Alert: Bleecker St Banana Getting Monogrammed

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Yes, the Banana Republic at 205 Bleecker Street and Sixth Avenue in the West Village is closed, but that doesn't mean another retailer is moving in. Instead, the clothing chain is turning the storefront into an outpost for their new, high-end Monogram line ("The mark of distinction"). New executive vp and creative director Simon Kneen had remarked back in January that he wanted to expand on the store's pricier offerings, and he's starting on Bleecker, which is probably the best bet for this sort of thing. After all, Coach has their Legacy shop there and Tommy Hilfiger's trying out his women's-only boutique nearby, so Banana's in good company.

· Monogram [Banana Republic]