Polo's Flagship Store

Ralph Lauren recently expanded, opening up a new flagship store on 5^th Avenue in New York City; this is the first Ralph Lauren store ever to be on 5^th Avenue.  This store is strictly polo and houses men’s, women’s and children’s clothing.  Ralph Lauren did not want this store to be what one might stereotypically think of when they envision Polo.   The atmosphere is not preppy, but more young and hip.  For example, Ralph Lauren designed the women’s collection with his “East-meets-Southwest design signatures.” (nypost.com)  Some of these signature items include a motorcycle jacket, concho belt, a serape cardigan and a pinstripe suit.  Lauren also replaced his brand Blue Label with the brand Polo Women’s, which ranged in price anywhere from 70 dollars to 2000 dollars.  “Polo introduced the world to an aspirational lifestyle that has come to define the essence of our company.  Over many years, the Polo brand has established a reputation for quality, heritage and authenticity.” – Ralph Lauren

Two new fun features of the store are Ralph’s coffee and a new, high-end restaurant called The Polo Bar.  Ralph’s coffee is all organic and is a coffee blend created by Ralph Lauren himself.  Up for sale in the café s a variety of different coffee drinks as well as teas and snacks and of course some gifting items, like mugs and t-shirts. The Polo bar has already seen many celebrities and has been fully booked since it’s opening in November.  This is Lauren’s third restaurant but only one in New York.  

            I, along with a group of other D&M students had the opportunity to have a private tour of the new store as well as meet with one of the Ralph Lauren recruiters this past Thursday.  The store is absolutely beautiful and fits their aesthetic as well as the looking Lauren envisioned perfectly.  It is really a rare and great opportunity for us to be able to see the store before it is opened and what preparations are made each morning before the doors open.