DUMBO's economy has been strong in recent years, but it is beginning to show signs of weakness as businesses prepare for the fallout from recent economic failures.

The owner of DUMBO Pet Care recently cut jobs and downsized the retail portion of the business while reducing hours to trim overhead.

Many businesses, meanwhile, are avoiding drastic changes and maintaining a holding pattern to see which way the fiscal pendulum swings. Larry Leonardi, of Front Street Pizza, for instance, says business is running as usual.

A few are even hopeful about the coming months. Micheal De Zayas, owner of Neighbor Hoddies, a custom clothing shop, plans for growth and just hired new staff for the holiday season, the success or failure of which will lend many local business owners a strong hand in predicting the economic future of the area.