David Gaule & Mandy Henderson represented Acadia Realty Trust (NYSE: AKR) on a new retail lease with Faherty Brand at 109 West Broughton Street in downtown Savannah, Georgia. The New York-based sustainable apparel brand opened its 4,693 square foot store in December 2023 — marking Faherty’s first Savannah location and its second retail store in Georgia. David Gaule and Mandy Henderson of RIVR acted on behalf of the landlord throughout the transaction.

The 109 West Broughton Street space is one of Broughton Street’s highest-profile retail addresses — a 4,693 square foot unit previously occupied by Victoria’s Secret, directly on the core block between Whitaker and Barnard Streets.

About Faherty Brand

Founded in 2013 by twin brothers Alex and Mike Faherty, Faherty Brand is a family-owned American apparel company built on a philosophy of premium craftsmanship, sustainability, and what the brand describes as “clothing for life’s great moments.” Inspired by surf culture and coastal living, Faherty designs clothing and accessories for men, women, and children — operating more than 60 retail stores across the United States and wholesaling to leading retailers including Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue.

The brand’s expansion strategy is deliberate and selective. As founder and CEO Alex Faherty stated at the Savannah opening: “We’re extremely strategic about where we open new stores and believe Savannah offers an ideal market for our growing retail line.” That selectivity matters — Faherty does not open stores speculatively. The Savannah opening followed the brand’s established Georgia presence at Lenox Square in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighbourhood, and reflects a considered judgement that Broughton Street’s customer profile, footfall, and co-tenancy align with the Faherty demographic and brand positioning.

Faherty’s sustainability credentials add a further dimension to the brand’s appeal. The company holds B Corp certification and is deeply committed to responsible sourcing, environmental impact reduction, and the production of clothing designed to last — values that resonate strongly with the higher-income, environmentally conscious customer base that Broughton Street increasingly attracts.

What Faherty’s Arrival Signals for 109 West Broughton Street

The 109 West Broughton Street unit has one of the most significant retail histories on the corridor. Victoria’s Secret occupied the space for years, and the transition from a mass-market lingerie chain to a premium, sustainability-focused apparel brand speaks directly to the repositioning that Broughton Street has undergone over the past decade.

The Victoria’s Secret era on Broughton Street — and on high streets across the US — reflected a retail model that has struggled in recent years: high-volume, mid-market, formula-driven retail in premium locations. Faherty’s arrival in that same space represents the opposite thesis: a smaller-footprint, higher-value-per-transaction, brand-driven concept that targets an affluent, brand-loyal customer who shops with intention. For Acadia Realty Trust and for the corridor as a whole, that tenant transition is evidence of a genuine market evolution rather than a cosmetic change.

Acadia Broughton Street Portfolio

The Faherty lease is one of a number of transactions David Gaule & Mandy Henderson have completed for Acadia Realty Trust on West Broughton Street — alongside Warby Parker at 226 West Broughton and Lululemon at 113–115 West Broughton. .

Acadia’s concentration of ownership on West Broughton Street is one of the most strategically assembled retail property positions in Savannah. Their buildings house some of the corridor’s most recognisable tenants — and RIVR’s experienced leasing advisors provides the firm unparalleled insight into the supply, demand, and pricing dynamics of Broughton Street retail.

Retail Leasing on Broughton Street — Talk to RIVR

RIVR RE specialises in retail leasing across Savannah’s Broughton Street corridor and Historic District, with a track record of placing nationally recognised brands in premium locations on behalf of institutional landlords. If you own retail space on Broughton Street or in downtown Savannah, contact David Gaule or Mandy Henderson directly.

Email: info@rivr.re | Phone: 912 307 9998

→ Learn more about RIVR’s retail leasing services → Read about the Lululemon lease at 113–115 West Broughton → Read about the Warby Parker lease at 226 West Broughton → View all RIVR transaction announcements