As I got off the 2 train on the Fulton Street stop, I saw the first of several small businesses with very few customers. The reason might have been the fact that it was rush hour. It was the Royal Hair Stylists and Barber Shop. If one was lost in thought, rushing to or from the subway, one would probably miss it.
As I passed the shop, a customer was just walking out; there was nobody else inside except two barbers.
“This is about my seventh or eighth time coming here to get my haircut. The first time I was rushing home and was in desperate need of a cut. When I got off this stop and saw the shop I thought, Perfect! I was very satisfied with the outcome”, said Neal Abrahante, a resident in the financial district.
As I was walking around, I noticed plenty of other small businesses, all empty.
Stores such as the one above literally had no customers inside. The economy has undoubtedly had an impact on these businesses along with many others.
I use to be a regular at the South Street Seaport in the afternoon and there was always a number of people there. This time, aside from the four ice skaters in the rink, it was very empty and eerily quiet.
If I were to come back in a couple months, some of these small businesses would be here and some of them may have gone out of business, allowing new ones to come along. The question is: Which ones will stick around and survive the hard times?
I would hope that they all survive these difficult times but I think you are right. On your next hair cut you may see some “space for lease” signs.
This is really too bad. From the direct quote that you got from the barber shop customer it seems he only fell upon the shop unintentionally. This is good and bad. It’s good for the obvious that new customers are coming in, but mostly bad that old clients aren’t coming in(the place is empty!!) . A slow in business reflects the decline in traffice in the area. It’s not to say people don’t need a haircut; they are just maybe going closer to home or even going a longer period without one. Also places like the ice skting rink and the Uno’s restaurant you have pictured should be busy. They are both places that normally generate a lot of business. Hopefully business gets better. I work in retail and I see a decline in business myself. Fingers crossed that the arrival of Spring brings people out and ready to spend money!!
The same thing is happening in Astoria.
I think it truly depends on the kind of business it is.
This seems to be a growing epidemic in all neighborhoods across the city. All of our smaller stories reflect that in one way or another. The stories that focus in on successful businesses in tough times only magnifies the majority of sagging business around them. It also seems that the businesses that are doing well are in areas with little competition and close knit communities. Fulton Street is packed with barbers and small establishments similar to each other. Southstreet contains businesses that have no necessities, which is all people can afford at this time, and some cannot even afford that.