Retail coming to Philadelphia (Media, Mars: how to, cherry, Trader Joe's)

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by AJNEOA

If I really really needed some super high-end stuff, I would rather pay for an Amtrak ticket and enjoy the ride to NYC to do some real shopping, rather than drive to KOP. But that's just me.

I laughed when I read this because that's what I do! I just did it a couple of weeks ago. I mean it takes about the same amount of time for me to travel to NYC as it would for me to get to KoP.

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by southbound_295

At one point there was talk of them going into the Gimbels/Sterns store in the Gallery. I don't think that they ever crossed the city line.

Most of the Gallery is gutted btw. The rehab of it is stalled afaik.

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by cpomp

And if anything KoP area is trying "urbanize" or least keep up with the changing times, which is another draw, unlike other areas with potential (Ardmore).






I agree with that point. Sharing some NYC experiences... when I mention I am from the Philly area, people unfamiliar either think you live on the rich Main Line, or in the crime ridden trashy Philadelphia. Those however who have actually visited the city have never had a bad thing to say about it. But the old stereotypes are most definitely still lingering, and it doesn't help that we have the capital of the world 2 hours away.




But that to me is a sign of an extremely well developed and healthy retail market. You can say the same for NYC, San Fran, DC, retailers are jumping at the opportunity to join the KoP district because success is likely. Philly/SJ is "chancing it" in most retailers minds.

Look at where a lot of these retailers are from. If they are in the US, they don't know squat about Center City except failed department stores that did not fail locally. Wanamakers was tied to Woodward & Lothrop which had atrocious management. Wanamakers was successful. Strawbridge & Clothier sold out to the May Company that thought that merchandising Philadelphia out of Baltimore was a good idea, as well as insulting Philadelphians. They killed the Wanamaker name & ran an ad campaign. "Philadelphia, we're going to teach you how to shop!"

Outsiders see failed department stores & make assumptions. They aren't used to dealing with cities with good public transportation. They make assumptions. They are used to suburban style cities where people have to drive long distances. They are lemmings.

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by kyb01

Hmmmm....as I understand it dept store retail is very difficult wrt profitability in the 21st century. Macy's just closed about 100 stores. Online shopping is a huge and unstoppable. For instance Macy's in NYC no longer has the huge houseware section in its basement. Something like fingerhut or amazon probably had a hand in killing something that made that store a must everytime I went to NYC. Now I rarely bother going in there.

Millennial Philadelphians, who probably are getting close to out numbering Boomers or older gen-x at this point have never heard of Lits or Gimbels. Lol.

I know. Some of the younger posters are probably scratching their heads saying "bargain basement? "

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by kyb01

Most of the Gallery is gutted btw. The rehab of it is stalled afaik.

I wish they'd just tear it down & put up something better than a 1970s suburban mall.

[cpomp]

Originally Posted by kyb01

Millennial Philadelphians, who probably are getting close to out numbering Boomers or older gen-x at this point have never heard of Lits or Gimbels. Lol.

I am young and actually know what you are all talking about. Combo of my family from the area, and my architecture coursework at Drexel that had almost a whole term on the evolution of retail architecture, Philadelphia was one of the most notable cities in that regard. (department stores interiors and exteriors)

[AJNEOA]

Originally Posted by kyb01

I laughed when I read this because that's what I do! I just did it a couple of weeks ago. I mean it takes about the same amount of time for me to travel to NYC as it would for me to get to KoP.

Plus it's 1000% better than any mall

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by cpomp

I am young and actually know what you are all talking about. Combo of my family from the area, and my architecture coursework at Drexel that had almost a whole term on the evolution of retail architecture, Philadelphia was one of the most notable cities in that regard. (department stores interiors and exteriors)

John Wanamaker & Marshall Fields brought the department store concept to the US. When the May Company killed the Wanamaker name, i don't know of a soul who didn't take as a personal insult, & that was before the print & broadcast media campaign was started. " Philadelphia, we're going to teach you how to shop! "

Philadelphians liked going into stores & finding unique treasures. The 1st Christmas season that the May Company ran Hechts in Center City there were no unique treasures. What I remember most clearly was giant piles of mangey-looking little teddy bears, most of which were still there after Christmas. People weren't buying them at 50% off, either.

[timeEd32]

Can't believe how long this discussion's been going on. You all ever hear of Amazon?

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by kyb01

Hmmmm....as I understand it dept store retail is very difficult wrt profitability in the 21st century. Macy's just closed about 100 stores. Online shopping is a huge and unstoppable. For instance Macy's in NYC no longer has the huge houseware section in its basement. Something like fingerhut or amazon probably had a hand in killing something that made that store a must everytime I went to NYC. Now I rarely bother going in there.

Millennial Philadelphians, who probably are getting close to out numbering Boomers or older gen-x at this point have never heard of Lits or Gimbels. Lol.

If the unimaginable happened & I won a giant lottery, I would look to stock a department store like a brick & mortar Etsy of sorts. There's lots of potters on the east coast. There are furniture makers. There are jewelers, seamstresses & tailors, etc., etc. I'd be looking to give Americans business. There's an old-fashioned concept. Perfect for Philadelphia.