Monday, March 16, 2015

SHOP: WHAT SHOULD REPLACE CONWAYS AT 116TH?

A Bespoke tip came in over the weekend showing that Conways at the corner of 116th Street and Lenox will be shuttering its doors.  This is obviously a prime retail corner in South Harlem because of the express 2,3 trains right out front makes it an easy destination spot. The location is also just blocks away from the Mount Morris Park Historic District and the FDB condo corridor.  Clearly the rent will go up at this substantial retail opportunity so what should arrive here that will generate a lot of foot traffic?  We have one obvious choice in mind but does anyone else have suggestions?

51 comments:

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    1. Agreed!!!!!!!!!!

      This area is in desperate need of a real gym.

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    2. What's wrong with Blink and NY Sports Club? Both within 1 avenue east

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    3. Blink isn't terrible, just nowhere near enough free weights/benches for my needs.

      NYSC is a glorified prison yard. Neither the members or the staff care in the slightest about the organization of the gym floor.

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  2. What about studio space for TV & Film. There seems to be tons of Production out in Brooklyn, any chance Harlem could get some of that love.

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    1. That would really be great but im not sure with the opening of whole foods on 125th.

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    2. I concur, Trader Joe!!

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    3. Trader Joe's for sure!

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    4. Yes!!!! It has better pricing than Whole Foods.

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    5. Trader Joe's lost the opportunity to come to Harlem years ago instead opting for the affluent Upper West Side. Now that Whole Foods has pledged to come (whenever that construction is finished) maybe Trader Joe's will become second fiddle to Whole Foods. In other words, Trader Joe's talks progressive but sticks to the the tried and true.

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    6. Whole Foods and Trader Joe's have different expansion strategies. Whole Foods tries to get first mover advantages in markets and is willing to take a chance on underserved areas. More often than not Trader Joe's is not willing to take that risk and wants to move into established neighborhoods. That said, a Trader Joe's would help to bring fresher, healthier food options at lower prices and would be a welcome improvement on the Fine Fare across the street.

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  4. I'd love to see Yoga Works open a Harlem branch.

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  5. Yes to Trader Joe's and/or YogaWorks!!

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  6. Maybe a bank branch or a Duane Reade. We need more of those in NYC.

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    1. lol that has to be a joke! haha

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  7. A Beer garden. A Movie theater. Trader's Joe. Starbuks. I just hope the school for kids with disabilities does not get affected. They have it hard enough.

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  8. Maybe a dirt bike and quad-runner repair garage and laundry.

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  9. Something Healthy, but not another damn GYM!

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  10. Well, it seems this is a selling strategy from Conway. They have put those signs on a couple of times already, so people will stop by to shop thinking that everything is on sale.
    If this time is true that they are closing, a Trader Joe's would be perfect on that location and a big plus for this neighborhood.
    The super market across the street is way to expensive for what they offer.

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  11. A Live Music venue would be nice.

    And yes, Yoga or a Soul Cycle does sound great too

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  12. Anything but Olive Garden, Chilli's, or Outback

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  13. Trader Joes, Yes please.

    Food Hall ala Gotham Market.

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  14. It's not really closing, just being converted to a Fallas discount store... basically the same store with a new name.

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    1. Really? is that definite? if so very disappointing.

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    2. http://www.fierceretail.com/story/report-conway-sold-national-stores-inc-entire-buying-office-staff-laid/2014-01-10

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    3. Thanks and yuck! I'm not against discount stores, but there are discount retailers with much more panache!

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    4. That already happened last year. The store was allowed to keep the Conway name but merchandise and signage inside the store were changed. I don't know if this latest is just a sales ploy or if they are actually closing.

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  15. I'd love a place to see some live music. Does anyone know how Madiba is doing in the area. Conways is on the corner block and has so much potential to bring this area to life.

    Please NO DUANE READE, ughh

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  16. Good call, I spend so much time at the Gotham Market in Hells Kitchen, something like that in Harlem would be perfect.

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  17. Maybe a place for home decor. Do we have a Bed Bath & Beyonce anywhere in the area? A container store?

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    1. Haaaa, BED BATH & BEYONCE, Lol

      That's the best typo yet. Imagine.... New linens from the "I woke up like this" collection.

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    2. There's a BB&Beyonce :) coming to 125th street - catch up - Beyonce would be disappointed with you! haha

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    3. BB&B coming to 125th between Lex and 5th

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    4. The Bed Bath and Beyond is coming to 125th Street between Lenox and Fifth next to Jennifer's Convertibles.

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  18. Housing, housing and more housing on top and Trader Joe's or Best Yet on the ground floor retail. Express 2,3 should not be the best kept secret in Harlem.

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  19. How about a jcrew? That would be great if it came uptown.

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  20. Trader Joes...the Upper West side has both Trader Joes and Whole Foods and each does very well. Same situation in Union Square area. If not a grocer then definitely a Container Store since BBB is opening on 125th.

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  21. Container store or a crate and barrel would be GREAT!

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  22. I think they put this same sign up last year? they emptied everything out, it was closed for a couple days, then it re opened with 100% new stock.

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  23. We have gyms. We don't need another big box store. We need a real, independent bookstore.

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  24. a big market of multiple vendors like http://www.essexstreetmarket.com/. just a big indoor farmer's market type of place. lots of vendors of different types - produce, cheese, meats, asian veggies, ice cream, bakery. great way for a small business to only have to rent a small space but have lots of foot traffic.

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  25. We could really really really use an Apple Store. Usually I shop at the Apple Store on 14th (MPD) but would really like to see something like that here in Harlem.

    Anybody know the plans for the opposing corner, that business seems to be shut down also.

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  26. Hellooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!! Trader Joes!!!!!!!!

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  27. Apple Store would be awesome!!!!!!!

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