Jackson Heights Life

The Photo place near the corner of 82nd & 37th is gone too as is the small store next to the shoe store on 37th between 82nd & 83rd.

I think the small store you are talking about (Colombian jeans) merged with the shoe store.  So now there are shoes and jeans under one roof and the tiny half-store storefront that used to have just the jeans is now empty.

The space that used to have Colombian jeans now is a place that seems to sell health insurance.

Not sure when it closed, but I didn't like that store.  They sold bootleg Armani Exchange, Abercrombie, and Dolce & Gabanna stuff, which looked like it would fall apart after one washing, but they tried to sell it at 5th Avenue prices.  I don't mind if it is fake, as long as it cheap, but they were just ripping people off!  Maybe that's why they are not here anymore!

I noticed a sign for a pharmacy on the door of the space to the right of the Japanese restaurant Tomo.  Windows were papered over when I walked by, so maybe they are renovating/moving in.

sadly folks, the situation in JH is bleak and the landlords most of which don't live the neighborhood at all aren't helping.  much of the square footage available is on building that have been paid YEARS ago, yet landlords are sticking to charging what they believe to be market rates, but in fact are impossible rents for many if not ALL of the business' along 37th Roosevelt and Northern.  northern is a little more protected because building ownership is more varied and some of the stores are run by the building owners, but on 37th and Roosevelt entire blocks are owned by single landlords or community trusts.  in either case i worry about the resolve and relative deep pockets shops are going to need to stay afloat.  in the meantime i encourage everyone to by local as much as possible, as tempting as buying at the large chain stores is, buy local and keep the community thriving... empty shops leads to more despair and greater insecurity.

I try to do most of my shopping on 37Th Avenue to support local businesses, but have to admit that many of  the local stores don't support me. It true that the rents are exceedingly high. It's  interesting to think of  the many places which wouldn't seem to forefill a need for the people living here but  are still some how  miraculously able to meet the rents. Is the need for a "thong " store greater than say a quality children's toy store?? How do such places survive??  It always puzzles me.

I agree - other than Inner Peace and the health food store, there is very little I want to buy in the neighborhood. I wish it weren't so, but there it is.

I don't understand the demands for higher quality stores being combined with demands for low commercial rents.  Aren't these contradictions? Higher quality stores go hand-in-hand with higher earning customers which commands higher rents.

The complaint isn't about "thong" stores, but thong stores that aren't Victoria's Secret.

I don't understand the demands for higher quality stores being combined with demands for low commercial rents.  Aren't these contradictions? Higher quality stores go hand-in-hand with higher earning customers which commands higher rents.

I don't think it's a contradiction.  A store or restaurant with a new concept for the neighborhood needs time to find its place and its customer base - and high rents are an impediment to someone who needs a few months to get their business going.  Also, restaurants in particular are run with very tight margins, so a lower rent is necessary to stay in business.  And (here I will qualify my statement by saying that my husband and I own espresso 77), I would disagree that high quality has to equal a chain store...