Newark’s Downtown Arts & Education District welcomed a major new addition in October as Audible unveiled The Pillars, a 15,000-square-foot experiential retail space designed to support local businesses, attract visitors, and strengthen the city’s economic and cultural landscape. The grand opening drew city officials, business leaders, and community members, including Mayor Ras Baraka, Audible CEO Bob Carrigan, and Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, reflecting the wide-ranging impact of this ambitious project.
Located at 33 Washington Street, The Pillars combines modern design with community-focused programming. Floor-to-ceiling glass storefronts reveal a central court with modular walls that open into three retail spaces, alongside Audible listening booths that showcase curated content and local storytelling. The design, led by Studio Cooke John Architecture and Design with Gregory Switzer Architecture as architect of record, emphasizes transparency, accessibility, and connection to the surrounding neighborhood.
Audible’s investment in The Pillars marks the company’s largest philanthropic commitment to Newark to date and its first major retail development under CEO Bob Carrigan. “When we invest in Newark’s success, we create a more vibrant environment that attracts talent, enriches company culture, and inspires innovation,” Carrigan said, highlighting the company’s long-term commitment to the city. The space is intended to serve as a cornerstone for the Arts & Education District, an area that draws more than 70,000 visitors monthly and already houses cultural anchors like NJPAC, Prudential Financial, and the Project for Empty Space.
The Pillars also responds to Newark’s untapped retail potential. Recent citywide studies found that while residents generate substantial demand for goods and services, a significant portion of spending flows to surrounding areas. The Pillars’ retail tenants aim to help fill that gap, offering products and experiences that appeal to local shoppers while supporting small and minority-owned businesses.
Currently, three retailers occupy The Pillars. Tansy, a woman-owned home goods and plant shop, blends socially conscious décor with classes on terrariums, plant care, and creative arts. Pooka Pure & Simple, returning to Newark, offers award-winning bath and body products alongside The Bloom Bar, where customers can craft personalized scents. HealHaus focuses on wellness, featuring daily yoga, meditation, and breathwork classes, along with a café offering healthy grab-and-go options. All three tenants have benefited from Audible’s Business Attraction Program, which provides funding, mentorship, and networking support to foster growth and local entrepreneurship. The fourth tenant is set to be announced in 2026, promising to further diversify the space.
The Pillars is more than a retail destination; it represents a collaborative approach to city revitalization. Mayor Baraka praised the project as an example of “diversity in action,” noting the importance of local ownership and visibility for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz emphasized the role of walkable, connected urban spaces in fostering community engagement and economic growth.
Audible’s commitment extends beyond retail. Programs like Newark Working Kitchens and the Newark Artist Collaboration have already generated millions in economic activity while supporting local food access and public art initiatives. The company’s broader approach combines investment, mentorship, and partnerships to create an ecosystem that encourages long-term community growth.
The Pillars sits strategically within the city’s Arts & Education District, where ongoing development projects—such as the Newark Museum expansion and NJPAC’s redesign of Chambers Plaza—signal a continued transformation of Downtown Newark into a cultural and economic hub. By combining retail, creativity, and community programming, Audible aims to make The Pillars a model for socially responsible urban development that benefits residents, entrepreneurs, and visitors alike.
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With The Pillars, Audible has created a space that embodies its commitment to Newark, blending commerce, creativity, and community engagement to support the city’s ongoing revitalization while offering residents and visitors a vibrant, inclusive destination in the heart of the Brick City.
