US. HMSHost has been awarded a lease extension by the Empire State Building for the retail store at the building’s observatory deck. The extension grants HMSHost the right to operate and manage the store until 2020.
HMSHost has been operating the store, which sells Empire State Building gifts and collectibles, since 1991. As part of redevelopment works the retail store has relocated to the 80th floor in temporary quarters.
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HMSHost will operate two stores at the Empire State Building, a 102-storey Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan |
HMSHost will also be opening a new store – called ‘Empire State Building: The Store’ – in an expanded 3,000sq ft shopping format echoing the building’s famous Art Deco design.
In keeping with the building’s architecture the new store design will use industrial construction materials that pay homage to the work of architects Shreve, Lamb & Harmon, and to Empire State Building documentary photographer Lewis Hine.
Located on the 80th floor it will be adjacent to the path visitors take when exiting from the observatory deck and will stock upscale gifts and proprietary Empire State Building products. Shoppers will find a selection of gifts and one-of-a-kind items including Empire State Building-branded apparel, crystal glassware, toys, history and coffee table books and holiday ornaments for sale.
The temporary store – as well as the new store – will remain open from 8am to 2am, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
“We’ve created a store that will encourage visitors to linger and shop in a space that echoes the building’s venerable history as well as the breathtaking view of New York City’s skyline,” said HMSHost Senior Vice President Joan Ryzner. “We are honoured to partner with the Empire State Building and be a part of its continuing recognition as one of the most well-known destinations – for New York City and the entire US.”
Empire State Building General Manager James T. Connors said: “As the world’s most famous office building and preeminent tourist attraction it is imperative that we continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of our visitors. The lease extension and retail expansion with our partner HMSHost signals a key portion of our building’s US$500 million capital improvements program that will transform and enhance the overall experience for our visitors.”
Approximately 3.7 million people visited the Empire State Building in 2007 and passed through the current store to the outdoor viewing promenade. The 102-storey building first opened to the public in 1931.
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