How Pandemic Trips to the Corner Deli Started a Business Venture
The pandemic has left hundreds of vacant retail spaces across Manhattan. One clothing designer decided to open a shop next to his corner deli.
Mayan Rajendran started a pop-up store next to the corner deli he came to rely on during the pandemic.
Hadriana Lowenkron/Bloomberg
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit New York last year, Mayan Rajendran found himself making daily trips to his corner deli in Chelsea for coffee. Now, he’s spending even more time there — or more specifically, at the vacant flower stand next door — where he sells his own line of clothing and other accessories.
The Eighth Avenue pop-up,again&again, is part of a growing trend of temporary shops, with merchants around the country looking to “test the waters of retail” as the world continues to open up following a 44% increase in U.S. e-commerce sales in 2020. A drop in New York City retail rents has also made it easier for new businesses looking for a storefront.