Home Depot opens second Manhattan store, virtual apartment

The Home Depot, Atlanta, opened its second Manhattan store last week, bringing 108,000-sq.-ft. of home improvement products to New York's Third Avenue between 58th and 59th streets. The multi-level store is similar to the company's 23rd Street store (see DDI, December 04, page 6) with its breadth of merchandise and services -- including daily how-to clinics, a concierge and same-day delivery. In the new Midtown store, shoppers will find a unique offering of high-end decor items and expanded customer services, like custom closet design and the largest tool center in Manhattan. Additionally, the 59th Street store differentiates itself with a "virtual apartment" in the lobby, a 1,400-sq.-ft., 3D space exhibiting project-based, real-life expressions in a mock one bedroom apartment. "The new 59th Street store embodies the spirit of Manhattan and is designed to inspire our customers by helping them see the potential to improve their urban spaces," said Tom Taylor, Eastern Division president of The Home Depot, in a statement. "The 'virtual apartment' lobby gives The Home Depot an opportunity to showcase our most innovative and distinctive products in a way that is relevant."