As Ray is already paying a peak rent for his small store, and as the neighborhood is already full of empty storefronts, it is doubtful whether a new tenant would be able or willing to pay as much or more for Ray's store.
I counted 21 empty storefronts on Avenue A. However, at least five of the storefronts are being renovated in preparation for new tenants. (But they are still technically vacant now...)
Starting on Houston and walking north along Avenue A...up to 14th Street...
The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre is coming to the former Two Boots space...
At 85 Avenue A, the Arrow is very much open in the lower level...and upstairs there's work being done on the opening-soon Cafetasia...
95 Avenue A will one day be home to Cienfuegos, a Cuban eatery...
And there's work being done on this storefront next to Horus on 10th Street...
167 Avenue A is reportedly becoming an EV outpost of Diablo Royale...
Previously on EV Grieve:
There are more than 20 empty storefronts along Avenue B