Shop Easy

Two new shops in downtown Manhattan are pointing toward the future of retailing. At John Varvatos and Banana Republic's Monogram, both of which recently opened along Bleecker Street, the emphasis is not only on engaging the shopper, but the shopper's companions, too.

The new John Varvatos boutique, situated at the space once occupied by the music venue CBGB, includes the designer's spring men's collection, but it also pays homage to bands that once played the famous stage. Posters and albums adorn the original walls, some of which are covered with the stickers and notices of concerts past. At the center of a section with comfortable seats is a coffee table lined with rock-related books for sale. A section devoted to vintage and new stereo equipment stands across from a display of vinyl albums for sale. "What you really feel is the history of what was here. It's a place of discovery," designer John Varvatos said. "It's not just a men's clothing store."

The shop has enough merchandise to keep anyone who loves music history entertained for hours. That said, the clothes and accessories are the main attraction. Items such as cotton scarves ($75), black jeans ($298), and summer-weight sport coats ($995) could make any guy feel like a rock star.

Just a few blocks west on Bleecker Street is Banana Republic's only store devoted exclusively to its Monogram collection. Finer fabrics and a focus on urban sophistication differentiate the collection from Banana Republic's standard issue. For women, looks in navy blue and white dominate; a white trench ($295) and a navy blue sheath dress ($145) were stand-outs. Men's sport coats ($300 to $500) and button-down dress shirts ($98–$125) offer guys a way to step up their style. And to help customers get the right look, the sales staff all have backgrounds in fashion styling.

Though the focus here is squarely on the clothes, there are enough seats to keep any tag-along partner more than comfortable. A large space near the women's section has deep, plush seats for those in attendance. And outside the dressing rooms is a spacious area with more chairs than in most Manhattan doctors' offices. The waiting area is dotted with coffee-table books, plush seats, and a tan carpet that give it a welcoming living-room feel. So while selected pieces from the Monogram collection are available on the Banana Republic Web site and at some stores, this store makes shopping a relaxed affair.

And though the styles differ vastly at Monogram and John Varvatos, both also offer on-site tailoring.

John Varvatos (315 Bowery at Bleecker Street, 212-358-0315); Banana Republic's Monogram (205 Bleecker St., between Minetta and MacDougal streets, 212-473-9570).