REBNY Announces Winners for the 28th Annual Retail Deal of the Year Awards

Professionals from Cushman & Wakefield, Newmark, and Daija US take home top awards for New York City retail deals and projects

NEW YORK, NY - The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), the City's leading real estate trade association, named winners for its annual Retail Deal of the Year Awards. Now in its 28th year, the event attracted approximately 150 members and guests and was held at The Town Hall by Skylight at 2 Pennsylvania Plaza.

Judges consisting of a real estate lawyer, property owner, and present Chairs of the REBNY Retail Committee evaluated the award nominations based on ingenuity and professional skill. Sales and leasing transactions coordinated by REBNY members involving retail property were eligible for award consideration regardless of size and complexity.

"The range of this year's winning projects speaks to what makes New York's retail market so dynamic," said REBNY President James Whelan. "We are proud to recognize the professionals behind these deals and grateful to all of the nominees, judges and sponsors who continue to make this competition such an important part of REBNY's retail community."

This year's winners include:

• The Most Ingenious Retail Deal of the Year: Demonstrates exceptional broker acumen, ingenuity and creativity, and was awarded to Sean Moran, Patrick O'Rourke, Catherine Merck and Steven Soutendijk of Cushman & Wakefield for their work on the Urban Outfitters transaction at 575 Fifth Avenue.

• The Most Impactful Retail Deal of the Year: Given to the most meaningful retail transaction based on its overall characteristics and importance to the New York City retail market, was awarded to Jeffrey Roseman and Drew Weiss of Newmark for securing Audemars Piguet's flagship at 785 Fifth Avenue.

• The REBNY Retail Development/Project of the Year: Recognizes the developers, architects, general contractors and consultants who facilitated the development of the most impactful and unique retail-focused project in New York City and was awarded to Jeffrey Kleiner of Daija US for his work on the Waldorf Astoria New York redevelopment.

"Great retail deals in New York require persistence and a deep understanding of both the client and the market," said REBNY Retail Committee Co-Chair Matt Chmielecki of CBRE. "This year's winners put those qualities into practice on transactions that stood out in an exceptionally competitive environment."

"The deals and work recognized this year underscore the continued strength and evolution of retail across New York City," said REBNY Retail Committee Co-Chair Preston Cannon of CBRE. "Whether introducing a new flagship, repositioning a prominent Fifth Avenue location or reimagining an iconic property, these winners reflect the creativity and conviction behind some of the city's most notable retail activity."

For nearly three decades, the Retail Deal of the Year Awards have recognized standout work across New York City's retail real estate industry. Additional information on the 2026 awards, including this year's nominees and submissions, is available on REBNY's website.

###

ABOUT THE REAL ESTATE BOARD OF NEW YORK

The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) is the City's leading real estate trade association. Founded in 1896, REBNY represents commercial, residential, and institutional property owners, builders, managers, investors, brokers, and salespeople; banks, financial service companies, utilities, attorneys, architects, and contractors; corporations, co-partnerships, and individuals professionally interested in New York City real estate. REBNY conducts research on various civic matters including tax policy, city planning and zoning, rental conditions, land use policy, building codes, and other city, state, and federal legislation. REBNY regularly publishes market data, policy reports, and broker surveys. In addition, REBNY provides for its members: informational, technical, and technological resources; networking and charitable service opportunities; qualifying and continuing education courses; professional education programs, seminars, and designations; career-changing awards; legal advice; and a wide range of additional member benefits. For more information, please visit www.rebny.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Zach Grossman

[email protected]

(212)-616-5245