Verizon has taken over the lease of 2150 White Plains Road, and according to speculation, will likely open a Verizon Wireless Store at the former site of Frishman’s, a ladies specialty apparel store which had a long standing on the shopping strip.
Frishman’s, which closed late last year, was on the commercial corridor for the past 40 years, and was located at the 5,000 square foot location since 1994. Frishman’s – which was known for in seamstresses and custom fitters – maintained a life-long relationship with the Pelham Parkway area.
Before Frishman’s called the site home, Washington Federal and Ensign Bank occupied the location.
White Plains Road BID executive director Larry Prospect thought that the fact that a well-known company like Verizon is making an investment into the community is a good sign.
“Verizon is a solid corporation,” Prospect noted. “The fact that they are investing on the street is a sign that the BID is a strong one because they are paying a very high rent.”
Prospect said that he couldn’t imagine Verizon store that big, and is anxious to see what the store will look like.
“Verizon took over the store on July 1,” Prospect said. “I don’t see any downside to it. It will be neat and clean on the street, and add ambiance. Everyone likes to look at telephones, and it will likely look very contemporary.”
Prospect said that he did not yet see much activity inside the store, but speculated that the location would have to be completely remodeled to suit the type of business that will occupy the location.
Cathy Dunn, an employee of Verizon Wireless, had no comment on the property, or an official statement, as of press time.
The strip has been trending toward national chains, and public reaction was for the most part positive towards the idea.
“I hope it would work out and I can’t see why not,” Raqueo Rivera, a shopper. “A lot of people have Verizon phones and I think it would work there.”
Prospect feels a Verizon Wireless Store would be a boon to the area.
“I think this will be something different for the street,” Prospect stated. “We have a T-Mobile and a number of small cell-phone distributors, but a full-scale Verizon store would be something special.”
