BoroPark24 Exclusive Report: Inside the Hustle and Heart of 13th Avenue

By Y.M. Lowy

Boro Park’s most valuable asset is undoubtedly 13th Avenue. From morning until night, it pulses with life. Mothers push their carriages past storefronts, shoppers stroll in and out of boutiques, bakeries, and grocery stores, while high school girls gather for lunch, and young boys zigzag through the crowds on their bikes. Cars double-park, school bus horns blare, and drivers navigate the double lanes with skill and desperation. And then there’s Erev Yom Tov. No words can truly capture the frenzy of the hurried, last-minute shopping. It’s a scene only a native can understand, a rhythm only a local can feel. 

13th Avenue is packed with an impressive concentration of businesses, with 8 supermarkets: Certo, Kosher Food Depot, KRM, Center Fresh, Kosher Discount, Weber’s, Mega 53, and Super 13 all lining the street. 13th Avenue also boasts 37 local eateries, offering a range of milchig and fleishig options, takeout or sit-down.

In fact, from 36th to 55th Street alone, there are about 175 stores, the highest concentration of Jewish-owned stores in the USA. What's more, shoppers from Staten Island, Flatbush, Williamsburg, and even New Jersey frequently make their way to 13th Avenue, drawn by its unique mix of stores and bustling atmosphere. That's not even counting the hundreds of business offices that line the second floors of the avenue, where thousands of workers drive the engine of major businesses, meetings happen, and business deals are sealed with a handshake. 

And it doesn’t stop there: 14 banks, including TD, Apple Bank, Capital One, Flushing Bank, Citizens Bank, Bank of America, Chase, Santander, Berkshire, Flagstar Bank, Metropolitan, Webster, and Citibank, are all situated within just a few blocks. It’s remarkable how many competitive businesses survive in this single market scene, and the impressive lineup of banks hints at a thriving, bustling internal economy. In fact, some locals even refer to 13th Avenue as "Bank Avenue" due to its remarkable concentration of financial institutions.

A report on 13th Avenue wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the iconic "Shomer Shabbos Shul," which lies at the heart of the avenue. This bustling shul serves as a community hub, with daily minyanim and a vital role in shaping the unique character of 13th Avenue. It's traffic helps support local businesses, while outside peddlers add color and energy, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere.

And let’s not forget - any politician with their eyes set on a seat in this neighborhood knows that a walk down 13th Avenue is not just a visit, but a crucial first step in connecting with the heart of its residents.

Beneath the bustling energy lies a commercial landscape that is constantly evolving. While a few iconic stores remain there for years, they’re rare. With soaring rents and tough competition, closures are frequent, and grand openings have become a regular occurrence. To understand the realities of local business owners, BoroPark24 surveyed store owners on 13th Avenue. These insights give Boro Parkers an inside view into the advantages and challenges of operating a brick-and-mortar store on Boro Park’s largest shopping avenue.

In response to the survey, most participants noted that they are renting their properties on 13th Avenue, while only a few own their storefronts. Of the responders, some have owned their businesses for over 40 years, and some are relatively new store owners.

Rent is a major concern on 13, with costs taking up anywhere from 3% to 25% of store earnings. Is it worth it? That’s a hotly debated topic. Many owners say the high rent makes it difficult to earn a living, claiming it’s the biggest challenge to retail success. Others mentioned that the foot traffic on 13th Avenue justifies the prices, believing that being in such a high-traffic area pays off.

When asked about the impact of the current economic downturn, 27% of owners said it had made business harder, while a surprising 73% felt it hadn’t affected them much.

As for the months when income barely covers rent, nearly all the storekeepers admitted that they rely on busier seasons to get through the year. One owner even shared that during tough times, they sometimes ask employees to take a leave of absence to manage costs.

While 13th Avenue remains vibrant with constant activity, many business owners face significant challenges. High rents, tough competition, and economic pressures make it difficult for some stores to succeed. With nearly 20 avenue storefronts currently vacant, it’s clear that the avenue’s energy doesn’t always guarantee success. Yet, despite the obstacles, local store owners are determined to keep pushing forward and find new opportunities.