Round 1 Considered Times Square Retail Lease
The entertainment chain is reportedly weighing a massive expansion into the 1540 Broadway property in Times Square.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Commercial
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Entertainment center operator Round 1 is exploring a new lease at the 1540 Broadway retail complex in Times Square. The company currently operates only one other location in New York City, which opened in Flushing in August 2026.
Why it matters
A potential move into 1540 Broadway represents a strategic push by Round 1 to secure a high-traffic footprint in the heart of Manhattan. The site offers significant square footage following the departure of previous major tenants.
Vornado Realty Trust markets 122,000 square feet of available space at 1540 Broadway, a building that previously held 91,000 square feet occupied by Forever 21. Recent leasing activity at the site includes a 7,000 square foot deal for Pop Mart.
The players
Round 1
This entertainment company specializes in bowling, arcade games, and billiards with locations across Japan and the United States.
Vornado Realty Trust
This publicly traded real estate investment trust owns and manages commercial properties, including the retail space at 1540 Broadway.
Pop Mart
This international retailer creates and sells pop culture toys and collectibles with a presence in major commercial hubs.
The details
Round 1 operates over 100 locations in Japan and approximately 60 across the United States. The company is evaluating its options as it seeks to expand beyond its existing 80,000-square-foot facility in Flushing.
Timeline
August 2026: Round 1 opened its existing New York City location in Flushing.
Culture Shift
The potential arrival of Round 1 follows the broader trend of entertainment and experiential tenants filling massive vacancies left by traditional apparel retailers in Times Square. This transition highlights a shift from clothing-heavy flagship stores toward diverse, activity-based destinations.
If the deal moves forward, the massive expansion will bring a new large-scale entertainment venue to the high-traffic Times Square area for residents and tourists alike. This repurposing of space reflects how visitors may spend their time in the city's central shopping corridors in the future.
The takeaway
Large retail spaces in high-density districts are increasingly being repurposed to focus on experiential consumer engagement rather than traditional brick-and-mortar retail. Readers should expect to see more entertainment-focused brands anchor major city buildings as the shift away from apparel-heavy models continues.
Further reading
For more on the changing landscape of major storefronts, visit our Commercial section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New York Post.
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