~ Raising Cane’s
~ Five Guys: Burgers and Fries

Both are delicious…

Sure.

But this list is a group of very specific chain stores that people have mentioned on CU from time to time. The list is completely comprised of places that sell products that currently aren’t sold downtown at all, or in a very limited capacity. Several stores in the list have no presence in Central Ohio at all, and some do not exist in the entire state.

So don’t mistake “I’d like to see this specific chain store downtown” for “I’d like to see any and every chain store downtown”. No one is asking for a Home Depot next to Zettler, so I’m not sure what that scenario has to do with this topic. I’m sure plenty here would be strongly opposed to that type of development if it were ever to be proposed.

I would say most everyone here strongly values the importance of our independent shops, boutiques, and restaurants. But I’d say it’s pretty safe to say that no one shops and dines 100% exclusively at local shops. If you want to live around downtown, but you’ve still got to drive to Easton to buy a computer or drive to Polaris to buy furniture because those stores don’t exist downtown, then I think most would rather see a specialty chain like an Apple Store or Room & Board instead of nothing at all.

Well there is already a Kroger at Brewer’s Gate..  so I imagine one closer to the living areas of the SN/broad and high to compete with North Market and the Giant Eagle @ 1st and Neil wouldn’t be out of the question…

The big boxes, if done right, will bring the foot traffic as mentioned. But chances are Joe Blow won’t be returning to Columbus for those stores. They are going to look forward to a return trip to the North Market, Jeni’s, Pearl Alley, Dirty Franks etc. 

I agree with you if we’re talking about suburban-style big box stores. But many stores that we only know in Columbus by their suburban big-box layouts have urban redesigned counterparts in other cities that not only thrive on their own, but can generate foottraffic for other nearby smaller shops. That’s where the smaller, independent mom&pops stand to benefit and prosper.

I feel some of the big boxes may weather any future economic troubles a bit better than the mom and pops and in some cases, like say an Ikea, would provide a recognizable destination shopping experience that would bring greater foot traffic downtown. 

Sounds like she may be talking out her a@@.  There are only 2 cities in the U.S. with populations over 3 million, New York and L.A.  Chicago is just under.  Unless she meant metro population.  But really? A retail location employee with the inside scoop on boardroom expansion strategy?

Downtown Costco an instant hit
Frances Bula, Vancouver Sun
Published: Saturday, November 11, 2006

The first big-box store embedded in a downtown residential tower complex opened in Vancouver Friday to big crowds and enthusiastic reviews from shoppers.

“It’s just thrilling. And I love the light. It’s easier to see stuff here,” said Dawn Knight, a post-production film worker who was shopping with friend Melissa Ruffle, a film accountant, at the city’s newest Costco.

The two had one cart piled high with packages of green beans and the store’s trademark Ling Ling chicken potstickers, among other things, as they patrolled the aisles of the high-ceilinged and brightly lit warehouse space.

READ MORE

Pass on CB2.  The literal offspring of Crate and Barrel, just hasn’t defined itself yet.

Just to let everyone know how old I am;  I remember the original Crate and Barrel store on wells street in Chicago.  It was in a horse barn and they sold dinnerware and kitchen stuff out of……., you guessed it, crates and barrels.