Sprawling New Sporting Goods Store Opens On Upper East Side

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — The Upper East Side's latest big retail opening isn't a clothing store or a bookshop: it's a large purveyor of sporting goods.

On Thursday, Wilson Sporting Goods opened its new 8,000-square-foot store on Third Avenue between East 85th and 86th streets, in the storefront formerly occupied by Urban Outfitters.

This is only the third brick-and-mortar location for the company, better known for manufacturing basketballs and tennis rackets than for its walk-in stores.

Spread across two floors, the Third Avenue shop also includes a multi-use court on the lower level where customers can test out products like baseballs, basketballs or volleyballs before making a purchase. (Rental fees range from $5 to 10, with that fee deducted from the price if purchased.)

Wilson opened a flagship store in SoHo in January, following its first-ever retail store in Chicago last year. A third New York City store will open at Columbus Circle in June.

Other in-store amenities at the Third Avenue location include a "full-time racket stringing maestro," a customizable baseball glove feature and a golf simulator.

The store will be open daily, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sundays.

"New York continues to be a priority market for Wilson as we expand our retail footprint," said Gordon Devin, the company's president and general manager, in a statement.

"From permanent retail locations to pop-ups, we will celebrate athletes of all levels and offer them the best of Wilson, ranging from premium products to curated experience."