View Full Version : businesses in other states you wish would locate here.



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flintysooner
08-05-2009, 02:23 PM
I thought Academy was going to UNP in Norman.I think you are correct. My bad.

max
08-05-2009, 05:05 PM
Had to register finally for this one.
Kroger or HEB would be great as far as large chains.
But that's small potatoes. What I really want is an Alamo Draft House to be franchised here. I could see it working on Western Ave. now, or on 23rd in the Tower before too long.

mark t
08-08-2009, 02:27 PM
metro park
buffalo exchange
wholefoods
jack in the box
boston market
adidas store
dave n busters
a mall with xgames indoor skatepark
medical marijuana store front:chef:

Rover
08-09-2009, 08:55 PM
Love to see The Cactus Club restaurant from Vancouver. They have 6 in and around Vancouver, Victoria and Calgary, Canada. Upscale casual food. Chic, cool, urban, contemporary, classy and reasonably priced. Would fit great in the new Devon tower.

mugofbeer
08-09-2009, 09:02 PM
It seems that the biggest "want" is a better choice of grocery stores. I know groceries are a low margin store so there isn't much of a way prices can be lowered but maybe somone with knowledge can explain 2 things - 1) why is it OKC has such an amazing reputation of not being willing to pay a little more for quality and 2) why is it that grocery stores seem to forget the fact that there are about 200,000 people in the older part of OKC who have to drive miles OUT of town just to find a decent grocery. Why can't the grocers understand there is a need for a few quality inner-city stores.

I would be more than willing to pay a few cents an item more for my grocery items to be able to shop closer to home or in a nicer, larger store with more choices available. Am I the only one?????

progressiveboy
08-09-2009, 09:11 PM
Yeah that is a bit of a stretch. How about "other" groceries stores...

I don't know maybe it's the different layouts and presentation as well. Perception isn't always reality. Actually, I had friends visit from OKC for the weekend and we went to buy items for a cookout and they were just amazed at the selection and quality of the deli bakery including olive bars at one of the Tom Thumb "Signature" concept stores. They found items very easily at TT where they stated that it was hard to find at a OKC grocery store. My friends were marveling at the better selection of fruits and deli meats and cheeses. They stated the grocery stores in OKC just do not stack up as for as quality. OKC really needs more quality grocery stores.

adaniel
08-10-2009, 09:24 AM
It seems that the biggest "want" is a better choice of grocery stores. I know groceries are a low margin store so there isn't much of a way prices can be lowered but maybe somone with knowledge can explain 2 things - 1) why is it OKC has such an amazing reputation of not being willing to pay a little more for quality and 2) why is it that grocery stores seem to forget the fact that there are about 200,000 people in the older part of OKC who have to drive miles OUT of town just to find a decent grocery. Why can't the grocers understand there is a need for a few quality inner-city stores.

I would be more than willing to pay a few cents an item more for my grocery items to be able to shop closer to home or in a nicer, larger store with more choices available. Am I the only one?????

I don't know how true this is, but I have always heard that Oklahoma City is considered Wal Mart's test market, and in the early 2000's they made a major effort to drive out all the competition in this area. Again, don't know how true that is, but I have heard it from more than one person. Also, as for even worse grocercy selection in the inner city, I can say that OKC's development pattern could be to blame for that. When marketers and new businesses are looking to expand in a large city they generally break down demographics based on zip codes. So it doesn't help that in OKC, we have a pattern of mansions on one side of the street and section 8 projects on another, so it drags down overall income levels. For example, even the area around Nichols Hills (73116) has a median income over only 55K. This is the zip code thats home to the states weathiest city, mind you. On the flip side, in South Tulsa/Jenks area where weath is much more concentrated (74137), the median income is $85K. I really think this pattern in OKC hurts us in regards to luring high-end retailers and grocers.

As for me, I would gladly pay a little more to go someplace else for quality. I have all but given up Wal Mart and I have noticed how a little increase in price from one store to another really keeps out the "riff raff." But I get the feeling that the vast majority of people here would not pay extra. The cultural climate here is generally not impressed by a lot of fluff compared to other urban areas in the country. And people surely aren't going to pay for it.

Urban Enthusiast
08-10-2009, 11:32 AM
I posted these maps on another forum over a year ago, but they seem relevant now when discussing demographics. The maps show median household income at the Census Tract level from the 2000 Census for Oklahoma County and Tulsa County. As you can see, inner OKC appears quite poor. I think that has to do with how integrated the wealthy and poorer neighborhoods are together, whereas inner Tulsa (less northern portions) of Tulsa appear more wealthy. This is probably due to the fact that the neighborhoods are more homogeneous in Tulsa with larger clusters of wealthy neighborhoods that transition to poorer and poorer neighborhoods. This demographic makeup plays a role in attracting retailers. It is also probably why Tulsa has the high end retail like Saks, Restoration Hardware, and others that are located in Utica Square.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p206/tshane250/Miscellaneous/OkCountyMedHHIncome.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p206/tshane250/Miscellaneous/TulsaCountyMedianIncome.jpg

Drake
08-10-2009, 11:37 AM
I don't get what's so great about Dicks Sporting Goods. I've been to them and haven't found anything I can't get at Academy or one of the other local sports places for usually cheaper. I'd rather have a Nike outlet.

Disagree. I thinks Dick's selection is much more broad

metro
08-10-2009, 01:42 PM
Okay Drake, what can you buy at a Dick's Sporting Goods that you can't get anywhere in the 405?

kimberle
08-15-2009, 04:23 PM
ALAMO DRAFT HOUSE

Whole Foods

Anthropologie

Ikea (but outside of the city)

Pinkberry - in the Plaza District

airplane777
02-16-2010, 10:49 PM
Kroger and Costco would be great for the city

jdcf
02-22-2010, 10:21 AM
La Madeleine
Einstein Brothers
Nordstrom Rack (my wife's addiction)
Costco
Central Market or Whole Foods

fuzzytoad
02-22-2010, 10:25 AM
Cabela's

progressiveboy
02-22-2010, 10:40 AM
I posted these maps on another forum over a year ago, but they seem relevant now when discussing demographics. The maps show median household income at the Census Tract level from the 2000 Census for Oklahoma County and Tulsa County. As you can see, inner OKC appears quite poor. I think that has to do with how integrated the wealthy and poorer neighborhoods are together, whereas inner Tulsa (less northern portions) of Tulsa appear more wealthy. This is probably due to the fact that the neighborhoods are more homogeneous in Tulsa with larger clusters of wealthy neighborhoods that transition to poorer and poorer neighborhoods. This demographic makeup plays a role in attracting retailers. Italso probably why Tulsa has the high end retail like Saks, Restoration Hardware, and others that are located in Utica Square. Tulsa has always historically been a much more "affluent" city than OKC. One must understand that Tulsa was settled by oil barons, educated and cultured people from back East. In contrast, OKC was settled by pioneers and opportunistic people that were taking advantage of free land. These people were probably poor as a church mouse and had little or no education. In addition to retail stores such as Saks, Restoration Hardware there is also Steve Madden, Oakley, Fossil, Whole Foods etc that are not found in OKC. I still believe that Tulsa has better demographics, however OKC has improved and hopefully be able to support more upscale stores in the future. is

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p206/tshane250/Miscellaneous/OkCountyMedHHIncome.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p206/tshane250/Miscellaneous/TulsaCountyMedianIncome.jpg Tulsa has always historically been a much more "affluent" city than OKC. One must understand that Tulsa was settled by oil barons, educated and cultured people from back East. In contrast, OKC was settled by pioneers and opportunistic people that were taking advantage of free land. These people were probably poor as a church mouse and had little or no education. In addition to retail stores such as Saks, Restoration Hardware there is also Steve Madden, Oakley, Fossil, Whole Foods etc that are not found in OKC. I still believe that Tulsa has better demographics, however OKC has improved and hopefully be able to support more upscale stores in the future.

Midtowner
02-22-2010, 10:50 AM
I'd rather see Fortune 500 Companies than fast food eateries and clothing chains.

okcpulse
02-22-2010, 11:17 AM
Oklahoma City has really poor selections of grocery stores. I personally think the quality is marginal and having lived here previously, many of the stores were not clean. I did not shop at Crest Foods when I lived in OKC so I cannot say how it stacks up to the "so called" competition. When my mother comes down to Dallas to visit, she constantly marvels at the wide selection of grocery stores and the "quality" of them. She loves Tom Thumb and Central Market. She lives in Edmond and states their really isn't any great grocery stores there, considering it is an affluent community. I think it is time that OKC steps it up a notch and try to attract "quality" grocers to the area. And yes, I am talking about WF even a signature Tom Thumb would do wonders!

Okay, but WF and Tom Thumb ned to do their part. Most in OKC are on the same page in their desire for better grocery stores, but we can't miracle a Whole Foods location out of thin air.

progressiveboy
02-22-2010, 12:15 PM
Okay, but WF and Tom Thumb ned to do their part. Most in OKC are on the same page in their desire for better grocery stores, but we can't miracle a Whole Foods location out of thin air.True. I agree however, maybe OKC just does not have the right demographics in landing a more better grocery store or even WF or Central Market. "It is one thing to have the desire to want better grocery stores," however there has to be a pent up demand and the realistic disposable income to warrant this to happen. Realistically, if the management wants these stores in OKC and thought they would/could be successful, then I believe they would have already been placed in the marketplace. Again, I know that you are a champion and proOKC and Oklahoma person that wants the best for your hometown.I am also a native of OKC and grew up there. I am not selling out OKC. OKC is going to have to prove they are able to support the types of grocery stores. Again, having the desire and want for better grocery stores and having all the credentials of getting them are two different matters.

progressiveboy
02-22-2010, 12:23 PM
I'd rather see Fortune 500 Companies than fast food eateries and clothing chains. Exactly!! This is what is going to help OKC in the future. You must first have the high paying quality jobs that have the higher disposable incomes thus resulting in more higher end stores and grocery stores. It is simple economics. The more white collar jobs and educated workforce, then you are going to have a more affluent sector of population that will not only demand but frequent these businesses. CHK, Devon and Sandridge are good corporate citizens, however being energy based companies they are much more "voliatle" in crashing with the economy. It never hurts to have a "diversified" portfolio of huge businesses to help cushion or soften the blow of other companies downturns.

okcpulse
02-22-2010, 12:24 PM
True. I agree however, maybe OKC just does not have the right demographics in landing a more better grocery store or even WF or Central Market. "It is one thing to have the desire to want better grocery stores," however there has to be a pent up demand and the realistic disposable income to warrant this to happen. Realistically, if the management wants these stores in OKC and thought they would/could be successful, then I believe they would have already been placed in the marketplace. Again, I know that you are a champion and proOKC and Oklahoma person that wants the best for your hometown.I am also a native of OKC and grew up there. I am not selling out OKC. OKC is going to have to prove they are able to support the types of grocery stores. Again, having the desire and want for better grocery stores and having all the credentials of getting them are two different matters.

Nah, I don't think you're trying to sell out OKC at all. I do feel the demographics are perfect in Edmond/NW OKC north fo Quail Springs and in south OKC/west Moore.

For some reason those two areas keep getting overlooked. But then again, Edmond/NW OKC has a nice Crest and SuperTarget in the area. South OKC/west Moore is getting a Cresh Fresh Market, which is a step up from the regular Crest. That could be why.

On that note, I feel it isn't really fair to compare DFW amenities to OKC amenities. A market of 6.3 million people vs. a market of 1.2 million are on very separate levels. But people do it all the time without thinking about the moving parts of the demographics in each metro area.

I also feel the local grocery chains SHOULD step up and offer better quality, else ship out. I can't think of one OKC resident that says "hmmm, I really like Buy For Less." I know I don't.

okcpulse
02-22-2010, 12:30 PM
Exactly!! This is what is going to help OKC in the future. You must first have the high paying quality jobs that have the higher disposable incomes thus resulting in more higher end stores and grocery stores. It is simple economics. The more white collar jobs and educated workforce, then you are going to have a more affluent sector of population that will not only demand but frequent these businesses. CHK, Devon and Sandridge are good corporate citizens, however being energy based companies they are much more "voliatle" in crashing with the economy. It never hurts to have a "diversified" portfolio of huge businesses to help cushion or soften the blow of other companies downturns.

Yes, I agree. OKC faces an uphill battle in trying to attract Fortune 500 companies. I champion home-grown companies that work there way to Fortune 1000 and perhaps Fortune 500. OKC really needs to foster that type of environment. If home grown companies climb to Fortune 500 status, then imagine 6 or 7 such companies in the area. Out of state firms look positively on that.

Midtowner
02-22-2010, 12:41 PM
Would Devon and Chesapeake have been just as successful as they are now no matter where they started up?

kevinpate
02-22-2010, 03:31 PM
... I can't think of one OKC resident that says "hmmm, I really like Buy For Less." ...

That's cause the bulk of the populace really love their addiction to Wally-World and W-M Neighborhood Markets instead.
:LolLolLol

westsidesooner
02-22-2010, 04:13 PM
This might be a little off track with the thread sinced most posters are visioning restaurants, grocery stores and retail, but where I think OKC lags behind most other metros is in the amusement park area. Frontier city is ok....but nothing special, and white water bay has definitely seen better days. So here's my two suggestions:

Schlitterbahn Vacation Village - Kansas City, Kansas (http://www.schlitterbahn.com/kc/default.htm)

The images on this site were too big to post here.....so heres a link to some images.....I really like the KC concept with the vacation rental huts/with slides embedded in the park.

http://www.schlitterbahn.com/news/photos/photos.htm

I also think a Great Wolf Lodge would do great here as a indoor/winter swimming/family vacation option.....and much cheaper to build than a Schlitterbahn Park.

ronronnie1
02-22-2010, 06:19 PM
Some of these would be nice.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h220/ronRonnie_2006/fashion-7506-1.gif

JacksonW
02-22-2010, 06:43 PM
OKC suffers from a lack of density in our market survey, the population is spread out over many square miles. Cheap and abundant raw land with no natural geographic boundries keeps housing affordable but very spread out. Most companies that service the consumer look at population and income within a certain radius. The distance that people live or work from the location has a major major influence on number of visits(sales) annually. Many companies have minimums for number of people and income that live or work within 1,3,5 miles of potential location. It is usually one of the first, if not the first filters used for site locations. Edmond should be desirable but there is tremendous amount of undeveloped land inside city. When it is filled in, retail will follow.

ShiroiHikari
02-22-2010, 06:56 PM
I'm too lazy to go back and read the first three pages to see if anyone already said this, but I would cry tears of joy if they built a Central Market here. That place is awesome.

CaptDave
02-22-2010, 07:01 PM
I also think a Great Wolf Lodge would do great here as a indoor/winter swimming/family vacation option.....and much cheaper to build than a Schlitterbahn Park.

I have been saying the Crossroads Mall location would be great for a Great Wolf!

Add me to those hoping for a Whole Foods - I have been going every couple of weeks since I have been in Louisville. I will miss it when I leave in a couple months.

Also - Dick's Sporting Goods is light years better than Academy. Dick's = Dillards; Academy = K-Mart.

But in the final analysis, those who have stated we should focus on luring a more diverse corporate base here are correct. If that happens, more of these "higher end" businesses will follow. It would be great to have three or four more corporate headquarters here for businesses not related to the energy sector.

Larry OKC
02-24-2010, 01:45 AM
OKC suffers from a lack of density in our market survey, the population is spread out over many square miles. Cheap and abundant raw land with no natural geographic boundries keeps housing affordable but very spread out. Most companies that service the consumer look at population and income within a certain radius. The distance that people live or work from the location has a major major influence on number of visits(sales) annually. Many companies have minimums for number of people and income that live or work within 1,3,5 miles of potential location. It is usually one of the first, if not the first filters used for site locations. Edmond should be desirable but there is tremendous amount of undeveloped land inside city. When it is filled in, retail will follow.

This is true, remember a few year back one of the things that made Wal-mart a success was it went into the small towns that other stores would stay out of. For years, there wasn't a single Wal-mart actually inside the OKC city limits. They were located just across the line in Warr Acres, Bethany, Moore, Norman etc. gradually as they got bigger (Super Centers etc) they moved around and many of those surrounding communities lost them.