Schuster and Covey of RKF secures 1,800 s/f

According to Robert K. Futterman & Associates (RKF), it has secured a 1,800 s/f retail space for GNC at 205 Eighth Ave. between 20th and 21st Sts. in the Chelsea neighborhood. GNC is relocating from its current location at 265 Eighth Ave. RKF executive vice president Ariel Schuster and director Greg Covey represented GNC in this transaction. Building ownership, Francemen 205 LLC, was represented in-house by Aaron Schwartz. "GNC wanted to maintain its presence in the neighborhood and continue to service its loyal customer base," said Schuster. "205 Eighth Ave. allows them to achieve those objectives in a location that is convenient for its customers." GNC needed to relocate as Dallas BBQ exercised its option to expand into GNC's current space at 265 Eighth Ave. The new store at 205 Eighth Avenue is anticipated to open in second quarter 2010. Eighth Ave. in Chelsea is home to dozens of national and local retailers and restaurants catering to the neighborhood's dense residential population. Area retailers include Rite Aid, American Apparel, Starbucks, Gristedes, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Lasagna Restaurant, Spice and Better Burger.