Continuing The Discussion on Trader Joe's

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Sometime last week there was brief mention of desire (which I'm sure most of us share) for a Trader Joe's in Davis. Someone here, and I don't remember who, had information on that and said that Trader Joe's rejected Davis as a location because of the lack of parking. I've been thinking about that, and I'm wondering if that person, or anyone, has more information on how the company was approached or how they arrived at their decision.

If it's strictly a parking matter, one need only look at the Boylston Street store to know it can and does succeed with minimal-to-no parking.

Joe's has parking-lotted stores in Cambridge and Arlington. Yet they have not one store in Manhattan. Are they really that afraid of areas with low cars-to-residents ratios? Could it be that when they were asked about a Davis location, they simply didn't know the demographics of this neighborhood and presumed there would be no support or interest? A Davis location would be a goldmine for them, we all know that. But it would appear they don't.

So my questions:

Is there an appropriately sized space for them available? Who owns it?

We know the pros, but would there be any cons to their being here?

And, could an online petition with several thousand signatures from ethusiastic area residents who would be regular customers have enough positive influence to make them think again?

Curious for your thoughts...

Comments

[ursamajor]

I would ADORE a Super 88 in the area, but don't they tend to go for lower-rent neighborhoods than Davis? If they come to the Camberville area, my bet would be more on a location like Union Square or Magoun or maybe Winter Hill.

I'd think the smaller ethnic markets that already dot Union Square would protest Super 88 moving in and undercutting their prices, though. Heh.

[talonvaki.livejournal.com]

Ooh, they could have Johnny Foodmaster. Or the Market Basket!

The Reliable Market is the only Korean market in town. 88 doesn't carry as much Korean stuff, so I think those two can coexist...

And yeah, they are usually lower rent, but Allston makes me wonder...

[ursamajor]

*nods* I know of Reliable, but rarely get down to Union Square. Do you know about J+K over on Mass Ave near Dudley Street? It's maybe half a mile outside the square, in Cambridge, so might be more convenient if you just need something Korean quickly.

You have a point about Allston, though I'd bet the food court there is probably a helpful draw, and brings in enough extra foot traffic to justify it. The other locations are more difficult to get to by the T, though, and none are especially convenient to davis_square residents.

[talonvaki.livejournal.com]

I haven't been to J+K, but I'm actually closer to Reliable; I live at Hancock and Summer, and it's not a bad walk in summer...when it's been snowing that walk can be a bit treacherous though, because a lot of people seem not to believe in shovelling their walks.

[julishka.livejournal.com]

there's a super 88 in malden now.

[ursamajor]

there is? cool, i'm glad the love is spreading. :)

a pity i stopped dating the guy in malden a year and a half ago. ;)

[overstim.livejournal.com]

Super 88 doesnt look for low rent neighborhoos, they look for predominantly Asian neighborhood. You just sais Asians are poor. Thats racist. :P

[hotpoint.livejournal.com]

No, she was saying that Super 88 would not want to pay as much per square foot of retail space as a Davis landlord would likely charge. That is the definition of "low rent", is it not?

[overstim.livejournal.com]

wow... just, wow...

[ursamajor]

Thank you, yes, that's exactly what I was saying. Sorry I didn't put it more succinctly! *g*

[yangelina.livejournal.com]

FWIW, I didn't draw overstim's conclusion from your comment, nor find if racists/offensive. I'm Asian. And from what I know off Super 88s in the area, yes, you are correct, they do go toward low rent neighborhoods.
Also, it would be FANTASTIC, if we get a Super 88 in Davis. I would be so happy, I'd throw a dance party. Seriously.

[ursamajor]

Oh, good, I'm relieved. I certainly didn't mean for it to sound the way (s)he interpreted it.

(And I'm half-Asian, too (Filipino); had said discussion re "Why doesn't Camberville have a Super 88?" with my Korean boyfriend, and until I discovered Super 88, was pretty much resigned to my mom having to send me Mama Sita packets across the country. Oh, man, a Super 88 in Davis would rock!)

*starts wondering about a petition for a Super 88, now ;) *

[talonvaki.livejournal.com]

My boyfriend's Korean, and I didn't find it offensive, either. (I'm Asian if being descended from Russians counts)...
He lives in Southie, so when I get get him to go shopping, we go to the big one in Dorchester - he has a car.

We go to the Reliable Market a lot...