Looks like "Borders" is really looking to leave Uptown. The space is currently advertised here as being available for lease. We had heard rumors of this for a while, but were honestly hoping it wasn't true. "Chicago Business" reported Borders' financial woes recently. Check out the article here.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Uptown 'Borders' Looking For New Tenant
Looks like "Borders" is really looking to leave Uptown. The space is currently advertised here as being available for lease. We had heard rumors of this for a while, but were honestly hoping it wasn't true. "Chicago Business" reported Borders' financial woes recently. Check out the article here.
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Good luck! They cant even rent the 800sf space next to the cell phone store
ReplyDeleteOur thanks to BPN and "Colonel McCormick" for discovering the listing advertising the space for lease.
ReplyDeleteWe wonder why "Sprint" doesn't open a retail location there. Do we even have a Sprint location in Uptown?
ReplyDeleteBetween starbucks and the internet, Borders never stood a chance.
ReplyDeleteI'm not thrilled to see this, but I'm not terribly surprised, either.
This is not news - this has been listed for nearly a year since Borders announced that they were looking to sublease their stores in Uptown, Lincoln Park, and Hyde Park. None of these stores have closed, nor have been subleased.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Borders employees, the store will remain open, at least in the short term.
Come on CVS. That would piss off everyone against retailers that would actually help the area. Hi Shiller how are you doing today
ReplyDeleteThe Borders space at Clark and Diversey is also being marketed by this same group, so this shouldn't reflect badly on Uptown - just Borders.
ReplyDeleteI do love that Borders is in the Uptown location, but if they leave, it would be cool to have a Kinkos, CVS and maybe even a Potbelly's in the area. Really - why don't we have a Potbelly's? They're all over!
The reason we don't have "Potbelly's" is Uptown. Do you really think they would open a store here? Just to have their windows broken and their building tagged? Get serious. These people aren't idiots.
ReplyDeleteThere is a PotBelly's down Lawerence in Lincoln Square...
ReplyDeleteWasn't Potbelly's trying to get a location by Truman College a few years back (before Jimmy John's moved in) and the "powers that be" said that the "poor" kids at Truman couldn't afford at $4 sandwich - which turned Potbelly's off on Uptown?
ReplyDeleteWasn't Potbelly's trying to get a location by Truman College a few years back (before Jimmy John's moved in) and the "powers that be" said that the "poor" kids at Truman couldn't afford at $4 sandwich - which turned Potbelly's off on Uptown?
ReplyDeleteNow you are getting crazy saying that. What do you people think someone controls all of Uptown like a communist country.
"What do you people think someone controls all of Uptown like a communist country."
ReplyDeleteConsidering the nearly complete lack of any capitalistic examples in the ward ...
That Potbelly's comment, as I recall, came directly from Shiller. Anyone else remember he saying this?
ReplyDeleteWow, some of you can't see the smoke screen that woman puts up! Get your head out of the clouds. No wonder she keeps winding up back in office.
I don't know why people are thinking this is new news about Borders. As another said, if you think they are going to find a viable tenant for 25,000sf of space anytime soon, you are dreaming! This borders is going nowhere anytime soon. The problem is, neither is the company. Hence their plans to close many stores across the entire country.
ReplyDeleteSolomon Chu, who was the director of the Uptown Chamber of Commerce until he left suddenly many years ago, was the person who shot down the idea of a Pot Belly's with Pot Belly. He told them they wouldn't make any money here because they were too high end. Chu was always a high supporter of Shiller, so I guess it would make sense that he would say it.
ReplyDeleteI got the sense he was later fired because he helped create too much animosity with the local residents who were pushing for better retail. Imagine that!
The Chamber is trying to turn around its reputation and now refers to itself as Uptown United.
So in the area we have, Magnolia Cafe ( EXPENSIVE), Agami (EXPENSIVE), Fat Cat (EXPENSIVE), Crew ($10.00 for a burger), Marigold (EXPENSIVE), and Jimmy Johns (THRIVING), we can't get a damn Potbelly's. The corner of Lawrence and Broadway would have been smart, in the same space as the new bank would have been amazing.
ReplyDeleteOh did I mention 2 fricken Starbucks, both walking distance from Truman. So people are willing to pay $5 for a cup of coffee but a Potbelly's is just too nice for us.
Oh I forget Rosatis? They have amazing sandwiches for the same price as Potbelly's.
Gee, I forgot Subway as well. They are not cheep either.
Now we have Wilde Pug coming, the new Demera, and Silver Seafood, who just get a good review on Check Please.
Isn't a Panera Bread coming to the new building on Clark and Leland? They are expensive for what they offer and in my opinion no where near as good as Potbelly's.
A Corner Bakery and/or Potbelly's would make me salivate.
I am sad
I'm with you Jo. The Riv building at Lawrence and Broadway would have been perfect for Potbelly's or something similar. Bank of America - kinda boring, but I bank there.
ReplyDeleteI feel your sadness. I am holding out for good things to come to the Uptown Broadway Building. Keeping my fingers crossed.
A Gap or OLD NAVY would do REALLY well in the area!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more! I would love to have a gap in this area and I think it would do very well.
ReplyDeleteLack of parking is becoming the killer issue for these businesses. The business strip always develops only after the residential area develops sufficiently to support the business. But even still, who will walk there for only one shopping experience. There should a whole string of businesses along that strip to attract a walking crowd. Adding nightime bars to the area won't build the business strip, even if they are fun to have around.
ReplyDeleteEver been downsized? The employees are the last to know.
ReplyDeleteNo, Anonymous, I haven't. Thanks for the kind advice :)
ReplyDelete