The vacant storefronts of Newbury Street

I took this stroll last week, and it was quite startling. There has been so much chatter about Downtown Crossing, I just assumed Newbury was in good shape. I wonder how long before plywood starts to show up?

I suspect there is a rent disparity between landlord desire and tenant ability. Many of the shops that have closed were probably pretty marginal to begin with (like an eco-friendly coffee shop) both in terms of profit margin and customer loyalty when times are hard.

Interestingly, my own neighborhood's business district seems to be thriving, with a few new stores, and more on the way. People are shifting their loyalties to protect their own backyard would be my guess.