A Helping Hand for Mom-and-Pop Retailers
After yesterday’s discussion about mom-and-pop retailers getting squeezed out of their neighborhoods by larger chain stores, we wre interested to read of Mayor Bloomberg’s latest appointee, the newly-minted executive director of retail development. Part of the Department of Small Business, the position, filled by Michelle Mooney, right, was created to work with local community development…
After yesterday’s discussion about mom-and-pop retailers getting squeezed out of their neighborhoods by larger chain stores, we wre interested to read of Mayor Bloomberg’s latest appointee, the newly-minted executive director of retail development. Part of the Department of Small Business, the position, filled by Michelle Mooney, right, was created to work with local community development corporations and BIDs to upgrade their retail offerings. One of Mooney’s first efforts is Flatbush Junction, where Starbucks has already arrived and Target is on the way.
“Usually the disconnect between residents and retail happens when neighborhoods are in transition,” Ms. Mooney said. “Sometimes properties are making money from other things and not from the retail, such as billboards. Second and third floors are often empty, and even stairways have been removed. If the upstairs were converted to residential, there would be even greater demand for a better mix of retail in the area.”
Despite the recent success of the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, its executive director is looking forward to having some unbiased input from someone like Ms. Mooney: “We’ve been getting by without, but when we come up with a strategy, it would be great to have someone we can go to who isn’t a broker to get a second opinion.”
Retail Czar for Mom and Pop [NY Times]
anon at 11:44–Flatbush Ave. ends at a bridge that goes to the west end of the Rockaway Inlet, several miles past Kings Plaza.
This area is going to be hot — Brooklyn College has been making a significant effort in the neighborhood, they have a cinematheque, theatre productions, etc., and Starbucks and Quiznos recently opened on Hillel Place (replacing the beloved Sugar Bowl Diner, unfortunately), with Shakespeare & Co books across the street. One bedroom co-ops in nice buildings can be had for $160K and up — and if you’re close to the Q train it’s not more than 45 minutes to midtown!
I’m not at all a mall person, but this area would benefit greatly from chain stores (and a decent supermarket with fresh produce — the Met Foods by Glenwood Rd is horrifying).
Now if Fresh Direct would deliver we’d be all set.
And don’t forget the parrots!
FYI. Flatbush Junction is not the tail end of Flatbush! It ends at Kings Plaza Mall.
Rack of lamb? What are you, the king of France? Buy a friggin chuck roast and get outta my store!
JoshK – I think the reality is that people prefer both; example: While a Costco/Target type store is perfect for getting the box of 50 frozen hamburgers for the kids Little Legue Barbaque; many people (especially those with disposable income) still prefer going to their local A&S type Butcher to pick out that perfect rack of lamb for Valentines Day.
Small stores can (and sometimes do) offer that specialization and/or service that you dont find in the “chain type ” box stores.
The problem is that many small merchants are too used to existing in a world w/o real competition and are ill prepared to make the necessary changes to focus on a more specialized (yet high margin) buisness that is required to survive.
ltjbukem, no Flatbush junction is the tail end of the neighborhood of Flatbush. Flatbush and Nostrand avenues intersect one another. It’s filled with lots of fast food and cell phone stores. Recently though a starbucks has open as well as a book store. Things are improving but rather slowly.
Faithful,
They are talking about *Flatbush Junction*, which is the corner of Flatbush and Nostrand Avenues, not the Target at Atlantic Avenue.
Update! Target already arrived about a year ago.
I think her describing herself as mid-30’s might be a bit of a stretch!