Village Loses Two More Retailers

The new year begins with the loss of two more stores in Scarsdale Village. Candy 'n Cards, marked 50 years in Scarsdale by announcing that it would close it's doors on January 31. The 99 year-old owner, Emily Hirsch is a Village treasure and celebrates her birthdays with a public celebration each June. 

Last June we asked her for her secret to longevity and here is what she advised:

• Get up everyday and go about your business
• Be happy
• Hopefully have good genes

Though Hirsch is beloved, she struggled to maintain sales recently and decided that now is the time to move on. Everything will be half off at the store until she closes on January 31, 2017.

Pure Raw Juice on Harwood Court, that offered juice blends and natural food snacks is also closing, leaving yet another vacant storefront downtown. Imagine Candy, also on Harwood Court closed in October after making a valiant effort to make a go of a profitable business in town.

As vacancies increase, it becomes more and more difficult for the existing stores to get enough street traffic. One successful retailer told Scarsdale10583 that he considered expanding his operation into the adjacent empty storefront. However, the landlord was unwilling to negotiate the rent, despite the fact that the space has been unoccupied for almost two years.

Is it time for Scarsdale landlords to reduce rents? With more reasonable rents, perhaps the Village can attract some mom and pop or individually owned stores, selling everyday necessities and food to attract buyers to Scarsdale. Frozen yogurt, stationary, small electronics, children's shoes plus a variety of restauranteurs would be welcome additions to town.