A 20,000-square-foot tech wonderland is opening in Times Square this week
Opening Tuesday, July 29, in the historic Candler Building (yes, the one that once housed the 24-hour McDonald's), tm:rw is a 20,000-square-foot, three-level immersive tech emporium that's part theme park, part concept store and all-out sensory overload. Think: a Formula 1 show car, the world's largest retail hologram and a cotton candy robot, all under one LED-bathed roof.
Dubbed 'the store of tomorrow,' tm:rw is the brainchild of Smartech Retail Group co-founders Nathalie Bernce and Jacov Nachtailer, who cut their teeth transforming innovation retail across Selfridges, KaDeWe and Rinascente. But this is their first standalone concept—and it's a full-throttle leap into the future.
Designed by Harry Nuriev of Crosby Studios (yes, that Balenciaga collaborator), the space is sleek, sculptural and full of surprises. 'If Bergdorf had a baby with Brookstone but raised it in a Disney utopia, that's kind of what we've built,' Jordan Traxler, global head of marketing, told Time Out New York during a preview tour.
The layout is loosely organized by lifestyle category—gaming, wellness, audio, travel, etc.—but tm:rw favors exploration over linearity. Touch everything. Try everything. Book a test drive on a professional-grade racing simulator ($20 for 10 minutes), then wander into The Sanctuary, a nearly soundproof oasis of Alexa-powered serenity, smack in the middle of Times Square.
At the heart of tm:rw is its mission to democratize innovation. 'So much of cutting-edge tech is locked behind paywalls—only seen at CES or in corporate offices,' said Traxler. 'We wanted to make it accessible, tactile, even fun.'
And it is. Highlights include LG's transparent OLED TV (only one of three on public display in the U.S.), a slick grooming lounge by Gillette and Braun, next-gen wearables from WHOOP and a retro-inspired karaoke lounge with plenty of secret events planned for the future. There's even a café with cotton candy spun by robots.
The 'Corner Shop' concept store rotates every few weeks and opens with an exclusive WHOOP installation. Meanwhile, hidden cameras (privacy-compliant, of course) provide real-time feedback to brand partners, tracking everything from dwell time to predictive purchasing behavior.
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Glasgow Times
7 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
We tried McDonald's new menu - this item wasn't impressive
The mega-popular burger chain introduced several new items to its menu, including a cheeky new McFlurry. So, we decided to give the new menu items a try and see whether they were top stuff or not. Three Glasgow Times reporters took on the mission, with each journalist having a different opinion on each item we tried. All the scran. (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: I tried Glasgow Wingstop's unique new milkshake flavour READ MORE: I tried Wingstop's new flavour in Glasgow's St Enoch branch The new items on McDonald's menu are: a brand-new Jaffa Cake McFlurry, a Green Apple Sprite Zero and a Mango & Passionfruit Sprite Zero. But it's not all just new items, several Maccies favourites also made a return to the menu on July 30, such as The Fajita Chicken One wrap, Chilli Cheese Bites, and a Milky Way McFlurry. Breaking each item down individually, here's what we thought of each one: Sprite Zero with a Green Apple flavour-packed syrup: A completely new item, and there's only one way to describe it - delicious. With this refreshing, mind-blowing drink, McDonald's has really taken Sprite Zero to the 'next level'. Let's be honest, Sprite isn't a go-to drink choice, but when it's combined with the scrumptious Apple syrup, it really elevates it. The fruity, yet tangy drink really packed a strong apple flavour, which wasn't overpowering. You could still taste the classic Sprite, but the Apple syrup just brings the drink to life. We'd highly recommend trying the drink. It's some top stuff. An easy 10/10 banging. The tasty new drinks. (Image: Newsquest) Sprite Zero with Mango & Passionfruit Syrup: The reporter who tried this unique Sprite drink was left happy. They said: "The Mango Passionfruit Sprite Zero is a total game-changer. "Sprite Zero has often been my go-to if I'm in the mood for a crisp, sugar-free soda, but this new edition brings a tropical twist that's incredibly refreshing. "The combination of mango and passionfruit is perfectly balanced, and it's not overly sweet, with the citrussy Sprite flavours adding a sharpness that balances it all perfectly. "It's definitely worth a try if you're looking for something a little different." Chicken Big Mac: The fussy reporter who tried the Chicken Big Mac wasn't entirely impressed, sadly. They described the burger as being a 'let down', saying they had 'high hopes' for it. The Chicken Big Mac towering out of the box. (Image: Newsquest) The journalist fumed: "The chicken Big Mac was a bit of a let down, to be honest. "Being a fan of a normal Big Mac on occasion, I had high hopes for the chicken-filled version. "While the familiar Big Mac sauce was as delicious as ever, the chicken replacing the usual beef patties was, in my opinion, a downgrade. "The burger was still a great option for my lunch; however, I'd still opt for the original, and best, beef Big Mac." READ MORE: We tried Glasgow's new bakery right across from a Greggs Four humble Chilli Cheese Bites. (Image: Newsquest) Chilli Cheese Bites: The Chilli Cheese Bites, which made a return to the menu, left our reporters speechless. They were cracking, cheesy, delicious, spicy, and crispy. Everything a cheesy bite should be. The bites are impressive, especially when accompanied by a nice chilli dip to give an extra wee kick. Two happy Glasgow Times reporters tucking into their McDonald's lunch. (Image: Newsquest) An easy 9/10. One reporter said: "The Chilli Cheese Bites were really good. "They had the right amount of cheese to spice ratio, and were the perfect side to have alongside any meal." Another chimed: "The Chilli Cheese Bites were impressive, with a spicy tang present but not in a way that is overbearing." The Fajita Chicken One: Described as being packed with a fajita sauce, tomato salsa, onions, cheese, lettuce, and chicken, the wrap is a winner. The reporter who tried the wrap is a wrap enthusiast who has tried all of McDonald's wraps, and their previous favourite was the BBQ Chicken & Bacon one. The 10/10 cheesy fajita wrap. (Image: Newsquest) However, for them, the Fajita wrap has truly taken the top spot. They described the wrap as being tasty, packed full of flavour, and claimed it resembles the taste of a classic home-cooked fajita. Rating it out of 10, the journalist said it was an 8/10, deducting two points for the lack of sauce on this occasion. Spicy Chicken Nuggets: As a McFlurry lover, the reporter who tried the Spicy Chicken Nuggets was fairly blown away by them. Rating them a strong 8/10, they said: "The Spicy Chicken Nuggets had a pleasant kick, and were a nice change from the original. "They work as either a snack or part of a main meal." Nine wee Spicy Chicken Nuggets. (Image: Newsquest) The Jaffa Cake McFlurry: A unique McFlurry for sure. Who would have thought of combining the humble Jaffa Cake with ice cream? Turns out McDonald's thought about it. Anyway, the fussy reporter sampled the new McFlurry, and once again, was left gutted. The Jaffa Cake McFlurry - an opinion divider. (Image: Newsquest) They said: "Now, I was hoping for a treat to follow my meal with the new Jaffa Cake McFlurry. However, I was also a bit disappointed in it. "I'm a huge fan of the wee cakes and love all things orange and chocolate. "But they've just got this all wrong, to be honest, it's far too orangey and very sickly sweet - a nice ice cream as always, but I'd rather go for a less adventurous option." While another reporter who tried the dish said it wasn't quite to their taste. They said: "The Jaffa Cake McFlurry was certainly unique, while I found it slightly too sweet, it is worth giving a try if you are enthusiastic about the famous treat." Overall, the team rated the new McFlurry a 5/10. Sadly, the new McFlurry wasn't a winner. The Milky Way McFlurry: A winner. Just incredible. Ice cream done at its best. A Milky Way is an elite chocolate bar, let's be honest. The Milky Way McFlurry was incredible. It was creamy, light, refreshing, and tasty. The cracking Milky Way McFlurry. (Image: Newsquest) The ice cream was topped with a thick chocolate sauce and milk chocolate stars, and malt-flavoured pieces. A 10/10. McDonald's best McFlurry for sure. Overall, we'd highly recommend trying out McDonald's new menu.
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Philips 'excellent value for money' wireless headphones get price drop
The Philips headphones are on sale in three colourways Headphones can be useful accessories for everyday life. They are ideal for commuting to work, going to the gym, walking the dog, or simply doing the housework. They're not just for listening to music either, they can also be used to take calls and keep up with the latest podcasts. Over at Debenhams, shoppers can currently find a reduction on a pair of Philips wireless headphones, worth £49.99, which are on sale for £34.99. For a limited time, the retailer will include a mystery free gift in consumer electronics worth £10. The Bluetooth-powered headphones are made with a cushioned headband for comfort, soft ear cups that can be angled, and 25 hours of play time when fully charged. Shoppers can choose from black, white, and light brown colorways, however the latter hue has limited stock. A Debenhams buyer said: "Bought these for my teenage daughter at sale price. " Excellent value for money, great product. Would definitely recommend. Daughter loves them." More ratings and reviews can be found on Amazon, where the headphones are also priced at £34.99. One consumer raved about the connectivity between the earphones and other devices. They said: "I've paired with the TV, and they're perfect." "Very good sound but to be listened to at moderate volume to enjoy it", said another shopper. Elsewhere, emerging marketplace Yimbly is selling these JBL wireless noise-cancelling headphones for £79.99, down from £99.99. Yimbly is owned by The Mirror's parent company, Reach PLC. Over at Argos, shoppers can buy these Beats Solo 4 On-Ear Headphones for £199.95. The headphones are foldable, making them easy to store in bags. Going back to the budget Philips pair, another user shared they thought the pair were good value for money. They said: "Nice design, materials with quality in line with the price, it is a good basic product that deserves five stars. "One star less only because at the time of purchase in the description it reported 25 hours of listening but the model selection button reports 50 or 11." Another Amazon customer, however, was not as pleased, writing: "Good sound. However, when it is charged, it cannot be used, and the foam crumbles with use."
Scottish Sun
20 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
McDonald's to launch fresh menu in HOURS with two new items and seven returning favourites
Plus, find out how to secure the best deals at McDonald's LOVIN' IT McDonald's to launch fresh menu in HOURS with two new items and seven returning favourites Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MCDONALD'S is releasing a new menu in just hours - complete with two fresh items and seven returning favourites. The fast-food chain's latest range will be available to buy tomorrow for a period of six weeks. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The Chicken Big Mac is another favourite making a return in the next few days 4 The Big Tasty with Bacon will be returning - but only in one area of the UK 4 Customers will be able to add fruity syrups to their Sprite Zero drinks from Wednesday 4 The Jaffa Cakes McFurry is new to the menu and will feature chocolate covered shortcake pieces Among the returning favourites are the Big Tasty and the Big Tasty with Bacon, which fans have previously dubbed the chain's "best burger by far". The burgers were last sold in 2024 and feature a beef patty, Emmental cheese, onions, tomatoes and a smoky sauce. But there is one small catch. The burger will only be available to buy across stores in East Anglia. Tyne & Tees locals will also benefit from a menu refresh with the return of the much-loved Steakhouse Stack. Meanwhile, the Chicken Big Mac - a chicken version of the McDonald's classic burger - will be coming back everywhere except for East Anglia and Tyne & Tees. The burger comes with two chicken patties, a slice of cheese, pickles, lettuce and Big Mac sauce. As well as these new additions, Mcdonald's is bringing back some fan favourites. These include the Spicy Chicken Nuggets, which come with a Spicy Chilli Dip, and Chilli Cheese Bites. Plus there's the Milky Way McFlurry and the Fajita Chicken One wrap. McDonald's launches brand-new burger featuring never-before-seen sauce Fans have also been getting excited for the Jaffa Cakes McFlurry, which includes chocolate covered shortcake pieces and an orange sauce to replicate the famous flavour. Maccies is also giving customers the chance to customise their Sprite Zero drinks. They'll be able to add a pump of fruity syrup to the drink, which comes in the flavours Green Apple or Mango & Passionfruit. How to save at McDonald's YOU could end up being charged more for a McDonald's meal based solely on the McDonald's restaurant you choose. Research by The Sun found a Big Mac meal can be up to 30% cheaper at restaurants just two miles apart from each other. You can pick up a Big Mac and fries for just £2.99 at any time by filling in a feedback survey found on McDonald's receipts. The receipt should come with a 12-digit code which you can enter into the Food for Thought website alongside your submitted survey. You'll then receive a five-digit code which is your voucher for the £2.99 offer. There are some deals and offers you can only get if you have the My McDonald's app, so it's worth signing up to get money off your meals. The MyMcDonald's app can be downloaded on iPhone and Android phones and is quick to set up. You can also bag freebies and discounts on your birthday if you're a My McDonald's app user. The chain has recently sent out reminders to app users to fill out their birthday details - otherwise they could miss out on birthday treats. The menu update does mean that sadly some items will be disappearing at the same time. Fans can say goodbye to the Chicken Katsu Wrap, Halloumi Fries, Toffee Apple Pie, Toffee Crisp McFlurry and Cheesy McCrispy. More McDonald's news The fast food giant recently launched a new game with free food and cash worth £10,000 up for grabs. Its new Side Missions will be around until August 25 and lets customers unlock special food deals. Plus, McDonald's also revealed another new menu item: the Double Filet-o-Fish. This new burger includes two crispy Pollock fish patties, along with melted cheese and creamy tartar sauce, all served in a steamed bun – just like the original.
