A reader tipped us off to this interesting article that discusses how New York City has recaptured shoppers that previously fled to the suburbs to do their shopping. How did they do it and can these ideas be applied to our anemic Uptown retail scene? Read on.
Friday, February 29, 2008
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We're already doing this in one big way...called the Argyle Asian Business District. People come from all over the city--and the suburbs--to shop on Argyle street.
ReplyDeleteArgyle could be an incredible retail and restaurant destination. The street needs serious streetscaping, the shops and restaurants could take down the security grates. The shop owners could become more customer friendly. Potential enormous but it's got a long way to go.
ReplyDeletenot sure what could be done, but traffic on Sat and Sun on Argyle is really bad. The road simply was never designed to bear that load.
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to see it as an economic center though
In addition to what's already been posted... the street could use some more business and a unified marketing campaign. I've read there isn't even a real merchants association. They could be doing a lot more... and I'd like to see it! I live at Argyle towards the lake and the retail in general could use a serious boost. Not just on the eastern part of the Argyle commercial area, but on Sheridan too. There is really hardly anything there. Not even a place to get a decent cup of coffee.
ReplyDeleteArgyle is a very vibrant retail strip, and Uptown Walker is right, people comes from all across the city and state--and from Wisconsin and Indiana--to shop here. I once ran into a co-worker who lived on the far south side who shops Argyle because they have things nobody else in the city has. The only think I would wish for is that the grocery store hours were longer in the evenings, but that's a minor thing. As far as shop owners needing to be more customer friendly, don't mistake cultural reserve for unfriendly behavior.
ReplyDeleteIt seems the people who think it could be better want it to change to suit their own needs. Not every corner needs a Panera Bread.
Well. Not asking for a Panera Bread. Something non-franchised would be just as nice. And it doesn't have to be a Starbucks either for coffee needs. An area can be nicer, more attractive, safer and more vibrant with local business owners. There are wonderful and unique stores. But just because an area is unique does not mean that uniqueness can't be capitalized on. Bars on windows are not attractive, for example. There is no reason to settle. The area could be vastly improved while STILL keeping it's uniqueness which is good for both the business owners and residents. It's something to build on.
ReplyDeleteI will now do a very neighborly thing for the "anonymous" poster above. I will tell you that when you say you can't get a cup of coffee on Argyle, you are missing one of our favorite spots on the street. "La Patisserie P" serves Metropolis coffee and has the most wonderful croissants, biscotti, brioche...yum! While it is true that you could probably get better barista technique somewhere else in the city, the croissants make it all worth it and more. Enjoy!
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