Window shopping along the Gold Coast of Madison Avenue -- that gilded Upper East Side stretch from 57th Street to 72nd Street -- used to be the perfect way to walk off a buzzy weekend brunch. I never bought anything outside of the occasional sale item from Ralph Lauren's flagship store ... just looking was damn fun. But now, some longtime mainstays are packing it in. After 30 years on Madison Avenue, E. Braun & Company is folding up its $3,500 tablecloths and $2,400 bedding and moving on. And every day, according to the New York Times, retailers are struggling over the idea of moving.

"[The Gold Coast] is pockmarked with vacancies as retailers flee sky-high rents. More than two dozen retail spaces are on the market and are either empty now or about to be. Windows that once showcased hand-tooled leather suitcases are now plastered with for-rent signs." William Judson, a broker and chairman of the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District, said "some people are thinking, 'Maybe I'll either downsize or I'll close the store.' If they have a lousy day, they say, 'Let's get out of here.' If they have a good day, they say, 'Let's stay.' " Added another veteran broker, "This is as bad as I've ever seen it." So if there was any lingering silly debate as to whether the luxury market has been hit -- that some high-end brands are still selling (ahem, Reuters), this is solid proof.