Showcase Dunkin Donuts coming to downtown Greenville (commission, business)

[g-man430]

Saw this link posted on urbanplanet: The changing face of Greenville | GreenvilleOnline.com | The Greenville News Very interesting story to say the least seeing how it talks about what we're talking about here. Hughes has got it right. If local and national retailers/restaurants can co-exist in downtown Charleston then why not in downtown Greenville?

[jbar1]

I would hope that both corporate owned and locally owned business can exist downtown. Right now the lure of downtown is the local establishments, and the lure of areas like Woodruff Rd. is the big box stores. How nice would it be if there was an area where you could find both! And I really see the locally owned business as the winner here. As the draw of the big box stores brings more people downtown. Sure some locally owned business will suffer, but not because of the big box stores, but because they did not change, adapt, or offer a more unique or higher quality shopping experience.
Think of it like this. I would like to buy a new TV. Right now I would get in the car drive to Woodruff Rd. go to Best Buy, Circuit City, Jeff Lynch (local), that Gregggg place and compare some prices. Well that can work up quite an appetite so now I need to stop for lunch. Hmmm should I go downtown and get something great for lunch? No I'll just stop at Jack-in-the-Box because it's right here. But if I can shop for my TV Downtown, now I stop at a local eatery, because it tastes better, and I get a much more comfortable dining experience. Then maybe I might even stop at some other local shopping establishment because something unique has caught my eye from the window.
You see how that works? Big Box stores brought me downtown, but I also spent money at other places. Money that they would not have otherwise seen.
And not to mention the fact that Big Box stores employ people. Maybe, just maybe some of these people will stay downtown and grab a bite to eat, or do some shopping after work... I mean just the fact that the would employ people is good enough for me.

[g-man430]

I bought my new tv and fridge from Jeff Lynch mainly due to the fact it was cheaper than any of the national chains.

[g-vegas]

I for one cant wait for dunkin donuts to come downtown. I am not sure of any cities that grow without a little change, and g-man dont worry your not a nut.

[g-man430]

Originally Posted by g-vegas

I for one cant wait for dunkin donuts to come downtown. I am not sure of any cities that grow without a little change, and g-man dont worry your not a nut.

Thanks. You and me aren't alone though. There are plenty of people especially on urbanplanet who can't wait for the nationals to come downtown. Let's not let the few NIMBY's ruin it.

[Webster_MGT_student]

And not to mention the fact that Big Box stores employ people. Maybe, just maybe some of these people will stay downtown and grab a bite to eat, or do some shopping after work... I mean just the fact that the would employ people is good enough for me.[/quote]

I live downtown, work for Best Buy and would love to be able to work close to home and still enjoy the local businesses. I would still support all the local places that I do now.

[PhotogGal]

I would love to see a Borders with a coffee shop ANYWHERE in Greenville. I love bookstores, and the more the better. I currently frequent both Barnes and Nobles and Books a Million, but I think Borders would be a nice addition to the city. I don't see it detracting from the appeal of our downtown area at all. In fact, I think it would be great to have a bookstore right downtown. Please don't beat me up.

[fun4me]

I do agree in keeping the charm of the downtown area. It is so different from every other downtown I have visited. I think if they wanted to (builders whoever is in charge of construction) you can have the best of both worlds.
I live in Pensacola,FL and wished to be able to walk like in NYC and visit different places without going to a mall.
If tastefully done the charm can remain and still have a Borders or Barnes & Noble.
Also, sometimes by doing this the little man does suffer.
As long as it's all done in moderation.

Just my opinion

[bs3488]

I would love a bookstore in the downtown area, actually anywhere downtown and north like in the cherrydale/travelers rest area

[NoodlesKnowles]

Originally Posted by bs3488

I would love a bookstore in the downtown area, actually anywhere downtown and north like in the cherrydale/travelers rest area

I would dig that too, I have to drive all the way out to woodruff or haywood to get a book, and I live on the west side of town