N
ew York City's reliance on chain stores continues to wane. According to the Commercial Observer, the number of chain stores and restaurants declined by 1.3% this year, marking the fifth consecutive drop in seven years. The annual "State of the Chains" report by the Center for an Urban Future attributed the decline to a net loss of 109 stores, leaving around 8,000 across the five boroughs.

    Merchandise retailers struggled the most, with restaurant chains posting a 1.6% increase this year to over 4,000 locations. Fast-food and fast-casual operations like Popeye's and Naya led the charge. Metro by T-Mobile took the biggest hit, shedding 30 stores in New York City.

    Dunkin', however, remained the city's largest retailer with 626 locations, adding seven new stores this year. Chains disappeared most rapidly in Midtown West, the East Village, and Gramercy Park, but gained visibility in areas like the Garment District and Brooklyn Heights. The report tracked over 450 national retailers, revealing a decline of 797 stores among the 13 largest retailers over the past five years.

    New Yorkers have long expressed concerns about chain stores dominating commercial strips, with some advocating for rent control measures. However, recent reports suggest these fears may be unfounded.