| Author | Message | ||
     Blew Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 1385 Registered: 10-2004  |
The new grocery store is NOT a replacement to Whole Foods in any way. No meat or cheese (that I noticed). While there is bread, I'm not 100% sure it will replace a supermarket even for bread. Having said that it has some great stuff. It's right next door to the Wooden toy store. | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 11001 Registered: 5-2001 |
LOL, Mr. Perez Fox. When I think of things I have bought on SA, two cars are the big ticket items. We also have bought tires, paint at both stores, wall paper at Ricardis, small items at a couple of variety stores, coffee at Net Nomads and papers, coffee and donuts at Quik Check and some brass stuff at the now defunct Brass Town, which is now a liquor store. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 13124 Registered: 1-2003  |
A local business owner told me that locally owned businesses tend to spend more money at other local businesses than do chains. For instance, a Kinko's will buy paper from one or two national suppliers, but a locally owned copy shop would buy paper from a locally owned paper supplier. Also, a locally owned business tends to respond more quickly to community needs and concerns. So if their kitchen exhaust smells bad, the residents can complain, and the business is likely to respond. A national business might, but only after long, expensive communication. I expect a locally owned business to be more generous to things like local sports teams and cultural events. We often forget these considerations when we shop for the lowest price and take our business out of town. I wonder what we can do to raise consciousness of these issues. | ||
| Dogbert Citizen Username: Dogbert Post Number: 38 Registered: 1-2006  |
BGS - we use the shoe repair place on Main in Millburn, south of Millburn Ave | ||
| jersey Boy Citizen Username: Jersey_boy Post Number: 359 Registered: 1-2006  |
Prescot Perez Fox, There is a print shop on Springfield Ave. J.B. | ||
| Cynicalgirl Citizen Username: Cynicalgirl Post Number: 2519 Registered: 9-2003  |
I think it takes more than consciousness-raising. We all do shop local pizza, groceries and drycleaning and similar. I've not been here long enough to comment on businesses now gone (the hardware store and similar) but the business has to have inventory, retail space, behavior and hours that meet a felt need. People need a reason to go there beyond boosterism. I can't manufacture more need than I have for certain goods and services. I use the local stores when they have what I need, when I need it (hours). I'm not likely to adjust my hours, and I do frequently pay more for convenience (local liquor stores). But some items just can't be bought in our town so far as I know. | ||
| Cynicalgirl Citizen Username: Cynicalgirl Post Number: 2520 Registered: 9-2003 |
BTW, we actually bought expensive candles at that SO store that went under! | ||
| Purplebug Citizen Username: Purplebug Post Number: 161 Registered: 10-2005 |
Hey, I use the guy on Irvington Ave for my shoe repair. Actually, had to bury a pair of boots because there was nothing else he could do.  Tell me where to go!! I do not frequent restaurants due to my exercise regimen, home cooked meals are best for me right now. The style of clothes I see are either too old fashioned or too new fashioned. But when I want quirky, I will try the spot mentioned above. Kids...eww. Don't really understand people between the ages of 2 minutes and 23, but that is just my unusual side. I also like the plate place and am trying to have a get together there with some friends. I would REALLY like to know about a hardware store. So if you can direct me there, I would truly appreciate. I have more to get then hammer and nails. Also, if someone can direct me to a stationery store. I am re-entering the phase of diary writing and would like a nice book and a pen set. And please, tell me where the dollar store is. I'll be there this weekend. Have patience with me, I just discovered the library, and that's free! However, on the other side of the coin. I have frequented certain businesses and their customer service SUCKS!!! Now everyone can have an off day, I understand that. But you get three chances with me. After that, my money goes somewhere else. And another aside. As they are trying to get MOL's to frequent certain restaurants in need in of support, how about some business establishments that need some traffic? I have an adventurous spirit and will try anything (legal) once. Just point me in the direction. | ||
| Jgberkeley Citizen Username: Jgberkeley Post Number: 4496 Registered: 5-2001 |
JB "There is a print shop on Springfield Ave." Where?? If you are thinking of the one next to the Bead store at Prospect, forget about it. Due to a lack of business, it went out of business in December. The space is now the home of Spring Fields Natural Food store. Not a replacement for Whole Foods, but like stuff, smaller and local. Later, George | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 13131 Registered: 1-2003 |
The dollar store (99cents Globe) is on Springfield Ave between Yale and Prospect. The owner, Saad, is eager to please. People were apprehensive that the place would be messy and would mar the neighborhood. They were wrong! Dollar stores are fun! Cynicalgirl, good points. There is a lot of stuff we can't buy here. And while the Maplewood pet shop is charming, I go to the shop in South Orange because the hours are good. There's an excellent and extensive hardware shop in Montclair. It's not convenient, but it's nice not to shop at Home Despot. South End Hardware 321 Orange Rd Montclair, NJ 07042 973-746-9410 | ||
| jersey Boy Citizen Username: Jersey_boy Post Number: 363 Registered: 1-2006 |
George, I don't remember the name, but the Yellow Pages have two under "Printers": Action Graphics at 1877 Springfield Ave. (Phone disconnected. Maybe this is the one that went out of business.) or: Sayle & Wimmer Graphic Printing Inc. on 1729 Springfield Ave. 973-781-6696. I wish there was a nail place on Springfield Ave.  J.B. | ||
| John Citizen Username: Jdm Post Number: 18 Registered: 3-2006 |
Action Graphics at 1877 Springfield Ave. Gone for months now. That's the site of Spring Fields Natural Market. Stop by for lunch, or milk, or produce, or cookies, or soap, or soda, or... | ||
| Blew Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 1389 Registered: 10-2004 |
I saw (but haven't been in) a new printer (which MIGHT NOT BE A COPY SHOP) in Union when you exit 78 West when coming back from the city. The ramp feeds onto Vauxhall road. The first light on Vauxhall, take the right (is that Hilton -- sorry too lazy to check) immediately on the left. It JUST opened. Further on your right is the school. | ||
| Cynicalgirl Citizen Username: Cynicalgirl Post Number: 2523 Registered: 9-2003 |
I use the Maplewood pet shop when I'm already downtown, for various hamster items. Appreciate, Tom, the reference to the Montclair hardware. I'll probably continue to use Buncher's due to proximity and certain services (rescreening, glass replacement) I've never been to Montclair -- haven't had a reason as yet. I do use Caroline drug (is that Millburn?) for my family's extensive medical supplies needs. BGS, I've often wondered (though never stopped) about those little stores at the intersection you describe. I'm sure it's due to lack of revenue, but it's a sad little location, looks wise. And count me as one of the people who wonders about the new stores (and depressing little storefronts) on Valley near the intersection with Parker. The electrical place that looks perpetually closed, the sandwich sthop or whatever, and very old fashioned looking barbershop. I guess this is an endless debate! I've lived here 3 years and it seems a perennial topic. I just miss the little strip shopping center near where I used to live: local video store, deli, CVS, Tru Value, liquor, barber, ice cream, card/gift store, dry cleaner. Used to use same all the time. I know many such strips closed when malls first became the thing, but then a lot of little strips came back as people came to appreciate the value of convenience. BTW, I don't think we should be so quick to judge chains and franchises as evil. Many provide the quickest, most reliable way for people (esp women and minorities) to become small business owners. They can provide business models, marketing and access to lower cost inventory that can make for success. And training and quality assurance. Most people who decide to open a small business are not experienced enough to get it successfully off the ground. Starts with a desire to be independent often, and follow an internal urge not verified by reality. I don't keep up on all of this, but in my old town, one of the hardware store franchises, some quickcopy, coffee, Hallmark and similar filled exactly that niche, both for customers and prospective business owners. Is Walgreen's and the nextdoor shopping center M/SO? Big parking lot, if rather in need of repaving. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 13132 Registered: 1-2003 |
The entire intersection of Millburn Ave and Valley St is in Maplewood. The Walgreens is in Newark. That side of Irvington Ave is Newark. | ||
| Blew Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 1392 Registered: 10-2004 |
Cynical: the reason to go to Monclair? AMAZING FOOD OPTIONS. Nuff said. | ||
| Blew Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 1393 Registered: 10-2004 |
Franchises aren't inherently evil I just prefer smaller quirkier HIGHER QUALITY stores. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE ME SOME TACO BELL, but I'd just as soon have a great little burrito shack in Maplewood on SA. (You know the kind you only find in California that has fresh cilantro, and cabbage and salsa in the burritos and you can get fish tacos and everything is cheap and fresh...that kind!) | ||
| Cynicalgirl Citizen Username: Cynicalgirl Post Number: 2529 Registered: 9-2003 |
I'd like a burrito stand, too, Blew. Just not holding my breath. But I need a hardward store more...just my druthers. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 13136 Registered: 1-2003 |
Yeah, Montclair has TWO theaters that play, um, what are they called?, art films. And good Indian restaurants that are underpriced. And a French/Thai restaurant. And a large independent bookstore that sells new and used books. It's frustrating how close Montclair is but it takes a long time to get there from Maplewood. | ||
| Blew Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 1395 Registered: 10-2004 |
Tom, I have "the 20 minute rule". Essentially anything that is within 20 minutes I consider close -- and what I LOVE about Maplewood is that if you were to draw a circle to define the 20 minute close area, it's HUGE. Needless to say Montclair is 20 minutes close. Just barely but it is. | ||
| Blew Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 1396 Registered: 10-2004 |
Cynical: I would love a GOOD burrito shack too. I remember reading about Tinga and being so PSYCHED. Then I ate there. I here a lot of talk about hardware stores but I don't have much need for it. Maybe 10 times a year? A good burrito shack, I need 50 times a year. | ||
| John Citizen Username: Jdm Post Number: 19 Registered: 3-2006 |
CG, I'm afraid the days of the local hardware store are gone. Home Depot and Lowe's have done them in. And don't just wonder about the new stores on SA, stop by. Surely you can spare an hour or so one day. And if you need a toy or other gift or snack, you could even buy something.  Personally I indulge my diet-soda habit at the 99-cent store, which I find to have loads of goodies for the kids for school too. And it's well kept and has its own parking. | ||
| Jgberkeley Citizen Username: Jgberkeley Post Number: 4507 Registered: 5-2001 |
This has always been an interesting topic. Yet, I find it interesting. I heard a need for a print-copy shop. One just went out of business and his problem was that people went to staples and paid 8 cents a copy rather than 10 cents, so he said. A taco shop, based on a East Los Angeles format, and I'm from LA, was in the village, he went out of business for several reasons, one being a lack of customers. I hear the people asking about the old pizza space on Springfield Aveneue, but I wonder is any one would support the businesses. I just wonder. I have one guy wanting to move a nail salon into the space. Well that would make money and pay the rent. What do you think? Later, George | ||
| Lester Jacobs Citizen Username: Lester Post Number: 106 Registered: 10-2005 |
Chain stores will never open on SA. Usually a Gap or other retail establishments like that want a certain number of affluent customers within a certain radius. Obviously this radius can vary (e.g. Manhattan), but out here in the burbs it is at least 2-3 miles. Although our town is relatively affluent, you have many very poor towns (e.g. Newark, Irvington, the Oranges) within this radius. The best bet is to attract retailers that cater to people who live in Irvington, Newark, etc, but do not want to locate there because of high crime. These could include beauty supply stores, dollar stores, thrift shoppes, etc. | ||
| Alleygater Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 1424 Registered: 10-2004 |
JGBerkeley: The mexican restaurant Carmelitas in the village was NOTHING like what I imagine we need. The food was a bit too "precious". A lot of people didn't actually like the food. I'm vegetarian, and IN THEORY I should have had TONS to eat but in actuality I always had to ask for something special because the menu wasn't conducive to me enjoying my meal. I guess what I'm saying, is the price point and style/flavor of the food wasn't ideal. I'm thinking more like takeout tacqueria style not sit down nice meal style. C'mon if you lived in LA you must have an idea what GOOD TASTY CHEAP mexican can taste like. | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 11041 Registered: 5-2001 |
I think George is refering to Arizona Burrito, which occupied the site prior to Carmelitas. | ||
| Alleygater Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 1426 Registered: 10-2004 |
Oh, I never ate there. Pre-alleygater I suppose. Was it good? OK, in the same location, wasn't that location once a cheese shop? Now look at Crains. It is EXACTLY what our town needs. So sometimes it is an issue of timing and execution. Crain's has got it right. The right quality for the right price. Now if the store was on SA, I bet prices could be even lower (for my burrito-shack idea) because rent is substantially lower...right? | ||
| Jgberkeley Citizen Username: Jgberkeley Post Number: 4509 Registered: 5-2001 |
Hey, the rent is going in the 2K area. How about building your burrito-shack idea? Contact me to view the store. Later, George | ||
| Morrisa da Silva Citizen Username: Mod Post Number: 399 Registered: 12-2003 |
The Print shop that closed on Springfield Ave did so not just because of a 2 cent difference in printing costs. His shop was dark, messy and not conducive to business. I went in for some color copies and although the person helping me was nice (the owner?) He seemed rather distracted, was moving on the slow side and just the general messiness would make me uncomfortable leaving any important documents for printing. I don't need bells and whistles just a professional environment for a business service. | ||
| Alleygater Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 1429 Registered: 10-2004 |
JG: I would love to open up my Burrito-shack. I think I could do a GREAT job of it too. Unfortunately, I have to weigh the facts that someone is willing to give me lots of money to surf MOL all day (AKA my job) vs. the fact that I could pay someone else $24,000/year (not including outfitting the place with a proper kitchen, interior decoration and dining room) for the opportunity to run a business which might be unsuccessful. It might earn money. But it might not too. As we know running your own business is ALWAYS more work than showing up to a job and being an employee. So more work, potentially less money vs. steady pay check probably less work. If I didn't have a job, and I was feeling a bit more into gambling (which I'm not right now) I might jump on this potentially lucrative opportunity. Maybe. Anything's possible. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 13212 Registered: 1-2003 |
And that points out how cheap talk is. That's not directed at you, Alleygater. We love to talk about the businesses we'd like to see, but only a few will take the risk. Hats off to those who do! By the way, another idea tossed at me was to open a $100 store at the Mall at Short Hills, analogous to the $1 stores everywhere else. Everything is $100. It's a fun joke, but might it succeed anyway? | ||
| Alleygater Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 1432 Registered: 10-2004 |
Tom, I know what you mean about talk is cheap. When I saw the woman running the new Healthy Grocery Store, I was VERY IMPRESSED with what she had done. I was envious too. I also think the $100 store would be a GREAT idea (and by that I mean, successful -- not that I would actually shop there). I wonder if you could open up the $10 store in the Livingston Mall for the proof of concept. | ||
| Frederick Schmid Citizen Username: Carlfrederick Post Number: 18 Registered: 3-2006 |
Tom the $100 Shoppe is a great idea. I will float the idea with a few of my friends in Beverly Hills. If the store had good ideas for the merchandise, people would flock around the idea. Frederick | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 13215 Registered: 1-2003 |
And it was only a few months ago where the consensus here on MOL was that you can't run a small independent grocery store because the margins are too low. Now Spring Fields (love the name) opens. I wish them good luck! For the $100 store, I can think of a few things that often cost a few hundred bucks and will seem like a bargain at $100. How about a tweed jacket? Or a fancy looking espresso machine? The target market is people who think $100 is something you blow without thinking about it. I come home from the $1 store and my wife asks me why I wasted my money on junk. My response is, hey, I only blew $7, and one of these things may work and last. It's fun! | ||
| Alleygater Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 1436 Registered: 10-2004 |
Where is Spring Fields? What do they sell (anything unique)? How is the place? harharhar, I don't need any smart alecks telling me it's in Springfield. | ||
| Jgberkeley Citizen Username: Jgberkeley Post Number: 4510 Registered: 5-2001 |
Spring Fields Natural Market is in Maplewood, on Springfield Avenue and near the corner of Prospect. Nice stuff for a just opened food store, more items arrive daily. The bad-good news is that some items are selling out quickly and are not in stock when I pop in for lunch. Between Young's Fish market and The Beaded Path, Maplewood's premier beading store. Next to that is Wooden You Know the toy store that does not sell plastic or battery operated toys, the good old natural toys, and on the corner, Netnomads, the internet cafe and coffe shop. Just down the other way is the Globe 99 Cent store. Across the street is a Bank of America, the 'under construction' new home for Cafe Meow and the dance studio-school, Stories in Motion. You can find Muni parking behind Tops Pharmacy, and a larger Muni parking lot behind Burnett BBQ, just off Yale. | ||
| Jgberkeley Citizen Username: Jgberkeley Post Number: 4511 Registered: 5-2001 |
Oh, I forgot, look for the green awning that just went up today. | ||
| Alleygater Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 1444 Registered: 10-2004 |
I know Spring Fields. I didn't realize that was it's name. I've been. It's awesome. Everyone go. | ||
| Cynicalgirl Citizen Username: Cynicalgirl Post Number: 2535 Registered: 9-2003 |
I'm going to try to chedk out this Spring Fields place today as I make my errand rounds. Morris da Silva makes a good point about cosmetics and service. On or about Maplewood Ave, I go into Ko Ko Ro, Scrivener's, Goldfinch and the stationer's. They all look nice, inviting and have good service. Same with NetNomads, Beaded Path and Wooden. They are good models for what folks expect, I think, in the way of appearances. | ||
| Wooden You Know Citizen Username: Wooden_you_know Post Number: 8 Registered: 2-2005 |
Thank you for the kind comment Cynicalgirl. We really try to make your shopping experience a memorable one. And just a correction to what George said. We do carry plastic toys in the store. We try to carry plastic toys that are PVC and Phthalate free but have others that are not. Everyone please feel free to stop by and say hi! We'd love to see you! Matthew |
