According to research from the New York-based think tank, the Center for an Urban Future, Brooklyn has witnessed the largest increase in corporate franchises this year, compared with the other NYC boroughs, with a 2.8% bump from 2012. That’s 1,511 new chain outlets this year; the runner up was the Bronx with 863 chains. The most prevalent big names to set down their stakes city-wide are Dunkin’ Donuts (the largest chain retailer in NYC), 7-Eleven, Duane…
And the Williamsburg Gentrification Saga Continues….Apple Store on Bedford?
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Regarding Apple — I’d wager at least half of the people who moved here in the last 5-10 years use Apple products. Seems logical. Regarding the other places — if you don’t want them, don’t shop there.
Do you have stats on how many locally owned business are being created? And how many of the chain places are franchised with local ownership? Genuinely curious.
As someone who was just priced out of Greenpoint, hearing similar stories upon stories from others in Greenpoint and Williamsburg, much of it is due to landlords forcing out lower paying tenants in apartments and commercial spaces. I heard from 2 independent business owners in the last week that their landlords are only doing year to year with them to give them the option to raise rents and/or sell buildings to developers. Chains/franchises (franchises like Dunkin Donuts are often owned by immigrant families who can’t afford a traditional mom & pop) are some of the only ones who can afford it now.
Greenpoint’s getting a NYSC before Williamsburg: https://brokelyn.com/get-ready-new-york-sports-club-greenpoint/