Forever 21 in SLO to bounce out after 2 yrs? Macy's in? (school, groceries)

[ericm2031]

Originally Posted by the city

3 articles stating that Forever 21 are relocating their stores, some to Borders stores:

Forever 21 is relocating to a new store to serve shoppers in Elizabeth, NJ :: 01/04/2011 :: Jersey Gardens, Elizabeth, NJ

Forever 21 Moving Into Old Border's Location at Pier Park - WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News Leader

Forever 21 moving into former Borders store | Lynnwood Today

Those are all locations that are moving into larger spots from the old small F21 mall locations.

I just saw a real estate posting for the Yuba City, CA store (which switched right about the same time as SLO) so maybe we could see some action soon. Also saw some surveyors walking in and out of the Borders location and no for lease signs.

[the city]

Victorville is even getting Macy's in 2013.

In a very small store of 72,000 sq. ft.

I would like to see Macy's replace Kohl's or Sear's. All That Glitter got booted, so why not boot a larger store.

[ericm2031]

All That Glitters got booted to make room for Sports Authority, which is moving their Downtown location into the Borders location, The Bed Store, and All That Glitters. The Bed Store is taking over the former Blockbuster.

Hoping Forever 21 or H&M move into one or both of the Sports Authority's downtown.

(And I believe Kohl's and Sears both own their buildings, so they can't just be booted)

[Dean Trails]

I noticed this was an old thread but it tweaked my interest. Why oh why would anyone want more chain stores on the beautiful central coast. If that is your desire please move to SF or LA.

SLO is a wonderful town and has no need of chain stores. Local stores are so much more interesting and actually support the economy better. IMHO.

[the city]

Originally Posted by ericm2031

All That Glitters got booted to make room for Sports Authority, which is moving their Downtown location into the Borders location, The Bed Store, and All That Glitters. The Bed Store is taking over the former Blockbuster.

Hoping Forever 21 or H&M move into one or both of the Sports Authority's downtown.

(And I believe Kohl's and Sears both own their buildings, so they can't just be booted)

Hmmm yes the Sport's Authority locations would definately open up some good opportunities for H&M, Forever 21, and Whole Foods.

Forever 21 moving would be really good, then Macy's could take their old spot.

[rimmerama]

Macy's kind of suck - Let's put an MSRP of 500.000 dollars on this dress, and then make you think you're getting a good deal when you stack your 10% customer appreciation discount with your 15% Macy's card discount, with your 20% coupon! WooooooW!

God, it's so annoying.

[ericm2031]

Originally Posted by the city

Hmmm yes the Sport's Authority locations would definately open up some good opportunities for H&M, Forever 21, and Whole Foods.

Forever 21 moving would be really good, then Macy's could take their old spot.

I don't think either Sports Authority location is large enough for Whole Foods...the smallest one I've heard of is a little over 15K square feet, but I don't think could compete against New Frontiers in that small of a space, nor are there enough residents Downtown to support it as a "neighborhood market". They know the residents here won't go downtown to fight for parking just to grocery shop.

Whole Foods is no stranger to spending big bucks to open a store where they want and will fight just like Target did in order to do so.

Forever 21 could definitely be cut in half and still be a very large store for them and Whole Foods could open up in the other half.

[the city]

Originally Posted by ericm2031

I don't think either Sports Authority location is large enough for Whole Foods...the smallest one I've heard of is a little over 15K square feet, but I don't think could compete against New Frontiers in that small of a space, nor are there enough residents Downtown to support it as a "neighborhood market". They know the residents here won't go downtown to fight for parking just to grocery shop.

Whole Foods is no stranger to spending big bucks to open a store where they want and will fight just like Target did in order to do so.

Forever 21 could definitely be cut in half and still be a very large store for them and Whole Foods could open up in the other half.

I was referring to Forever 21 just up and leaving their SLO Promenade store and moving downtown. I know it's probably not going to happen, but I'm still hoping.

Forever 21 looked at the Mervyns spot and downtown before they took over Gottschalks location.

Monterey, Santa Barbara, and Capitola all have malls and have Macy's and are great coastal communities. SLO doesn't have a mall anymore, but if we just had a Macy's I'd be content.

Now for Whole Foods, I know they looked into going into the Dalidio Ranch Marketplace and build a 35,000 sq. ft. store but they dropped those plans after New Frontiers expanded.

Whole Foods also looked into going into Garden Street Terrace's market site which at the time was around 20,000 sq. ft.

I am not sure how big the larger Sports Authority portion is on Marsh street I believe. I would imagine 15,000-23,000 sq. ft. Davis is opening up a 20,000 sq. ft. Whole Foods and the smallest in California is in Mill Valley at just about 15,000 sq. ft. So 20,000 sq. ft. would be the size needed to compete with New Frontier's.

Now, I really do think Macy's would do better than Whole Foods. If Forever 21 moved to a smaller store downtown, then there would be nothing that could compete with Macy's. Whole Foods would have competition from Trader Joes, New Frontiers, and Fresh and Easy. So a 20,000 sq. ft. store downtown would be needed. Also Sports Authority is next to the parking structure.

Macy's is also in every tier 1 market in California, and in a couple tier 2 markets. The smallest store is at 96,000 sq. ft. and the smallest stores in California are at 100,000 sq. ft. Macy's ALWAYS goes for used buildings or dirt cheap new buildings. That is why Macy's backed out of the Dalidio Ranch project because the city wanted a fancy new building instead of a basic 80s looking building Macy's wanted. When Macy's planned to take over Gottschalks building, the other thing they would have had to pay for was the sign permit and the sign.

[the city]

Forever 21's sign was taken down recently.....

[the city]

I think it's possible Forever 21 or Whole Foods will take Sport's Authority's downtown location. If it's Forever 21, then Macy's would probably buy the building from Forever 21.