Empire State of Empty Storefronts: NYC Chain Stores Retreat as Consumers Shift Gears

The Big Apple might be losing its bite when it comes to national chain stores. A new study from the Center for an Urban Future paints a sobering picture: New York City is shedding these familiar brands at a record pace, leaving behind a trail of empty storefronts and changing consumer habits.

According to the study, the number of chain store options in the city has plummeted by almost 1,000 since 2019, representing a significant 3% drop. This marks a stark reversal from the modest recovery seen in the past two years, and serves as a stark reminder of. . .