At the National Retail Federation's Big Show, Dan Hodges, CEO of Retail Store Tours, organizes multiple tours of Manhattan's latest and most significant retailers. Their tours are specially curated experiences that allow participants to discover and explore the driving forces changing retail worldwide today. My first stop was the Hermes New York flagship.
It was such an incredible experience that I devoted this entire blog to showing you the rarified air of this prestigious retailer.
ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL: THREE BUILDINGS UNITED
Spanning an impressive 45,000 square feet, the new Hermès flagship is a masterpiece of architectural integration. The space cleverly combines three distinct structures—a central bank building flanked by townhouses on either side—creating a flow that invites shoppers to explore.
While several luxury brands report diminished demand, Hermes reported revenue surged 18 percent to $4.2 billion during the quarter ended December 31, 2024.
A JOURNEY THROUGH THE FLOORS
This flagship is particularly special because each floor possesses its distinct personality while maintaining the unmistakable Hermès identity. Hospitality Ambassador Vanni Godfrey guided us through the various boutiques within the structure.
First FloorTrue to the brand's ethos, the store reveals its treasures to those who take time to observe. The entryway's tiled floor features a signature Hermès mosaic, and the lighting in the ceiling makes the space feel open and spacious
Look closely, and you'll find touches of the brand's playful spirit—like artwork depicting a formally dressed rider who seems to have misplaced his horse or the one below where he fell off. These whimsical elements remind visitors that luxury can be approachable and even humorous.
Notice the details of the curved marble base on these wooden display cases. There are those horses again!
THE SCARF DISPLAY: ART AS RETAIL
I've always been fascinated by how Hermes displays their beautiful silk scarves. Vanni told us it takes 250 mulberry moth cocoons to make one Hermès scarf.
I had to ask about the backlit scarf display system—a method so elegant that customers can purchase similar contraptions for their homes, turning their personal Hermès collections into art installations.
This is how to sell luxury in retail. Find their want and fulfill it.
Second Floor
Many customer's first exposure to a luxury brand are to smaller personal products, home goods, or beauty. Notice the simplicity of their beauty department.
Third Floor
The third floor is perhaps the most enchanting level due to the carefully designed windows that frame the surrounding trees. The entire floor becomes enveloped in vibrant greenery during summer, creating a natural sanctuary within the surrounding concrete.
The Lalique frosted glass pendants connected by Greek key motifs are more than beautiful lighting fixtures—they're subtle reminders of Hermès' commitment to continuity across all their spaces worldwide. As our guide mentioned, these are the "easter eggs" that loyal Hermès enthusiasts recognize in every boutique, though each store incorporates them uniquely.
As you go higher up the building, the merchandise is given more space, allowing you to sit in the fantastic spaces, each more beautiful than the last.
ATTENTION TO DETAIL: THE HERMÈS PHILOSOPHY
Take a look at this elegant leather sign.
The Floating Staircase
The store's architectural centerpiece is undoubtedly their seamless stone staircase. Despite its substantial material, the structure appears to float effortlessly between floors, creating an almost magical transition between the different departments.
Fourth Floor
As you arrive, your eyes are drawn upward to the breathtaking domed ceiling adorned with 20 bas-relief panels. Based on ink drawings by French artist François Houtin, these artistic elements beautifully merge Parisian aesthetics with New York's urban energy. The outdoor terrace here is a representation of Parisian community spaces and even includes their Napoleonic equestrian statue known as l'artificier who holds two Hermès silk scarves.
It is a symbolic figure that appears on the rooftops of several Hermès stores worldwide as a nod to the company founded as a saddlery company.
Another thoughtful detail: all display case corners are curved rather than angular, softening the space and creating a more welcoming environment.
The legendary Berkin bags with custom risers to set each apart
While this post was about their flagship, I must mention the neighboring Meatpacking District store windows below that share the same sense of wry humor with melting snowpeople and candles in front of fires. Again, take note of all the moveable lighting fixtures to make those windows pop.
Going to New York? You must stop and experience this store at once elegant, sophisticated, and welcoming environment.
706 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10065
