American Apparel on East Houston Removes Benches

Whatever remains of the once-heralded bench scene outside the American Apparel at 183 East Houston has taken a hit.  Five of the nine benches on the Orchard Street front were recently pried from the concrete. We stopped into the store yesterday evening to find out more details.

According to one sales associate, this permanent removal was a “whole ordeal,” but necessary since they “didn’t want people living outside the store anymore.”  And since this particular branch is open until 2 am, the powers-that-be wanted to ensure safety of their employees around the perimeter.  Something dire must’ve occurred for such drastic measures.  Indeed, those benches were in place for years, and yanked all of a sudden.

Worry not, though.  The mayor and watchdog of upper Orchard Street, Nathan, still has his perch.