# Transforming Storefront Photography James and Karla Murray Snap Changing Storefronts By Megan Facciuolo | Published 2014-04-12 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/changing-storefronts References: [designtaxi](http://designtaxi.com/news/364846/A-Sobering-Photo-Project-That-Documents-New-York-City-s-Changing-Store-Fronts/) & [jamesandkarlamurray](http://www.jamesandkarlamurray.com/JamesandKarlaMurrayPortfolioStorefronts.html) James and Karla Murray are known for their facading photographs, but their latest collection showcases the changing storefronts of NYC in a rather somber form. Ten years ago, the photographers released a photo book called ‘Store Front: The Disappearing Face of New York,’ which exhibited the city’s “mom-and-pop shops.” This time around, they have created a follow-up book called ‘Store Front: The Disappearing Face of New York - 10 Years Later’ that documents how those storefronts have drastically changed. The past and present shots are displayed side-by-side for comparison in the project; in every single shot the stores from a decade ago are non-existent. The once family-run delis, bars and specialty shops have turned into generic fast food outlets, world renowned retail stores, corporate banks or condos. What was once Lismore Hosiery Co. is now a [Subway](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pedalboardfriendly-preamp), and what was once [Casa Nova Pizzeria](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-pratesi) is now a [Verizon Wireless](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Global-private-5G-networks) store. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 29% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/photography) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Storefront Evolution:** The changing look of storefronts presents an opportunity for businesses to rethink their brand and visual identity. - **Mom-and-pop Nostalgia:** Nostalgia for the charm of mom-and-pop shops presents an opportunity for small businesses to differentiate themselves from big box retailers. - **Urban Redevelopment:** The evolution of storefronts in NYC highlights an opportunity for urban planners to encourage more sustainable and diverse types of development. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Retail:** As storefronts continue to evolve, retailers must stay attuned to changing trends and consumer preferences. - **Hospitality:** The transformation of mom-and-pop shops into fast food chains presents an opportunity for hospitality entrepreneurs to create unique and value-driven dining experiences. - **Real Estate:** As urban redevelopment continues, real estate developers should consider the cultural value of preserving mom-and-pop shops and businesses in their designs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Restored Retail Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moma-design-store-soho.md) - [Gallery-Like Elevated Retail Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leica-store-gallery.md) - [Hipster Era Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-cobrasnake-y2ks-archive.md) - [Energetic Green Retail Makeovers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/longchamp-store.md) - [Evocative Mid-Century Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nikos-koulis.md) - [California-Inspired Gallery-Style Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frame-store.md) - [Personal Nostalgic Photo Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holy-ohio.md) - [Public Art Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith.md) - [Neighborhood Stationery Boutiques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moleskine-1.md)