Fun video from Park+Vine

http://vimeo.com/5486588

Photos with article link...

 

Atomic Number Ten bringing vintage style to Main Street

http://www.soapboxmedia.com/devnews/0908atomicnumberten.aspx

 

When it opens September 25, Atomic Number Ten will offer vintage clothing, accessories, housewares, and some furniture at their space on Main Street in Over-the-Rhine.  A grand opening will coincide with Final Friday activities.  The store's design focus is on vintage styles from the 1950's through the 1980's.

 

Owner Katie Garber says the 1,100 square-foot store will have two part-time employees in addition to herself and offer a unique mixture of shopping and areas where visitors can "sit back and take a break."

 

"The overall atmosphere has been created by a balance of dark gray walls with pops of bright colors and a slight play on the name Atomic Number Ten, referencing a chemistry theme," says Garber - Atomic Number Ten refers to neon on the periodic table of elements.  “Atomic is also a reference to Eames Era vintage items from the 50’s and pairing this with the craze of neon colors from the 80’s, creates a brand focusing on a 'newer' type of vintage styles."

 

In deciding where to open Atomic, Garber perceived a definite need for its unique but affordable approach to the vintage clothing market.

 

"Growing up in Cincinnati I’ve been scouring the local thrift stores and antique markets in search of one of a kind fashions.  After exploring vintage clothing stores in San Francisco and New York City, I became disappointed that Cincinnati did not have many stores that offered affordable, everyday vintage items.  So I decided to open Atomic Number Ten, to appeal to people looking for unique, fun styles at affordable prices," says Garber.

 

The business move was made possible through a matching grant offered by the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce which Garber says was extremely helpful for a first-time entrepreneur like herself.

 

But it was more than just the grant money that brought Garber's vintage style to Main Street.  Garber notes that after growing up in Cincinnati she gained an appreciation for the city's history and particularly that of Over-the-Rhine.

 

"With the commerce that has already grown on Vine, I figured Main would be a great next step, plus I found a great space in the recently renovated Good Fellow’s Hall," says Garber, who signed a three year lease on the Main Street space.  "I am so excited to open the store in Over-the-Rhine."

 

Products within the store will range from $8-$32 for clothing, accessories from $4-$12, housewares from $2-24, and furniture will vary by type.  Atomic Number Ten, located at 1306 Main Street, will be open Monday through Saturday 11am to 7pm, Sunday 12pm to 6pm, and will be closed on Tuesdays.

get ready for the inevitable media onslaught.....It already started in Sunday's Enq.  Shoes! Service! Seattle!  repeat ad nauseum.

Great photos with article link...

 

Soapdish: Reimagining Retail

http://www.soapboxmedia.com/features/0908reimaginingretail.aspx

 

In many locales across this fair land of ours, aging flyover cities have consistently struggled with the elusive concept of downtown retail.

 

Oh sure, there are exceptions here and there, but what you usually find is a markedly depleted retail presence when compared to the "go go" era of yesteryear, peppered with chain drug stores and accompanied by the hulking ghosts of former department stores.  Cincinnati is no exception in this regard, with creaky old timers wistfully harkening back to the romanticized department store salad days of Mabley & Carew, Pogue's, McAlpin's, Alms & Doepke and, of course, the Shillito block on 6th between Race and Elm.

 

Unfortunately, the prospects of downtown reverting to those glory days of department store grandiosity are about as likely as our local NAACP joining forces with an uber-conservative, suburban-based anti-tax and spending group out to derail any chance of streetcars in our urban core locking the city in the economic dark ages for decades to come - oh wait, strike that.  Let's just say that the era of mammoth downtown department stores has pretty much gone the way of the dodo.  As the old adage goes, however, "retail follows rooftops," and in an interesting bit of symmetry, the conversion of former hulking department stores like McAlpin's and Shillito's into residential enclaves helps pave the path for future retail to emerge in our downtown core.

 

Once upon a time, in an effort to boost downtown retail, Cincinnati courted Nordstrom, offering up incentives estimated at approximately $50 million in order to entice the upscale retailer to locate a store at the vacant 5th and Race lot.  This lengthy courtship followed several other serial failures to lure large department stores to that site including the now-defunct McAlpin's and Maison Blanche, as well as Dillard's.  As is evident by even a cursory perusal of the site now, Nordstrom bailed in November of 2000, citing declining profits and weak sales, leaving a prime parking lot replete with dysfunctional skywalks as its then legacy for downtown Cincinnati.  Naturally, as Nordstrom prepares to open its new Kenwood store this fall, we'll be painfully reminded of that erstwhile runaway retail bride.

 

Still, Cincinnati actually fares pretty well in comparison to many of its peers, with a downtown featuring Macy's, Saks, Tiffany's, Brooks Brothers, Jos. A. Banks, and T.J. Maxx - all of which provide a nice cluster of big names in and around the Fountain Square district.  Filling in the gaps between the bigger names is always a struggle, however independently-owned retailers such as Bolero, Bromwell's and Mike and Carol Trotta have carved out a respectable niche.  Clearly, however, there is considerable room to expand on this modest platform downtown.

 

Combine our earlier Nordstrom experience with Tower Place's struggles to retain stores and you have a perpetual challenge facing those trying to revitalize retail in the downtown sector.  Moreover, it is abundantly clear that one has to be particularly strategic in how you approach downtown retail in this day and age.  These are not the 1950s.  Suburban "lifestyle centers," with their trademark auto-centric easy-access have replaced the downtown retail districts of yore.  While downtown residency is on the rise, continued growth is necessary before it can reach the critical mass population numbers required by national retailers in order to fuel their development formulas.

 

So where does one go to fill the gaps?  A helpful case study can be found in the microcosm of Over the Rhine's Gateway Quarter, where a modest passel of unique and locally owned retail operations have sprung up in and around Vine Street, providing a much needed boost to the identity and vibrancy of one of the city's hottest residential growth markets.  Diverse offerings, locally owned and not replicated in the burbs - that is the path to a revitalized downtown retail sector.  Oh sure, a big bookstore on Fountain Square would be nice - hello! Joseph Beth! - and people will continually clamor for the elusive and somewhat illusory concept of the downtown grocery store, but the Gateway Quarter shops demonstrate what can be achieved with a focus on unique and local offerings.

 

Take MiCA/12V for example, which recently received a shout out in a glowing New York Times travel piece on Cincinnati.  An offshoot of their O'Bryonville store, MiCA/12V's OTR location features design-based gifts, artwork and accessories by a number of local artists and designers.  Although not exclusively local, a large chunk of the inventory is derived from the immediate vicinity, therefore serving the dual purpose of providing not only a high end locally-owned retail store but also an outlet for local artisans to showcase their wares.

 

This is the type of focus that plays directly into some of the more au courant movements emerging in the business sector today.  Although not yet locally established, BALLE (Business Alliance for Local Living Economies) is an international alliance of independently operated local business networks dedicated to building 'Local Living Economies'.  Although often identified with locavore food movements, the BALLE theories can be applied to all business sectors, including independent retailers.  This is done by leveraging the power of local networks to build a web of economies that are community-based, green and fair.  Although predictably saturated with the usual buzzwords and clichés, the theory has some legs and has ready application in the retail sector of the Gateway Quarter.

 

I recently ran into urban retail leasing consultant Kathleen Norris, now with the Brandt Retail Group. Norris previously worked on putting together the retail component for the Gateway Quarter. She emphasized her belief that retail will not succeed downtown if it simply replicates what one can find in the suburbs.  While there are some successful pockets here and there, the goal is to provide unique offerings that can't be replicated elsewhere.  For example, she points to the South end of Main Street in OTR as another district looking to replicate the success of the Gateway Quarter.

 

Eschewing its beer-soaked past from earlier in the decade, Main Street is re-launching itself with new historic condo conversions and a burgeoning retail presence.  For example, Atomic #10, opening later this month at 1306 Main, is a vintage used clothing, accessories and furniture store carrying items from the 1950's through the 1980's.  Joining Atomic #10 will be Original Thought Required, owned and operated by James Marable, which will sell more "cutting edge urban wear."  Norris also noted that there was another prospective retailer which has yet to sign on the dotted line, but it is clear that the momentum is building as the new residential units start to come on line.  Whether Main Street in fact mirrors the success of the Gateway Quarter remains to be seen, however it's clear that the template for success is there. 

 

As far as downtown is concerned, however, although the equation is altered it is not altogether distinct.  While quirky vintage clothing shops may not fuel a downtown retail renaissance, simply mirroring the suburban malls and big box complexes is also not in the cards.  Toeing the line with an emphasis on unique offerings appropriate for both the growing downtown resident segment as well as businesses and their employees will be critical.

Lots of photos with article link...

 

Tour de Fronts shows off available OTR spaces

http://www.building-cincinnati.com/2009/09/tour-de-fronts-shows-off-available-otr.html

 

A week ago Sunday, during the fifth anniversary of Second Sunday on Main, more than a dozen commercial spaces were opened for exploration.

 

Over 30 storefronts are available along Main, E 13th and E 14th streets, between 600 square feet and 13,000 square feet and renting for between $6 and $15 per square foot.

 

Arranged by the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce Business Retention and Attraction Committee, the event was organized to highlight the Business First Grant program, which has five major objectives:

 

• To leverage the investment of the OTR Chamber, 3CDC and the City of Cincinnati with private investors and partners
  
• To reduce storefront turnover and stabilize the business district, thereby increasing foot traffic, safety and commerce
  
• To support capital improvements in unused and underutilized storefronts
  
• To solicit a diverse group of businesses that complement and strengthen the neighborhood
  
• To provide an environment for individuals, entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive, strengthening the neighborhood economy and providing employment opportunities for local residents

 

Program requires partnership

Brian Tiffany, president of the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce, says that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-funded grants can only be used for fitting out the spaces, not for construction.

 

Business owner equity is required for building improvements, he says, but the money can also be used as a quarterly rental subsidy if the proprietor signs a three-year lease.

 

"This is a unique neighborhood, and that is our strength," says Tiffany. "You will encounter some things that I'm sure you will not encounter in other neighborhoods."

 

But, in addition to helping prospective entrepreneurs understand the neighborhood, the Chamber will also assist with business plans and mentoring, he says.

 

"We have an amazing amount of architecture, we're the center of the universe in Cincinnati in terms of arts and culture," Tiffany says. "It's a walkable urbanity. You're literally minutes from Downtown. And there's amazing growth taking place on the residential side, which are your future customers."

 

A successful example

Dan Korman opened Park + Vine in June 2007, working with Tiffany and other helpful people within the Gateway Quarter.

 

"I was very determined to open a store in Over-the-Rhine, a neighborhood where I had lived many years prior to that," Korman says.

 

The Business First Grant was the main reason why Korman decided to start his first business in the neighborhood.

 

Between August 2008 and August 2009, Korman's sales have grown by 25 percent, and he's quickly outgrowing his space.

 

"That's outstanding, considering the economy, and a lot of other factors, as well," he says.

 

Korman loves it in Over-the-Rhine, although he had other choices.

 

"We probably could have opened the store in some other neighborhoods," he says. "It seems like our store is getting a higher profile because we're in Over-the-Rhine, instead of just fitting in to another traditional business district. And that's definitely worked to our advantage."

 

Vomit on the doorsteps

The few people who lived above the bars on Main Street didn't enjoy the loud bars, chaos on the streets, or the vomit on their doorsteps.

 

So the new strategy is a conscious effort to fill the upstairs with residents first, and then to backfill with neighborhood services.

 

That strategy used to be the other way around, which resulted in a plethora of short-lived clubs and no neighborhood momentum.

 

Kathleen Norris of Brandt Retail Group, who has been heavily involved in tenanting most of the Gateway Quarter commercial spaces, says that "destination" retail is a strategy to fill the gap between the numerous residential rehabilitation projects and a true neighborhood.

 

"They will come here because there's something that makes a tremendous experience, and we need to have all of our storefronts focused on that objective because we only have so many storefronts, and they need to support each other," Norris says.

 

Main Street will be a major destination within the next five years, she says.

 

"In order to support the merchants, we had to create a destination retail district," Norris says. "Nobody will come from Hyde Park to Over-the-Rhine because there's a dry cleaner. They will come because there's an art gallery. They will come because there's a boutique. They will come because there's something here that makes this a tremendous experience, and we need all of our storefronts focused on that objective because we only have so many storefronts, and they have to support each other."

 

But Norris is not set in her ways, and everyone who has ever met her knows that she's receptive to ideas.

 

"If you go to a restaurant you like, send me an e-mail," she says. "If you see a shop you like -- here or someplace else -- tell me about it. If you're in a neighborhood place that's really cool, tell me about it, because that's how we're doing it. We're trying to look at what the best practices and the best practitioners are."

The Candy Bar has brought the old neighborhood style candy shop back to Nky

http://www.soapboxmedia.com/devnews/0922thecandybar.aspx

By Randy Simes | Soapbox, 9/22/2009

 

Joe Barta has always had a dream to open up a candy store like the old neighborhood style he remembers as a child. On Labor Day weekend Barta's dream came true when he opened The Candy Bar in Covington's Mainstrasse Village.

 

While the business has always been a dream of Barta's, he had always thought it might be a retirement venture until the struggling job market fast-tracked his plans earlier this year. After tossing the idea around with his family, Barta then took his general business plan to Northern Kentucky University's Small Business Development Center where they refined his plan and determined that his business venture was indeed a good one.

 

The Small Business Development Center was a "tremendous help" according to Barta who was unsure whether it was the right time to open such an establishment. "Fortunately we were able to get the traffic from the UK/Miami football game, Riverfest, and Oktoberfest celebrations on Mainstrasse," said Barta.

 

The 300 square-foot store located between the fountain and clocktower on Mainstrasse is in a spot that Barta loves. "It's family friendly, there is a park immediately across the street, and has access to lots of festivals," he says.

 

"I would love to buy the building and move my family upstairs while running the store out of the retail space on the first level," said Barta.

 

The Candy Bar currently offers around 250 different types of candy; some of which date back more than 100 years. The types of available candy is still growing - as a unique feature the store offers a board at the front of the shop where customers can request a particular candy that they may remember from their childhood.

 

Barta notes that candy bars sell for around $1, and several candies are sold as two or three for a quarter. "Candy is a treat and you don't need the supersize me mentality when it comes to buying candy." The Candy Bar does not sell a lot of bulk sizes.

 

The store is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 9pm, Sunday from 1pm to 8pm and is closed on Mondays.

---

Vintage Hub Re-Cyclery rolls into Clifton with style and substance

http://www.soapboxmedia.com/devnews/0922vintagehubrecyclery.aspx

By Randy Simes | Soapbox, 9/22/2009

 

For roughly four years Vintage Hub Re-Cyclery managing directors, Greg Sulfridge and John Tittra, collected European style bikes and parts. It all started with the purchase of a triathlon bike gone wrong.

 

Sulfridge remembers purchasing the $1,500 bike for a triathlon he had intended on completing. Instead the bike got limited use until Sulfridge found a vintage European bike that was just as good riding-wise, but much better stylistically and environmentally for his tastes.

 

"What we're trying to do is recycle older bikes," said Sulfridge who went on to say that Vintage Hub Re-Cyclery is trying to create an affordable way to bring nostalgia back.

 

Suflridge also says how important the design of a bike is for its rider. Ultimately, "we really look at it as the bike picking you."

 

The 900 square-foot store located at 3230 Jefferson Avenue (map) in Clifton made perfect sense for Sulfridge and Tittra who saw the built in customer base from nearby University of Cincinnati's close to 40,000 students.

 

The store has four employees and does a buy/sell/trade operation that also includes the famous $40 tune-up; which according to Sulfridge is the cheapest in town. Vintage Hub Re-Cyclery also works with the MoBo Bicycle Cooperative in Northside on parts that they donate to the group - parts that Sulfridge says have become more available thanks to the internet.

 

On average, the vintage bikes sell for around $165 at the store. Vintage Hub Re-Cyclery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm to 7pm at the Clifton location and is located along several bike and bus routes. To find out more information call the store at (513) 281-VHUB.

H&M fashions opens early Nov.

By Laura Baverman | Cincinnati Enquirer, September 24, 2009

 

H&M, the Swedish retailer known for its high fashions at affordable prices, will open its Kenwood Towne Centre store the first week of November, the mall’s general manager Wanda Wagner said.  Mall owner General Growth Properties has spent the last four months rebuilding the old Showcase Cinema on the mall’s first floor into a 22,000-square-foot boutique for the retailer. The movie theater closed when its lease expired in May. General Growth announced in July that H&M would replace it.

 

The retailer will also open a 16,000-square-foot store at Florence Mall early in November, but General Manager Greg Comte said he hadn’t been given an exact opening date.  H&M has a mystique about it. Based in Stockholm, the retailer operates 1,828 stores worldwide but it only sells products online in Europe. H&M opened its first U.S. store on Fifth Avenue in New York City in 2000 and quickly grew into other big city markets.

 

Read full article here:

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090924/BIZ01/309210035/1055/NEWS/H&M+fashions+opens+early+Nov.

H&M is one of those retailers that if they do a third shop - a downtown/otr one would be great.  Globally H&M, Zara, Mango have a lot of cache.  Fantastic to see that they're doing something in the Cincinnati area.

 

Now if we could just get some of those DAAP design students to begin opening up shop...

Atomic Number 10 opened yesterday for Final Friday, I believe.

Where is that at?

Where is that at?

1306 Main Street: http://www.soapboxmedia.com/devnews/0908atomicnumberten.aspx

Oi! I actually stopped in there last night but didn't note the name. I assumed it had been there a while (I really overlook the shops and galleries on Main Street too often). Best of luck!

Good article in the Enquirer about Outside.  I think it pains a good picture of the struggles of a small business owner, pretty much living day to day.  I hope Outside doesn't fold but the sheer amount of days that he's faced without consecutive sales is a real issue.  Have any of you shopped at his store?  Are there issues with his merchandise?  Or is it just that people don't need/want what he's selling?

Well, there really aren't great retail neighbors near Outside, so it's difficult to draw people to the mid-block.  For me, personally, I'm anti-plastic for the most part; I try to limit its role in my life.  Most of what Outside sells are plastic items.  So they're not likely to find a customer in me.

It doesn't really fit with anything I have in my life. I live in an apartment in OTR, but I have no use for 100% of his products. I stop in once a year just to see what has changed and to find gifts.

 

YMMV

Not even a recycled doormat?  Come on, Sherman.  :-D

Outside does have some cute merchandise, but we do not have a personal patio or balcony.  Therefore, I can not use 90% percent of what they sell.  It's unfoturnate because I would like to see then do well, and I have bought a few things there. 

Outside seems to be a business that doesn't necessarily need a lot of walk-in business to do well.  If Terry is able to get some corporate orders for outdoor dining furniture, and things of that nature, then he can probably off set much of his costs and do alright.  I would assume this is how City Roots does most of their business.

Outside seems to be a business that doesn't necessarily need a lot of walk-in business to do well. If Terry is able to get some corporate orders for outdoor dining furniture, and things of that nature, then he can probably off set much of his costs and do alright. I would assume this is how City Roots does most of their business.

 

City Roots also does flower arrangements and delivers downtown. 

Outside seems to be a business that doesn't necessarily need a lot of walk-in business to do well. If Terry is able to get some corporate orders for outdoor dining furniture, and things of that nature, then he can probably off set much of his costs and do alright. I would assume this is how City Roots does most of their business.

 

it's how Switch does most of their business.  Very few walk-in purchases.

Bromwell's going strong 190 years in with new art gallery space

http://www.soapboxmedia.com/devnews/1103bromwells.aspx

By Randy A. Simes | Soapbox Cincinnati, November 3, 2009

 

It was just shy of 200 years ago that Bromwell's got its start in downtown Cincinnati.  While the owners and store have changed over the years, its presence downtown and in Cincinnati's retail scene has not.

 

Jeff McClorey bought the famed business in 2005 and became only the third owner in the store's 190 year old history.

 

"I'm a big advocate for urban living and unique urban stores, and Bromwell's stands for just that," said McClorey.

 

Immediately following the purchase, McClorey began upgrading the store space located in Cincinnati's historic West Fourth Street district. The upgrades included additional space, new finishes, showrooms and lots of intricate details including the front of an old English pub that acts as the wall for McClorey's office on the second floor.  A new change for the gallery is a focus on art.

 

"We're now primarily focused on art and fireplace designs and accessories," said McClorey.

 

A new 3,200 square-foot gallery space on the second floor compliments the fireplace showrooms and allows for accesible displays of art work.  The showrooms also feature 25 burning fireplace designs that have received accolades from the local design community.

 

The new gallery space is overseen by Evan Hildebrandt who has his own studio on the third floor of the building.

 

"We're trying to educate the public about art; it's a major aspect of what we're doing," said Hildebrandt.  "We really want to get some of the best art in the city, and are aiming to show Cincinnati a different kind of art gallery; one that is more approachable."

 

Those interested can get a complete look at Bromwell's showrooms and the new art gallery on Friday, November 6. The store's third art show will feature the works of more than 20 artists including Bromwell's resident artist Hildebrandt and Tom Shaw, a local artist with an international following.

 

The showing, featuring a DJ and refreshments, is free and open to the public and will take place from 6 to 9pm at 117 W. Fourth Street.  Hildebrandt also says that many of the featured artists will be on hand to discuss their work.

 

Athena Foods builds upon Cincinnati's Greek community with new grocery

http://www.soapboxmedia.com/devnews/1103athenafoods.aspx

By Randy A. Simes | Soapbox Cincinnati, November 3, 2009

 

For over 34 years Athena Foods grocery store has prospered on the West side, infused by the heritage and tastes of its Greek and Middle Eastern owners. Now Buzzy and Georgianne Gaz have reopened the specialty grocery store with the goal of continuing to grow the the types of Greek products offered to satisfy their steady customers and generate new fans of hard to find ethnic foods.

 

"We have built on what they started, and have added more based on the input from others in the Greek and Mediterranean food industry," said Athena Foods co-owner, Buzzy Gaz.

 

The Gaz's bought the store earlier this year and held a reopening on August 1st.  The 1,700 square-foot store now has new shelves, lighting, spruced up floors, and added inventory.

 

Buzzy Gaz considers himself to be "100 percent Greek" and is a third generation immigrant.  He is proud of Athena Foods' unique Greek offerings that are difficult to find anywhere else in the region.

 

"Our selection of olive oils, dried fruits and nuts, fresh baked breads, authentic Greek pastries, and our cheeses and olives beat out all of our competitors in terms of prices and variety," said Gaz.  The store also has more than 40 different spices to choose from and will special order products requested by customers.

 

Gaz also boasts about Athena Foods' drink selection as well, with 24 different types of Greek wines and four different types of Greek beer.  "We have by far the greatest selection of Greek wines in the region."

 

And for the foodies out there, Athena Foods also delivers the best food products from the region often referred to as the "Fertile Crescent," where many of the healthy Mediterranean foods Athena carries originate from.

 

Athena Foods is located in Finneytown near the Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and close by the location for the annual Panegyri Greek Festival.  The store is open Monday through Friday from 10:30am to 6pm, Saturday from 10am to 4pm, and Sunday from 11:30am to 2:30pm.  Customers are encouraged to call ahead, due to varying store hours, at (513) 729-0440.  Special food requests can be made by emailing Buzzy or Georgianne at [email protected].

 

H&M will open two new Cincinnati-area stores tomorrow...one at Kenwood Town Centre and the other at Florence Mall.  Both are full-scale H&M's.

H&M will open two new Cincinnati-area stores tomorrow...one at Kenwood Town Centre and the other at Florence Mall. Both are full-scale H&M's.

 

Ohhh shiiiiit!

 

 

Share picks - I go to H&M a fair amount here in China.  Not the best in quality but stylish.

Share picks - I go to H&M a fair amount here in China.  Not the best in quality but stylish.

 

You just have to be aware of what you're buying.  Most of the items I've purchased from H&M have worn quite well...especially my jeans.

Share picks - I go to H&M a fair amount here in China. Not the best in quality but stylish.

 

You just have to be aware of what you're buying. Most of the items I've purchased from H&M have worn quite well...especially my jeans.

 

I completely agree. It's like IKEA! ;)

Dillard’s to close Northgate store Dec. 31

from Cincinnati Business Courier

 

Department store chain Dillard’s Inc. will close its Northgate Mall store Dec. 31, eliminating 50 jobs, according to a filing with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

 

Read more at: http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2009/11/02/daily63.html

I like their outdated web-site.

 

"Northgate Mall is comprised of more than 100 specialty shops and four department stores: Lazarus-Macy's, Dillard's, JCPenney and Sears."

 

Then, further down:

 

Department Stores

 

Dillard's

Lazarus-Macy's

Sears

 

JCPenny's was demolished. Lazarus-Macy's became Macy's like what... two years ago?

Salon Central opens in Over-the-Rhine with a 'modern sensibility'

By Randy A. Simes, Soapbox Cincinnati | November 17, 2009

http://www.soapboxmedia.com/devnews/1117saloncentral.aspx

 

The storefronts continue to fill up in Over-the-Rhine's booming Gateway Quarter.  The newest addition to the diverse collection of locally-owned businesses is Salon Central located at the corner of Walnut Street and Central Parkway.

 

Salon owner and stylist Jim Brofft says that he has always loved the area and has looked forward to opening his own salon.

 

"I've always loved the American Building, and I'm really just glad to be here," said Brofft.  "We're within close proximity to everything going on in the Gateway Quarter and Central Business District."

 

The 1,500 square-foot space, purchased by Brofft, took about a year to completely renovate.  Now the space has the capacity to hold up to eight different stylists in addition to accomodating other services.

 

Broft previously worked for Paragon Salon and in Saks Fifth Avenue's salon in downtown Cincinnati.  After 20 years of working out of booth salons, Brofft says he was ready to go it on his own.

 

"I decided I needed to open my own shop and this was my chance to do it," said Brofft.  "Salon Central is sort of 'Mad Men' inspired with a mid-century modern sensibility...it's pretty glamorous."

 

Inside the salon, the art of Jolie Harris is on display courtesy of Miller Gallery.  The interior finishes were designed by Broft along with the help of Angie Wilso - the wife of local funk musician Freak Bass.

 

Brofft says that Salon Central specializes in Brazilian keratin smoothing treatments that start around $300 depending upon consultations.  Mens cuts range from $28 to $50, with womens ranging from $40 to $65.  You can schedule an appointment by calling (513) 421-3300, but Brofft notes that walk-ins are also welcome.

 

Salon Central is open 10am to 7pm on Mondays and Thursdays; 10am to 6pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.  The salon is open for business now, but an official grand opening party is scheduled for Saturday, December 5 which will coordinate with the 'Design in the Sky' event being held at the American Building that night.

 

Busken Bakery opens new downtown location

By Randy A. Simes, UrbanCincy | December 30, 2009

http://www.urbancincy.com/2009/12/busken-bakery-opens-new-downtown.html

 

Earlier this month Cincinnati-based Busken Bakery opened their newest location on 7th Street in downtown Cincinnati. The street-level space is the fifth downtown Cincinnati location Busken has had in its 82-year history.

 

"We’ve had a retail presence in downtown Cincinnati for nearly 40 years,” said Page Busken, Chairman of Busken Bakery. “We’ve experienced the entire business spectrum of great success and miserable failure in the downtown market over the years. This will be the 5th time we’ve opened a new store in downtown Cincinnati and believe me, we’ve seen it all!”

 

Busken's sons Dan and Brian encouraged their father to maintain a downtown location even when times were bad, and now that Cincinnati's center city is experiencing a dramatic revitalization, the sons believe it would be foolish to leave.

 

"There is too much positive momentum and our city center is slowly but surely becoming a destination," said Brian Busken.

 

The new store will look to grow their breakfast and lunch catering business which had previously been operated out of their store at 9th and Central near City Hall which has now been closed and replaced by the new store. The new store will also give Busken a presence in the heart of the bustling Backstage Entertainment District and within the close reach of thousands of downtown office workers and residents.

 

“Breakfast catering is something we are very good at, and to my knowledge I don’t know of any other bakeries that will deliver Hall of Fame Donuts, Danish Muffins, and gallons of premium coffee to any downtown business meeting or event, 5 days a week," said Busken.

 

The new Busken Bakery at 7th & Walnut streets (map) is open Monday through Friday from 6:30am to 3pm, Saturday from 7:30am to 1pm, and is closed on Sundays. Bicycle and automobile parking are available, and the new bakery is located along several prominent bus routes and is located just two short blocks from Metro's Government Square bus hub (plan your trip now).

 

Not so great hours but there commitment to the area is refreshing.  What happened to Mythos? or the other Mythos locations?

4th and Vine mythos is still there and I thin kthey are open till around 8pm

There is also a Mythos on 4th and Walnut along with one in the Chiquita Building on the skywalk level.  Neither of those locations have as good of hours as the one on Vine.

There is also a Mythos on 4th and Walnut along with one in the Chiquita Building on the skywalk level. Neither of those locations have as good of hours as the one on Vine.

 

They're going to open one up in QCSII too.

Mythos needs to start a delivery service.

Mythos needs to start a delivery service.

 

Mythos has a sign at their Chiquita location stating that they do limited delivery to nearby buildings.  The actual buildings are listed (including the "480 building," which I assume they mean "580 Building").  Of course, it's limited hours because that location does have limited hours.

Kenwood Place movie theater in works

Cincinnati Business Courier | January 13, 2010

 

The owners of the Esquire and Mariemont theaters are pursuing a joint venture for an eight-screen theater adjacent to Kenwood Towne Centre.  The theater would occupy 28,000 square feet in Kenwood Place, said Gary Goldman, president of Theatre Management Group in Cincinnati. The company manages the Esquire and Mariemont theaters for the investor groups that own them.

 

The space is being vacated by Henredon Furniture, said John Silverman, managing principal for Midland Atlantic Development Co., which owns the center. The project received approval from Sycamore Township's planning commission on Monday, he said.

 

Read full article here:

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2010/01/11/daily35.html

^Thank God. There is such a large gap in the Kenwood, Blue Ash, Montgomery, etc. area for movie theaters, it's a bit ridiculous.  Over break, when I wanted to see a movie, it was Newport, the Esquire, Mariemont, or Springdale that were the closest to me, and all of those were fairly far. A Kenwood movie theater is sorely needed.

Original Thought Required brings fresh street wear style to Cincinnati

By Randy A. Simes, Soapbox Cincinnati | February 2, 2010

http://soapboxmedia.com/devnews/0202otrboutique.aspx

 

Over-the-Rhine's newest neighbor, Original Thought Required (OTR), opened January 29 on Main Street for Final Friday. The street wear boutique is one of the first of its kind in Cincinnati and its owner is excited to be a part of the renaissance taking place in the historic neighborhood.

 

"I really believe in what 3CDC is doing and I'm really excited to be able to make my dream a reality," said owner James Marable, who also lives in the neighborhood.

 

After graduating from the University of Cincinnati's College of Business in 2006, Marable started his own t-shirt line, Atypical Sole, and began working in advertising before he decided to take the leap and help grow local street wear culture in Cincinnati.

 

"It has been growing over the past four or so years now, and a lot of younger people are looking for original style, music and events," said Marable.  "The street wear culture is an edgy look and is typically more fitted and very much about self expression."

 

The nearly 800 square-foot boutique on Main Street was leased from Cincinnati-based Urban Sites and features exposed brick walls, a glass storefront, and narrow layout which works well with the boutique's design -  Marable said that he was originally attracted to the creativity of the space for his new street wear boutique.

 

"I wanted to create a space where people could come in with an open mind and be their own person," said Marable.  "I just want people to come and check it out even if they just come down and hang out without even buying anything."

 

Original Thought Required (map) will be much more than just a street wear boutique - it will eventually include regular events and be representative of the larger street wear culture where people focus on individuality, personal style, and music. Prices at the store will range from $20 to $100 for t-shirts, sweaters, flannel, button-downs, hoodies, sweatshirts, cut and sew pieces, and more.  The store is open Monday through Saturday 12pm to 7pm, and Sunday from 2pm to 6pm.

 

Jungle Jim's plans branch in Clermont Co.

 

By Barrett J. Brunsman • [email protected] • October 7, 2010

 

UNION TWP. - Jungle Jim's International Market, one of the most popular grocery stores in Greater Cincinnati, plans to open a branch in Clermont County, according to a multimillion-dollar agreement signed Thursday.

 

The current store in Butler County draws customers from throughout the region with an array of staples, ethnic foods and beverages from around the world, and the new store that could open in Union Township in about a year is expected to do likewise.

 

Up to 400 jobs could be created after Jungle Jim's opens in the space once occupied by bigg's near the intersection of Interstate 275 and Ohio 32, said Timothy M. Donnellon, chairman of the Union Township Board of Trustees.

 

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20101007/NEWS01/10080359/Jungle-Jim-s-plans-new-store

^Thank God. There is such a large gap in the Kenwood, Blue Ash, Montgomery, etc. area for movie theaters, it's a bit ridiculous. Over break, when I wanted to see a movie, it was Newport, the Esquire, Mariemont, or Springdale that were the closest to me, and all of those were fairly far. A Kenwood movie theater is sorely needed.

 

Just wondering because I haven't been there in a few years, what happened to the theatres on the lower floor of Kenwood mall?

^It's a store now.  HK or something.

H&M actually! 

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/10/24/downtown-tj-maxx-to-close.html

 

TJ Maxx in Tower Place is closing. I was in there the other weekend and it seemed to have a decent crowd.  But this isn't much of a surprise.

 

What is troubling is with Brooks Brothers closing, TJ Maxx closing, and now distinct possibility of Saks moving to Kenwood. 

^Thank you, Newport Pavilion.

Wow, this is a surprise to me. It's always busy during the lunch hours.

Downtown Cincinnati T.J. Maxx to close

 

 

The T.J. Maxx store in downtown Cincinnati will shut its doors sometime this spring.

 

A store representative who answered the phone confirmed that the store would close in March or April of 2014. Other local officials could not provide further information and referred calls to TJX Cos. (NYSE: TJX) media relations.

 

The two-story store sits adjacent to downtown's now-vacant Tower Place Mall and has been witness to the steady decline of the center city's retail environment. The store's closure has been rumored for months, following news that the discount retailer would open a new store in a 23,000-square-foot space at the Newport Pavilion.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2013/10/24/downtown-tj-maxx-to-close.html

^Not a surprise.  Any idea what if anything will fill this space?