On topic, I visited the Olive and the Grape (2nd time) and the Cleveland Store in Tower City yesterday. These storefronts are just very disappointing.  Every time I've gone by them, they are deserted, or I see people leaving empty handed.  I don't think it's long before both will be out of business.

 

1. In both stores, the clerks were woefully lazy.  At the Cleveland store, the sales guy was standing in front of the store when I got there, and when I came inside, he just came in and stood silently behind the register. That was it.  At O&G, the girl never left her post behind her notebook computer and just called out, "let me know if you have any questions." Really?  I have worked in DOZENS of retail stores and neither of these is the way to earn business or court customers or interest in your store and its products. 

 

2. The amount and variety of items displayed in both stores falls extremely short of where it should.  It seems like the Cleveland store is trying to be a tourist store on one hand (but woefully lacking in things a lot of tourists pick up, like all manner of t-shirts, sweatshirts, sunglasses, hats, etc) and a memorabilia store on the other hand (giant posters of Ghoulardi and the like that only specialty shoppers are going to be looking for).  They need to decide what their focus is and fill the store with items, a tiny little space like that should be overflowing with merchandise.  Look at airport shops as an example of what that store should be, only it should be selling all Cleveland items. We make a lot of great things here, and I couldn't even find a box of chocolate buckeyes in there! (they had REAL buckeyes for sale, which was laughable when I can get them off the ground for free - would you seriously sell acorns or walnuts in a basket for profit like that?)  Same thing with O&G.  Many extremely boring and not particularly good items that you can get at any regular grocery store, like dried minestrone soup.  A very small and overly humble display of Ohio honey.  We have SO many great honey producers here and they all have a ton of products. Where was the honey coffee stirrers,  honey candy, honey soap, all the varieties of honey, information about the apiary, etc?  And stuff is so sparsely placed on the shelves it looks like they are going out of business all the time. The one thing that interested in me, as I was looking for a gift to send to a friend in Florida who has never been here, was some kind of canister of 4 different ethnic spice blends, representing 4 prominently represented ethnicities here in cleveland. But the ingredients weren't on the can and the can was empty, said "display only" and I didn't see it anywhere else in the store, nor did I feel like tearing the young girl at the register away from her internet browsing.

 

I'm sure the average TC shopper doesn't know anything about gray sea salt or smoked paprika or any number of the other things I saw for sale that I might regularly use, but the sales person wasn't up, explaining the products, talking about how to use them, asking what I might be looking for, making suggestions, etc. 

 

I found both shopping experiences horribly disappointing and came away empty handed.  Is it any wonder that retail stores in TC fail if this is how they approach things?

I don't think I'd want the sales staff on top of me, explaining everything I looked at.  I doubt most shoppers would, either.  Did they fail to answer any questions you asked?

That's not exactly what I mean. Good sales people allow you to browse, but also take the time occasionally to point out certain things you might not know or that are interesting or that you might like.  Have you ever walked around a car dealership with nobody approaching you or talking to you about what you're looking for?  No.  Because you came in to buy something, and the sale is very important to them.  We NEVER let anyone enter our department in all the department stores I've worked at without at least approaching them, making eye contact, and asking if there's something special they're looking for.  Then when you see them browsing, say, the most popular wedding china you sell, or trying to print out a registry, you offer to help them further, so they can get what they actually are looking for.

I don't think I'd want the sales staff on top of me, explaining everything I looked at.  I doubt most shoppers would, either.  Did they fail to answer any questions you asked?

 

X i think you're missing RNR's point.  These employees are not good front line representatives of the stores they are working.

 

Obviously the business is in an area where they have good visibility, yet the staff is disconnected/disinterested.  They are not engaged with the customer therefore that is probably the reason there is a lack of customers.

 

I'll say that as each retail stores culture is different but a small business owner, with a unique store like those mentioned above needs to have strong staff to bring in customers and build a base.

A store is opening.

A store is closing.

A store is moving

A store is changing its name.

A company who runs several retail stores is moving in or out of Cleveland

 

The above are examples of items that should be in the Cleveland:Retail News thread. 

Just a reminder

A store is opening.

A store is closing.

A store is moving

A store is changing its name.

A company who runs several retail stores is moving in or out of Cleveland

 

The above are examples of items that should be in the Cleveland:Retail News thread. 

Just a reminder

 

Serious question.  Which thread is appropriate to discuss the operations or experience one might have at a Cleveland store/retail establishment?

I don't think I'm missing anyone's point, just a disagreement of what I expect when I go into a store (I can't think of a worse shopping experience than car shopping).  I also think it's a little presumptuous to be knocking the staff without knowing if they were following customer service standards or not.

I say we have a whole thread dedicated to talking about what belongs in each thread.

I don't think I'm missing anyone's point, just a disagreement of what I expect when I go into a store (I can't think of a worse shopping experience than car shopping).  I also think it's a little presumptuous to be knocking the staff without knowing if they were following customer service standards or not.

 

I think what RNR is trying to say is she doesn't think there are any customer service standards.

 

Personally, when I walk into a store, I don't want to be bothered.  If I need help, I'd like someone to be available, but I don't want them pestering me.  Ideal customer service is exactly what the one woman did.  Ask if you need help to show you're available, then butt out of the way until the person says they need your help.

@punch, seriously, I thought this was the appropriate thread for this. Where would be an appropriate thread for this type of discussion, which I think is worth having?  Sorry I posted inappropriately, I actually dug/hunted to find this specific thread.

 

@jam40jeff, there is a difference between bothering and complete disinterest.  People should be left to browse on their own, but the person should look present and available, and at least throw out something interesting as you start looking.  "Every item that starts with the letter R is 20% off today" or SOMETHING, not just sit there.  People who come in and browse with no assistance may be missing what they're actually looking for as they don't know where to find it or that the store sells it.  And many people don't know WHAT in particular they're looking for, and kind of browse around, don't see anything impressive, then leave, when there actually may have been 10 or 20 things that would have made a perfect purchase for them, but they never discovered them on their own.

Personally, when I walk into a store, I don't want to be bothered.  If I need help, I'd like someone to be available, but I don't want them pestering me.  Ideal customer service is exactly what the one woman did.  Ask if you need help to show you're available, then butt out of the way until the person says they need your help.

 

I agree to a certain degree.  This is why I rarely "in store" shop.  However, if you are disengaged from patrons, why are you there?

 

Each store has it's on feel and culture.  When I shop at Gucci, I shouldn't expect the same experience as I do when I'm at Tom Ford.  When I shop at Bloomingdales I don't expect to have the same experience at Bergdorf.  When I eat at table 45 I dont expect that same service as I do at Your Truly.

 

I think it's a case by case issue, as each persons expectations are different, but when staff is lackluster and not attentive why are they there?

However, if you are disengaged from patrons, why are you there?

 

To answer questions when needed, ring the customer up when they buy something, stock the shelves, keep the store clean, and make sure people don't walk out without paying.

 

I think one of the worst stores is the Apple store.  Sometimes I want to just go in and see what's new and play around with some of their devices.  That is the best sales tool for me.  But I get real agitated when they are breathing down your neck and watching your every move like a hawk because the worker to shopper ratio is about 3 to 1.  I usually end up just leaving and have never actually bought anything from the store.  This is completely the opposite of the Verizon store I go to, which has excellent customer service (which runs contrary to many Verizon stores I have been to).  I went in and played around with the Droid for about 15 minutes without anyone bothering me.  I enjoyed it so much I bought one on the spot and then not too long after came back and my wife bought one as well.

However, if you are disengaged from patrons, why are you there?

 

To answer questions when needed, ring the customer up when they buy something, stock the shelves, keep the store clean, and make sure people don't walk out without paying.

 

I think one of the worst stores is the Apple store.  Sometimes I want to just go in and see what's new and play around with some of their devices.  That is the best sales tool for me.  But I get real agitated when they are breathing down your neck and watching your every move like a hawk because the worker to shopper ratio is about 3 to 1.  I usually end up just leaving and have never actually bought anything from the store.  This is completely the opposite of the Verizon store I go to, which has excellent customer service (which runs contrary to many Verizon stores I have been to).  I went in and played around with the Droid for about 15 minutes without anyone bothering me.  I enjoyed it so much I bought one on the spot and then not too long after came back and my wife bought one as well.

 

come here!  So I can smack you!  You know what I mean smarty pants!  If you don't really want to do your job, why be there?  If the cashier/sales rep/associate is playing on their laptop, they're not providing you with a service.  At least put it away.

 

 

 

 

However, if you are disengaged from patrons, why are you there?

 

To answer questions when needed, ring the customer up when they buy something, stock the shelves, keep the store clean, and make sure people don't walk out without paying.

 

I think one of the worst stores is the Apple store. Sometimes I want to just go in and see what's new and play around with some of their devices. That is the best sales tool for me. But I get real agitated when they are breathing down your neck and watching your every move like a hawk because the worker to shopper ratio is about 3 to 1. I usually end up just leaving and have never actually bought anything from the store. This is completely the opposite of the Verizon store I go to, which has excellent customer service (which runs contrary to many Verizon stores I have been to). I went in and played around with the Droid for about 15 minutes without anyone bothering me. I enjoyed it so much I bought one on the spot and then not too long after came back and my wife bought one as well.

 

come here! So I can smack you! You know what I mean smarty pants! If you don't really want to do your job, why be there? If the cashier/sales rep/associate is playing on their laptop, they're not providing you with a service. At least put it away.

 

 

 

 

 

Says the man posting on a forum in the middle of a meeting ;-)

 

Retail support is a delicate balance. Too 'helpful' and you come across as pushy. Not helpful enough, you're lazy / disinterested. Plus everyone has different expectations. I've never been in O&G, but it would seem in a store with more specialty merchandise, a higher level of assistance might be appreciated, vs say at Old Navy, where the shoppers probably already know what they want (what everyone else is wearing!!)

However, if you are disengaged from patrons, why are you there?

 

To answer questions when needed, ring the customer up when they buy something, stock the shelves, keep the store clean, and make sure people don't walk out without paying.

 

I think one of the worst stores is the Apple store.  Sometimes I want to just go in and see what's new and play around with some of their devices.  That is the best sales tool for me.  But I get real agitated when they are breathing down your neck and watching your every move like a hawk because the worker to shopper ratio is about 3 to 1.  I usually end up just leaving and have never actually bought anything from the store.  This is completely the opposite of the Verizon store I go to, which has excellent customer service (which runs contrary to many Verizon stores I have been to).  I went in and played around with the Droid for about 15 minutes without anyone bothering me.  I enjoyed it so much I bought one on the spot and then not too long after came back and my wife bought one as well.

 

come here!  So I can smack you!  You know what I mean smarty pants!  If you don't really want to do your job, why be there?  If the cashier/sales rep/associate is playing on their laptop, they're not providing you with a service.  At least put it away.

 

 

 

 

 

Says the man posting on a forum in the middle of a meeting ;)

 

Retail support is a delicate balance. Too 'helpful' and you come across as pushy. Not helpful enough, you're lazy / disinterested. Plus everyone has different expectations. I've never been in O&G, but it would seem in a store with more specialty merchandise, a higher level of assistance might be appreciated, vs say at Old Navy, where the shoppers probably already know what they want (what everyone else is wearing!!)

 

I'm multitalented.  :P

However, if you are disengaged from patrons, why are you there?

 

To answer questions when needed, ring the customer up when they buy something, stock the shelves, keep the store clean, and make sure people don't walk out without paying.

 

I think one of the worst stores is the Apple store. Sometimes I want to just go in and see what's new and play around with some of their devices. That is the best sales tool for me. But I get real agitated when they are breathing down your neck and watching your every move like a hawk because the worker to shopper ratio is about 3 to 1. I usually end up just leaving and have never actually bought anything from the store. This is completely the opposite of the Verizon store I go to, which has excellent customer service (which runs contrary to many Verizon stores I have been to). I went in and played around with the Droid for about 15 minutes without anyone bothering me. I enjoyed it so much I bought one on the spot and then not too long after came back and my wife bought one as well.

 

come here! So I can smack you! You know what I mean smarty pants! If you don't really want to do your job, why be there? If the cashier/sales rep/associate is playing on their laptop, they're not providing you with a service. At least put it away.

 

 

 

 

 

Says the man posting on a forum in the middle of a meeting ;)

 

Retail support is a delicate balance. Too 'helpful' and you come across as pushy. Not helpful enough, you're lazy / disinterested. Plus everyone has different expectations. I've never been in O&G, but it would seem in a store with more specialty merchandise, a higher level of assistance might be appreciated, vs say at Old Navy, where the shoppers probably already know what they want (what everyone else is wearing!!)

 

I'm multitalented. :P

 

Good point...

 

So when I'm on my laptop and the FAA objects i can say I'm multitalented lol

Wilhelmy flowers in the old arcade is closed!  Sad face.

 

Good news for ice cream lovers. Jeni's is in Cleveland stores!

Best of all it's available downtown at Constantino's on W. 9th

 

http://www.examiner.com/dessert-in-cleveland/jeni-s-ice-cream-now-available-cleveland

 

 

Wilhelmy flowers in the old arcade is closed! Sad face.

 

I do not feel businesses in there are doing more to promote themselves and reach the target market.... It is such a great space, iconic.... and so convenient...Just being there is a pleasure...so why do things seem to struggle then? If I lived downtown right near there and wanted flowers... I could walk there and get them. Now what is the choice? Driving to a farther place or going to "Giant Anal?" Makes no sense.

 

...Now what is the choice?... 

 

There's still Pat's On The Square next to one of the Renaissance Hotel's entrances.

(Although Pat's keeps reducing the size of their brick-and-mortar store)

 

http://www.patsonthesquareflowers.com/

 

 

There's a small florist on St Clair just opposite the Crowne Plaza hotel, but I've never been in there.

Here is a new opening near Tremont. I don't really know if this is the perfect thread for this, but I will announce an event there that will help kick off the unofficial opening as well as explain what the new place is all about.... Skim through.

 

ANNOUNCING THE NEW RADIO THEATER NIGHT SOCIAL! -- PLEASE RSVP!

 

After a long Summer break and search for a new venue for The Radio Mystery Theater Night Social, we are about to resume Thursday, September 9th at 7:00 PM at "APERTURE" PHOTOGRAPHY GALLERY/STUDIO AND VARIETY STORE at 2541 Scranton Rd. – Cleveland. Telephone is 216-574-8977              

 

The new setting is unique...a quirky retro kitschy look on the outside, and a classic nostalgic look on the inside with various photography and other nostalgic items for sale. Books, photography, cameras, and other items of classic interest will eventually be available in addition to unique working vintage cameras, film, and prints! The look and feel of Aperture is cozy and intimate and lounge-like. There is a refreshment and snack bar all set in inviting colors and an old wooden floor.

 

APERTURE is directly on the northeast corner of Starkweather and Scranton Rd....about a a quarter mile walk from the bookstore where we previously held this event. While we do have space on the property and on the street for 8 or so vehicles total, in the spirit of saving space and energy, we do encourage, if possible, to walk, ride a bike, take public transport..or carpool if you can! We will also eventually be moving the Classic Movie Night here as well. This will come later!

 

This month's programming will include the following:

 

1. "THE MALTESE FALCON" --- Starring Humphrey Bogart, Sidney Greenstreet, Mary Astor

 

    "FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT" --- Starring Joseph cotton

    "SHADOW OF A DOUBT"         

 

2. CBS RADIO MYSTERY THEATER: “THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN”, Written by: Ian Martin. Starring Ralph Bell. A man wakes up in a strange place with a strange woman and cannot remember anything from the night before—And discovers he is someone else. But WHO?..and WHY?

 

 

More.....

 

Radio Mystery Theater—refreshing alternative to television!

 

 

Did you ever hear the old saying "it's so old it's new?" Well, that is what I can say about old time radio theater because listening to it is such a refreshing break from television or movies. I have a disc collection of CBS's "Radio Mystery Theater" which ran from 1974 until 1982.

 

This show was produced by long time radio theater creator Hyman Brown and hosted by E.G. Marshall--who had the kind of storytelling voice that made you want to gather around a fireplace on a cold October night and just listen! CBS Radio Mystery Theater was actually a rebirth of radio theater which had been absent from---or rare on the radio airwaves for several years prior. It featured many great guest actors and iconic voices, as well as the little known performer.

 

Long before television people used to gather around the radio and listen to their favorite shows. Featured were such subjects as drama, adventure, comedy, horror, and mystery. My favorite is mystery. Now let me get on with why I like these radio shows so much!

 

In radio theater, unlike television or movies, I appreciate the fact that since there is no moving picture to go along with the dialogue, the script writing had to be very descriptive and imaginative to paint the picture of what is happening in one's mind. There were no super enhanced computer effects to make up for the substance a particular storyline lacks, which in my opinion seems to be so common in many of today's mainstream movies. Quality writing is what radio theater is all about and if that's what you like that's what you'll get! Most of the time, the acting is fabulous!

 

Additionally, another advantage of radio theater is that it offers a chance for improving listening skills, increasing attention span---and developing your imagination. It gives the eyes a rest from the glare of the television too! I like laying down, closing my eyes and allow the picture to form in my mind...the characters, the scenes, the time periods etc.... It can become addictive! Radio theater is still present today and probably the most popular is the variety show which can be heard on National Public Radio, Prairie Home Companion, hosted by Garrison Keillor. Radio theater is making a comeback on various local public radio stations in Cleveland/N.E. Ohio!

 

RADIO MYSTERY THEATER NIGHT SOCIAL

 

Every 2nd Thursday Of The Month--7:00 PM "APERTURE" PHOTOGRAPHY GALLERY/STUDIO AND VARIETY STORE at 2541 Scranton Rd. – Cleveland. Telephone is 216-574-8977

 

Join "APERTURE" PHOTOGRAPHY GALLERY/STUDIO AND VARIETY STORE for an evening of old time radio mystery theater, Every 2nd Thursday of the month starting at 7:00 PM. Sit back, relax…bring your favorite spirits, or favorite snack---or enjoy refreshments/snacks when available (we will be offering snack trays as an occasional courtesy) and hear many famous voice actors performing great stories by many classic radio writers--all in a nostalgic and intimate setting. These stories were crafted especially for radio and to stir your imagination without relying on a picture on a screen!

 

Between acts, there will be breaks for socializing and mingling with others who appreciate this truly unique lost art form existing long before television. The evening will be hosted by “Classic Movies Radio and Nostalgia” Meet Up Group, in cooperation with Aperture Photography Gallery/Studio and Variety Store! Please call  Calvin or Rob, your hosts, at 216-401-3118 to learn more about this free event---or if you need directions to Aperture, near Cleveland‘s historic Tremont neighborhood.

 

 

 

 

http://www.ohio.com/business/101707228.html

 

Funky Hippy owner opens Cleveland Heights store

 

Published on Saturday, Aug 28, 2010

 

 

 

Beacon Journal staff report

The Funky Hippy vintage clothing store of Akron is no slacker, expanding recently to a second store.

Dawn Ward opened the second Funky Hippy in Cleveland Heights earlier this summer....

 

 

 

 

Question.  Maybe rhetorical question.

 

So Weiss fur left Beachwood place earlier this year and had some going out of business sales at some temporary outlet store on Chagrin rd.  But now I see that they're opening one up in Legacy Village, which must be an expensive place to operate a business.  Can someone explain this business plan? 

 

Of course, I am happy that Legacy is filling it's vacancies as this, an expensive store, a seasonal Halloween store, and something next to Joe Beth are filling this struggling mall nicely.   

^For a struggling mall (???) it sure is hard to find parking.  Last two times I was there I had to circle and circle.

yeah doesn't seem like it makes too much sense. Legacy Village is only like a minute away and i believe the mall actually draws more customers. And in the winter months they probably would have done better in the mall.

According to my friends at Cheesecake Factory, the restaurants other than Cheese and maybe Brio are doing poorly.  Servers at the other 8 restaurants are  evidently pulling in $80-$90/night at dinner shifts whereas Cheesecake hits $25grand on average during the same shifts with servers hitting $140 plus.

 

 

cheesecake factory?  Oh lawd.

Legacy Village and Steelyard Commons are both owned by the same company. Legacy is just breaking even and Steelyard is making its owner rich.

Legacy Village and Steelyard Commons are both owned by the same company. Legacy is just breaking even and Steelyard is making its owner rich.

 

That's cause Steelyard was actually needed in that area and has stores that I actually can shop at!  I don't know what the hell Legacy Village is.  I only go there to get my hair cut and to go to Crate and Barrel and sometimes Dick's.  Did they really think another mall across the street from one big mall and one little mall would do well?

The relatively recent addition of Legacy Village does make that overall area a good location for killing a day as there are very different stores and restaurants in the three malls. 

 

I mentioned on another forum that my dad volunteers at the Dietrich Museum.  In addition, he is also involved with the National Ocular Heritage Society from which a large number of people (mostly retired ophthalmologists and their families) are coming to town next April.  This is a bit of a coup for the city since the members usually hit up more major cities, and my dad is helping organize their activities during the 3 days/2 nights.  For better of for worse, it's looking like they will be spending a large chunk of at least one of the days at the Beachwood Place/La Palace/Legacy Village mall triad. 

 

And before anyone starts whining about tourists spending time in the suburbs vs in the city proper, you have to realize that mobility/retail congestion is going to be an issue for some of these folks, and the proximity between the three malls in addition to their decent restaurants and good clothing and other retail stores does enhance the area's reputation as a kind of destination. 

I'm surprised to hear that Legacy Village is merely breaking even.  I can't imagine what kind of traffic it would have to generate to actually turn a profit. 

 

Steelyard, I presume, has an advantage in the profit department due to more of the big-box store type tenants.

I'm surprised to hear that Legacy Village is merely breaking even.  I can't imagine what kind of traffic it would have to generate to actually turn a profit. 

 

Steelyard, I presume, has an advantage in the profit department due to more of the big-box store type tenants.

 

My take is Legacy is niche shopping.  Only certain people shop there.  SYC, on the other hand, has a broader appeal, since there is something there for everyone.

 

 

Legacy probably also has a lot of visitors that aren't there to shop.

Legacy also has more vacancies than one would think.  take a look around next time.  just because the storefronts aren't blighted doesn't mean they are all filled.

Legacy probably also has a lot of visitors that aren't there to shop.

 

Beachwood also.  It's like Aventura, Lenox, Beverly Center, Forum at Ceasar, Mall at Short Hills, Ala Moana, , SF City Centre malls with lots of stores, but lots of people just "hanging out" not shopping.

yeah doesn't seem like it makes too much sense. Legacy Village is only like a minute away and i believe the mall actually draws more customers. And in the winter months they probably would have done better in the mall.

That open-air shopping makes sense for a place like Seattle.  Lyndhurst, on the edge of the snow belt, not so much

Actually, I think there's something nice about outdoor shopping at legacy/crocker in the winter. Lights everywhere, music playing on the sidewalk.....it's a nice experience

Yeah, like those of us who are a bit older experienced in  downtown Cleveland. We traded it all for pretend cities. I may as well go to Disney World.

 

On another note.....Don't forget...there will be a retail component coming to the Galleria Gardens Under Glass Learning center in latter September... Lots if unique items...much made from recycled material and local.

 

Mixed Greens also us opening up there soon, as well as the effort to recruit a really classy thrift store that will sell anything you can possibly think of. Stuff will be presented professionally and clean...Just like a regular department store, but with garage sale prices! It will not look like a flea market etc, and will have a high end facade.

 

 

yeah doesn't seem like it makes too much sense. Legacy Village is only like a minute away and i believe the mall actually draws more customers. And in the winter months they probably would have done better in the mall.

That open-air shopping makes sense for a place like Seattle. Lyndhurst, on the edge of the snow belt, not so much

 

Because Seattle has great weather...

E.C.,

Please keep us informed of anything that happens over at the Galleria. I for one am very excited about the retail component of the Gardens Under Glass. I really hope it takes off.

Borders at Severance in Cleveland Heights is closing on 10/2.  F@#K

 

[url=http://http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2010/09/borders_books_music_closing_cl.html]

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2010/09/borders_books_music_closing_cl.html

 

Borders Books & Music closing Cleveland Heights store on Oct. 2

 

"LEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio - The Borders Books & Music store at Severance Town Center will close its doors at the end of business at 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2.

 

"The Cleveland Heights store did not meet our financial criteria," said spokeswoman Mary Davis. She did not provide any specifics or details about the lease. "

Good, now they can open one up downtown.

Good?

Definitely not good.  Though I'm sure Barnes and Noble is happy if they're still planning on opening their store in the Uptown development at UC.

How is Serverence doing otherwise?

What is going in at the colonial arcade on the euclid avenue side. It says coming soon and now hiring but there is no sign saying what it will be. anyone know?

Good, now they can open one up downtown.

 

Agreed... To me, this is no great loss. No matter what anyone says or how they rationalize it, we have built too many of these big box retailers in N.E. Ohio. Cannibalization, etc. was imminent. Besides, we have a host of real and locally owned/independent stores where the experience is totally different and unique---not a clone zone experience with the big boxes trying to piggy back off of the atmosphere, feel, and themes the small stores created in the first place. Want to see the neighborhoods stay vibrant with such stores? That may be the reason it pays to spend a few extra cents if you have to. They're not museums, they're real businesses. Now, if they open in Uptown, there is no loss. The monstrosities surrounding Severance never needed to be built in the first place.

Good, now they can open one up downtown.

 

Agreed... To me, this is no great loss. No matter what anyone says or how they rationalize it, we have built too many of these big box retailers in N.E. Ohio. Cannibalization, etc. was imminent. Besides, we have a host of real and locally owned/independent stores where the experience is totally different and unique---not a clone zone experience with the big boxes trying to piggy back off of the atmosphere, feel, and themes the small stores created in the first place. Want to see the neighborhoods stay vibrant with such stores? That may be the reason it pays to spend a few extra cents if you have to. They're not museums, they're real businesses. Now, if they open in Uptown, there is no loss. The monstrosities surrounding Severance never needed to be built in the first place.

 

Amen, Amen!