On the other hand, Von Maur will be the biggest draw to any mall in OKC so those spaces should become much more coveted than they ever were when Sears was in business.

I agree. Hopefully this begins a new era for Quail Springs Mall. I would love to see it get some more exclusive tenants. Hopefully this also ends the bleed of national retailers that are getting replaced by cheapo local retailers. I would also like to see Dillard's and Macy's remodel their stores as well. There is a huge difference between the stores at Quail Springs and the ones at Penn Square.

Maybe Von Maur demanded better neighbors ... and got it.

My former employer, Tuxedo Junction, is still there on the SE corner, lower level. They're in a great location when Von Maur opens their entrance!

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S5

I've been told by very good sources that Quail Springs will be shaking up their tenant mix over the next 1-2 years, as current leases expire and new retailers take their place.

They will also be shifting some existing stores around.

They have a seen a big increase in interest since Von Maur was announced and have been aggressively marketing and recruiting.


The mall is likely to see big changes for the better in the next couple of years.

Meant to mention that Von Maur will be opening in mid-October.

Expect an official date to be announced in the next couple of months.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/20/mype5ata.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Couple more from this morning on my way into the AMC.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/29/sy9e3yzu.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/29/a9ydega9.jpg

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

7/8/2014

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5498/14578476086_b230f16c45_z_d.jpg

Just visited the location in Riverchase Galleria in Birmingham, and was NOT impressed.
Don't get me wrong, the layout and appearance were very nice; just didnt feel like the merchandise warranted comparisions to Nordstrom's (or above Dillard's).
It gave off the vibe of a republican's outfitters....

I think I've heard it before that their stores can range in upscale\quality of goods. Please tell me this is true, and if so, please tell me the one we're getting is going to carry a nicer selection of clothing, shoes, etc.

^

All department stores have different levels of merchandising plans. The new Nordstrom nearest me does not sell nearly as many upscale lines as the one about 20 miles to the east.

We won't know the level of merchandising until the store opens.

The store in Birmjngham is a new location. You can't judge product off of 1 single location more less one that doesn't even have LY numbers. I'm a area manager for a retailer and have been with my company for 16 yrs. in our company (like most) the inventory levels will be based on sell throughs and overall volume. You can have 2 stores in similar markets but if one is doing 30-40% more business it's simple logistics that that store will have deeper depth in product and selection. Btw

Staffing up in advance of their opening in just a few months:

Von Maur prepares for October opening in Oklahoma City | News OK (http://newsok.com/von-maur-prepares-for-october-opening-in-oklahoma-city/article/5052103)

I really hope this starts a revitalization of Quail Springs. I used to go to that mall all the time as a kid and worked there in high school at a few shops.

The "M" is now up on the southside.

I went to Dillard's at Penn Square Mall today (What a mistake! Didn't realize it was tax free weekend) and discovered they have dropped some of their better lines. They are picking up Ralph Lauren Blue, which is not Black but hopefully will be good. I will definitely be checking out Von Maur's merchandise despite the ghastly drive.

Betts, I did the same thing yesterday, forgetting about the sales tax holiday weekend. We went to the school uniform store to pick up a couple of (not urgently needed) things for my daughter. When we walked in the door, we were given a piece of paper to fill out. The guy then said someone would help us when an associate got freed up. There were probably 25 people sitting there waiting and maybe six sales associates. After about ten seconds I looked at my daughter and told her we weren't going to stay. We then went home, ordered the things at the store's online site, got free shipping and got the sales tax discount as well. The only things we couldn't get online were hair accessories. No biggie. Hell, I'd even pay EXTRA sales tax to not fight those crowds. Not my cup of tea.

Visual documentation of aforementioned M

8863

There will be cupolas above each entrance (much like below), which I didn't see in the intial renderings...

8864

The "M" is now up on the southside.as long as it spends a pair of pants through the money. Something we all can agree on

as long as it spends a pair of pants through the money. Something we all can agree on

HUH? You're being very cryptic again tonight, plupan.

as long as it spends a pair of pants through the money. Something we all can agree on

Man! I wish I would have read this when it was posted! I would have locked up my monkeys!

Man! I wish I would have read this when it was posted! I would have locked up my monkeys!Ha!

8/26/2014

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5553/14862286948_797f7f0cd4_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3899/15025884096_16deac1c22_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3925/14862324337_c49e7a3a31_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5576/15045828231_150db60d3b_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3908/15025888506_91cacf9e0d_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5559/14862226490_568f4ac0d4_b.jpg

Thats going to be a beautiful store.

To say it looks better than Sears is an understatement. Can't wait to see it!

It looks awesome. Should set a new bar for OKC retail. I wonder how/if Dillard's and Macy's QSM locations will respond?

The architecture would indicate this store is geared towards the folks living down the street at Epworth Villa.

The architecture would indicate this store is geared towards the folks living down the street at Epworth Villa.

Care to elaborate? Ever been to or shopped at a Von Maur?

Care to elaborate?

I think Cuatro is referencing the cupolas.

Just received "invitation" from Von Maur in the mail, Grand Opening October 18th. And of course an invitation to apply for their credit card, interest free guys.

Just received "invitation" from Von Maur in the mail, Grand Opening October 18th. And of course an invitation to apply for their credit card, interest free guys.

I'm sure it was a mass mailing. I received the same offer and deposited it in the proper receptacle.

9/14/2014

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5557/15241963962_e063f19a23_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3885/15055659780_5a685b2d01_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3873/15241966822_8ee152360e_b.jpg

But try and walk to it. Look at all that parking. I'm ready for walkable retail and will shop at Von Maur when they build a store I can walk to.

Well don't go on a busy day and you'll be right by the front door

don't mean to act like im coming after you but a) its a mall in suburbs b) there is a chance you'll have to walk a bit but you want a store you can walk to? c) its a big department store and very unlikely there will be one here in an urban environment.

Well don't go on a busy day and you'll be right by the front door

don't mean to act like im coming after you but a) its a mall in suburbs b) there is a chance you'll have to walk a bit but you want a store you can walk to? c) its a big department store and very unlikely there will be one here in an urban environment.

I agree. Quail Springs Mall is a suburban shopping mall. I don't see why that is a surprise to anybody. OKC is still a long way, likely decades, from being able to support retail on that scale downtown. Even larger cities that are much farther along in developing their core have their upscale department stores in the suburbs.

Von Maur will be great for QSM and I am looking forward to what it will do for the mall long-term.

But try and walk to it. Look at all that parking. I'm ready for walkable retail and will shop at Von Maur when they build a store I can walk to.

They really should have consulted you before building it. I'm sure they are devastated to miss out on your business because they stuck to a business model that makes money but goes against your personal preference. Those idiots.

I'm just curious... does anyone else think that it kind of sticks out from the rest of the mall? I want to say it's good, but the other part of me wants to say it kind of makes the surrounding portion of the mall look run down.

I don't know whether anyone else thinks this, but it was a small observation I thought.

I really wish the parking lot would also be redone in phases to make it concrete and add more landscaping with creating spots for parts of it to be developed. Perhaps a small two story parking garage can be added to make up for the loss of parking.

I'm just curious... does anyone else think that it kind of sticks out from the rest of the mall? I want to say it's good, but the other part of me wants to say it kind of makes the surrounding portion of the mall look run down.

I don't know whether anyone else thinks this, but it was a small observation I thought.

I really wish the parking lot would also be redone in phases to make it concrete and add more landscaping with creating spots for parts of it to be developed. Perhaps a small two story parking garage can be added to make up for the loss of parking.

I am really hoping Von Maur's presence propels Macy's and Dillard's to remodel their QSM stores. Those locations are an embarrassment compared to the Penn locations. If a remodel also included improvements to the exterior that would really help the look of the mall.

Sorry again for the bad night time pic but they had lights on I'm guessing prepping for Christmas

9/23/2014

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3903/15326072631_19fd36173a_b.jpg

Sorry again for the bad night time pic but they had lights on I'm guessing prepping for Christmas

9/23/2014



Thats pretty nice actually!

Really? I know Christmas creep is getting bad and everything but it still seems a little early.

I believe the lights are a signature look for Von Maur; not just a Christmas decoration.

I believe the lights are a signature look for Von Maur; not just a Christmas decoration.Keep in mind, that line of light is not solid like it appears in the picture. They are clearly string lights and look like Christmas lights.

Keep in mind, that line of light is not solid like it appears in the picture. They are clearly string lights and look like Christmas lights.

I've seen them the past couple weeks.

I remember seeing some Iowa locations with lights, as well.

But try and walk to it. Look at all that parking. I'm ready for walkable retail and will shop at Von Maur when they build a store I can walk to.

Yawn...and people wonder why urbanists get so much hate.

Keep in mind, that line of light is not solid like it appears in the picture. They are clearly string lights and look like Christmas lights.

The lights are part of their standard decor, I'm fairly certain. I pass the one in Wichita on the way into town to my inlaws every time we visit, and it's usually at night, and I can't remember not seeing those lights on.

The architecture would indicate this store is geared towards the folks living down the street at Epworth Villa.

funny, because we always joke that it's the only place in Wichita my wife's 85 year old grandmother will shop

Yawn...and people wonder why urbanists get so much hate.

Basically all she said is that she was hoping for a walkable downtown department store option at some point. That's worthy of "hate"?

Basically all she said is that she was hoping for a walkable downtown department store option at some point. That's worthy of "hate"?

sorry, i knee jerk at alleged snark a lot because let's be honest, it's present in a lot of the threads on this board. in addition to desiring more walkable retail (no issue there), the tone reads like she's sticking up to the big bad suburban retailer, as in they're really going to hurt by her not wanting to drive to check it out, and she's better than everyone because of it. i know that's probably NOT the intent, but it reads that way, and it's tired.

funny, because we always joke that it's the only place in Wichita my wife's 85 year old grandmother will shop

Take care of Granny. She apparently has taste and money. Maybe she will leave you some....money that is.

Yawn...and people wonder why urbanists get so much hate.

Did I say it had to be urban? What I meant is that even for people who live six blocks away, this mall is phenomenally pedestrian unfriendly. Even Omaha has an outdoor mall that is walkable. Why does everything suburban have to look like it was designed by an architect whose family is in the adphalt or concrete business? Somehow Oklahoma City doesn't get that our car driven lifestyle is unhealthy and isolating. That's all.

this mall is phenomenally pedestrian unfriendly. .

While I usually agree with you, I don't understand this statement. I don't go there much because I am not a shopper, but every time I am there it seems like there are lots and lots of people walking all through the mall...way more than I see walking downtown. Once you are at the mall you can walk day or night, good weather or bad.

I personally prefer outdoor shopping ambiance, but I don't find enclosed malls unwalkable. In fact, when I do tend to go there is when I want to walk and the weather is not conducive.

I think maybe your criticism is or should be that you cannot walk TO the mall, not in the mall.

Did I say it had to be urban? What I meant is that even for people who live six blocks away, this mall is phenomenally pedestrian unfriendly. Even Omaha has an outdoor mall that is walkable. Why does everything suburban have to look like it was designed by an architect whose family is in the adphalt or concrete business? Somehow Oklahoma City doesn't get that our car driven lifestyle is unhealthy and isolating. That's all.

While I understand your sentiment, we're talking about a renovated Sears in an existing mall, Von Maur wasnt going to rebirth Quail Springs mall into a utopian outdoor shopping experience. Don't hate designers who only worked with what canvas they had. You kinda sound like the old man yelling at the sky here.

While I understand your sentiment, we're talking about a renovated Sears in an existing mall, Von Maur wasnt going to rebirth Quail Springs mall into a utopian outdoor shopping experience. Don't hate designers who only worked with what canvas they had. You kinda sound like the old man yelling at the sky here.

I agree with this.

I for one am glad Von Maur is going into QSM rather than a new development. The mall was teetering close to going the Crossroads path. It needed to start bringing in some higher market stores and this may end up saving the mall in the long run.

While I usually agree with you, I don't understand this statement. I don't go there much because I am not a shopper, but every time I am there it seems like there are lots and lots of people walking all through the mall...way more than I see walking downtown. Once you are at the mall you can walk day or night, good weather or bad.

I personally prefer outdoor shopping ambiance, but I don't find enclosed malls unwalkable. In fact, when I do tend to go there is when I want to walk and the weather is not conducive.

I think maybe your criticism is or should be that you cannot walk TO the mall, not in the mall.first off you took her statement way out of context. She did direct her criticism about walking to the mall hence her saying "people walking 6 blocks away." I also disagree with that. I've walked to that mall multiple times across from Kilpatrick and from nearby apartments. If you are unable to do that, then that's your problem.

Sorry, PP but stick to translating your own comments. It wasn't out of context and it related to her calling the mall unwalkable.

Being ABLE to walk to the mall doesn't make the area walkable. There is very little designed walkability for the area and few adjacent neighborhoods with easy, safe and walkable access. Glad you are able to negotiate the parking lots and lots of traffic, but walking through parking lots is not the same as walking on safe sidewalks. So thanks but no thanks to your comments on remarks you aren't involved in and don't even understand.

Sorry, PP but stick to translating your own comments. It wasn't out of context and it related to her calling the mall unwalkable.

Being ABLE to walk to the mall doesn't make the area walkable. There is very little designed walkability for the area and few adjacent neighborhoods with easy, safe and walkable access. Glad you are able to negotiate the parking lots and lots of traffic, but walking through parking lots is not the same as walking on safe sidewalks. So thanks but no thanks to your comments on remarks you aren't involved in and don't even understand.
OK, well, I just took as you read Betts comments as her saying it was unwalkable to get to rather vs than it being unwalkable when you're actually in the mall. The reason behind that is the first part of the sentence you deleted she said "even for people who live six blocks away" which is the part that made me think she was referring to people who are walking to the mall, not in it. But I could be wrong and I certainly don't want to put words in anyone's mouths.

As for me not understanding the subject, I guess I don't have an understanding of my own opinion then because I have no issue walking to it from the parking lot, and I don't know anyone who does. In fact this website was literally the first time I've ever heard someone complain about "poor walkability." Even when I'm talking with people I've never met and picked up who are from urban cities like Seattle, New York, San Francisco, we'll be talking and I'll mention something about how it much be nice living in walkable area and they'll look at me like 'wtf are you talking about' land respond with an 'I guess'. I've only met one single person I've the last 5 years I've been working who actually cared about the issue. It juts isn't as big as a deal as it is made to be on city development websites.

If someone wants to live closer to work, they will. If someone wants to live in a suburban environment they will. They don't sit there and factor in a 'walkable' environment.

If it were me, I'd add a few features to make the parking lot around Quail Spring a little different than it is now, but that's that.

PluPan, do you have any thoughts you can share with us on the Earth's curvature (or lack thereof)? Also, does the Earth revolve around the Sun or is it the other way around? Thanks in advance.

PluPan, do you have any thoughts you can share with us on the Earth's curvature (or lack thereof)? Also, does the Earth revolve around the Sun or is it the other way around? Thanks in advance.The earth is flat. Everyone knows that.

All letters are up on all sides now. They really kicked it in to high gear!