Manhattan —
Pampered pooches seem to be recession-proof — at least in Chelsea.
There may be no neighborhood in the five boroughs in which residents take their love for their furry companions more seriously. This is evidenced by the proliferation of parks, bakeries, salons and high-end boutiques, all whose sole demographic is the canine sect.
As people throughout the city and the country brace for what seems like an imminent recession, these niche businesses, whose merchandise and services are surely considered by some to be superfluous or luxury, seem to be some of the most vulnerable to decreased consumer spending. However, storeowners are confident in their indispensability.
