urbanSTL

Another thought is this:



We have TONS of food options up and down Wash. Ave. and that corner (Tucker and Washington) is probably the best in the whol Wash Ave. area as far as visibility is concerned. It might be worth seeing if we could coax a major retailer downtown. I think in a year or so the area will definitely be ready to support one.



Any thoughts ?

Depends on how you define "major." Yours is different than mine.



But thanks for reminding me that the space is only 4,800 sq ft. I had forgotten that since my last post about an hour ago.





"Ideas are like houses -- they are are far easier to tear down than to build. Yet, while engineers and architects are respected throughout the history of our nation, no one even knows the name of the wrecking-ball operator."



- unknown





Any constructive thoughts, people ?

The Central Scrutinizer wrote:I envision a "major" retailer would need a hell of a lot more space than 4800 sq ft.

Not if they sell miniatures! But seriously, I'm sure there are some big-named (major) retailers that don't require a ton of space. You know, perhaps like an Apple store, Sephora, etc. I think that's what Birdman was getting at.

Thanks, innov8tion; that's what I was getting at.



I'd say that about 90% of the retailers located in the St. Louis Galleria, for instance, could also be located downtown. I'd be willing to bet that there's a couple of those retailers that would consider themselves particularly relevant to an urban area. They might be an interesting option.

Harvey_Birdman wrote:Thanks, innov8tion; that's what I was getting at.



I'd say that about 90% of the retailers located in the St. Louis Galleria, for instance, could also be located downtown. I'd be willing to bet that there's a couple of those retailers that would consider themselves particularly relevant to an urban area. They might be an interesting option.

For more ideas, check here: http://www.saintlouisgalleria.com/mallm ... mallid=476

How about a Women or mens clothing store that cannot be found in STL. Lets say Chi has one and people will travel there to shop at it. A place that opens their first STL location here.

just throwing some jabs, CS.



A women's clothing store would probably do really well in that space; I'm sure all the women living in the surrounding lofts would love the idea. Something unique to St. Louis is also key, I think, so that people would also drive down here to visit.

Or even just an Ann Taylor or something like that.

DeBaliviere wrote:Or even just an Ann Taylor or something like that.

Or a Limited/Express/Victoria's Secret combo in the same stretch? They're all owned by the same company. At many malls these stores are right next to each other.



(BTW: one good secret for moving. Limited/Express/Victoria's Secret have the best boxes. They're good heavy quality and are only used once or twice before being pitched. Just find out what days a store is slated to get merchandise shipments in.)

^Forget it. It wouldnt work. It has to be something unique that we do not have. Something like a Fred Sigel or Kitson. It would attract more people from outside of the city.

We don't need to necessarily draw people from outside the city for certain retailers to be successful.

Fine, then I hope they open a Taco Bell

Downtown2007 wrote:^Forget it. It wouldnt work. It has to be something unique that we do not have. Something like a Fred Sigel or Kitson. It would attract more people from outside of the city.

DeBaliviere wrote:We don't need to necessarily draw people from outside the city for certain retailers to be successful.

Central Scrutinizer wrote:Exactly. In addition to drawing people in, we also need to service those who are already there.

Agree with the last three comments in balance. I believe it's ok to have some diversity. Some specialized / unique places, some chains. As for Kitson, it appears to be a boutique. We already have Paper Dolls and another new boutique going in the area as well.



Some diversity in affordability could be good too with the $500 apartments going in.



Where do we have gaps and how can we fill them?

VERY prominent intersection. Good visibility to all. I hope it will be something to add to the beauty of this building.

Gaps?



Specialty sports store.

Specialty pizza store

Dr. John's

Downtown2007 wrote:^Forget it. It wouldnt work. It has to be something unique that we do not have. Something like a Fred Sigel or Kitson. It would attract more people from outside of the city.

I disagree. Although it would be a bonus if it attracted people from outside the city, I don't think it would have to in order to be successful. Personally, I would love to see The Body Shop or Sephora move into that space. I'm sure that Victoria's would do well, but it would probably hurt Beverly's Hill's business, so I'd rather see something else.



I'd love to see any upscale, urban type store, such as Apple, Lucky Jeans, Diesel... but it's probably too soon to expect any of those retailers to open a store here.

aimster wrote:

Downtown2007 wrote:^Forget it. It wouldnt work. It has to be something unique that we do not have. Something like a Fred Sigel or Kitson. It would attract more people from outside of the city.

I disagree. Although it would be a bonus if it attracted people from outside the city, I don't think it would have to in order to be successful. Personally, I would love to see The Body Shop or Sephora move into that space. I'm sure that Victoria's would do well, but it would probably hurt Beverly's Hill's business, so I'd rather see something else.



I'd love to see any upscale, urban type store, such as <B>Apple</B>, Lucky Jeans, Diesel... but it's probably too soon to expect any of those retailers to open a store here.

Now Apple would be nice. It would be a good fit for the Yuppie crowd (translation.... most of us)

The Central Scrutinizer wrote:

Downtown2007 wrote:Fine, then I hope they open a Taco Bell

Hopefully one with no homeless people like over at Broadway and Chouteau.



I was in there a week ago for a late night snack. There was a guy at the counter, and it was obvious he wasn't ordering any food. The conversation was short.



Homeless guy: Excuse me sir...

Me: No

Me (to girl behind counter): Ummmm...yeah, I'll have 2 tacos....

Homeless bums feel comfortable going inside popular fast food chains to beg for money--so that is just one reason why a Taco Bell is a bad idea. The only popular "fast" restaurant that I'd like to see downtown is FAZLI'S.

Oh PLEASE tell me this is not true(I know this is wishful thinking). A fast food (or ANY food) establishment letting people beg "inside" their store?



I am sure they realize it is an impediment to the business. My guess is it was managed by someone who did not care.

A drive through Starbucks (just kidding, but not really).



A book/coffee shop seems most sorely needed. I'd also love to see another store that sells either boutique-type clothes or even kids stuff (like City Sprouts on Delmar).



An official Apple store would be nice, but not sure if St.L could support three of them.



My husband lived/worked in the AD Brown bldg from 95-06; I've always loved that bldg (many fond memories) so I'd like something nifty to go on the ground floor. It seems like the street level retail space has been a work in progress for many years.

I think a Banana Republic/J Crew would be nice fit.



Clothing store for kids won't work in the loft district. Too many DINKS for that to be successful.

St.Louis UAB alumni wrote:I think a Banana Republic/J Crew would be nice fit.



Clothing store for kids won't work in the loft district. Too many DINKS for that to be successful.

DINKS?