The State of Downtown Retail

[goodbye]

Lou Lou would take the space if they do get evicted.

201 North Main is already listed as "coming soon" on their website. http://loulouboutiques.com/find-a-boutique

[MAJIKMAN]

Sorry for what might happen to Ayer's. But I do see the trend.

[StrangeCock]

Awesome! I was just thinking that downtown needed another boutique!

 

(This joke is beyond old at this point.)

[gman430]

Just walked by the new Starbucks and it is indeed a full service one just like the one at Riverplace. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Opening December 15th:

Edited December 13, 2014 by gman430

[gman430]

The project for the old Corner Pocket space is now under construction. Gilliam is the contractor.

[GvilleSC]

DRB agenda seems to indicate a rooftop addition for Corner Pocket and renovations at what appears to be the old Charlie's Steak House? Only the agenda is up, so I can't see the applications for confirmation yet.

[Gville2012]

DRB agenda seems to indicate a rooftop addition for Corner Pocket and renovations at what appears to be the old Charlie's Steak House? Only the agenda is up, so I can't see the applications for confirmation yet.

 

Hmmm - I think last month the DRM informally reviewed Corner Pocket large opening doors... maybe they are pivoting and making the outdoor space on the roof instead?

[Gville2012]

DRB agenda seems to indicate a rooftop addition for Corner Pocket and renovations at what appears to be the old Charlie's Steak House? Only the agenda is up, so I can't see the applications for confirmation yet.

Roof top - http://greenvillesc.gov/PlanningZoning/PlanningApplications/Applications/2015/JANUARY/DesignReviewBoard/01-08-2015/CA-14-326%28a%29-21EastCoffeeStreet.pdf

 

Charlie's updates, but doesnt say what is planned - http://greenvillesc.gov/PlanningZoning/PlanningApplications/Applications/2015/JANUARY/DesignReviewBoard/01-08-2015/CA-15-12-18EastCoffeeStreet.pdf

Finally something to go in the bar space in S. Main - http://greenvillesc.gov/PlanningZoning/PlanningApplications/Applications/2015/JANUARY/DesignReviewBoard/01-08-2015/CA-15-15-724SouthMainStreet.pdf

[mallguy]

The new Starbucks on N. Main is great!  Light and airy interior, super-nice people working there and outdoor seating in the plaza in front of the Hyatt.

 

Other thought: I have been reading a book about retail site selection, and fast 1-way streets are terrible for retail; 2-way narrower streets are much better, and parking in front of a store is critical. 

 

With that, and with stores now along Washington Street (Orvis, etc.), why doesn't the city narrow Washington and W./E. North Streets within a block or two of Main in order to make the streetfront sites better for retail?  Now Washington and W./E. North Streets have narrow sidewalks and are 1-way, prioritizing speed over retail visibility.

[goodbye]

The new Starbucks on N. Main is great! Light and airy interior, super-nice people working there and outdoor seating in the plaza in front of the Hyatt.

Other thought: I have been reading a book about retail site selection, and fast 1-way streets are terrible for retail; 2-way narrower streets are much better, and parking in front of a store is critical.

With that, and with stores now along Washington Street (Orvis, etc.), why doesn't the city narrow Washington and W./E. North Streets within a block or two of Main in order to make the streetfront sites better for retail? Now Washington and W./E. North Streets have narrow sidewalks and are 1-way, prioritizing speed over retail visibility.

Actually, Washington is a two-way street, as is McBee Avenue. Washington was "narrowed" fairly recently to allow for bike lanes, but I agree that wider sidewalks would improve the pedestrian experience along that busy first block off of Main Street.

[mallguy]

Yes, my mistake about Washington.  That street should just be narrowed significantly and should be "Main Street-ized", with similar parking, broad sidewalks, etc.

[GvilleSC]

The sidewalks on North Street are fairly narrow, but Washington Street's are pretty wide all the way to Richardson. The outdoor dining takes up some space, but that happens on Main too. Diagonal parking would be welcome on Washington, something similar to McBee's setup.

[Gville2012]

The Deli and Market on College St set to open at end of the month, according to G'Ville news. Looks like plans have expanded a bit in terms of offering.

[GvilleSC]

This may have been discussed before, but:

The Christopher Park Gallery has moved upstairs across from Chicora Alley, and their old space is well underway on renovations. What is going here?

[GvilleSC]

Work appears to be going on in the Crepes on Main space.

[gman430]

Ruh roh: https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152641469833193

[MAJIKMAN]

This is Fox Carolina at it again. Looking for a story that's not one.

[GvilleSC]

So what is the final verdict on Ayers?

[vicupstate]

http://upstatebusinessjournal.com/news/britt-boutique-aims-downtown-niche/

 

Old Crepes on Main location

[gman430]

http://upstatebusinessjournal.com/news/britt-boutique-aims-downtown-niche/

 

Old Crepes on Main location

 

Just what downtown needs: another women's boutique. 

[GvilleSC]

Glad to see a difficult storefront being filled. That's probably a good type of business for this location.

[GvilleSC]

So they will join Bevello, Cone & Coleman, and TAZ as brand new Women's Boutiques on North Main. Is there any word on what Ayers will be doing?

[StrangeCock]

[GvilleSC]

Cianciola's Grocers and Deli opens February 6 on College Street!

[GvilleSC]

Wedding 101 or whatever it was called has vacated their space in the West End. Highway to Health in the basement below Magnolia has closed.