| Author | Message | |||
     Purplebug Citizen Username: Purplebug Post Number: 136 Registered: 10-2005 |
I do not know if this is the proper forum, but what the heck. I am rather curious about the processes for deciding what types of businesses are allowed to open in our fair cities. Now I do not have a lot of cash to spend, but when I do have the extra $, I would prefer to spend the money in our cities, then hiking to other towns. If any of the places already exist, please let me know: Avon/Mary Kay would be my preference but just any little make-up store. Sometimes, the $3.00 at the pharmacy just doesn't cut it, and the counters in the mall are marked up too high. Soap store. Something that has those nice smelling soaps and lotions that are off the beaten path. Mango, Shea, cocoa butter, Pecan nut. Kinda like a Body Shoppe. A clothes store that caters to a not so ordinary body type. A Casual Corner would have been PERFECT, but since they are now closed. And not that I can afford them so often, but what about a Talbots? A restaurant where you make your own food. Make your own pizza, make your own steak. The establishment provides the food and the customers do whatever and then HAVE to eat it. A record/cd store. I have some CDs that I have destroyed from playing so much. As a lot are underground artists, it is difficult to go into the chains and find them. | |||
| Dogbert Citizen Username: Dogbert Post Number: 35 Registered: 1-2006  |
"Allowed to open"? This isn't Soviet Russia. Stores open when someone thinks they can make money in them. | |||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 13057 Registered: 1-2003  |
That's almost true, Dogbert. In general, the town does not decide if the type of proposed business fits into some sort of plan. But Maplewood has a rule against chain stores. Oddly, it seems to break the rule at times, and I don't know how that works. And now Maplewood has a rule about the density of nail salons. But yeah, other than stuff like that, it's an agreement between landlord and tenant (business), not business and town government. | |||
| Cynicalgirl Citizen Username: Cynicalgirl Post Number: 2501 Registered: 9-2003  |
Tom, are you serious? Can't be, actually. SA is Maplewood and there is a Papa John's and a BK. Do you mean Maplewood Avenue? Personally, I wouldn't mind some chain stores/franchises on SA. I would keep my dollars closer to home on a weekly basis if there were a few (this argument has been had before so I will not reiterate!) | |||
| argon_smythe Citizen Username: Argon_smythe Post Number: 786 Registered: 5-2001 |
Tom said, "Oddly, it does seem to break the rule at times." | |||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 10993 Registered: 5-2001 |
I don't think that there is any rule or ordinance against chain stores, only fast food restaurants. I believe the "fast food" ordinance was passed because of Burger King. Basically, a Dogbert says, businesses will open where they think they can make an acceptable return on their investment. Larger stores on SA are somewhat problematical because the lots are only 100 feet or so deep, making parking lots difficult. | |||
| Soda Supporter Username: Soda Post Number: 3635 Registered: 5-2001  |
Purplebug: While some might quibble with you regarding the idea of a DIY restaurant, I think Kramer would probably have this to say about it:
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| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 13059 Registered: 1-2003 |
I stand corrected about chain stores. The rule is against chain restaurants. And still, Papa Johns managed to set up shop, which was probably the demise of Pizza Primo across the street. I hear a lot of lip service to supporting local businesses, but the same people -- me included -- talk a lot about what they order online. I'm trying to think more carefully before I make a purchase. | |||
| Purplebug Citizen Username: Purplebug Post Number: 146 Registered: 10-2005 |
That is why I said, 'when I have the funds'. There are a few stores that see me every week, there are some that see me once a year. And some others that have never seen me (or ever will). I cannot do the online thing. I am a former victim of identity theft and too old school for my own good. I have NEVER ordered anything online. | |||
| John Citizen Username: Jdm Post Number: 15 Registered: 3-2006 |
The town has ordinances, as most do, regarding certain kinds of businesses in certain locations, e.g., how far apart nail/hair salons have to be. There's also zoning more generally, which limits all kinds of property uses and building types (housing included). After Papa John's moved in, the town changed some rules; others have been changed to conform to the Master Plan. That said, the most kinds of retail businesses (excluding those selling food that's eaten right away) aren't dealt with specifically. | |||
| LilLB Citizen Username: Lillb Post Number: 1409 Registered: 10-2002  |
The problem I keep coming to when I think about the chain store thing is that it's so subjective on what is considered "acceptable" for Maplewood Ave. I don't mind chain stores - I shop at them constantly, but I have to admit, I wouldn't want just any chain store in town. For example, I wouldn't mind a Starbucks or Smith & Hawken, Ann Taylor, or the like, but I wouldn't want what I would consider "Strip Mall" chain stores like "Odd Lot" or "Annie Sez". I'm glad there's an "Annie Sez" in Millburn because it's a great place to find shoes on the cheap, but I don't think it has enough charm for our little town. I do as much as I can in town, but sometimes the selection available at other places wins out. I tried to buy my cat supplies at the pet store this weekend, as I was in town getting some items framed at the frame shop and thought I'd give the pet store a try since I really hadn't shopped there before. I did get some things, but they only stocked about 1/2 of what I was looking for (they were typical cat things). So, unfortunately, I don't think I'll shop there going forward because it means I'll have to go to two pet stores just to get everything I need, and I have enough errands to run on the weekend... I do love the uniqueness of some of the places in town - in fact I think that can be the key to being successful there. I do a lot of gift shopping in town because Bee & Thistle always has great stuff that my aunts/uncles like and that place next to Garubo...Akiko? has unique gifts for friends. And, I like the new Abode store too - I'm sure I'll check that place out more. I'll go out of my way to shop in town at these places because I think I'll find something unique and special and it supports a local business. Once you get the chain stores, even if there was an Ann Taylor in town, I think I'd opt for the mall on that one, because if I don't find something there, I know I can walk a few steps down and give Talbots or Bloomies a try to find what I'm looking for. When you want to shop for an item at a chain store, particularly clothing, I think it's almost more convenient to go to a location that has many similar stores to find what you need, so you can shop around without having to drive to 5 different clothing stores. Then again...I don't know...there's no one right answer about what "should" be in town and preference is so subjective it's difficult to get consensus.... | |||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 13065 Registered: 1-2003 |
Maybe charm isn't a good criterion for what stores to have! Check out Pro Pets on 3rd St near Valley St in South Orange. They are open until 8pm and have a good inventory. The employees are pleasant, and the owner is very eager to please. I go there for all my pet needs. | |||
| LilLB Citizen Username: Lillb Post Number: 1411 Registered: 10-2002 |
You're right Tom - I guess they'd have difficulty defining that in the ordinance!  I actually have tried Pro Pets - they usually have what I'm looking for, but don't seem very good at keeping steady inventory levels on certain things. I do shop there fairly regularly though as they have what I need more often than not. | |||
| Dogbert Citizen Username: Dogbert Post Number: 36 Registered: 1-2006 |
The TC claimed the nail salon distance ordinance was possible because the Village is a SID (special improvement district), which gives them special management powers. I'm not sure they could really get away with it if it were challenged. The fast food ordinance, on the other hand, is pure nonsense. We're on our second such ordinance. The first one was so poorly-written that nobody really knew what it meant. The current one is written basically to say that it's fast food if the majority of the product is available ready for purchase, as opposed to beiong made to order. Putting aside the fact that many stores which sell food (the bakery in the village?) fit this definition, the ordinance doesn't define what is being measured: a majority of items? Most of the purchase price? Is a Happy Meal 1 item or 3? If a real case ever comes along this ordinance will fall to pieces too. In general I think the town interferes with business much more by recreuiting ones they want than by prohibiting ones they don't. | |||
| annettedepalma Citizen Username: Annettedepalma Post Number: 408 Registered: 11-2001 |
I'm posting here what Tom Carlson, Chair of the Planning Board, posted on another thread. Some of the formatting might have gotten lost between threads, but the substance is intact. Anyone interested in any way with what happens in this redevelopment area should try to come to this meeting: Tom Carlson Citizen Username: Tomcarlson Post Number: 105 Registered: 7-2002 Posted on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 - 8:54 am: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following announcement is being distributed by various paths, including a town-wide mailing. I thought it would also be useful to share it on MOL. ********************************************* To: Maplewood Residents and Community Leaders From: Tom Carlson, Chair, Maplewood Planning Board Re: Community Workshop for Redevelopment Plan You are invited to a community workshop to gather input for Maplewood’s Redevelopment Area No. 2. It will be held on Saturday, March 25th from 9:00am to 11:30am at Seth Boyden School. The workshop will be led by staff of Phillips Preiss Shapiro Associates, the consultants we have hired to guide us through this planning activity. Redevelopment Area No. 2 is located within the town’s industrial zone, along Burnett Avenue, between DeHart Park and Tuscan Road. It includes about 10 acres of commercial property that lie behind the houses on Burnett, Tuscan Road and Boyden Avenue. (See detailed description, attached.) As you may know, the Township Committee has declared this area a Redevelopment Zone, following the process prescribed by state law. This is the first application of this process in Maplewood. The redevelopment plan would allow the Township to specify what types of uses will be allowed in the area, to create appropriate zoning regulations and to select developers. This workshop is a chance for residents and community leaders to be actively involved in the planning process, a critical step in determining the future of our community. Who should attend? This is a public meeting to which all interested citizens are invited. No technical knowledge of development or land use is required; we’ve already hired experts to help us with that. At this workshop we will identify the visions and concerns that you have for the immediate neighborhood and for our community as a whole. The workshop sessions will be a two-way information exchange, providing citizens with an opportunity to contribute as well as learn from the planning process. I urge you to attend this interesting and valuable workshop. Detailed Description of Redevelopment Area No. 2 The designated area is located in the northern portion of Maplewood’s Commercial-Industrial (CI) zone. The boundaries of the area are: On the south, bounded by DeHart Park and the town’s Department of Public Works (DPW) On the west, bounded by a combination of frontage on Burnett Avenue and by rear yards of residential lots on Burnett Avenue On the north, bounded by the rear yards of residential lots on Tuscan Road On the east, bounded by the rear yards of residential lots on Boyden Avenue The area has small frontages on both Tuscan Road and Boyden Avenue, between residential lots. The following observations are also relevant to this designated area: The residentially zoned properties along the east side of Burnett Avenue were included in the original investigation but are not part of the designated area. In the vicinity of the study area, Tuscan Road and Boyden Avenue are fronted by residentially-zoned properties, the rear yards of which abut the CI zone. These residential properties are not included in the designated area. The site of the First Maplewood Baptist Church (Lot 7.01 of Block 48.47), is not included in the area. This lot lies at the south end of the designated area, immediately north of DeHart park. The entire DPW facility (Lot 167 of Block 48.47), was included in the original redevelopment study area. Only a small portion of that was included the designated area, specifically the far northern tip surrounded by other properties in the area. Because of its size and configuration, it was logical to include this portion of the DPW property the designation. | |||
| Joan Supporter Username: Joancrystal Post Number: 7147 Registered: 5-2001 |
The univrse of stores likely to open in our two towns is governed by: (1) the size of our stores (2) availability of parking and/or public transportation (3) proximity to other stores in the region already offering the same or similar mix of goods and/or services (4) cost of doing business: real property taxes, rent, fees, labor costs, etc. (5) distance from major access roads and highways Beyond that, the spending patterns of persons living in our two towns and the surrounding communities have a direct impact on the types of stores likely to open and succeed in our two towns. | |||
| Cynicalgirl Citizen Username: Cynicalgirl Post Number: 2507 Registered: 9-2003 |
I agree with what LilB had to say, above. My family probably uses the BK on SA once every two weeks, chain pizza once every 2 weeks, Trattoria or or similar once a week. Bagel Chateau daily. The 2 liguor stores. Most of my recurring dollars go to Pathmark, Target, LnT, Outback (now that I've rediscovered). A little King's, a little Whole Foods. Most of what's in Maplewood is occasional use for me. I almost never get my nails done! If there were certain kinds of chain food on SA I'd go there in lieu of further afield. I do find the parking argument compelling for Maplewood Ave, but maybe less so for SA. I seem to recall Princeton and some similar college towns having Gap and such. Why not SA? Would be pretty cool to turn a several block strip of SA into some seriously viable businesses. I'd shop there. | |||
| Prescott Perez-Fox Citizen Username: Scottperezfox Post Number: 9 Registered: 3-2005  |
It would be nice if Maplewood had a "rough and tumble" commercial strip where we could relax out clinched buttcheeks, stop worrying about "charm" for sixty seconds and just make some revenue from a variety of shops. And in the meantime, service the town population for things they need. For example, Valley St. in South Orange or the Millburn Mall. Not exactly the stuff you see in the brochures, but there are a lot of useful shops at those venues. SA would make the most sense for Maplewood, but that's a whole different story. IMHO, the problem is not the salons, but the car dealerships. Nothing repells Main-Street-USA-ness like a lot full of cars with American flags and glittery randomness. I've been saying for years what Springfield Ave needs is one of those home-oriented stores like Pottery Barn or William Sonoma. Its tricky. I wish I had all the answers, but I don't... Does the Bagel Chateau count as "fast food"? | |||
| Cynicalgirl Citizen Username: Cynicalgirl Post Number: 2509 Registered: 9-2003 |
I very much agree with you, Prescott Perez-Fox. You'd need a critical mass of the right kind of chain stores to make an impact, wouldn't you? I do go to Millburn Mall, and only for the Drug Fa. There as in some parts of SA I find myself wondering how the heck some of the smaller storefronts stay in business as they're kind ratty looking and seem redundant. Have charm on one side of town, and revenue on the other. Aren't there defunct auto related businesses on SA, with lots, just waiting to be turned into something? | |||
| Dogbert Citizen Username: Dogbert Post Number: 37 Registered: 1-2006 |
All of you who are anxious to shop on Springfield Ave: Would you still go there if you had to park a couple of blocks away? Consider the eVineyard site, now available for months: no parking at all. If it's not on the street, it's not there. Or you can park back in the residential neighborhoods. | |||
| Purplebug Citizen Username: Purplebug Post Number: 150 Registered: 10-2005 |
Maybe not in winter months, but all other seasons, I walk everywhere. As part of an exercise region, and also for my piece of mind. I can get ugly cases of road rage, so the less I am in a car the better It also gives me an opportunity to get to know my neighborhood and my neighbors. In additon, with what I have seen posted in regards to double parking, turnings and possibly lack of parking,walking is much better. | |||
| Cynicalgirl Citizen Username: Cynicalgirl Post Number: 2511 Registered: 9-2003 |
I would and do walk a block or two there. My biggest issue on SA is evening safety. But, if there were a signifcant row of decent stores (as near NetNomads) I think some safety would follow. Lighting and policing would help. I go to Church's chicken on occasion, that weird hobby store, NetNomads. Jake's. | |||
| jersey Boy Citizen Username: Jersey_boy Post Number: 349 Registered: 1-2006  |
I think the issue is larger than our towns. Shopping has changed from the days of my childhood. We used to ride downtown and wander into a record shop (doesn't exist), or a locally owned men's store (killed by malls), and buy a sub at a local pizzeria (which is the only thing still around), or get our nails done (okay, we NEVER did that; I have no idea.) The question that faces downtown shopping areas everywhere is, "what do people walk around and buy?" The "successful" downtowns today have ridiculous house ware shops that are most likely hobbies for the spouses of wealthy NYC business people catering to rich people who don't really need the stuff for sale. See Summit, Milburn, Montclair for some examples. South Orange has one such store that is great for brousing, "The Orange Tree" but how much turn over will it really see? This is a really good question. I want a hardware store I can run to for a screw. But, when I'm doing a big project, I'll drive right past a smaller store to Home Depot. The reason a chain like GAP or William Sonoma can afford a storefront is that it's subsidized by internet and catalog sales. What kind of store DO we want? I, personally don't know. Restaurant's can't be outsourced, and maybe the big theater will make their survival possible. But truly, what else that's not a chain can survive against the tide of on-line and catalog sales? | |||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 13082 Registered: 1-2003 |
jersey Boy is right. How can anyone make it? Well, clearly some can, but not many types of businesses. The kinds we want can't make it. We just like them there to have them there, not to provide the stuff we need. That's why rating a store's charm quotient is rather pointless. I would walk four blocks, and sometimes more, from a parking spot, but I've learned that I'm unusual. Today's shopper is very impatient. Walking is unthinkable. | |||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 13083 Registered: 1-2003 |
And I was unemployed for five months in 2004. Obviously, my thoughts went to doing work other than what I had (and have) been doing (information technology). I considered opening up a hardware store here, and then I thought about what a dicey proposition it was. | |||
| jersey Boy Citizen Username: Jersey_boy Post Number: 355 Registered: 1-2006 |
"Jersey Boy is right" typed by Tom Reingold. I'm all grow'ds up. I'm all grow'ds up. J.B. And on the same day I refered someone to the archives. Damn, what post number is this? | |||
| John Citizen Username: Jdm Post Number: 16 Registered: 3-2006 |
Dogbert, The Yale Street municipal lot always has lots of empty spots, dozens sometimes. As for eVineyard, try Hilton Avenue; it's usually full of spots as well. The lot on Indiana also usually has up to 10 free spots as well (it's where the Farmer's Market is held). The lot on Prospect is busier, partly because it's near the church, but we usually catch a spot there when we look. Of course, several places have their own lots (e.g., the banks, Ricciardi's, 99-cent store) so there's never a problem with parking there. Bottom line: if you don't get a spot right on SA when you drive by, turn the corner and you'll find one. Cynical Girl, I think you'll find SA is fairly well lit, at least the area near Prospect. That said, most shops close by 6, so even in the dead of winter, that's less than 90 minutes past sunset. Between the equinoctes, of course, the sun doesn't set until after six (6:09 today) and dusk goes on beyond that. | |||
| Fruitcake Citizen Username: Fruitcake Post Number: 266 Registered: 9-2003 |
"The fast food ordinance, on the other hand, is pure nonsense." What's the deal, Dogbert, do you want more fast food restaurants in town? Maybe a KFC? | |||
| Cynicalgirl Citizen Username: Cynicalgirl Post Number: 2513 Registered: 9-2003 |
My "dream" strip of useful stores would include: (1) Tru Value/Ace or independent hardware store; right now I go to HD or Buncher's. (2) Shoe repair (maybe combined with dc); right now I bring them to work. (3) Applebees, Outback or similar. Known chain. (4) Book/record/movie store - Border's type with cafe (5) Gap with adults and kids clothes (6) Footlocker or similar; sneakers and cazh shoes (7) Michaels sort of place with sewing stuff (8) Housewares kinda place like Linens and Things (9) Family oriented seafood restaurant (10) Big Hallmark store (11) Staples Yes, yes, chains. But, if I spent my money on SA rather than Rte 10, that would be good for the town coffers, and the school district, right? If that were all in place one after the other on SA, I'd walk 5 blocks. I'd park in a garage. Hell, I'd walk (I'm about 6 blocks away) | |||
| Blew Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 1378 Registered: 10-2004  |
Cynical: I would hate SA if all of those stores were along that stretch. That hodgepodge of stores sorta seems like a white-trash mall to me. Sorry. I'd prefer a few nice local ethnic restaurants that are reasonably priced. I'd like a great local bakery. A few great specialty grocery stores (something akin to the quality of Crains). I wouldn't mind a quirky book or music store but NOT a Border's style cafe one. A small local housewares store nothing like Linens and Things would be a great idea too. I guess I just like small, cute, and boutiquey over big chain stores. A few gift stores and clothing stores that aren't over-priced, or chains could be useful too. A higher quality liquor store maybe? I use Rt. 10 for lots of things too. I think it's great to have that diversity, but I like it OVER THERE. SA doesn't have a ton of parking and it shouldn't feel like a strip mall (which IS what Rt. 10 is) it should feel like a great downtown. You know it when you see it every time you enter the village, 'cause it feels so right (even though a lot of the things in the village aren't working for me, it does feel nice when I walk through it). Personally I think the Skate Shop, the new Healthy Grocery, the drug store, and Burnett BBQ, the new Carribbean food place, The toy store, along with a few old time staples like the arts center, the farmers market, verjus, dipaolo's all combine together to make a pretty compelling downtown area. Unfortunately that stretch of SA is really quite large and it is going to take a bit more than 10 stores to make it FEEL like a useful destination. Not to mention SA looks pretty horrible in MUCH of that stretch. But I see it sorta coming together. Maybe in another 20 years if it continues in this direction we will have forced out all the poor people in our neighboring sectiosn of Union (as we already did on the "other side of SA" in Maplewood) and truly gentrify the whole stretch of downtown. | |||
| Purplebug Citizen Username: Purplebug Post Number: 151 Registered: 10-2005 |
Cynical, I like your list. With yours and mine combined, we got downtown. Now if we can just find someone to open the stores. I would love a quirky hardware store. Home depot was great in the beginning because you could find people that knew what they were talking about. I would have no problem doing business with the local hardware store for a lot of my projects. And as far walking. I think if the right stores were there, what difference would there be between that and a mall? People walk the mall all the time. Not saying a strip mall. But an ecletic group of stores together, that could handle all the errands? Oy, that would be wonderful. I am going to try and make the meeting this weekend. Hope it won't turn into a shouting match. | |||
| Cynicalgirl Citizen Username: Cynicalgirl Post Number: 2514 Registered: 9-2003 |
Agree, Purplebug. Maybe a mid-priced galleria kinda thing? I used Essex Plaza for a lot of that stuff. Blew, to each his own! My list didn't absolutely mean those chains in every case, but stores in that price range, market and routineness of need. I, too, like Maplewood Avenue. I'm just acknowleging that (1) the town seems to have "ratables" issues that stress the school district (and therefore our taxes), and (2) some of the boutique-y niche stuff might not have enough recurrent business to make it, and may not serve enough local need for average families. Maybe you're right, and enough of them would make a difference, a critical mass that would cause folks from other towns who crave the boutique-y stuff to visit. I don't get the impression that Maplewood, alone (when one gets off MOL), is interested enough in the boutique-y to support it. For now, though, most of my family's recurrent spending is in other towns, and that's too bad. Millburn, Livingston, West Orange, in the main. Or online. | |||
| Prescott Perez-Fox Citizen Username: Scottperezfox Post Number: 10 Registered: 3-2005 |
What we really need is a capable print/copy shop. There is a MailBoxes etc. on SO Ave, but it is RUBBISH and by the way, don't ever go there because they are overpriced and have no idea what's going on. Kinko's is also Rubbish and those are out on Rte. 22 or 10. There are some Alpha Graphics chains in Summit, Monclair, and on 22, but they vary from location to location. That's what I'd like to see - some place that can print a double-sided sheet of paper once in a while. Also, I recommend the Lowes that just opened on Morris Ave in Union (off 22 East). They are much cleaner, better organised and have a larger selection than Home Depot. Know what would make some nice parking on Springfield - those car dealerships. Who buys American cars anyway? (no disrespect, of course) | |||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 13090 Registered: 1-2003 |
I'll repeat what I have said a few times about parking, because it seems to bear repeating. There are perceived parking problems which don't add up to real parking problems in my mind. You can go to the Livingston Mall, for example and you walk from your car to the mall and then into the stores. That amount of walking is the same as OR GREATER THAN the amount you walk when you walk a couple of blocks from a municipal lot to a store on the street. But the latter walk seems bigger because you are crossing property lines, sometimes several. Also, the VARIABILITY of the distance you have to drive to find parking is greater in towns than at malls. This leads to the perception that the parking is too scarce, even when it isn't. When a store has its own parking, that guarantees a certain number of spaces. Sometimes it guarantees more than necessary. But when several businesses share parking, no one business is guaranteed a number of spaces. When the shared runs out, we lose sight of the fact that it's more efficient. But while I realize these misperceptions and I might be able to get others to see them, we can't expect everyone to be grateful for a better situation when it seems to be worse. So I don't know how you can get businesses to move in when they know shoppers won't be attracted, and I don't know how to get shoppers to come when they perceive a mostly non-existant parking problem. | |||
| Purplebug Citizen Username: Purplebug Post Number: 154 Registered: 10-2005 |
No, it doesn't bear repeating, we just disagree. You are I are both unusual (yours is more in a good way, mine is more weird). I think that there are more people out there that are not that obtuse about the parking/walking situation. However, maybe we haven't seen them do to the offerings available. Maybe once the type of stores changes, we will see more of the unusuals. | |||
| Cynicalgirl Citizen Username: Cynicalgirl Post Number: 2516 Registered: 9-2003 |
I don't have a problem with parking spaces on SA other than not being that familiar with them, and still being leary of parking very far from a "nice" store, especially at night. Whatever exists is not well marked and obvious in my opinion. One plus of the more recognized chains -- or a critical mass of appealing stores -- is that there is a certain amount of "if you build it they will come." Built in recognition, less marketing effort needed. Don't have to explain what they sell, who they are. For good or for ill (and for some an ill) you know what you will get. Not so with Pepe le Fou-Fou's Chic Grille Nouveau and similar. NetNomads had a following before it moved there. I hope the Beaded Path and the other stores are doing OK. They are all nice, but I haven't had the need to go into any of them for about 6 months. | |||
| Blew Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 1381 Registered: 10-2004 |
Cynical, I went into the new Healthy Grocery. It's actually pretty rocking. Some great stuff, and it's not all vegetarian. The baked goods look good, the veggies and fruit good, sandwiches, drinks and an interesting variety of health/beauty products along with diverse shelved and frozen foods. I was impressed and they are still getting in new stuff every day. It's sorta like a Whole Foods but smaller and with a different selection of foods. DEFINITELY worth a look to say the least. | |||
| Cynicalgirl Citizen Username: Cynicalgirl Post Number: 2518 Registered: 9-2003 |
Where is it? As in, what's it next to? I like Whole Foods prepared foods, their meat, cheese, bread. Don't buy the rest of the stuff. I'm more looking for high quality when I go there rather than organic (just sometimes those 2 coincide). A million years ago I'd go to Balducci's and similar in NYC for same reasons... | |||
| growler Citizen Username: Growler Post Number: 920 Registered: 11-2001  |
The real problem isn't finding a parking spot or safety or not being able to find enough stores to shop in. The real problem is breaking people out of their routine and actually shopping at the new stores opening up. We can all say that we want new stores but if we don't shop them, how can they stay open? I think Tom is right. We like to say we have nice shops however don't really shop them. The only real place for development in Maplewood is on SA and it's also the only place new stores can/are opening up. There still is such a stigma regarding SA. This is one town. Not just the Village and "the other side of town". Once we get past this then we can truly move forward. And development takes can take a few years and more. Look at all the progress within the past 5 years that has happened and all the new stores popping up. I'm sure there is more to come but to make other businesses open up, they need to see that people actually are willing to shop there. Not just say they will. Bob K is also right. The lot depth is too shallow for big box names to come in and set up shop unless the town takes residential property by eminent domain (which we know causes an uproar). For example, most of the stores that Cynicalgirl mentioned want a vanilla box that they can move right into without making any renovations (3000 plus sf). So the only stores that can open up are mom and pop stores that our town so prides itself on. Which, comes back to shopping the new stores and not just shopping in the same old places. Need eggs and milk? Stop into the new grocery store (hey at least we got one faster then SO!). Need party plates? Go to the dollar store. Need a cup of coffee? Go to NetNomads. Got mom's birthday? Pick up a necklace at the beading place. Kids got a birthday to go to? Go to the toy store. See, it’s simple. And it keeps them in business. | |||
| BGS Citizen Username: Bgs Post Number: 799 Registered: 10-2003 |
FWIW from a retailer's perspective...Mr. BGS owns a small store at the end of Parker at the convergence of Irvington Ave, Parker and Clinton. He and I discuss SA all the time. A local hardware store would be great - however, in the last 20 years 5 good hardware stores have closed in Maplewood and I know for a fact one in South Orange. A shoe repair would be good too, however, one just closed next door to our store in the last year or so and there used to be one in Maplewood village that also went out of business...the only one I know of around is on Irvington Avenue near Zayda's. Most people wear shoes with rubber bottoms, or, not expensive shoes that are thrown out when the bottoms wear out...a shoemaker cannot keep a business going on the few good pair of shoes that make it into their business....The person near our store was taking in all kinds of work to keep his doors opened (vacuum repair, selling luggage etc)...he finally closed because there just was not enough work to justify the rent. Hardware stores cannot survive when someone wants to stop in for a nail or screws...I remember Tom R. thinking about a hardware store in Maplewood village and thought to myself...Tom don't do it...you will not make the $$ you need to sustain it. |
