Intaglia Moving Out
May 3, 2008 | 10:52 pmMy lovely wife informs me that Intaglia has put up a “moving sale” sign and that all items are now discounted with little yellow tags.
If I had to guess, I would assume that these tell-tale signs mean that Intaglia is following neighbor Gado Gado back to its home base at Amsterdam Walk.
I must say that I am sad. Though we’ve had some issues with the structural integrity of a piece of furniture purchased here recently, I love their style of furniture, convenient location and customer service.
So we move on. What will take Intaglia’s place next to Whit’s End and the “under construction” Fleet Feet?
Another? Seems like a lot of places are closing up shop. Is anything coming into Decatur (other than the jewelry chain store)?
Also, do you have any information on what will happen to Jake’s now that they have the entire space? I have heard that they will expand to include a market. I’m not sure if this will be a ‘real’ market (i.e., the kind where you can buy $5 milk) or a ’specialty’ market (i.e., the kind where you can buy $5 mini-bag of pasta). Any news?
I believe that the new Jake’s will be similar to (but obviously smaller than) Irwin Street Market.
Thanks Carl. I’ve not been to Irwin St Market but i will check it out. Anyone have any news on whether the Oakhurst Market and Mulligans complex is destined to be anything other than a large unsightly parking lot?
Figo and Tastings are recent examples of businesses that are filling in gaps in Decatur’s commercial landscape. The only “hole” I know of that I haven’t heard anything about is the old Century 21 office in the 335 W. Ponce condo. (I’m sure there are others, but I’m only one man in a city of 18,000)
I think the city as a whole would only start worrying if businesses start closing up shop and are not quickly replaced. I’ve made this assertion before but its important to reiterate. The recent national downturn in the economy will inevitably knock out the businesses in town that were only scraping by last year. We certainly morn their loss, as the closing of any small business in town represents the personal hardship of a member of our community, but in most cases it was because they’re concept hadn’t caught on. Not because the city’s in economic crisis. As long as at least some of the replacements are successful, then we (as a city) are moving in the right direction.
I think the other part of it has to do with the recent evolution of Decatur blogs. Because there is now a one-stop-shop (of sorts) for all things development in town, its readers are much more cognizant of most changes. Even a year ago, places could have been going under and replaced at the same rate as today, and we just might not have been aware. A city official said as much in a recent AJC article that played heavily off of our reporting of Decatur restaurant closings.
Intaglia is combining their Amsterdam and Decatur store into one Ansley Mall location. I spoke to my landlord, and he told me several folks are looking at the space, but nothing is definate yet. I am hopeful for a complementary neighbor, and quickly. Fleet Feet should be opening sometime in June or early July. Work was happening at The Angel, but it has died down. I do know they have gotten a liquor license, and I have spoken to men over there, and they claim they will re-emerge, but weren’t very forthcoming with any information.There are thriving businesses down at this part of town. Dancing Goats, and Decatur Hot Yoga are right by me and are always busy. Watershed is always packed, and Decatur has been good to me so far. If folks like a Decatur business, then they need to spread the word, and frequent it. I rely on Decaturites, and word of mouth is the very best and most effective marketing tool anyone can have.
Well, this is disappointing. ANOTHER business closing in Decatur. Can anyone suppose why this continues to happen, year after year. Are the cost per square foot too high as renters? WATERSHED does well, due in large part to folks from all over visiting it….not just Decatur folks. My fear is that we will end up with a city full of just restaurants, bars, and greeting card shops.