What do you buy from outside of Lakewood

Shawn Juris · Post by **Shawn Juris** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 10:26 pm

Any suggestions of existing studies would be appreciated.

Bryan Schwegler · Post by **Bryan Schwegler** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 6:41 am

Unfortunately I tend to buy almost everything from outside Lakewood. Most of the stores that I enjoy shopping at aren't in Lakewood and Lakewood doesn't have anything comparable for me. I also do alot of my shopping online.

To be honest, I don't know if I'd want to see a Target in Lakewood even though I love shopping there. Just doesn't seem to "fit" here. However I think a major bookstore here would be perfect. It's a shame that you have to go all the way out to Westlake before getting to one.

Now what Lakewood does have that I try to frequent alot is outstanding restaurants. I try to do as much of my eating out in Lakewood as I can. My out of town guests have also been amazed at the variety and quality of different places to eat here.

Dee Martinez · Post by **Dee Martinez** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 6:48 am

Bryan Schwegler wrote:However I think a major bookstore here would be perfect. It's a shame that you have to go all the way out to Westlake before getting to one.

Liberty Books and News in River isnt as big as a Borders or BN but its a lot closer. You can buy things there then read them on the other side of the bridge at a west end restaurant.

Dave Sharosky · Post by **Dave Sharosky** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 7:20 am

I live on the west side of Lakewood and do most shopping outside the city. I agree with the earlier post that most stores I frequent or enjoy are outside lakewood. Target, heinens, various clothing stores.... I do shop at marcs, although I will travel to river to avoid that parking lot at the lakewood store. And, it has bothered me that there is no borders or barnes and noble in lakewood! I believe it would flourish if it has the right spot to service Lakewood, River, Fairview and Cleveland. I'll also throw about dining outside of Lakewood. With that said, another place that I think people would love is a Bob Evans in our area. They always have good food at anytime of the day. I know I'm picking out one place, but for breakfast you can only do so many brunches at the local establishments. They always have good food at anytime of the day. I'm not impressed with IHOP at all. Had some disgusting issues there.

Bryan Schwegler · Post by **Bryan Schwegler** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 9:08 am

Dee Martinez wrote:Liberty Books and News in River isnt as big as a Borders or BN but its a lot closer. You can buy things there then read them on the other side of the bridge at a west end restaurant.

Dee, is Liberty Books in that new shopping center they build on Detroit right across the bridge? I think I'll have to take a look...

Paul Schrimpf · Post by **Paul Schrimpf** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 10:19 am

My philosophy is to buy from three places .. the city I live in, the city I work in, and the anchor city. So ... probably 99 percent of my purchases are either made in Lakewood, Cleveland proper, or Willoughby. I used to go to River for Ingersolls, but Lakewood's got hardware now! It's a free country and all, but I don't put a dime anywhere I don't have to that doesn't support one of these three communities. Makes sense to me...

Dee Martinez · Post by **Dee Martinez** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 10:41 am

Bryan Schwegler wrote:
Dee Martinez wrote:Liberty Books and News in River isnt as big as a Borders or BN but its a lot closer. You can buy things there then read them on the other side of the bridge at a west end restaurant.
Dee, is Liberty Books in that new shopping center they build on Detroit right across the bridge? I think I'll have to take a look...

That's the one. Not in the same league as Borders/BN in terms of sheer size or book selection, but they actually beat the other two in periodicals. Plus free Wi-Fi and a cafe.

Shawn Juris · Post by **Shawn Juris** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 10:45 am

A bookstore sounds to be a frequent request. Liberty is a nearby solution that seems to meet the mold of "authentic, non-chain" that is often favored. Hopefully the proximity doesn't get perceived as shrinking the market.
I think it would take something very special to find a franchise or big box store that could be accepted here. That said, a department store seems to be a major void here. Apparel, electronics, housewares...all of these take me outside of Lakewood. While Target and Wal-mart would raise a fuss, I wonder if Sears Grand would fly. I certainly don't expect this to meet the needs of everyone and would suggest that it's supported by storefront "boutiques" with a range of styles. Trouble is, as Mark mentioned earlier, Lakewood doesn't have a clear sense of style so this model may be ineffective here. With Virginia Marti (a great source for startups) and a solid concentration of young professionals (a source of disposable income), I hope that it could though.
I ask not to knock what we have but to take a step towards a solution to keeping more cash in the city. I see we do have a scooter store opening. Can't say I've seen one of those anywhere else so hopefully that can be a great draw from outside Lakewood and create some export dollars.

Dave Sharosky · Post by **Dave Sharosky** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 11:10 am

Shawn,

If the "knock" you're speaking of is my comment about the parking lot, I wasn't trying to knock what we have but state if it's going to be done, do it right. I would much rather shop at the lakewood marcs and keep the money in the city. Parking plays a role in the decision you make on where to shop. Everyone in Lakewood knows that all to well.

That can be a factor when stores decide on a location.

Ivor Karabatkovic · Post by **Ivor Karabatkovic** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 11:27 am

a book store would be nice. I find myself going to half priced books on center ridge.

the rocky river brewing company is one of my favorite restaurants, as well as danny boys.

Annie Stahlheber · Post by **Annie Stahlheber** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 12:22 pm

I just survived remodeling my kitchen, and I didn't use many local stores for the job. We had to travel outside the city to Lowe's or Design Surfaces or Cleveland Granite for lumber, drywall, tile, countertops, sink, and many supplies. This was a LOT of money spent outside the city! We did use Lakewood Hardware and Home Depot for smaller items, but you'd think that a local place would be a good fit here for kitchen/home remodeling, since so many Lakewood homes are remodeled/need remodeling.
Stores I like in Lakewood include Lion and Blue, Breadsmith, Phoenix,
Nature's Bin, Drug Mart, Marc's. We don't really have a clothing store here (other than a few things at Lion and Blue).

I do a lot of clothes shopping online.

I think we have enough Target's in the area - one on 117th and one in River. I would love to a see a "Fair Trade" clothing store in Lakewood.

Beajay Michaud · Post by **Beajay Michaud** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 1:17 pm

I do most of my shopping in Avon. Costco's, Target, Kohl's, Homedepot and Heinen's all in one spot. We also go to Crocker Park for the bookstore most of the time. Which means if we are going to eat out it is most like near where we shop.

Giant Eagle in Lakewood I try to skip unless I need something realy bad, but than they usually are out of it...

Mark Crnolatas · Post by **Mark Crnolatas** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 1:33 pm

If I can find what I'm looking for in the city, I will buy it from IN our city, if at all possible. I'd rather circulate my dollar among "Woodys" than somewhere else. Sometimes it might cost a bit more, but saving the gas and hassle is worth it most of the time.

Mark Allan Crnolatas

Shawn Juris · Post by **Shawn Juris** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 10:53 pm

Mark,
I think that what you describe is what many have at heart but are frustrated about because of lack of options. You posted that friends from out of state commented on Lakewood style. Cleveland in general, I think lacks style or choices. Could Virginia Marti be a catalyst for a fashion district? Is this a niche the city could jump on and draw customers from outside the city? Is it easier to just retain our own dollars by offering options that we're leaving town to buy?

Jim O'Bryan · Post by **Jim O'Bryan** » Wed Jul 04, 2007 5:57 am

Shawn

I like some of the options you came up with. The idea of a clothes district is good. If something like an anchor could move into the old Vedda Litho, it could work. You have the stores fronts in front of the Phantasy should they ever be fixed from the fired damage 6 months ago. Across the street leading down to Rockport. Behind the Phatnasy is another building for sale which I just explained to the Defrasia family they should buy and tear down for parking.

For over a year I have been working with B&B Appliance about opening a store in Lakewood. We were close with the old Wilderness Shop. Now they are looking at space near downtown or elsewhere. They wanted to buy Mickey did not want to sell. It was and still is a real possibility.

The big news is Pride of Cleveland Motor Scooters just moved into the Wilderness Shop. POC is the only Vespa dealer in the state and I believe have averaged around $2 million in sales the last two years. Phil the owner is a good guy who has many events he likes to put on. First thing he did was sign up with the Madison Village Car Culture Show and DADA. So he certainly wants to be a member of the new progressives in Lakewood.

Luckily as big box stores pay little but sell much and sales tax is a county thing, we benefit when anyone shops in the county while allowing us to keep our quaint hometown feel.

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