Tommy Bahama Opens 'Manhattan Island' On Fifth Avenue NYC Today

Tommy Bahama, the island-inspired lifestyle brand will open its first global flagship store located at 551 Fifth Avenue in New York. The store is the largest Tommy Bahama retail location worldwide and features a 5,000-square-foot store featuring men's and women's apparel, swimwear, footwear, accessories and home decor, the 1,300 square-foot Marlin Bar, the only free-standing bar between the Empire State Building and Central Park, as well as a 6,700-square-foot Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar, located on the second floor. The retail store opens today, November 17, followed by The Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar, in early December which was delayed due to the after effects of Hurricane Sandy.

"We are excited to open our first New York City location on Fifth Avenue, one of the most prestigious shopping avenues in the world. This launch is especially significant as we celebrate 20 years in business and seek new ways to elevate our brand both in the U.S. and internationally," states Terry Pillow CEO of Tommy Bahama. "It took us a long time to find the right space, but we are confident that this is the perfect location for us--New York's Fifth Avenue is the epicenter of luxury, style and the heart of Mid-town Manhattan."

Located in the landmarked Fred F. French Building which was built in 1927, the Tommy Bahama store was designed by Michael Neumann Architecture LLC and emulates an environment evocative of the brand – light, airy and relaxed – bringing to life the relaxed surroundings of a resort coupled with the sophistication and worldliness found in Manhattan. Paying homage to the city, the facade of the two-story location features louvered screens created from reclaimed wood from the Coney Island Boardwalk, Cuenca limestone floor tiles, white screens that are perforated to create images of palm trees, a spiral staircase, and an oak plank ceiling that is weathered by sun and salt water to evoke the decking of a dock.

Offering an innovative retail and restaurant experience, shoppers will be able to enjoy a day of retail therapy and unwind at The Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar, which occupies the second floor and features a full range of eclectic, island-inspired fare for lunch and dinner from Executive Chef Jason Michael Krantz, formerly Executive Chef of Danny Meyer's Blue Smoke. The Marlin Bar, located on the first floor, will provide a serene refuge from the fast-paced environment outside its windows and will feature programming such as happy hours appropriately named "Island Time".

"This is an exciting time for us and a milestone in our expansion plans. It was important for the brand to establish a strong presence in New York and bring to life the complete Tommy Bahama experience on New York's iconic Fifth Avenue while remaining true to our heritage," said Rob Goldberg, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Tommy Bahama.

To commemorate the opening, Tommy Bahama has procured an exclusive collection of rare vintage objets d'art from around the world that define a well-traveled lifestyle including 19^th century antique cigar cutters; 1940s Stork Club ashtray and matchbook; 1950s Gucci Travel Decanter; 1930s cobalt blue cocktail shaker with matching glasses; a vintage 19^th century English brown leather with pewter flask; 1870s antique silver corkscrew with black wood handle; and an antique French Ikat quilt from 1790s.

Tommy Bahama Fifth Avenue will feature the brand's four-season collection, a wide range of apparel to suit all seasons as well as a vast array of signature men's and women's apparel, swimwear, accessories, fragrance and body, candles, glassware and bar, cigar ware and home decor.

About Tommy Bahama

Tommy Bahama is part of Tommy Bahama Group, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Oxford Industries, Inc. (NYSE: OXM).  Established in August 1992, with corporate headquarters in Seattle, Tommy Bahama is an island-inspired lifestyle brand that defines relaxed, sophisticated style in men's and women's sportswear, swimwear, accessories, footwear and a complete home furnishings collection. The company owns and operates over 100 Tommy Bahama stores worldwide, with 13 of those locations offering a Tommy Bahama restaurant & bar. Tommy Bahama products are also available at the country's finest retailers, including Nordstrom and other specialty retailers and TommyBahama.com ships to over 100 countries. Additional stores will be opening this year. More information, please visit www.tommybahama.com.

More Articles by This Author...