T
he retail scene on Third Avenue north of Bloomingdale's is showing signs of improvement, a welcome trend for Upper East Siders and the Manhattan store-leasing market. Availability rates have plummeted from 25.9% in late 2020 to 8.4%, according to Steven Soutendijk of Cushman & Wakefield.

    Most available space is concentrated around Bloomingdale's, with asking rents ranging from $150 to $400 per square foot, averaging $246. This shift towards more traditional retail is a departure from the wellness and pet-related businesses that dominated the area three years ago.

    New leases are being signed by businesses that sell products, such as Brandy Melville at 1172 Third Avenue, Blinds to Go at 1011 Third Avenue, and Whole Foods Daily Shop at East 60th Street. A four-level fitness club, Workshoppe, is also opening at 1120 Third Avenue.

    In contrast, some high-end spaces across from Bloomingdale's remain vacant, including the retail corner at 200 E. 59th Street and the former Ikea Studio at 999 Third Avenue. However, smaller spaces in the high 60s and 70s are being snapped up quickly by a diverse mix of retailers, restaurants, and services.