Where The Latest Brands Find A Place In America’s Oldest city
Walnut Street, nestled in the heart of Rittenhouse Square, is Philadelphia’s top high street for retail and dining. The zip code is a proving ground for brands in the hunt for some cache and visibility. From Tiffany & Co.’s timeless elegance to Vuori’s modern athleisure — a place where the past meets the future of commerce in one of America’s oldest cities.
The Walnut Street Experience
Originally a bustling commercial artery in the early 1900s, Walnut Street continues to blend its historic foundation with a cutting-edge retail scene. The street’s heritage as a center for commerce is reflected in its legacy making appeal, now re
Veronica Beard will be opening at 1709 Walnut Street in Philadelphia, taking over the former Allbirds space just off Rittenhouse Square.
A strong addition to Philly’s growing lineup of elevated retailers, Veronica Beard will join newly opened Aritzia, Reformation, Lululemon, Madewell, Vince, Vuori, J.Crew, Tiffany, and the soon-to-open Abercrombie on the highly sought-after 1700 block of Walnut Street.
Exciting that 'open streets' will return to Walnut Street this Spring after a very successful test of this car-free program last year.
https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/entertainment/the-scene/open-streets-philadelphia-2025/4130339/
Aritzia has opened its first location in Philadelphia on the 1700 block of Walnut Street!
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Retail Leasing and Market Dynamics
Walnut Street commands attention—and premium rents—averaging $100 to $150 per square foot. Vacancy rates, currently between 15% and 20%, reflect the street’s resilience as urban retail rebounds post-pandemic. Leasing activity over the past year has been buoyed by high-profile brands like Vuori and Figs. Despite recent closures of brands like Allbirds and Atmos, the street has remained a magnet for flagship stores, with major developments signaling confidence in its long-term viability.
Customer Demographics and Foot Traffic
Walnut Street’s customer base is a dynamic mix of young professionals, high-income families, university students, and global tourist
The Laurel, set to introduce Philadelphia’s first Equinox gym and a Starr Italian flagship, is set to help spice the area up and make it more attractive to locals. Meanwhile, the Bellevue Redevelopment will add a suite of new retail and dining options. These developments will not only increase foot traffic but also redefine the neighborhood’s architectural and experiential identity.