The Observation Deck

Bryan Schwegler wrote:

chris richards wrote:

Stephen Eisel wrote:How about an IKEA?

Ikea would be nice, but I don't think we'd have enough room in Lakewood for one. That might better be suited a little further out. I read somewhere that they may be looking into an Ohio location and were choosing between Columbus and Cleveland. Does anyone know more about that?

They already chose and the location will be outside of Cincinnati.

What about tearing down half that stuff on Berea Rd? Seems like there might be enough room there.

There goes that dream ...

Why is national retail so afraid of Lakewood?

I don't think I buy the 'its the parking' excuse. I've been to Ann Arbor, there isn't any parking there either---yet Borders survives--it was the first place I ever saw an Urban Outfitters---ect. Asheville, NC is another good example. I found it to be alot like Lakewood (if Lakewood had Mountians instead of the Lake). There was plenty of local shops, some chains, a great art scene, good resturants---hardly any parking....

just wondering....

I've been more and more interested where the responsibility falls. Is it the retailers are afraid or those that should be attracting them just don't. Look at the number of times someone has posted that they don't want this that or the other thing. I wonder if it's Lakewood in some part that's responsible for our current state of retail.

Shawn Juris wrote:I've been more and more interested where the responsibility falls. Is it the retailers are afraid or those that should be attracting them just don't. Look at the number of times someone has posted that they don't want this that or the other thing. I wonder if it's Lakewood in some part that's responsible for our current state of retail.

I think its alittle bit of both.....Honestly I'd be excited about the development of the Drug Mart property. Maybe retail developers saw the defeat of the West-End project as a sign. But heres the thing---I think if developers---building owners would just spend some bucks for things like updated HVAC, windows--THAT could make a big difference. I think its a 'if you build it--they will come' thing. But I'm sure its easier for Joe Blow landlord--to charge $500 bucks to rent to Generic McAntiques than to put in the effort and $$$ to attract other businesses.

I wonder about that as well -- where the responsibility lies. I also have been to number of places with less parking than Lakewood that seem to be able to support a nice mix of independent and chain stores. Perhaps it's this region or someone is not sufficiently promoting the built environment. The storefronts along Detroit and Madison are the perfect size for small specialty stores but you need a sufficient number of similar stores to make a stretch of road a destination.

I long thought the area on Detroit across from the Y could have evolved into a Antique Row, add a tea house, gift store, and it would have been a nice destination for people in and out of town. But instead it's devolving into a mish mash of nothing. Then when I saw that most of Rosewood Place had turned into a recruiting station my heart sank. That building is beautiful and I imagined that it would be filled with small specialty shops and eateries.

I know groups like MAMA and DADA are doing their best and I really appreciate their efforts. But sometimes it's hard to maintain enthusiasm when a beautiful new building just manages to attract a tenant from across the street.

Kate McCarthy wrote:Then when I saw that most of Rosewood Place had turned into a recruiting station my heart sank. That building is beautiful and I imagined that it would be filled with small specialty shops and eateries.

I know groups like MAMA and DADA are doing their best and I really appreciate their efforts. But sometimes it's hard to maintain enthusiasm when a beautiful new building just manages to attract a tenant from across the street.

I too am greatly disappointed that the new space has been taken over by recruitment... I was shocked when I drove by and the entire thing was military. It sets a huge mood for that area of town now, and one that I don't think is all that attractive for residents or other businesses.

What???

Stephen Eisel wrote:What???

It just feels very overpowering. And intimidating. I don't understand the need for all of that space to be recruitment offices.

chris richards wrote:

Stephen Eisel wrote:What???

It just feels very overpowering. And intimidating. I don't understand the need for all of that space to be recruitment offices.

I forgot the shock icon. I agree with you... and am a bit disappointed...

the what was disbelief...

It is rather odd, that in a city the size of Lakewood, that we can't buy a pair of jeans anywhere IN our city.

Mark Allan Crnolatas

mark,

good point.

I don't do much shopping but I'd rather buy items online than waste gas and drive out to stores 20 minutes away for a pair of jeans.

I talked to a local business owner who said that the internet is killing his business. His lease is up in February and he said he's got a lot to think about until then!

Whatever happened to the Wilderness shop? (did not the bed store relocate)

As someone who does some shopping, I can't get into the Internet shopping. You have no idea of the fit or actual colors/fabric and there is no spontaneity. Also, most of the fun of shopping is not purchasing the clothes but seeing current styles, trying things on and spending a few hours at different stores. For some people the internet will never do for clothes purchases.

Also, I don't see Lakewood attracting a decent clothing store. First, not many stores are stand alone destination spots. So a decent amount of space is involved. Plus the demographics. If I were to open a trendy clothing store on the West Side of Cleveland I would shoot for the Westlake/Avon market. Lakewood residents are too staid in their ways - a traditional store would do fine, but not a clothing store. How many people went to the jeans store on Detroit that closed after a year ? Maybe with the new condos in now three areas retailers will take a second look, but I am not hopeful. That's why I go to Beachwood, North Olmsted, etc

So David would you be part of the target market that would transition to catalog store products if they were set up in a brick and mortar location. Say maybe with a string of different catalogs http://www.10best.com/London,UK_-_Engla ... index.html
It would be a different experience, more like getting a suit tailored then buying off the rack but you could see alot more options, the overhead for the retailer should be cut dramatically and it would be authentic to Lakewood.

Let Crocker Park, Rocky River and Beachwood compete with something new. Why chase what they've already got, let's do something different, well other than sitting it out.