Local chain stores mostly unaffected by economy

By Michael Orbach

Issue of Nov. 14, 2008 / 17 Cheshvan 5769

It seems the reports of Central Avenue’s commercial decline have been exaggerated.

Banana Republic just signed a new lease, a manager at Gap said that sales have been consistent and Avrohom Vinipsky, store manager at United Colors of Benneton, said that due to price cuts this year they’ve actually seen an increase in sales.

William Sonoma, arguably the best smelling store on Central Avenue, also said they will not be closing, though The Jewish Star was referred to its corporate headquarters.

However, Anne Taylor, located on the corner of Central Avenue and Spruce Street, like the Starbucks store before it, will be going the way of the dodo.

Debbie, who works in the Ann Taylor store and was not authorized by the company to give her last name, said that corporate headquarters chose not to renew the store’s lease because the store under-performed compared to other Ann Taylor stores. It will officially close at the end of January.