Audible Ready To Cut Ribbon On New 'Retail Hub' In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — A new retail hub is launching in Newark next month, and it’s expected to give a welcome boost to the city’s bustling Arts and Education District, supporters say.

Audiobook company Audible – an Amazon subsidiary – will be joining with city officials to cut the ribbon on “The Pillars” at 33 Washington Street on Oct. 15.

Audible has renovated the 15,000-square-foot ground floor and facade of the building. Here’s the vision plan for the property, according to a news release from the company:

“The Pillars will serve as an anchor for the neighborhood, featuring an inviting central court complete with Audible listening booths, and three distinct retail spaces that blend wellness, artisanal home goods, and hand-crafted beauty products—with a fourth anchor food and beverage tenant to be announced, opening in 2026.”

Three small businesses have been chosen to kick the project off, Audible spokespeople said:

HOME GOODS AND PLANTS – Tansy, a woman-owned home goods and plant store, brings its unique vision of socially conscious home décor to Newark. Featuring products from local artists, charitable organizations and global sources, Tansy is dedicated to community and education, offering regular classes in plant care, terrarium building, and creative arts.

BATH AND BODY – Dawn Fitch brings Pooka Pure & Simple back home to Newark with beloved, award-winning bath and body products, while unveiling The Bloom Bar—an innovative perfume blending bar where guests learn to craft a signature scent. In this inviting new space, customers can shop clean-beauty essentials, blend fragrances, and join weekly DIY workshops. An author, speaker, and health advocate, Dawn created Pooka after her autoimmune journey inspired a healthier lifestyle and a passion for community-centered wellness.

WELLNESS AND HEALTH – HealHaus is a community-focused wellness destination that prioritizes mental, physical and spiritual health. HealHaus offers daily yoga, meditation and breathwork classes, as well as specialty workshops on weekends. It also features a wellness café serving chef-curated smoothies, teas, elixirs, and select grab-and-go food items.

Audible said that tenants at The Pillars will receive financial support for “fit-out costs” through the company’s Business Attraction Program, which offers funding, mentorship, networking opportunities and more for local startups. Read More: Audible Tries To Lure More Companies To Newark With $1M Program

“This latest investment in Newark's revitalization comes at a crucial moment for the city,” Audible spokespeople said.

“The Arts and Education District already attracts over 70,000 monthly visitors, with more than half of these during the weekend—highlighting the area’s growing appeal as a vibrant destination for dining, shopping and cultural experiences,” the company said.

Of the more than 150 businesses serving the area, more than a third are restaurants and food establishments – many of them independent – demonstrating the district’s “strong foundation of entrepreneurial spirit,” Audible said.

The latest effort from Audible got a round of applause from Mayor Ras Baraka.

“When we invest to bring new amenities to our neighborhoods while creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs, it strengthens the fabric of our whole city,” Baraka said.

• See Related: Newark Residents Could Generate $2 Billion If They Shop Locally, Report Says

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