Barnes and Noble closing. (Pittsburgh, Liberty: hotels, live, stores)

[DurangoJoe]

I can't speak with any knowledge about Panera but B&N closed as part of a nationwide initiative that closed the smallest 170 outlets. Nothing more than that. With the drop in consumer spending over the past year, many large retailers are simply cutting back and that means closing smaller & less profitable outlets. Panera may be the same reason (less profitable primarily). I know for myself, if I'm looking for a good NY bagel, I much rather go to one of the bakeries in SH for it than Panera. No comparison.

[KellyDiane]

Panera and B&N both closed due to leasing issues not due to business problems. It's getting expensive to lease on Murray, and when you're a big chain that can go anywhere, of course you're going to look for the cheapest spots.

[Little Mizz Pittsburgh]

Originally Posted by KellyDiane

Panera and B&N both closed due to leasing issues not due to business problems. It's getting expensive to lease on Murray, and when you're a big chain that can go anywhere, of course you're going to look for the cheapest spots.

I hope they move to East Liberty!

[fleetiebelle]

Then they'd be competing with Borders, and I've heard their business isn't so hot, either.

[Little Mizz Pittsburgh]

I really don't care about Barnes and Noble, or any other book store for that matter (I'm more of a libary person), but Panera is definitely welcome to come to the HEART of East Lib if it wants to....lol...LOVE Panera......It would be closer for me to frequent an East Liberty Panera than a Waterworks or the Centre Avenue location in Shadyside...They should put one near those condo's they're building on the old Nabisco site.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by KellyDiane

Panera and B&N both closed due to leasing issues not due to business problems. It's getting expensive to lease on Murray, and when you're a big chain that can go anywhere, of course you're going to look for the cheapest spots.

Actually, expensive zones tend to be where you find higher concentrations of regional/national chains. Expensive rent areas are usually expensive because of their exposure, and oftentimes national chains are in the best position to buy that exposure in the form of paying higher rents. If chains could go "anywhere" and they just wanted cheap rents, Homewood would be home to every chain doing business in Pittsburgh. Not only do they not go "anywhere" but many of them do meticulous demographic research before picking a location or approving a location for a franchise.

Anyway, B&N and Borders closing ground stores is probably going to be an ongoing trend as online shopping continues to grow. B&N was smart enough to partner up with Amazon to get a bigger cut of that market share.

[ajl777]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

Who is making you?

Did you read past my first sentence? Do you have to be condescending in every thread? Can you pull any demographical statistics on who goes to the Manor?

[ajl777]

Originally Posted by fleetiebelle

What bottom of the barrel? We may get the indie movies later than larger markets, but we eventually get them.

I won't argue about the sound at the Cinemagic theaters, but they are cheaper than going to the Waterfront.

They're still pretty expensive though. The most you pay at Waterfront is like $10 I think whereas Cinemagic is like 9.50$. Also South Side Works theater is cheaper too I think. I mean I grew up going to the Oaks so I appreciate the classic theater style, but only if it's done right. Also, half the movies that come to the Harris are on DVD already when they come here. Also the good foreign and independent movies that come here are here for like 6 days max and when you go, you're usually one of like 4 people.

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by ajl777

Did you read past my first sentence? Do you have to be condescending in every thread? Can you pull any demographical statistics on who goes to the Manor?

Sorry--on rereading that did come across more snarky than I intended. I apologize.

[groar]

cinemagic's not $9.50 - i think it's $8. and the refreshments are way cheaper than the waterfront.

i tend to go to the squirrel hill theaters over the waterfront because i like to support independent businesses and i hate feeling like i just walked into who framed roger rabbit or something.

it will really be a crying shame if they put some big stupid development on that corner. it'd just be so contrary to the character of the neighborhood.