Retail coming to Philadelphia (Houston: entry level, training, appropriate)

[thedirtypirate]

Originally Posted by cpomp

Depending on the location, I would.

I agree and I would agree with your original statement if it was opening on Rittenhouse Square or in Society Hill, but its not.

[ilovephilly79]

Originally Posted by thedirtypirate

Do you say this about Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn too because Rainbows exist? Not somewhere I would necessarily go, but it isn't that different than the 'City Blue' place that use to be around the corner from there.

It's not that it exists in Center city. It is that the location should command a much better tenant.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by thedirtypirate

Do you say this about Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn too because Rainbows exist? Not somewhere I would necessarily go, but it isn't that different than the 'City Blue' place that use to be around the corner from there.

Similar demographics may patronize both Rainbow and City Blue although the latter will require more cash.

[cpomp]

I heard through the grapevine that Sugar Factory near 12th / Chestnut closed?
Didn't that just open? Anyone know the story?

[mphilly]

That is weird, it hasn’t even been there a year. I’m not totally surprised because I’ve walked by a couple times recently at times when you’d expect it to be open and it’s been closed so I did wonder if it was struggling or closed for good but then I would walk by at a different time and it was open again.

[MarketStEl]

Originally Posted by cpomp

There is a large difference between "whole-hog upscale" and a Rainbow.
It is a large space on a high traffic corridor, I envisioned something with more usefulness and/or cachet. But it is what it is, I'm not here crying, just sharing mild disappoint (and a retail update).

Comments I've made that suggest the opposite notwithstanding, I share your mild disappointment. I'd rather see another decent off-price retailer if that's what the owner thinks the market can support.

But then again, I'd say the market could support even more: ISTR that West Elm has a store on that very block.

[MPK21]

Noticed a week or so ago that the CVS at 11th/Washington closed. This location was locked and shuttered down by 7pm-8pm during the pandemic.

This location has parking so one would expect something to go in here soon-ish

[MPK21]

Any news on the Walnut Street Floyd Lot? Hard to believe it's still a gaping hole in this stretch of Walnut Street.

Must say it's quite unsightly; big fenced off overgrown, gaping hole sitting there.

Someone has to step in and develop this lot soon or at least get it cleaned up. It's beyond embarrassing for the city...but justified in the eyes of many.

Perhaps a George Floyd Memorial Park? The city should construct a public memorial in a high profile location for Floyd as a mural out in a neighborhood ain't cutting it. Maybe include some free pop-up retail stands for POC business owners etc.

[cpomp]

Originally Posted by MPK21

Any news on the Walnut Street Floyd Lot? Hard to believe it's still a gaping hole in this stretch of Walnut Street.

Must say it's quite unsightly; big fenced off overgrown, gaping hole sitting there.

Someone has to step in and develop this lot soon or at least get it cleaned up. It's beyond embarrassing for the city...but justified in the eyes of many.

Perhaps a George Floyd Memorial Park? The city should construct a public memorial in a high profile location for Floyd as a mural out in a neighborhood ain't cutting it. Maybe include some free pop-up retail stands for POC business owners etc.

lol, don't even put the idea out there.

And no, last I heard there were ongoing insurance disputes, but potential plans for a mid-rise tower are in early works?

I think this spot would be good for a high-end hotel, awesome location, added foot traffic, not many hotels basically on the square.

It is good to see retailers trickling back to Walnut (and Chestnut)... J. Crew, J. Crew Factory, Aritzia, Faherty, and many others, but that burned out hole is embarrassing for the entire stretch.

[mphilly]

It’s not great but if I was visiting I would just think the lot was under construction so I don’t know if it’s any worse than a boarded up building.

But agreed, hopefully something gets built there soon.