Dumbo NYC

Notes from the DUMBO, Brooklyn NY neighborhood


Apple Store in Dumbo – Good or Bad?

September 14th, 2007

Racked posted a story that Apple Inc. is looking for a retail space in Brooklyn. Dumbo was named as one of the five possible locations in Brooklyn. The others are Red Hook, Smith Street, Downtown Brooklyn, and Williamsburg. Here’s what Racked had to say about Dumbo’s chances:

Dumbo: Two Trees has been looking for a tenant in the long-vacated ABC Carpet and Home warehouse space, and there’s something about the Apple and Dumbo brands that just seems to go together (overly precious, check; overly branded, check; we’re over both of them, check). A longshot, though one we’d sort of love to see. Odds: 10-1

I think a Dumbo store would draw a lot of foot traffic to the area and make it a destination for a lot of people. But the former ABC Carpet store space is no longer available, as reported here before. According to a Two Trees employee, they’ve reached out to Apple in the past, but they weren’t ready. They still have 6600 sq.ft in 70 Washington Street and 6700 sq.ft across the street at Washington and Front Street. There are lots of comments on the Racked thread, but what do Dumbo residents think about having an Apple store in Dumbo? Good for Dumbo or bad for increased traffic and tourist buses?

Filed in Dumbo Retail and Businesses at 3:05 pm
Comments
  • Jimbeam
    Dumbo has the space for it, but there probably isn't enough foot traffic to warrant an Apple store. However, if Apple does come to Dumbo, it will draw foot traffic to the area and benefit other Dumbo retail. With Galapagos coming in 2008, the area will get a little more 'artsy'. Apple draws the artsy crowd so maybe there's a match?
  • Williamsburg would seem to be the better fit for Apple. They would eat it up.
  • anon
    I think it would be good. Something needs to fill up all these large front st. vacant retail spaces and I really hope its not a pottery barn or something.
  • Given all the tourist traffic DUMBO gets from being near the Brooklyn Bridge, Grimaldi's, etc. it could be a very profitable location.
  • Brooklyn Renaissance
    only if they give dumbo residents special discounts :)
  • dumbostreets
    A Dumbo store would serve Brooklyn, no doubt, but would be easy to access from lower Manhattan as well. Red Hook and Williamsburg are more difficult to get to. Downtown Brooklyn is OK, but Dumbo, as a creative community, works nicely with the Apple brand. If you believe the foot traffic will increase with the park and Two Trees gives them a good enough deal, I'd say there is a good chance for it.
  • Publius
    I am not sure what community you live in, dumbostreets!

    You mention Dumbo as a 'creative community' yet the creative aspect of the area is no longer being supported by the 'community.'

    Artists are leaving or have left because of the pressures of the invading gucci-wearing hordes, the DAC is in a shambles, (e.g. they don't even promote the 'art under the bridge' festival that is NEXT WEEK on their website, nor do they support Dumbo Artists). Jan Larsen's "gallery" -- or overpriced consignment store -- which did more ill to the "creative community" of Dumbo than anything else does not promote artists or art, but rather promotes Jan. ("New Tribeca?" Come on!)

    There are some businesses that are "creative" in Dumbo, but the 'creative' types who work in said businesses don't have the ability to pay the three- and four-thousand dollar rents...I wonder how many "creative" types have moved IN to the neighborhood in the past year?

    In order to have a 'creative community' it seems to me that one needs to have creative types in the community. It seems possible to find a balance -- not only for upscale boutiques -- but to make space available and support those who actually dedicate their lives to creating, rather than consuming.
  • T
    Well said, Publius.
  • mike d
    I love apple. Come on in Steve Jobs.
    Wish we could get a vespa store too.
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