A Spirit Halloween pop-up has opened in the former home of Ricky’s, which recently closed at 112 West 72nd Street. Spirit is known for making use of vacant retail spaces; when one appears, it’s typically a sign of a struggling former business.
Unfortunately, Ricky’s had been struggling for some time. Therefore, other locations have closed, like the ones in Astoria and Tribeca.
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Ricky’s NYC was founded in 1989, and was a part of New York’s urban chic culture. For over two decades, everyone from teenagers to Hollywood celebrities and their professional stylists enjoyed Ricky’s. Ricky’s NYC hosts a diverse, cult-like following of clientele. The store had originally became popular amongst downtown residents for offering eclectic style and funky ideas. Further, they’d made headlines for drag costumes and for catering to the gay community of NYC in the 80s and 90s.
Ricky’s closing came at a time when vacancies are highly noticeable in the neighborhood. Broadway has been noticeably bleak, as dozens of empty storefronts have appeared in the past two years. Additionally, many of the shops that have stood vacant for months struggle to be filled.
The issue of commercial stores replacing unique neighborhood ones remains. Spirit Halloween has several other Manhattan locations and pop-ups which arise in time for the season.
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