Sakura Market Signs Lease on First Avenue
The Japanese supermarket is set to open a new retail location at 1114 First Avenue in Manhattan.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Apartments
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Japanese grocery and dining retailer Sakura Market has secured a new lease for a storefront located at 1114 First Avenue on the Upper East Side. The space is situated on the ground floor of a building that also houses a women's homeless shelter.
Why it matters
The lease agreement brings a new commercial presence to the intersection of First Avenue and East 61st Street. This development adds another footprint to the company's existing operations in Manhattan.
The new retail site at 1114 First Avenue features 3,700 square feet of ground-floor space and 2,700 square feet on the lower level. Meridian Retail Leasing managed the agreement for the space previously occupied by Goodwill.
The players
Sakura Market
This Japanese supermarket and dining retailer operates multiple storefronts across Manhattan.
Meridian Retail Leasing
This firm specializes in commercial real estate brokerage and managed the lease agreement for the property.
The details
The new store will occupy the ground level of a facility that began operating as a women's homeless shelter in June 2026. Sakura Market currently maintains two other locations within Manhattan.
Timeline
The building's homeless shelter facility opened in late June 2026.
The lease signing for the new retail space was reported on October 30, 2026.
Culture Shift
This opening reflects the ongoing trend of integrating ground-floor retail into mixed-use buildings across New York City. By repurposing former storefronts, the company continues to expand its footprint in a competitive urban market.
Residents in the Upper East Side can anticipate a new option for Japanese groceries and dining once the store begins operations. The retail space replaces the former Goodwill store, shifting the local commercial offerings available to the neighborhood.
The takeaway
Commercial growth often follows the redevelopment of established street-level real estate in dense urban corridors. Shoppers should watch for future announcements regarding the expected grand opening timeline for this location.
Further reading
For more information on the local real estate market, visit the New York City Apartments section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Patch.
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