Dumbo Market Expands to Upper East Side: New Manhattan Location at 1223 Second Avenue

Dumbo Market,the Brooklyn-born grocery chain known for its upscale offerings,is stepping into Manhattan for the first time. The brand has secured a prime location at 1223 Second Avenue on the Upper East Side, a bustling hub for affluent shoppers and high-end retail. The new store will fill a 12,000-square-foot space previously occupied by a CVS pharmacy, strategically positioned at the intersection of Second Avenue and East 64th Street.

The lease agreement was facilitated by Regency Centers, a prominent player in retail real estate. While specifics like rent and lease duration remain confidential, industry insights from CBRE indicate that nearby retail spaces on Third Avenue averaged $264 per square foot in Q3 2024. This move signals Dumbo Market’s ambition to tap into Manhattan’s lucrative market.

Founded in 2019 by Mohammed Mujalli, Dumbo Market began its journey at 66 Front street in Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighborhood. Over the years, it has expanded to Boerum Hill and Hunters Point in Queens, operating under the name Jasper.The brand is also part of the Mujalli family’s broader portfolio, which includes the popular Urban Market chain with locations across New York City and New Jersey.

“The Upper east Side location is a natural next step for Dumbo Market,” said a spokesperson. “We’re excited to bring our unique blend of high-quality products and community-focused service to Manhattan.”

The lease negotiations were spearheaded by Jason Gerbsman of Hudson, representing Dumbo Market, while Patrick smith and Jesse Wolff of JLL acted on behalf of Regency Centers. Neither party has publicly commented on the specifics of the deal.

Dumbo Market’s Upper East Side debut is set to cater to the neighborhood’s refined shoppers, offering a carefully curated selection of gourmet foods, fresh produce, and specialty items. Known for its commitment to quality and exceptional service, the market is poised to become a favorite among locals seeking a premium grocery experience.

This expansion into Manhattan highlights Dumbo Market’s dedication to redefining urban grocery shopping. whether you’re a loyal customer or new to the brand, the Upper East Side location promises to deliver the same charm and excellence that has made Dumbo Market a beloved name in Brooklyn and beyond.

Dumbo Market’s Manhattan Expansion: A Conversation with Retail Strategist Emily Carter

Dumbo Market,the Brooklyn-born grocery chain renowned for its upscale offerings,is making its highly anticipated debut in Manhattan. To delve deeper into this exciting advancement, we sat down with Emily Carter, a retail strategist with over 15 years of experience in urban market trends and grocery retail expansion. Here’s what she had to say about Dumbo Market’s move to the Upper East Side.

Q: Emily, Dumbo Market is expanding to Manhattan for the first time. What does this move signify for the brand?

Emily Carter: This is a significant milestone for Dumbo Market. Expanding into Manhattan, particularly the Upper East Side, signals the brand’s confidence in its ability to compete in one of the most competitive and affluent retail markets in the world. The Upper East Side is a hub for high-end shoppers, and Dumbo Market’s presence there underscores its commitment to delivering premium, curated grocery experiences. It’s not just about growth—it’s about establishing a strong foothold in a market that demands excellence.

Q: The new location at 1223 Second Avenue is a 12,000-square-foot space. how does this compare to their existing stores?

Emily Carter: Dumbo Market’s Brooklyn and Queens locations have been triumphant in creating a boutique-like atmosphere, but this new space is on a different scale. at 12,000 square feet,it’s larger than their original Dumbo store,which allows them to offer an even more extensive selection of gourmet foods,fresh produce,and specialty items. The size also gives them the opportunity to enhance the customer experience with more in-store features, such as tasting stations or dedicated sections for international products. It’s a strategic move to cater to the refined tastes of Upper East Side shoppers.

Q: The lease was facilitated by Regency Centers, a major player in retail real estate. What does this partnership reveal about dumbo Market’s strategy?

Emily Carter: Partnering with Regency Centers is a clear indication that Dumbo Market is serious about its expansion strategy.Regency Centers is known for securing prime retail locations,and their involvement suggests that Dumbo Market is targeting high-traffic,high-visibility areas. The fact that they’ve chosen a space previously occupied by a CVS pharmacy—a well-known brand—shows they’re not just entering Manhattan; they’re making a statement.This is about positioning themselves as a premium option in a neighborhood that values quality and convenience.

Q: dumbo Market was founded in 2019 by Mohammed Mujalli and has grown rapidly. What do you think has been the key to their success?

Emily Carter: Dumbo Market’s success can be attributed to a few key factors.First,their focus on quality and curation resonates with today’s consumers,who are increasingly seeking out unique,high-quality products. Second, their community-focused approach has helped them build a loyal customer base. their ability to adapt and expand—whether it’s thru their Jasper brand in Queens or now their Manhattan location—shows a keen understanding of market trends and consumer behaviour. Mohammed Mujalli and his team have a clear vision, and they’ve executed it exceptionally well.

Q: What challenges might Dumbo Market face in Manhattan, and how can they overcome them?

Emily Carter: Manhattan is a tough market. The competition is fierce, with established players like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s already dominating the grocery space. Additionally, the cost of doing business in Manhattan is significantly higher, which can impact pricing and profitability. To succeed, dumbo Market will need to differentiate itself even further—perhaps by emphasizing its local roots, offering exclusive products, or enhancing the in-store experience.They’ll also need to build strong relationships with the local community, which has been a hallmark of their success in Brooklyn.

Q: what does this expansion meen for the future of urban grocery shopping?

Emily Carter: Dumbo Market’s expansion is part of a broader trend in urban grocery shopping. Consumers are increasingly looking for more than just convenience—they want quality, sustainability, and a sense of community. Dumbo Market’s ability to deliver on these fronts positions them as a leader in this evolving landscape.Their move to Manhattan could inspire other regional brands to think bigger and bolder. it’s an exciting time for urban grocery retail, and Dumbo Market is at the forefront of this change.

Q: What’s one question you’d like to ask Dumbo Market’s leadership team about their future plans?

Emily Carter: I’d love to ask them how they plan to balance their commitment to quality with the need to remain accessible to a broader audience. As they grow, will they introduce more affordable options, or will they stay focused on the premium market? It’s a delicate balance, and I’m curious to see how they navigate it.

What are your thoughts on Dumbo Market’s expansion? Do you think they’ll succeed in Manhattan? Share your comments below!