Souvenir shop on the corner of Mott and Bayard Street
As you take a walk through Chinatown you hear the endless chatter of people talking in Chinese. You see residents rush past tourists who are walking too slow for their liking. You smell the roast duck and pork hanging in the window of the restaurant nearby. This is Chinatown. In the heart of Chinatown are small souvenir shops geared towards tourists. These tourists are awestruck by the Chinese lanterns and dragons hanging in front of the store. They venture in and out of these small shops looking for small trinkets to bring home to their family and friends. They come back out with I Love New York T-shirts, Statue of Liberty key chains, and a miniature replica of the Empire State Building. Of course, they will splurge on a little something for themselves such as “Prada”, “Gucci”, or “LV” bags and accessories. These souvenir shops survive on the business tourists bring them and without them their shops would not exist.
Chinese movie theater in 2002
In 2009, the theater is now an empty piece of land
The current economy combined with the impact of 9/11 has affected the businesses of Chinatown in every aspect. The rising price of real estate and rent is putting a heavy burden on local businesses. It is even harder for these businesses to survive on the money they earn while trying to pay rent. Residents and store owners have noticed the increasing store closures and buildings up for rent. On the corner of Hester and Bowery is an empty space of land which used to be a Chinese theater. The historical theater, which closed down in 2000 is now an empty hole on the corner of a busy street. Right next door is a store and office up for rent during hard economic times.
Vacant office building
Across the street is a vacant office building which has been empty for almost a year. Miranda Lee who had an office in that building was outraged when they heard they had to move their business. “It was a hassle looking for a new office. We have lost a number of old customers who weren’t aware that we have relocated our business,” she said.
Chinatown needs the help of local NY residents and tourists to fuel business in the neighborhood. When you have time, come explore Chinatown and enjoy a day of shopping and eating in the best Asian restaurants. Plan your trip with this helpful site: http://www.explorechinatown.com/
I always walk through Chinatown, and I’ve never noticed it until now. Regardless of how many tourists buy these knockoff designer anythings, I see less stores open then I used to. In fact a few really good restaurants i would frequent have closed.
The small business is really taking a hard hit in this recession. Even major small business areas in the boroughs are losing stores. Pretty soon, as it looks, only big names will be able to continue doing business.