On Monday, DSW, one of the country’s largest retailers of fashion and designer-brand shoes, opened at 4 Union Sq. S., between Broadway and University Pl., in the former Bradlees department store building. At the grand opening, highlighted by a shoelace-cutting ceremony, DSW presented singer and actress Bette Midler with a $500,000 check for her New York Restoration Project. A public/private partnership, N.Y.R.P. works to reclaim, restore and develop under-resourced parks, community gardens and open space in New York City. DSW also donated work boots and sneakers to the hundreds of N.Y.R.P. volunteers to help their cleanup and revitalization efforts. Filene’s Basement has also opened for business in the building, but its grand opening will be Thurs., Oct. 28. Also coming soon to the former Bradlees building, owned by Vornado, are a Whole Foods supermarket, featuring organic produce and food, and Forever 21 women’s clothing store. However, Whole Foods’ opening has reportedly been delayed until spring next year, as the supermarket is still configuring the space.
