The preponderance of big chain stores on the Upper West Side could be severely reversed under a plan introduced by the Department of City Planning. Acting on concerns from the Upper West Side community and elected officials, the city is considering rezoning part of the neighborhood to create two Special Enhanced Commercial Districts. Each of these zones would limit the frontage of new and expanding banks and residential lobbies along Broadway, Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues. Overall store size would not be restricted, so big chains could still burrow underground, but city planners argue that "over time the general multi-store character of Amsterdam and Columbus avenues would be maintained, while promoting a more varied and active retail environment on Broadway." more ›

Iridesco Watercooler put together this cool graph of the data released earlier this week by the Center for Urban Future breaking down chain stores in NYC. With a borough by borough breakdown, the graph illustrates how Dunkin Donuts outer borough presence (including a whopping 29 Staten Island locations!) gave it the top spot amongst the retail giants. 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. more ›

The Center for Urban Future has compiled what they say is the first-ever ranking of national retailers that have the most stores in New York City. Fittingly called “Attack of the Chains,” the ranking includes data on more than 160 retailers operating in the city. (The recently announced Starbucks closings will reduce the coffee retailer's presence in New York to a scant 235 locations – unless the passionate protests of one Bay Ridge man stems the tide.) more ›