New Yorkers Discuss Filling Empty Storefronts: What Businesses Are Needed?

Reasons for Empty Storefronts

• 💸 Many New Yorkers attribute the high number of empty storefronts to exorbitant rent prices.
• 📉 Some believe it's a sign of an economic downturn or depression, with one individual citing a significant drop in their brokerage account.
• 🦠 The aftermath of COVID-19 lockdowns and a lack of business recovery are also cited as major contributing factors.
• 🚶‍♂️ A shift in population, with people moving out of the city, has also reduced foot traffic and customer base for these businesses.
• 📈 Landlords are perceived as asking for absurd rents, making it difficult for new or existing businesses to afford the spaces.

Proposed Solutions for Vacant Spaces

• 🤝 There's a call for landlords to adopt a coherent policy to ensure storefronts are rented out and local commerce thrives.
• 📉 A suggestion is to lower rents to make spaces more accessible for businesses.
• 💡 Support for emerging businesses is seen as crucial to revitalizing commercial areas.

Desired Businesses in New York Neighborhoods

• 🍎 More food-related businesses, including grocery stores and general foodie stores, are frequently requested.
• 📚 A desire for bookstores was expressed, indicating a need for more diverse retail options.
• 👕 More clothing stores are needed, as many existing establishments have disappeared.
• ☕ While coffee shops are prevalent, some feel there are too many, alongside cosmetic stores and nail salons.
• 🛒 A call for more convenience-type stores that are not flashy or brand-name focused.

Outlook on Filling Storefronts

• pessimistic outlook suggests that the empty storefronts will not fill up anytime soon.
• 🤷 Some are uncertain, with a 50/50 chance, hoping for eventual recovery but not immediate solutions.
• 🙏 There is cautious optimism that mom-and-pop businesses will return, as they are seen as essential for the community.
• ⏳ It's questioned whether new businesses, if they do move in, will be able to stay filled long-term.