Stores selling sweets, party supplies and coffee have recently opened or will be coming to the Upper West Side soon.
Yogurt & Candy World, a colorful sweets and toys shop, opened on Wednesday at 442 Columbus Avenue, between 81st and 82nd streets, the former home of Photo Op. The hours are 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. The company also has three other locations, including on the Upper East Side. Thanks to Andrew for the tip and photos.
Party City has placed a sign up in the multi-space retail development on Columbus between 92nd and 93rd that seems to have been under construction forever. Its address will be 670 Columbus Avenue. We learned back in 2011 that Party City was coming and have heard several other rumors about that space — from a medical office to Trader Joe’s to Bed, Bath & Beyond — but none have been confirmed to date. Ken tells us that the realtors put up For Rent signs in the first floor spaces a couple of weeks ago, indicating that there still isn’t a main-floor anchor tenant. Thanks to Michael for the tip.
Coffee shop Box Kite is set to open this weekend for a preview at 128 West 72nd street, the former home of a barber shop and a jewelry store before that. Its grand opening will be next Thursday. Gothamist got a first peek: “At the new West 72nd Street shop—really no more than a hallway, if we’re being generous—owner Cora Lambert will be executing a bare bones menu of espresso drinks, regular coffee, teas and hot chocolate. The origin of their espresso drinks will come from the Hydra, a top of the line pressure profiling machine made by USA company Synesso. To see it in action, head over Saturday at 1 p.m., when they’ll offer a free public cupping—”similar to a wine tasting but for coffee”—from a Danish roaster called The Coffee Collective.” Unlike their downtown location, they won’t be selling meals, though there may be some treats. Drip coffee is $2 and a cappuccino is $4.
With all the families that live on the UWS, a Party City is probably welcome news. And they offer something else besides another bank/drugstore. As rents skyrocket and more small business depart, the UWS will continue its transformation into an outdoor mall/big box store neighborhood. When is the Container Store coming in? 🙂
Although my family is a fan of Party City, having it in a residential area is a bit different. Besides one more chain to complete the transformation into a mall, it likely also means more vehicle traffic and more crowds, as it is a “destination” store.
I personally belive that Party City is very overpriced .. Convenient Yes. Cheap No !
Ha I would love a Container Store!
Me three! I’m always wishing Container Store would come to the UWS.
Contain yourself!
There are three lovely, serious new European coffee and pastry places on Broadway between 76th and 79th. Three. So I’m pretty bitter about getting a lousy, overpriced, eco-disastrous big box store across the street from my apartment. On Columbus in the ’90s we seem to be getting gentrification without actually getting anything nice, with the exception of Birch Coffee at Columbus and 97th.
We need a Trader Joe on Columbus Avenue. 72nd and Broadway is too far away when transporting heavy groceries. Delivery charges are too high for small amounts The only viable grocery on Columbus between 72nd and 97th is D’Agostinos. Limited and really pricey.
I will not be shopping at Party City. What happened to our sidewalk? I am not looking forward to the noise of trucks unloading supplies, and perhaps an increase of foot traffic outside my window.
Went to the Boxkite coffee cupping on Saturday – great idea and event. The staff is knowledgable and friendly, and their latte was top notch – a welcome addition to the neighborhood!
Not sure where else to post this but maybe can someone here can help. Why does Fairway smell so terrible when you enter? No other supermarket I’ve been to, even bodegas, smell as bad as Fairway.
Thanks!
Two months ago I filled out a comment form at Trader Joe’s website – I asked them if they are opening a new location on the UWS on 92nd street. They never responded. On two previous occasions I have sent them compliments about their products at the 72nd street store and they responded within one week. I have no idea why won’t confirm or deny the rumor about opening a store at this location. The UWS needs more food markets .
I also would appreciate a Trader Joe’s or even a container store. Party City- decorated plates and cups and nowhere to shop for food to be served on them. they are so chintzy and belong on strip malls in the less than elegant suburbs.