NEW YORK — If Calvin Klein opens a store on Madison Avenue, it will not create any problem with Barneys New York, according to officials of both companies.
They discounted a story in the New York Post on Wednesday claiming that if Klein does launch a store next to Barneys’ Madison Avenue unit — which carries lots of Klein merchandise — it could spark a war.
On Tuesday, WWD reported that Klein is considering a retail space at 654 Madison Ave., on the northwest corner of Madison Avenue and 60th Street. Barneys is on the same block, at 660 Madison Ave.
According to Gene Pressman, co-president of Barneys, a Calvin Klein store near Barneys is “a non-issue.”
“We wish Calvin a lot of luck,” he added. “It [654 Madison Ave.] would be a great location for Calvin. It’s the second best retail site in the city, next to us.”
Pressman said that even if the designer sets up shop nearby, it would be “nothing new,” adding, “There are designer stores all up and down Madison Avenue.” Designers with nearby stores who are also sold at Barneys include Vera Wang, Giorgio Armani and Givenchy.
Klein has made appearances at Barneys, and his products are carried at most of its units.
As for Klein’s reported move to Madison Avenue, a spokeswoman for the designer said, “We have nothing to announce. Calvin is looking at several opportunities and several locations — not just in New York.”
The site is currently occupied by Manufacturers Traders & Trust Co.