Retail in Carnegie Hill

The retail stores of a New York City neighborhood often define its style, sometimes determine who lives there and usually are the major factor in bringing visitors to the area. At its best, the retail in any neighborhood creates a welcoming feel; at worst it makes you feel nothing at all.

When I walk the streets of west village I get a warm cozy feeling, rivaled by parts of Paris and Florence, in large part due to the tree-lined streets and and prewar beautfiul architecture, but also because of its wonderfully unique shops and restaurants. My years living in East Village bring back memories of the record and jewelry stores and textile shops. The older retail establishments in that neighborhood are often categorized as eclectic or gritty and they make it feel very "New York."

Carnegie Hill's retail is made up of fantastic shops in a low key environment where the shop owners have the opportunity to get to know you, your family and your shopping tendencies like any small town general store proprietor.

Service Hardware, on the corner of 89th and Lexington, was a perfect example of the best Carnegie Hill retail has to offer. It was run as a friendly, neighborhood establishment and its clsing caused a knot in my stomach.

Sure enough, it seems the big box superstores and national chains are beginning to creep further north.

What was Service Hardware is now:



In my ideal world, Carnegie Hill would have shops that are unique to us and if you live here and agree with me, you can do your part. When in the neighborhood, get your coffee at Juliano's. There is always an opportunity for your Dunkin Donuts fix when you're in the airport. Get your books from the Corner Bookstore. Barnes & Noble is is a fine bookstore and there is often one there for you - when you are in the suburbs. If you are in the neighborhood and need pet foot and toys, buy them at Raising Rover. It is these individual shopping decisions that we make in our neighborhood that impacts what retail survives and what doesn't.

To steal a line from Mike Greenberg, "what makes us different, makes us great" and Carnegie Hill is a great neighborhood. We should nurture and support the retail companies that are here for us and keep it that way.