What kind of stores would people like to see in town(s)?

There used to be a store that had university themed stuff. It was on West South Orange Ave between the Exxon and Church St. They closed years ago. Like my beloved streamers they just didn't have enough of a customer base to stay open.

College Mania was the name of that store. I'd like to see an Apple Store in town.

A Michael's in the old Blockbuster store

I think an Apple Store would actually be the right size for that old Blockbuster space, but I think they are careful not to build new stores too close to existing ones. Is the Short Hills Mall store so busy that another store just a few miles away would be viable?

Michael's wouldn't fit in the space, but an arts and crafts supply place would be a nice addition.

A Little Gym would also fit nicely.

spontaneous said:
There used to be a store that had university themed stuff. It was on West South Orange Ave between the Exxon and Church St. They closed years ago. Like my beloved streamers they just didn't have enough of a customer base to stay open.

I do not remember that store at all. I doubt customer base was the problem as there is a major university within the town borders. If I had to guess I would say either marketing was the issue, quality/selection of the merchandise available or the location. From where you describe, it wasn't in the center of town but pretty much on your way out of the downtown area. As they say in real estate...location, location, location!!!

bettyd said:
College Mania was the name of that store. I'd like to see an Apple Store in town.

Not happening. If Apple were to expand in this area, it would be west of here, where the overall demographics (360 versus 180 degrees) are more positive or arguable in the Jersey City/Hoboken corridor.

Ugh. The empty Blockbuster space is so friggin annoying.

UNIQLO

Kidville if it weren't a chain would fit perfectly in the Blockbuster space. I'm surprised some enterprising person hasn't opened a kid place like that there. Is there a reason the space has been vacant so long?

It's big and awkward. The Vose Street space is on a lower level.

kibbegirl said:
Ugh. The empty Blockbuster space is so friggin annoying.

YES. Seems like it has so much potential!!

Can the space be subdivided?

It has an ugly storefront and is too big for any boutique-ish store. I am sure it will eventually be occupied but can't imagine the type of tenant that would find it appealing at the rent I can imagine the landlord is asking.

If I was dreaming & I realize these are completely selfish and unrealistic: a Ben Franklin (or 5&10 like it); an oyster bar with alfresco dining; an outdoorsman store (for hiking, kayaking etc.); a Juice Caboose or equal; an artisanal donut shop with off-the-hook cinnamon buns; Ace hardware or equal (miss the old one on Springfield Ave); a Raymond's; an old fashioned shoe cobbler; an awesome cheese shop; a Lebanese restaurant; The Black Dog clothier's (bar would be great too); an LL Bean shop; a PNC bank branch to replace others; a large specialty lighting store like Heritage Lighting; an Ergometer workout center - to support a new master's crew team boathouse on the Orange reservoir Move here 19 years ago and still waiting... Yes, this list makes me sound like an elitist prat - but it was fun making it.

Also echo ANY stores that bridge the gap to the university (bookstores, coffee shops, dive bars, regalia).

ckdhaven said:
If I was dreaming & I realize these are completely selfish and unrealistic: a Ben Franklin (or 5&10 like it); an oyster bar with alfresco dining; an outdoorsman store (for hiking, kayaking etc.); a Juice Caboose or equal; an artisanal donut shop with off-the-hook cinnamon buns; Ace hardware or equal (miss the old one on Springfield Ave); a Raymond's; an old fashioned shoe cobbler; an awesome cheese shop; a Lebanese restaurant; The Black Dog clothier's (bar would be great too); an LL Bean shop; a PNC bank branch to replace others; a large specialty lighting store like Heritage Lighting; an Ergometer workout center - to support a new master's crew team boathouse on the Orange reservoir "> Move here 19 years ago and still waiting... Yes, this list makes me sound like an elitist prat - but it was fun making it.
Also echo ANY stores that bridge the gap to the university (bookstores, coffee shops, dive bars, regalia).

The Orange reservoir is too small for a 2K rowing course. I wish it wasn't.

I could possibly see the PNC bank abandoning its current location in favor of the Blockbuster space. But if its clientele is primarily commercial they presumably would not want to give up the parking, so maybe that is a non-starter.

I love to read these threads when they pop up from time to time. Only, I read them and note the stores wanted that we had, however, closed due to lack of customer support. We had a book store but it is gone due to the bleed of sales to the Mall based stores.

I shutter when I read of someone asking for a store that we have. Perhaps not that exact dream, but, we have a pretty good butcher in town in Ashleys, along with an outcropping of Freedman's Fish store and not a bad Cheese section. You want a Bed Bath & Beyond, you would have to do a lot to beat Kitchen al Mode. Old time shoe maker, well we have one on the Avenue across from Village Plaza. He will make you anything and now has the franchise to make custom Birkenstock for you. Someone listed a gym-work out center. We have one, and soon a 2nd. I hope people support them. Gelato, have you tried the offerings at Marias? And, the old version of Cafe Arugula use to have a very nice selection, however, just could not keep the sales above the 'use before' date.

So, wish, but also support what we have.

Later,

Da, George

+1. Thanks George for pointing out the stores that are here and provide exactly the products and services folks are wishing for.....and, those that have gone for lack of support.

I would like to have a spot where people can bring used items and sell them. Like a permanent yard sale or flea market.

There used to be a butcher shop on the corner of Irvington and Ward. Not in the center of town, but still, it was a real butcher shop. I can't remember the last time I saw a stand alone butcher shop

A Kidville type place would totally work. Another concept that would work would be a Seafood Grill. Yet another concept that would work would be a Daycare in town accessible to the train station. Yet another would be an Urgent Care Center. Another would be an actual bar.

norardz said:
I would like to have a spot where people can bring used items and sell them. Like a permanent yard sale or flea market.

I believe RocketShip and Print offers that service.

A robo quinoa restaurant

http://nyti.ms/1JPwhhC

maybe the requested pickle store can take over the blockbuster site

The question was what stores would people like to see, not which would people patronize.

Tom_Reingold said:
The question was what stores would people like to see, not which would people patronize.

Fair enough. I'd like to see a store with a wide selection of chainmaille supplies.

Tom_Reingold said:
The question was what stores would people like to see, not which would people patronize.

I'd like a tapas bar.

Mmmmm... Potatas bravas

Tom_Reingold said:
The question was what stores would people like to see, not which would people patronize.

You cannot untangle the two cuz if people won't patronize a store it will fail. There needs to an economic reason for the store to exist, not just a feel-good desire of potential patrons.