By Esther Boileau
Another wave of closures and openings is reshaping Williamsburg’s commercial landscape, as long-time businesses shut their doors and luxury businesses claim space.
The cost of living has gone up while the cost of owning a business has gone just as high. Real Estate Board of New York data shows that Bedford Avenue between North 8th and North 12th streets averaged $245 per square foot in the second half of 2025. In July of this year, a space at 193 Bedford Avenue, a Kheils storefront, was listed at $395 per square foot. an increase of $150. Ridgewood came in at $439 per square foot. Overall, Brooklyn commercial rents have reached an average $560 per square foot.
This has in turn made commercial realtors flip their business to luxury brands such as Hermes, which opened on Wythe Avenues in the September of this year. LoopNet.com recorded that commercial luxury stores like Bottega Veneta, and Salamon shoes have taken over Wythe Ave.
Marlow and Sons, a local restaurant, closed last fall after 21 years in business because of a rent increase, according to its owner Andrew Tarlow. A Kings county judge ordered a warrant of eviction against the comedy club Isola and the owner Hannibal Buress in September 2025. The court filings showed over $321,386.87 owed against a monthly rate of $31,000. Buress stated in his affidavit that “the city’s rental climate forced extended closures and put his and other businesses behind rent.”
Other major departures include the Music Hall of Williamsburg, set to close at the end of 2026 as the owners decided to not renew the lease. Jason Lee, an employee of Sunflower 99 cent Discount store, spoke about the changes around his store and the businesses that have come and gone. “This (South Williamsburg) area looks very different. My family has been here for over 15 years and the only places that I have seen here for a long time are the bars (Banter and Jacks Bar),” Lee said. “Everywhere else is a few years old.”
Rent, although a big factor for these stores, is not the only thing affecting them. A decline in foot traffic has plagued some of the older businesses. A BID survey found that a few businesses reported 31% lower foot traffic. But Lee pointed out that high-end stores are often empty except for their workers.