What Type of Business or Service Do You Feel is Missing in SA? (San Antonio: sales, purchase)

[BenjaminNicholas]

First, what we don't need anymore of are big-box, cardboard, cookie-cutter strip malls filled with the same crap (in different locations). Sure, it's enlarging San Antonio, but in a bad way, moving this city sideways and catering increasingly more to a level of consumer that this city need to stop courting. If we continue to act like a city with no money, we'll continue to be treated as a city with no money. San Antonio, no matter what you may think, is seen as the red headed step child of upper-crust Texas. We're 'quaint' and 'charming.' Nearly 2 million people is NOT quaint. It's a city who grew up too quickly and now acts like a puppy who hasn't quite grown into his paws yet. San Antonio stumbles a lot, mostly thanks to a city council and local political infrastructure who don't have a clue.

That being said, I'd like to see more businesses geared to a multi-cultural city, rather than just the Hispanic/Mexican-American slant. As someone already mentioned, a large Asian grocery store, a spot for truly great Italian meats, bread and pastas or even more places for imports from South America (so I can get my Guarana fix!).

A RELIABLE grocery delivery would be nice. I remember when living in LA, we had Pink Dot delivery and it was the cat's pajamas.

More funding for local museums and a few more added to the mix would make me smile. We are such a huge tourist area and museums always seem to thrive. A science & industry or natural history museum perhaps?

Furniture stores that don't exclusively cater to people who want to make low monthly payments.

Continued expansion of the existing shopping spots (Cantera, Rim, North Star).

In general, I think any positive expansion for San Antonio will have to come with an overall change in thinking. So many people live here because it's so easy to be 'poor' in this town and live decently. As we've all seen, many times a good concept or business will move into SA and be totally shut out based on it being 'too fancy.' That needs to change, as there are people in this city who not only have money, but are young and capable of customer loyalty for many years to come. I'm not saying we need to forget about the working class in San Antonio, but simply never forget that catering to a dying audience is the cardinal rule of what NOT to do in business.

I wrote this quickly, so if any of it comes off as offensive, please know that was not my intent. Just some stream of conscious thoughts




BN

[Quattro72]

Well put BN. Couldn't agree more. It starts with your mindset and it’s time to stop the “Don’t Care” and “Manaña” attitude.

[HillCountryHotRodMan]

Outstanding post, BN! Every word was true and I do agree we need a greater multicultural environment here!

[latteluv]

I'd like to see Yogurt shops, Trader Joes, Henry's and a couple more Whole Foods. More Carl's Jr.'s, also like BN mentioned, A large History Museum, Museum of Man, a Science Center would be nice. Also I know this thread is about Business or Services missing in SA, but I would like to see more playgrounds for children.

[Stabart47]

BN, that post makes more sense than any I've read for a long time. I never could understand why a city this size can't support a Trader Joe's or Crate & Barrel. It's all about WalMart and HEB.

[zapanther]

wow. great ideas! "but" bottom line. if it will not make money it is not gonna happen. as a small business owner that employes 3 people plus myself i can say this "it is all about volume". product, customers, ETC. just because it sounds good or looks good, well it does not mean it will be "worth it" i mean lets face it, what we have here are some "good" ideas . just not profitable ones. if the were "profitable" we would have these types of businesses.

[LiveUrban]

Cat Cafes
Cat cafe - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia



Maid Cafes
Maid cafe - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia



Also
- A club that plays good electronic dance music
- Antique stores that aren't so overpriced
- European food store

[BigBobby]

Originally Posted by latteluv

I'd like to see Yogurt shops, Trader Joes, Henry's and a couple more Whole Foods. More Carl's Jr.'s, also like BN mentioned, A large History Museum, Museum of Man, a Science Center would be nice. Also I know this thread is about Business or Services missing in SA, but I would like to see more playgrounds for children.

sounds like you're California Dreamin

[BigBobby]

Originally Posted by BenjaminNicholas

First, what we don't need anymore of are big-box, cardboard, cookie-cutter strip malls filled with the same crap (in different locations). Sure, it's enlarging San Antonio, but in a bad way, moving this city sideways and catering increasingly more to a level of consumer that this city need to stop courting. If we continue to act like a city with no money, we'll continue to be treated as a city with no money. San Antonio, no matter what you may think, is seen as the red headed step child of upper-crust Texas. We're 'quaint' and 'charming.' Nearly 2 million people is NOT quaint. It's a city who grew up too quickly and now acts like a puppy who hasn't quite grown into his paws yet. San Antonio stumbles a lot, mostly thanks to a city council and local political infrastructure who don't have a clue.

That being said, I'd like to see more businesses geared to a multi-cultural city, rather than just the Hispanic/Mexican-American slant. As someone already mentioned, a large Asian grocery store, a spot for truly great Italian meats, bread and pastas or even more places for imports from South America (so I can get my Guarana fix!).

A RELIABLE grocery delivery would be nice. I remember when living in LA, we had Pink Dot delivery and it was the cat's pajamas.

More funding for local museums and a few more added to the mix would make me smile. We are such a huge tourist area and museums always seem to thrive. A science & industry or natural history museum perhaps?

Furniture stores that don't exclusively cater to people who want to make low monthly payments.

Continued expansion of the existing shopping spots (Cantera, Rim, North Star).

In general, I think any positive expansion for San Antonio will have to come with an overall change in thinking. So many people live here because it's so easy to be 'poor' in this town and live decently. As we've all seen, many times a good concept or business will move into SA and be totally shut out based on it being 'too fancy.' That needs to change, as there are people in this city who not only have money, but are young and capable of customer loyalty for many years to come. I'm not saying we need to forget about the working class in San Antonio, but simply never forget that catering to a dying audience is the cardinal rule of what NOT to do in business.

I wrote this quickly, so if any of it comes off as offensive, please know that was not my intent. Just some stream of conscious thoughts




BN

what a great post. you hit the nail right on the head, SA does not like change

[BigBobby]

Originally Posted by Bo

A small, specialized grocery store that carries an eclectic selection of food and wine, some of which would be considered gourmet, at discount prices. It's OK if it has a limited selection of produce.

A mega furniture and housewares retailer, specializing in light wood furniture with European styling at low prices. Oh, and ideally it should have very high charges for delivery.

A mega electronics, appliance and computer hardware/software retailer, offering a massive selection in every category it covers and especially deep discounts on computer components and commodity items. If all of the employees would wear white shirts and black pants, that would make it just about perfect.

I think that covers the board's 3 favorite retailers that aren't in San Antonio.

let me guess

Trader Joe's

Ikea

Fry's Electronics