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Your proximity to Cincinnati!

 

(hahaha...sorry, about that!  It was a joke, honest!)

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  • So I went to visit a friend in Findlay OH over the weekend for the purpose of going to the haunted Mansfield Reformatory Prison on Saturday night. So he's from down near Columbus originally and has on

  • NorthShore64
    NorthShore64

    Saturday May 18th. Biked to Playoff Hockey, lunch at Asian Festival and evening Baseball. Total ~$30      

  • To redirect from the SHW HQ thread, here's a few photos on the busy downtown scene on a hot June Wednesday evening....      

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^ Why, so we can keep you posted on what's happening in the world?  :-D

"In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck

Lake View Cemetery--one of Cleveland's most under-appreciated living history books. Has any one been inside Wade Chapel--all glass and all built by Tiffany?

^ Why, so we can keep you posted on what's happening in the world?  :-D

 

No, to raise your poverty level higher :).

"You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers

Marc Glassman?

 

Harvey Pekar

 

My Chicago sister told me that he will be signing books in Chi-own tomorrow.  He lives exactly next door to my Cleveland Heights sister and cuts his grass about every 4 weeks during the summer. One time, he cut his grass sometime between midnight and 6 am.

  • Author

Where is that book signing????

 

 

 

 

Cleveland Metroparks - I don't where the metroparks system ranks nationally in size and quality, but I suspect it's right up there.

 

 

It's one of the top 5 metropark systems in North America.

^ Why, so we can keep you posted on what's happening in the world?  :-D

 

No, to raise your poverty level higher :).

 

not to mention the vanilla level.

 

Just had a Graeter's vanilla shake yesterday, and I can say that raising the vanilla level is, without a doubt, a good thing!

A view of the sunset over the sea. (Primarily on the East side of town). I think only West coast cities in Michigan, Washington, Oregon, California and Florida can also view the sun setting over a Lake, Gulf or Ocean. In The US of course.

Cleveland always gets those big name companies that are in limited cities only. None of which are exclusive to Cleveland but quite unique to the industrial cities in the USA:

 

Hard Rock Cafe

House Of Blues

Ritz Carlton

Does that also include

 

IKEA?

Armani Exchange?

FAO Schwarz?

Burberry?

Gucci?

DoubleTree Hotel?

 

Plus, wasn't it just a year or two ago that the metro area got its first Cheesecake Factory? Trader Joe's? H&M? A few others I'm not thinking of right now....

 

Fact is, we're not a first-tier (NYC, LAX, CHI) or even second-tier city anymore (BOS, PHL, WDC, DAL, SFO, DET). Maybe that will change someday, but let's do the hard work first, then congratulate ourselves.

"In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck

Fact is, we're not a first-tier (NYC, LAX, CHI) or even second-tier city anymore (BOS, PHL, WDC, DAL, SFO, DET). Maybe that will change someday, but let's do the hard work first, then congratulate ourselves.

 

What is the criteria for being a first tier city as opposed to a second tier or third? Is it based on population, economy, prestige, density or is it purely subjective? I ask because, at least in my book, Boston, Philly, DC and San Fran rate as first tier cities as well. Dallas is on the fence. I just don't see Detroit as a tier above Cleveland (forgive the heresy, Pope). So is it really a matter of opinion or are there some specific thresholds that need to be meet to be called "First Tier", either by you personally or the world at large?

KJP, you're absolutely correct. However, please refrain from beating me (as a representative of "my people") to the punch when it comes to retail-speak. ;-)

 

But yes, KJP is correct - Cleveland does indeed have some quality retail but we have a ways to go before we can even say comfortably that we qualify as a secondary market for high-end retailers. Some of it has to do with the fact that population-wise, we aren't large enough (Detroit metro is significantly larger - check the tenant list at Somerset Collection in Troy), some of it has to do with other cities in the region, some of it has to do with socioeconomics - there's no exact science but those are just some of the factors. Fyi, Gucci, Barneys, Fendi, Calvin Klein and a few other high-end labels were at one time in Tower City - but we all know too well what happened there  :|

I guess my retail sensabilities lack a sense of high end flavor. Not to say I don't like Calvin Klein or Ralph Lauren or others. It's just I end up getting whatever of theirs trickles down to TJ Maxx. Embarrassing, but true.

KJP, you're absolutely correct. However, please refrain from beating me (as a representative of "my people") to the punch when it comes to retail-speak. ;-)

 

Ha Ha. You snooze, you lose.  :sleep:

"In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck

Does that also include

 

IKEA?

Armani Exchange?

FAO Schwarz?

Burberry?

Gucci?

DoubleTree Hotel?

 

Plus, wasn't it just a year or two ago that the metro area got its first Cheesecake Factory? Trader Joe's? H&M? A few others I'm not thinking of right now....

 

Fact is, we're not a first-tier (NYC, LAX, CHI) or even second-tier city anymore (BOS, PHL, WDC, DAL, SFO, DET). Maybe that will change someday, but let's do the hard work first, then congratulate ourselves.

 

No. The Ritz Carlton, HOB, and Hard Rock Cafe are not even comparable to something like a Trader Joe's, H&M, or a Cheesecake Factory. World-renowned tourist attractions only found in select cities are not the same as trendy national chain stores found in every corner of every city. You're comparing golden apples to rotten eggs.

Fact is, we're not a first-tier (NYC, LAX, CHI) or even second-tier city anymore (BOS, PHL, WDC, DAL, SFO, DET). Maybe that will change someday, but let's do the hard work first, then congratulate ourselves.

 

What is the criteria for being a first tier city as opposed to a second tier or third? Is it based on population, economy, prestige, density or is it purely subjective? I ask because, at least in my book, Boston, Philly, DC and San Fran rate as first tier cities as well. Dallas is on the fence. I just don't see Detroit as a tier above Cleveland (forgive the heresy, Pope). So is it really a matter of opinion or are there some specific thresholds that need to be meet to be called "First Tier", either by you personally or the world at large?

 

kjp be careful. if you mean first tier and second tier cities of the united states then ok. however, if you mean international first tier cities then chicago is out. it's ny and la and the rest is flyover.

 

re retail: metro clev is still especially underserved for retail variety. maybe not gucci, but i would think something like burberry would do well in beechwood. i am surprised one has not opened out there?  club monaco is another ne ohio friendly good one, do they have that somewhere? hows about sephora, the ladies makeup shopping mall store? all women go berzerk for that place. even some boutique-like stores could do well, like say betsy johnson, she and her clothes are fun stuff, i think clev gals would go for betsy's shop big time. and lets dont even get started on ikea, that is a gimmee.

 

regardless if some of these examples are around ne ohio or not, i still think clev area is underserved and frankly i blame the mall leasing folks for a lack of creativity. it's been a long long time since the heyday of tc and that high end collection was not the answer, but why does that still set the tone to this day? that is no excuse to not think out of the box a bit and work hard to have a better, flexible and more creative mix of retail.

 

No. The Ritz Carlton, HOB, and Hard Rock Cafe are not even comparable to something like a Trader Joe's, H&M, or a Cheesecake Factory. World-renowned tourist attractions only found in select cities are not the same as trendy national chain stores found in every corner of every city. You're comparing golden apples to rotten eggs.

 

We can debate the ranking of these businesses (ie: I don't consider Hard Rock Cafe anything special, but I see you left out Gucci from your argument). But my point was that Cleveland is not among the top places retailers want to be. When I travel around the country and go to a  chain restaurant or retailer, I seek out a map/roster that shows cities where they have other locations. Too often, Cleveland is not on the map/roster. That's why I took issue with your earlier statement.

"In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck

Were the cultural gardens mentioned?

No. The Ritz Carlton, HOB, and Hard Rock Cafe are not even comparable to something like a Trader Joe's, H&M, or a Cheesecake Factory. World-renowned tourist attractions only found in select cities are not the same as trendy national chain stores found in every corner of every city. You're comparing golden apples to rotten eggs.

 

We can debate the ranking of these businesses (ie: I don't consider Hard Rock Cafe anything special, but I see you left out Gucci from your argument). But my point was that Cleveland is not among the top places retailers want to be. When I travel around the country and go to a  chain restaurant or retailer, I seek out a map/roster that shows cities where they have other locations. Too often, Cleveland is not on the map/roster. That's why I took issue with your earlier statement.

 

Actually Cleveland is on major retailers radar.  In Style did a survey a few years ago and Cleveland was the no.1 or No.2 destination ONLINE/via phone/catalogue for those shopping at luxury retailers or for luxury items, and the top location that people traveled to NYC to shop for "high end goods/luxury item".  looking at Cleveland, the most popular zips that made the trip to CHI or NYC to shop were 44106 (cleveland hts/cleveland) 44108 (bratenal/cleveland), 44114 (cleveland), 44118 (Cleve Hts./University Hts.), 44120 (Cleve/Shaker), 44122 (shaker/Beachwood), 44124 (Beachwood/pepper pike),  44140 (Bay village), 44236 (Hudson)

 

Retail is aware of this, which is why TC was so succesful, butfrom a development stand point the, developers didn't "raise the bar" and up the anty downtown, by building upon the "niche" market.  Again, we had no housing BUILT or PLANNED when TC came online.  TC depended on the "commuter" not the "resident".

 

Beachwood responded by building a new wing.  Now that everyone knows that downtown is the place to live, beachwood and crocker park have now decided to invest again, knowing full well that once people move downtown (or closer to the core of the city) and the population downtown rises...they will not want to trek out to beachwood whenthey walk to their favorite store.

 

I personally believe that if and when retailers come back at developments like the Avenue and the Flats (both banks) we'll see a significant improvement in national and high end retailers in the city.  Also, I sense we'll have free standing stores and with the increased amount of residents, the downtown mall stores will improve to compete.

thanks for the background into the retail industry mytwo

Interesting stuff, MyTwoSense. I don't doubt the influx of downtown residents and their incomes will cause things to change. With retail-savvy folks like Stark ready to invest downtown, I think we'll see some retailers downtown that we've never seen there, or possibly anywhere in Northeast Ohio (or maybe even anywhere in the state).

"In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck

Interesting stuff, MyTwoSense. I don't doubt the influx of downtown residents and their incomes will cause things to change. With retail-savvy folks like Stark ready to invest downtown, I think we'll see some retailers downtown that we've never seen there, or possibly anywhere in Northeast Ohio (or maybe even anywhere in the state).

 

agreed, as a shopaholic - and as selfish as this may sound - I pray for Barney's, Prada, Pual Smith and a dollar store!  and i'd like to put alexander mcqueen on the wish list! 

They just put a Barney's "Coop" store in the Lincoln Park neighborhood here in Chicago.  Maybe we can snag one of those

  • Author

^Barney's CoOp is cool, great stuff in that store.  Did you see the giant Sears Tower model (20 ft tall or so?)on the first floor?  My friend in NY bought all of the fixtures for that store and found that model in Salvage1 on the south side. 

^Barney's CoOp is cool, great stuff in that store.  Did you see the giant Sears Tower model (20 ft tall or so?)on the first floor?  My friend in NY bought all of the fixtures for that store and found that model in Salvage1 on the south side. 

 

I like the co-op, but I need a full service barney's.  The co-op is tease to me. 

 

It's like being promoised a good cup of coffee and then finding foldger in your cup!  :x :-( :x 

Don't forget lacoste and metropark will be opening this summer in fall at Beachwood. They are the first in the state and one of a few in the nation. Plus they are sort of upscale. I hope downtown will become the destination with all of everything getting built down there.

Don't forget lacoste and metropark will be opening this summer in fall at Beachwood. They are the first in the state and one of a few in the nation. Plus they are sort of upscale. I hope downtown will become the destination with all of everything getting built down there.

 

then you go next door to nordstrom's and realize you paid 15 bucks more at the lacoste store.

^Yeah I know thats the truth :-), but its the same with the Chanel's, Louis', Gucci's and Saks Fifth and Neiman Marcus, whatchagonna do? :-D

^Barney's CoOp is cool, great stuff in that store.  Did you see the giant Sears Tower model (20 ft tall or so?)on the first floor?  My friend in NY bought all of the fixtures for that store and found that model in Salvage1 on the south side. 

 

I like the co-op, but I need a full service barney's.  The co-op is tease to me. 

 

It's like being promoised a good cup of coffee and then finding foldger in your cup!  :x :-( :x 

 

agree those co-ops are nothing like barneys at all. they're like an outlet. i'm so spoiled to live a block from the barney's warehouse sale space, but even that is no comparison to the real barneys.

 

I think it is more of a bridge store, rather than an outlet, along the lines of Armani Exchange.  It still have rather high end stuff.

 

OK back to the subject...

 

 

agree those co-ops are nothing like barneys at all. they're like an outlet. i'm so spoiled to live a block from the barney's warehouse sale space, but even that is no comparison to the real barneys.

 

 

Note to self:  Use MrNyc's crib as a "holding place/temporary storage" for purchases when at the next Barney's sale!  :wave:  :wink:

Looks like we'll be getting a Filene's at Harvard Park in Warrensville...

 

Filene’s at Harvard Park a first for NE Ohio

Bargain retailer to join other Schottenstein-held stores at 230,000-square-foot shopping center

 

By STAN BULLARD

 

6:00 am, June 12, 2006

 

 

 

Filene’s Basement, the off-price retailer spawned by the legendary Boston markdown center, is bound for its Northeast Ohio debut at the new Harvard Park shopping center rising in Warrensville Heights.

 

The new Filene’s won’t have the automatic markdowns, and it’s doubtful it’ll get the shoppers disrobing for a quick bargain try-on that made the Boston store’s basement famous. But it will offer current, high-quality designer and famous-name fashions for men, women and children as well asjewelry and home goods at lower costs than department and specialty stores.

 

http://www.crainscleveland.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060612/SUB/60609039/1036/2020&Profile=1036

 

  • 1 month later...

I don't know about any of the rest of you Cleveland "boosters", but I'm exhausted from constantly tellling people about all the great things Cleveland originated back in the day and the things that we lead the charge on today. Moreover, when I recount positive statistics/facts about Cleveland, cynical Clevelanders always want to know my source.

 

So this thread is my attempt to assemble this information in one place. Info like "Playhouse Square is the second largest performing arts complex in the country, after the Kennedy Center" or "Wind-generated electricity and the electric streetlight first appeared in Cleveland" or "The Economist ranks Cleveland the best city in the country in terms of livability." Basically, a random list of rah-rahs for our great little city.

 

I did a quick search to see if this thread already existed but didn't see one; please feel free to refer me to it if it's out there. Otherwise, I'm going to start assembling these facts (and hopefully sources) right here. In the meantime, Team NEO has assembled a pretty good list of Cleveland greats and firsts here: http://www.teamneo.org/Content/MediaCenterNEONewsKnowNewNext.aspx.

 

Happy hunting!

"Playhouse Square is the second largest performing arts complex in the country, after the Kennedy Center"

 

I thought that New York's Lincoln Center was the biggest.

Perhaps it was the Lincoln Center. Those are filler facts. See why I need to have these things assembled in one place and have corresponding sources?  :-)

 

Here's our first actual fact for the pro-Cleveland list ... SustainLane has determined that Cleveland has the third lowest risk of natural disaster among the U.S.'s 50 largest cities. We were beat out only by Mesa, AZ, and Milwaukee, WI, and tied with El Paso, TX, Phoenix, AZ, and Tucson, AZ.

 

http://www.sustainlane.com/article/996//U.S.+Cities+in+Harm%92s+Way.html

Good idea, 8Shades. Here's a link to The Economist's ranking of Cleveland (and Pittsburgh) as the two most liveable cities in the U.S.:

 

http://store.eiu.com/index.asp?layout=pr_story&press_id=660001866&ref=pr_list

 

The Playhouse Square thing is tougher, and has been debated before on this board. Apparently Denver claims to have the second largest performing arts center, too.

 

Here's a link to Time magazine saying the Cleveland is the best symphony orchestra in the country (a little old by now unfortunately):

 

http://www.time.com/time/archive/preview/0,10987,979946,00.html

Well, since we seem to get almost every positive adjective about Cleveland post once a month (nothing wrong with that; just seems a bit repetitive), here is the thread to enjoy a discussion about Cleveland, positively.

"You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers

I love my new signature :)

I love my new signature :)

 

ah, go shoot yourself with a gas pump.

This is supposed to be POSITIVE, damnit! 

"You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers

^Haha.

Nah, I love Cleveland;..nothing wrong with making fun of something you love :)

 

..and Wilmar..I would shoot myself with a gas pump nozzle... If I could afford it!

I Love Cleveland!

WILMAR LOL!!!

"You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers

Here I even made a collage of Cleveland appreciation

clegs9.jpg

Wilmar, here.

 

I love Cleveland and David!

LMAO

Dont even ask me where that came from.

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