to me.
I think I have a little crush on Jeff.
Jason, really? Four whole blocks? For that short distance, you would really rather have a completely soul-free bank that sits dark at night, adding nothing to the neighborhood? I’m not a fan of overpriced bodegas either, but I really think we already have enough banks, nail salons and Duane Reades to serve the entire UWS.
well if Chase thinks it’s profitable to put up another bank in the area then perhaps we don’t have enough of them to serve the UWS. is everyone still stashing their cash under their mattresses??? hmmm…
Don’t worry, got you covered there too… there’s a Sleepy’s every three blocks as well 🙂
Ummm….irony!
no “corner bodega” could possibly afford that site. Nor a Korean grocery. Ah, for the days when a good Cuban-Chinese restaurant (now almost extinct on the UWS) could open there.
Jason cannot be serious…
I’m all for the mom & pop shops. As a matter of fact, I grew up in the 1960’s here in the UWS when we use to have plenty of them. Unfortunately, in our bid to get rid of the bad element of the 1970’s, the city decided to allow developers to expand their power and influence. In today’s UWS world, Mom & Pop or bodegas would be unable to cater to a neighborhood that is home to several hundreds of thousands. All the several Banks, D&Rs, etc. are necessary to alleviate the over crowding that has taken place over the last 25 years. If there is one bright side , , , they’re keeping city people employed!
LOL… whenever the openings and closings posting:
1. Mom & Pop nostaglia – check
2. Damn those chain stores (even if you shop there) – check
3. Blame the Landlords – check
This time AC gives a unique history lesson whereby
he city decided to allow developers to expand their power and influence and bodegas couldn’t handle the new crowds.
I guess “history” means “any story he wants to make up.” this has nothing to do with the real “history” of the UWS.
Oh Brice what a quick wit you are.
although not sure what your grib is today about me. I didn’t make any “history” claims.
speaking of “make things up” not sure if you are aware , but the use of quotes is for when you are using the exact words of another.
Re the possibility of a Chase bank on the n.e. corner of 86th and Broadway, as far back as the 1950s that was originally a bank space,, the Bowery Savings, I believe….and the only other nearest bank around the nabe was the Corn Exchnge on 81st and Broadway north east corner which merged with Chemical….which of course eventually became Chase but I believe closed before then..
No abundance of banks in those days!!!
Personally I think the UWS has to wait until all the cranky ass Helen Reddy fans move on to that big Brownstone in the sky before complete concierge services are available. The battle rages on over a Hamptons tan line as opposed to no waistline at all while prowling around for your favorite baked goods.
And another small business bites the dust. Thanks Mayor Bill.
How charming. The battle of the blues. Chase and Citi. SO cheery and you know the Citi bread is delicious. We need a Chase on 86 and Broadway like we needed that dreadful Sleepy’s. Disgusting. Can we “CHASE” them away?
I personally love Bluemercury. It’s a lovely store and I have always received such great service.I think that the store contributes to a boutique style feel we look to maintain.
I do think that there is a drought of good, non yuppy pizza options in the low seventies……..