USQ Welcomes 100 New Businesses Since the Pandemic

Despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Union Square-14th Street’s retail environment has managed to remain strong and thriving. Since 2020, the district has welcomed 100 new businesses (and counting!), including Sweet Chick, PLNT Burger, and the Urbanspace food hall at Zero Irving. Restaurants, retailers, and service providers continue to show the neighborhood’s resiliency, contributing to the vibrancy of the Union Square community.

What’s New in the Square? 2022 Business Snapshot

Union Square’s central location and rich amenities make it one of the most lively and diverse neighborhoods in New York City. The square has evolved over the past two years to include more service, retail, and dining experiences for its residents and visitors. Of the new additions, 53% are food + drink establishments, from sit-down bars + restaurants like Café Salmagundi and Kyuramen, to fast casual spots like CupSoul Cafe, Mezeh Mediterranean Grill, and Panera Express. Additionally, USQ has 16 new businesses providing health + wellness and beauty services to the community, like Summit Health, dntl bar, and Spa Rehoboth, to name a few! Last but not least, 30 new retail stores have joined our bustling shopping district since 2020, ranging from familiar brands like Warby Parker, Allbirds, and Rhone, to boutique shops like Cure Thrift. Between bookstores, bubble tea, fitness classes, and delicious food on every corner, Union Square truly has something for everyone.


 
 

New Business Highlights

Ariston Flowers
78 5th Avenue 

Urbanspace Union Square
124 East 14th Street

Sweet Chick
27 Union Square West

Allbirds
120 5th Avenue

Books of Wonder
42 West 17th Street

FIFTYLAN
32 Union Square East

Cure Thrift
91 Third Avenue

Sona
36 East 20th Street

Reyna New York
11 East 13th Street

Rookie
19 Union Square West

Summit Health
18 West 18th Street

Modern Age
100 5th Avenue

PLNT Burger
139 4th Avenue

Genius Gems
555 6th Avenue

Gorin Ramen
351 East 14th Street

VSPOT
104 5th Avenue

Warby Parker
73 5th Avenue

Happy Socks
863 Broadway

Martiny's
121 East 17th Street

P.F. Chang's
113 University Place

Five Below
40 East 14th Street

Glowbar
77 Fifth Ave

dntl bar
841 Broadway

Cafe Salmagundi
51 Irving Place

Neighborhood Trends in USQ

In recent months, the district has flourished from rising levels of visitation resembling pre-pandemic activity. As of January 2023, domestic foot traffic throughout the neighborhood reached 105% of 2019 levels, according to Placer.ai estimates. Additionally, according to the MTA, subway ridership at the Union Square-14th Street station reached 74% of 2019 levels, making it the second-highest ranking station in New York City. Union Square is, and always has been, a vibrant meeting place for commuters, tourists, and locals to meet and explore. These trends illustrate just how powerful USQ businesses and retailers are in maintaining our district’s livelihood, especially in the wake of the pandemic.

 
 

Big Things Coming in 2023 + Beyond!

Union Square is entering 2023 with even more business openings and exciting projects on the horizon. This year, we look forward to welcoming Target, Sophie’s Cuban, and Tompkins Square Bagels, among many more, to the neighborhood and we are gearing up to implement some impactful community improvement projects featured in our Union Square- 14th Street District Vision Plan. We are also excited to bring back our beloved seasonal events including Its My Park! Day and Summer in the Square.

Keep an eye out for more coming soon!

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