The earth is flat. Everyone knows that.

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From Duany Plater-Zyberk and Co (http://www.dpz.com/Initiatives/SprawlRepair):

http://www.dpz.com/uploads/Initiatives/Sprawl_Repair_Mall_Animation_800.gif

Yeah I wouldn't do that.

That'll never happen.

Probably never in OKC, that's for sure.

probably is, who wants to live in density like that around where current shopping malls exist?

Yeah I wouldn't do that.
no surprise there

probably is, who wants to live in density like that around where current shopping malls exist?

Its a longshot, but not unthinkable to see dense redevelopment in the Penn Square Mall area. A lot of larger cities have traditional malls in urban areas with very dense mixed-use development around them. I don't see Quail Springs ever seeing such redevelopment - the area is too suburban by nature.

From Duany Plater-Zyberk and Co (http://www.dpz.com/Initiatives/SprawlRepair):

http://www.dpz.com/uploads/Initiatives/Sprawl_Repair_Mall_Animation_800.gif

I vote yes. The greater OKC metro needs this in oh so many places.

http://www.dpz.com/uploads/Initiatives/Sprawl_Repair_Big_Box_Animation_800.gif

no surprise therebuild a couple strip malls and stand alone restaurants around the mall and add a parking garage to make up for the loss of parking. But we do NOT need to turn Quail Springs Mall into a mixed-use urban development. This just further proves you want to urbanize everything. That is dumb.

Now I would support doing something like this around Penn Square. Perhaps even the Sooner Mall in Norman. But Quail Springs is suburban shopping mall and should stay that way. We are already getting a mixed-use development close to it anyhow.

I agree that the (at least initial) focus of urban redevelopment techniques should be applied to locations within the core of Oklahoma City. It is best to pool resources to rebuild the inner city as urban as possible due to density and purported efficiencies that likely will be achieved. That is a no brainer to me and should be the focus of OKC planning as we reinvest in the city (and not just approving redevelopment for the sake of it because someone shows up).

However, as the urban areas fill-in longer-term I would like to see this strategy applied to suburban zones; until then we could even come up with a similar (but cheaper) strategy for existing suburban where there is adoption of some urban design. This would allow for continued development of the existing urbanized area (in suburban zones) that bring desirable urban elements in a cost effective manner.

Guys, we are way off topic here.

Back to discussing Von Maur, please.

Is Von Maur going to have a soft opening or are they just going to open on October 18th when they have their grand opening?

They are currently running ads on local TV advertising the Oct. 18th opening date. I suspect they will be packed that day.

Heard the soft opening is the 13th

Soft opening is tomorrow from what I've heard.

So did anybody go by and see if it was open?

Was just in and found out it did open yesterday. This place is beautiful and unlike any other store in OKC. I would advise anyone here that wants to see it go before Saturday because that is their grand opening. They are open, but quiet right now because it is under the radar; come Saturday, that will change.

Toook and obscene number of photos and will post them shortly.

10/14/2014

Some exterior shots

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5599/15538271175_aa08d3d879_b.jpg

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Upstairs Entrance from the Mall
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3929/15352241487_6bdbd7ab56_b.jpg

Wow, really impressed with how this turned out. While is definitely does make other parts of the mall look very outdated, Von Maur provided a very much needed boost to this mall, and I think will ensure its foreseeable future. Hopefully it will get the other anchors to renovate as well, interior and exterior.

Interior

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3936/15352246177_2d5e430fb7_b.jpg

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Cool interactive directories that are placed throughout the store.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3929/15352594730_9dcec2cfbe_b.jpg

I spoke with a very nice gentleman who worked there and he said he loves working there. They trained their employees for about a month before it opened and said they were very strict on providing great customer service. He said they plan to expand to Milwaukee and Tulsa next.

Wasn't planning on posting this because it was kind of bad, but what the hay. . .

Pianist at Von Maur. The video isn't that great, but gives an idea for the feel. This place is simply amazing. I go Nordstrom's at the Galleria multiple times a month and I'm going to put this place right up there with Nordstrom.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKsLrVoZtv0

Very nice and shiny!

It has a very dated look, but I guess it's part of their charm.

Hope it does well... I can't see myself shopping there. I'm not really a mall person.

Great photos, PluPan!

This reminds me of a cross between a flagship Belk and Nordstrom. Definitely a step up for OKC.

I agree with whatever poster said they hope this encourages the rest of the mall to up their game.

Yeah and my camera on my phone is pretty bad. I'm wiating for the Note Edge which will supposedly have an amazing lens, so that'll be cool. It's something you need to see in person.

BTW, this mall really needs an upgrade inside, but they need to start working on the parking lots. Use concrete for the surfacing, add a lot more landscaping, add more signage and make it light up, beautify it with various artwork, etc.

Thanks for all the fantastic pics, PluPan. Can't wait to visit next time I'm in OKC.

Wow!

Thats a beautiful store.

Von Maur prepares for first holiday shopping season in Oklahoma | News OK (http://newsok.com/von-maur-prepares-for-first-holiday-shopping-season-in-oklahoma/article/5356858)

Based on my comments on the exterior, the interior is what I expected, except worse.

If you showed me pictures of this store and I didn't know it was brand new, I'd swear it was upscale retail relic left over from the early 90's. Mirrored columns, hunter green carpet, ceiling tiles with lay-in fixtures, brass handrails? I'm pretty sure I've seen this store on the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

I'm surprised this type of department store still exists in the 21st century. I can only assume this must appeal to their target demographic.

Lest I be accused of always being negative, I find the light quality of the atrium to be very lovely. Sitting in that space listening to the piano while waiting for my grandmother to finish her shopping would be quite pleasant.

(BTW, any comparison to Nordstrom is laughable)

Based on my comments on the exterior, the interior is what I expected, except worse.

If you showed me pictures of this store and I didn't know it was brand new, I'd swear it was upscale retail relic left over from the early 90's. Mirrored columns, hunter green carpet, ceiling tiles with lay-in fixtures, brass handrails? I'm pretty sure I've seen this store on the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

I'm surprised this type of department store still exists in the 21st century. I can only assume this must appeal to their target demographic.

Let I be accused of always being negative, I find the light quality of the atrium to be very lovely. Sitting in that space listening to the piano while waiting for my grandmother to finish her shopping would be quite pleasant.

(BTW, any comparison to Nordstrom is laughable)

This. Everything about this.

Not to justify them but aren't the mirrored columns so people can look at themselves in mirror while picking clothes? It does look questionable and dated.

Agreed. I checked the store out last night, while it's a breath of fresh air to Quail Springs, it still seemed dated to me (carpet and fixtures). As far as men's apparel goes, they are on the same level of merchandise as Dillards and Macy's. You're not going to find Versace, Escada, Hermes, Prada, etc here.

On the plus side, I was surprised that the pianist was out playing at 7:30PM on a weekday.

Based on my comments on the exterior, the interior is what I expected, except worse.

If you showed me pictures of this store and I didn't know it was brand new, I'd swear it was upscale retail relic left over from the early 90's. Mirrored columns, hunter green carpet, ceiling tiles with lay-in fixtures, brass handrails? I'm pretty sure I've seen this store on the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

I'm surprised this type of department store still exists in the 21st century. I can only assume this must appeal to their target demographic.

Lest I be accused of always being negative, I find the light quality of the atrium to be very lovely. Sitting in that space listening to the piano while waiting for my grandmother to finish her shopping would be quite pleasant.

(BTW, any comparison to Nordstrom is laughable)

I agree with the kid. I hope their merchandise is more modern than their design is.

It's not Nordstrom, but it's still a step up for OKC retail. It is the best this city will have until Nordstrom decides to open here if they ever do.

It's indeed not Nordstrom, but it doesn't have Nordstrom's prices either. The brands here are very good, but still not top of the line. But this is the way of all department stores these days. I was at Bloomingdale's NYC a couple weeks ago and found most of their merch to be similar.

The store is pretty, and nice, but not opulent. It definitely is the class of QSM

Based on my comments on the exterior, the interior is what I expected, except worse.

If you showed me pictures of this store and I didn't know it was brand new, I'd swear it was upscale retail relic left over from the early 90's. Mirrored columns, hunter green carpet, ceiling tiles with lay-in fixtures, brass handrails? I'm pretty sure I've seen this store on the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

I'm surprised this type of department store still exists in the 21st century. I can only assume this must appeal to their target demographic.

Lest I be accused of always being negative, I find the light quality of the atrium to be very lovely. Sitting in that space listening to the piano while waiting for my grandmother to finish her shopping would be quite pleasant.

(BTW, any comparison to Nordstrom is laughable)OK.... I make 5+ trips a month to Dallas specifically to go to Nordstroms at the Galleria, and I stick by my comment. This store is of the same quality as Nordstroms.

You are comparing a new store to an old one.

Go visit the new Nordstrom store in The Woodlands (Houston).

I'll have to do that. BTW, I am not talking about the quality of the products, Nordstrom sells more high-end products that are better made than what I found at Von Maur

So the carpet and everything in there is new, correct, and not remnants from Sears? I just can't understand why someone would choose to decorate that way. It looks old and worn out yet it's brand new. I do think the atrium looks nice and I don't have any problems with the outside either. It just looks like on the inside they are trying to chase anyone under the age of 50 away.

I bet we can all agree it's still an upgrade from Sears.

I'll check it out today, give some feedback.

Honestly, if you had told me some of those photos were from the QSM Foley's I worked in 25 years ago - and taken when I worked there - I would have believed you. I'm glad they found an anchor tenant, but I don't see what all of the excitement is about. Perhaps it's because in general - like most of America these days I think - I no longer find department stores especially interesting.

Honestly, if you had told me some of those photos were from the QSM Foley's I worked in 25 years ago - and taken when I worked there - I would have believed you. I'm glad they found an anchor tenant, but I don't see what all of the excitement is about. Perhaps it's because in general - like most of America these days I think - I no longer find department stores especially interesting.

^^^^

That.

I'll have to do that. BTW, I am not talking about the quality of the products, Nordstrom sells more high-end products that are better made than what I found at Von Maur

Do you think OKC could currently support a full Nordstrom store?

I don't really get what everyone is complaining about regarding the appearance of the store. It more or less looks similar to quite a few Nordstroms I've been in. Maybe not the newer concepts but I am not really familiar with them. Now if we are talking Neiman Marcus, then yeah this might as well be JC Penney.

Do you think OKC could currently support a full Nordstrom store?

I don't really get what everyone is complaining about regarding the appearance of the store. It more or less looks similar to quite a few Nordstroms I've been in. Maybe not the newer concepts but I am not really familiar with them. Now if we are talking Neiman Marcus, then yeah this might as well be JC Penney.

I think OKC could support a nordstrom but in doing so, you might hurt some of the really great boutiques in town. It's a mixed bag, but think VM will mostly pull from the Dillard's/Macys demographic.

I find the whole thing weird and out of touch... How does this dated aesthetic help them? I mean it's not even retro. It almost seems like their chasing a dying audience... literally.

I think this is being pushing this too much. I asked a bunch of people what they thought of the store and they all said they loved it. Showed some friends and family pictures and from what they saw, all of them loved it.

I don't think the outdated thing is issue to much of anyone.

Here are some random Nordstrom interior photos I've found on the Internet.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4081/5414852358_7313e9d618_z.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_25MoWw33MF8/TT4jg7cn--I/AAAAAAAAACc/txMY3d1BBgQ/s1600/NordstromInterior.png

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HisrVwKdZfE/TfUSmJk4cmI/AAAAAAAAAFI/ur0l7ZyHX9s/s1600/nordstrom2.jpg

Now of course there are some newer Nordstrom stores that have a different look that is more similar to Neiman Marcus, but a majority of the ones I am familiar with look like the shots above. I think people are really over-reacting in regards to the dated appearance of Von Maur.

I was just in Von Maur a few hours ago and found it to be a most positive shopping experience. Yes, I definately will compare them to the likes of Nordstrom. They carry mid level as well as high end merchandise. The staff here are way more professional and attentive than those of Macy's and Dillards by far. As far as the decor, it is a perfect blend of several styles that actually works for them. It is modern, yet classic...it actually makes you want to shop there. I will admit that Von Maur is not the store for "everyone", as they do cater to a certain niche in each market they are in, but so do all the others like JCP, Neimans, Saks, etc... All in all, this store is a win for QSM and the OKC market.

I was just in Von Maur a few hours ago and found it to be a most positive shopping experience. Yes, I definately will compare them to the likes of Nordstrom. They carry mid level as well as high end merchandise. The staff here are way more professional and attentive than those of Macy's and Dillards by far. As far as the decor, it is a perfect blend of several styles that actually works for them. It is modern, yet classic...it actually makes you want to shop there. I will admit that Von Maur is not the store for "everyone", as they do cater to a certain niche in each market they are in, but so do all the others like JCP, Neimans, Saks, etc... All in all, this store is a win for QSM and the OKC market.+1

Ya pictures aren't doing it justice. It's a really nice looking store. The classic decor looks super outdated in pictures, but actually works really well in person. The layout, atmosphere, and staff definitely have a Nordstrom feel. The merchandise, however, is very VERY niche. Macy's, JCP, and even Nordstrom have a much more diverse product line. I will probably never shop there, but I think it does the job of raising the bar at Quail.

It's a nice store, but it's not a neiman marcus or new saks. It's a Midwestern brand, family owned store. I liked it overall, they had a decent selection, from lower/mid tired brands to some really nice higher end stuff. Their mens shoe selection could use some work. My wife liked the women's department, thought they had a good variety. We both bought stuff, I picked up some Brooks Brothers shirts, it's nice to have a place selling their mainline stuff here. I like it, it's probably going to be my go-to for in person, even though I do the bulk of my shopping online.

We went to Dillard's after VM and it was incredibly bleak and awful by comparison. Quail springs isn't going to be Tyson's Corner anytime soon, but VM might shame the others into updating.

Also. A plus is their credit card, which is apparently interest-free. You just have a a 6 month pmt period or something. Seemed friendlier than most.

I went to Von Maur on Friday night and thought it was a very nice store. I had some issues getting used to their layout in men's sportswear, but overall I was very impressed. I almost bought a shirt but decided against it because the sleeves were too baggy on my arms. The shirt would have been a perfect fit, otherwise. I will definitely return there periodically, to see their new merchandise and perhaps eventually purchase a sale item that fits my budget.

OK.... I make 5+ trips a month to Dallas specifically to go to Nordstroms at the Galleria, and I stick by my comment. This store is of the same quality as Nordstroms.

Plu, I don't know if you are bored to tears, have waaaay too much free time on your hands, or perhaps should simply consider developing some planning skills. :)
Five trips or more a month just to shop at a specific store 200 miles away? Sheesh, even if it were a local shop, that's a lot of shipping unless you are a personal buyer for a few different folk, and even then, more than once a week? I can barely wrap my head around the notion.

Plu, I don't know if you are bored to tears, have waaaay too much free time on your hands, or perhaps should simply consider developing some planning skills. :)
Five trips or more a month just to shop at a specific store 200 miles away? Sheesh, even if it were a local shop, that's a lot of shipping unless you are a personal buyer for a few different folk, and even then, more than once a week? I can barely wrap my head around the notion.

I agree. Seems a bit ludicrous.

I was just in Von Maur a few hours ago and found it to be a most positive shopping experience. Yes, I definately will compare them to the likes of Nordstrom. They carry mid level as well as high end merchandise. The staff here are way more professional and attentive than those of Macy's and Dillards by far. As far as the decor, it is a perfect blend of several styles that actually works for them. It is modern, yet classic...it actually makes you want to shop there. I will admit that Von Maur is not the store for "everyone", as they do cater to a certain niche in each market they are in, but so do all the others like JCP, Neimans, Saks, etc... All in all, this store is a win for QSM and the OKC market.

One very fair comparison to Nordies is the VM customer service.

They hire almost exclusively full-time employees (with only a small number of part-timers during the holiday crush), offer free gift wrapping, etc.

I can assure you that service is what makes Nordstrom great, at least for me. Especially here in California, they don't carry anything I can't get elsewhere; I go for the personal service.

That Von Maur even approaches that level completely separates it from places like Dillards and Macys.

We went last night. As we walked in the door my husband looked at me and said "it looks just like Nordstrom". All in all we liked it although we didn't buy anything. It was just a trip to check it out. I saw lots of brands available at Dillard's but you will never get their kind of service at Dillard's. We also overheard a sales associate in the men's department explaining to a customer how even though they may sell some of the same brands as Dillard's they exclusive rights in Oklahoma for certain styles that are only availbe at Their stores, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. I know he mentioned Tommy Bahama but I can't recall the other brands he mentioned.