Zara, one of the world’s largest fast-fashion retailers, partnered with Schimenti Construction to renovate and expand its flagship location at Hudson Yards in New York City. As part of a broader repositioning into a more premium segment, the project transformed Zara’s original two-floor store—also built by Schimenti—into a single-level, 37,285-square-foot destination on the third floor. The updated layout consolidates the men’s and women’s departments, introducing a refreshed store concept that reflects Zara’s evolving approach to design, customer experience, and retail innovation.
The new layout introduces a more open, boutique-style environment developed by Zara’s in-house architecture team. Carefully designed spaces feature clean lines, high-end finishes, and curated, modern, intimate zones. Distinct areas highlight key product categories—such as denim, footwear, handbags, and accessories—each with unique architectural details and custom furnishings that reflect the tone and style of the collections. At the same time, the cohesive design honors the rhythm of New York’s fashion scene through a thoughtful mix of materials such as porcelain tile, steel accents, warm wood tones, and soft lighting. Oversized mirrors, sculptural fixtures, and precise architectural detailing elevate the store’s aesthetic and highlight the collections on display.
Technology is fully integrated into the store’s design. Shoppers experience self-checkout, RFID-enabled inventory tracking, and an automated pickup system capable of handling up to 500 online orders at a time. Additional services include return kiosks, donation drop-off points for used clothing, and energy-efficient systems that support Zara’s broader sustainability goals. These features reinforce the brand’s commitment to creating a seamless, omnichannel shopping experience that bridges digital convenience with elevated in-store engagement.
The project was delivered in two phases to minimize store downtime, with only 16 weeks allocated for complete closure during construction. Schimenti managed a full demolition, storefront renovation, and build-out during this compressed window, turning over the project one week ahead of schedule. Throughout the process, the team coordinated closely with Zara’s project management teams in North America and Spain, responding to numerous design updates throughout the build. Daily communication, disciplined document control, and proactive planning were essential to keeping the project on track while navigating the brand’s strict global standards and real-time design direction.
With this flagship renovation, Zara has elevated its retail presence at one of New York City’s most high-profile destinations. The result is a forward-looking, tech-enabled store environment that sets a new benchmark for Zara’s U.S. portfolio.
