Fifth Ave. remains healthy

Brokers say that because of foreign tourism, Fifth Avenue is operating like there’s no recession in sight. The upscale shopping district on the avenue between 49th and 60th streets has seen four new leases already this year, including Diesel and Tommy Hilfiger, while only one new retailer leased space last year, and two new retailers leased space in 2006. Asking rents there have risen to as much as $2,500 per square foot, up from $1,500 per square foot last year.