Monthly Archives: December 2012

Hurricane Sandy ripped through NYC on October 29th, 2012. Most believed she was just like Irene, a lot of fuss and no real action. The super storm system took away homes, property and claimed the lives of over 100 people. What was left behind in Sandy’s aftermath was massive flooding, power outages, inaccessible roads, out-of-service public transportation and overall fear, panic and devastation. Many schools and businesses were shut down for days, or in some cases weeks. So what happens to the businesses, such as street vendors, whose income depends on

Outside of Baruch College on Lexington Avenue, between East 24th and East 25th Street, the Korean Food Cart (the name they wish to be referred to) sits awaiting its lunch time rush. The steel cart has a cooking area, additional storage for food on the sides, condiments, napkins and utensils up top and a cooler to house cold beverages that sits on the side of the cart. The cart is adorned in pictures and prices of its dish offerings. Alex Yi, one of the two owner/workers, was able to prepare ahead of time. However, no amount of preparation could change the effect of Sandy’s impact. “We lost about a week and a half of business”, say Yu in reference to how long it took to get the truck back out. “We had our food supply prepared ahead of time but there’s only so much you can do.” The truck pulls in about $1000-1500 on weekdays. They get foot traffic from Baruch students and faculty, Credit Suisse and other office-based businesses in the area.

Phil’s Steak Truck Jawn is another food truck that loss business due to Sandy. The brown and red truck is about the size of a mail carrier truck with the Phil’s Steaks logo in a red and white patterned repeated across the cab portion. The Jawn (as it’s famously referred to) sits at East 23rd Street and Park Avenue South. “We’re open here from about 11-2, then we head down to West 4th Street in the Village for hour next shift. And on Thursdays, we’re in the Financial District,” says Mohamed Ahmed, one of the truck’s employees. All of these areas were ravished by the super storm. So how did the Jawn survive the storm? “Our commissary is out in Maspeth, Queens, an area that wasn’t very affected by Sandy”, says Ahmed. Typically, makes about $1500 a day. In reference to how long the truck was out of commission, Ahmed recalls, “We lost two weeks worth of business.” On the upside, the truck was part of the volunteer efforts and outreach work. “We were able to help out communities like Far Rockaway and other parts of Queens and Long Island that were hit really bad.” The City of New York( through the mayor’s fund) sponsored the truck so that they were able to provide food to those we truly needed it, rather than just wanting a cheese steak. They also received funding for their efforts.

What happens next for these food entrepreneurs? The holiday season brings a natural slowdown to their businesses. Sandy put a major and damper on things. But both vendors still seemed upbeat and optimistic. If they can survive the daily hustle and bustle of New York City and its impatient (and sometimes rude) occupants and Sandy the super storm, they can most definitely survive through the slow holiday season.

Stores on Eastchester Road in the Bronx are the reflection of the community’s success.
http://portal.sliderocket.com/CKXSV/1FEE85EF-8358-4579-8CA7-C79ED1C8D82D
By Earl Mays
Traffic hustles down Eastchester road past several stores that line the street between Mace Avenue and Warring Avenue in the Bronx. The small retail stretch consists of a two pizzeria’s Carbo’s that just opened a month ago, and Villa Maria Pizzeria an establishment that has proven itself as a staple in the community being in business for 45 years. Others stores are the 99 cents store, A& J stationary store, the Chinese food restaurant Yummy House, a barbershop and a Real estate agency.
The privately owned mom and pop shops give the area an old school American character showing that small business remains a possibility. Shops on Eastchester road have been keeping a steady pace for a moderately busy area. Stores that have figured out a niche that appeals to residents needs have been able to remain in the community.
Wilbert Pacheco the owner of Villa Maria pizzeria gave a brief history of the stores in the neighborhood. He says, “stores have come and gone for example at the corner where the new pizzeria is there was a pharmacist, then a flower shop, a deli, a fruit market, and finally they put the pizzeria. Also, next door the C&C deli used to be a bakery for many years and the owners divorced and decided to sell it.” Pacheco was the only store owner who agreed to give a comment on the area and based on his knowledge has shown that the area has seen many business changes over the years.

The Chinese food restaurant location has gone through many transitions from being a tanning salon then an MRI place to finally becoming what it is today. Stores such as Eastchester Barbershop and Hairstyles, the liquor store, the stationary store, 99 cents store and Allstate Insurance all have a specific purpose that keeps residents flocking to them. Regardless of this success all of them except the Barbershop and liquor store have been in business over 15 years.
The stores in the area represent the economic times and how change is affected by this. The stores that have been able to thrive such as the restaurants each of them having an A sanitation grade and the service based business have manages to stay alive. The fact that three out of the ten stores are new establishments further shows that the quite area has just enough life to sustain a business.
Wilbert Pacheco says, “I have been here 45 years I have seen the area change, but I am still here because my food speaks for itself.”

Carbo’s Pizzeria 1 month
A&J Stationary 10 years
Eastchester Barbershop and Hairstyles 30 years
Yummy House 1 year
Allstate Insurance Company 10 years
Surin Discount Wine & Liquors 25 years
99 cents and Up 12 years
C&C Deli Coffee Shop and Pastry 4 years
Villa Maria Pizzeria 45 years
Mary Santini Real Estate 15 years

https://blogs.baruch.cuny.edu/jrn3200f12/wp-content/blogs.dir/2392/files/2012/12/Final-Project-Yasmin-Noor-Shops-PowerPoint.pptx

Photos of the shops are displayed in the power point above.

https://blogs.baruch.cuny.edu/jrn3200f12/wp-content/blogs.dir/2392/files/2012/12/Yasmin-Noor-Final-Project-Census-List.docx

Census information is listed in the word document above.

SoHo: Between Spring St. and Wooster St.

Lower Manhattan is well-known for being one of those artsy parts of New York City where artists rent out lofts and studios to dwell in while dedicating their lives to their craft.  Recently, the lower side has picked up another stereotype of being one of the greatest areas to shop at. Places like SoHo, for example, which may not be as popular as 5^th Avenue for shopping sprees, but has become one of the key places that New Yorkers shop in. Many new boutiques and thriving shops are constantly sprouting all over the SoHo area. One of the most peculiar parts of SoHo lies between Spring St. and Wooster St. The perfectly tiny, well-lit block, holds 17 stores that all seem to be contributing to the reputation that SoHo has for being a must-visit shopping district.

Between Spring St. and Wooster St. is a miniature version of a normal Manhattan block. It’s almost a cute kind of quaint area that one would probably see in a small, suburban town. There are never-ending glass windows on both sides of the block displaying the newest fashions. Folks are going in and out of the only café on the block, Le Petit Café, for a cup of coffee. Walking past the café, I noticed lingering customers peeking through the front window looking for an open spot.  The only other place to eat on the block, called Boom, was closed due to some Hurricane Sandy damage. If it wasn’t for that, I’m sure that restaurant would have been packed too. The block is small, but vibrant to say the least. I recognized that mostly couples were walking around window shopping. Overall, the block was buzzing since Spring St. is so easy to get to from Canal St. and Tribeca, which makes it easily accessible to visitors and tourists.

Most of the stores are fairly new and barely pass a 10 year anniversary date. The clothing stores seemed busier than any other type of retail store on the block. On the other hand, when I would lift the price tag on something I may potentially buy, the numbers were pretty high with classic Manhattan prices. It honestly had no effect on the customers because it’s expected for going shopping in a place as famous and known about as SoHo, New York. Everyone’s still in business despite the pricing! The stores are doing very well; I would have to weave through a group of shopping customers to get to the front desk in just about every store. The district is definitely prospering and has so much potential to become more popular if they would only advertise more. Most of these stores are privately owned and one can only find them if they come across this area. Commercial or not, Spring St. seems to be doing great and looks like it will only get better. Many shoppers are already venturing out into this area to purchase luxury clothing items from their favorite brand names.

Yasmin Noor

tablesforthebusinesses

powerpoint

Above is the slide show with the pictures of the businesses of the Neighborhood i picked as well as a document with the names, addresses, and information on ownership of each business attached to the word document under the table is also the same that i have typed here.

The local shopping district that surrounds Spanish Harlem, particularly from 102 to 106 is very prosperous. At first glance, I easily believed that these businesses  (from department stores to local pharmacies) did not prosper enough to survive no more than a few years. Yet, as I investigated more and more, I learned that most of the businesses have been there since before I was born. Two things are clear once you walk around the district. The first is that most of the revenue comes from local loyal customers who have lived around the area for as long as the stores have existed. The second, only the older businesses actually prosper, the relatively new ones do not make it past a few years. The owners of “Cesar’s shoe repair” for example, have been there for 26 years. They don’t have to worry about how troublesome economic times are, because they have established customers who have been going there to get their shoes repair for years.

The retail and department stores meanwhile, prosper because they get their revenue from the families that have lived in and around Harlem for generations. These customers have established bonds, as Arelis German from 105^th street points out “It is better to travel short distances, rather than going to 34^th or Soho” located in Downtown Manhattan, she also says that “ its products we know and trust because the owners are like family, we known them for years”.

The flipside of that of course, is that the smaller stores who have tried to steal a piece of the market, do not prosper because they can’t get customers to commit to shopping there constantly. People who know the area shop in their customary spots, and people who don’t know the area or haven’t lived there long prefer to travel to other areas, particularly downtown Manhattan.  Another interesting factor that keeps the newer businesses from prospering is the rent, now this is totally my opinion which I established because I live in the area. The older businesses in the are either own the location, or have a fixed lease that goes back years so it’s a much lower amount, whereas smaller retail businesses such as “Sylla Shop” have to pay higher rents and also fight to get customers. Ultimately, I foresee that businesses such as “sylla Shop” and “perfect” will falter in the next few years, because they’ll find it a hard time to promote their brand to a group of families that are safe and happy with where they already shop. The older businesses know what the population like and don’t like, and will continue to prosper no matter what the situation with our economy.

 

By: Angelica Proano

It has been a little over a month since super storm Hurricane Sandy, but there are still businesses in affected neighborhoods that remain with their doors closed.  On the strip of Crossbay Blvd, in the Ozone Park/ Howard Beach neighborhood, at least two businesses have their doors closed for every block. The streets are still flooded with trash of lost goods and materials for the reconstruction of these businesses.

Two well-known chain businesses that have their doors closed for business is Petco and CVS Pharmacy. Both of these stores are locked down and completely empty. In their parking lots loaded in garbage trucks remain: racks, products and all the goods they sold that were damaged. There is no sign of any reconstruction on these two store yet, which leaves customers going to other places of the same industry to buy what they need. This may cause a strain for some customers, as they might have to spend a little more in traveling and buying what they need.

As a consumer of Petco, and a resident to this area, I have experienced first hand what the strains of such a business being closed comes with. In looking for another Petco near by, I realized that I would have to drive up to five miles to get to one, now if I wanted another chain pet store the distance would be either the same or greater. This left me with no choice than to become a customer to the local family owned pet store: Animal Pantry located ¼ mile away from Petco. There is one huge problem with being a customer to this store and that is the prices. Unlike Petco, where you have discounts with your pet pal card and genetic goods, Animal Pantry does not offer any of these. The prices for a bag of dog food is at least $20 more, the price for a leash is $10 more and so on. The only good side to coming to the local pet store is you will not waste more money on gas. At the end of the day it becomes an even exchange in a way. I spoke to a few customers in Animal Pantry who like myself were Petco customers. One customer, Vinny LoCasio says “ I rather come here and spend a little more than to go to Brooklyn and waste money on gas, I just hope that Petco gets back into business because I am not sure how long I can handle paying so much for dog food.” As for the owner who wished to remain anonymous states “Even though it’s a tragedy of what happened to the local businesses in Howard Beach, I am glad that I have more customers and that I am making more sales.” As some businesses lose because of Sandy others are winning.

With one CVS in Ozone Park and one in Howard Beach, with the Howard Beach CVS completely shut down all their customers are sent to the one in Ozone Park. One day going to my local CVS, I realize a full parking lot and traffic to get into the parking lot. I asked myself if something happen, after a 20 minute wait for parking as I walk into the CVS I see a line I have never seen before for the cash registers.  I approached a worker and asked what was going on and Sarah says, “The other CVS stores are closed so everyone from Howard Beach and Far Rockaway are here.” Waiting in line for over 30 minutes, I suggest to the manager that some of the employees from the closed down CVS stores should be brought here to work, he replies with “ Most of their employees are here working now, but we are still adjusting to the number of customers we are getting.”

Both customers and owners of businesses suffer in the aftermath of Sandy. Some businesses lose as others gain new customers and more business. Other businesses have to adjust to the overflow of new customers and adjusting their new bigger staff. Customers have to adjust to new stores, bigger lines, and more expensive goods. However, residences of these areas are hoping that soon things will get back to normal in the Ozone Park/ Howard Beach area.

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Shopping online on Black Friday seemed a great way to avoid the dangerous crowds amid chilly weather, to get earlier pre-Black Friday deals, to give you more time enjoying turkeys, yet shoppers had their compelling reasons to leave the homes.

Many students chose to spend Black Friday with their friends, enjoying some holiday atmosphere with the crowds.

Zubair Syed, 19, said people can shop online anytime and anywhere. Hanging out with friend on this holiday is more special. “Come with friends on Black Friday, stores like Macy is really fun, you can get all kinds of stuff in one building,” he said.

Hong Chi, 25, a student from Arkansas, she never thought of buying online on this holiday. “Black Friday should get on the street and wait in the crowds with friends,” she said.

One disadvantage of shopping online is that shoppers have no way to touch and feel merchandise, especially items like lingerie and bed products.

“Shopping in-person allows me to try the jeans on,” Patuicia Ortiz, 30, from Coney Island. She bought five sweaters and two pair of jeans for 80 bucks. “The crowds here aren’t that bad,” she said.

Natalia, a babysitter from Astoria, Queens, bought comforters, pillows and bed sheets for 60% off at Macy. “I like to touch the material,” she said and refused to reveal her last name.

“I don’t like to buy things online because I can’t feel it myself and hold it and try it on myself. In Victoria’s Secret I can know the exact size I am buying,” Arlynn Cabello said. She shopped on Black Friday every year since she was very young.

While online retailers offered lots of great deals, brick-and mortar stores’  exclusive deals was still the best way for some items like computers and TVs.

Jose Sanchez, 62, the first doorbuster outside Best Buy with his wheelchair on 14^th street two days before Thanksgiving, said he never went online and he was going to purchase a new computer for $199, which was $400 cheaper, and a TV for his daughter for $178.

Joana Rodnguez, 21, with her son, 4 and her sister, 9, arrived at Best Buy on 14^th street at noon and wanted to buy a TV for $180 that the original price was $600, said they didn’t offer that deal online.

 

 

Spending the holidays away from loved ones is difficult for a lot of people, but for those struggling with drug addiction the holidays can be especially troubling. According to Linn State University, additional stress and loneliness caused by the holidays are known triggers for a relapse.
Those with substance abuse issues are often estranged from their families. Some are discarded by their parents. Others are parents whose children no longer speak to them. Few can visit friends they knew from their past.
Thankfully on Thanksgiving people who are recovering from addiction can find support, friendship and a turkey dinner by attending the Narcotics Anonymous Annual Thanksgiving Marathon and Gratitude Feast.
Narcotics Anonymous is a worldwide non-profit fellowship of recovering addicts who agree to meet regularly, for some even daily to help themselves and others stay clean. This event takes place from 12pm to 11pm in various locations around the country. The only requirement is the desire to stay clean.
Besides a holiday meal, there are meetings held every half-hour. People sat together and talked while others ate or sat in at a meeting. The event is paid for by donors and all the food preparation is done by volunteers. This year over 200 people came to express gratitude and feast with friends at the Lower East Side marathon meeting.
People here come from all socioeconomic backgrounds and cultures, but they share the same disease of addiction. Countless hugs were given and many expressed gratitude for being sober and alive. At meetings anyone can “share” absolutely anything that’s on their mind in a supportive environment with people who understand what they are going through.
Those with the most clean time help out newcomers who may be attending their first meeting. Patty P. who had just spoke at a meeting said, “I always make a point of spending a few hours to support any marathon holiday event because I know they can make the difference between someone staying clean or relapsing. Holidays are hard for addicts – especially those who are in early recovery.”