New stores coming to Duluth, anyone know of any? (Apple Valley: how much, tenant)

[duluthian2008]

I think Duluth could Support a REI.

[duluthian2008]

Is it just more or does it seem that the space that is left over from Cash Wise Liquors expansion could support a Noodles and Company? The space seems perfect for Noodles and there seems like there is a good amount left also. I just was wondering. Does anyone think this also or think this space is suitable for some other store?

[tvdxer]

Originally Posted by kuan

Midnight Sun was kinda REI light. Too many old school types up there for an REI to stay open. They'll be walking in asking for Duluth packs and the REI folks will be scratching their heads.

I'm pretty impressed with our local outdoors businesses myself. I wouldn't want to shop at a chain.

Plus, aren't REI outlets usually huge?

[aluminumpork]

Originally Posted by tvdxer

I'm pretty impressed with our local outdoors businesses myself. I wouldn't want to shop at a chain.

Plus, aren't REI outlets usually huge?

I was talking to a friend of mine who works at Trailfitters, and the general attitude is that REI is "big, evil and corporate". I too really like our local shops, although it seems Duluth Pack is becoming less and less specialized.

[duluthian2008]

Is it just more or does it seem that the space that is left over from Cash Wise Liquors expansion could support a Noodles and Company? The space seems perfect for Noodles and there seems like there is a good amount left also. I just was wondering. Does anyone think this also or think this space is suitable for some other store?

[aluminumpork]

Originally Posted by duluthian2008

Is it just more or does it seem that the space that is left over from Cash Wise Liquors expansion could support a Noodles and Company? The space seems perfect for Noodles and there seems like there is a good amount left also. I just was wondering. Does anyone think this also or think this space is suitable for some other store?

I'm sure someone will grab the space up, although to be so specific as Noodles in Company, I wouldn't know. I think the space would work for any number of tenants, whether it be a coffee shop or a burrito joint.

Oh, it turns out the DQ in the mall won't be changing to a Grill and Chill. Turns out DQ Corporate turned their request down, saying that looking at stats on the cafeteria didn't look kindly on burger sales. People suspect something else going on, perhaps with the other DQ owner (guy that owns the new one by Krenzen).

Whooo knooowss...

[duluthian2008]

When you say the other DQ owner, do you mean the Rick and Patty who own the Grill and Chill on Mall drive? I didnt think it would become a Grill and Chill in the mall because Grill and Chill doesnt do little some food court stands like our DQ is. Did you find out what the place will be thats replacing Burger King?

[aluminumpork]

Originally Posted by duluthian2008

Did you find out what the place will be thats replacing Burger King?

Latest word is still a "chicken" place.

[roneb]

Originally Posted by kuan

Midnight Sun was kinda REI light. Too many old school types up there for an REI to stay open. They'll be walking in asking for Duluth packs and the REI folks will be scratching their heads.

LOL! Spoken like a true outdoorsman kuan! As a former REI employee in my youth, I can honestly say your words are quite accurate. Around twenty years ago REI became horribly growth oriented, opening at least a couple of stores a year, became too big to stock products by true cutting edge outdoor gear manufacturers (too small to meet REI's volume demands), and hired Nordstrom buyers and execs who didn't know squat about the outdoor goods they were buying for the stores. For a while you could always find a ready supply of size 12 climbing shoes in stock. To REI's credit, they've made some great strides in the last couple of years in an attempt to return to their roots, so to speak; but they still would not be where I would go for knowledgable help. If you want an REI as it used to (should) be, check out MEC (Mountain Equipment Coop) in Canada. Damn shame the exchange rate doesn't work in our favor anymore!

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by aluminumpork

Latest word is still a "chicken" place.

I wonder if it is Cane's? They only sell chicken strips. They went into the old Burger King in Apple Valley last year. It seems to be doing well.