> I'm guessing the problem - as with most small retail stores in Manhattan - is rising rent. I think the bigger problem is jerks like me who go to bookstores t

> I'm guessing the problem - as with most small retail stores in Manhattan - is rising rent. I think the bigger problem is jerks like me who go to bookstores to browse or use the restroom and then go home and order the books on amazon. Sadly, I just can't be bothered to carry the books home. I just can't. > Ironically, that is resulting in plenty of retail vacancies. Is this odd to anyone else? From the Manhattan mall to downtown to the UWS, I'm seeing as many vacancy signs today as I saw during the financial crisis 10 years ago. Strange to see so many vacancies in such a strong economy. Maybe it's that so much of economic commerce is going online. What's going to happen during a recession? Are all storefronts going to be banks and RiteAid/Duane Reade?