25 replies to this topic

[snoogit]

joeDowntown, on Apr 27 2005, 07:10 AM, said:

Someone, somewhere said they heard that they are talking to a couple of local bookstores. That scares me because other than Schulers, that would mean Kregel's or Family Christian Bookstores, which is not what I think anyone had in mind when they talked about a bookstore downtown.

I know it won't be Border's because they have an agreement to not compete with Schuler's (as they provide distribution services for Schulers).

Otherwise, we'd have to hope for a Barnes and Noble or some chain that is not represented in GR (are their any large enough to pull it off)?

The bookstore part excites and scares me...

Joe

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

FCB is a national chain out of Texas. And kregel is a localized name of another national chain (Parable Bookstores, also out of texas)

The ONLY local bookstore in GR is Schulers

Edited by snoogit, 27 April 2005 - 05:54 PM.

[Prankster]

joeDowntown, on Apr 27 2005, 09:10 AM, said:

Someone, somewhere said they heard that they are talking to a couple of local bookstores. That scares me because other than Schulers, that would mean Kregel's or Family Christian Bookstores, which is not what I think anyone had in mind when they talked about a bookstore downtown.

I know it won't be Border's because they have an agreement to not compete with Schuler's (as they provide distribution services for Schulers).

Otherwise, we'd have to hope for a Barnes and Noble or some chain that is not represented in GR (are their any large enough to pull it off)?

The bookstore part excites and scares me...

Joe

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If they could pull of landing Schuler's, it would be a huge coup, because even Rockford Construction couldn't entice them into going into the Steketee's building.  They offered them everything they could, short of no rent, but couldn't seal the deal.  Maybe RSC has a little more influence than Rockford, and bring them in.  Because when you think of a 2 story locally owned bookstore, Schulers is the only one that would seem to fit the bill.

[joeDowntown]

Welcome to the forum prankster. I agree, Schuler's seems like the only viable local store. Baker Books, Kregels or Family Christian bookstores would be a blow to our metropolitan status. Everyone would snicker that all Grand Rapids could get was a mega christian bookstore downtown. Heck though, maybe Grace's could re-open and we'd have a Christian bar next to the Christian bookstore. It could be a wholesome theme with a Christian pool hall to boot!

Joe

Prankster, on Apr 28 2005, 09:29 AM, said:

If they could pull of landing Schuler's, it would be a huge coup, because even Rockford Construction couldn't entice them into going into the Steketee's building.  They offered them everything they could, short of no rent, but couldn't seal the deal.  Maybe RSC has a little more influence than Rockford, and bring them in.  Because when you think of a 2 story locally owned bookstore, Schulers is the only one that would seem to fit the bill.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[jdkacz]

i really dont see schulers going downtown with their new store just a miles north at alpine. honestly, barnes and nobles makes the most sense as they have 2 stores on the south side of town.

no slight against the christian bookstores, but that would be a bit of a letdown for this prime spot downtown. other, non local ideas would be waldens books.

[woz]

I thought Sam Cummings was quoted as saying that they were in talks with a "local" bookstore. If not Schuler's Books & Music, who else could he have been referring to? ... Argo's?

No, I agree, that's not a very likely choice, but think about it ... it certainly would fit in well with the spirit of the retail mix developing farther South on Division, with Vertigo Music (record store), Scavenger Hut (thrift store) and My Video Shoppe (independent Blockbuster alternative).

I also recall a mention of a movie theater. Does anyone know whether or not Jack Loekes has ever expressed interest in downtown before now? Cummings mentioned a "local" cinema chain in the Press, but here on this forum and elsewhere, the layout of the RSC plan appears to be limited to the bookstore, the jazz club and the billiard hall.

The movie theater would easily be a bigger draw than the jazz club or the pool hall, as previous efforts at both in and near downtown have failed in recent years. Downtown needs a movie house. The UICA is great, but I'd love to be able to see a dumb popcorn flick without driving to the suburbs.

[metrogrkid]

woz, on Apr 29 2005, 07:54 AM, said:

I thought Sam Cummings was quoted as saying that they were in talks with a "local" bookstore. If not Schuler's Books & Music, who else could he have been referring to? ... Argo's?

No, I agree, that's not a very likely choice, but think about it ... it certainly would fit in well with the spirit of the retail mix developing farther South on Division, with Vertigo Music (record store), Scavenger Hut (thrift store) and My Video Shoppe (independent Blockbuster alternative).

I also recall a mention of a movie theater. Does anyone know whether or not Jack Loekes has ever expressed interest in downtown before now? Cummings mentioned a "local" cinema chain in the Press, but here on this forum and elsewhere, the layout of the RSC plan appears to be limited to the bookstore, the jazz club and the billiard hall.

The movie theater would easily be a bigger draw than the jazz club or the pool hall, as previous efforts at both in and near downtown have failed in recent years. Downtown needs a movie house. The UICA is great, but I'd love to be able to see a dumb popcorn flick without driving to the suburbs.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Woz:

MUCH AGREEMENT HERE!!  A downtown movie complex as part of a mixed-use downtown entertainment/retail destination is a MUST-GET for downtown GR.

Edited by metrogrkid, 29 April 2005 - 06:30 PM.