Staples officially left the premises of 390 6th Avenue in early October. It joins the ranks of Barnes & Noble, which vacated the building on the northern corner of that block in January 2013, leaving the space empty for the past several years. The Duane Reade on the southern corner closed its doors earlier this year as well, and put up signs advertising a potential sublease opportunity for those interested. One Staples employee reportedly heard rumors that the rent was tripled when the old lease was up. Catherine, a shop keep at nearby Star Struck Vintage Clothing, believes that the pieces are being positioned for the construction of condominiums, which might prove more lucrative. If that turns out to be the case, it begs the question: Where o’ where will the new tenants get their staples?
—Stanley Wlodyka
