Famous brands close their NYC shops in record numbers

The Big Apple saw a record one in seven nationally recognized chain-store branches close their doors this year as the pandemic sent consumers scurrying for cover, according to a new report. Some 1,132 chain stores — including 70 Duane Reades, 54 Starbucks and 22 Papyruses — have waved the white flag over the past 12 months, according to the Center for an Urban Future’s annual “State of the Chains” report, set to be ­released Wednesday.-- More...