By Lisa Kava and Scott Etkin
Bacio di Latte, an Italian gelato shop, has signage up at 341 Columbus Avenue (at the southeast corner of West 77th Street). According to the sign, the opening is planned for summer 2027. Bacio di Latte was founded in 2011 by two brothers from Milan who traveled around Italy researching gelato. It now has numerous locations in the Los Angeles area, and this will be the first in New York. The gelato is made using high quality milk, fruit and raw materials, according to the website. Flavors include: pistachio, sweet cream, Belgian chocolate, tiramisu, strawberry cheesecake, and cookies and cream, among others. Bacio Di Latte also serves cookies and Affogato, a specialty drink that combines gelato and coffee. Peruvian Connection, a clothing store that closed in 2023 was the last full-time tenant in the space. It has since been vacant, aside from a stint as a pop-up for running brand Tracksmith during the 2024 NYC Marathon.
JAG Physical Therapy, a physical therapy center, opened at 101 West 79th Street Unit B (just west of Columbus Avenue), on September 28th. It provides comprehensive physical therapy and occupational therapy to patients and sports teams with over 180 locations in the Northeast. JAG specializes in general orthopedic, sports and soft tissue injuries. This is the eighth clinic in Manhattan for the company, and the second in Rag territory: There also is a JAG Physical Therapy on Amsterdam Avenue at 108th Street in Manhattan Valley. Joe Persico, a physical therapist who has been with the company for 20 years, will serve as the acting clinical director of the UWS center, supervising day-to-day operations. “I couldn’t be prouder to see our footprint continue to grow in Manhattan,” Persico said in a press release. “Our team is thrilled to now have an office on the Upper West Side.” Hours of operation are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
OSKA, a women’s clothing store at 311 Columbus Avenue (between West 74th and 75th Street), is closing at the end of October. “We are incredibly grateful to all our loyal OSKA clients who have supported us and been part of our journey over the years,” reads a sign posted on the storefront. OSKA, which has shops in several European countries, debuted its first collection in 1998, with an aesthetic “inspired by the influences of Japanese designers,” according to the company’s website. The UWS shop has been at this location for more than a decade. All items are at reduced prices and are final sale in anticipation of the closing.
The Cashmere Sale, a seasonal pop-up shop for sweaters and knit accessories, opened on October 5th at 2139 Broadway (at the southwest corner of West 75th Street). The UWS shop is returning to the same location as last year. It is one of four Cashmere Sale pop-ups happening this fall in Manhattan; the others are in Flatiron, Soho, and on the Upper East Side. The pop-up sells cashmere items including sweaters, wraps, outerwear, and accessories such as scarves, hats, and gloves for women and men at discounted prices. The UWS shop is open daily through December 18th. Lululemon, which closed in 2022, was the last full-time tenant in the space. (Thanks to Gretchen for the tip).
Spirit Halloween, a pop-up shop for Halloween costumes and decorations, has opened at 1889 Broadway (between West 62nd and West 63rd streets). The retailer is open daily though November 2nd and is carrying a wide variety of costumes and wigs for adults and kids. Spirit Halloween has been around for nearly 40 years and is the largest Halloween retailer in North America, with over 1,450 pop-up locations. The space used to be a Duane Reade, which closed in 2023.
ICYMI:
Chip City, a cookie shop, at 370 Columbus Avenue (between West 77th and West 78th streets), abruptly closed on October 2nd, along with Chip City’s other stores. Read West Side Rag’s coverage of this news here.
Lucia Pizza, a pizza place, opened on October 5th at 159 Columbus Avenue (between West 67th and West 68th streets). Read West Side Rag’s coverage of this news here.
The Openings & Closings column wouldn’t be possible without our many tipsters: thank you! Anyone can send tips about openings and closings in the neighborhood to info@westsiderag.com
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I shopped at Oska a week ago before the sale was officially “on”. The saleswoman told me the reason for closing was the impact of the Trump tariffs on profit margins.