Visitors to New York’s Empire State Building soon will have a new option if they want to take home a souvenir from the landmark.
HMSHost Corp. has announced the extension of its lease at the ESB for the retail store on the building’s Observatory Deck. The gift and collectibles store has been there since 1991, and now will remain through 2020. It has been moved to temporary quarters on the 80th floor as part of the building’s overall redevelopment.
A new store will make its debut, also on the 80th floor, in the spring. HMSHost will open Empire State Building: The Store, which will sell upscale gifts and proprietary ESB products. It will have an art deco flair, and visitors will pass through it as they exit the Observatory Deck.
“We’ve created a store that will encourage visitors to linger and shop in a space that echoes the building’s venerable history as well as the breathtaking view of New York City’s skyline,” says HMSHost Senior Vice President Joan Ryzner. “We are honored to partner with the Empire State Building and be a part of its continuing recognition as one of the most well-known destinations – for New York City and the entire United States.”
The store will feature merchandise that reflects ESB’s past, present and future as an architectural leader, international destination and trendsetter. Items for sale will include apparel, toys, books and holiday ornaments.
