Gothamist: The Mallification of New York in Color by Numbers

annieuro

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 22:39:41 -0500

Dear Snoopy, My 2x2x2 ANOVA analysis suggests that there's a huge spike in weight and obesity rate in rent-a-cops than in cops, regardless of ethnicity. This is especially true for mall cops...Just sayin'. SCHWING!

NannyState

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 21:57:01 -0500

The franchisee comment tells the story. If you're a small businessman or woman looking to build a small fortune, why would you hang your own banner up only to have to fight the chains and deal with rent hikes? You go chain. They take care of the marketing and supply chain issues, and you just count the money and send them their monthly check. Chains are the new "Mom and Pop's" unfortunately because of their huge advantages. Real Mom and Pops are amazing because the only way to deal with the chains is to get out of their way and do something unique instead...until the huge rent hike.

flexxy

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 15:46:48 -0500

I would've thought there were WAY more American Apparels. Way. One is opening on 125th in Harlem! B & N's are closing left & right.

brooklynbs

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 15:15:24 -0500

Thanks for pointing that out blablanyc. Sleepy's, Duane Reade, Golden Krust, Carvel, Tasti D-Lite, Petland Discounts, Cohen's Fashion Optical and Moddell's, among others, were founded in NYC. Some chains provide good products, value, service and a benefit to the community. Others don't. It's the same with locally-owned businesses. Just look at the guy in Brooklyn who ran those restaurants and ripped customers off.

Spiritof76

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 15:05:59 -0500

Why all the hate for Dunkin Donuts? Yeah, they're overpriced and not very good, but at least they actually serve the city rather than just shipping in a few cold donuts to Penn Station every day like Krispy Kreme does. Time to make the donuts...

Gentrifier

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 13:25:52 -0500

Also, I note that in a bad economy, I can always get the books I need from New York's wonderful and extensive library systems. But those systems don't lend out t-shirts and leggings.

Gentrifier

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 13:23:16 -0500

The blog also pointed out this alarming statistic: there are as many American Apparel locations in the five boroughs as there are Barnes and Nobles. People care more about what they wear on their asses than what they've got between their ears. Film at eleven.

AvenueHebrew

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:52:25 -0500

Incidentally, I'm pretty sure most of the American Apparel outlets I've seen have been within a few blocks of a Barnes and Nobles.

ixvnyc

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:51:38 -0500

I thought Dunkin Donuts are precinct houses? This is a story from Chicago, but still: There is this Dunkin Donuts with a huge parking lot in Lakeview, which is one of the most popular urban neighborhoods, and where it's impossible to find a parking spot. Their parking lot is always empty (with all the restaurants and coffee shops near by, no one ever goes there) but if you park there, your car will be booted immediately because they have their own boots in the big lockers right there: in their parking lot! Once, I tried to take a photo of this Dunkin Donuts, and.. I kid you not, two bug guys came out and told me not to take pictures! :) So, I am totally convinced that the place is simply a precinct that also sells stale donuts and shitty coffee. I mean, there is no other explanation for the existence of Dunkin Donuts in a big city, right?

marthagrace

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:43:58 -0500

I don't think it's "alarming" that there are as many American Apparel locations as there are Barnes and Noble. It's not like Barnes and Noble is a "better" chain because they sell books instead of clothing - communities would still be better served by a locally-owned bookstore.

Snoopy

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:37:42 -0500

Well done Prof. Now might I ask has there been a study defining weight per cop versus fast food venue population compared to the ethnic background of the commanding officer per precinct?

annieuro

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:19:54 -0500

Dear Snoopy, According to my multiple regression analysis of Duncan Donuts and precincts, there appears to be quite a few by the 17th precinct. I added in variables of the number of officers per precinct, and proximity to the nearest Duncan Donut. My results show that there is a .99999 correlation between low mileage and donut eat-age, regardless of precinct size. Regards, Professor Schwinggg

blablanyc

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:00:20 -0500

The ironic things is many chain stores originated in NYC which include Macy's, Woolworth's, A&S, Brooks Brothers, and T.G.I. Friday's.

greenpoint_grouch

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 11:50:09 -0500

Some of those are franchises.

Snoopy

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 11:47:57 -0500

Is there any correlation between the number of Dunkin Donuts outlets and the location of precinct houses in the city?