Bronxville Works to Fill Empty Retail Space in Business District
June 27, 2012: For shoppers and especially business owners in Bronxville's downtown business district, evidence of a shifting economy abounds.
"Bronxville has historically weathered storms better than surrounding towns," said Jonathan Gordon of Admiral Real Estate Services Corporation in the village. "When times were bad, those towns would have many more vacancies than Bronxville." Gordon explained that some of the village's commercial tenants who survived the 2007 economic downturn have either "given up" or decided to retire.
Gordon estimates that approximately 16,000 square feet of commercial space on the village's east side sit empty. "Vacancy is about 10 percent," he said, "but it does seem to be very concentrated." No Stone Unturned, Andre's Hardware, and Village Vacuum Services have closed recently on Kraft Avenue. On Pondfield Road, Gourmet 2 Go ceased operation at the end of April, and Alexandra, a women's dress shop, is planning to close around July 15.
"The merchants all understand that the world has changed and that they're going to lose business to the Internet," said Mayor Mary Marvin, "but we want people to think about shopping locally first. There is no nexus to our community when you buy from an online retailer."
Gordon agreed and pointed out that every dollar that stays in the community creates a benefit greater than the value of that dollar. "The downtown is integrally linked to home values," he said.
Marvin emphasized that, when residents buy locally, they're not only keeping a store in business, they're helping their tax burden by bringing sales tax revenue back to the village. "And that's the same store who's going to donate to your church bazaar or your school fund-raiser," she said.
According to Village Treasurer Robert Fels, sales tax revenue to the village has not experienced wide fluctuation over the past year. For the three quarters ended February 29, 2012, the village received $627,800 in sales tax revenue,,, as compared with $631,300 for the quarter ended February 28, 2011, a decrease of approximately $3,500, or 0.57 percent. For the quarter ended February 29, 2012, however, the village received $210,900 in sales tax revenue, an increase of $12,000 over the $198,900 received for the same quarter in 2011.
"Shopping locally is a critical commitment," stated Susan Miele, executive director of the Bronxville Chamber of Commerce. The chamber always looks for opportunities to help downtown merchants promote their businesses and to create synergy by working together. The chamber issues a weekly newsletter, available by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., that alerts subscribers to sales, special events, job openings, and new merchandise.
Unfortunately, Gordon stated, the zoning code, as it exists now, designates most of the downtown retail space for struggling soft goods retail--clothing and textile-based products--and restricts the food, entertainment, and personal services he feels would revitalize foot traffic and re-ignite sales for existing retailers.
"Soft goods retail is the hardest-hit category right now," he said. "It's competing against the Internet and big box retail."
Marvin added that, while Bronxville stores offer diverse merchandise at every price point, there are unmet niches in the village. "We don't have a men's store or a sporting goods store, and every kid in town needs sports equipment. I'd also like to see an anchor store."
Both Gordon and Miele recognize the need to encourage residents from outside the village to shop in Bronxville. Gordon said that many people in other parts of Westchester County don't know about Bronxville, and he sees having one or two recognizable restaurants as a way to attract shoppers from other communities to the village. He also would like to see more personal services establishments, such as the popular blow-dry bars for hair styling, and entertainment businesses, perhaps a children's activities center. "We need to go to the uses that occupy bricks and mortar, retail that's growing, which is not competing with the Internet," he said.
Mayor Marvin expressed the village's desire to help prospective businesses and to streamline the business application process. "We realize the days of having four or five tenants compete for the same space are gone," she said. "We know we need to be more proactive." Marvin urged business owners interested in setting up shop in Bronxville to call village hall. "Village Administrator Harry Porr and I will help them navigate the system and give them a primer on the process."
"We need to find a way to work with the planning board and the zoning board of appeals to streamline business applications," Gordon stated, "and we need to get the word out that we are streamlining it. If we don't, we'll have more vacancies. It's as simple as that."
On the upside, Susan Miele noted, the chamber of commerce is pleased to welcome its newest member, Spruce Home and Garden, now open at 48 Pondfield Road.
"The idea is to think, ‘village first,'" Marvin said, noting that on a recent shopping trip she completed ten errands in 45 minutes. "This is what's so remarkable about Bronxville," she added.
Pictured here: The women's clothing store Alexandra, which is closing after 30 years in the village.
Photo by A. Warner
Shops Directory
Silver Spoon
Silver Spoon is a unique gift shop specializing in beautiful clothing and gifts for babies and young children, including adorable dresses and outfits for girls and boys, sweaters, bedding, baby gifts and accessories. They also carry gifts for adults including throws, cosmetic bags and other special items. Silver Spoon specializes in monogramming to create truly personalized items and gifts. They also offer a baby gift registry and complimentary gift wrap.
81 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-771-7645
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Toney Toni & The Gang
Born and raised in Westchester County, Kim Linn opened her boutique in Bronxville in 1995. Toney Toni & the Gang offers a curated selection of women's clothing, shoes & accessories. Ulla Johnson, Birds of Paradis, A Piece Apart, Clare V, Repeat Cashmere, Pons Quintana, White & Warren, Lilla P, Melissa Nepton are just a few of the designers found in the store.
Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary
Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary builds on an ancient tradition of mind, body, and spirit focus that is essential to total health, life balance, and true peace. Our clients experience an increase in well-being by participating in individualized holistic services including massage, facials, energy healing services, meditation, yoga therapy, and workshops
Schedule your appointment online
Purchase a gift certificate online
14 Studio Arcade
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-337-9356
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Posh Beauty Boutique
POSH Beauty Boutique is a luxury spa offering the ultimate in body therapies and skincare. The founder of POSH Beauty Boutique is Bronxville resident Diana Rainsford who is a master Reflexologist and Esthetician.
POSH offers customized facials, massage, waxing, spray tans, professional makeup applications and much more including customized, all-inclusive packages for your bachelorette party, special birthday, or for fun with your friends. Little Miss packages are also available for your little princess’s special occasions.
POSH uses Eminence Organic Skin Care for all their facials. Body treatments are performed in their luxuriously appointed Hydrotherapy room with Vichy shower.
118 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-361-1277
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Rain Natural Skin Care
Rain Natural Skincare is the home for a wide range of handmade luxurious body and skincare products that are made from natural ingredients, harnessing the power of nature to rejuvenate and nourish your skin.
Value Drugs of Bronxville
Value Drugs of Bronxville has been a member of the Bronxville Community for over twenty years. They are a family center where you can find a large variety of items. They have over fifty departments including toys, clothing, home goods and everything else you need from your neighborhood drug store. They have a full-service pharmacy with free delivery. You can also find a large variety of seasonal goods for every time of year.
80 Pondfield Rd
Bronxville, NY 10708-3801
(914) 337-2520
Bronxville Vision Care
Bronxville Vision Care offers eye examinations and same-day service on most eyeglasses and contact lens services. The center is open every day and accepts most vision plans, including VSP, Eye Med, Spectera, and Pomco. John Dello Russo is the optician and Dr. Josephine Russo is the optometrist. Dr. Russo, a graduate of SUNY Optometry, has been in practice since 1996. Mr. Dello Russo, who has an MBA in finance and is an adjunct instructor at CUNY, has been an optician since 1976 and is designated a Master of Ophthalmic Optics by the American Board of Opticianry.
10 Park Place
Bronxville, NY
914-337-4440
Trapp Opticians
Founded in 1945, Trapp Opticians has been proud to serve Bronxville and Lower Westchester with the highest level of care and expertise in eye care. Our Optometrist offers comprehensive eye examinations and contact lens fittings. Trapp offers the best quality in eyewear and sun wear including a large selection of children’s eyewear and sportswear.
M-F 8:30-5:00PM
Sat 9:30-3:00PM
42 Pondfield Rd.
Bronxville, NY 10708
(914) 337-0707
Tryforos & Pernice Florist
The Tryforos family has roots in the floral industry since the late 1800's and is privileged to be serving Bronxville since 1963. Their distinctive arrangements and bouquets consist of top of the market flowers from Holland, New Zealand, South America, the Pacific Basin and the US. For the floral enthusiast, all of their arrangements are customized from classic to trendy themes with inventive designs. Lush, dense packed vase arrangements in clear, low square, round glass, terra cotta and leaf lined vases are always available. They have beautiful orchids; potted and cut, as well as green and flowering plants which vary by season. They are pleased to present your unique inspirations for gift giving. Their customer base: "Busy People". They deliver and send flowers worldwide.
M-F: 9am-6pm
Sat.: 9am-5pm
73 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914.337.2525
www.tryforosflorist.com
Framebridge
All of us have things sitting in boxes, drawers, and on our phones that we’d rather have up on our walls. At Framebridge, we’re making custom framing so easy and delightful that you’re inspired to celebrate everything you love–big, little and in-between. Whether digital photo or physical item, single frame or gallery wall, Framebridge has you covered. With our transparent pricing, there are no surprises. The price you see is the price you’ll pay–and shipping is always free. With over two dozen frame styles and mat options, you're sure to find the perfect combo to bring your piece to life. You can even personalize it with a brass plate, mat caption, or story pocket! Whether it’s macaroni art or a Picasso sketch, we treat every piece like a masterpiece.
Bronxville Furriers
Established in 1926, Bronxville Furrier has a long history as a trusted full service fur retailer. Luxurious furs, reversible garments, shearlings, Loro Piana cashmeres and accessories can be found here.
We offer a range of services that include Certified cold storage, cleaning and glazing, alterations and repairs. Our remodel program gives our customers the opportunity to Redesign and Modernize garments that no longer work with their lifestyles or fit properly.
Silver Spoon
Silver Spoon is a unique gift shop specializing in beautiful clothing and gifts for babies and young children, including adorable dresses and outfits for girls and boys, sweaters, bedding, baby gifts and accessories. They also carry gifts for adults including throws, cosmetic bags and other special items. Silver Spoon specializes in monogramming to create truly personalized items and gifts. They also offer a baby gift registry and complimentary gift wrap.
81 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-771-7645
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Silk Road
We are a unique boutique specializing in Home Decor, Gifts, Annabelle's and Seely Mini Jewelry, Bedding, and Clothing. We carry noteworthy items from Simon Pearce, Julie Vos, Dash and Albert, Fermob, Calaisio and many others. Gift wrapping is available.
Continental 109
Continental 109 has a 60-year history of providing exceptional hair styling, color and essential services for beauty and well being. The salon is led by owner and stylists, Nick and Mark DeVincenzo.
Built on the tradition of superior customer service, their full service salon stays fresh and exciting through ongoing training and immersion in the best that the world of beauty and fashion has to offer.
Everything about us is leading-edge with a complete focus on our guests. This commitment, and our talented staff, are the reasons why you will come to enjoy the Continental 109 experience.
Centrally located in the elegant village of Bronxville, the salon is easy to reach by car or train. Discover us, and reveal a more beautiful, more vibrant you!
109 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914.793.4198
914.793.4198
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Bacione Pasta Shop
Bacione Pasta Shop offers fresh pasta and sauces using high quality ingredients to create delicious pasta dishes loaded with flavor. Come in and enjoy the cuisine of Italy right here in Bronxville.
You can order from eleven kinds of fresh pasta by the pound and then choose from eight homemade sauces to complete your meal. Add-ons include: chicken, sausage, meatballs, mozzarella, ricotta and broccoli.
Bacione also sells loaves of Italian and focaccia bread and freshly prepared containers of homemade lasagna, vegetarian lasagna, sausage ragu and meat dishes to take home. Dessert offerings are: tiramisu, flan and panna cotta. Drink choices are Italian sodas.
Ladle of Love
Ladle of Love, 18 Palmer Avenue - just across the street from New York Presbyterian Westchester Hospital - stands for consciously - sourced food, community support and a caring work family.
Whether you're picking up from the shop, getting delivery by ordering at ladleoflove.com or crafting a catering with founder/owner, Leslie Lampert, Ladle of Love promises healthful, delicious food from award winning soups and stews to sandwiches, salads, sweets and supper selections. (We have daily curbside pickup at The Boys and Girls Club in Mt. Kisco.)
The UPS Store
The UPS Store is a great place to send a package, print documents, open a mailbox or purchase business supplies. You are assured great service and a personal touch.
81 Pondfield Rd
Bronxville, NY 10708-3817
914- 779-0140
http://www.theupsstorelocal.com/1363/
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