Bath & Body Works Signed Lease at 129 Fifth Avenue
The retailer secured nearly 9,000 square feet for a new storefront in the Flatiron District.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Commercial
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Bath & Body Works has signed a lease for a new retail space at 129 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. The new location will occupy nearly 9,000 square feet within the eight-story building.
Why it matters
The move marks the latest expansion for the retailer, which currently operates at least 14 other stores throughout New York City. The building, owned by Acadia Realty Trust, also houses 30 residential co-op units on its upper floors.
The new retail unit spans nearly 9,000 square feet, significantly larger than the 5,000 square feet previously leased by Express. Average retail rents in the Flatiron District stood at $301 per square foot as of the third quarter of 2026.
The players
Bath & Body Works
This American retail store chain specializes in soaps, lotions, fragrances, and candles.
Acadia Realty Trust
This equity real estate investment trust focuses on acquiring and renovating retail properties in urban corridors.
The details
Ariel Schuster and Michael Paster represented the landlord, Acadia Realty Trust, while Jeremy Ezra and Mai Shachi represented Bath & Body Works. The new store will occupy space in a building that contains 30 residential co-ops.
Timeline
Express signed a lease for 5,000 square feet in 2022.
Bath & Body Works sued a landlord in 2020.
Flatiron District retail rents averaged $301 per square foot in Q3 2026.
Bath & Body Works will move into the store in the fall of 2027.
Culture Shift
This expansion reflects a broader trend of major national retailers securing large-format footprints in high-traffic Manhattan corridors. The move aligns with the premium rental environment established by Flatiron District retail rents of $301 per square foot.
Residents of the 30 residential co-ops located above the new retail space will see a change in ground-floor occupancy. Local shoppers will gain access to another Bath & Body Works location, adding to the retailer's existing 14 stores in the city.
The takeaway
Retailers continue to prioritize high-visibility locations despite premium market rents in Manhattan districts. Consumers can expect an increase in product availability as the brand expands its presence in dense urban neighborhoods.
What happens next
Bath & Body Works is scheduled to move into the new retail unit in the fall of 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local business developments in New York City.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Commercial Observer.
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