Four months after opening, the Barclays Center has been a boon for some businesses, others have seen little change, The Daily News reports.
While bars—even those up to two miles away—have been flooded by pre- and post-game revelers, restaurant owners told the News they generally only see additional customers when there's a concert.
But although the promise of new customers was one of the major arguments proponents of Barclays used to sell the project, the flood of music and sports fans haven't helped many of the area's other types of businesses.
Even shops within a block of the arena on (or just off) Flatbush, such as Cake Ambiance, a cupcake shop, Brooklyn Rock, a t-shirt shop and Atrium, an upscale hip-hop clothing store, told the News the customers aren't coming.
Barclays spokesman Barry Baum said the arena is doing everything it can to promote local businesses to tickeholders.
"We have launched a cross marketing campaign that highlights merchants in the neighborhoods around Barclays Center," he said in a written statement.
"For example, on the Barclays Center app, we feature an Around Brooklyn section that offers suggestions for restaurants, bars, shopping, and hotels," Baum continued. "On Barclays Center TV, our custom in-arena and online video network, we showcase different neighborhoods and cool things happening in Brooklyn."
"We also are in regular dialogue with several business improvement districts and provide them with scheduling information about Barclays Center to help drive their businesses. We want everyone to benefit with the success of Barclays Center."
