Return of the Big Chains

When Kira Plastinina went under in an odd, take-the-money-and-run kind of a way last year (albeit with no money, we later discovered) we started our countdown for other big chains to follow in its footsteps. In fact they've been expanding -- or so supports the second annual ranking of national retailer presence in NYC by the Center for an Urban Future.

While some companies have simply plateaued their expansion this year, there are still those that have continued their growth.  From July 2008 until July 2009 American Apparel went from 16 to 20 stores, Victoria's Secret went from 16 to 18 stores, Aldo (who, we have to admit, is producing some mighty fine shoes these days) went from 16 to 19 stores, and J Crew opened 3 new spots, bringing their NY presence from 6 to 9. 

And, we have to note the arrival of some new chain retailers into Gotham's mix.  European chains such as Comptoir Des Cotonniers, Zadig & Voltaire and, of course, Topshop now call the city home.  Whether this is good news or terribly distressing (Lovesong 422 closes but Benetton still stays strong?!) we can't exactly say.  We suppose there is some consolation in the word EXPANSION no matter which way you slice it these days -- though we're still hoping for the report showing growth among the indies.

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