Retail MARCHes on in New York City

The old saying that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb certainly wasn't true this year - the month was busy from beginning to end in terms of world and retail news. I'm proud to note that our industry has responded generously to help our friends in Japan recover from the February earthquake, tsunami and ongoing nuclear issues. A number of area retailers including Forever 21, Bergdorf Goodman, Hublot, Uniqlo, and Brookstone have donated to relief efforts, and encouraging shoppers to do the same. Meanwhile, the U.S. consumer remains resilient. March sales were released after press time, but February was an exceptionally strong month, with sales up 4.2% at chain stores reporting to the International Council of Shopping Centers. Most important was that all sectors improved, critical to the overall recovery. March sales will be affected to some degree by the very late Easter this year, which will move some purchases into February, and the slowdown in housing last month is a concern. But there's a lot of pent-up demand out there (and not just for iPad 2) just waiting for those tax refunds to arrive, and I expect healthy numbers for both months. Retailers themselves certainly remain confident, expanding or opening their first stores in the city. Muska Milano has signed for 1086 Madison Avenue. Jack Rogers is opening its first New York City store at 1198. La Gioe di Toscana Handbags, produced by husband-and-wife duo John and Sharon Gioe has debuted at 12 East 52nd St. Zara is taking over the NBA corner at 666 Fifth Ave. Marimekko will open a flagship for its fine housewares at 200 Fifth Ave. Lacoste is expanding its current retail spot at 608 Fifth Ave. Further south, in Flatiron, the former Nine West space at 19th St. will soon become the city's second location for Madewell. At 150 Fifth Ave. New Balance will focus on the fit. Australian skin care line Aesop reportedly is planning three stores in the city, starting with a location in Nolita this summer. Mephisto is debuting a concept store on Third Ave. at 62nd St. Rebecca Hossack Gallery, based in London, is opening its first U.S. unit in Nolita at 262 Mott St. Kiehl's is adding to the beauty offerings in Meatpacking, taking Kimberly Taylor's former home at 400 West 14th St. 3X1 Jeans will offer custom-ordered jeans (produced on site) and ready-to-wear at 15 Mercer St. Dick's Sporting Goods, a suburban staple, is opening its first city store at 1095 Sixth Ave. The activity continues looking ahead. Later this month, NYCREW's latest event will be a panel discussion by the next generation of New York's leading real estate families. I will moderate a "Leading Ladies" gathering of Helena Durst, vice president of The Durst Organization and Andrea Olshan, COO of Mall Properties, Inc., among others, on Thursday, April 28th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the offices of UBS, 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York City. To register, visit www.nycrew.org. And lastly, plans are well under way for the special first anniversary of ICSC's Women's Special Interest Group, to be held at RECon in Las Vegas from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 22nd. Instead of our usual roundtables, we'll be holding a special retail real estate version of "The View," with yours truly serving as the moderator. I'll be joined by some of the most accomplished women in our industry, so make plans to attend now - and check for more information and conference registration at www.icsc.org/2011SC. As spring continues, I expect the retail season to heat up along with the weather - and I can't wait! Faith Hope Consolo is the chairman of the Retail Leasing, Marketing and Sales Division at Prudential Douglas Elliman, New York, N.Y.