Galin and Handler of Handler Real Estate complete 2,900 s/f lease for NIC+ZOE

Led by creative director and co-founder Dorian Lightbown, NIC+ZOE has signed a long term expansion and extension at 561 Seventh Ave. The brand known for its innovative knitwear and unique colors will now occupy 2,900 s/f in the building, taking most of the tenth floor, to expand their showroom space and accommodate for growth. Founded in 2005 and affectionately named after Lightbown's children Nicholas and Zoë, NIC+ZOE is a family business with Zoë working alongside her mom every day in the merchandising department; Nick created their first website. After seven years of virtually no marketing, NIC+ZOE shot and ran their first national ad campaign this past spring featured in such media outlets as Lucky, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, and Vanity Fair. They have also received some amazing press in media outlets such as O Magazine, W Magazine, Bazaar, and the Today Show, among others. Each season Lightbown delivers a full collection including sweaters, skirts, jackets, tops, dresses and pants, in both knits and wovens. NIC+ZOE products are sold throughout the United States as well as on their e-commerce site which re-launched in February, coinciding with their marketing push. "NIC+ZOE is a tremendous brand whose appeal and reach only continues to grow," said Scott Galin, principal, Handler Real Estate Organization, who along with colleague Darrell Handler, represented the landlord in the transaction. "New and expanding creative firms are increasingly seeking out Midtown just south of Times Square." Situated at the northeast corner of West 40th Street and Broadway, the nearly 100-percent leased 561 Seventh Avenue is an 81,214-square-foot office tower with 24-hour/7-day access, an attended lobby, and on-site security.