The new Time Warner Center features a high-end shopping mall that is actually a fairly nice space. Sweeping views of Central Park South are visible through the large atrium windows facing east. When it comes to stores, though, there are some hits and misses.

The Whole Foods is clearly a winner. I have already seen a line of 40 or more people to get in, and a line of 80 or more at checkout. Fortunately, the 29 checkout stations move people through quickly. The layout could be better--it makes Times Square Station at rush hour seem orderly--but demand is no problem.

The major missed opportunity is the lack of food court, like in Grand Central Terminal. It would be nice to eat something without spending $500 and making a reservation 3 months in advance. With so many students and young people nearby, a nice food court -- with genuine New York restaurants such as Two Boots and Spice like in Grand Central -- could have been a big hit.

J. Crew is the orphan. Its clothes are generally too preppy for Manhattan and it showed. On Sunday afternoon, Armani Exchange just steps away was absolutely mobbed, while J. Crew had more open space than a golf course.