  Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 1073 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 69.130.18.100 |
What types of small businesses do you see a need for/would like to see in your neighborhood/business area? What outlets for goods and services are lacking? | ||
Tetsua Member Username: Tetsua Post Number: 618 Registered: 01-2004 Posted From: 68.42.78.219 |
Book stores | ||
E_hemingway Member Username: E_hemingway Post Number: 713 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 68.42.176.123 |
A best buy worked into a downtown office building. | ||
Haydenth Member Username: Haydenth Post Number: 98 Registered: 05-2005 Posted From: 67.107.50.35 |
-A coffeehouse open later than 8pm -An affordable "mall"-style clothing store, like GAP or Express -A grocery store open later than 8pm -A bookstore open on weekends (and sundays) | ||
Jfried Member Username: Jfried Post Number: 844 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 209.131.7.190 |
agreed. just getting existing businesses to stay open later would be huge. | ||
Danny Member Username: Danny Post Number: 4235 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 141.217.174.229 |
What Detroit needs is more mom and pop owned coffee shops, restuarants, dollar stores, barber shops, pizzarias, delicatessens, drug stores, Italian Ristorantis, Mexican Restuarantes, hardware stores, PC stores, bakeries, boutiques, clothing stores, department stores, book stores, neigborhood banks, internet cafes, movie theaters, skating alleys and bowling alleys. NOT INDOOR SHOPPING MALLS, AND EVIL BIG BOX STORES. AND TOO MANY COLLISION CHOP SHOPS. | ||
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner Post Number: 127 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 63.85.13.248 |
I agree with Danny. These types of businesses keep the dollars flowing locally. | ||
Ed_golick Member Username: Ed_golick Post Number: 259 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.246.55.51 |
Detroit needs more dollar stores? Yeah, right! We also need more cell phone and beauty supply stores. | ||
Susanarosa Member Username: Susanarosa Post Number: 864 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 208.39.170.90 |
Good, clean, upscale beauty and nail salons/spas. | ||
56packman Member Username: 56packman Post Number: 338 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 129.9.163.234 |
Detroit needs police that are serious about all crime, so that all of these little businesses can stay in business, and have a steady flow of customers. | ||
Boo Member Username: Boo Post Number: 133 Registered: 01-2004 Posted From: 63.117.185.99 |
i remember when i was in d.c. i stopped at a combined bookstore/cafe/watering hole/gathering place that was open until 2-3 at night. a place like that over near the majestic would be great. i wonder if some sort of "cartel" would work where you gathered people with business plans and others with money and identified a location where all their businesses could go in together (like a sort of mall) to create a bigger attraction and lower the risk of going it alone. | ||
1953 Member Username: 1953 Post Number: 851 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 209.104.146.146 |
Its interesting that bookstores are so commonly mentioned. I was just reading the most recent study regarding Hamtramck, which noted that a moderate sized book store could easily be supported in that city. | ||
Tetsua Member Username: Tetsua Post Number: 619 Registered: 01-2004 Posted From: 68.42.78.219 |
Let's not forget the Coney Islands, and Liquor stores in that case  | ||
Gravitymachine Member Username: Gravitymachine Post Number: 1093 Registered: 05-2005 Posted From: 198.208.159.18 |
a decent grocery store that's open until 9 or later 7 days a week. | ||
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 1880 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 129.9.163.106 |
For people to stop asking what is needed and to get off their asses and provide something that is needed. | ||
Rustic Member Username: Rustic Post Number: 2526 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 130.132.177.245 |
more threads? | ||
Rustic Member Username: Rustic Post Number: 2527 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 130.132.177.245 |
more typeos? | ||
Gravitymachine Member Username: Gravitymachine Post Number: 1094 Registered: 05-2005 Posted From: 198.208.159.18 |
I think ndavies needs a beer | ||
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 1881 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 129.9.163.106 |
Beer only makes it worse. | ||
Super_d Member Username: Super_d Post Number: 910 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 70.88.106.173 |
This is based on a 2 mile area in my neighborhood. Already have ..... 3 liquor lotto stores 3 dollar stores 2 resale shops 5 churches 5 gas stations What's needed..... laundry mat ice cream shop bookstore hardware store dentist office fruit Market pub or diner. super d(motordetroit) (Message edited by super_d on June 05, 2006) | ||
Focusonthed Member Username: Focusonthed Post Number: 220 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 209.220.229.254 |
Small cafes and restaurants More grocery stores Clothing shops that sell things besides sweatpants and jerseys. | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 1074 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 69.129.146.186 |
NDavies some of us have no experience starting a business so is asking what there's demand for a bad thing? | ||
Canuckr Member Username: Canuckr Post Number: 38 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 209.69.34.80 |
A Tim Hortons downtown (open 24 hours)... | ||
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 1882 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 129.9.163.106 |
You won't get any experience unless you try it. | ||
Haydenth Member Username: Haydenth Post Number: 99 Registered: 05-2005 Posted From: 67.107.50.35 |
Can someone explain why every place that doesn't sell booze closes prior to 9pm in Detroit? Is it the insurance companies dictating this? Is there just not enough business? I can understand the downtown businesses that cater to the local office crowd closing early, but why do coffeeshops and grocery stores nearby WSU and the cultural center close early? You'd think the fairly large residential population would patronize these businesses. I hate getting home from work at 8 or 9pm and not having anywhere to go besides the bar. (Message edited by haydenth on June 05, 2006) | ||
Gumby Member Username: Gumby Post Number: 1234 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 141.216.1.4 |
You won't be able to try it if you have no money. We get it Ndavies, you invested your own money to hopefully make things better downtown. Not all of us have that ability, yet. There is nothing wrong with showing an interest in the potential of Detroit. If these threads bother you so much do not read them. You don't have to be the self appointed piss in our cheerios guy. | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 1075 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 69.129.146.186 |
Have you ever had a business go upside down Ndavies? Have you been through a bankruptcy and started over? Have you survived a bad experience or have you always started from a well funded minimal personal risk position? | ||
Gravitymachine Member Username: Gravitymachine Post Number: 1095 Registered: 05-2005 Posted From: 198.208.159.18 |
someone needs to buy the 2nd street strip-mall from the parkers, drop the lease rates, and reopen second street laundry | ||
Susanarosa Member Username: Susanarosa Post Number: 865 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 208.39.170.90 |
I will not open an upscale hair and nail salon/spa because I chose not to go to beauty school. However, if someone else opens one, I will pay those who did go to beauty school for manicures and pedicures during my lunch break or immediately after work. | ||
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner Post Number: 128 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 63.85.13.248 |
How about combining the dollar store with the coney? Coneys a buck, coke a buck, fries a buck. Seriously, have you seen all of the family dollars getting built in the City? This company sees a niche few do, and are agressively going after it. I don't know how many of you have been to these stores, but you'd be shocked at the selection of stuff you get (can't beat the bigger stores on per unit prices, but its not just all crap). Family Dollar and Dollar General are targeted at lower income, people who shop on a budget. These are needed in the City to retain soome of the retail sales within the City. | ||
Quickdrawmcgraw Member Username: Quickdrawmcgraw Post Number: 58 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 63.77.247.130 |
1. A good meat market. 2. A real Italian Pizzeria (not chain). 3. A good grocery store. | ||
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026 Post Number: 888 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 70.226.44.119 |
A Men's Warehouse is one chain that I would love to see downtown, and one that I think would be successful | ||
Haydenth Member Username: Haydenth Post Number: 100 Registered: 05-2005 Posted From: 67.107.50.35 |
Quickdrawmcgraw: check out Gratiot Central market in Eastern Market. Probably the best meat market I've ever been to. I'll probably get yelled at for this, but the deep dish pizza at Pizzapapalis is delicious. There are some decent grocery places, the only problem is the hours suck. | ||
Blondy Member Username: Blondy Post Number: 1040 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 68.73.57.215 |
Susannarosa....your wish has already been granted..... http://www.modeldmedia.com/dev elopmentnews/spa0228.aspx | ||
Haydenth Member Username: Haydenth Post Number: 104 Registered: 05-2005 Posted From: 67.107.50.35 |
My girlfriend went to Innergy a few weeks ago and says great things about it. | ||
Blaw82 Member Username: Blaw82 Post Number: 100 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 132.47.128.201 |
I would like to see something like Trappers Alley again. This time with better shopping, nice restaraunts, and some bars/nightclubs. Alot of big cities have one street where the nightlife flurishes......We have nothing. | ||
Haydenth Member Username: Haydenth Post Number: 105 Registered: 05-2005 Posted From: 67.107.50.35 |
Except for Greektown. It was pretty "flurishing" on Saturday night. | ||
Susanarosa Member Username: Susanarosa Post Number: 866 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 208.39.170.90 |
Neat! Thank you for the heads up Blondy. | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 1076 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 69.129.146.186 |
good God if there's one thing the city has plenty of it's bars | ||
Focusonthed Member Username: Focusonthed Post Number: 225 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 209.220.229.254 |
It does? | ||
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog Post Number: 470 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.20.140.8 |
West Village needs a neighborhood bar bad! Tired of driving home drunk! jk. ;) | ||
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog Post Number: 471 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.20.140.8 |
Farmer Jack on Jefferson is as good as any good grocery store in the suburbs and it's open until 10 or 11 M-Sat. | ||
Dabirch Member Username: Dabirch Post Number: 1534 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 208.44.117.10 |
That's a joke, ride ESD? | ||
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog Post Number: 472 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.20.140.8 |
Because that's when the drinkin' starts! | ||
Susanarosa Member Username: Susanarosa Post Number: 868 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 208.39.170.90 |
He meant to say unless you need to buy produce, meat, deli foods, or anything with an expiration date. (Message edited by susanarosa on June 05, 2006) | ||
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog Post Number: 473 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.20.140.8 |
Well the service sucks, but they have pretty much everything just like the typical big chain groceries in the burbs (the service at the big chains in the burbs sucks too). Oh yeah, and their service mostly sucks. It sucks bad. IV market would be pretty good if they sold bottles of beer! | ||
Dabirch Member Username: Dabirch Post Number: 1535 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 208.44.117.10 |
Then it is not as good as any grocery store in the suburbs, right? It is a vast improvement from a product selection perspective over what alternatives we have had in the past, but we cannot compare it to other large chain grocery stores. But this is Detroit and we all settle for mediocrity and bad service -- because mediocrity and bad service is much better than we had in the past... The ONLY thing that is well run all the way down E. Jefferson is Starbuck's. Sad when an out of town chain can find a way to attract, train, and retain professional employees and nobody else can. | ||
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog Post Number: 475 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.20.140.8 |
Well it's been years since I did any serious shopping in the burbs. But about 6 months ago I tried switching to shopping at Meijer at 12 mile and I-75 to save money and man it sucked, just as bad of service PLUS long checkout lines, and in some cases weaker selection (no Red Stripe?). The Farmer Jack on E. Jefferson really is comparable to the suburban supermarkets. It has very good selection, never runs out of anything, and is freakin' huge (it's the largest Farmer Jack in MI). Plus the prices are good. From my experience it has the best beer selection and prices around. I usually shop at Eastern Market, Avalon Breads, and Farmer Jack or IV Market. It works out well for me. I hate driving to the suburbs for sustenance. Fuck that. Overall the retail in the city is alright for me where I'm at. I don't buy clothes much. I get my hair cut at Clippers in the Ren Cen. The Staples will be great for computer stuff. I just want a neighborhood bar damn it! Oh, and thai place down the street would be cool too. | ||
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog Post Number: 476 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.20.140.8 |
Wait, I have to say that it would the THE BOMB if Record Time opened a location in the city. But seeing as record stores are struggling nowadays it seems unlikely. | ||
Hysteria Member Username: Hysteria Post Number: 313 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 205.188.116.137 |
Has anyone been to 4th Street Live in Louisville? This isn't the official website but I thought the pics were better here: http://www.cordish.com/develop ments/4thstreet.asp I was there last week. It's an open air street (with a glass roof) that is air conditioned with bars and shops, restaurants, etc. Traffic on the street is limited during the week but then closed to traffic Thursday evening to Sunday, I believe. I think something like this would be quite successful in Detroit ... maybe Bricktown area or a Woodward cross street. BTW, downtown Louisville is quite bustling during the week. I had not been there before. (Message edited by HYSTERIA on June 05, 2006) | ||
Neilr Member Username: Neilr Post Number: 261 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 69.242.223.67 |
I do most of my food shopping at the Farmer Jack on E. Jefferson. Clearly, it's nowhere close to being a Westborn Market. If only all the shoppers were exactly like me with my same wants and needs, then I'm sure the store would be perfect (for me) and they would always have my favorite Danish blue cheese in the 10 oz. package that I prefer. I also wish that they had a salad bar and a better selection of high-end breads. But I live in a world is very diverse and most people are not exactly like me so I do not expect all my whims to be catered to by Farmer Jack, which if it is to stay in business, must cater to a broader group than just me (and others who like Saga blue cheese). However, I do expect a clean store, and it is. I do expect a courteous staff and that's what I find. I do expect clean, operable bottle return machines and the E. Jefferson store has the fastest machines I have ever used. I do expect fresh produce and that's what I find; although, perhaps not the refined variety that the Grosse Pointe store carries. I do not expect long waits in line, and since I use the self-checkout, I rarely have to wait for more than a few minutes. And finally, I do expect any problems or concerns that I bring up to be addressed by either the customer service staff at the counter or by Mr. Mackie, the manager. And that is the case. | ||
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog Post Number: 480 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.20.140.8 |
Much agreed Neilr, that's why I go to Avalon. Also Harbortown carries Avalon for when I can't get to their bakery. Overall the FJ on Jefferson is a well run store but their bottle return machines do break down a lot. Really the selection of retail on E. Jefferson is halfway decent. The Staples, as suburban as it will probably be, will make that strip much more convenient. I agree with Dabirch about businesses in the area being somewhat poorly run. At least once a week I'm in a rush and have no time to make breakfast. I really wish their was a good place on Jefferson or Lafayette for a breakfast sandwich. Rivertown Bagel is slow and the sanwiches suck. I don't get it. Their former location in Eastern Market had awesome egg and cheese bagel sandwiches but the bagels at the Jefferson location suck. Paris Cafe's generally suck too. Every once in a while I go back there and give them a try and again, they suck. Sorry, don't mean to whine, but how hard is it to make a decent bagel, toast it, and put egg and cheese on it! | ||
Designut Member Username: Designut Post Number: 4 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 69.246.46.45 |
I don't have it that bad 'cause I live in midtown, but nobody has mentioned our lack of a k-mart/meijer. I like to support local businesses, but I needed more shelving last week (nothing fancy) and went to madison heights cause there's NOTHING in detroit! (that I know of? | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 1080 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 69.129.146.186 |
I'm kinda hating all the big box/corporate mentions Maybe what is really needed is a Think Local First directory for Detroit. The only two Michigan directories I know of right now are for Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids. (e.g. wouldn't Detroit Hardware Co. probably have shelving?) | ||
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026 Post Number: 901 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 24.231.189.137 |
How about 50,000 residents downtown. Another movie theatre in Detroit. As far as E. Jefferson goes, that is one of the few strips where most storefronts are occupied, and has a good mix of residential/commercial with the additions of many of the renovations and existing apartment/condo structures | ||
Dabirch Member Username: Dabirch Post Number: 1538 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 208.44.117.10 |
ESD -- Rivertown has been closed for a while. I personally was a big fan of the breakfast sandwich, but alas, it is no more. As for Neilr's assessment, I am in total disagreement, but that's why I drive to Papa Joe's and only go to FJ's when I have an emergency need, and it is something that Harbor Town does not carry. | ||
Mike Member Username: Mike Post Number: 614 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.41.109.36 |
Here is the thing... Downtown needs to attract more suburbanites. And lets face it Metro-Detroit, suburbanites love to shop. You avg suburbanite who does not appreciate an urban environment, let alone Downtown Detoirt is not going to see the charm of a boutique store or mom and pop coffee house. These people want chains. I was in Chicago last week, could not find one of those mom and pops anywhere off of Michigan ave, yet Metro Detroit suburbanites love Chicago. What is needed is something to attract these people. A cheesecake factory would do the trick as Downtown would be the only place you can eat at the cheesecake factory in Michigan. Another would be a PF Changs type place, as there are other scattered accorss MI, but they are considered far in Wayne County. An Ikea would have certainly drawn a crowd. | ||
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026 Post Number: 904 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 24.231.189.137 |
I disagree that an average suburbanite is NOT interested in the mom and pop shops, but they wont drive to downtown detroit just to go to a mom and pop shop where you may or may not find anything to buy. Detroit needs chains that people come to for a specific trip, and then they may be inclined to check out the mom and pop shops downtown, or have dinner, or an ice cream, or pick up tickets to a play, etc. | ||
Lurker Member Username: Lurker Post Number: 1648 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 65.196.220.198 |
The Eastern Market location moved to Canfield and John R, next to the future mid-med lofts. There is also a Quick Stop there, but no signs of any Russians singing "Berzerker". | ||
Tetsua Member Username: Tetsua Post Number: 625 Registered: 01-2004 Posted From: 68.42.78.219 |
Mom and pop shops are generally supported by the residents of the particular neighborhood that they are in. While it will be nice to attract me suburbanites to downtown, downtown needs more residents. | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 1081 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 69.129.146.186 |
I don't agree with that at all, Mike. If that were true you wouldn't have new suburbs trying to retroactively create 'downtown' areas. Two of the more popular suburban hangout areas are Royal Oak and Ferndale, older suburbs that were built around their own main downtown strips. (Message edited by lilpup on June 06, 2006) | ||
Susanarosa Member Username: Susanarosa Post Number: 875 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 208.39.170.90 |
They obviously don't teach reading comprehension in Brighton schools. The Farmer Jacks on E. Jefferson sucks. The Farmer Jacks on Mack in Grosse Pointe Woods is better. The Farmer Jacks on 12 and Campbell sucks. Let's face it. If you want quality, don't go to Farmer Jack's. (Message edited by susanarosa on June 06, 2006) | ||
Danindc Member Username: Danindc Post Number: 1520 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.100.158.10 |
Really? Detroit is a city of 900,000 people. How about worrying about them first?
These people also have malls, with plenty of chains, and without that messy urban stuff getting in the way. Why would they drive downtown to replicate the experience they can have in Craptasticland?
Because people from Metropolitan Detroit never venture far beyond Michigan Avenue in Chicago. God forbid you go into a neighborhood....
No, Detroit needs to rebuild its urban fabric, creating places for people to live, work, and shop. Disney World is already located in Orlando. If you want a mall tourist-trap, get thee to Great Lakes Crossing. I don't understand. Why do people think that a theme park for suburbanites is going to revive Detroit? How conveniently you neglect the 900,000 people who already live there. Shouldn't the city work for them? Suburbanites already have gorged on their cake, and some of you want to feed the city-dwellers' crumbs to them too. Tetsua gets it. | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 1082 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 69.129.146.186 |
Thinking further, the other beef I have with the clamoring for chain stores is the inherent assumption that they are automatically better shopping experiences. The reality is they just have better marketing and, more than anything, sell convenience. Really, are you going to claim that McDonald's has the best hamburger you've ever had? Or that Target (or the Gap) has the highest quality clothing? | ||
Sticks Member Username: Sticks Post Number: 79 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 216.99.65.8 |
Well do those 900,000 people make as much money, have as much time, or have the transportation to take themselves to the CBD like the suburbanites we're trying to attract? As far as what we need, I echo the above requests for a first-run movie theatre, a decent bowling alley, and a computer store. But how about a bike shop? As far as bringing a chain Downtown such as a Best Buy or even Target, a couple problems arise. One, logistics. Where are they gonna put the loading docks? You think 18 wheelers will be appreciated in CBD? The other problem is theft. I worked at an office supply store in Dearborn and Ann Arbor and theft was a bit higher and thieves were a bit more brazen about what they stole and how in Dearborn. Wonder why. | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 1084 Registered: 06-2004 Posted From: 69.129.146.186 |
There are big box stores and other chains incorporated into the existing architecture in Manhattan. If they're going to locate to downtown Detroit they should be required to do the same here. The thought of turning Detroit into a suburban landscape is sickening. | ||
Focusonthed Member Username: Focusonthed Post Number: 228 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 209.220.229.254 |
Two major old-school department stores operate in downtown Chicago to this day. Less than a mile from Lincoln Park exists the pseudo-power center on North Ave. containing Best Buy, etc etc. There is a Home Depot in the middle of Boystown, for god's sake. "However do they get the deliveries??" I don't know, but they seem to figure out a way. Ever been in Mahnattan late at night on a weeknight, or better, extremely early in the morning? Delivery trucks EVERYWHERE. Didn't someone say that Hudson's had a freight elevator that actually lifted the actual semi trailers to the proper floor? (Message edited by focusonthed on June 06, 2006) | ||
Danindc Member Username: Danindc Post Number: 1521 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.100.158.10 |
Why are you so hellbent on attracting suburbanites downtown? Does your neighborhood plan its every move to try to lure people from Bloomfield Hills? Of course not, so don't be so damn ridiculous. YOU are the one trying to attract suburbanites downtown. There is no "we" in that sentence. Do the 900,000 Detroiters make as much money as the suburbanites? On average, no. Do they have time? Some have all the time in the world. Do they have transportation? In many cases, yes. Do any of these things preclude re-establishing a functioning downtown that serves the people of the City of Detroit? Absolutely not. The suburbanites should not even be part of any strategy to reinvigorate neighborhoods in Detroit, of which downtown is one. Where do you get off imposing suburban desires on the downtown that the suburbanites gave up for dead the past 60 years? One of the things I like about my own neighborhood is that the restaurants, bars, and stores serve the people who live and work withing walking distance. We don't try to "lure" wealthy Georgetowners into our neighborhood--they already have what they need and want. This thread is getting fucking ridiculous. | ||
Haydenth Member Username: Haydenth Post Number: 107 Registered: 05-2005 Posted From: 67.107.50.35 |
Detroit is not Chicago or Manhattan. Building a Best Buy in urban Chicago or NYC, where the downtown residential population is vastly greater that Detroit is not even a valid comparison. Before we worry about logistics of downtown big box retailers, lets figure out how to get more neighbors first | ||
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog Post Number: 482 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 12.47.224.7 |
Suburbanites will never ever, ever, ever shop downtown ever again. Get over it. That era passed when Hudson's imploded. Creating shopping districts for both new and long-time residents is 100% the way to go. Suburbanites may visit them on the weekend, like they visit Eastern Market, but only if they are very unique shopping districts that can't be found ANYWHERE in the suburbs. Here's an example: My uncle (a suburbanite) has been shopping at Eastern Market for 30 years and claims just 5-10 years ago it used to have even MORE shoppers than it has now. He lives in Royal Oak and sometimes visits the RO Farmer's Market, also (which I must say has recently been expanded and overhauled). In recent years, he has noticed many EM vendors showing up at the RO Farmers Market. The vendors say more people are starting to go to the RO Farmer's Market now. Case in point: suburbanites will choose a suburban alternative over the city hands down if it provides a similar shopping experience. My uncle even claims there's some things you can get at the RO market that you can't get at EM. My theory behind this phenomenon is two things: 1) People are moving farther out into exurbia and EM is just too far away for them and 2) The RO market provides a similar experience and has similar product. Of course I still think EM blows away the RO Market, but it is very important to note that as our region becomes more and more spread out and people move even further from the city core there will be even less suburbanites willing to make the drime down to the city to shop AND as they move further out into exurbia MORE shopping options are created for them giving them even less incentive to shop in the inner suburbs let alone the city. The reality of suburban shoppers downtown fades away with every new subdivision that's built in sprawlville. It's time to focus on making money off of city residents, every day the suburbanites are spending their dollars farther and farther away... | ||
Tomoh Member Username: Tomoh Post Number: 197 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 24.136.10.153 |
Downtown, unlike many other neighborhoods, already depends on people coming in, much from the suburbs, to support its businesses - whether they are daytime lunch or sundries spots or nighttime dinner restaurants and bars, even casinos. The downtown population is still too small to support but a fraction of this. So of course it makes sense to include suburbanites here when planning. Whether they're coming from 7 Mile or 9 Mile, the vast majority are expected to come from miles away even as the number of downtown residents increases. The problem, as many have noted, is in expecting people to drive many miles to shop somewhere they can find much closer. But I don't think it's impossible to attract the shopping dollars of people from 7 Mile and beyond to downtown.
Focusonthed, that shopping area on North Ave on the edge of the Lincoln Park neighborhood is basically on lower-density industrial land where delivery trucks are definitely not a problem. Most if not all of the big boxes there have parking lots out front as well. This could obviously be replicated in Detroit outside of downtown, once demand is there. The Home Depot, though, is pretty neatly situated. | ||
Tomoh Member Username: Tomoh Post Number: 198 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 24.136.10.153 |
Beans'n'Bytes Cafe is open til 3 or 4am on weekends and is just a few doors north from the Majestic. With free wireless and rentable internet terminals, you have many more books available to you than most bookstores. ;) Lilpup, Detroit needs a guide on shopping local. Who wants to work on it? Anyways, I would like to ask you all this: What new business would benefit Harmonie Park the most? Because the answer to what is most needed varies from downtown to other neighborhood to the city as a whole. | ||
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog Post Number: 485 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 12.47.224.7 |
Tomoh, I'd say that Harmonie Park needs new buildings on some of those parking lots. It'd be a cool place for a new smallish office building, like 5 stories or so. My 2 cents. | ||
Haydenth Member Username: Haydenth Post Number: 109 Registered: 05-2005 Posted From: 67.107.50.35 |
Tomoh, thanks!!!!!! I had no idea Beans and Bytes was open so late! They probably make a killing off the hospital employees. I've been there before and had no idea that they have hours like that. | ||
Mike Member Username: Mike Post Number: 615 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.41.109.36 |
Sorry, I did not think I was getting off on a tangent when I suggested in a thread named "What do you think is needed" where the main theme was DOWNTOWN DETROIT. Detroit most certanly needs better schools, and influx of jobs, etc all that stuff that is discussed here ad nausem. To me, Downtown Detroit has many great things that I love and enjoy, in my opinion the best clubs, bars, and restuarants in the region are in Downtown. However, having said that. I am a suburbanite, and everytime I venture through Downtown with another suburbanite (maybe its just my crowd) I always here the same shit... "Detroit just does not have the shopping that Chicago has" And please do not rip on the Michigan Ave section and portion of Chicago, we all would love for Detroit to offer something of that caliber to a similar degree, thats what attracts people. | ||
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog Post Number: 489 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 12.47.224.8 |
Chicago, Shublago... why do people think downtown Chicago is so great? I don't get it. I read an interview once where some Chicago house artists were discussing the DEMF and how it's amazing that Detroit pulls together such a great event to celebrate the Detroit techno pioneers and the future of electronic music. There's nothing like it in Chicago (to find something similar you have to go to Canada or Europe). Detroit has incredible assets in it's music, art, architecture, food etc... but if we don't have a cheesecake factory or a Gap downtown then Detroit is lacking... those people are lacking vison and brainpower IMO. Detroit needs to focus on being Detroit and stop trying to be like the nearest bland midwestern city. I mean Detroit is older than Chicago and further east! That has to count for something! | ||
Tomoh Member Username: Tomoh Post Number: 200 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 24.136.10.153 |
Generally, it's tourists who think Downtown Chicago is great. It's certainly tall and shiny and for people visiting from other points in the Midwest it's way taller and probably shinier than their hometowns. Although it's been changing, people still generally only go there for work (if their job is not in the burbs) and they go play elsewhere. Likewise with Michigan Ave along the Mag Mile, where you'll find a lot of tourists and the hotels they're staying in. I think if Detroit had such a downtown financial and shopping district, it'd be a great sign and source of taxes as well as a nice asset but we'd also complain about it tons and our focus would be on fixing something else. Some added hustle'n'bustle would be nice no matter what. Until Detroit gets its own Magnificent Mall, we're going to be talking about how to get more retail in the core. Eastsidedog, you said you'd wanna see an office building in Harmonie Park, which is also indirectly saying you want more daytime population there. What I meant to ask was what kinda retail do you all think would benefit/synergize with the existing places the most? What might fill the retail space in the Opera House parking structure? | ||
Chitaku Member Username: Chitaku Post Number: 427 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.43.107.72 |
Farmer Jacks on Mack sucks! Krogers on 8mile and 94 is boss. They have a decent organic section as well. | ||
Eastsidedog Member Username: Eastsidedog Post Number: 510 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 12.47.224.8 |
I would say something that serves YMCA customers would be ideal in this space. A coffee house/juice bar/ice cream healthy type of place. You have a large amount of pedestrian traffic in and out of the Y all day and night. Many park on the street, in that structure or walk from their office (or take the PM). The Y is open until 10 and that stretch is just bars/restaurants, not exactly what you're looking for after a work out. |
