What happened to Melrose Avenue?

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Among the funky boutiques, tattoo parlors and foodie restaurants that line eclectic Melrose Avenue, there’s a new sight that has longtime store owners and shoppers alarmed: a glut of empty storefronts and for-lease signs. Since the recession began, shoppers have lamented the closure of some of their favorite businesses, such as longtime vintage haunt Aaardvarks and Italian restaurants Louise’s Trattoria and All’ Angelo. Remaining merchants have complained about light foot traffic and weak sales, prompting them to slash prices to move inventory. Has the once-trendy Melrose Avenue shopping area lost its cachet? Read more in today’s Business section: