J.Crew, Apple close in on Williamsburg retail spots

Clothier eyes Wythe Avenue spot; Apple yet to finalize deal

From left: J.Crew ad and an Apple store
From left: J.Crew ad and an Apple store

Clothing retailer J.Crew and electronics giant Apple are eyeing Williamsburg outposts as the neighborhood continues evolving into a hot shopping hub.

J.Crew is planning to take a 6,000-square-foot store at 234-235 Wythe Avenue, near the corner of North 4th Street, several knowledgeable sources told Crain’s. Apple, meanwhile, is rumored to be eyeing 242 Bedford Avenue as a retail store locale in the area, but has yet to finalize any deal. Office suite company WeWork is also reportedly in talks to ink a lease for the second floor of 242 Bedford Avenue, while Whole Foods will open a 40,000-square-foot store in the building’s base.

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The retail momentum follows Whole Foods’ foray into the area two years ago, when the grocer became one of the first major national retailers to consider a spot in a once-gritty Williamsburg. Urban Outfitters opened a store called Space Ninety 8 in the area as well, with a focus on one-of-a-kind, Brooklyn-made goods. [Crain’s]Julie Strickland