Messaging app firm Line Corp. to open flagship at SL Green’s 1515 Broadway

South Korean mobile app firm Line Corporation has signed a 10-year, 4,629 s/f lease at SL Green’s 1515 Broadway in Times Square.

Line Corp., which operates an instant messaging app similar to WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, will open its US flagship store at the 54-story office tower. The firm’s new retail space, located on the southwest corner of West 45th Street, will have 65 feet of wraparound frontage. Line, which has gained popularity due to its “Line Friends” collection of cartoon emoticons, will sell merchandise at the location.

“We are thrilled to welcome Line Friends to the SL Green Retail portfolio,” said Brett Herschenfeld, SL Green’s Managing Director.

“Times Square continues to attract strong global retail players. This premier Bowtie location will be Line Friends’ first American flagship. It provides the brand with unparalleled 24/7 exposure to pedestrian traffic, as well as LED signage ideal for showcasing the company’s retail products that complement its digital application.”

Media company Viacom is the anchor tenant in the building. In May of last year, retailer Aeropostale vacated its 19,000 s/f retail space in the property after filing for bankruptcy.

Cushman & Wakefield’s Steven Soutendijk, Glenn Yang and Molly Sandza represented Line Corp. in the transaction. Meanwhile, RKF’s Ariel Schuster, Ross Berkowitz and Jason Wecker represented SL Green.