Chinatown Brooklyn: Economy
From Decoding New York
| Introduction |
| Manhattan |
| * Evolution |
| * What's Real |
| * Here v. There |
| * Economy |
| Flushing |
| * Evolution |
| * What's Real |
| * Here v. There |
| * Economy |
| Brooklyn 8th Avenue |
| * Evolution |
| * What's Real |
| * Here v. There |
| * Economy |
| Comparison |
| * Photo Gallery |
| * Sources
|
As previously noted, Eighth Avenue is much less reliant on the tourist industry for its economy. Instead, small businesses and restaurants line the avenue. Grocery stores and street vendors cater to locals in the area, but also attract shoppers from other regions as well, due to the competitive pricing and unique cultural products. Chinese bakeries exist on almost every single block. These bakeries can be likened to a Starbucks or similar venue in other parts of the city, providing not only various beverages and pastries, but also providing a general meeting area, continuing the cafe culture that is so prominent in the city. Hair salons and similar service industries are also particularly prevalent, with signifcantly lower prices than their counterparts in other areas of NYC. Due to the growing population of the area, some Chinese businesses have begun to appear on 7th and 9th avenues, a trend which will expand as the neighborhood continues to expand.
One of the largest businesses in the area, Hong Kong Supermarket, is also one of the foundations of the area. In fact, the Hong Kong Supermarket is credited with revitalizing the Eighth Avenue economy. Hong Kong immigrant Tsang Sun Mui established Hong Kong in 1986 as the Chinese community began to take shape, and as his business flourished, other businesses followed suit. Due to its close proximity to the train station, Hong Kong Supermarket is one of the reasons that Eighth Avenue has thrived as a Chinese community, providing concrete ties to the culture and lifestyle for the residents.
The garment industry contributes much to the economy of Eighth Avenue. Although vastly inexpensive production in China has driven the garment industry away from New York, there are still operating sweatshops in the communities of Chinatown and Eighth Avenue. It is estimated by the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union that there are some two hundred non-union shops in Eighth Avenue. Regulation and unionization is difficult in the garment industry, since employers are able to close quickly and workers unable to protest because of their illegal status.
