Fulton Mall Appears To Be Bucking Retail Downturn
Biking through the Fulton Mall this week we were struck by how unaffected it appeared to be by the recession and broader downturn in the retail environment. We obviously don’t have any numbers on sales trends at any of the stores, but we were impressed by the fact that there was only one small store…
Biking through the Fulton Mall this week we were struck by how unaffected it appeared to be by the recession and broader downturn in the retail environment. We obviously don’t have any numbers on sales trends at any of the stores, but we were impressed by the fact that there was only one small store that was empty and only one other For Rent sign on the entire seven-block stretch. This is in marked contrast to the scene on Flatbush and Atlantic Avenues and, well, almost everywhere.
The Macy’s occupies the A&S building on Fulton Street. Federated Departments Stores owned both Macy’s and A&S; changed its name to Macy’s Inc. … and changed the names of all its department stores, including A&S, to Macy’s. The merchandise available at the Fulton Street Macy’s is much like the merchandise available at the 34th Street Macy’s.
The Macy’s is one of the top grossing in the country. One of my best friends works for Macy’s Corporate.
As is the Target at Atlantic Terminal.
You can complain about these stores all you want, but those are facts.
Fulton Mall is terrific for what it is. I wish 7th Avenue was 1/2 as vibrant.
prediction: in 5 years we are ALL going to be shopping at the fulton mall.
*r*
Fulton may attract folks who (generally speaking):
Do less shopping online giving their preferred retailers more foot traffic
May not have as much credit so utilize stores that offer layaway
May not have personal transportation so find all in one shopping districts like Fulton convenient
May not feel comfortable or find the products they’re looking for in more upscale shopping districts
May find nostalgia and charm in the district
All of these could be reasons for why Fulton is doing well.
I am often amazed that Macy’s is still there, but I was in a week or so ago and it was packed. Appears they are still doing a booming business.
I remember when Alexander’s was there. An A&S too if i remember right. I bought my first pair of Air Jordan’s at VIM (the black 3/4 ones with the gray snakeskin-ish trim) back in the 80s. Saw my first movie at the theatre that is no the church….
I love Fulton St. mall, I manage to do a lot of my Christmas shopping there. Great to have close to the house
I shop on this street for some things, and have for years since I was a kid. To me, it’s no better worse than 80% of the shopping districts in this entire city, particularly when you include Macy’s. It’s nothing special I’ll admit, but why would it have to be? Clearly it serves its community. I can only suppose that the mostly minority clientele is a factor in the ignorant and uninformed commentary I often read on this blog with regards to the Fulton Mall.
I think the Fulton Mall caters to more people than those on governemnt assistance. Let’s be fair. It is actually a very vibrant and profitable retail destination. The shopfronts don’t stay shuttered for long. That is because it has critical mass and great public transportation. It has survived all kinds of wrong-headed government interventions and “beautification” programs and has come through it all as a ragtag, but successful, discount shopping magnet. The gentry in the three-million dollar brownstones nearby may not like it, but they never go there anyway. The Fulton mall is where the regular folks of north Brooklyn and even Manhattan go for bargains and specialty items.
I disagree with the efforts of some to “upgrade” the area. It doesn’t need upgrading. Montague Street needs upgrading and fewer vacant stores.
i never brought race into it. stop baiting. im the least racist person ever. jeez. ive lived in areas like this and i still shop in areas like this and i DO know the type of people who shop here. people who would rather buy a wig and a cell phone instead of baby formula. if you think that’s racist to say, YOU are the racist one. not me. cuz there’s just as many white skanks in other cities who do the same exact thing. hello, my mother!
*r*
I agree about Macy’s, but it does seem to always be crowded. I loved that store when it was A&S, and now, with rumors of Gage & Tollner and Armando’s returning, perhaps that will be revived as well.
And, again, sorry for the typos — “assistance” and “dollar” above.