http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation ColumbusUnderground.com Messageboard en-US Sat, 18 May 2013 09:47:18 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/search.php http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/8#post-420550 Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:45:38 +0000 Walker 420550@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>leftovers <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/8#post-420546">said</a>:</cite><br /> google shows a Sunflower Market. I am sure the Kmart location will fill in, but I was surprised that the Big Bear store sat empty for so long. </p></blockquote> <p>Sunflower Market closed all five of their locations (three in Central Ohio) in Jan 2008:</p> <p><a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/sunflower-market-stores-going-out-of-business" rel="nofollow">http://www.columbusunderground.com/sunflower-market-stores-going-out-of-business</a></p> <p>The Bethel location was replaced with CAM Asia Supermarket, which from what I've heard does extremely well:</p> <p><a href="http://www.huaxin.us/english/locationE.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.huaxin.us/english/locationE.htm</a></p> <p><img src="http://www.huaxin.us/images/cam1.JPG" /> </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/8#post-420546 Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:06:33 +0000 leftovers 420546@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>Analogue Kid <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/8#post-420529">said</a>:</cite><br /> The demographics of the area are still quite good (between UA, Clintonville, and Worthington). I would think/hope another retailer will jump in and renovate or replace the building.</p> </blockquote> <p>I do not usually go up that way, but I remember that forever it seemed there was a closed Big Bear grocery on the other end of that plaza. It probably was about the same sq footage as the Kmart. What eventually was put in there?</p> <p>updated-</p> <p>google shows a Sunflower Market. I am sure the Kmart location will fill in, but I was surprised that the Big Bear store sat empty for so long. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/8#post-420529 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 23:38:57 +0000 Analogue Kid 420529@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>The demographics of the area are still quite good (between UA, Clintonville, and Worthington). I would think/hope another retailer will jump in and renovate or replace the building. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/8#post-420498 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:48:18 +0000 Walker 420498@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>Yeah, the few times we ventured into that store recently, I felt like we were walking into a 1980's KMart museum. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/8#post-420497 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:38:06 +0000 cbus11 420497@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>I am surprised that the Kmart lasted as long as it did. Before they built Lennox in the later 90's, that Kmart was the closest discount department store for OSU students. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/8#post-420450 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:24:37 +0000 Anne 420450@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>Kmart on Olentangy-Bethel Road is <a href="http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2012/02/23/kmart-kohls-each-closing-columbus-store.html">closing</a>.<br /> Probably another big empty store that will sit and rot. Gross. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/8#post-410185 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:39:25 +0000 myliftkk 410185@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>What's amazing is those same Kmart reviews could have been written 22 years ago (too bad Google wasn't around then to save them). </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/8#post-410178 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:16:42 +0000 Analogue Kid 410178@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>It's not a scientific survey, but check out the contrast in Google Reviews for the Olentangy Kmart vs. Olentangy Target:</p> <p>Kmart: <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=Kmart&amp;hl=en&amp;cid=9679292681445898339" rel="nofollow">http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=Kmart&amp;hl=en&amp;cid=9679292681445898339</a><br /> Target: <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=Target&amp;hl=en&amp;cid=11569382531393596839" rel="nofollow">http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=Target&amp;hl=en&amp;cid=11569382531393596839</a> </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/8#post-410167 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 09:29:30 +0000 pez 410167@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>According to the Dispatch, the only location in Columbus currently affected is the Kmart on S. Hamilton.</p> <p><a href="http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2011/12/30/sears-closing-79-stores-columbus-kmart-on-list.html">Link</a> </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/8#post-409951 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:43:49 +0000 CalebR 409951@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>Twixlen <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/7#post-409865">said</a>:</cite><br /> Yeah... last I'd heard though, there weren't any major retail "takers"... just "interest" in the property and plans. I don't know how much Plaza can do without having that promise of investment. </p></blockquote> <p>Sears told me... and I have my sources. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/7#post-409878 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:11:25 +0000 Porky 409878@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>I have always wanted to support Sears particulary because they were in the not so hot areas of town. When everyone else closed up shop @ Westland, Sears stayed.<br /> Same thing at Eastland, during the thin years (it has seen a bit of a revival as of late) Sears stayed when other retailers bailed. I have always apprecied that about them and wanted to support them.<br /> The one that KILLS me is K-Mart. Why must they torture their customers? I was in there during Christmas time and the lines were just nuts, slow as molases and why do they have to price check every other item? What kind of inventory system do they run? </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/7#post-409872 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:44:07 +0000 BuenaVista 409872@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>Twixlen <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/7#post-409861">said</a>:</cite><br /> Agree about the tools &amp; appliances. I'd pit Kenmore Elite against any of the high-end brands - their ranges, in particular, are really nice.</p> <p>The lack of investment in the physical space in stores is a killer. Shoppers now want that experience - it's what drives them out of their houses, away from shopping online, and into a store. </p> <p>What michaelcoyote was talking about re: Ikea is true - Ikea sells the experience, and sells it amazingly well. They sell the idea of a lifestyle, and do it pretty brilliantly.</p> <p>I'd hate to think it's too late for Sears... I still do believe that they could bounce back, but it'd likely take a major sweep of their current CEO/upper tier management/board. And those things rarely happen. </p></blockquote> <p>Has upper management not been a revolving door at Sears? I don't think anyone in upper management wants to be at a losing company, your stock options are shit at a company who's stock keeps falling. Unless you are refering to Eddie lampert, the chairman, good kick with that because ESL owns a shitload of Sears stock, so you aren't removing him. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/7#post-409865 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:23:36 +0000 Twixlen 409865@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>leftovers <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/7#post-409859">said</a>:</cite><br /> I think he might be thinking of this. An Eastonish facelift for Westland has been talked about forever though. I hope it happens, but I am not holding my breath.</p> <p><a href="http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2011/may/25/4/west-side-businesses-will-make-big-changes-because-ar-504640/" rel="nofollow">http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2011/may/25/4/west-side-businesses-will-make-big-changes-because-ar-504640/</a> </p></blockquote> <p>Yeah... last I'd heard though, there weren't any major retail "takers"... just "interest" in the property and plans. I don't know how much Plaza can do without having that promise of investment. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/7#post-409861 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:17:24 +0000 Twixlen 409861@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>Agree about the tools &amp; appliances. I'd pit Kenmore Elite against any of the high-end brands - their ranges, in particular, are really nice.</p> <p>The lack of investment in the physical space in stores is a killer. Shoppers now want that experience - it's what drives them out of their houses, away from shopping online, and into a store. </p> <p>What michaelcoyote was talking about re: Ikea is true - Ikea sells the experience, and sells it amazingly well. They sell the idea of a lifestyle, and do it pretty brilliantly.</p> <p>I'd hate to think it's too late for Sears... I still do believe that they could bounce back, but it'd likely take a major sweep of their current CEO/upper tier management/board. And those things rarely happen. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/7#post-409859 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:13:00 +0000 leftovers 409859@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>I think he might be thinking of this. An Eastonish facelift for Westland has been talked about forever though. I hope it happens, but I am not holding my breath.</p> <p><a href="http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2011/may/25/4/west-side-businesses-will-make-big-changes-because-ar-504640/" rel="nofollow">http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2011/may/25/4/west-side-businesses-will-make-big-changes-because-ar-504640/</a> </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/7#post-409853 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:06:49 +0000 Twixlen 409853@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>CalebR <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/7#post-409824">said</a>:</cite><br /> Especially because the Sears at Westland will be tore down and rebuilt. </p></blockquote> <p>Source? </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/7#post-409848 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 01:57:27 +0000 michaelcoyote 409848@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>Porky <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/7#post-409812">said</a>:</cite><br /> Sears is still my go to spot for appliances and some yard and garden supplies.<br /> Their Kenmore line of appliances are some of the most reliable you can get.<br /> And Craftsman, I mean "it's an F'in Craftsman", pretty much indestructable.</p> </blockquote> <p>Funny, I was just in a Sears the other day because I needed tools. They had what I needed too. What I did notice is how badly the store had gone to seed. The displays were sparse and uninviting and really not to far above the K-Marts of my youth though still better than Walmart. It was really sort of sad. I'll also agree on the Kenmore. My apartment has a Kenmore stove and it's pretty impressively solid.</p> <p>When I moved out here to Tall Pine, RoC they had just killed off the closest Sears to me and razed the site. They're building a mixed condo and commercial development in it's place. In the mean time, the area isn't suffering for big retail. There's a Walmart across the parking lot and a Target across the street.</p> <p>I think Sears is well advised prune their stores like this, but to pull themselves up out of the crap, they're going to have to get better. I'd like to see them become more like Ikea in their store design and item selection. They could probably become more like Ikea in their logistics and management too. </p> <p>I'm not saying this because I think Ikea is the perfect store or anything. Frankly I think Ikea sells a lot of crap, but they also have lots of great displays and the stores are generally interesting to go through. I may not buy a lot of Ikea, but I might steal ideas and buy some of their less crappy items (also lingonberry juice). If Sears could generate this level of interest in their products though a general caretaking of their stores it would be great. </p> <p>For example, the tool section when I went to the Sears last week was dimly lit and there were hardly any demo units out. Change around the lighting and put out a few demo stations and I bet it would keep people in the store longer (and subsequently thinking about buying longer). </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/7#post-409828 Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:47:09 +0000 cheap 409828@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>been to a walmart lately?</p> <p>they are seriously sucking</p> <p>i used to regularly buy sheets of sandpaper,vinyl gloves,and cheap spray paint there for my work.sometimes grocery items as well.</p> <p>now they never have the stuff stocked,so off to Home Depot i go.</p> <p>ive actually asked managers why they are always out of stock of items i need and they give me some bullshit story about the distribution center not having it.</p> <p>for a month?wtf? </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/7#post-409826 Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:43:36 +0000 NEOBuckeye 409826@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>futureman <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/7#post-409773">said</a>:</cite><br /> 120 out of 2177 (US only) stores isn't a huge deal. </p> <p>0.5% of all Kmart/Sears are closing! </p> <p>However, I don't see them lasting unless they seriously rebuild their image. I don't think I've been in a Sears or Kmart in 15 years. Every time I drive by one they often are run down un-updated depressing looking buildings.</p> </blockquote> <p>If it were Target or Wal-Mart, I'd say a small percentage of store closings is no big deal and chalk it up to strategic restructuring.</p> <p>But this is Sears-KMart, a company that has been listless for nearly a decade. 120 stores closing is just the tip of the iceberg for them. That number should probably be at least three or four times as many.</p> <p>This news also gives Gov. Kasich the appearance of throwing good money after bad in trying to lure this directionless company's corporate headquarters here. Lucky for him, Sears didn't bite. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/sears-interested-in-columbus-for-relocation/page/7#post-409824 Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:13:00 +0000 CalebR 409824@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>I think Sears will get a reality check soon. Especially because the Sears at Westland will be tore down and rebuilt. Hopefully Sears will become much more competitive in the near future. </p>