A new study shows what many an old-time New Yorker has been griping about for years – chain stores appear to be taking over.
In its first-ever ranking of national retailers in the city, the Center for an Urban Future yesterday published its list of chains with the most outlets in the five boroughs.
Dunkin’ Donuts took the title with 341, ahead of upscale coffee competitor Starbucks, which came in fourth at 235.
The pricey java joint did rank No. 1 in Manhattan with 186, ahead of 78 for Dunkin’, which concentrates on the outer boroughs.
Jonathan Bowles, director of the center, a nonpartisan think tank, said he and his researchers conducted the study because, well, they were curious.
“We’ve been hearing so much talk about the proliferation of national chains in New York and how mom-and-pop stores have been pushed out of the city, but it struck me that there was so little data,” he told The Post. “We wanted to provide a backdrop to this discussion.”
Bowles said he had expected Seattle-based behemoth Starbucks to come in at No. 1.
“Anybody who lives or works in Manhattan runs into about five Starbucks between your home and your office,” he said, but “Dunkin’ Donuts having roughly 100 more stores in the city wasn’t something I expected.”
Bowles noted that some home-grown chains are also doing well.
Duane Reade is in the top 10, and bedding behemoth Sleepy’s comes in at No. 12. And home-appliance giant P.C. Richard and urban clothiers Jimmy Jazz and VIM all rank above the likes of Target, Kmart and Costco.
Bowles said the data could be used in future discussions about how much of the city should be available to these monolithic retailers.
“In some locations, large parts of Manhattan, for instance, it may be necessary to develop some innovative solutions to limit the number of chain stores and preserve unique New York City resources,” he said.
For those looking to avoid the big stores right now, the Center for an Urban Future’s survey finds that Staten Island is the place to be, with low numbers across the board.
The fifth borough has only 29 Dunkin’ Donuts, six Starbucks, one Target and no Chipotle Mexican-food joints.