Manhattan’s Meatpacking District is expected to welcome new boutiques from Rolex and Audemars Piguet next year, according to a report in the New York Post.
The Post’s article appears to originate from real estate sources, so does not confirm details of whether the boutiques will be opened directly by the brands (in the case of Rolex, there is zero chance) or through a partner such as Wempe, The Watches of Switzerland Group, Bucherer-owned Tourneau, Material Good or London Jewelers.
A reliable WatchPro source says Bucherer will own and operate the Rolex store. Material Good’s name is being strongly connected to the AP boutique, but has not yet been confirmed.
The New York Post reports that Audemars Piguet is opening in a 5,171 square foot space on the second floor of 56-58 Gansevoort Street that has a 2,500 outdoor terrace.
AP, whether it owns and operates the store directly or works with a partner, is a fan of off-street retail space.
Its store in partnership with Material Good in Soho is accessed from a discreet lift on Wooster Street. A recently opened AP House run directly by the brand in London is also up a flight of stairs from Bond Street, the city’s most prestigious thoroughfare for luxury brands.
The Post says the Rolex boutique will occupy a 3,950 square foot corner unit at the bottom of the fashionable Soho House members’ club (pictured top courtesy of Soho House) at 29-35 Ninth Ave. and West 13th Street.
No dates have been reported for either boutique opening, but it would be unlikely they could be completed in 2020.
