Storecasting: Ralph Lauren Makes Moves on Madison

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[Photo of the Rhinelander Mansion via PropertyShark]

Retailers seem to have finally realized that men actually do like to shop, and that they need more places to do so. Just a few days ago, it was revealed that J.Crew execs are planning a men's-only boutique in Tribeca. Now, news of an in-the-works men's-only Ralph Lauren boutique has surfaced. The preppy American design house has decided to turn its Rhinelander Mansion store into a menswear shop, which will open sometime next year. Of course, that means that the women's and children's lines have to go somewhere else, so Lauren will open another flagship store across the street at 888 Madison Avenue (currently home to a Ralph Lauren "lifestyle boutique"). According to WWD, "The new 27,500-square-foot store will house Lauren's world of women's and women's accessories, as well as his home collections." The Times has a history of the building at no. 888, which was once owned by a Vanderbilt; Ralph Lauren will do a complete tear-down and rebuild of the structure. While that is happening, merchandise will be rerouted to a temporary space at 1055 Madison Avenue and 80th Street, opening when 888 Madison closes on March 28. Whew. You got all that?
· Ralph to Convert Rhinelander to Men’s Store [DNR]
· Second Polo Flagship Coming to N.Y. [WWD, subscription req]
· From Palatial Home to Retail Palace [NY Times]