In these trying economic times, it is no surprise that prime real estate in NYC is being occupied by discount department stores and huge chain stores such as Kmart and Bed Bath & Beyond. And it looks like Manhattan’s East Side is about to get another one. T.J. Maxx, the American department store chain, is taking over the old space on 59th Street and First Ave, once occupied by The Conran Shop, a very, very high-end modern design store. Terence Conran, the British Furniture designer who had occupied that space since 1999, has just moved out. He catered mainly to the Upper Crust New Yorker who decorated without a care in the world. Through the years, he had some of the most gorgeous and unique pieces of furniture and accessories that dazzled the human eye but those times are no longer. Now we have to watch our pennies so please welcome T.J. Maxx to the neighborhood. It’s opens soon and looks to be a winner. Discount designer labels in Manhattan? Go get your running shoes.