So well written, I think there is also a case here to think about what ground floor retail spaces could look like in a more degrowth economy... public bathrooms, book/clothing swaps, makerspaces etc.
Bathrooms! Such a good idea. You are right that everything I propose as an alt still at least makes some money. In a degrowth situation the gf might just be subsidized by the housing or businesses above it (or by someone else) as an amenity or community space. That's kind of informally how East Village radio functioned. Interesting to think about.
"There is an oppressive sameness to urban retail. . . . I see the same few stores everywhere." Oh, yes! As a city-dweller, I don't want to live inside a mall, so I try to patronize local, indy businesses, whether coffee shops (easy to find), drugstores (possible to find), or stationary stores (harder, but not impossible to find). On that note: Anyone who lives or works in or near Greenwich Village, check out the 2 locations of New University Pen & Stationery, 144 Bleecker or 27 Waverly--the owners, brothers Ali and Kamal, offer a huge array of cool stuff and are always happy to assist.
So well written, I think there is also a case here to think about what ground floor retail spaces could look like in a more degrowth economy... public bathrooms, book/clothing swaps, makerspaces etc.
Bathrooms! Such a good idea. You are right that everything I propose as an alt still at least makes some money. In a degrowth situation the gf might just be subsidized by the housing or businesses above it (or by someone else) as an amenity or community space. That's kind of informally how East Village radio functioned. Interesting to think about.
Born and bred Londoner and I used to listen to Cassie and Harley's EVR show every week.
Living in the East Village in the 1980s, every other ground floor/storefront was a performance space, art studio, or (hidden) drug selling location.
Well done! I whole heartedly concur!
Thank you Stephanie!
"There is an oppressive sameness to urban retail. . . . I see the same few stores everywhere." Oh, yes! As a city-dweller, I don't want to live inside a mall, so I try to patronize local, indy businesses, whether coffee shops (easy to find), drugstores (possible to find), or stationary stores (harder, but not impossible to find). On that note: Anyone who lives or works in or near Greenwich Village, check out the 2 locations of New University Pen & Stationery, 144 Bleecker or 27 Waverly--the owners, brothers Ali and Kamal, offer a huge array of cool stuff and are always happy to assist.