Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. (New York) will take over the space in New York’s West Village neighborhood that has been occupied by men’s specialty store L’Uomo for more than 25 years.
A Ralph Lauren’s men’s store currently occupies the neighboring location on Bleecker Street and the retailer’s women’s boutique is directly across the street from the 1600-square-foot store.
Ralph Lauren confirmed to the Daily News Record it was taking over the lease, but refused to disclose what type of Ralph Lauren store would go in the location.
L’Uomo will relocate to a larger, 2200-square-foot space on nearby West 4th Street.
“My lease ends May 1, 2008, and that is when Ralph Lauren is going to take it over,” L’Uomo owner Michael Adjiashvili told DNR. “They are paying $50,000 more per month than I am currently paying. We tried to renegotiate the lease but the landlord never gave us a choice.”
Bleecker Street is enjoying a retail revival. Tommy Hilfiger took over the Robert Kree Salon this past summer; Juicy Couture opened its doors last January; and James Perse opened its first men’s store in May. Coach, Miguelina and Steve Madden have also added outposts in the last few months.
“So much has changed over the years, it’s not the same cozy neighborhood it once was,” said Adjiashvili. “It’s too touristy and corporate.” He will likely open the doors to the new store later this spring or early next fall.