Downtown Minneapolis Retail News

[mnmike]

Excellent

[Azel]

I wonder if they'd be better off opening at City Center, replacing Sports Authority and building on what's already there with Saks, Brooks Brothers, Len Druskin and Marshalls. It might be moot now, but what do you think?

[Silophant]

It probably would be better for them to be right in with those other stores, but at the same time, they're only across two streets, so I don't think it'll hurt them too much.

I'm also still hopeful that one of the other sporting goods stores will take a chance at a downtown store. We'll see.

[mnmike]

I am surprised there isn't more reaction here....of course a lease hasn't officially been signed....but I would say this is probably the biggest "get" for downtown Minneapolis since Target. A popular national retailer, with fairly large stores, that has never been in the downtown market before! Compliments the Off Fifth store as well. It is like a downtown outlet mall! heh.

[Nathan]

Oh, I was too busy preemptively putting full holds on all my credit cards to type a response.

[mnmike]

Perfect!

[SamHartmen]

Just what we need, another bargain bin for the riff raff downtown. Why can't we get some nice stores for a change? I guess we should start calling it Nicollet Outlet Mall.

[grant1simons2]

[LakeCharles]

Yay, now downtown can be as cool as Albertville. We have the full slate of cheap clothing, all we need is a Dress Barn.

[grant1simons2]

Wait are you people actually serious right now?

[mnmike]

Wow. Just can't win.

Well I for one am thrilled!

In other news, I notice the old Crate and Barrel space that was Target commercial interiors is now vacant too.

[HiawathaGuy]

Wasn't sure if I accidentally clicked on the Star Tribune comment section or what...

[sushisimo]

Exactly, WTF. This is fantastic news. At least with this store, Off Saks, etc. a moderate income person can patronize and make purchases frequently. That's what the Mall needs.

[amiller92]

Yay, now downtown can be as cool as Albertville. We have the full slate of cheap clothing, all we need is a Dress Barn.

A Dress Barn would be great!

(Honestly, any new downtown retail is great)

[seanrichardryan]

Just a note, the greatest days of downtown retail included zero luxury brands.

[grant1simons2]

Well.. Gabberts

[LakeCharles]

Well one, my statement was mostly in jest, and it's great that retail of any sort is moving into downtown, but I'm not personally excited about what we've been getting.

I do not ask for any luxury brands, but I also don't get excited about their knockoff fake luxury twin brands. Marshalls, Off Fifth and Nordstrom Rack are all getting their products made in the same Chinese sweatshops for the same dirt-cheap prices (and quality) as Zara, H&M, etc. They just charge more because they make you think they are somehow related to the products at Nordstrom, Saks, and their ilk.

But like I said, to echo a famous phrase on this site, retail of any sort is better than an empty store.

[SamHartmen]

...retail of any sort is better than an empty store.

I'm sure you really don't believe that...do you?

[seamonster]

Marshalls, Off Fifth and Nordstrom Rack are all getting their products made in the same Chinese sweatshops for the same dirt-cheap prices (and quality) as Zara, H&M, etc. They just charge more because they make you think they are somehow related to the products at Nordstrom, Saks, and their ilk.

Not always true. This is more typically true of something like a Gap Outlet or a Polo Factory Store where they have specific items made only for those outlets. I'm doubting Pendleton made a wool shirt specifically for Nordstrom Rack.

Anyway, I'm a fan, and I withdraw my request for a DSW downtown. The shoe market should be covered.

[LakeCharles]

Off Fifth has said (when asked) that less than 10% of goods are from Saks, with about 75% made for Off Fifth specifically. Nordstrom Rack has given similar numbers, and both companies confirm that their goods are almost never sold at the MSRP labeled on the tag. So not always true, but usually true.