New H&M Flagship: Herald Center Fall 2014

It is no surprise that H&M is one of the world’s largest fashion retailers thanks to their affordable prices, fast fashion sensibility and amazing collaborations. Now they are going to make their presence even greater in New York City with their largest store globally.

The new location is set for the Herald Center with 63,000 square feet of prime retail space. Herald Center is located at the southwest corner of 34th Street where Broadway and the Avenue of the Americas meet. The new store will showcase all of the H&M collections and will stock H&M’s super fun Home Collection (which only recently made it's online debut in North America).

Expect four floors of retail therapy including ladies and men’s collections, H&M Sport, H&M Mama (maternity collection), H&M+ (plus-sized collection), accessories, cosmetics and H&M’s children’s collection, newborns to kids age 14.

“We are proud to continue our unprecedented expansion in New York City with this groundbreaking Herald Square location. Locking in our 14th store in Manhattan shows our continued commitment to growth in the New York City market,” says Daniel Kulle President of H&M North America. “34th Street has proven to be one of the most successful retail corridors for the brand after having operated two stores there for over 10 years.  With close to 300 stores across the country as well our new Shop Online, the H&M anchor store at this historic intersection will be one of our greatest accomplishments to date.” 

If opening a global flagship wasn't enough, in addition to Herald Center, H&M will open at 4 Times Square at the end of 2013, and on Fifth Avenue (and 48th street) in the spring of 2014.

All of this expansion is good for the local economy, H&M plans to hire 900 new employees with these three New York City openings. Kind of amazing!

H&M currently operates more than 2,900 stores around the world!

Opening Day at Joe Fresh 5th Avenue Flagship Store

On Friday morning I woke up and decided to head over to the Joe Fresh Flagship opening and take a chance trying to snag a $100 Giftcard.  Upon my arrival at 9:25 am there were about 70 people ahead of me - some in folding chairs and sleeping bags.  With the sun shining it didn't seem so bad and plenty of friendly security staff were keeping things orderly.

The sun disappeared and it soon became chilly and tensions rose as temperatures dropped and people tried to jump the line.  Several people tried to cut the line making up stories that they were in line but left to get a bite or went to the bathroom but the truth was they were never in line at all.  Fortunately security guard managed to escort the line cutters away with minimal drama.  And at noon even had to jump in front of a last second line cutter who tried to follow the crowd into the stores.  Bravo to the staff at Joe Fresh for handling everything with great professionalism and courtesy.

As the doors finally opened I entered the store to all of the smiling employees decked out in bright polo shirts applauding as I collected my giftcard and started shopping the brightly lit glass cube of a retail space with shiny white fixtures and brightly colored merch.  The retail space was split into 2 floors with change rooms and cashiers on each floor.  I spotted a glass elevator bringing up racks of colorful stock to replace items flying off the shelves.  




Particularly the well priced silk shirts that were just $39 a pop and striped shirt dresses with a nautical feel that were $29 a pop.  The shelves were restocked seamlessly despite the constant onslaught of clothes hungry shoppers drifting the floors.  The efficiency of employees was even seen at checkout counters while one employee swooped away discarded merchandise without the blink of an eye and another game through and collected hangers so cashiers just had to scan and bag.  This made for a seamless shopping experience.

The orange tulip was absolutely adorable and just $69, the color block dress beside it was priced right at just $39.  I spotted bikini bottoms for just $12 and tops for $18.

From work appropriate shirt dresses with extra full skirts to casual weekend wear to athletic gear Joe Fresh has you covered for what seems to be shockingly low prices on classics with a fashionable twist.  This is a store where there is something for everyone.  They even offer a rainbow of cosmetics for bargain prices - nail polish was priced at $4 a pop or 3 for $10.


Here are a few of the items I ended up trying on: 

The Mac trench with contrast details was just $29 and although the sleeves were a little long (I'm only 5'3") had a pretty nice clean fit.  The silk shirt in flaming orange was $39 and was nice and vibrant with a clean look.  The leopard spot shirt was $29 and although it was poly it has a very silky hand that felt nice to the touch.  The scuba tee was $39 and was a boxy fit but had a really modern look that would look great layered with the brightly colored shirts.