Sheepshead Bay Road’s VIVA Department Store To Downsize, Looking For Tenant

VIVA Department Store at 1644 Sheepshead Bay Road doesn’t just slash prices, now it’s slashing square-footage.

The business is putting half of its 7,000 square foot storefront on the rental market as it looks to shrink its footprint.

VIVA sells everything from the sort of fare you’d find in a 99-cent store, to discount furniture, appliances and home decor. It’s not closing, according to the firm representing the listing, Commercial Acquisitions.

The broker is looking to capitalize off the planned 30-story residential tower by Muss Development, whose lot will abut the rear of the building, and which commercial brokers are hoping will bring lots and lots of well-heeled residents looking to spend money near home.

Despite the development, is the downsizing of a discount store the sign of an ailing commercial strip? Or, given that such stores tend to do well in economic downturns, is it a sign of a rebound? And what would you like to see fill this space?