Happy Returns opens flagship store at New York’s Rockefeller Center
By I-Chun Chen | Dec 19, 2016
Happy Returns, a provider of in-person returns for online retailers, has opened its first location in New York City at Rockefeller Center.
The Santa Monica, California-based startup said its new Manhattan flagship on the retail concourse level at the iconic building occupies a former ticket booth for Radio City Music Hall.
“Since the moment we launched in Los Angeles, we have fielded a steady stream of requests from both retailers and shoppers to open a Return Bar in New York City,” Happy Returns co-founder and Chief Executive David Sobie said in a statement. “We appreciated that New York required a different approach, and are thrilled to be opening in an iconic location that serves as both a transportation hub and a retail destination.”
Happy Returns said its new Manhattan location represents its first collaboration with Tishman Speyer, the owner of Rockefeller Center. The companies also intend to offer Happy Returns as part of Zo, Tishman Speyer’s comprehensive suite of amenities and services for its office tenants.
“Our tenants seek innovative services, like the ability to return online purchases with maximum convenience,” said Michael Spies, Tishman Speyer’s senior managing director for innovation. “We are excited to welcome Happy Returns to Rockefeller Center and look forward to integrating the service to the Zo portfolio.”
Tishman Speyer also owns New York City's Chrysler Center, São Paulo's Torre Norte, The Springs in Shanghai, Lumière in Paris and OpernTurm in Frankfurt.
Happy Returns operates more than 50 Return Bar locations in 14 metro areas located in shopping centers, independent boutiques and other convenient spots. The company’s co-founders met at HauteLook/NordstromRack.com, where they led the launch of the Return To Rack program, in which HauteLook shoppers return online purchases to Nordstrom Rack physical stores.
Happy Returns last month closed $8 million in Series B financing led by Silicon Valley venture-capital firm U.S. Venture Partners, with participation from existing investors Upfront Ventures and Trunk Club founder Brian Spaly.
Write to I-Chun Chen at bizjournalsla@gmail.com
Article was originally published here.