Hermès shifts Manhasset store to direct corporate control after renovation

Long Island’s Gold Coast has long served as a benchmark for high-end retail, and the latest major investment in the area underscores the region’s continued pull for luxury brands.

Hermès reopened its renovated boutique at Americana Manhasset on Oct. 29. The store at 1988 Northern Blvd. now operates under the direct management of Hermès of Paris Inc., marking a structural shift from the franchise arrangement that had previously held the lease. The company closed the location in September 2023 to facilitate the transition and subsequent renovations.

The renovation was led by the Paris-based architecture firm RDAI. The design team focused on reflecting the local environment through specific material choices and spatial layouts. The interior features pale brick, locally sourced materials, and custom furnishings. Architectural elements include a double-height entrance, large windows, and curved details meant to mimic the contours of the Nassau County shoreline.

The single-level space is organized around a central rotunda topped by a skylight. This layout allows the store to display all 16 métiers, or areas of craftsmanship, under one roof. Dedicated zones house collections of silk, jewelry, watches, perfume, beauty, men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, shoes, leather goods, equestrian items, and home furnishings. The finish materials include walnut cabinetry, cherrywood walls, and ivory limestone.

Artwork from the Émile Hermès Collection and the Hermès Collection of Contemporary Photographs is displayed throughout the boutique. Featured works include Henri Cartier-Bresson’s Bal de la Reine Charlotte and paintings by British artist Romy Elliott depicting dogs and horses. American ceramic sculptor Annie Duncan created a specific window installation for the reopening, featuring oversized objects and Hermès products arranged as an imaginative workspace.

Hermès, founded in 1837, remains an independent, family-owned company headquartered in France. The firm operates nearly 300 stores in 45 countries and employs more than 27,000 people worldwide. The move to direct corporate operation for the Manhasset location aligns with this global structure, ensuring the store meets the brand's standards for product display and customer service.

The store is now fully open to the public. The transition from franchise to direct operation is complete, with Hermès of Paris Inc. managing all aspects of the business at this Nassau County location.