  Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1289 Registered: 02-2007 |
I heard on WDIV that Macy's was considering opening a downtown location. It's just in the talks right now though, nothing guaranteed. So nw we have two possible things that could happen at the Hudson Block. | ||
Michigan Member Username: Michigan Post Number: 373 Registered: 04-2007 |
that would be a very big deal | ||
Cgunn Member Username: Cgunn Post Number: 50 Registered: 01-2004 |
Are you being serious, or just getting our hopes up? | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1291 Registered: 02-2007 |
If they made the first move, that would make Penny's (Maybe even Sears) more pressed to open a Detroit location. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1292 Registered: 02-2007 |
No, I'm serious, no joke intended. | ||
Crawford Member Username: Crawford Post Number: 85 Registered: 10-2006 |
I would be shocked if this happened. It would be fantastic, though I am skeptical whether it could be successful. With a few notable exceptions (NYC, SF, Chi), freestanding department stores aren't viable in American downtowns, including cities with much healthier cores than Detroit. There is practically no remaining traditional retail surrounding Campus Martius. Maybe the city is offering mega-subsidies? | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 2881 Registered: 02-2005 |
The entire Woodward corridor, and sidestreets like Broadway, Monroe, Washington, etc. would completely fill with retail if a department store moved downtown, making it a legitimate shopping destination. Downtown pedestrian traffic, and the limited retail we have, depend on irregular flows of event-goers and limited residents, in addition to a finite amount of 9-5 activity by commuting workers. If someone comes in to make downtown a shopping destination, Detroit will never look the same again. | ||
Yvette248 Member Username: Yvette248 Post Number: 543 Registered: 10-2006 |
I hate to say never, but I don't think Macy's will happen. | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 5583 Registered: 10-2003 |
I'd actually like to have a link on this. | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 2280 Registered: 06-2004 |
especially since the Macy's that are in former regional stores haven't been performing well | ||
Waz Member Username: Waz Post Number: 56 Registered: 11-2006 |
I agree, Mackinaw. Look at the spin-off retail spawned by malls like Great Lakes Crossing and *ugh* Lakeside. Shopping breeds more shopping. Crowleys was the last legit department store downtown when they were in the RenCen, but they were blocked off from the rest of downtown. Plus the environment wasn't as amenable for retail activity back then. Nowadays it certainly seems like more of a case of "build it and they will come" than at any time in Detroit's recent history. Even with all the hand-wringing over usurping the Hudsons name, I say Go Macy's! | ||
Andyguard73 Member Username: Andyguard73 Post Number: 237 Registered: 03-2006 |
This is total speculation on my part, but I wonder if they might be one of the parties interested in building on the parking lots surrounding CoPa on Woodward we heard about in the papers a few months back. | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 2882 Registered: 02-2005 |
I will be happy with anyone building on those parking lots. It's a joke that there are 3 blocks of lots there on Woodward. Let's just hope they're at least 4 story buildings with respectable architecture. What ever happened to that talk anyway? It doesn't seem like Ilitch is actively marketing the lots, just waiting for someone to come to him. | ||
Mdoyle Member Username: Mdoyle Post Number: 100 Registered: 10-2006 |
Searches to the WDIV site turn up nothing. | ||
Bpjeff Member Username: Bpjeff Post Number: 78 Registered: 01-2006 |
The report that Macy's is considering a downtown Detroit location ran at least twice on the 5pm news. I likewise searched their site for more information and could not find anything. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1295 Registered: 02-2007 |
"Searches to the WDIV site turn up nothing." I did that as well. COuld of swore they said it on the news. As Andy stated, this must be speculation on their part. | ||
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100 Post Number: 1093 Registered: 12-2006 |
Same here. No luck in searching WDIV's website. | ||
Rocket_city Member Username: Rocket_city Post Number: 282 Registered: 04-2006 |
I found the article on the front page of the Onion. | ||
Dds Member Username: Dds Post Number: 248 Registered: 10-2006 |
I'd believe The Onion over WDIV anyday. (good one RC) | ||
Nere Member Username: Nere Post Number: 46 Registered: 04-2007 |
I guess we could wait until the 11 o'clock news to watch it again. :-\ I tried, no luck on the site. Macy's would be a great addition Downtown! | ||
Damon Member Username: Damon Post Number: 687 Registered: 11-2003 |
no way | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1301 Registered: 02-2007 |
"no way" Uh ok, No way about Macy's discussing a downtown location, sarcasm abut WDIV's news, or turning down the offer of watching WDIV's newscast at 11 PM or all of the above? | ||
Danny Member Username: Danny Post Number: 5986 Registered: 02-2004 |
A Macy's in Downtown Detroit. Not in a 100 years. That plan will NEVER fell through. | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 5587 Registered: 10-2003 |
I'm glad you can see the future. I guess your 'prophet' credentials are actually credible, then. If you couldn't tell, that was sarcasm. | ||
Bratt Member Username: Bratt Post Number: 546 Registered: 01-2004 |
KEEP HOPE ALIVE (can you tell I have had a couple of drinks?) | ||
Texorama Member Username: Texorama Post Number: 19 Registered: 12-2006 |
WWJ radio has been reporting this all day. Irritatingly, there is no link on their page, either. | ||
Ltdave Member Username: Ltdave Post Number: 62 Registered: 09-2006 |
WDIV's Ron Meloni reported it at 6pm and he said that more details are NOT available re: possible locations because they are trying to get more details worked out before the property owners get wind and JACK the property prices up too much... david | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 2884 Registered: 02-2005 |
"That plan will NEVER fell through." I'm not in the grammar police, but what was that? | ||
Mayor_sekou Member Username: Mayor_sekou Post Number: 960 Registered: 09-2006 |
This is awesome news!!! | ||
Southen Member Username: Southen Post Number: 180 Registered: 08-2006 |
Saw it on the news as well. Regardless if it happens or not, its positive news that a major retailer is considering downtown Detroit. I dont think a stand-alone retail structure is the right move though. It should be incorporated into a mixed use building. | ||
Apbest Member Username: Apbest Post Number: 548 Registered: 03-2006 |
Im thinking of as a part of a hudson development, and maybe look similar in scale and design to the macy's in downtown Cincinnati | ||
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner Post Number: 1264 Registered: 04-2006 |
"Crowleys was the last legit department store downtown when they were in the RenCen, but they were blocked off from the rest of downtown. " Crowley's never built their store in the Ren Cen, which was supposed to go where World of Ford was (and below). Are you confusing the Ren Cen with New Center one? I'm quite surprised, but I like the fact that someone is talking about retail downtown. (And here I bet a whole slew of you are shocked that I amd supporting something else besides a Fam Dollar or Dollar General!) | ||
Mbr Member Username: Mbr Post Number: 172 Registered: 03-2005 |
I considered opening a department store downtown once. Unfortunately we just couldn't pull it all together. | ||
6nois Member Username: 6nois Post Number: 308 Registered: 11-2006 |
I would love that so much. I could go just a little ways and go to Macy's (:love  . I want it so badly. Lets hope this happens. | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 5589 Registered: 10-2003 |
That Macy's is even considering downtown Detroit says a lot about the state and potential of downtown Detroit, especially considering how much department stores have pulled out of downtowns all across the country for the past 50-60 years, now. That there is even talk is pretty amazing, to me. | ||
Sbyman Member Username: Sbyman Post Number: 2 Registered: 06-2007 |
Does Detroit have a downtown shopping center? | ||
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott Post Number: 414 Registered: 12-2006 |
Not hardly. | ||
Dougw Member Username: Dougw Post Number: 1727 Registered: 11-2003 |
No. | ||
Kslice Member Username: Kslice Post Number: 51 Registered: 04-2007 |
If Macy's was selling things people wanted to buy they could definitley make it in downtown. I got a nice bowling shirt when it was still Martial Fields. We've had so much dissapointment in the past though, I don't want to get my hopes too high... | ||
Michigansheik Member Username: Michigansheik Post Number: 202 Registered: 09-2005 |
old mgm site could be a shopping mall couldn't it? i know there's talk of making it a movie house. | ||
Cmubryan Member Username: Cmubryan Post Number: 440 Registered: 11-2003 |
If it went on the Old Hudson's site-that would be too ironic. | ||
Damon Member Username: Damon Post Number: 689 Registered: 11-2003 |
Urbanize said, "Uh ok, No way about Macy's discussing a downtown location, sarcasm abut WDIV's news, or turning down the offer of watching WDIV's newscast at 11 PM or all of the above?" No way is this area going to be able to support a Macys department store these days. The idea is just too good to be true. | ||
Apbest Member Username: Apbest Post Number: 550 Registered: 03-2006 |
this area? there are already like 6 or 7 macy's in this area...and there's probably more than that if you are referring to Downtown, I think it would be more successful than people think....it may be a shock, but we sure as hell deserve it | ||
Leland_palmer Member Username: Leland_palmer Post Number: 333 Registered: 08-2004 |
Story coming up after commercial | ||
Detroit313 Member Username: Detroit313 Post Number: 342 Registered: 02-2006 |
I imagined Macy's would build a Detroit location. They're not like Hudson's or Marshall Fields. Macy's are located in all types of communities. If Kwame really worked hard to lure them to Detroit, I have no doubt that downtown would be a destination, and the Hudson Block would best location for it. <313> | ||
Dougw Member Username: Dougw Post Number: 1728 Registered: 11-2003 |
Story reported on WDIV at 11:29pm. (yes, the DetroitYes.com clock is about 10 minutes fast) | ||
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100 Post Number: 1094 Registered: 12-2006 |
Ok. It was shown on WDIV's 11:00 Newscast. Here's as much as I could type and remember: "A new department store could grace Downtown Detroit. Macy's may be moving downtown. A Macy's spokesperson has told local 4 that their is a possibility of Macy's moving downtown. However, there are no plans at the current time." This is all of the important stuff, with two sentences cut out (pertaining to Hudson's leaving Detroit). Hope this helps, and sorry for no link. I just watched the 30 second report and typed this. | ||
Detroit313 Member Username: Detroit313 Post Number: 344 Registered: 02-2006 |
I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOO HAPPY!!!! <313> | ||
Miketoronto Member Username: Miketoronto Post Number: 552 Registered: 07-2004 |
It is no secret that Downtown Detroit has thousands of shoppers each day, that have no place to shop. And that is the almost 100,000 people who work downtown, not counting people visiting downtown each day for other things. There is no reason a department store can't be supported at the moment. | ||
Gianni Member Username: Gianni Post Number: 291 Registered: 05-2004 |
" 'However, there are no plans at the current time.' " GTFOOH. I love the idea but I'm also in the too good to be true camp. Have to call Skipper's rule on this one. | ||
Detroit313 Member Username: Detroit313 Post Number: 345 Registered: 02-2006 |
Downtown Detroit could be just as busy as Downtown Brooklyn's Fulton Mall in a matter of years. Detroit leaders should really push hard for Macy's. <313> | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 5591 Registered: 10-2003 |
Key sentences "However, there are no plans at the current time". Many different companies have 'considered' downtown Detroit with 'no current plants' to move downtown. I'm a bit more skeptical after reading that. | ||
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar Post Number: 632 Registered: 01-2006 |
I have never shopped at Macy's, but I would find a reason to if they open up a downtown location. I'm sick of having to treck to the suburbs to do my shopping. I know there are hundreds more like me living downtown. | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 2886 Registered: 02-2005 |
I don't even think it was a 30 second story. Just interesting to hear. | ||
Scottr Member Username: Scottr Post Number: 518 Registered: 07-2006 |
I'm not holding my breath, but even if this never comes to fruition, the news itself could help spur additional interest from other retailers, both large and small. As Urbanize said, this could encourage JCP and Sears to look at downtown, although they don't compete at the same level as macy's, i don't think either would have a problem claiming their share of the market. | ||
Shellodrewery Member Username: Shellodrewery Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2006 |
I, like most others, am not holding my breath either, but DO promise to do all of my clothes shopping there if they open (even though I live in upstate NY...)!!! | ||
Ramcharger Member Username: Ramcharger Post Number: 290 Registered: 05-2006 |
For those of you who missed it on WDIV, here's a link to a video capture I made of the report. I'm not sure how long I'll keep it posted. It's only 30 seconds, but never the less; I don't want to be sued for copyright infringement. WDIV clip about Macy's I also included one of their pre-commercial teasers because of Devon’s strange statement about it being “nearly 10 years since Hudson’s left downtown Detroit”. Hudson’s left downtown Detroit more than 24 years ago when they closed their flagship store in January of 1983. Dayton/Hudson sold the building in 1989 and on October 24, 1998, after years of being striped and vandalized, it became the largest building ever to be imploded. | ||
Chitaku Member Username: Chitaku Post Number: 1395 Registered: 03-2006 |
my lady and I drive to the OC twice a week for the Hudson's (Macy's) cheese soup and house salad, probably my favorite restaurant meal behind the Turkey Roost in Kawkallin, we drive by the Hudson's crater and wish we could walk there for our weekly meal | ||
Psip Member Username: Psip Post Number: 1906 Registered: 04-2005 |
Welcome to the forum Shellodrewery. I too have to call Skipper Rule. Then again, that was called with the BC. | ||
1953 Member Username: 1953 Post Number: 1394 Registered: 12-2004 |
Last year, I asked a Macy's rep in their Minneapolis office when they were opening a downtown location. He snicked and said, "I don't think for a while." Let's hope macy's considers one year a while. | ||
L_b_patterson Member Username: L_b_patterson Post Number: 322 Registered: 10-2003 |
^Shouldn't those decisions be coming out of the HQ in Cincinnati anyway? | ||
El_jimbo Member Username: El_jimbo Post Number: 199 Registered: 12-2006 |
My personal opinion. I think they leaked this out to sort of test the waters. See what the public's reaction to this news would be. If the feedback was generally positive, they'd do a more serious investigation in the near future. | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 900 Registered: 04-2006 |
Maybe Macy's is shifting it's focus away from the suburban mall and back to the urban department store? I'm in the "I'll believe it when I see it" camp, but I'm really hoping that this does come to fruition soon. If the BC and other developments are successful, then the first stores around to serve the new demographic will have a very good initial run... Would this be the first department store built from new in an urban center in a very long time? | ||
Kronprinz Member Username: Kronprinz Post Number: 449 Registered: 12-2006 |
A few years ago Cincinnati closed their big old downtown Macy's and built a new one two blocks away. It is drastically smaller than the old one and even after being open just a few years they have already walled off part of it because they just don't have the traffic downtown. Macy's is all about the bottom line, they aren't given to civic uplift unless there is a profit. This won't happen in Detroit unless there is a huge project involving other tenants, etc ... | ||
El_jimbo Member Username: El_jimbo Post Number: 201 Registered: 12-2006 |
"This won't happen in Detroit unless there is a huge project involving other tenants, etc ..." Quicken? I mean isn't there another thread on here talking about Quicken encouraging other companies to move downtown? | ||
Kronprinz Member Username: Kronprinz Post Number: 450 Registered: 12-2006 |
retail tenants. Macy's will want Crate and Barrel or other big draw names, not just Chic filet or Radio Shack. Macy's won't open and just sit there waiting for others to join them. It would have to be a big project. | ||
El_jimbo Member Username: El_jimbo Post Number: 202 Registered: 12-2006 |
true, However, I don't necessarily think that the big draw names would have to necessarily be in the same building. For example, let's say a Macy's is built on the Hudson Block. Couldn't some of those other stores open in the nearby first floor retail space already available on Woodward? | ||
Troy Member Username: Troy Post Number: 206 Registered: 10-2003 |
Rumors have been around a bit about MGM's intention to build a mall into the old MGM (AKA old IRS building). I am no mall fan and would rather see street retail however I am sure that is where the talks are starting. | ||
El_jimbo Member Username: El_jimbo Post Number: 203 Registered: 12-2006 |
I hope not. I'm afraid a mall would fail miserably. I think something right in the heart of downtown would be much better. More visible and more potential for success. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1306 Registered: 02-2007 |
I think it will fair well if they build a big enough public parking garage (Maybe 2) (Along Woodward) and a store (Corner of Grand River and Woodward) with Urban design (3 or 4 floors at least of merchandise). The fourth floor can be something like a bazaar or arcade of shops and items. Then, they could build along Woodward and randolph more Storefront stops just to blend in with the Merchants row look. | ||
Swingline Member Username: Swingline Post Number: 835 Registered: 11-2003 |
Chitaku said quote:Yes, it's true. No trip Up North is complete without a stop at the Turkey Roost. Could it be the best restaurant in the state? Well, Ok, maybe the Lark is a little better, but only because of its wine cellar. But you can't wear shorts and a T-shirt at the Lark. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 4472 Registered: 08-2004 |
Urbanize, from my experiences of visiting successful central city retail in Europe, usually arcades are on the 1st floor. And please, no more parking structures along Woodward!  | ||
Mdoyle Member Username: Mdoyle Post Number: 101 Registered: 10-2006 |
I would venture to say that this might have something to do with both quicken and the wall street journal cover. | ||
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott Post Number: 416 Registered: 12-2006 |
Is all this just based on a rumor? What exactly has anyone from Macy's said? | ||
El_jimbo Member Username: El_jimbo Post Number: 204 Registered: 12-2006 |
According to what Carmen said, it was a "Macy's spokesperson" who gave WDIV the info. I don't know what that may or may not mean, but that is who they reported. | ||
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner Post Number: 1265 Registered: 04-2006 |
Yumm Turkey Roostastic! That is one of my stops too, though I do find myself getting sleepy on my way either up north or back home! | ||
Danindc Member Username: Danindc Post Number: 2601 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote: I disagree. The Macy's (formerly Hecht's) in downtown DC does just fine. Retailers in the immediate area include--wait for it--Radio Shack and Payless Shoe Source. The difference is that there is a much greater worker population, and the store sits atop one of the busiest subway stations in the city. There aren't enough people in downtown Detroit to support a department store. Someone mentioned 100,000 people working downtown. That number includes Midtown, however. How many people in Midtown are going to drive downtown after work, pay for parking, shop, and then turn around to go home? If I'm not mistaken, the CBD worker population is in the 50-60,000 range, and the nearby residential population is much lower. I call Skipper's Rule. | ||
Kronprinz Member Username: Kronprinz Post Number: 451 Registered: 12-2006 |
Hecht's has the Metro Hub in its basement. When it was built Woody's and Garfinkels were just a few blocks away. There's no comparison. A new Macy's in Detroit would have absolutely no other draws to help it out. It would be the cheese standing alone, unless they can get some other tenants to join in. | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 2889 Registered: 02-2005 |
Other retail stores would follow, making Detroit a shopping destination. There are already a few stores there, which would clearly benefit a ton. Most are specialty stores, like hats/shoes. There's Brooks Brothers and JA Bank in the RenCen (right?) As i described in an earlier post, downtown foot traffic relies on events, limited residents, and a decent amount of 9-5 workers (which may soon grow). But if someone like Macy's comes downtown, it could be enough to a destination to create new pedestrian patterns (i.e. shoppers on saturday AM which is normally quiet downtown), and thus new stores will quickly follow. One thing is for sure, we have plenty of downtown parking in place to support new stores. | ||
Mdoyle Member Username: Mdoyle Post Number: 102 Registered: 10-2006 |
it might have a dying chance if there was mass transit so people could easily get from new center to midtown to downtown. | ||
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott Post Number: 417 Registered: 12-2006 |
On the one hand, one of the reasons Hudson's closed the Woodward store was that the City had been unable to find additional tenants for the downtown mall they were trying to create at the time. So it is a great risk for a major retailer to create a store in an area with no free parking, little other upscale retail, etc. On the other hand, there are new condo and loft developments going on - there may be commuter rail someday to bring people into midtown (and there is actually a lot of bus service from midtown into downtown; try it). But still I say - what is the info? What did this Macy's spokesperson say exactly? Does anyone have a transcript of a conversation they can post? "Considering" doesn't mean much. I'm considering flying to Mars. | ||
Eric Member Username: Eric Post Number: 851 Registered: 11-2004 |
quote: According the Downtown Partnership the office population is 80,000. Still I don't we're ready for a department store. But it's encouraging that Macy's is even thinking about a downtown location (Message edited by eric on June 05, 2007) | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 9302 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote: I agree that it may be a struggle but I wonder about the numbers. Isn't there a new 'lifestyle center' going in Hartland. I am guessing that the 5 miles radius of Hartland isn't exactly high density. | ||
Gotdetroit Member Username: Gotdetroit Post Number: 63 Registered: 12-2005 |
Downtown residential growth is a Catch-22. It's either going to take a lot of folks to move down and be willing to wait for all the urban shopping conveniences to move in, or for the retail to move in and wait for all the residents to move in. One of the two has to give. My guess, since companies generally like to stay in business, it'll be the former. Now, I don't know what the CBD residential population is, but based on what I see on a day to day basis, it isn't exactly crowded after 5:00. | ||
Focusonthed Member Username: Focusonthed Post Number: 1024 Registered: 02-2006 |
This would surprise me. Macy's can barely keep it's State Street store open in Chicago. Granted, the Field's loyalty is a bit greater here, but even in the downtown Chicago retail market (which is mature), Macy's is doing EXTREMELY poorly. | ||
Focusonthed Member Username: Focusonthed Post Number: 1025 Registered: 02-2006 |
This would surprise me. Macy's can barely keep it's State Street store open in Chicago. Granted, the Field's loyalty is a bit greater there, but even in the downtown Chicago retail market (which is mature), Macy's is doing EXTREMELY poorly. | ||
Spiritofdetroit Member Username: Spiritofdetroit Post Number: 495 Registered: 11-2006 |
Ive heard the office numbers as 80,000 downtown and a total of 193,000 including Downtown/Midtown/hospitals, etc | ||
El_jimbo Member Username: El_jimbo Post Number: 205 Registered: 12-2006 |
Focusonthed, Isn't there another Macy's one mile down the street in Water Tower Place that is doing just fine? | ||
Classico Member Username: Classico Post Number: 15 Registered: 12-2005 |
Ok. Here's my take. Right now(due to being layed off) I had to pick up a job at Macys Somerset until I get my shit back together. Everyday I gt the "Macy's has gone downhill since Hudsons...." from various people, and I agree with them. We've cut alot of services out since Macy's took over from Fields. Plastic bags have replaced handled plastic covered paper ones.(Due to them "losing" money on them) Customer Pickup is more or less reserved for Holidays now. They still will do it any other time if you buy alot or bitch up a storm though. Macys has slashed commission areas to less than a quarter of the store. They lost a lot of good employees and salesperson when this happened. Now, I don't think someone who folds shirts all day should be making more than 20 dollars an hour at a retail joint(knowing all the time and money I've spent with education, that didn't sit well), but still. They essentially decided to step back from competing with Nordstrom and streamlined themselves to be the most profitable they can be. Now you may say..hey thats what a good business would do, right? Well if the trade off contains alienating your customers by replacing quality brands with "house" brands, reducing customer services, and paying your employees next to nothing, then no it isn't IMO. This is why I'm shocked to even hear any news about this. To be fair to Macy's I heard they are doing heavy promoting right now(Sales more than fign T.J Max) to regain and stabilize a customer base once again. Once they do that they will bring back more of what Fields,Hudsons...etc was known for. I'm guessing if and when they get to that point with this area plans for a downtown store will become more finalized. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1307 Registered: 02-2007 |
"And please, no more parking structures along Woodward!" The Garage can be on Randolph or Gratiot then. Either that, Underground parking, or the dreeded SURFACE LOT. It's your choice. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1308 Registered: 02-2007 |
"Urbanize, from my experiences of visiting successful central city retail in Europe, usually arcades are on the 1st floor." It doesn't matter. When thinking about it, the Arcade would go best in the basement of the store. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 4474 Registered: 08-2004 |
I choose the underground Hudson's parking structure... it's already there! | ||
Higgs1634 Member Username: Higgs1634 Post Number: 99 Registered: 10-2005 |
Um. Detroit already has what was supposed to be a Mall right downtown, does it not? The Shops at the Ren Cen in the Wintergarden. The place is 3/4 empty and what is there is heavily subsidized by GM. Wasn't building the retail space in the Wintergarden and revamping the existing retail spaces supposed to be the spark that lit the retail boom in the D? Or was I just reading too much propaganda when it opened...what...four years ago? You have GM, EDS, a couple of Detroit's largest law firms, plus a hotel, plus various other businesses IN THE FREAKING BUILDING and the only thing that seems to do any business is the food court. | ||
Courtney Member Username: Courtney Post Number: 138 Registered: 06-2004 |
I don't see Macy's having the draw it would need to ever make it downtown unless it went more towards actual decent department store quality, not just a step above something like Value City. Macy's may have all the sales they want, but I think their target customer base has already left for Nordstrom or just began purchasing more online. If I'm going to buy disposable clothing (which is about the quality of a lot of stuff I've seen there) I'm going to do it for a lot cheaper elsewhere. They will likely find it nearly impossible to get back any former customer base even if they make baby steps towards quality. As far as malls downtown, even in "tourist" cities, they suck. Shops at Canal Place in New Orleans was always a ghost town despite being right on Canal. Embarcadaro in downtown San Francisco was a desolate wasteland aside from lunch hour. Despite being in a great location off of St Stephens Green and a MAJOR shopping street (Grafton), Stephens Green Shopping Centre in Dublin only ever seemed to draw in a handful of Americans who didn't have an umbrella. This isn't "Field of Dreams", and I don't think Detroit is all that different from any other city in its inability to pull off a shopping mall downtown. | ||
Club_boss Member Username: Club_boss Post Number: 121 Registered: 12-2006 |
Indianapolis has a mall downtown, Circle Centre Mall, there is a Nordstrom as well as a Carson Pirie Scott as anchor stores. I live less than 2 miles from Circle Centre, it appears healthy. http://www.simon.com/mall/defa ult.aspx?ID=163 I would love to see a Macy's in downtown Detroit. | ||
3420 Member Username: 3420 Post Number: 111 Registered: 10-2003 |
The real problem is advertising, promoting, and marketing. You don't really see none of the downtown retailers that exist advertise like they should. I got old newspapers from the 70's I collected and saw a 2 page/full page Hudson's sale advertised. Downtown retailers need to make use of the Sunday newspaper. Why don't they advertise more to let people know they are down here. Macy's would be a nice addition downtown and I believe Detroiters would embrace it. | ||
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott Post Number: 419 Registered: 12-2006 |
Downtown Detroit doesn't need a "mall" specifically; I'm not sure that would even fit the landscape, it just needs more retail generally. The Renaissance Center is, by choice, physically and psychologically separated from the rest of Detroit. If you work downtown, you either park for the day somewhere or take the bus, so your lunchtime activity will typically be on foot. Who walks to the Ren Cen? So shopping at the Ren Cen only serves that relatively small group of people who are already there. Shopping in the Campus Martius area, just for instance, would have a larger potential customer base. But the main issue is people tend to shop at places convenient to where they live moreso than near where they work, and although the number is going up, there just aren't that many people living downtown. An exurban shopping location can be several miles from its customer base because every customer drives there, parks for free, and drives home when done. A downtown shopping location can't get away with that, IMVHO. | ||
Rfban Member Username: Rfban Post Number: 85 Registered: 02-2004 |
I agree with you 100% Classico, but WOW those swanky parties on the third floor could have fooled me... Looks like those fashionable suburban sticklers still know how to throw a party, exotic chefs, tasty treats, and bubbly servers. I sure didn’t see any cut backs there. | ||
Jasoncw Member Username: Jasoncw Post Number: 367 Registered: 07-2005 |
This might have something to do with that Illitch announcement from a few months ago. | ||
Rocket_city Member Username: Rocket_city Post Number: 285 Registered: 04-2006 |
Man, I owe an apology. I too heard it on the radio this morning on The River...the radio station out of Windsor. I probably would have made a post about it too wondering what the heck was going on. So, I just want to verify that I heard the news too and that the rumor has some substance. | ||
Miketoronto Member Username: Miketoronto Post Number: 553 Registered: 07-2004 |
Downtown Detroit retail is going to thrive and grow. But it won't be with chains. It will be something more special. And that is local home grown retail. Home grown retail is already opening up or relocating downtown. Yes it would be nice to have a department store. But in the long run downtown is going to be more exciting when more homegrown retail opens. About the Downtown Cincinnati store. Federated has said that the only reason Cincinnati has a downtown MACY'S, is because the Federated head office is there. The downtown Cincinnati store makes money, but not a very high profit. So under normal conditions it sadly would not be open. The MACY'S in downtown St Louis suffers from not having any other retail around it. And in the long run that hurts business. | ||
Jerome81 Member Username: Jerome81 Post Number: 1463 Registered: 11-2003 |
No plans at this time, means just that. Great. All for it, but not gonna get my hopes up. I was considering starting a new business. I'm considering Detroit for the headquarters. I'm considering a lot of stuff that will never happen. Probably similar to Macy's. Hope they do it and prove me wrong. With that said, I see the only way big shopping gets going in Detroit is to do a shopping "mecca", all at once. Piecemeal store additions will never generate the traffic or encourage people to skip Somerset, where they can get all the stores in one place. I believe that to be successful, they need not just a Macy's, but most of the other popular stores found at suburban malls, some good restaurants and bars, a movie cineplex, and all in one location (like all of Washington Blvd). That is the only way you'll get enough volume of people to make the whole thing successful. I would tend to shop Macy's downtown (though still angry about State Street Marshall Fields), but I must admit that if my shopping required I make several stops at other locations including a Macy's, I'd probably go to Somerset. Sorry, just what I'm saying. And I'm a big Detroit booster. If just Macy's would work for me, I'd be all over it. If I gotta do a bunch of different shopping, I would prefer to save some time. Oh, and it should be an outdoor, street based shopping district. One where you have to walk on the sidewalk from store to store. Like Michigan Ave. Not just a mall placed in downtown Detroit where you go inside and never come out till your're done. | ||
Rbdetsport Member Username: Rbdetsport Post Number: 278 Registered: 11-2005 |
any actual articles? | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1327 Registered: 02-2007 |
If you read the posts, local TV and Radio sources have been airing the story recently. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1328 Registered: 02-2007 |
Hey, what's up with the reincarnation? Didn't you have some words towards 3,000 posts? | ||
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott Post Number: 427 Registered: 12-2006 |
What I haven't seen, though, is anything written that says x-and-such person at Macy's says "so and so". Just references to audio broadcasts (and no print media whatsoever). So I am inclined to take all this with a pile of salt. If anyone has seen anything about this in the print media, please provide a link or lift a quote. | ||
Rbdetsport Member Username: Rbdetsport Post Number: 279 Registered: 11-2005 |
"Hey, what's up with the reincarnation? Didn't you have some words towards 3,000 posts?" ??? | ||
Classico Member Username: Classico Post Number: 17 Registered: 12-2005 |
Well I asked highest in charge at the Somserset store about it. She said they are more serious than you think. She also alluded that it would be a shared building at that. Interesting to say the least. | ||
Designerguy24 Member Username: Designerguy24 Post Number: 62 Registered: 10-2006 |
Well lets hope this is really true | ||
Downtown_remix Member Username: Downtown_remix Post Number: 297 Registered: 03-2007 |
1500 Quicken Loan employees topping a Macys department store and a Magic Johnsons Star Theater complex, A Fridays, Bennegins, Chilis and non mainstream dining choices along with a nice food court(courtyard and indoor seating) would be my choice. | ||
Danindc Member Username: Danindc Post Number: 2631 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote: In other words: a mall. | ||
Michigan Member Username: Michigan Post Number: 446 Registered: 04-2007 |
THis would really put downtown past the tipping point if it were to happen | ||
Jerome81 Member Username: Jerome81 Post Number: 1480 Registered: 11-2003 |
Don't forget Cheesecake Factory and ESPN Zone! :p | ||
Renfirst Member Username: Renfirst Post Number: 42 Registered: 12-2006 |
I'm really surprised by this. We've had threads before discussing the viability of shopping downtown, to actually hear word that there may be a chance, however small it may be, for a Macy's in Downtown Detroit... I'm giddy. Went to the riverfront to take a look at the new section that opened recently... did some driving around the city. Put aside all your negativity for a moment and just look at the city. Look at what's happening. I'm really sensing a shift in how people look at Downtown Detroit. In all honesty ... I think a Target would be far more successful than a Macy's. Minneapolis has a Target downtown and it's amazing. This is great news, even if it doesn't happen. It just shows that something like this could actually happen one day. | ||
Renfirst Member Username: Renfirst Post Number: 43 Registered: 12-2006 |
I'm really surprised by this. We've had threads before discussing the viability of shopping downtown, to actually hear word that there may be a chance, however small it may be, for a Macy's in Downtown Detroit... I'm giddy. Went to the riverfront to take a look at the new section that opened recently... did some driving around the city. Put aside all your negativity for a moment and just look at the city. Look at what's happening. I'm really sensing a shift in how people look at Downtown Detroit. In all honesty ... I think a Target would be far more successful than a Macy's. Minneapolis has a Target downtown and it's amazing. This is great news, even if it doesn't happen. It just shows that something like this could actually happen one day. | ||
Zephyrprocess Member Username: Zephyrprocess Post Number: 409 Registered: 08-2006 |
Per Crain's this morning quote: | ||
Apbest Member Username: Apbest Post Number: 559 Registered: 03-2006 |
damn | ||
Thejesus Member Username: Thejesus Post Number: 1416 Registered: 06-2006 |
yeah, the whole story seemed suspect...a Macy's would be really out of place downtown | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 986 Registered: 04-2006 |
"“We’re committed to the growth of our existing stores in Michigan, but we have no plans to open a store in Detroit,” said Jennifer McNamara, spokeswoman for Macy’s North, which operates Macy’s stores in seven states including Michigan." Growth of existing stores... in a zero growth region... yeah, right, lol. Damn, just when I thought there might be some progressive thinking to save the aging department store model. On the other hand, no plans doesn't mean that they aren't studying it. I think boutique chains (Gap, Banana Republic, etc.) will make the first moves... which will probably be healthier for the retail market anyway. | ||
Detroitduo Member Username: Detroitduo Post Number: 836 Registered: 06-2005 |
I think the reality of this rumour will be more shocking than the rumour itself. If everything I have heard actually happens.... Things will really be happening in the D. | ||
El_jimbo Member Username: El_jimbo Post Number: 234 Registered: 12-2006 |
care to expound on that, Detroitduo? | ||
Quozl Member Username: Quozl Post Number: 780 Registered: 07-2005 |
I hope their not locating a store downtown does not jeopardize the Quicken Loan deal... | ||
Thejesus Member Username: Thejesus Post Number: 1417 Registered: 06-2006 |
^unlikely being that there was never any plans to locate downtown in the first place (Message edited by thejesus on June 18, 2007) | ||
Quozl Member Username: Quozl Post Number: 781 Registered: 07-2005 |
I think you are on to something there thejesus. I just noticed who was the OP of this thread, Mr. Reliable himself. | ||
Rjk Member Username: Rjk Post Number: 729 Registered: 11-2003 |
Shocking news. From a business standpoint it made absolutely zero sense for Macy's to build a store in downtown Detroit. I'm all for positive thinking when it comes to the downtown area, but there has to be some reality mixed in. | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 9417 Registered: 10-2003 |
The reality is that downtown retail will only start and improve on local dollars from people that are committed to the city. That is why it is important to support local. When a chain is looking at an area they know that the Detroit dollars will go there if they open or expand in the suburbs which from a business standpoint is probably a smarter choice. Local investment and stores create the initial benefit then when the market is strong enough the chains will come in. Chains are not in the business of reinventing downtowns, citiznes and local business people are the people that need to do that. Sad but true. Support local and support neighborhood places to help make a stronger community and downtown. What made RO succesful was small, locally owned businesses and that is what must be done in Detroit. If you are one of the people taking a risk and opening a business more power to you. If not, the least that you (and I) can do is support the local people taking the risk to make downtown retail possible. ((Stepping off soapbox)) | ||
Quozl Member Username: Quozl Post Number: 785 Registered: 07-2005 |
quote:I guess wig stores, party stores and nail salons is a start. | ||
Miketoronto Member Username: Miketoronto Post Number: 584 Registered: 07-2004 |
I agree. So what if MACY'S opens in downtown. It will not be the grand old style downtown department store that you find in NYC, or Chicago, etc. It will just be a tiny branch store just like in the suburbs. That means it will not be a draw. People will not come to downtown Detroit for a tiny MACY'S you can find in the burbs. That is why the new Lazurus-Macy's and Lord and Taylor failed in downtown Pittsburgh. Because the stores were the same size as suburban stores and had no selection comparable to the giant 12 story Kauffman's across the street. I agree with the local retail comment. While chains do have a place in downtown, it is the local retail that really attracts people to our retail districts, because it offers different items then the suburban mall. It pains me in Toronto for example, to see so many of our locally owned stores on famous streets like Queen Street replaced with chain stores. It actually makes it not as much of a destination to go to certain streets in the city now, because they are all chainifed. Keep it local With a tiny mix of chains. But any MACY'S that opens will not be of the Hudson's style. No department store opening up in our downtowns today will recapture the style or selection of those grand old dames of our main streets. | ||
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie Post Number: 1043 Registered: 11-2003 |
Miketoronto wrote, "It pains me in Toronto for example, to see so many of our locally owned stores on famous streets like Queen Street replaced with chain stores." At least there are still stores there! Can't say the same for many downtowns. | ||
Detroitduo Member Username: Detroitduo Post Number: 839 Registered: 06-2005 |
I won't expound, sorry. too often these rumours are more fun than anything. It's nice to dream. There is a deal under discussion and it doesn't include Macy's. I won't jinx the deal by saying something nor will I look like an ass when/if the deal falls through. But some really interesting SERIOUS discussions are on-going. I only hope the people running this city don't screw it up! | ||
Quozl Member Username: Quozl Post Number: 794 Registered: 07-2005 |
quote: You must be kidding Detroitduo, those clowns are in the business of screwing up everything they touch. | ||
Why Member Username: Why Post Number: 19 Registered: 04-2007 |
If they don't carry a full line of Rocawear, Sean Jean & Pelle Pelle, they're not going to make it - plain and simple. Once they realize their "security" costs are higher than their revenue - they'll split. It ain't gonna happen. I know, I'm negative, and this post will be deleted. | ||
Yvette248 Member Username: Yvette248 Post Number: 658 Registered: 10-2006 |
Seemingly above the intelligence of the ignorant posts above, downtown Detroit is full of business professionals and creative types. Still, Macy's will never come to downtown Detroit. | ||
Crew Member Username: Crew Post Number: 1288 Registered: 02-2004 |
Yvette, never is a really long time. | ||
Eric_c Member Username: Eric_c Post Number: 996 Registered: 11-2003 |
Why - Perfect example of why you need to serve your market. If the shit sells...sell it. If Downtown Hudson's had catered more to the surrounding demographic, it might still be around. | ||
Civilprotectionunit4346 Member Username: Civilprotectionunit4346 Post Number: 8 Registered: 06-2007 |
It's a very nice idea to open a Macy's downtown..( I frequent downtown oftenly alot). They need to open some supermarket's in the downtown area. I know some are on Jefferson & Gratiot in the area. Just not in the general downtown area. I wish more smaller buisness would open downtown, like some deli's, more eateries, I hope not fast food restaurants. | ||
Detroitduo Member Username: Detroitduo Post Number: 842 Registered: 06-2005 |
Keep making that wish... it may someday come true... btw, "frequent...oftenly alot"? Do you go back in time to go again and then meet yourself, because that's an insane amount! I live there and don't even go THAT much. | ||
Rbdetsport Member Username: Rbdetsport Post Number: 286 Registered: 11-2005 |
Detroitduo, drop a few hints of where and what. | ||
Civilprotectionunit4346 Member Username: Civilprotectionunit4346 Post Number: 10 Registered: 06-2007 |
What I meant to say is a go downtown whenever I can get the chance. Yeah the way the economic situation is, you are probably right...slim to none. |
