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The Lower East Side isn't known for the size of its boutiques—Zarin Fabrics nonwithstanding—but the last few months have seen two local shops renovate into multi-floor emporiums. First, the Reformation underwent a makeover, and now By Robert James, the menswear store on Orchard south of Delancey, has unveiled a new, three-story space.
Up until recently, By Robert James occupied 72 Orchard Street, but this fall it moved next door, taking over the home of Swedish digital media school Hyper Island and relinquishing its former location to tough-guy jewelry shop The Great Frog. The new, 3,500-square-foot shop includes a ground-level retail space, a custom-tailoring shop on the second floor, and a design studio/clubroom on the third floor.
Robert James and his team refurbished the store themselves, putting in a hand carved bar that doubles as cashwrap and 17-foot-tall shelves accessible by a vintage library ladder. Look out for new products and collaborations from the brand: With all that new space, they plan to expand their offerings.
· Surprise! The Reformation's New Ludlow Street Store Is Gigantic [Racked NY]
· Jewelry Store the Great Frog Unites Metalheads and Alexa Chung [Racked NY]
· By Robert James [Official Site]