Sporty Gap Races Into 86th and Third

How can you tell the difference between an East Sider and a West Sider exercising in Central Park? The former amble along in frumpy track suits while the latter sprint about in skin-fitting Lycra.

No more! Athleta, the Gap sports brand that's been slowly muscling its way into major U.S. cities, is opening its second New York location at Third Avenue and 86th Street. The retailer has taken 4,000 square feet in a long-term lease at 1517 Third Avenue. 

Athleta is the fashion giant's answer to the Vancouver-based Lululemon—what is with all these Canadians invading the Gap's down-market turf? The sweat-centric brand was previously only available online, but it's been slowly rolling out physical stores in cities like San Francisco and here. Its first five borough shop opened at 75th Street and Columbus, on the rival Upper West Side. 

Gap's long-time broker Robert K. Futterman's Ariel K. Schuster could not be reached for comment. 

lkusisto@observer.com