Things Remembered is closing down all their stores (again)

Things Forgotten.

Things Remembered is closing down all their stores (again)

I do not know why they bought it back in the first place, they are expensive and customers can buy it online for much cheaper

Did the Vera Bradley store close?

Did the Vera Bradley store close?
Is Vera Bradley still a thing? I thought they disappeared into the ether, like Crabtree &Evelyn.

Has Williams Sonoma even looked at opening anywhere else? I know Classen Curve has Sur La Table but I'd imagine WS would do great in Edmond/Nichols Hills

^

Not sure, but it would make sense for them to look at OAK.

Vera Bradley closed around the beginning of January. Yankee Candle has also closed down at Penn too

We were in the mall last weekend and it does not look good. The Microsoft store is now an "Everything's $8.99 store." which is fine, but not for an upscale mall. I had to laugh at the big sign saying they didn't have a changing room, but "feel free to try on over your clothes." LOL. Lots of more local type low end stores going in there like escape rooms mattress stores and massage places. Williams Sonoma is gone, as is Banana Republic. I have to believe that J Crew, Gap and Madewell will vanish once their leases are up. Malls are just a dying concept.

To quote Pete from another thread:


Note the packed parking lots at Penn Square and Belle isle Station -- pretty strong for late January.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/oak012823a.jpg

That's a lot of customers for a dying concept.

We were in the mall last weekend and it does not look good. The Microsoft store is now an "Everything's $8.99 store." which is fine, but not for an upscale mall. I had to laugh at the big sign saying they didn't have a changing room, but "feel free to try on over your clothes." LOL. Lots of more local type low end stores going in there like escape rooms mattress stores and massage places. Williams Sonoma is gone, as is Banana Republic. I have to believe that J Crew, Gap and Madewell will vanish once their leases are up. Malls are just a dying concept.

They are in the process of shifting stores around to make room for a greatly expanded Altard States and a new Urban Outfitters.

It will be interesting to see if any of the mall tenants (like Pottery Barn) will make the jump to OAK across the street.

Went to PSM 2 Saturday's ago with a friend and it was packed. We drove around looking for a parking space for several minutes. We had lunch there and the food court was very busy. I was really happy to see how busy it was.

Went to PSM 2 Saturday's ago with a friend and it was packed. We drove around looking for a parking space for several minutes. We had lunch there and the food court was very busy. I was really happy to see how busy it was.

If you want to find a parking spot, go arrive in an hour before it opens and you will see empty parking, that is what I do

We were in the mall last weekend and it does not look good. The Microsoft store is now an "Everything's $8.99 store." which is fine, but not for an upscale mall. I had to laugh at the big sign saying they didn't have a changing room, but "feel free to try on over your clothes." LOL. Lots of more local type low end stores going in there like escape rooms mattress stores and massage places. Williams Sonoma is gone, as is Banana Republic. I have to believe that J Crew, Gap and Madewell will vanish once their leases are up. Malls are just a dying concept.
Malls are not a dying concept. That is not anywhere close to the case in large cities like LA. They’re doing great. Too many were built and a market correction is in store.

I suspect one OAK and the other potential development Pete spoke of as a possibility is built PS will receive a huge makeover.

I'm not sure what the difference is, but Penn Square is always packed yet Quail seems dead. We went to the Frisco Mall in DFW a couple months back and it was jam packed with people.

I don’t think every version of something has to disappear overnight for it to be a dying concept. I also don’t think pointing to the most successful versions of a larger trend considered dying negates years of study and research that shows a specific model has lost sustainability as it has existed. If malls are able to reinvent themselves in ways that allow them to remain successful and popular, that’s great as it adds to a healthy city, but that doesn’t change the knowledge that a specific model is no longer sustainable without reworking the concept to adjust to modern trends.

Penn Square seems to be doing fine imo - it's too crowded if anything. Its located in the perfect spot. Usually hit up LOFT, American Eagle, Dry Goods, and Sephora. Dillards if shopping for my husband. Apple store is fun to browse.

Quail Springs on the other hand is less conveniently located and doesn't have a sufficient number of interesting shops to 'make a day of it'. Malls can be a hassle so I won't go in for just a single store. Similar feelings about the outlet mall not being worth the trip / hassle.

I don’t think every version of something has to disappear overnight for it to be a dying concept. I also don’t think pointing to the most successful versions of a larger trend considered dying negates years of study and research that shows a specific model has lost sustainability as it has existed. If malls are able to reinvent themselves in ways that allow them to remain successful and popular, that’s great as it adds to a healthy city, but that doesn’t change the knowledge that a specific model is no longer sustainable without reworking the concept to adjust to modern trends.

This quote nails it.

The heyday of the mall, where it served as a destination, even a playground for people, is past. That does not mean that people don't occasionally still go to the mall. Penn Square, as mentioned above, seems to be thriving. In the three cities I am most familiar with, Oklahoma City, St. Louis, and Kansas City, the number of malls have declined in all of them. When I moved to St. Louis, there were 10 malls on the Missouri side of the river. Today there are six.

Trends change, Habits change. Preferences change. 5 years ago I would never have dreamed the degree to which almost all of my family's shopping is done online.

The instructive piece here, though, is that in most of the cities I can think of, the strongest malls are the ones that are considered the most "upscale." When buying a $750-$1000 business suit, most people still want to try it on. When a store is truly a "destination," there is likely to be only one in a town and it will be in the most "upscale" environment. if your store sells run-of-the-mill stuff, and if your mall is full of stores that sell run-of-the-mill stuff, your days as a physical presence are numbered.

This quote nails it.

The heyday of the mall, where it served as a destination, even a playground for people, is past. That does not mean that people don't occasionally still go to the mall. Penn Square, as mentioned above, seems to be thriving. In the three cities I am most familiar with, Oklahoma City, St. Louis, and Kansas City, the number of malls have declined in all of them. When I moved to St. Louis, there were 10 malls on the Missouri side of the river. Today there are six.

Trends change, Habits change. Preferences change. 5 years ago I would never have dreamed the degree to which almost all of my family's shopping is done online.

The instructive piece here, though, is that in most of the cities I can think of, the strongest malls are the ones that are considered the most "upscale." When buying a $750-$1000 business suit, most people still want to try it on. When a store is truly a "destination," there is likely to be only one in a town and it will be in the most "upscale" environment. if your store sells run-of-the-mill stuff, and if your mall is full of stores that sell run-of-the-mill stuff, your days as a physical presence are numbered.

Yep, try going to the Galleria in Houston on a weekend.

I know I am tardy to the party, but I had Spunkie's Soul Food for the first time today and it was very, very good. To everyone's point, yes it is not cheap, but the food is better than any food of its kind I have had. I got the five meatball plate with yams and mac and cheese and there wasn't a scrap left when I was done. Also, I got a slice of their 7-up cake and couldn't eat it fast enough. The guy I went to lunch with got the fried turkey chop. I didn't even know what that was. He let me try a bite and I wasn't disappointed.

I probably won't be there all the time since it is inside the mall and I have a limited time for lunch, but it was great and I will definitely be back.

They are in the process of shifting stores around to make room for a greatly expanded Altard States and a new Urban Outfitters.

It will be interesting to see if any of the mall tenants (like Pottery Barn) will make the jump to OAK across the street. Altard States has permanently closed down in PS.

Altard States has permanently closed down in PS.

Yeah, they must have had a bad holiday season and decided just to close some stores.

Urban Outfitters is still going forward.

Altard States has permanently closed down in PS.

According to what? Their website is saying they are open. They may just be moving to a different location in the mall.

According to what? Their website is saying they are open. They may just be moving to a different location in the mall. As per Facebook. Also I was at PS with my sister yesterday, she wanted to stop at his store it was completely empty and closed!

Ah, dang.

My cousin recently had several communications with the corporate office, and they told him the Alter'd State store was closed with no plans to reopen either elsewhere in the mall or another location in the area. His wife and several of her friends were really bummed that the store closed.

Now they can add an H&M or Zara in that space.

Now they can add an H&M or Zara in that space.

It's a great location, right off the center of the mall.

They'll find someone to take that space.

Now they can add an H&M or Zara in that space.

I think Zara would do very, very well there or at the Oak development.

I like H&M but I don't think it's been a very big hit in OKC.

I like H&M but I don't think it's been a very big hit in OKC.
What makes you say that?

I think Zara would do very, very well there or at the Oak development.

I like H&M but I don't think it's been a very big hit in OKC.

The H&M’s I’ve been to elsewhere are certainly far more active. Ironically, it’s still more active here than I ever expect it to be when I go, but that doesn’t mean much. I would be interested to see if it would be more active at Penn Square or if it’s genuinely just not popular here.

Agreed on Zara at Oak if not at PSM.

I think Zara would do very, very well there or at the Oak development.

I like H&M but I don't think it's been a very big hit in OKC.I was surprised the H&M at Northpark in Dallas closed. Makes you think H&M will really scrutinize leases as they come up for renewal.

What makes you say that?

I’ve been to many H&Ms in the UK and US and the one here seems way less popular. It is only observational and an opinion, but I wouLd guess the numbers not good and there has never been a buzz about it coming here. Now, Zara would likely be different imho.

I’ve been to many H&Ms in the UK and US and the one here seems way less popular. It is only observational and an opinion, but I wouLd guess the numbers not good and there has never been a buzz about it coming here. Now, Zara would likely be different imho.
I’ve only been to the one at Quail Springs a couple times, but it was pretty busy both times I was there. I can’t say it was any more or less busy than the ones out here in LA but I’ve only been to these ones a couple times as well. I don’t shop there that much.

I've been to the H&M at Quail several times and it has customers but I wouldn't call it busy.

I think some of it has to do with malls going out of style and some of it has to do with Quail not being a great mall. The aquarium gives it an odd smell. It has several empty spaces. Many stores seem to be on the cheap side (and I don't mean cost). A lot of space is being taken up by concepts instead of stores now. The AMC doesn't bring people in like it did 25 years ago because they're better options in the area.

I think Zara would do very, very well there or at the Oak development.

I like H&M but I don't think it's been a very big hit in OKC.

The H&M at Quail is a sad sack version of a real H&M. Not a true representation. It's kind of like H&M light. Also, that store would do better at Penn or Oak.

The H&M at Quail is a sad sack version of a real H&M. Not a true representation. It's kind of like H&M light. Also, that store would do better at Penn or Oak.

I agree with this, most H&Ms in other markets seem to have more variety and feel more complete. The QSM one reals more like an H&M outlet.

18076

Cinnabon is going into the old Good Girl Chocolates location right next to Auntie Anne's Pretzels

Cinnabon is going into the old Good Girl Chocolates location right next to Auntie Anne's Pretzels

My prayers have been answered! Feeling like the 90's again with Sbarro's and Cinnabon back in the mall. Now all they need is an arcade and we are back!

I guess they didn't want to go for the old Subway space upstairs in the food court.

I agree with this, most H&Ms in other markets seem to have more variety and feel more complete. The QSM one reals more like an H&M outlet.

My wife LOVES H&M and has been to many all across the country. She was so excited to have one in OKC but after a few trips she stopped going. She didn't like the product. She would always contend that the "buyers" for the OKC store were not very good.

I have to mention this- I worked in retail management for some of the hottest companies at the time and at most malls in the market. There are not buyers for the “OKC market”. It depends on the volume (A-E) of the store or what kind of store it is (travel, destination, local, etc). The H&M stores that your wife has shopped in when out of the state are probably higher volume as most locations are. Okc is weird retail market, meaning that even if a location has a great volume, the corp office still looks at it as it being in Oklahoma and does not get all the bells and whistles. Sad but very true. We are not high profile at all. The quality is all the same unless you go to an “outlet” or “factory” store. That is where they might have different buyers. Hope this helps.

I have to mention this- I worked in retail management for some of the hottest companies at the time and at most malls in the market. There are not buyers for the “OKC market”. It depends on the volume (A-E) of the store or what kind of store it is (travel, destination, local, etc). The H&M stores that your wife has shopped in when out of the state are probably higher volume as most locations are. Okc is weird retail market, meaning that even if a location has a great volume, the corp office still looks at it as it being in Oklahoma and does not get all the bells and whistles. Sad but very true. We are not high profile at all. The quality is all the same unless you go to an “outlet” or “factory” store. That is where they might have different buyers. Hope this helps.

Yeah, it's long been obvious that major chains don't think or care about their Oklahoma stores. It's frustrating to go into one of these stores in August and they've got sweaters and fall items on display while it's 103° outside and they don't have any shorts for sale.

Yeah, it's long been obvious that major chains don't think or care about their Oklahoma stores. It's frustrating to go into one of these stores in August and they've got sweaters and fall items on display while it's 103° outside and they don't have any shorts for sale.

That is literally everywhere, not just Oklahoma.

I used to work in retail in here; trust me.

That is literally everywhere, not just Oklahoma.

I used to work in retail in here; trust me.

Yep, saw that in Chicago when we lived there. 3-4 months in advance of the season...

Retail is always a season ahead. Back to school deliveries and hires happen in June, winter comes in the fall, shorts come in Feb/March (think spring break), etc. Most traditional companies (not fast fashion- Zara, F21, H&M) buy 6 months to a year out before the stores receive. I managed retail in Okc/Houston/Los Angeles- different markets have better selection for sure and everyone in Oklahoma thinks it would all work here but the numbers don’t back it up when it does come. Tulsa is a test market for most retail companies, so you will find at times, a more fashion forward item. If it doesn’t sell there without huge markdowns it will not come to Okc. I will agree that H&M being at Quail vs Penn is a bummer/weird because IMO I felt that Quail has had the slow death for awhile. Just to give an example - if a store has a location at both malls - Penn is always the hire volume and will do about double then the Quail location. On another note if there is one at the Outlet mall, that location may do what Penn/Quail do combined.

Most people do their shopping in advance of the season, and if you go to outlet stores they are usually behind a season selling off excess inventory. It's not just an Oklahoma thing.

The running joke in California was how soon Costco would start to put out Christmas stuff.

Often, it was in early August.

Costco has gotten too much of my money on Christmas decorations and August is right around the corner.

I only went to Hobby Lobby with my sister to get flowers for headstones for Memorial Day back in May and they had their Autumn/Harvest decor out.

I guess they didn't want to go for the old Subway space upstairs in the food court.

I think the hallway selected is where it used to be at. It probably has higher foot traffic than the food court, so might pick up more impulse buys.

I only went to Hobby Lobby with my sister to get flowers for headstones for Memorial Day back in May and they had their Autumn/Harvest decor out.

. . they were putting out Christmas ornaments last Tuesday :eek:

. . they were putting out Christmas ornaments last Tuesday :eek:

:omg:

Please no!

Please no!

Well, golly, it’s “Christmas In July” all month on Hallmark channel(s) and their Deposed Leader managed clone GAC Family. Some Christians love commerce almost as much as they love the birth of The Lord.

. . they were putting out Christmas ornaments last Tuesday :eek:
Last Tuesday? I thought they closed :wink:

Any way we can get a drone shot of this area combined with that of the rest of the NW Expressway skyline? This area might be shaping up to be like a secondary core.

Popeyes is going in where Freshens used to be

What could come to this area (or Belle Isle) that could be a regional draw? With the completion of Oak, it will already be the best retail sector in the state, but what else could fit here to draw people into the area beyond restaurant/retail?

Transit hub, maybe at like NW Expy & Classen where the CFA was recently built, thought that currently would be bisected by I-44 with minimal walkability to Penn Square/Oak/Belle Isle. Santa Fe is obviously going to be the main transit hub, but maybe some sort of secondary hub, perhaps using the Pentagon City and/or Crystal City stations in Alexandria, Virginia as a model.

It would require an expensive reworking of the area and the city just doesn’t have the need/density/ridership to justify it, but it’s fun to think about.