Century21 is back! Experience the thrill of shopping at the grand re-opening of the beloved NYC department store. Located in the Financial District, just a block away from One World Trade Center, the flagship store at 22 Cortlandt Street is bursting with off-price luxury fashion, accessories, and a touch of art that celebrates New York City.
A New Beginning
As captured in the vibrant image above, New Yorkers couldn't contain their excitement as they flocked to the recently reopened store. Ella Leitner, an Untapped New York reader who attended the opening day festivities, described it as a "typical NYC madhouse" where savvy shoppers navigated their way through the store to discover the best deals. Despite the chaos, Leitner noted the camaraderie among the diverse crowd, with conversations sparked and designer bargains hunted down in unison.
A Love Letter to New York
The re-opened store proudly displays its new logo, now reading "Century21 NYC" to emphasize its deep bond with the city. Inside, the love for New York continues with three magnificent murals by Timothy Goodman, a talented NYC-based artist. These black-and-white works of art feature objects and words that celebrate the city and highlight Century 21's prominent position in the fashion scene. One of the murals, located near the checkout area, boldly declares, "I'm in love with NYC, and I don't care who knows it. I love every single street and building, attitude, and outfit."
The other Goodman murals showcase icons and phrases synonymous with New York City and Century21, drawn in thick black curves. Take a closer look, and you'll spot a basketball, a taxi cab, a slice of pizza, and nods to the store's history, like its founding year, 1961. Neighborhoods, streets, and iconic places in New York City like TriBeCa, Broadway, the five boroughs, and the Hudson River also make an appearance.
Rediscover Luxury and Style
Spread across four floors, the re-opened Cortlandt Street store reinstates the original flagship's 100,000-square-foot space. With new merchandise arriving weekly, shoppers can explore a wide range of clothing options for men, women, and children. Luxury apparel, footwear, outerwear, handbags, accessories, and fragrances from renowned brands such as Fendi, Givenchy, LoveShackFancy, Sovere, Theory, Hugo Boss, and more await fashion enthusiasts. Additionally, the store proudly showcases designs by New York-based fashion visionaries, including ALC, Lagence, Simkhai, LoveShackFancy, Sovere, and Mon Renn.
A Century of Fashion
Since its establishment in 1961, Century21 has been an integral part of the New York City retail scene. Initially opening on 86th Street in Bay Ridge, the retail chain eventually expanded across the country. However, the pandemic dealt a heavy blow, leading to all locations closing after Century21 filed for bankruptcy in 2020.
In a triumphant comeback, Century21 announced on Instagram in the summer of 2022 that it would return in the spring of 2023. Even after the challenging times, the store remains under the leadership of the Gindi family, with the support of the experiences company LEGENDS. The reopening ceremony was honored with the presence of Mayor Eric Adams, adding to the significance of the occasion.
Come and Experience the Magic
The opening day festivities kicked off at 12:00 PM ET, offering early shoppers an array of delightful experiences. Visitors had the opportunity to strike a pose in a runway-inspired photo booth, collect personalized NYC-themed patches and pins, marvel at fashion illustrations by renowned artist Izak Zenou, and savor complimentary classic NYC treats. The gallery below showcases more glimpses of the new store, enticing you to embark on an unforgettable shopping journey.
Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in the renewed Century21 experience. Rediscover the joy of fashion, the thrill of hunting for designer gems, and the undeniable charm of New York City, all within the walls of Century21 NYC.
Next, check out 10 Lost Department Stores in NYC and Photos: The Original Century21 in Bay Ridge.