Midland Commons (Columbus: Sears, work, sell)

[Hedgehog23]

Originally Posted by citidata18

Wasn't there a thread last year about BJ's going through the permitting process to open a store in Columbus? I know it ultimately fell through, but they do at least seem interested in coming to Columbus *eventually*.

I mean, if Coweta County (with a lower population density) can support a BJ's *AND* a Costco, I can't imagine why Columbus isn't able to support at least one of these stores.

Retail and restaurants as a whole are just in an awkward place right now between the Amazon revolution and COVID-19. Unless you're in a high growth *AND* high income area, they're being unusually risk-averse.

It's not really an indictment of Columbus either. This is the reality in most trade markets.

EDIT: Found the link for BJ's construction bid in Columbus.

Online Plan Room | LDI Line

If my memory serves me well, the primary reason that was cited by the Costco executive regarding why they're not willing to consider putting a location here was the low median per capita income in Columbus. I know for a fact that one of the developers whose name is attached to Midland Commons tried to sell Cheesecake Factory and PF Chang's on putting a location here of each respective chain, and they were turned down flat-out for the same reason.

Aside from the other issues people have mentioned (online retail consuming more marketshare, coronavirus hiatuses), the number one detractor that has always prevented Columbus from getting the higher-end retailers, restaurants, and employers that people have expressed desire in having locate here is the low median income and predominantly blue-collar job market. I just finished graduate school last month, and that's one of the reasons I'm going to have more or less no choice but to move within the next couple of months to start my career (and especially if I want to take advantage of opportunities for upward mobility and a progressively higher salary).

[citidata18]

Originally Posted by Hedgehog23

If my memory serves me well, the primary reason that was cited by the Costco executive regarding why they're not willing to consider putting a location here was the low median per capita income in Columbus. I know for a fact that one of the developers whose name is attached to Midland Commons tried to sell Cheesecake Factory and PF Chang's on putting a location here of each respective chain, and they were turned down flat-out for the same reason.

Aside from the other issues people have mentioned (online retail consuming more marketshare, coronavirus hiatuses), the number one detractor that has always prevented Columbus from getting the higher-end retailers, restaurants, and employers that people have expressed desire in having locate here is the low median income and predominantly blue-collar job market. I just finished graduate school last month, and that's one of the reasons I'm going to have more or less no choice but to move within the next couple of months to start my career (and especially if I want to take advantage of opportunities for upward mobility and a progressively higher salary).

Based on what I've observed, you either need a high median income or a high population density to attract certain commercial establishments.

I would say Newnan and Peachtree City are both fairly blue collar, yet they're managing to attract somewhat more upscale establishments because the blue collar workers there (Delta pilots and Tech Ops mechanics) are paid quite well.

So it has nothing to do with whether an area is blue collar or white collar.

[columbusboy8]

Originally Posted by Hedgehog23

If my memory serves me well, the primary reason that was cited by the Costco executive regarding why they're not willing to consider putting a location here was the low median per capita income in Columbus. I know for a fact that one of the developers whose name is attached to Midland Commons tried to sell Cheesecake Factory and PF Chang's on putting a location here of each respective chain, and they were turned down flat-out for the same reason.

Aside from the other issues people have mentioned (online retail consuming more marketshare, coronavirus hiatuses), the number one detractor that has always prevented Columbus from getting the higher-end retailers, restaurants, and employers that people have expressed desire in having locate here is the low median income and predominantly blue-collar job market. I just finished graduate school last month, and that's one of the reasons I'm going to have more or less no choice but to move within the next couple of months to start my career (and especially if I want to take advantage of opportunities for upward mobility and a progressively higher salary).

A good summary. Thanks. Congratulations on getting your masters degree! And good luck in the future, wherever your job takes you.

[luv2belds97]

Originally Posted by Hedgehog23

If my memory serves me well, the primary reason that was cited by the Costco executive regarding why they're not willing to consider putting a location here was the low median per capita income in Columbus. I know for a fact that one of the developers whose name is attached to Midland Commons tried to sell Cheesecake Factory and PF Chang's on putting a location here of each respective chain, and they were turned down flat-out for the same reason.
.

Yep! That is basically what Dan (their real estate broker) told me. Columbus is too poor. I learned that this is a HUGE numbers game and Columbus does NOT have the right numbers on its side

[Sonofagun112]

Looks like construction is about to get started. Pound construction has placed their signs out front so they are going to be the contractor.

[utvoldoc]

Originally Posted by Sonofagun112

Looks like construction is about to get started. Pound construction has placed their signs out front so they are going to be the contractor.

That is exciting. Thank you for the update.

[Fountain-of-youth]

I do believe Gander Mountain (Outdoors) was their target for the retail anchor,and publix is probably the only grocer they can get there now.

[columbusboy8]

Originally Posted by Fountain-of-youth

I do believe Gander Mountain (Outdoors) was their target for the retail anchor,and publix is probably the only grocer they can get there now.

KROGER would be a better option for the Columbus market. Publix is very nice, but expensive. I thought Columbus was "poor!"

[amyers3]

Originally Posted by Fountain-of-youth

I do believe Gander Mountain (Outdoors) was their target for the retail anchor,and publix is probably the only grocer they can get there now.

Gander Mountain would most likely do best on Riverchase site, and considering they didn't renew the lease in Opelika, I'm not sure how interested they would be in Columbus market unless they could get in on the river. We shall see!

[citidata18]

Originally Posted by amyers3

Gander Mountain would most likely do best on Riverchase site, and considering they didn't renew the lease in Opelika, I'm not sure how interested they would be in Columbus market unless they could get in on the river. We shall see!

Gander Mountain (Outdoors) also let their location in Newnan go, after initially announcing it would reopen under the new name. It's now an At Home.

That said, this side of GA could definitely use an Outdoors store. There are none right now between Atlanta and Montgomery.