I'm shocked the H&M news out of Detroit hasn't caused a near-riot here on UO.

 

This is probably good news as it means Gilbert is building a relationship with different retailers. So in the coming months when Tower City is announced I am guessing the speculation will be the same.

while idiosyncratic, i think this article i read today is a an interesting picture of what is happening due to big changes in retail following the growth in online shopping — malls are struggling and many secondary shopping strips in manhattan are falling vacant:

 

https://nypost.com/2018/04/07/the-worlds-hottest-shopping-city-is-becoming-a-ghost-town/

Retail stores need to follow the Capital One Cafe, State Farm Next Door, or shared coworking business models. Retail isn't enough to be a draw; they need to explore using their space for additional purposes more social in nature.

^ i think that kind of coworking and teaming up retail with other businesses thing may very well be a way out of the blight of empty storefronts fronts, at least for the near future.

^ i think that kind of coworking and teaming up retail with other businesses thing may very well be a way out of the blight of empty storefronts fronts, at least for the near future.

 

Great point. I really wish a certain percentage of storefronts were publicly maintained just like other necessary infrastructure. Just get some kind of entrepreneurial types a chance to start somewhere.

I am surprised it hasn't taken off more already. Every vacany in Tower City and Galleria should be filled with pop-up shops, art galleries and indoor monthly art walks, shared space for startup businesses, all at rent free or near rent free prices. People may be buying online but they also want brick and mortar places for networking, meetups, start-up groupspace, singles mixers, informal classes, etc.

 

Restaurants should have grocery stores. Clothing shops should have yoga classes. Bars should have meetup events. Etc etc. So much potential.

Of any type of retail that should surprise, clothing to me is a no-brainer.  Many people, especially women, like to try things on before they buy.  You would think they would be hyper customer driven in this age of online retailers encroaching on their sales. 

 

And yet I find myself disappointed anytime I go shopping for an item of clothing.  Try a test:  when confronted by an associate with "May I help you?", point to an item on a mannequin.  I've found that 8/10 times, the associate doesn't know where it is, or it is no longer available in the store.  Wasn't this sort of product placement perfected in the early 20th century?

^ Or, as I always find at most stores now, even at an upscale mall or shopping center. You find what you want on your own, only to be waiting in a huge line to buy it.  There is no reason that a sales transaction in this day and age should be more than 60 seconds.

 

Go to a typical Zara, Express, American Eagle...whatever in a first tier shopping mall on a decently busy Saturday. They are busy. The sales transactions take forever...asking for phone numbers, and rewards cards and blah blah blah. Its maddening...I should just dump my merchandise, and go home and order it.

here is something about how big department stores are coping with retail changes.

 

this is what the new nordstrom men's shop annex is doing -- its opening on thursday (the big ny nordstrom will open later when the tower is built):

 

 

Online shoppers are catered to with a Reserve Online & Try In Store service, allowing customers to choose up to 10 items online that they will find waiting for them in a fitting room. There’s also a Buy Online & Pick-Up in Store service, which is available 24 hours a day.

 

 

more:

https://www.amny.com/lifestyle/nordstrom-nyc-mens-store-1.17948257

 

 

Sears to auction 16 stores, including Strongsville, North Olmsted locations

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2018/04/sears_to_auction_16_stores_3_i.html

An unusual #CRE deal: Nonprofit neighborhood group buys Family Dollar store in #CLE's Ohio City, with eye on preserving affordable shopping. https://t.co/zUftp2fsFY

Fascinating, but really, are Dollar Stores in need of preservation in this city?  Even if this one disappears, there's dozens of others selling stuff that will break the first time you try to use it.

Fascinating, but really, are Dollar Stores in need of preservation in this city?  Even if this one disappears, there's dozens of others selling stuff that will break the first time you try to use it.

 

People are acting like gentrification is really taking hold in Ohio City but IMO the neighborhood has a long way to go until it is out of hand.  Good stuff is happening there but there are still run down houses and affordable pockets.  Allowing more apartment housing on vacant land will help keep the neighborhood affordable.

That's a good move. As much as I enjoy hanging out at trendy urban bars and restaurants, I can't stand when a neighborhood becomes solely trendy bars and restaurants. When I lived in Columbus I got annoyed because I supposedly lived in a "walkable" neighborhood but the only things I could walk to were ultra high end date nights and art galleries. I am by no means a gentrification alarmist but when you have a popular corridor like W. 25th it's easy to lose the diversity of business as rents increase which ends up making the neighborhood a victim of its own success. Jane Jacobs talked about this in her book - she talked about NYC neighborhoods which became so desirable eventually "only banks" could afford to be there, and then it lost what made it great in the first place. Breweries/restaurants are the new banks. Anything that can be done to keep regular old retail stores and other businesses where you can get your errands down should be encouraged, otherwise the area becomes a nightlife Disneyland rather than a real place you can live.

The idea is that they want more than just restaurants and brewpubs along the main streets of Ohio City.  They want a diverse set of retail that will serve the people of the neighborhood, which is a diverse set of a cross section of todays society!  They hope by setting standards just like Sharker Hts does that businesses and developers that want to do business here will respect the community.  Just like we will respect and support them! 

 

A perfect example is GREAT LAKES BREWING of a business owner that took a chance on us waaay back when we was NOT a hot area like we are today.  And that has reinvested and expanded their business as well as being a good corporate citizen!  Good people like them know that the best way to grow a business is by hard honest work by reinvesting in their business and THEIR community!

 

Of course as we all know there is a regular process and pattern to growing and expanding a upcoming neighborhood, that it takes a lot of time and money and hard work to attract and keep desirable businesses, residents, visitors, and key attractions that will over time will help to truly make a COMPLETE NEIGHBORHOOD!

 

I'll get of my soapbox now......

 

"Microboutiques." Just another trendy name?  Has Cleveland been there, done that?  Something similar? 

 

http://communitynewspapers.com/brickell/miamis-first-micro-boutique-destination-upper-buena-vista-to-open-in-february/

 

https://www.timeout.com/miami/news/upper-buena-vistas-new-microboutiques-finally-have-an-opening-date-010318

 

Should landlords/CDCs do more to curate the mix of businesses in a mixed-use development?  Which is Cleveland's (and surround) best from diversity of tenancy perspective?  [i'm differentiating between an urban, organically grown collection of businesses/retailers in places like W.25th and large-scale mixed-use than projects such as Flats EB, Van Aken or Pinecrest].

I find the best diversity of businesses, unfortunately, to be located in slightly dumpy strip malls in older suburbs. Can't stand the urban form of it, but in this era those are the buildings with the cheap rents and large enough supply to bring all kinds of interesting things.

I find the best diversity of businesses, unfortunately, to be located in slightly dumpy strip malls in older suburbs. Can't stand the urban form of it, but in this era those are the buildings with the cheap rents and large enough supply to bring all kinds of interesting things.

 

Pearl Road in Parma Heights is a great example

Also, Mayfield Road through South Euclid, Lyndhurst, and Mayfield Heights.

Cleveland's had similar in existing buildings - 5th Street Arcades recently, the Arcade (Hyatt) in its heyday but whatever it takes retail marketers to put a new spin on things. One thing I'd love to see go away is the use of the word "curated", outside of an art museum's collection.

I find the best diversity of businesses, unfortunately, to be located in slightly dumpy strip malls in older suburbs. Can't stand the urban form of it, but in this era those are the buildings with the cheap rents and large enough supply to bring all kinds of interesting things.

 

Pearl Road in Parma Heights is a great example

 

Exactly. Or Mayfield Rd, which we even had a thread about a few years ago.

 

https://www.urbanohio.com/forum/index.php/topic,25986.msg729472.html#msg729472

Cleveland's had similar in existing buildings - 5th Street Arcades recently, the Arcade (Hyatt) in its heyday but whatever it takes retail marketers to put a new spin on things. One thing I'd love to see go away is the use of the word "curated", outside of an art museum's collection.

 

5Th Street Arcades is a good space.  More of an 'enclosed side street' than typical indoor retail like a suburban mall.  Again, goes to types of businesses there; individually there are some cool and unique options, together they create the overall appeal.  I know what you mean with "curated."  I can't immediately think of a word to replace it that conveys the same thought.  "Chosen" or "Selected" doesn't do it.  Personally, there is the connotation of: (1) authority based on experience (aka expertise?), and (2)  creativity with "curator" that isn't there with other words. 

 

From a tenant standpoint, Van Aken is coming together:

http://www.shakeronline.com/assets/downloads/city-projects/vanakenontrackp.10.pdf

 

It says, "...James Beard Award-winning chef Jonathon Sawyer will partner with them as a tenant and curator of food experiences in the Van Aken District." (emphasis added).  And further down, "Sawyer and RMS are finalizing negotiations with a thoughtfully assembled tenant roster that will complement already-named tenants such as Shinola Detroit, Mitchell’s Ice Cream, Rising Star Coffee Roasters, Restore Cold Pressed, and Luna Crepes, as well as Sawyer’s restaurant." (emphasis added). 

 

Two things: (1) RMS is smart to work with him, and his curatorial role (prefer "thoughtful assembler?!") is a good idea.  Thought and planning are important yet often overlooked.

(2)  RMS has some good tenants so far.  Not all local, although there are quite a few, but the mix looks thoughtful and, dare I say, curated?  Hope it continues, good for them. 

^ lol nice finds -- curated bugs me too, but on the positive side it does get the point across and it is certainly a buzzword for millenials.

Took a walk around downtown to enjoy this pleasant afternoon and noticed that the old Metro furniture store in the 1717 building is occupied again. At first glance it looks like another furniture store, but reading the window decals it seems to be some kind of furniture rental place. Not like a rent-a-center, but somewhere you rent, frankly over the top, furnishings for one-off events like a big party. The space seems to be more of a showroom, than an actual retail store.

Corner Alley Uptown to close in late May; owner says bowling alley isn't profitable

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The developer behind the Uptown project in University Circle plans to close the Corner Alley, a major retail anchor in the district.

 

MRN, Ltd., the family-owned real estate company that also owns and manages the Corner Alley, said the business started off strong in late 2014 but simply isn't profitable. Bowlers will knock down their final pins at Uptown in late May.

 

The Corner Alley downtown, a smaller venue on East Fourth Street, will stay open.

 

Large-scale retail has been a bit of a challenge at Uptown, a development at Euclid Avenue, Ford Drive and Mayfield Road, since the first wave of apartments, stores and eateries opened in 2012.

http://realestate.cleveland.com/realestate-news/2018/05/corner_alley_uptown_to_close_i.html

Bollocks

Anybody hear any rumors about Shaker Square's Yours Truly?

 

http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/13228-Shaker-Sq-Cleveland-OH/12417446/

 

Looks like they are trying to rent out the space?

Anybody hear any rumors about Shaker Square's Yours Truly?

 

http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/13228-Shaker-Sq-Cleveland-OH/12417446/

 

Looks like they are trying to rent out the space?

 

Interesting -- especially in light of the proposed development behind (east) this building.

Anybody hear any rumors about Shaker Square's Yours Truly?

 

http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/13228-Shaker-Sq-Cleveland-OH/12417446/

 

Looks like they are trying to rent out the space?

 

There is one Tweet from this week saying rumor is they are closing. That's all I could find online.  A shame for the area

 

At the same time, the downtown Chagrin Falls location is currently closed - but being gutted and expanded out and up with new modern diner look and bar (like downtown CLE).

Lucky’s Market at Clifton shops in Lakewood is officially opening tomorrow their second Ohio location.

Licky’s Market at Clifton shops in Lakewood Fakewood is officially opening tomorrow their second Ohio location.

 

Fixed lol.

Licky’s Market at Clifton shops in Lakewood is officially opening tomorrow their second Ohio location.

 

Lakewood? Ugh.

Went to the store in Lakewood today Luckys I’ve been to the one in Columbus as I said before and love it this store is so nice and so big

Oh my God, people. It's NOT in Lakewood.

 

I posted pictures of it in the Cleveland/Lakewood/The Edge developments thread.

Went to the store in Lakewood CLEVELAND today Luckys I’ve been to the one in Columbus as I said before and love it this store is so nice and so big

 

Friendly editing necessary.

You poor thing Isnt it sad you get that upset so much but according to the plain dealer it is at the Lakewood border so there

You poor thing Isnt it sad you get that upset so much but according to the plain dealer it is at the Lakewood border so there

 

Good thing the PD never makes mistakes. BTW, they issued a correction.

Went to the store in Lakewood CLEVELAND today Luckys I’ve been to the one in Columbus as I said before and love it this store is so nice and so big

 

Friendly editing necessary.

You poor thing...it is at the Lakewood border....however it's on the Cleveland side...........so there.

Lmao

You poor thing Isnt it sad you get that upset so much but according to the plain dealer it is at the Lakewood border so there

 

The Plain Dealer, unfortunately, is no longer a very reliable source these days. They've cut too many writers and editors, I find it painful to read, as I find a factual error or grammar error in just about every single article.

Even there legacy writers don’t edit. You ever read a Paul Hoynes article?

OK, folks, back on topic.

After four years in Tremont, A Separate Reality record shop set to move to Ohio City

https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2018/05/a_separate_reality_record_shop.html

Was at Legacy Village and noticed that Chico’s will be moving there obviously from beachwood place in the old Justice for girls store

Was at Legacy Village and noticed that Chico’s will be moving there obviously from beachwood place in the old Justice for girls store

 

Interesting what's going on at Beachwood. First their planned expansion was halted. A couple of big named stores left (probably because of the national retail climate, or their individual chain-wide issues), now you have tenants like nail salons and barber shops opening up in prime spaces.

^That's not why they left...

I wouldn't say Beachwood Place is declining. I would say right now they are treading water. While there have been national chain stores which have left or moved, there have been other ones which have moved in a opened in the last year or so - Alex & Ani, MAC, Altar'd State, Evereve, and Zara (first in Ohio). Others like Ann Taylor and Ticknors have remodeled and expanded. It's certainly doing better than most malls in the country and region. I think Beachwood Place's biggest issue, even more so than the perceived safety problem which is not unique here, is that retail on the east side is over stretched. With Pinecrest, there are now 4 upscale malls/lifestyle centers  in a 1.75 mile radius. Though a bit different, Van Aken will soon be joining them too. No matter Pinecrest's promises, these centers all essentially poach from and cannibalize each other.

I wouldn't say Beachwood Place is declining. I would say right now they are treading water. While there have been national chain stores which have left or moved, there have been other ones which have moved in a opened in the last year or so - Alex & Ani, MAC, Altar'd State, Evereve, and Zara (first in Ohio). Others like Ann Taylor and Ticknors have remodeled and expanded. It's certainly doing better than most malls in the country and region. I think Beachwood Place's biggest issue, even more so than the perceived safety problem which is not unique here, is that retail on the east side is over stretched. With Pinecrest, there are now 4 upscale malls/lifestyle centers  in a 1.75 mile radius. Though a bit different, Van Aken will soon be joining them too. No matter Pinecrest's promises, these centers all essentially poach from and cannibalize each other.

 

I suspect indoor malls are on the way out in urban and denser suburban areas.  They can't control loitering gracefully.  If indeed retail is stretched (and I suspect that it is indeed), this puts them at a disadvantage.

Yeah, those teenagers sure are scary! The reasons why malls are going away everywhere are many and often stated. I don't deny that security is a real issue for some, but with the sprawling out of wealth, it makes it very difficult to support large concentrations of retail in less wealthy areas.

^ Someone was shot there recently in the middle of the day so it's fair to say there is a security problem. That was after a stampede of kids(who thought they heard gunshots)caused a lock down the day after Christmas. It was also after a fistfight between 2 girls in the food court made the rounds on social media.

 

As someone who lives near Beachwood Place and still shops there I believe security combined with increased competition is the reason for the mall''s struggles. Why deal with the safety issues when you have multiple alternatives nearby? Also going there after the shooting was like shopping in a prison. They had multiple armed sheriff deputies with bulletproof vests standing at each entrance. Not very inviting!