BARNES & NOBLE: WELCOME BACK!

Anecdotal evidence concluded retail vacancies grew considerably during and after the pandemic in my local shopping area, the Upper East Side in New York City. The reasons could have been driven by the pandemic as well as less foot traffic due to people buying more on line. Stores including L'OCCITANE, Aldo, Williams Sonoma and Banana Republic, to name a few closed. One of the more notable closings in 2020 was a multi level, 50,000+ square foot Barnes & Noble that had been open in the spot since 2009.

Again, based on anecdotal evidence, since Spring 2022, the Upper East side has seen a spurt of store openings. Panera returned to the area, but in a much smaller space. Target took over the Barnes & Noble location and the area has seen the first neighborhood Framebridge, which moved into a unit of the bankrupt Francesca's. For the most part the new entrants are food related -- restaurants, dumplings, chocolate and fine bakeries. I'm eager to see the upcoming opening of Dave's Hot Chicken few blocks away.

A few weeks ago Barnes & Noble, the country's largest bookstore chain returned to the Upper East Side, (87th Street and 3rd Avenue) a few blocks from where it operated for more than a decade. The company was purchased by Elliott Management in 2019. The CEO of Barnes & Noble since the acquisition has been executing a growth strategy that sounds reasonable. In articles I've read the strategy is for individual stores to curate the offerings as appropriate for the immediate customer base. With 600 units throughout the United States, about 30 stores are planned to open this year.

Today I visited this new Barnes & Noble store. I'm unable to critique if the store is curated for the locals; however, I liked what I saw. It is a bright store, the interior and furnishings are soothing shades and it has an interesting layout. The spaces between shelves and tables are not wide and yet not too narrow. It is much smaller than the former location. I read it was 8,000 square feet. (Lacking a tape measure I cannot confirm the size!)

My two favorite things about this Barnes & Noble include: (1) It does not have a cafe. This means books are the focus! (2) I did not hear anyone on a cell phone. For me that was a delight. I love being lost in my own thoughts when shopping (for anything) and not having to listen to phone conversations. Not too sure it will be cell-free when I visit again, but definitely there will be other things to like about shopping in a bookstore.

SHOPPING LOCAL - SOME GREAT FINDS!

I had typically shopped for fashion outside my neighborhood, meaning the stores

are located about a self imposed 10 blocks or so radius from my apartment. Unfortunately the number of stores in the area has dwindled so there is not much of a selection.

Compensating for the loss of shopping options, my neighborhood has expanded, with it now defined to any location where I want to walk -- and based on the day it could vary. On Saturday, a hot and humid day, decided to take a walk in the neighborhood to check out the shopping options and to see if I could find a few items.

The store visits were successful. I hadn't been to AnikNewYork, a one unit retailer located on the Upper East Side since the beginning of the pandemic. I like the trendy and less forward fashion merchandise it stocks. The fitting rooms are a nice size, but there are not any mirrors in them so you have to leave the room to get to the mirrors. I don't like doing that.

A benefit of switching up stores s is learning about new brands. While at AnikNewYork.

I came across a few brands I had not seen before. Estelle and Finn was one of those new brands. I bought a great pair of black "step-hem" styled black pants. Super fabric and perfect fit! When I got home I looked on line for some information about Estelle and Finn. Loved seeing the line is designed and made in New York City! Hoping it ramps up its website to provide more details about each of the products it offers and considers selling direct to customers via its website.

After AnikNewYork I walked a few blocks north to Mixology. With stores in New York and New Jersey this retailer focuses on a younger target market, GenZ and the Millennials. Nevertheless, the brand ZSupply caught my eye. The ZSupply cotton tee shirts felt soft to the touch. ZSupply is sold in other stores; but, it was nice to see it readily available nearby. Mixology is also stingy with mirrors. The fitting rooms are a nice size but you must leave the fitting room to see a mirror.

Overall a nice local shopping trip. What are you favorite local fashion stores?

COOL COMFORT WITH JAMES PERSE AND OTHER FASHION FAVORITES

The dog days of summer arrived in New York City last week. The heat and humidity were a jolt because the weather in June was comfortable. August is the month I've considered the most oppressive. But based on these recent days, July is ranking with August as uncomfortably humid! When there is a shift in weather, a change in my clothing choices quickly follows.

With a life style of lots of walking and also traveling in the subway, being dressed to"beat the heat"is top of mind. Cotton and linen clothes, especially lightweight tops have been my go to choices in the past and these clothes are once again in the front of my closet. Drilling down further, pima cotton and linen are my favorite fabrics. I don't have a firm grasp regarding the differences between fabrics that are described as organic with those that are not. I wear both.

Minimalistic is my approach to clothes and in the summer, I keep it super simple by wearing "nice" t-shirts and basic pants. Some of my go to favorite brands for these summer clothes are: Vince (love the pima cotton t- shirts), Anthony Thomas Melillo (great cotton slub t-shirts) and Velvet by Graham and Spencer, (super soft linen button up long sleeve blouses.) As for bottoms, for me, pants are more comfortable than skirts. Alternating among a half dozen pair of the Theory brand's Treeca pull on pant in good linen, I've embraced the wrinkled look. These pants are the best for this sultry weather!

Since the majority of my summer "uniform" is full of basics, I like to go in-store shopping for a few items that could add some interest to outfits. Last week while in Bloomingdale's I came across a terrific top that adds texture and interest to almost any outfit. The item, by James Perse is a black semi sheer boxy fit linen polo with long sleeves. It is light weight. It looks great over a sleeveless top or tank top and works well with any sort of bottom and even looks terrific with a plain dress. I've already worn a few times and love it!

Check out the linen top. It is the James Perse "Soleil Linen Polo" It is also available in natural and white. https://t.ly/0_L4N

Just a few favorite brands are noted in this post. What are your go to clothes for dressing for the heat and humidity?