Duane Reade is Soon to Open

A reader sent in this tip this morning.

On the way to the subway this morning I saw that the fence in front of the newest Riverwalk addition was removed and Duane Reade's store front is almost complete. Rumors are they are going to open next year but it looks like it's going to happen much sooner.

The reader goes on to comment about the lack of retail services on Roosevelt Island.

Isn't it pathetic that we are excited about the opening of a new pizza place, a Duane Reade, or (a few months back) a Starbucks? How about adding a poll to your blog asking for what we would like to see next on RI?

This island has so much potential in regards of housing and retail.

Another reader has a slightly more optimistic view on Island amenities.

Nonno's is coming and so is the Japanese Place. The commons is now fence free and the lanscaping is looking great. Duanne Reade is almos here as well. The signature red canopies were installed today and I'm getting my prescriptions ready to get filled while I run to the Chase Bank ATM(rumos has it that Chase is coming also) to get some cash to buy a a Cherry Mocha Frappuccino at Starbucks. Inch by inch, Step by step...

So, let's get the discussion going. What type of retail stores and services do we need on Roosevelt Island and just as important can the local population and visitors to the Island support these stores so that they can stay in business?