Upper East Side

Location

New York City, NY

North of 60th St. and South of 72nd St.

Estimated Gross Rent

$200-$300 PSF

Most Desirable Block(s)

86th Street between Lexington and 2nd Avenue

Location

New York City, NY

North of 60th St. and South of 72nd St.

Estimated Gross Rent

$200-$300 PSF

Most Desirable Block(s)

86th Street between Lexington and 2nd Avenue

Description

Long known for its grand brownstones, luxury co-ops, and cultural landmarks, the Upper East Side seamlessly combines neighborhood charm with upscale retail. Along major corridors like 86th Street and Third Avenue, national brands such as Lululemon, Sephora, and Whole Foods cater to a very keen and discerning local audience that values both convenience and quality. Meanwhile, Museum Mile, home to institutions like The Met and the Guggenheim, brings a steady stream of tourists and cultural enthusiasts into the district.

The Upper East Side Retail Experience

Retailers in the Upper East Side benefit from loyal, repeat customers and strong weekday and weekend foot traffic. The district is ancho

News & Alerts

Two fast-casual restaurants, Naya and Madras Dosa Co., have signed leases for 1,500-square-foot spaces near 825 Third Avenue, a recently repositioned office building by The Durst Organization.

Naya signed a 15-year lease at 827 Third Ave., while Madras Dosa Co. secured a 10-year lease at 829 Third Ave.. The asking rent for both spaces was $200 per square foot. Both restaurants are set to open later this year, joining nearby Rosemary’s and adding to Third Avenue’s growing retail and dining scene.

The leases reflect strong leasing activity along Third Avenue, driven by proximity to Grand Central Terminal and Durst’s $150 million renovation of 825 Third Avenue. Durst was represented in-house by Tom Bow and Sayo Kamara, while Cushman & Wakefield’s team represented the tenants.

3 months ago

Raon Brings a Kimchi-Focused Tasting Menu to New York This March

4 months ago

Aesop expands on the Upper East Side with new Third Avenue location

4 months ago

Nike Well Collective store closes in NYC's Upper East Side

4 months ago

Local experts

Andrew Schulman

Principal

Capricorn Retail Advisors

Jason Richter

Managing Partner

Capricorn Retail Advisors

Audrey Hersch

Associate

Capricorn Retail Advisors

Top brands

Local Expert Analysis

Market Metrics and Leasing Trends The Upper East Side holds a top-10 ranking among Manhattan retail spots, driven by its proximity to major transportation routes, cultural landmarks, and an affluent residential base. While not a hotspot for high-profile flagship launches, it remains a stable performer for well-known brands seeking visibility in a high-income market. Leasing rates range from $200 to $300 per square foot, making it a cost-effective alternative to Midtown or SoHo while still delivering high foot traffic and long-term stability. New projects like The Harper at 310 East 86th Street signal strong investor confidence, reinforcing the district’s resilience and continued retail demand. However, new entrants must be strategic in aligning with neighborhood preferences, as the market leans toward established national retailers and lifestyle-driven concepts rather than trend-driven boutiques. Customer Demographics and Foot Traffic The Upper East Side is heavily residential, with a core customer base of families, professionals, and high-net-worth individuals who prioritize convenience, premium service, and brand familiarity. The area also benefits from consistent pedestrian activity driven by schools, cultural institutions, and nearby Central Park, creating opportunities for retailers that appeal to both everyday shoppers and occasional visitors. Foot traffic remains steady throughout the week, peaking on weekends and evenings when residents and tourists converge for dining, shopping, and entertainment. While office workers contribute to daytime traffic, the primary consumer base consists of local residents with predictable spending habits, making it an attractive environment for brands focused on long-term customer relationships. Future Trends The Upper East Side is ready for steady, incremental growth, with ongoing residential and retail developments reinforcing its stability. The district’s demand for lifestyle-oriented brands, wellness retailers, and community-driven experiences is expected to rise, encouraging retailers to integrate experiential elements into their storefronts. New developments at 255 East 77th Street and 1448 3rd Avenue will add fresh retail opportunities, while the neighborhood’s emphasis on quality over quantity will continue to drive tenant selection. Conclusion The Upper East Side remains one of Manhattan’s most reliable retail destinations, offering a balance of prestige, foot traffic, and long-term consumer engagement. While high rents and competition for prime locations require a well-executed tactic, the district’s well-to-do residential base and proximity to cultural landmarks provide a built-in audience for retailers that prioritize service, community integration, and consistent quality.

Market Metrics and Leasing Trends

The Upper East Side holds a top-10 ranking among Manhattan retail spots, driven by its proximity to major transportation routes, cultural landmarks, and an affluent residential base. While not a hotspot for high-profile flagship launches, it remains a stable performer for well-known brands seeking visibility in a high-income market. Leasing rates range from $200 to $300 per square foot, making it a cost-effective alternative to Midtown or SoHo while still delivering high foot traffic and long-term stability. New projects like The Harper at 310 East 86th Street signal strong investor confidence, reinforcing the district’s resilience and continued retail dema

Recent closings

Nike

1131 3rd Avenue