Retail development is dead - So what can Lakewood do?

[Lynn Farris]

So, Diane, would this be like Junior Achievement in our Day? That worked very well at getting young people to come with a product, make it and market it?

This isn't just for non-college kids, it works well for everyone.

Great ideas.

[Diane Helbig]

Lynn, I was never involved in JA so I can't say. Seems like it would be similar.

[Donald Farris]

Hi,
If we want real sustainable retail, and not the pre=packaged big box same as everywhere else sort of retail, there is only 1 thing that needs to happen.

That is: Lakewood residents need to shop at Lakewood retailers.

The question is can Lakewood residents look away from the prepackaged big box retail store and look for what they want in Lakewood. Lakewood has all the storefronts we need along Detroit and Madison. All any of them need is some TYL to look clean and interesting. I know some residents that can not stop their regular drives to the latest retail mecca. And for them there will always be some new fad of a mall or life-stye center to drive and visit.

But if enough of the residents can (and will) look and find what they need in Lakewood at a Lakewood retailer in one of our 100s of storefronts we already have, Lakewood retail can survive. We can take the base we have and add to it with range of unique store.

[Bryan Schwegler]

Hi,
If we want real sustainable retail, and not the pre=packaged big box same as everywhere else sort of retail, there is only 1 thing that needs to happen.

That is: Lakewood residents need to shop at Lakewood retailers.

The problem is that's not true. Who is "we" and why does this "we" get to define where the rest of the "we's" will shop?

Personally I like alot of the big retail stores and will shop there over what is currently locally available because I either prefer the convenience, items available, or the service.

I think to honestly be sustainable, you need to be realistic. It will be a mix of local and national chains that make any shopping area attractive to people.

I will not stop shopping at "big box retail" just because there's a local place. If that place doesn't offer what I want then I will go where I prefer.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Lynn, I was never involved in JA so I can't say. Seems like it would be similar.

Diane

I know of an effort to get home based businesses into storefronts. Maybe your idea could be worked into this.

This gives artists, crafts people, etc, a chance to try selling their items both in a store and online. It also utilizes empty store fronts with help from landlords.

Not sure that is what you are speaking of, or the JA model, come up with idea, marketing, sales etc. Kids have some great ideas that is for sure.

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[Diane Helbig]

Lynn, I was never involved in JA so I can't say. Seems like it would be similar.

Diane

I know of an effort to get home based businesses into storefronts. Maybe your idea could be worked into this.

This gives artists, crafts people, etc, a chance to try selling their items both in a store and online. It also utilizes empty store fronts with help from landlords.

Not sure that is what you are speaking of, or the JA model, come up with idea, marketing, sales etc. Kids have some great ideas that is for sure.

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Jim, I'd love to talk to whoever is putting this together. I think my small biz coaching would be an asset to this effort.

My thoughts were a more streamlined, structured model with kids as the focal point.

This forum seems to be a good one to send out an invitation to anyone who would like to work with me to get this initiative off the ground. THey can pm me. There are many needs with this project, not the least of which is grantwriting - something I have no experience with.

My thought is that an initiative like this would speak to the skill levels of a wide variety of kids and offer them the opportunity to grow and explore their interests and abilities. There can also be homework pods where they can get assistance with schoolwork if they want. So it speaks to a variety of needs.

[Jim O'Bryan]

My thought is that an initiative like this would speak to the skill levels of a wide variety of kids and offer them the opportunity to grow and explore their interests and abilities. There can also be homework pods where they can get assistance with schoolwork if they want. So it speaks to a variety of needs.

Diane

Let's talk, because of some of our new "partners" if this can be put together as a sustainable effort, I believe the LO can find you some grant money.

FWIW


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