Invasion of the Chain Stores

As chain stores move into a Brooklyn neighborhood, some locals worry about the loss of local character and small businesses.

1 minute read

November 13, 2010, 9:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg

The expected opening of a major drug store retail chain is seen as the spectre of a coming flood of chains in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

"Bedford Avenue, which runs parallel to the waterfront for the entire length of Williamsburg, is a lively mix of the kind of retailers that have all but disappeared in Manhattan: independent coffee shops, record stores, drug stores, boutiques, jewelry stores, bookshops and even a local bank, Cross County Federal Savings Bank.

Now CVS is building a store in the Edge, another waterfront high-rise a block north of the Duane Reade on Kent Avenue. And it looks as if Starbucks may replace the ever-popular Bagel Store on Bedford Avenue when its lease runs out next year."

FULL STORY: As Neighborhood Shifts, Chain Stores Follow

Friday, November 12, 2010 in The New York Times

Architecture History / Preservation Social / Demographics New York New York City Brooklyn Retail Chain Stores Williamsburg Small Businesses Bedford Avenue View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.