urbanSTL

i know we've been over this already, but it really is embarrassing...

http://cityobservatory.org/the-storefront-index/

St. Louis' central business district is second-to-last (just above Detroit) in retail density out of the 51 largest US metros.

Looks like the Start Bar is set to open next week (next to Wheelhouse) and the Gills are planning on opening The Sliced Pint in late summer (old Ozzie's), according to STLMag. Lots of openings coming up in Grove as well...

https://www.stlmag.com/dining/junes-ins ... june-2016/

The inside of the space looks pretty nice.


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downtown2007 wrote:Also heard a Insomnia cookies is going into the space next to Sprint.


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This is fact.

DowntownNick wrote:

downtown2007 wrote:Also heard a Insomnia cookies is going into the space next to Sprint.


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Where did you hear this? I would love if Insomnia Cookies opened up Downtown.

A coworker who has significant insight in the retail scene informed me.

I was also informed there are some serious looks at the Dubliner space.


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Looks like Trova closed recently.... another hit for non- food & drink retail.

The Sliced Pint Tap & Pizza on Wash Ave is now open

https://www.stlmag.com/dining/sneak-pee ... -wash-ave/


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^ I think that one has some terrific potential... good to see the opening. btw, I've not been but I see A2, the new-ish gluten-free, etc. place on WashAve, is getting some really good reviews and enjoyable for all.

^ cookie joint chewing up downtown real estate... love it! Also, Chris' is now open.

Based on their other reviews it sounds like customer service is a disaster. The downtown population apparently can't support e.g. a full service pharmacy like a CVS. Are tourists going to be able to keep a luxury delivery cookie place in business? I give it until March 2018.

^ I'm not sure what reviews your referencing but yelp's reviews for the CWE location seem to be generally positive with a few poor ones mixed in as can be expected. Anyway, I think it's great they're opening and hopefully they'll succeed.

A "few"? It sounds like in-store and delivery service is systemically flawed.

I hope they do well too. But I also hoped the luxury popcorn and luxury chocolate stores would do well. It just makes me scratch my head.

bprop wrote:A "few"? It sounds like in-store and delivery service is systemically flawed.

I hope they do well too. But I also hoped the luxury popcorn and luxury chocolate stores would do well. It just makes me scratch my head.

If their model of operation was flawed they would be out of business. They found a good storefront, at a good location, on a great street. Why can't we just celebrate that and support them?


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I wonder if Amazon will look at Downtown or CWE for their new brick and mortar grocery story format that they are rolling out. Essentially sell you the perishable, meat and produce from the store and convince you to order everything else online being delivered from a big Gateway Center warehouse nearby.

downtown2007 wrote:

bprop wrote:A "few"? It sounds like in-store and delivery service is systemically flawed.

I hope they do well too. But I also hoped the luxury popcorn and luxury chocolate stores would do well. It just makes me scratch my head.

If their model of operation was flawed they would be out of business. They found a good storefront, at a good location, on a great street. Why can't we just celebrate that and support them?


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Unlike many commenters, I try to not rationalize closures after they happen ("Oh well, that place always sucked.."). I'm putting out there upfront why I think this particular business is a head scratcher. Whether they go out of business or thrive in this location is up to them. As I said, I hope they do well. In fact, I have patronized just about every business that opens downtown, often several times soon after they open. That includes the popcorn store, the "All things Italian" store, the chocolate store, and every single restaurant that has opened its doors in the past 15+ years. And I'll probably go here. Let's see if downtown residents do the same.

A2 closed.

^ I had not gone but I did see some good reviews.. but here is a quick write-up:
http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/d ... user-share

A notice on its front door and website say the closure is "due to excessive costs to operate."

Always thought it appealed to too small of a customer base.

Would be a great spot for Sump or Blueprint Coffee.


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The Simply Elegant Bridal shop on Olive (Ludwig Lofts Building) has closed.