Signs Awnings on Vanderbilt

whynot_31 wrote:

If I was in such a situation, and I was making less money than ever as a result of the neighborhood's change, I would try to gentrify up and make the money needed to stay.

....but I didn't feel I would ever have the resources and permission to compete, I would put no additional money or time into my business. I would simply let it decay until I had to leave.

^^^This is the dilemma. I had a personal experience with a deli in Union Square that was a deli/coffee shop since the 1920's. Up until the renaissance of that area (early 80's?) the place was a typical deli. Everything you forgot to get at a supermarket you could get there. Problem was as rents started to inch toward 200 per foot, selling little friskies, wax paper, and clothes pins could not be justified anymore. You were actually losing money. They not only jettisoned the clothes pins and cat food they lost their dwindling customer base. They successfully jumped into labor intensive prepared food (high profit) and the only thing they sold beyond that where drinks and chips. That worked for more then 15 years until rents went toward 300 per foot. At that point the only way profit can be maximized is in delivery. The remaining successful delis in high rent districts will have 10 or more bikes out front. They couldn't do it for lack of space so they closed. Did I forget to mention the half dozen landmark violations they incurred over the last 10 years trying to draw attention. Typical deli awnings with lights and bright paint jobs. Now it's a Pret. Just a small discreet sign. All Landmark violations have been removed. The original deli had 1 busy cash register, Pret has 7. Care to guess what they gross daily?

20K+

oh nooooo

raisedeyebrow wrote:

we love vandy and hope it doesn't turn into smith. It was too much too soon and all the interestiing places got pushed out.

Pieces' empty storefront is ominous. Sorry to see it go.

xlizellx wrote:

Architecture Biscuit wrote:

....and an ice cream shop on the way.

http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2010/11/ample_hills_cre.php

Wonder what the awning will be....

Tangentially, today I walked by the new supermarket that is being put up in the former Jewish Hospital ER (just over the border in nearby Crown Heights)

...they already have the awning up! Their awning will look waaay better than the Met's sign on Vandy.

....I wonder when its going to open. Looks like it is going to be big.