Friday, December 5, 2008

Black Friday black for some, red for others

Queens residents flocked to shopping centers throughout the borough Friday, some waking as early as 3 a.m. to take advantage of steep Black Friday sales despite a tanking national economy that has left many Americans tightening the grip on their wallets.

But while some stores in Queens were experiencing enough human traffic to satisfy managers concerned about the impact of the recession on sales, the Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale and Jamaica Avenue were reminiscent of ghost towns.

Queens Center Mall in Elmhurst was already bustling with shoppers at 4 a.m., and Bay Terrace in Bayside and the Lake Success Shopping Center on the border of Floral Park were teeming with residents anxious to purchase holiday gifts on sale. Store managers at Queens Place, down the street from the mall, said shoppers were champing at the bit to purchase everything from the televisions to Wiis that were significantly less thanks to Black Friday discounts.

Rick Sanichara, manager of the Target at Queens Place, a shopping center at 56th Avenue and Queens Boulevard, said the store had completely sold out of more than 500 Westinghouse LCD televisions, on sale for $299 — $200 less than the regular retail price, three hours after it opened at 6 a.m.


Boro sees mixed turnout on Black Friday

Although Black Friday sales rose about 3 percent nationwide, some shopping spots in Queens failed to draw crowds.

In Glendale, the Shops at Atlas Park, which has a number of high−end stores, was practically deserted at 9:30 a.m. Friday despite numerous shops boasting signs advertising special sales starting as early as 6 a.m.


Forest Hills 72 was at Atlas, too, and noticed the same thing.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Please go to Atlas Park... you you you... peasants!

Unknown said...

Atlas needs an Apple Store. There is plenty of room and that would bring shoppers. I have never been to an Apple Store that wasn't crowded. They have Free classes and computers to play on for the kids. Its a win win!!

Anonymous said...

An Apple Store would be great but Atlas needs way more than that. They need some cool restaurants, larger stores and a dome.

Anonymous said...

"Please go to Atlas Park... you you you... peasants!"

You hit the nail on the head Damon. Atlas insults Glendale with their advertising publicity stunts.Notice where they are advertising too. Not in our community.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the tip. I am thinking of going to Atlas now, because I hate crowded places.

Anonymous said...

Yeah-- an electronics joint can't hurt.

Kevin Walsh said...

I have never seen Atlas Park with a big crowd, it's just not clicking

www.forgotten-ny.com

Anonymous said...

Hey Damon try this for your next ad Campaign.
"Tired of overcrowded shopping malls in Nassau county, too much pushing and shoving while shopping,too many free parking spots to choose from?
Come to the shops at Atlas Park. We have none of the problems "THEY" Have. We have nothing anyone would want. A mall designed by a pinhead

Anonymous said...

While it is true that AtlAss Mall is empty a good part of the time, it is a real teen hangout on weekend evenings, and that is yet another reason to stay away. They are obnoxoius.Furthermore, many establishments at Atlas are getting by one one thing--their bars, which are pretty full and that is another concern When/how did those liquor licenses get posted/approved?

Anonymous said...

A Bed Bath and Beyond might be a good store for that place.

Anonymous said...

Why not try to attract the stores that are at Bay Terrace? It seems to work for them.

Anonymous said...

It certainly lacks the right mix of retail - Chilli's Resturant, borders book, The NYC Gym and the movies are the only buisnesses that are attractive. Maybe Johnny Rocket's is viable and a cafe is good too. What else is there of interest? Get a bank, Post Office - Fairway Supermarket would be a great next step- everything else would fall behind these to make this place a starting point as a destination.

Anonymous said...

Abercrombie.....that would be a great store for Atlas.

Anonymous said...

Yankee Candle, Express, New York and Company, Electronics Boutique would get me to shop there.

Anonymous said...

An enclosed beach with sand and a wave -making machine like they have in Tokyo. This is just what Atlas needs. Then a hotel, an OTB parlor and Salvation Army store would work very well too.
Take away the parking fees first!

Anonymous said...

I rarely go to Atlas, but I do when I know when of the stores will have what I am looking for. The lack of crowds might suck for the mall's viability, but in the meantime, I love to go there when I need a book or a bedspread. Btw, didnt like the hibachi restaurant. Amish market has some nice items. Any word on the new fondue place?

Anonymous said...

Americana at Manhasset - the most upscale mall on the entire island - has a Gap and Banana Republic.

Anonymous said...

Shop at Atlas Park Ghost Town Mall.
No lines,
little merchandise,
fewer stores,
much to do about nothing.