Optimistic outlook for Manhattan retail market.

Some people--pessimists--see a cup as half empty. Others--optimists--see it as half full.

However, as we take a moment to reflect on yet another half-year gone by, it's apparent that optimism is in order.

The economy is vibrant, retail sales are robust, tourists are visiting Manhattan and the return of luxury can be seen everywhere, from high-end car dealerships to jewelry flagship stores opening left and right.

However, you don't just have to take my word for it.

According to ShopperTrak's National Retail Sales Estimate (NRSE), U.S. retail sales grew an impressive 6.2 percent in May, as compared with the same timeframe in 2004.

This was the fifth consecutive month of sales increases, closing out a very healthy first half of the year. In fact, ShopperTrak also reported that sales for the week ending June 4 were 7.6 percent greater than the same week in 2004.

Add to this a positive report from the Federal Reserve, which in its latest Beige Book Report, which examined economic activity across the nation from late February to early April, found that business activity and retail sales were still going strong.

Perhaps the best indicator of what's going on in the world of retail can be found right on the street level, as new stores open up, existing stores expand and retailers upgrade to the most chic neighborhoods imaginable.

Here's a retail overview that paints a picture of what's going on throughout the city:

On the Golden Mile, Roberta Freymann, accessories purveyor, moved to the corner on 70th Street and Jonathon Adler, English home-furnishings designer opened at 1097 Madison Avenue. London-based Rachel Riley is debuting her tony flagship for tots at 1286 Madison Avenue. Chuckies legendary boutique for glamorous shoes and accessories will add panache at 1169 Madison Avenue.

On fabulous Fifth Avenue, Frederic Fekkai Spa & Salon is moving its entire operation to Henri Bendel, 712 Fifth Avenue, replacing Garren New York Salon. In Rockefeller Center, Kuhlman Company, Anglo-American menswear, opened at 30 Rockefeller Center. Nine West shoe boutique is also coming to 1258 Sixth Avenue.

In marvelous Midtown, Canadian transport Wedding Things will debut at 1039 Third Avenue. Spanish furniture-designer Gandia Blasco will be at East 59th Street, on the corner across from Bloomingdale's.

The Shops at Columbus Circle are once again enhancing the spectacular lineup. Esprit from San Francisco opened another sportswear emporium.

Journeys, contemporary shoes and clothing, now has a concept store on the corner of 34th and Broadway and Manhattan Mall will add Steve & Barry's University Sportwear, at 6th Avenue and 33rd Street.

Aveda botanical spa products opened a new shop in Grand Central.

This fall, the Flatiron District will be home to Ford Models, moving from Soho to 111 Fifth Avenue.

On the Upper West Side, chic Olive & Bette's is expanding its shop at 252 Columbus Avenue.

In Chelsea, Parisian antiques dealer Mantiques will be treasured at its new West 22nd Street location, while Antonio Prieto, salon-to-the-stars, opens on West 20th. Geoffrey Beene will bring its stylish menswear to West 29th Street.

In Soho, Adidas Sport Performance introduced its flagship at 610 Broadway. Yohji Yamamoto opened a new New York showroom at 34 Spring Street. Calypso continues to expand its empire, with the addition of newly opened Calypso Home at 199 Lafayette, on corner of Broome (not to be confused with nearby Calypso Christiane Celle, number 424, Calypso Enfant, number 426, Calypso Outlet, number 405, and Calypso Vintage, number 407). Sabon, handmade bath and cosmetics from Israel, debuted at 93 Spring Street, and Intermix will make its way to Prince Street, between Mercer and Greene.

In Nolita, Phurniture Inc., a conglomerate of three independent furniture dealers with designs from 1940s to present, opened its doors at 8 Bond Street.

In the West Village, Australian handbag designer Crumpler opened its second location at 49 Eighth Ave, at Horatio.

In the East Village, CoCo & Delilah will bring trendy fashions to St. Marks Place.

Over in the Meatpacking District, a new salon, Red Market, was created by former 57th Street Pierre Michel Salon stylists at 32 Gansvoort Street.

On the Lower East Side, Peggy Pardon, vintage Edwardian and Victorian-era garb, opened at 158 Ludlow.

Let's not forget all of the retail activity seen by our neighbors to the East.

The Hamptons are hopping with a designer lineup.

Scoop is opening a quintessential beach boutique at 51 Newtown Lane and Calypso Home store is also debuting on Newtown Lane. The impressive Coach flagship on 69 Main Street will satisfy and trend-driven Intermix is nearby at 64 Main Street. J. Crew at the Beach is at number 46, Main Street. Two Theory boutiques are at 46 Newton Lane, East Hampton, and 60 Jobs Lane, Southampton.

The first alice + olivia store will be at number 62 on the Circle. Dry cleaner to the stars Madame Paulette will open an East End outpost. Harmont & Blaine will bring luxury menswear from Naples to Southampton, at 38 Jobs Lane. Pampered pooches will be kept in their usual style as Hampton Hound opens at 2485 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton.

The next six months give us plenty to look forward to. For now enjoy the fun, sun and fabulous shopping!

FAITH HOPE CONSOLO, CHAIRMAN, RETAIL LEASING AND SALES, PRUDENTIAL DOUGLAS ELLIMAN