  Detroitman Member Username: Detroitman Post Number: 977 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 216.78.32.155 |
Mall titan to develop site near fairgrounds General Growth plots Shoppes at Gateway By Sheena Harrison May 15, 2006 Crain's Detroit Chicago-based General Growth Properties Inc., the nation’s second-largest retail real estate investment trust, has agreed to develop, lease and manage a 325,000-square-foot retail center near the Michigan State Fairgrounds in Detroit, according to an investor, a local retail consultant and an architect. Jim Ryan, chairman of Farmington Hills-based JPRA Architects, said his firm and several others were asked by General Growth to submit requests for proposals for the site two weeks ago. A brochure prepared for investor Bernard Schrott said the Shoppes at Gateway would include a 125,000-square-foot big-box store, four large retailers such as a bookstore or electronics store, up to four full-service restaurants and more than 40,000 square feet of space for small retailers. The project would be at the southeast corner of Eight Mile Road and Woodward Avenue. A partnership of six Detroit area businessmen, including Schrott and theater owner and developer Joseph Nederlander, has sought to develop the 34-acre area since at least 2000. General Growth Properties would not comment on its involvement in the project to Crain’s. Schrott and Jim Bieri, retail consultant and president of Detroit-based Bieri Co., said they expect the company will promote the Gateway project to prospective tenants during the International Council of Shopping Centers spring convention May 21-24 in Las Vegas. Schrott said negotiations with General Growth Properties took place for about four months, and the company agreed to work on the project about two months ago. “They’re going to be the operating partner, the managing partner and the day-to-day go-to people,” said Schrott, who estimates the project’s cost at about $50 million. “We have been reduced to investors.” General Growth Properties owns or manages more than 200 regional malls nationwide and 12 in Michigan, including Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights and Southland Mall in Taylor. Tenants at those malls include anchors such as JCPenney, Lord and Taylor, Best Buy and Borders, and such smaller shops as Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Loft and Swedish clothing retailer H&M, which is scheduled to open a store at Lakeside June 2. Having General Growth Properties on board means the Detroit retail center would have access to a similar lineup of national tenants, Schrott said. “There’s not a tenant of significance that isn’t in one of their malls,” he said. “They have real estate clout.” Bieri said General Growth Properties has “committed wholeheartedly” to developing the site. “What they’ve committed to do is spend their money and use their expertise on developing this,” Bieri said. “For a company like this to take on such a project is a big deal, and an important opportunity for retailers to reach an untapped market in the city.” General Growth Properties manages a mall in Grand Rapids owned by West Bloomfield Township-based Lormax Stern Development Co. Partner Daniel Stern described the company as a “first-class organization that has tremendous strength in its relationship with retailers.” “They’re very well-managed, extremely organized, and in the shopping center industry, they’re very powerful,” Stern said. George Jackson Jr., president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corp., did not confirm the involvement of the city or General Growth Properties in the project. But he said the company has spoken with his staff throughout the past year and as recently as two weeks ago. Jackson said retailers have gained interest in Detroit as more market-rate housing continues to be developed in the city. The Gateway area also is attractive because it sits near affluent Detroit neighborhoods, including Sherwood Forest, Palmer Woods and Green Acres, and is a short drive from suburbs such as Ferndale and Royal Oak, Jackson said. Ideas for a project at Eight Mile and Woodward have taken several incarnations since 2000, including a proposed auto racetrack, an outdoor amphitheater, a saltwater aquarium and an outlet mall. Schrott and Nederlander had retained JPRA in 2004 to do architectural planning for a retail center at the site. Ryan said plans for the project were submitted to the city, but nothing moved forward after that. However, Ryan said his company would submit an RFP and would recommit to the project if selected by General Growth. In November, Schrott and Nederlander attempted to persuade the Detroit City Council to urge Detroit’s three casinos to move to the State Fairgrounds. Schrott told Crain’s then that the casinos, along with the inclusion of a new convention center, would make it easier to attract top-flight retailers to the proposed shopping mall. To the project’s benefit, the Detroit City Planning Commission voted to rezone the project area to make way for a mall in May 2004. The General Retirement System of the City of Detroit also approved a $10.5 million loan last July to aid the project’s development. That loan will be used to build infrastructure, Schrott said. http://www.crainsdetroit.com/a pps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/2006 0515/SUB/60514003/1033 | ||
Jams Member Username: Jams Post Number: 3288 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.79.119.13 |
Will it be URBAN, DENSE, and WALKABLE? Otherwise we should reject the concept and continue to drive to the suburbs to shop. | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 7398 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.159.19 |
^^ Smart Ass alert. Funny, but smart ass all the same. Haven't we been hearing about retail there forever. I'll believe it when I see the work being started. | ||
Ron Member Username: Ron Post Number: 130 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 66.174.79.229 |
Prediction: 2016: Northland closed. Replaced by high end retail mall (Macy's, Coach, Tiffany's, Burberry, Pink, Cheesecake Factory etc.) in downtown Detroit, along the Watertower vein in the Chi. | ||
Bvos Member Username: Bvos Post Number: 1442 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.238.170.39 |
In 2016 Chicago will have its Magnificent Mile, we'll have our revived Washington Blvd. with the stores Ron speaks of. (Isn't Northland pretty much closed already!?) | ||
Rocket_city Member Username: Rocket_city Post Number: 25 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 141.217.214.203 |
What is a shoppe? Is that pronounced "shoppie"? Howe aboute insteade of a shoppe or a centre, or crossing, theye juste builde a shop or a center? ;) In all seriousness, development in that area would be nice. I'd hope design standards are taken into consideration, however I'm sure the big box presence will rule over 8 Mile's already suburban-style functionality. | ||
Blessyouboys Member Username: Blessyouboys Post Number: 417 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 69.209.164.85 |
I drive by there nearly everyday, although nothing officially has been announced, about 2-3 months ago they did demo a few buildings and clear that area. Believe it when I see it, of course | ||
Dougw Member Username: Dougw Post Number: 1139 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 136.2.1.153 |
I know that was sarcastic, but in this case given its location near 8 mile I'd say it doesn't matter too much how urban/dense it is. As opposed to other locations in the city, where it might matter to varying degrees. | ||
Viziondetroit Member Username: Viziondetroit Post Number: 480 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 65.42.23.2 |
I live in that area and I would love to see retail in the area. The key thing to its success (and this is not a racial attack as I black and live in the hood) is proper planning for shrink and security. I worked at the Home Depot on 7 mile for the past 2 years and the store had a very high volume of foot traffic, highest in Michigan actually, BUT we had the highest shrink in the state. Working frome the inside, the lack of proper security planning and associate monitoring caused this high number. When you put big box retail in an urban area, you need an experiened manager which urban retail mangement to help make it successful. You can't take the manager from Milford and have them run a Detroit store and vice versa without some kind of training. Employee training is key as well, making sure they take their jobs serious and in a professional manner no matter what they do. After working there, many times the customer attitudes were more or less I'm in the hood so i don't need to respect the store or staff and the associates did the same. It all boils down to management , experience, and training and this shopping center can be a success. This is a great idea with it being at a county line and such. I'd like to spend as much of my money in the city as possible. Any insiders know how well Model T plaza in HP is doing or the River Bend plaza on Jefferson? | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 7401 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.159.19 |
I've always had good experiences at that Home Depot. It may be atypical as I am always courteous to employees regardless of the store. My smiles and greetings were always followed by smiles and greetings from the employees at the counter. Having worked at a fair share of counters in my life a smile and polite greeting goes a long way. No reason to take a shitty day out on someone just trying to support themselves or their family. | ||
Viziondetroit Member Username: Viziondetroit Post Number: 481 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 65.42.23.2 |
JT1... you were the type of customer I appreciated.. people are so rude and think you are a slave and a personal shopper sometimes. It's a great store with great customers and associates, just could u some polishing up a bit... | ||
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner Post Number: 105 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 63.85.13.248 |
Considering this is accessible from two major crosstown routes (Woodward and 8 Mile). It is a transit friendly development no matter how it will end up looking. It is therefore given the DetroitPlanner seal of approval award. | ||
Mw2gs Member Username: Mw2gs Post Number: 191 Registered: 03-2005 Posted From: 68.248.42.127 |
Must be Deja Vu...I'll admit, I got pretty excited about this announcement the first time I heard it 3 years ago. | ||
Jams Member Username: Jams Post Number: 3290 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.79.119.13 |
I appreciate those of you who picked up on my sarcasm. The City I live in needs all the retail and jobs it can entice. I'm not a fan of strip malls, but if that choice is something that will be built and service the area, instead of leaving it a weed-filled vacant lot, I'm willing to accept it. I'll take a City that I can find my needs available in stores, bakeries, bars, restaurants and other service industries as opposed to what choices are available to me now. | ||
Andyguard73 Member Username: Andyguard73 Post Number: 48 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 64.25.200.14 |
Vizion, forgive my ignorance, but what does "Shrink" mean when you were talking about shrink and security? | ||
Naturalsister Member Username: Naturalsister Post Number: 640 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.255.238.220 |
Hey, I know Mr. Bieri. I'll prod him for info. later - naturalsister | ||
Focusonthed Member Username: Focusonthed Post Number: 160 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 209.220.229.254 |
Shrink is basically loss of inventory, whether it is by theft, misplacing items, improper inventory management, etc etc. | ||
Viziondetroit Member Username: Viziondetroit Post Number: 482 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 65.42.23.2 |
Andy, Shrink is loss either by way of internal/ external theft and/or inventory errors.. Anything that shrinks the sales and/or inventory. Security meaning security tags that go off at the door, alarms at the door that go off when merchandise has not been deactivated, security team that is aware and on their job to prevent walk outs, register errors, checking employees when they leave for merchadise, working cameras, people WATCHING the cameras, loss prevention team which is very responsive, alert and trained associates, high safety standards with zero tolerance... these are usually measures most big box retailers have but don't enforce enough. | ||
Ron Member Username: Ron Post Number: 131 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 70.212.51.109 |
Bvos, Northland, I believe, is on its last legs, though it's not official. It really saddens me, too, as my mother worked in loss prevention at Hudson's-Northland my entire childhood. I have many, many fond memories of spending weekends there with my sister and grandmother, waiting for my mother to get off work. On the weekend evenings, my sister and I would run through the store after they closed with the security personnel who had to check the store for "stragglers." It was a wonderland for an 8 year old, expecially the loading docks in the basement. Aaah, memories. | ||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1162 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 63.41.8.72 |
Isn't there already another Gateway shopping center on 8 Mile Rd.? | ||
Andyguard73 Member Username: Andyguard73 Post Number: 49 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 64.25.200.14 |
Thanks Focus and Vizion. I had I knew how the security works, but I had never heard the term shrink before. Thanks for explaining it. | ||
Bvos Member Username: Bvos Post Number: 1443 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.238.170.38 |
Northland being closed was a joke. It probably just should close down. The place is probably much more valuable if it were redeveloped than running it the way it currently is. Many stores in Detroit are among the top regional and even national stores. Riverbend Plaza on Jefferson has a Foot Locker that is regularly one of the top revenue producers in the nation. Many of the shops at Warren & Conner as well as Mack & Alter are top sales stores. Grandland at Grand River/Fenkell/Sfld. Fwy used to have its share of top producers. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2102 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.90.174 |
Hornwrecker, I don't know if it is a "Gateway" center or not, but there is the Belle Air (sp?) shopping center on 8 Mile between Grosbeck/Hoover and Van Dyke. Last time I was there last year it seemed to be struggling. Lots of empty stores in an otherwise new super shopping plaza. (At a theatre in this plaza is where Eminem had his world premier of "8 MILE".) | ||
Jams Member Username: Jams Post Number: 3295 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.79.119.13 |
Shouldn't indications such as this scream how the City proper needs retail. | ||
Viziondetroit Member Username: Viziondetroit Post Number: 483 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 65.42.23.2 |
Bvos, Thats great news The Belle Air kidna fell off once Target and Toys R Us moved out. Before that when HQ or whichever major home improvement moved out it started to fall down... I think the Belle Air is just in the wrong location, not many people know it's there nor what stores are inside the strip mall. Yes it's on a mjor road, BUT it's in the middle of Eastland and Northland in a kind of forgotten location and people just speed past it. 8 and Woodward is a great location for such an investment as you are getting north-south and east-west traffic and it's on the major bus lines in and out the city. | ||
Bvos Member Username: Bvos Post Number: 1444 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.238.170.34 |
A lot of the top producing stores are reluctant to advertise their success because they're afraid of being robbed more often if folks think they've got piles of money lying around. If you ask around in the retail/real estate circles of folks invovled with Detroit this is relatively well known information. However outside of folks familiar with Detroit retail, the city is pretty much viewed as a vast wasteland where no retail will work. | ||
Apbest Member Username: Apbest Post Number: 59 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.40.65.66 |
"Will it be URBAN, DENSE, and WALKABLE? Otherwise we should reject the concept and continue to drive to the suburbs to shop." that is nonsensical because that area is suburban. Palmer Park-University Commons is surrounded by Palmer Woods, Sherwood Forest, and less affluent suburban style neighborhood. So, a suburban style retail center makes sense | ||
Jams Member Username: Jams Post Number: 3300 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.79.119.13 |
Apbest, Please note my sarcasm. If anyone would pay attention, Detroit is not an "Urban" city. | ||
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner Post Number: 107 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 63.85.13.248 |
I don't know how many of your speaking about Northland have even stepped foot in their lately, but there seems to be quite a few stores. I would not put it in the same "Dead Mall" category as Universal, Tel-Twelve, Livonia, or Wonderland Malls. Sure a lot of what they sell there is geared towards hip-hop fashion, but lets be honest, thats what sells around here. I don't buy it, but if retailers can make a buck selling oversized boxers and below the ass jeans.. well let them do so. Another strong part of this mall is its percentage of non-national chain stores is high. For those looking for snob appeal this is not a good thing, but think about this. The owners are actually in these stores on most days, and listening to customers. Northland as a whole provides better customer service than your average mall. | ||
Esd Member Username: Esd Post Number: 4 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 160.109.103.190 |
"Will it be URBAN, DENSE, and WALKABLE? Otherwise we should reject the concept and continue to drive to the suburbs to shop." Seems strange to me that with the suburb-hate shared by some members on this site that you would advocate rejecting a plan for building a new shopping center in the city because it does not agree with your concept. | ||
Gambling_man Member Username: Gambling_man Post Number: 739 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 199.178.193.5 |
On an earlier note, the Cold Stone Creamery inside Trapper's Alley was recently the 15th-best in the country (out of about 450)....I believe #1 in the Midwest.......Helps that they are in the casino, but telling nonetheless....... | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 7404 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.159.19 |
Like you would know anything about Greektown Casino and its businesses. Signed, Dr. Detroit | ||
Andyguard73 Member Username: Andyguard73 Post Number: 51 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 64.25.200.14 |
lmao Jt1. And Esd, it was a joke. Jams said that he accepted it as its better than whats there. | ||
Bvos Member Username: Bvos Post Number: 1445 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.238.170.32 |
Folks actually call it Trapper's Alley still? I haven't heard that used in years. Most folks have just resigned the whole name over to Greektown Casino or just Greektown. Glad to hear Cold Stone is doing well, especially for a new store. I wonder how well the Ben & Jerry's is doing in Compuware? | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 3718 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.162.172.142 |
This is great news, as there had been wrangling and delays over this site for real. This new developer sounds like business as he has said he will develop, lease, and manage the property. Better yet, he already has former studies to pull from meaning he doesn't need to do any more feasibility studies. This will plan will either be brought to fruition or die quickly because of this instead of being dragged out over years. At least, that is my hope. Developers seem to always find delays where you'd never thought there would be any. | ||
Andylinn Member Username: Andylinn Post Number: 54 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 68.40.195.233 |
just judging by foottraffic, i'd say the ben and jerry's is doing "ok" the same as all the other stores around it... the store there that i'm worried about is the athletes foot. there is never anyone there... i stopped in to buy a pair of socks while it was pouring rain over superbowl weekend and there was like one other customer... sad... sad sad sad... though the name is rediculous (athlete's foot - sounds gross as $%@^) i still feel bad for any detroit business not doing "splendidly" | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 7405 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.159.19 |
I think that the athlete's foot is ignoring the fact that there is a pretty wide demographic in the greater downtown area. Targeting offerings to more than one demographic would probably go a long ways. I would buy a lot of stuff there but every piece of clothing is 4 sizes too big and that is not how I tend to wear my clothes. Same for many others that I know | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 70 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 141.213.66.101 |
I honestly think Athlete's Foot was a little ambitious in locating themselves down there. Maybe once the housing fills in along Woodward. As for the Fairgrounds development... "I'll believe it when I see it". Did Joe Dumars ever build that second Fieldhouse over there? | ||
Tetsua Member Username: Tetsua Post Number: 600 Registered: 01-2004 Posted From: 65.91.73.194 |
The field house has been there and running for maybe a year now. | ||
Jenniferl Member Username: Jenniferl Post Number: 274 Registered: 03-2004 Posted From: 4.229.42.93 |
Put me in the "I'll believe it when I see it" camp in regards to the area around the Fairgrounds. I remember back around 1989, they tore down all the houses around there because somebody was gonna built something-or-other. The land has been vacant ever since. | ||
Viziondetroit Member Username: Viziondetroit Post Number: 484 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.42.176.190 |
A while ago they were gonna make a Nascar track or something like that.... the hoodies voted that sucka lol | ||
Erikd Member Username: Erikd Post Number: 627 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.242.214.106 |
I am amazed at the confusion caused by advocating "URBAN, DENSE, and WALKABLE" areas in the city. There have been many recent threads on this topic, and none of them have called for a total ban on suburban style development throughout the entire city. This isn't a hard concept to grasp. A blanket statement that Detroit isn't an 'urban" city is overly simplistic. Detroit is a big city, featuring a vast array of areas. Some areas are dense and walkable, some areas are suburban style, and some areas are filled with heavy industry. Clustering cement silos, gas refineries, steel plants, sewage treatment plants, and other heavy industry near Zug Island makes sense. You could say that Detroit is an "industrial" city, but building a new steel mill on Belle Isle would be stupid. Strip malls and big box stores are a good fit for 8 Mile road. "URBAN, DENSE, and WALKABLE" developments are a good fit for areas like rivertown, downtown, midtown, etc. The infill houses in Corktown are excellent, but it would be stupid to build them on the Hudson's block. There is no "one style fits all" development that works in every area of Detroit. This isn't some kind of radical concept, only advocated by people seeking a utopian dream world. This is normal in most cities, and in many Detroit suburbs. | ||
Broken_main Member Username: Broken_main Post Number: 1097 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 69.222.11.226 |
Earlier in this thread, I noticed someone mentioned a Cheesecake Factory. I actually mailed them a 3rd email concerning their Chicago location and as always, told them how great it woulf be to have them in the Downtown Detroit market. after the first 2 letters they replied that they were looking to expand their market and thanks for my interest. My third letter to them I got a little more ddeper, reminding them that their business was started in the city of Detroit, and I asked them to come back home. I even mention the Detroityes website and told her that there were a lot of people here that would welcome their establishment. I was pleased to receive a response that they were looking to come to the Detroit market and that I must have been doing my homework. She also seemed interested to know that people were concerned from our forum. i think it would be a good idea to email the company and encourage them to "come back home" | ||
Esd Member Username: Esd Post Number: 5 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 69.14.2.154 |
3 emails to the Cheesecake Factory? | ||
East_detroit Member Username: East_detroit Post Number: 597 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 69.212.169.194 |
CoD != Detroit market | ||
Ron Member Username: Ron Post Number: 132 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 70.212.13.75 |
Broken_main, A few months ago I was at J Alexanders at Somerset, and was talking to the waiter about Cheesecake Fact. He indicated that a friend of his worked for the corporate office (or something like that) and that they had looked at the Renaissance Center, but they did not have the requisite space requirements, or something. He said that they were considering Somerset for a location. I don't know how accurate this is, but I would definitely support a Ch. Factory downtown. Do you have an e-mail for them? | ||
Detroitduo Member Username: Detroitduo Post Number: 647 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 194.138.39.53 |
While, I hate the Cheescake Factory, if it were located in downtown Detroit, I would support it. If it opened in Sommerset, I would never set foot in it. To say that the Rencen didn't meet their space requirements is BS. The RenCen has NOTHING if it doesn't have space. NOT to mention the new buildings that will be going up on the riverfront or any number of the spaces in the CBD. *shrug* It's not exciting to me and I don't care. A CCFactory will not make Detroit successful. Besides, we alread have a HRCafe.  What more do we need? | ||
Jams Member Username: Jams Post Number: 3309 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.252.69.188 |
Erikd, Your post echoes my sentiments exactly. I prefer a City that grows organically rather than one stifled by rules determining what may or not be allowed. | ||
Danny Member Username: Danny Post Number: 4132 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 141.217.173.157 |
YAYY!! A mall in Detroit. | ||
Swingline Member Username: Swingline Post Number: 488 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 172.147.101.115 |
Another note with regard to inventory shrink: The last two times I frequented the downtown Borders on Woodward over the past few days, the street entrance was locked and all customers were required to use the Compuware lobby entrance. I found this to be kind of sad as there probably isn't much mystery as to why the entrance has been closed. I hope the shrink problem isn't severe enough to prevent the store from making a minimally acceptable profit. | ||
Focusonthed Member Username: Focusonthed Post Number: 166 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 209.220.229.254 |
Was that entrance ever open? I've only gone in through Compuware. | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 7407 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.159.19 |
Yes - Was open until recently. | ||
Ron Member Username: Ron Post Number: 135 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 70.212.70.40 |
The paper had an article on this today. It sounds like a "community-centered" mall I lived near in Bowie, MD. It was really nice. It had very nice brick sidewalks, jazz music playing softly over outdoor speakers, and nice shops. If this is what is planned, I will patronize it as often as possible. Did anyone see the article? If so, what was your take on the comments by Ed Nakfoor? It may be just the way the article put the quotes around "upscale," as if saying that it won't succeed in Detroit because it is upscale. He also made a comment regarding drawing customers from the Northern suburbs. I don't think that any large-scale retail will have any trouble succeeding in Detroit, as we all know Detroiters love to dress. My friends from out of town always tease me because they say the D is the only place in the country where someone will wear "gators" to the grocery store. At any rate, maybe I am being to critical of the remarks by Mr. Nakfoor. Too much time spent on DetroitYes? | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 7408 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 198.208.159.19 |
How about a Target as an anchor. We don't need upscale/destination. We need something that will supply many options and needs to residents that would also lure in southern OC for their daily needs. A Target as an anchor and some other nice stores would do well as it would be an everyday place for everyday needs and the rest would be supplemental. | ||
Tayshaun22 Member Username: Tayshaun22 Post Number: 163 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 69.14.101.116 |
Broken_main, please tell us Cheesecake Factory's email so we can all plead them to move downtown! | ||
Detroiternthemist Member Username: Detroiternthemist Post Number: 43 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 64.118.149.50 |
Question?? What will be the difference in Bel-Air shopping plaza, Northland Mall both are on life support and 8 mile/Woodward. I believe the site is wishful thinking and wont happen. | ||
Ron Member Username: Ron Post Number: 138 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 70.212.70.40 |
Correction, maybe I'm being TOO critical. | ||
Esd Member Username: Esd Post Number: 6 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 160.109.103.190 |
"Broken_main, please tell us Cheesecake Factory's email so we can all plead them to move downtown!" Maybe if we all work hard enough we can get them to move into Rock Financial HQ's downtown as part of the ground floor retail space???? I'm going to send an email asap!!!! | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 72 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 68.40.50.194 |
I will not shop there if they put a Target in that place. There is plenty of "affordable" shopping still straddling the borders of the city. You have to drive 20+ minutes from any city limit to get an upscale "experience". | ||
Superduperman Member Username: Superduperman Post Number: 87 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 69.242.221.36 |
Ms. Kim one of the owners of the Athletes Foot store on woodward is trying to sell the store,they own several including the one on Warren and Conner and the one over on Jefferson and she sez that the one downtown is their worst performing store and is trying to unload it as fast as possible,the price she wants is unrealistic though. | ||
Rocket_city Member Username: Rocket_city Post Number: 30 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 141.217.214.203 |
Heh...I emailed the Cheesecake Factory 2 years ago and last year. I got the same response as those posted above. I think we might just be getting the run around. I told them how successful places like the Hard Rock were received in the Detroit Market. It seems like the same old story every time from them. For the company email, just go to their website: www.thecheesecakefactory.com For all these dinky little malls throughout the contry establishing CF, you'd think that they could at least open ONE up in this market of 5 million plus! | ||
Esd Member Username: Esd Post Number: 7 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 160.109.103.190 |
That was sarcasm. | ||
Rocket_city Member Username: Rocket_city Post Number: 32 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 141.217.214.203 |
Oh. Well, I guess if you're ever serious, know that it's been done before. [/laughing with you] Heh. | ||
Jams Member Username: Jams Post Number: 3313 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.72.149.226 |
I find this rather unsettling, is this an indication the success of the CBD retail requires an Anchor Store? Or should it only be relegated to an entertainment area of bars and restaurants? | ||
Superduperman Member Username: Superduperman Post Number: 88 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 69.242.221.36 |
It just goes to show that we need more diverse stores and shops downtown,the Mr. Rags store in the former Manhood location isn't doing that well either although they haven't been open long,I wish Studio Couture the best... | ||
Dougw Member Username: Dougw Post Number: 1145 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 136.2.1.101 |
Regarding Athlete's Foot on Woodward, it is somewhat unsettling, but not totally surprising. I don't think an anchor store is necessarily needed, but I do think more than one retail/clothing store is needed in the immediate vicinity to create more of a shopping destination. Athlete's Foot is more or less by itself. (I don't think Tall Eez counts, is it even still open?) I thought that part of the point of Merchant's Row was to get a number of retail outlets to open at the same time, to support each other as a small destination. Merchant's row has been mostly a success so far, but it hasn't done well in this respect. Maybe Washington Blvd is where the clothing retail will end up clustering. | ||
Eric_c Member Username: Eric_c Post Number: 737 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.76.202.10 |
I've personally thought Athlete's Foot was targeting the wrong demographic. All the new lofts, condos, and apartments aren't generally inhabited by those who wear their T-shirts three-sizes-too-big, and that's the only kind of stuff I ever see when I look inside. Besides, Athlete's Foot seems to be more for teenagers anyway, and I don't know of any fat-pocketed teenagers living in the Lofts @ Woodward! | ||
Bpjeff Member Username: Bpjeff Post Number: 7 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 198.185.18.207 |
I agree, Eric. I went into the Athlete's Foot looking for running shoes when it first opened and they looked at me like I was from Mars. | ||
Superduperman Member Username: Superduperman Post Number: 89 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 69.242.221.36 |
Well they sell more than "T-shirts three-sizes-too-big" in the store which is their downfall I think. They don't move much clothing but they do sell alot of shoes which I think should be their main focus. | ||
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner Post Number: 110 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 63.85.13.248 |
Eric, while I tend to agree with you on their merchandising, you have to realize that the store's appeal to a retailer is that it lies on several buslines. I'd say their market is much of the City that is within a short walk of the spoked avenues that feed downtown. You're right though, they really should have a mix that reflects not only teenageers with rich daddies, but those who live and work downtown. I don't wear jeans bellow my @$$. That is one of the reasons why I don't buy clothes there. Hey what does this have to do with 8 and Woodward?? Back to the topic or close it! | ||
Superduperman Member Username: Superduperman Post Number: 90 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 69.242.221.36 |
In defense of the store they don't sell clothing that is made to be worn below your @ss,thats just the way youth tends to wear them,they sell regualr size clothing that any normal sized person would wear and fit. | ||
Eric_c Member Username: Eric_c Post Number: 738 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.76.202.10 |
I agree, SD. I guess I think I should see athletic shoes, at the very least, promenently displayed in their windows. Admitedly, in addition to T-shirts three-sizes-too-big, I've also noticed they sell orange pants, also three-sizes-too-big. But that's all! | ||
Rocket_city Member Username: Rocket_city Post Number: 33 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 141.217.214.203 |
^ Yah, they do good with shoes. The day I tried to support my local retail, I was bummed that none of the clothes fit my 5-11" frame, and they were kinda pricey. Just a poor college student here.  We need a general clothing store that caters to all accessories but fashionable and affordable. Hmmm...H & M? I dunno...never been in that store. | ||
Islandman Member Username: Islandman Post Number: 175 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 68.42.171.59 |
I did my Mother's Day shopping at Northland just last week. I used to go there a lot since it was the closest mall to me when I was younger. It was just as busy as I remember it back then. It was PACKED with shoppers and did not look anywhere as dead as Trapper's Alley did when it was on its last legs. Granted, before I actually went there, I had that perception of it. | ||
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog Post Number: 357 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 12.47.224.8 |
Eric_c, I totally agree. I'm sure their locations outside of downtown do really well. To be honest I'd bet money that most retail will continue to open up on East Jefferson where there is already a retail presence and convenient parking lots (ala Staples) and downtown will exclusively become an entertainment downtown with bars, clubs, restaurants, casinos, and a few niche shops RO-style. Just wait. I can't see it happening any other way. Unless a ton of residential is built downtown and a light rail line is sent down woodward, retail will never work downtown. | ||
Eric_c Member Username: Eric_c Post Number: 739 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.76.202.10 |
Don't say never. A retailer with cool, casual, stylish and affordable goods would do well downtown. We just need something outside the box. | ||
Swingline Member Username: Swingline Post Number: 489 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 172.132.125.166 |
I agree with some of the comments about the merchandise at the Athlete's Foot on Woodward. The store itself is kind of a cool hip place but whats being sold there misses the mark. The typical fashion standard for downtown workers and residents usually isn't the basketball shoes and hip-hop aesthetic promoted by the store. The store is pointed at a younger crowd that doesn't spend much time downtown during regular business hours. I don't know much about fashion, but I think Ms. Kim would be doing better with a concept closer to American Eagle, Abercrombie, and Limited, etc. |
