Fulton Center’s first (temporary) retailer set to close at end of month

Men’s Bar, the first kiosk to open in the Fulton Center subway station in downtownManhattan, is now hoping to entice commuters with giant boxing gloves and a speed bag before it likely packs up at the end of the month.

“This area in particular is a little on the cumbersome side, people are bolting to get to work in the morning,” Men’s Barevents manager Stephanie LaCapra told Metro. “In the afternoon, people will ask if there’s a coffee shop or if Shake Shack is open.”

LaCapra said the pop-up store is only scheduled to be in Fulton Center through Oct. 21, and the company quit setting up products for sale on Saturday and Sundays.

LaCapra said about half the customers are women who think the beauty counter is actually a bar, or are asking about products for their husband.

This week, LaCapra set up a speed bag and has been encouraging commuters to take a few punches in hopes of raising awareness on men’s grooming after they work out.

The counter is the only retail shop open in Fulton Center, which opened last November. Shake Shack signage is up, but the company isn’t planning to open up until next year.

Fulton Center debuted in November 2014. The $1.4 billion project, initially set to open in 2007, connects the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, Z and R lines, and will eventually connect to the World Trade Center and PATH train.

Officials at the November 2014 openingsaid retailers were expected to set up shop in 2015. The Westfield Group is managing the retail space and leasing.

“Westfield is in advanced stages of leasing activity, subtenant design and fit out work, expecting the first openings during the fall,” MTA spokesman Kevin Ortiz said. “Westfield is not yet paying rent to the MTA, but is covering the substantial operating expenses that would otherwise fall to us. Thus, we’re confident Westfield is working to open the retail as soon as possible, which will benefit everyone.”

Requests for comment from Westfield were not immediately returned on Thursday.