ETHNOGRAPHY OF THE CITY
NEW YORK'S MARKETS
Stephanie Sanjurjo
Stephanie Sanjurjo
Introduction
Mention New York City to anyone from anywhere, and some of the first images that pops into their heads is glittering store fronts, upscale boutiques and huge department stores. New York is well known to be one of the most vast and most luxurious shopping experiences in the entire world.
Mention New York City to anyone from anywhere, and some of the first images that pops into their heads is glittering store fronts, upscale boutiques and huge department stores. New York is well known to be one of the most vast and most luxurious shopping experiences in the entire world.
What is a Market?
The Business Dictionary defines a market as a place where “buyers and sellers interact…to trade goods, services [etc..]”[1]. Referring to shopping in a marketplace has a slight distincition from just referring to shopping in a store.
It's about the people!
And their interaction. Marketplace have the ability to capture the essence of culture and inspire interaction on the most basic human level. Markets are undeniably a key part of any major city. In the article "Wholesale Sushi" anthropologist Theodore C. Bestor writes "throughout history, cities and markets have sustained each other", and this is particularly true in a city like New York [2]. In a digital age, where anyone can buy anyhing online, the importance of human interaction can often be forgotten.
The Business Dictionary defines a market as a place where “buyers and sellers interact…to trade goods, services [etc..]”[1]. Referring to shopping in a marketplace has a slight distincition from just referring to shopping in a store.
It's about the people!
And their interaction. Marketplace have the ability to capture the essence of culture and inspire interaction on the most basic human level. Markets are undeniably a key part of any major city. In the article "Wholesale Sushi" anthropologist Theodore C. Bestor writes "throughout history, cities and markets have sustained each other", and this is particularly true in a city like New York [2]. In a digital age, where anyone can buy anyhing online, the importance of human interaction can often be forgotten.
The American Dream
New York is a city of immigrants. From the late 1800s to the mid 1900s, over twelve million immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island, a small island in New York Harbor[3]. Some came for education, or simply for a better life. Many came to escape the economic and social turbulence that plagued Europe and Asian during this time. Although various circumstances lead waves of immigrants into the city, they all came with images of the American Dream floating in their head. After a long, dangerous journey across the Atlantic Ocean, the sight of Statue of Liberty acted as a physical manifestation of their hopes and aspirations.
The American Dream promised anyone who was willing to work hard enough the chance to overcome even the most dire circumstances. Immigrants who came to the city did not sleep on the chance to improve their lives. They opened their own business from storefronts, to restaurants, to offices. These pioneers have left a mark on the city even today, and many of these businesses are still standing today.
In fact, some of New York’s most beloved stores are remnants of these early entrepreneurs. Bloomingdale’s on 3rd opened in 1886, FAO Schwarz opened it’s first Manhattan toy store in the 1870s, and the world famous Macy’s was founded in 1858 and opened up it’s massive 34th street location in 1902, just to name a few [4][5].
New York is a city of immigrants. From the late 1800s to the mid 1900s, over twelve million immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island, a small island in New York Harbor[3]. Some came for education, or simply for a better life. Many came to escape the economic and social turbulence that plagued Europe and Asian during this time. Although various circumstances lead waves of immigrants into the city, they all came with images of the American Dream floating in their head. After a long, dangerous journey across the Atlantic Ocean, the sight of Statue of Liberty acted as a physical manifestation of their hopes and aspirations.
The American Dream promised anyone who was willing to work hard enough the chance to overcome even the most dire circumstances. Immigrants who came to the city did not sleep on the chance to improve their lives. They opened their own business from storefronts, to restaurants, to offices. These pioneers have left a mark on the city even today, and many of these businesses are still standing today.
In fact, some of New York’s most beloved stores are remnants of these early entrepreneurs. Bloomingdale’s on 3rd opened in 1886, FAO Schwarz opened it’s first Manhattan toy store in the 1870s, and the world famous Macy’s was founded in 1858 and opened up it’s massive 34th street location in 1902, just to name a few [4][5].
A City of Trade
On any 'top ten' list of 'reasons to visit New York' or 'things to do in NYC' , you will almost certainly find "shopping" thrown in the ranks. Lured in by the bright lights, flickering billboards, and endless deals, tourist spend an estimated 63 billion dollars a year annually in New York City[6]. While not all of that money is spent in the retail sector, much of it.
On any 'top ten' list of 'reasons to visit New York' or 'things to do in NYC' , you will almost certainly find "shopping" thrown in the ranks. Lured in by the bright lights, flickering billboards, and endless deals, tourist spend an estimated 63 billion dollars a year annually in New York City[6]. While not all of that money is spent in the retail sector, much of it.
World Famous Shopping
The city has a number of iconic shopping districts
The city has a number of iconic shopping districts
34th Street:
The 34th Street district is comprised of “31 busy blocks, with over 100,000 office workers"[7]. The area, as illustrated see in the area map, original originated on 34th Street, but expanded to encompass the neighboring streets as well.
Of course, Macy’s has its flagship store in Herald Square, but other major names have established large flagship stores on 34th, such as Victoria Secret and Urban Outfitters. Although primarily a business mecca, it also houses several plazas with dining and public seating, and greenspaces and parks.
The 34th Street district is comprised of “31 busy blocks, with over 100,000 office workers"[7]. The area, as illustrated see in the area map, original originated on 34th Street, but expanded to encompass the neighboring streets as well.
Of course, Macy’s has its flagship store in Herald Square, but other major names have established large flagship stores on 34th, such as Victoria Secret and Urban Outfitters. Although primarily a business mecca, it also houses several plazas with dining and public seating, and greenspaces and parks.
Fifth Avenue & Rockefeller Center:
Although 5th Avenue technically spans the entirety of the island, much of the focus is centered around Rockefeller center. Built in the early 1930s, it is here that visitors truly visit the magic of 5th Avenue[8]. Shopping, restaurants, and entertainment, the center and the surrounding area is a tourist’s playground. Although not a shopping experience, when discussing Rockefeller Center, the Radio City Music Hall cannot go unmentioned. And during the holiday season, the center is home to a massive ice skating rink, right beside the annual Christmas tree, that ranges from 7 to 10 stories in height.
Although 5th Avenue technically spans the entirety of the island, much of the focus is centered around Rockefeller center. Built in the early 1930s, it is here that visitors truly visit the magic of 5th Avenue[8]. Shopping, restaurants, and entertainment, the center and the surrounding area is a tourist’s playground. Although not a shopping experience, when discussing Rockefeller Center, the Radio City Music Hall cannot go unmentioned. And during the holiday season, the center is home to a massive ice skating rink, right beside the annual Christmas tree, that ranges from 7 to 10 stories in height.
Beyond the Buzz
Beyond the glamorous high street and commercial retail shopping experiences the city has to offer, there is another equally iconic, perhaps even more iconic shopping experience available to residents and visitors alike. It is nearly impossible to walk down the streets of New York without encountering some of it's most treasured forms of markets. Ice cream trucks and icies vendors, ringing their bells or playing fun tunes. The warm welcoming smell of giant soft pretzels, hot dogs and roasted “Nuts-for-Nuts". Sellers hawking t-shirts, or purses, or sunglasses. In addition to the markets that line the streets, the city also has a variety of indoor markets.
Beyond the glamorous high street and commercial retail shopping experiences the city has to offer, there is another equally iconic, perhaps even more iconic shopping experience available to residents and visitors alike. It is nearly impossible to walk down the streets of New York without encountering some of it's most treasured forms of markets. Ice cream trucks and icies vendors, ringing their bells or playing fun tunes. The warm welcoming smell of giant soft pretzels, hot dogs and roasted “Nuts-for-Nuts". Sellers hawking t-shirts, or purses, or sunglasses. In addition to the markets that line the streets, the city also has a variety of indoor markets.
Markets of The Bronx
When talking about the shopping experince of New York City, most people are generally referring to Manhattan. Although the Bronx is not always the first image that comes to mind when someone is looking for a shopping experience, the Bronx alone hosts its share of interesting markets.
When talking about the shopping experince of New York City, most people are generally referring to Manhattan. Although the Bronx is not always the first image that comes to mind when someone is looking for a shopping experience, the Bronx alone hosts its share of interesting markets.
The Fulton Fish Market
The Bronx is host to the Fulton Fish Market, America's oldest fish market, and one of the largest in the world, “second in size only to (Tokyo’s ) Tsukiji" market [9]. After operating on Fulton Street in Manhattan for over 150 years, in November of 2005 the market moved to the South Bronx.
Dozens and sometimes hundreds of varieties of fish flow through the market daily. In total, over 100,000 tons of seafood are sold in the market over the course of the year [10]. The market operates in the wee hours of the early morning, from 1:00 to 7:00 A.M, Monday through Friday. The Fulton Fish Market is primarily targeted at wholesale customers buying in large bulk quantities, such as supermarkets and restaurants. However, anyone who is willing to get up early enough is welcome to visit the market.
The Bronx is host to the Fulton Fish Market, America's oldest fish market, and one of the largest in the world, “second in size only to (Tokyo’s ) Tsukiji" market [9]. After operating on Fulton Street in Manhattan for over 150 years, in November of 2005 the market moved to the South Bronx.
Dozens and sometimes hundreds of varieties of fish flow through the market daily. In total, over 100,000 tons of seafood are sold in the market over the course of the year [10]. The market operates in the wee hours of the early morning, from 1:00 to 7:00 A.M, Monday through Friday. The Fulton Fish Market is primarily targeted at wholesale customers buying in large bulk quantities, such as supermarkets and restaurants. However, anyone who is willing to get up early enough is welcome to visit the market.
Little Italy
The Bronx is also home to the lesser known 'Little Italy'. Sometims called to as the Bronx's "Belmont Area", this shopping district is referred to as “the real little Italy” by the Huffington Post, and is centered around the historic Arthur Avenue. The Bronx’s Little Italy is “lined with restaurants, pizzerias, meat and fish markets, bakeries and pastry stores” writes Huffington post journalist John Mariani [11]. Many of business of Arthur Avenue were originally opened by Italian immigrants of the early 1900s, and provide visitors a real taste of Italy.
Although Arthur Avenue's Little Italy is an interesting often forgotten marketplace in the city, there is another hidden gem within it: The Arthur Avenue Market. "The Arthur Avenue Market specializes in Italian foods, bakery items, dry goods, fresh produce, and garden needs"[12].
The Bronx is also home to the lesser known 'Little Italy'. Sometims called to as the Bronx's "Belmont Area", this shopping district is referred to as “the real little Italy” by the Huffington Post, and is centered around the historic Arthur Avenue. The Bronx’s Little Italy is “lined with restaurants, pizzerias, meat and fish markets, bakeries and pastry stores” writes Huffington post journalist John Mariani [11]. Many of business of Arthur Avenue were originally opened by Italian immigrants of the early 1900s, and provide visitors a real taste of Italy.
Although Arthur Avenue's Little Italy is an interesting often forgotten marketplace in the city, there is another hidden gem within it: The Arthur Avenue Market. "The Arthur Avenue Market specializes in Italian foods, bakery items, dry goods, fresh produce, and garden needs"[12].
13The Stock Market
It would be an insult to talk about New York’s Markets without giving at least an honorary mention to the stock market and The New York Stock Exchange. The New York Stock exchange was founded in March of 1817 and is located in the heart of downtown Manhattan’s finical district at 11 Wall Street. operating for over 200 years, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is one of the few remaining physical Stock exchanges in the world, due to the rise of online stock trading. Today “only about 1,200 traders remain on the floor, down from more than 2,500 a decade and a half ago” [13]. |
Conclusion
Everyone knows that New York has alot to offer tourist and residents alike when it comes to shopping. But the ability to buy and sell goods goes far beyond the surface of just visting Macy's in Herald Square or a small purse botique.
Everyone knows that New York has alot to offer tourist and residents alike when it comes to shopping. But the ability to buy and sell goods goes far beyond the surface of just visting Macy's in Herald Square or a small purse botique.
Notes:
[1] market. BusinessDictionary.com. Retrieved December, 2017, from BusinessDictionary.com website: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/market.ht
[2] Bestor, T. C., Steinhoff, P. G., & Lyon-Bestor, V. (2003). “Wholesale Sushi: Culture and Commodity in Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market”. Doing fieldwork in Japan. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.
[3] Ellis Island History. (n.d.). Retrieved December, 2017, from https://www.libertyellisfoundation.org/ellis-island-history
[4] Rebecca Fishbein in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 16, 2013 2:10 pm. (n.d.). The 10 Best Classic Stores In NYC. Retrieved December, 2017, from http://gothamist.com/2013/10/16/the_best_classic_stores_in_nyc.phpujhyhy
[5]Khan, A. (2016, February 11). Discover the Histories of New York's Most Iconic Department Stores. Retrieved December, 2017, from https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/new-york-department-stores-history/all
[6] The Economic Impact of Tourism in New York: 2015 Calendar Year [PPT]. (2015, December). Tourism Economics. https://cdn.esd.ny.gov/Reports/NYS_Tourism_Impact_2015.pdf
[7]34th Street Partnership. (n.d.). Retrieved December, 2017, from http://34thstreet.org/neighborhood
[8]Okrent, D. (2004). Great fortune: the epic of Rockefeller Center. New York: Penguin Books.
[9] Graddy, K. (2006). Markets: The Fulton Fish Market. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 20(2), 207-220.
[10] "The New York Stock Exchange of Seafood". (n.d.). Retrieved December, 2017, from http://www.newfultonfishmarket.com/about.html
[11]Mariani, J. (2015, June 05). The Real Little Italy and Best Restaurants Are in the Bronx. Retrieved December, 2017, from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-mariani/the-real-little-italy-and-best-restaurants-are-in-the-bronx_b_7518278.html
[12]"Arthur Avenue Market." NYCEDC. December 08, 2011. Accessed December 2017. https://www.nycedc.com/project/arthur-avenue-market.
[13]Bowley, G. (2011, April 25). Big Board Offers Would Preserve Landmark Floor. Retrieved December, 2017, from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/26/business/26floor.html
[1] market. BusinessDictionary.com. Retrieved December, 2017, from BusinessDictionary.com website: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/market.ht
[2] Bestor, T. C., Steinhoff, P. G., & Lyon-Bestor, V. (2003). “Wholesale Sushi: Culture and Commodity in Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market”. Doing fieldwork in Japan. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.
[3] Ellis Island History. (n.d.). Retrieved December, 2017, from https://www.libertyellisfoundation.org/ellis-island-history
[4] Rebecca Fishbein in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 16, 2013 2:10 pm. (n.d.). The 10 Best Classic Stores In NYC. Retrieved December, 2017, from http://gothamist.com/2013/10/16/the_best_classic_stores_in_nyc.phpujhyhy
[5]Khan, A. (2016, February 11). Discover the Histories of New York's Most Iconic Department Stores. Retrieved December, 2017, from https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/new-york-department-stores-history/all
[6] The Economic Impact of Tourism in New York: 2015 Calendar Year [PPT]. (2015, December). Tourism Economics. https://cdn.esd.ny.gov/Reports/NYS_Tourism_Impact_2015.pdf
[7]34th Street Partnership. (n.d.). Retrieved December, 2017, from http://34thstreet.org/neighborhood
[8]Okrent, D. (2004). Great fortune: the epic of Rockefeller Center. New York: Penguin Books.
[9] Graddy, K. (2006). Markets: The Fulton Fish Market. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 20(2), 207-220.
[10] "The New York Stock Exchange of Seafood". (n.d.). Retrieved December, 2017, from http://www.newfultonfishmarket.com/about.html
[11]Mariani, J. (2015, June 05). The Real Little Italy and Best Restaurants Are in the Bronx. Retrieved December, 2017, from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-mariani/the-real-little-italy-and-best-restaurants-are-in-the-bronx_b_7518278.html
[12]"Arthur Avenue Market." NYCEDC. December 08, 2011. Accessed December 2017. https://www.nycedc.com/project/arthur-avenue-market.
[13]Bowley, G. (2011, April 25). Big Board Offers Would Preserve Landmark Floor. Retrieved December, 2017, from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/26/business/26floor.html