What Types of “Shopping Opportunities” Would You Like To See in Decatur?
Decatur Metro | September 26, 2013 | 11:58 amThe City of Decatur wants to know. In fact, they’re hosting an open house TONIGHT to find out. This was recently posted on The Decatur Minute…
If you can’t attend, you can fill out a survey HERE or weigh in on the city’s Open City Hall webpage.
Spelling? Actually, it should be combined for “Shopportunities.”
Without STG shaming me, I keep making all the same spelling mistakes!
The double quotes inside double quotes is quite amusing too.
I can’t tell if I just got a merit or a demerit!
– Bookstore/coffeeshop like Indie was. I know that’s an impossible business model but I can always hope.
– Bagels, bagels, bagels, bagels. Real NYC style bagels. You might have to import the water from the Kensico Reservoir.
– Children’s shoe store along the lines of Coggins Shoes in Marietta even though my children have outgrown it. It was a great idea then and it still is. Ought to be even more demand now.
– Battery recycling store
– Trader Joe’s
– Bathing suit store–one of those that carries all types of suits for all types of sizes and physiques.
– Comprehensive bakery–Cakes and Ale’s is more of a cafe than retail bakery. Something like the German bakery on Lawrenceville Highway with breads, pastries, pies, cookies, cakes, but it doesn’t have to have a German orientation. High quality baguettes would be nice. Alon’s would be nice but it doesn’t have to be quite that upscale.
– J. Jill
– Garnet Hill
– Apple Store
– Outdoor/hiking/backpacking/camping clothing/equipment store, kind of a non-chain REI
– Tween/teen girls reasonably-priced clothing boutique with popular styles minus the slutty outfits
– Normal adult shoe store like one finds in a mall but not in a mall
– Furniture repair shop
– Skilled alterations shop
Can we add a category? Shops that COD must retain at all costs or I’ll die:
– Fleet Feet
– The shoe repair place behind Parker’s
– Seventeen Steps
– Sheepish
– LSOS
– Blue Elephant, whoops too late
– Heliotrope
– Oakhurst Market
– Sawicki’s
– Onyx
I love lots of other places but these are the ones that, if they go away, I’m up a creek.
I am going to say it before anyone else beats me to it: Trader Joes – let the comments begin!
Seriously, I would love some sort of small grocery/fine foods type shop (and no the baby Kroger does not count) where you can pick up some of the basics, maybe a nice bottle of wine, some good cheese, pre-made dishes you just have to pop in the oven. Something walkable. Way back when before Taco Mac moved into its spot, there was a short lived venture along these lines. Cannot remember its name and clearly it was before its time.
I win! I know TJ isn’t really what was meant by a retail store but I couldn’t resist. And actually I’d like one even though I don’t think one is coming, nor do I think it’s a Greek tragedy if one doesn’t….
Metro Market. I loved it. Never could figure out why it didn’t make it. Too early, I guess.
Metro Market was excellent. I think you are right on the before its time demise.
Tiffany, I think Oakhurst Market does the ready made meals as well, you just have to order them before a certain time or they run out. I think you can pick them up on the way home from work. Anyone actually done this very often? Reviews?
I love Oakhurst Market’s ready made foods, the kids don’t. Too high quality. The selection is fairly narrow and doesn’t change but it could work for some families. They used to have a special meal option you could call in and pick up. Not sure if that’s still an option.
Was in Oakhurst Mkt today, and they do still have a weeknight meal option. Call by 2 and they will have it ready for pickup @ dinner time. This week Mon = mole chicken plus sides, Tues= salmon, kale salad and another side, we’d was Porkchop and sides I think, thurs was something god too. 2 meals for $14.99, they also do a 4 person portion sizing. Sounds great!
I hear there might be a Trader Joe’s coming to Loehmanns Plaza. Haven’t found anything to corroborate. It would take the place of the former Office Max.
That spot would make sense. Heavy drive-by traffic, not too close to any of their existing locations, adequate parking (though just barely), the right demographics. I could see that happening.
This could work for me! Yay!
Please oh please let this be more than just a rumor – I’m in that area weekly for an appointment!
The closet TJ-lovers come out.
I would prefer more entertainment options to any new retail, which is what I wrote under “additional comments”. As for the rest of the survey, I tried to avoid food service, as I think we are in good shape there, though I did include Savi Urban Market (or something similar) on my wish list with downtown in mind. I also mentioned furniture and men’s clothing.
Movie theater. But movie theaters are going the way of the landline phone and newspaper, right?
Movie theater is #1 on my list too, even if I also know the economic model for that has about croaked. We just need to re-think the model. To get some dollars flowing during the weekday, perhaps the movie theater could be used for toastmaster gatherings, an extra expeditionary classroom, an extra high school lecture hall, linked to a conference center (hmmm, possible at the Courtyard Marriott), or other activities that I’m not thinking of… If linked to the schools, perhaps it could be run by Jr. Achievement class/group, who gets employment and management experience (and tries to avoid the urge to give their friends free food)…
Other ways to make this work people?
I love Cine, the little theater and cafe in Athens. It’s a non-profit model. I don’t know how well they are doing, but they recently did a crowdfunding drive in order to “upgrade” to digital projection. I think something like Cine could work in Decatur (perhaps in partnership with Emory?).
nonprofit structure is definitely the way to go- with the nonprofit operational funds boosted by side activities during the weekday. Non-profit may also possibly bond finance the structure, in cooperation with the City perhaps. Maybe it could lease County or City land at discounted rate?
Emory is a great partner idea – I love the Emory film prof’s movie series on new movies. Agnes Scott could also be a partner. Would the restaurants be willing partners too? Seems like dinner and a movie would drive even more business to our local restaurants, as long as the new theater is walkable, which is the whole key.
I’m sure there would be willing “dinner and a movie” partners in COD. Speaking of that, if ever in Athens and want to check out Cine, the dinner and a movie they partner with The National on is a good deal. It’s not as heralded as Hugh Acheson’s other restaurants, but the food is superb.
If multi-use non-profit is the way to go, maybe high quality children’s movies could be added to the mix. The 4/5 Academy had a popular movie night for awhile that had high quality but enjoyable movies.
definitely- I was thinking movies for the kiddos on Sat/Sun mornings, but weekday mornings would be good as well. maybe subscription based, to make sure there was a guaranteed revenue stream.
Brianc, thanks for the Cine/The National shout out, that sounds great and will definitely be on tap for my next Athens trip.
Adult memberships would also be helpful, with some extra bennies to the members. While it would seem like a lot of Decaturites would sign up (members of the Garden, members of the movies, etc.), I was surprised by how relatively few people showed up to the DecaturDocs great series. However, an actual movie theater would be more high profile/attract more attention.
Agreed – we have to drive a long way for anything kids-entertainment related.
We need a roller rink, mini-golf, bowling/arcade (although I guess Stars and Strikes isn’t that far.)
With the explosion of kids in CoD, it should work economically to have these things in-town.
Suburban Lanes…
+1 for mini-golf. But it requires some land and that’s what we are short on.
My family would really enjoy an ice skating rink.
I would like a safe and fun place for teens to go.
Do you have to be a CoD resident to take part?
but of course.
Not if you are a revenue positive visitor!
Not at all. Any unpopular opinion will be disregarded and/or mocked the same for resident and non-residents alike.
I participated and where it asked whether I was a resident, business, visitor, or other, I told them I’m a Midway Woods resident. Since I spend a $$$$-load of money inside the City limits, I figured I’d voice an opinion.
Is it trashy to ask for an upscale liquor store? (Too late.)
Also, how come nobody’s started a post about Kimball House yet? We went. It looked like about half of Decatur was there.
I considered opening a liquor store somewhere near the heart of downtown, but was put off by the complex laws related to proximity to churches, % of non liquor sales and limitations on signage.
Likely could be done, I just didn’t have the energy, particularly when I can roll into Herb’s .5 mi up Clairmont…
It seems like splicing a liquor store in near Cook’s Warehouse and Sherlock’s would make scads of sense.
I know someone who has looked into opening a liquor store, and he doesn’t think Decatur powers-that-be would sign off on the permit.
There is a reason the “Decatur” liquor store on Clairmont is just outside the city limits (Avondale, too.)
Why? Does a liquor store attract an unsavory crowd? More than a bar?
We do have one liquor store — JJ Package Store on E College, just before Katie Kerr — that we got through annexation.
And…..? How was the food at Kimball House? Service?
Food, cocktails, wine were all excellent. I’d compare it to Empire State South but with a more fun atmosphere. Service was surprisingly on-point for opening night. Can’t wait to go back.
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see a place where local farmers can sell year round, that carries seasonal local produce and products like GA meats, dairy, eggs, baked goods, etc… Sort of a Whole Foods that focuses on locally made/grown products, plus some produce that cannot be obtained locally.
You’ve effectively described the Decatur Farmer’s Market to the letter, though I’m assuming you’re imagining it being 7 days a week rather than just Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Yes, but indoor and with a broader range of products. As much as I like the DFM, it pales in comparison to some of our other local markets (Peachtree and Grant Park spring to mind) Plus, I would really like to be able to buy fresh, not frozen, meats, maybe some seafood (man do we need a good fish monger in the area), and see a wider representation of local farmers. There are also tons of local artisan food makers who’s products are not represented at the DFM.
So yes, a year round farmer’s market open more than 2 d/ week, but with more to offer than DFM.
– Bakery, bakery, bakery.
-I loved the Metro Market too.
– Trader Joes. Surely Decatur is the perfect venue?
A coffee shop with a drive through
YES!!!! Drive thru coffee that is not from a fast food chain would be awesome! I imagine it is hard to land the right real estate for this in Decatur, though..?
I’m not aware of any coffee shops with drive-thrus around the metro that aren’t fast-food chains (unless you don’t consider Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts fast-food chains).
Pretty sure new drive-thrus are not allowed in COD. But McD’s is a pretty good bargain.
The first few months that the McD at Clairmont and N. Decatur had specialty coffees, the lattes were acceptable to good. But in the last year, lattes at any McD that I’ve tried have been awful, almost as bad as vending machine lattes. It’s a shame because the convenience and price were right.
I think drive-through has been one of the issues with Trinity Triangle. I heard (and this is only hearsay) that Dairy Queen’s corporate office requires a drive-through for any new or renovated DQ locations, and this requirement has made planning for that area more complicated.
I’ve often dreamed of opening an outfitter/outdoor products retail store in Decatur, something along the lines of High Country.
– Hardware store without craters in the parking lot
– Bread bakery that includes short term parking
– Late night news stand/books, magazine place with artsy, progressive reading
– Mini office supply store
– Fresh bagels to avoid the trip to Toco Hills
– Consignment shops to compete with Finders keepers
– Decatur branch of Southern Seafood
Love the fish market idea, I’d support
maybe the way to sustain a local browsing bookstore and the type of periodical place mentioned above is a entrance-fee based model? $5 for the afternoon, plus food and drink purchases? Yes, this is essentially a fee-based library with food, but maybe this is how it has to be done? Maybe the beer and comic store will be the beta tester for it.
Crap. Bruce’s post (“mini-office supply store”) reminded me what of what I forgot to list on the survey: a Fedex or UPS store.
Close E. Court Square and N. Mc Donough St. (north of Trinity) .
Make this part of the square, maybe more outdoor dining?? The parking loss is minimal, with regards to all the parking deck nearby.
Plus there I can almost NEVER get a spot there. It would also make the square attractive to passer-by’s on Ponce and Trinity.
Essentially making the Square more functional and attractive. And Lastly those parking lots are UGLY!!!
Get rid of the parking turn around in front of Brick Store/Melissa’s.
Put in a patio/fountain and place for outdoor seating/biergarten.
Direct people to park at the courthouse or parking garage behind Cook’s.
Seems like a no-brainer.
Men’s clothing…
A true bespoke tailor would be awesome. A dying breed and needed in the Atlanta area. Decatur may be too casual to really support it, though.
Yeah, I’m not even sure Atlanta can support it, as formal dress at work is declining.
Atlanta could definitely support it, it already has a few very high-end, made-to-measure boutiques. And there are signs that the plague of business casual (in the rumpled khakis and polo shirt sense) is reversing to some extent.
We need a really good vegetarian restaurant like Cafe Sunflower. I’d love something that was set up to do prepared veggie meals to-go in the late afternoon. We eat a lot of take-out and we often stop in other eastside neighborhoods where the to-go parking is easier.
I think we also need someplace the kids can hang out after high school and do homework and get a decent healthy snack. DHS kicks kids off campus shortly after school ends (I understand why) and kids end up at Chick-fil-a (expensive and not healthy), Starbucks (ditto) or the library (no snacks.) There are so many latch-key kids who need a safe place to do homework and eat a sandwich. This is especially true when it rains and the kids don’t want to walk home!
I also think a shuttle service to the Decatur Y from the square would be well-used by high school kids. (I know that’s not retail.)
I hope that comic shop is A: happening and B: plans to carry tabletop games. I don’t read many comics anymore, but a place that could host Magic, D&D, etc? Yes plz.
I think the purpose of this function/interest is not about food but about shops. At the same time I think an accessible bakery (that was an actual bakery with some foodie options – like an Alon’s type of place combined with a chocolatier/cheesemonger) would be a great addition. On the shop side, you can’t do regular retail. I like local too, but paying 50% more for the same books is not feasible or viable (sorry Blue Elephant) Specialty retail is the only way to go. That said, I think a High-end used bookstore (ie. not just paperbacks etc.) but art books, scholarly books, etc. might be nice. Also what about some higher-end used furniture, restoration-type boutiques (more of a designer/decorator type place vs. kudzu antiques or kitchy-tchotchky stuff). It has to be stuff that people can’t get anywhere else.
Office supplies would be great too, but put it in Suburban plaza with a Michaels or something.
Also a gelateria (feel free to get rid of one or all of the frozen yogurt places)
Get the 5th Earl to re-open somewhere in town
FORGET TRADER JOE’S – get a little European -style corner grocery instead
I also think a little 2-hitter cinema would be interesting.
Lastly, how about some street performers? Jugglers, performance artists, those people who dress up like statues and stand there – they provide local color and memorability that add to a walkable city center.
“That said, I think a High-end used bookstore (ie. not just paperbacks etc.) but art books, scholarly books, etc. might be nice”
Books Again is fairly high-end, as far as used books go. They definitely have some pricey volumes, but, yes, some cheap paperbacks too.
+10 on gelato. There was once a gelato place where Cafe Lily now is. But, like Metro Market, it was ahead of its time.
Actually one thing I could really use (like right this minute) is a florist. Need some flowers delivered to Tucker tomorrow for an anniversary! Sorry, FFAF is too long to wait (and this is kind of on topic because Decatur could use a good florist, right?)
Anyone got any recommendations? Looking for something a little unconventional. The special lady in question is not so much a fan of frou frou roses so much as wildflowers and such.
Decatur had Maud Baker and they moved out to the fringes, but still not far. I was very happy with Candler Park Flower Market for my wedding — a great selection of interesting flowers arranged beautifully. Unfortunately, I’m drawing a blank on the name of the florist in Tucker where we got all our high school dance corsages, etc. back in the day. They were very nice, but I have no idea if they are still around (it has been a minute since I graduated, after all).
Thanks! Found a nice autumnal arrangement at Carithers that reminded me of our wedding flowers, so went with them. But I stand by my desire to see a florist on the square!
Square Roots used to carry some flowers on the square. They averted a catastrophe at a friend’s wedding at the Old Courthouse — the bride’s flowers had not been delivered by too close to showtime so someone ran over and got enough flowers to make a beautiful and understated arrangement for the bride and each bridesmaid. But I think a florist would need to be a little off the square where a person who does not plan quite as far ahead as yourself can run in to pick up those anniversary flowers on the way home, for instance. I’m not sure what pushed Maud Baker to move (rent, maybe?), but that set up with a little dedicated parking would seem better suited than trying to compete with the restaurant parking for such a quick in-and-out errand.
You remember your wedding flowers?
My wedding was three weeks ago and I couldn’t tell you if my life depended on it whether we even had flowers, let alone what kind they were.
Whoah, Cupid–cool it with the romantical overload. 😛
Congratulations!
A firearms boutique would be just the thing, making Decatur a destination for well-heeled (and well-armed) supporters of the second amendment.
A Walmart would be nice. Hopefully all of the yellow shirted protesters are getting bored with their pipe dream of stopping it…..gun shop is also a great idea, the closest one is Tucker
I hate going to Tucker Gun. They cling to the old-style attitude of “if you ain’t been a shooter since you could walk, I ain’t talkin’ to ya.” They are unfriendly, unapproachable, expensive and keep a lame inventory.
Plus 1 on the gun store and add a range to it. Also, bring back the Decatur Speedway.
BAGELS! WE NEED BAGELS!
A boutique toy store, of course…. to supply all those revenue negative households. Seriously, though, there used to be one over near Cafe Lily that was awesome.
Inner Child. Yes!
I still miss Inner Child. And now Hoopla is gone too. And even The Toy Store in Ansley Mall. This is a true niche to fill.
A gourmet cheese shop. Definitely.
+1. And if you’re being sarcastic, oh well.
Not in the least sarcastic. I think something like Brooklyn’s Bedford Cheese Shop would be fantastic for Decatur.
Or like The Cheese Shop in Williamsburg VA– they also do fabulous sandwiches and some prepared foods and gifts. Love that place. It would be the perfect place to put together picnics for events on the square.
+1000. But I’m secretly hoping AE can snag one to plop in beside Pine Street Market and Sweet ‘n Sinful — party catering in one stop! Especially since they are right around the corner from The Beer Growler and Little Wine Shop.
-toy store
-clothing store for kids(infant and up) – can be combined with toy store
Roller skating rink. Please….inside the perimeter at least! With adult hours/cocktails.
perhaps located right next to an urgent care center?
An art supply store.