If you're ever in the market for a refrigerator...
If you're ever in the market for a refrigerator, you should definitely check out a 2-mile stretch of Broadway that cuts through Bushwick here in Brooklyn, NY. While you're at it, stop by my place - I live right in the middle! There are so many refrigerator stores in my neighborhood, you'd expect there to be colorful lighted banners draped across the street declaring it the "Refrigerator District" kinda like they do with Little Italy. They don't. In fact, you get the idea that despite their abundance, these stores would rather not be visited.
When I think "brand new refrigerator," I usually think of Best Buy or Circuit City with their high-end name brand appliances. I think of shiny aluminum doors with built-in LCD screens. These local refrigerator stores don't carry those refrigerators. No, actually, if you're in the market for an icebox that looks like it was taken from some recently renovated apartment (or perhaps a single mother of 3 who couldn't afford to pay off a loan) then the Refrigerator District of Bushwick is the right place for you.
Every block has at least one refrigerator store, and just so you don't get confused, they are usually the ONLY stores that aren't boarded up and out of business. In this thriving center of home appliance commerce, don't expect to have your credit checked; anything of value will be taken as collateral. You heard correctly: NO CREDIT CHECKS!
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Ok, seriously, what the fuck is up with all the appliance stores? I could swear they're all mob fronts. I wonder how the audit goes:
IRS: Hmm, it seems you've been pulling in some good business with this appliance store.
Mob: Yes, business is good.
IRS: I'm impressed considering your competition. You've got a lot of neighbors who pull the same numbers.
Mob: You know how it is; everyone knows that this is the place to get refrigerators.
IRC: You know, we've been watching and you don't really get a lot of food traffic. And your product isn't very high end.
Mob: Its all these new apartments going up. Everyone needs a refrigerator, even if it ain't the best.
IRS: Actually, 6 businesses have closed down in the past year while only one new convenience store has opened up.
Mob: Hey, its the new Williamsburg. Its getting funky around here.
Thank you. I'll be here until my lease is up.
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