First in a series, What’s In and What’s Out on Greenwich Avenue
The space at 30 Greenwich Ave that was formerly home to HealthMart is available for lease through Ron Brien at Alliance Commercial Property.
The building, which dates back to 1875, and is on the National Register of Historic Places, was home to the HealthMart for 45 years.
The mom-and-pop store opened in 1969 and had a good long run, offering a juice bar, a lunch café, plus everything healthy from granola to vitamins. The shop was a destination for gluten-free, vegan and organic treats, and may have even initiated the frozen yogurt wars. They sold herbs, vitamins, minerals, supplements, natural and alternative remedies, detox systems, natural and special diet foods. The deli included sandwiches, wraps, and beverages.
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HealthMart was a fixture on Greenwich Avenue for decades, bearing silent witness to the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade year after year. March 2014 Credit: Leslie Yager
Empty space at 40 Greenwich Ave that formerly housed HealthMart, Feb. 20, 2016 Credit: Leslie Yager
And while some businesses on Greenwich Ave come and go so quickly that they are hardly missed when they’re gone, HealthMart was different. It was the sort of independently owned family business we see less and less of.
HealthMart closed in April 2015, after a 50% off sale on everything in the store.
Right now, while the landlord is readying the space for its next tenant, the top of Greenwich Ave is in transition.
The Granola Bar is set to open in March 2016. The restaurant first opened in Westport in 2013 and will serve breakfast and lunch. Credit: Leslie Yager
If a restaurant comes in to the space, it will compliment The Granola Bar, set to open soon in the former Leafline space.
The Granola Bar already operates in Westport, offering, “real food – your way. With no fryer and no stovetop, we have no choice but to prepare your food in the healthiest ways. Using the best ingredients, local & organic, we are committed to elevating casual dining. The Granola Bar prepares everything to-order and invites you to build-your-own perfect meal.”
Other restaurants at the top of the Avenue include Ginger Man at 64 Greenwich Ave, Chipotle at 49 Greenwich Ave and Pasta Vera which has been going strong at 48 Greenwich Ave since 1985.
At 60 Greenwich Ave, Graham’s toy store and hair salon had going-out-of-business signs in the window on Jan. 23, 2016. Credit: Leslie Yager
Further down the Avenue both Wish List and Beam & Barre have closed. (Beam & Barre moved to Cos Cob in the space former home to Tiger Lillies.)
According to commercial real estate broker Ron Brien, the empty spaces are being combined into one big store to house Athleta, owned by GAP, selling women’s sportswear.
A rack of clothing at Comptoir Des Cotonniers at 271 Greenwich Ave
According to Mr. Brien, the former Comptoir des Cotonniers space will next house a clothing store called Velvet.
The former Casablanca space will become home to a men’s shoe store, Allen Edmonds.
A store called COS has leased the space formerly occupied by SCOOP. “COS is the high end brand of H & M,” Mr. Brien said.
Saks is expanding to space across the street at 200 Greenwich Avenue.
Further down the Avenue, at no. 200, Saks is taking up additional space where previously Victoria’s Secret, Baker Furniture, BCBG and MakerBot operated.
“That’s a very positive sign for Greenwich Avenue retail – for Saks to make such a major expansion,” Mr. Brien said. “They’re expending into ready-to-wear and jewelry.”
Back in May 2015, employees at Tropical Smoothie Cafe samples their product on Greenwich Avenue.
At the foot of Greenwich Avenue, Tropical Smoothie Café has closed its doors and the space is available for lease through Mr. Brien’s Alliance Commercial Property, LLC.
The space, located at 410 Greenwich Ave, next to People’s United Bank, is just a stone’s throw from the movie theater, train station and I95.
At Alliance Commercial Property, LLC. Ron Brien can be reached at (203) 661-7077.
See also:
Big Changes Brewing at Sophia’s on Liberty Way in Greenwich
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