Atomic City Talk

Yep, Trader Joe's would be a great addition to Oak Ridge. Their upscale discount approach (yes, that's hard to explain to people who haven't been to one of their stores) would fit this town's personality well.

I suspect Turkey Creek would be our best hope for getting Trader Joe's to locate in our area. Unfortunate, but true.

Especially if they want to go up on the hill.

I don't know Trader Joe's tenancies. The only one I know is in St Louis in a largish shopping center with a reasonable sized Target and a few other large anchors. I suspect that they like most chain retailers realize the need to group together and share customers. They would probably be banned from the current Mall redevelopment footprint by the WalMart restrictions. It seems like we don't have a place that would make them comfortable yet.

It may not be the same everywhere. The one I visited in LA was in an older strip mall, and while there might have been a traditional grocery store in the vicinity, I don't remember any upscale anchors.

KR, Don't be so cynical - we have a compelling case to offer to Trader Joe's: a highly intelligent community, ample grayfield available for development, and an absence of competitors in a 15 mile radius. In fact, bringing something unique to Oak Ridge could be just the antidote to this retail malaise that seems to have befallen our citizenry....

Not being cynical.... Just realistic...

A highly intelligent community??? Maybe, but then again, why are we in the mess we are in if that is true?

With that, I'll hunker down and await the onslaught~smile~

D:

I hope you are being facetious. We have been there done that and it doesn't work. It has been proven that this town likes status quo. They are not open to change. Many are, but they have been proven to be a minority. Wal-Mart serves that is all they need. No need to move forward.

I am not familiar with Trader Joe's......I've heard of it, but have not been to one. But, that is exactly the type of business Oak Ridge needs to be looking at. At this point, there is no way we can compete head-to-head with Turkey Creek. We need to differentiate ourselves by bringing in a company like Trader Joe's as our own unique anchor, and other businesses will follow. Unfortunately, we need some developed real estate....which may require abatements or some other type of participation from the city.......which will upset the statue.......etc., etc.

Only in Oak Ridge would a tread about wine and groceries lead to comments about tax abatements!

I am not familiar with Trader Joe's......I've heard of it, but have not been to one. But, that is exactly the type of business Oak Ridge needs to be looking at. At this point, there is no way we can compete head-to-head with Turkey Creek. We need to differentiate ourselves by bringing in a company like Trader Joe's as our own unique anchor, and other businesses will follow. Unfortunately, we need some developed real estate....which may require abatements or some other type of participation from the city.......which will upset the statue.......etc., etc.

Only in Oak Ridge would a tread about wine and groceries lead to comments about tax abatements!