Hedge-fund hub feels the pinch

Finding a parking spot for your Mercedes or BMW on Greenwich Avenue, the main shopping strip of the US hedge-fund capital, used to be a challenge. Not anymore.

With the recession hammering retail sales, empty curbside spaces abound along the suburban Connecticut thoroughfare, known as the Rodeo Drive of the northeast, and "For Rent" signs decorate vacant storefronts. Ann Taylor, Banana Republic and Borders have all closed their Greenwich Avenue locations.

As banks and hedge funds cut jobs or close down in the worst financial crisis since the 1930s, Greenwich merchants are suffering sales declines. Some stores are simply packing it in. Many are renegotiating rents, cutting inventory or offering cheaper products.