Chain stores continue to expand their reach across the “World’s Borough,” but at a slower rate than in previous years.
The number of chain stores in Queens increased by 0.8 percent between 2014 and 2015, a much slower rate of growth than last year, according to a study released by the Center for an Urban Future last week.
Titled “State of the Chains,” the report found that the total number of chain stores in Queens increased from 1,735 in 2014 to 1,749 in 2015. Between 2013 and 2014, the number of chain stores in Queens jumped by 3.5 percent.
Despite the slow growth, the borough still has the second highest number of chain stores of all the boroughs. T-Mobile opened 12 stores in Queens within the last year and Dunkin Donuts opened 10 stores. A number of national retailers closed up shop including RadioShack, which closed 12 stores this year and CVS, which reduced its presence in the borough by eight stores.
Woodside had the largest growth of any neighborhood in Queens, with eight retail chains opening here this year. Breezy Point and a part of Jamaica had zero retail chains open between 2014 and 2015, the study found. The area surrounding Queens Center mall in Elmhurst is home to the largest number of chains in Queens with 137.
According to the report, five retailers have their only New York City locations in Queens. These chains include Arby’s, Panda Express, Gold’s Gym and Gordon’s Jewelers.
The report also found that 63 retailers have more of their stores in Queens than any other borough. These chains include Dunkin Donuts, Baskin Robbins, T-Mobile and Rite Aid.
