Volume 78 - Number 49 / May 13 - 19 , 2009
West and East Village, Chelsea, Soho, Noho, Little Italy, Chinatown and Lower East Side, Since 1933
The Virgin Megastore on Union Square South is slated to close at the end of this month.
Tommy Hilfiger said to have designs on Union Square
By William Sprouse
Tommy Hilfiger is the latest retailer rumored to be interested in moving to Union Square. The clothier is said to have explored a possible deal for the space formerly occupied by Circuit City or for the space soon to be vacated by the Virgin Megastore. Both spaces, on Union Square South, are controlled by The Related Companies.
One source who is active in the Union Square real estate market said Hilfiger was considering opening a “concept store.” Joanna Rose, a spokeswoman for Related, said the company had no comment. Spokespeople for Tommy Hilfiger were not immediately available for comment.
Circuit City closed as part of a companywide liquidation following its bankruptcy. Virgin Megastores has closed many of its U.S. locations in recent years.
The site has been the focus of speculation for more than a year since Winick Realty Group began marketing it for Related.
In February, The Villager reported that Wal-Mart was exploring a possible move to the location. Other retailers said to have expressed interest in the past include Best Buy and Nordstrom.
According to another source, Filene’s Basement could be out on 14th St., after the department-store chain recently filed for bankruptcy. However, there’s speculation another chain like T.J. Maxx might buy the troubled Filene’s. Also out are Tisserie coffee shop at 17th St. and Broadway and Au Bon Pain at at 15th St. and Fifth Ave.
Reportedly in is “premium denim” retailer 7 For All Mankind at Fifth Ave. and 15th St.
