Spa Belles is looking to expand in Chelsea, Soho, Tribeca and the Upper East SideFrom the May issue: It seems New Yorkers still want their mani-pedis. Although nail salons have felt the pinch of the downturn, they have continued to grab retail space, and landlords have helped by offering them concessions, at both new and existing locations, brokers say. Like discount stores, nail salons have proven nimble enough to survive, and some have even picked up the pace of expansion, given the bargain rents. “[Nail salons] provide a service that is an affordable luxury that a woman can afford even in today’s economy,” said Robin Abrams, executive vice president of Lansco Corp. “It’s an inexpensive way to make them feel good.” Still, the concessions have often been short-term rent reductions, meaning a painful rent increase could be looming for these salons. [more]
