I don't know. I used to think it was the liquor laws that kept out Whole Foods too, but again, there are eight of them in PA. I spent a year up there, and talked to a lot of folks who all hated it, but they have some great chains - Wegmans, Giant, Whole Foods, Costco, etc., that manage to operate just fine with the goofy laws.

As a bonus, I went into a Walmart only one time the whole year.

The reason we have a whole foods is because Chesepeake paid alot of money for them to come. Now that whole foods is here they realize that coming to OKC was a good move they are now planning to build at least two more stores in the area. I said Edmond will get one then the other store will be either Moore or Norman for the other store.

The reason we have a whole foods is because Chesepeake paid alot of money for them to come. Now that whole foods is here they realize that coming to OKC was a good move they are now planning to build at least two more stores in the area. I said Edmond will get one then the other store will be either Moore or Norman for the other store.

I have heard this for a while. Do you know when they are going to announce additional locations?

I have heard this for a while. Do you know when they are going to announce additional locations?

Not sure when but hopefully sometime before 2014 is over with. Sicnce Chesepeake paid them alot of money to come here. They made be waiting to see if Oklahoma with offer any incentives to build the next two locations. Tulsa will have a second store by end of year. So if Tulsa can have two Oklahoma City area should have three.

I have heard this for a while. Do you know when they are going to announce additional locations?

Oklahoma City and Portland have the exact same populations. Portland has four Whole foods and that not counting the surrounding citys.

Oklahoma City and Portland have the exact same populations. Portland has four Whole foods and that not counting the surrounding citys.

I betcha Portland, or Oregon for that matter, doesn't have a stupid law saying liquors can not be sold in grocers either.

I betcha Portland, or Oregon for that matter, doesn't have a stupid law saying liquors can not be sold in grocers either.

Not sure but it a blue instead of red state.

I betcha Portland, or Oregon for that matter, doesn't have a stupid law saying liquors can not be sold in grocers either.

You would be surprised. The State of Oregon is one of 17 states that run their own liquor monopoly.

Liquor privatization battle brewing in Oregon | OregonLive.com (http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/07/liquor_privatization_battle_br.html)

I think it is really coming down to two things. 1) Too many Walmarts and 2) A high percentage of people who are happy with that.

You would be surprised. The State of Oregon is one of 17 states that run their own liquor monopoly.

Liquor privatization battle brewing in Oregon | OregonLive.com (http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/07/liquor_privatization_battle_br.html)

I think it is really coming down to two things. 1) Too many Walmarts and 2) A high percentage of people who are happy with that.

Maybe it has to do with cost of living? Portland's cost of living is 15.7% higher than the average vs. OKC's 14% lower than the average. Stores like that go where people can afford their brands.

But people with a lower cost of living may have more disposable income, so that's not logical. Except that I think we've had people in the know who have posted that retailers tend to look at average annual income statistics and don't factor in the fact that cities with lower average income may actually have more disposable income than cities with a higher average income because of the lower cost of living. Not so smart, as national chains that have come to Oklahoma have found. For instance, I know that the Anthropologie here and the one in Tulsa consistently outperform stores in some states with much higher annual income. For the fun of it, I may see how we compare with Portland stores to prove that point.

Portland is waaaaay more liberal, many more college educated and has a lot more income per capita thank OKC. Portland is also a foodie place and they really value locally sourced foods. Stores chains like Costco, Trader Joes, Whole Foods, and other upscale stores live for those type of demographics. Despite this, I truly believe these stores would be successful here in OKC. Does anybody have any info on how the DFW Costcos and Trader Joes are doing? I lived close to Portland and I just don't see much comparison to OKC.

I had no idea that Cheseapeake paid Whole Foods to come out here. That's interesting.

^^^ I agree. Portland is so culturally different from OKC its almost like another country. I had a few college friends who moved there after graduation.

When I said that Portland had four Whole Foods they also have at least two more in the surrounding cities. I think OKC should have at least three since the Tulsa area will soon have two.

When I said that Portland had four Whole Foods they also have at least two more in the surrounding cities. I think OKC should have at least three since the Tulsa area will soon have two.

I think that is the (eventual) plan, from what I've heard. The existing one in north OKC plus one in Edmond and one in Norman. The ones in Tulsa are also clustered near the highest incomes in the metro (midtown and south Tulsa/Bixby).

I was in Costco for the 1st time yesterday and I liked it. Don't know if it was the day before Labor Day and they are closed today but the place was packed. Sam's Club has a better selection on some things but all in all I liked it.

Costco and Sams look very similar but are quite different in several important ways.

First of all, Costco treats it's employees very well and it shows every time you shop there. Great, friendly people and fantastic customer service.

Also, they have a ton of things they carry under their private label, Kirkland. Everything from meat to liquor to clothing. And it's all excellent at amazing prices.

And finally, they do an incredible job of stocking only one or two items in each category (one type of spaghetti sauce, a couple types of laundry detergent) and then offering amazing values. So in a lot of respects they make shopping super simple. Plus, I've learned to completely trust their choices.


I belong to Sams Club here because they had an arbor I wanted and it was cheaper just to buy a membership. But I went in once and pretty much hated it. I go into Costco about every two weeks and always love the experience.

I guess the ones in Texas and Colorado are stocked differently because the ones here 10-12 types of laundry soap and other items just like Sam's. Costco does have some oddball hours outside of Christmas season like closing early on Saturdays and are closed on most holidays. The Costco stores here have no liquor or wine, just 3.2 beer, the ones in Austin had beer/wine in the store and separate liquor store adjacent. The Sam's stores here have have 3.2 beer in the store and adjacent liquor stores.

We shop in both regularly, some items we buy are available in one but not the other (especially some of my wife's baking supplies) so we typically alternate between the two. Both stock regionally, items we could find in the stores in Austin are not available here and vice versa. Sam's in Austin had Griffin's products (syrup, jellies, etc.) and Topo Chico water but not here in Colorado, I could find Yoshida's marinade at Costco here but not in Austin.

Not sure but it a blue instead of red state.

Of the four states left that have liquor laws similar to Oklahoma's, two are red states and two are blue states. The problem in Oklahoma is its a monumental task to get it changed. If the legislature could simply pass a law and have it signed by the governor it would have probably happened by now. Getting the state constitution amended 16 times is a bit more difficult.

Costco is a few levels above Sams. Costco offers excellent customer service and also has higher quality stock. They may not have everything, but the things they do have are very high quality and are very good prices. Their food is much higher quality than Sams. I love Costco.

...Getting the state constitution amended 16 times is a bit more difficult.

Amending the constitution isn't what's tough. Amending it in a proper manner instead of in some fashion that amounts to knee jerk feel good pile of pablum to one's political base, without any significant regard to doing it properly ... that's what seems to trip up folks.

Costco is a few levels above Sams. Costco offers excellent customer service and also has higher quality stock. They may not have everything, but the things they do have are very high quality and are very good prices. Their food is much higher quality than Sams. I love Costco.
The house brands of Costco do seem to be a bit better than the Sam's house brands on many items but when it comes to national brands they both have many of the very same products. We haven't found a huge differences between the two for what we buy regularly and we shop at both often.

From a friend with homeland, the rumor there is that a Reasors is replacing the homeland thats about to close on SantaFe and 2nd in Edmond.

From a friend with homeland, the rumor there is that a Reasors is replacing the homeland thats about to close on SantaFe and 2nd in Edmond.That will be nine. Lets get real here, that whole shopping center needs to be remodeled and more landscaping and trees added to it. It would be nice to see Homeland step up their game to get a little nicer than they are now and see a Reasors move near Spring Creek Plaze. I hate NIMBYS like a sickness. Just a bunch of jack heads with nothing to do but bitch about some of the stupidest things imaginable!

That will be nine. Lets get real here, that whole shopping center needs to be remodeled and more landscaping and trees added to it. It would be nice to see Homeland step up their game to get a little nicer than they are now and see a Reasors move near Spring Creek Plaze. I hate NIMBYS like a sickness. Just a bunch of jack heads with nothing to do but bitch about some of the stupidest things imaginable!

What do nimby's have to do with that homeland going out of business and Reasors being lined up as the next tenant of that space?

What do nimby's have to do with that homeland going out of business and Reasors being lined up as the next tenant of that space?From what I know-and take that with a grain of salt-, NIMBYS was/is protesting a Reasors being built in the Spring Creek development near Pelican Bay and it being 24hrs. They claim it will increase traffic and more noise and crime will come with it. Well, I say NO $#*$!!!!!! How is a city going to grow without increased noise and traffic???? It's like these people want either keep the city from growing or they want to control anything and everything; or maybe both.

All I really know is, a Reasors would be great in the Spring Creek and Homeland stepping up their game and remodeling their store and someone redoing the current shopping center where they are at would be best in this situation. I would love to see Reasors take this spot AND build a new store in Spring Creek, I just highly doubt Reasors would build two locations in Edmond, but who knows.

From what I know-and take that with a grain of salt-, NIMBYS was/is protesting a Reasors being built in the Spring Creek development near Pelican Bay and it being 24hrs. They claim it will increase traffic and more noise and crime will come with it. Well, I say NO $#*$!!!!!! How is a city going to grow without increased noise and traffic???? It's like these people want either keep the city from growing or they want to control anything and everything; or maybe both.

All I really know is, a Reasors would be great in the Spring Creek and Homeland stepping up their game and remodeling their store and someone redoing the current shopping center where they are at would be best in this situation. I would love to see Reasors take this spot AND build a new store in Spring Creek, I just highly doubt Reasors would build two locations in Edmond, but who knows.

There's so much history there, and the issue is much more complicated than this. Many folks have/built homes there, when it was residential, and there was a house there. I wouldn't be happy if someone decided to put a Wal-Mart behind my house, and would certainly fight it was well. I know I chose my current neighborhood (as it was being built) partly because the zoning around the neighborhood (it's all residential and office). And I try to stay informed by any future developments and changes. Light and noise pollution is a thing, and it does matter to folks. Their concerns are no less valid than your desire for a flavor of the week new grocery store. In fact I'd say the owner of land around the site has more of an investment and right to have an opinion that someone who doesn't have a dog in the fight. It's not like there aren't already plenty of available sites/venues for a shop, as you point out. Edmond has a large amount of empty retail space, and there are some developments that have stayed empty for many years. Maybe some of those should get filled first?

I have yet to see this so called problems that come along with businesses being built. I remember when they were building the Supercenters on Danforth and I-35. Everybody acted like it was going to be the end of the world. The stores opened and operated just like any other store in country. No crime, No heavy traffic other than those who already live in the area.

I think the key to new development is requiring businesses to adhere to the same standards home owners have to live by. The parking lot should always be kept clean. There should be a reasonable amount of landscaping and it should be properly maintained.

The way I see it if you want to live in a peaceful country setting you should move to a rural area. You shouldn't move to a suburb and expect it to be a peaceful utopia until the day you sell your house or die. Development should be viewed as something that will happen at some point.

If Walmart or any other retailer comes to town, hold them to high standards and hold the city's feet to fire to make sure those standards are enforced. We have to stop this kindergarten garbage of "This is my neighborhood mine, mine, mine and you can't play here because I was here first."

Every retailer can and will develop a tasteful store if the people demand it. Besides, the days of building big box stores are just about over.

Even Walmart has discovered that gargantuan stores are no longer necessary. The neighborhood market they built at Reno and Midwest Boulevard in MWC is much smaller than the neighborhood markets they built about 5 years ago. The place is kept very clean and the outdoor lighting is not the bright intrusive lights they put on stores back years ago. It's nice ambient light that lights up the parking lot in the areas that need to be lit. The areas just off the edge of the property are dark as if no store exists at all.

As far existing locations are concerned, many times retrofitting and demolition of existing sites cost more than building your own space. Not to mention, some of the existing developments want crazy rent rates because they are in one location over another even though there property is lack luster compared to what the retailer wants for there store.

From a friend with homeland, the rumor there is that a Reasors is replacing the homeland thats about to close on SantaFe and 2nd in Edmond.

Cool. I hope they do a complete remodel of the location. That was probably the worst of the three Edmond Homelands so I see this as a good thing. In my opinion, a lot of Homelands fail because of neglect, not bad location. As OKC continues to get better options, dated, dirty Homeland locations won't be able to hold on. My guess is 122nd and May will be on the chopping block soon.

And also I see no reason why Reasor's can't be in that location as well as eventually Spring Creek. If you look at the Tulsa metro, they tend to have more stores that are closer together than does Crest. Buying up old Homelands as they go out is probably a good strategy for them.

There's so much history there, and the issue is much more complicated than this. Many folks have/built homes there, when it was residential, and there was a house there. I wouldn't be happy if someone decided to put a Wal-Mart behind my house, and would certainly fight it was well. I know I chose my current neighborhood (as it was being built) partly because the zoning around the neighborhood (it's all residential and office). And I try to stay informed by any future developments and changes. Light and noise pollution is a thing, and it does matter to folks. Their concerns are no less valid than your desire for a flavor of the week new grocery store. In fact I'd say the owner of land around the site has more of an investment and right to have an opinion that someone who doesn't have a dog in the fight. It's not like there aren't already plenty of available sites/venues for a shop, as you point out. Edmond has a large amount of empty retail space, and there are some developments that have stayed empty for many years. Maybe some of those should get filled first?The owner needs to buy the property and not put anything there if they don't want anything. This isn't a Walmart, it is an upscale grocer. They already put a bank there, there are tons of banks, churches, and single story office buildings and park all around Edmond, it's ridiculous. The city is growing and for the better. When you move to a house that has vacant land nearby, you are taking a gamble. There is a reason zoning can change.

The way I see it if you want to live in a peaceful country setting you should move to a rural area. You shouldn't move to a suburb and expect it to be a peaceful utopia until the day you sell your house or die. Development should be viewed as something that will happen at some point.This times a million. If you move in a suburb of a major metropolitan area, you should expect vacant land around you to be developed and expect the unexpected(referring to zoning changes).

I agree with every other part of your statement except the big box construction stopping. I just don't see that once the economy gets back up and running.

I have yet to see this so called problems that come along with businesses being built. I remember when they were building the Supercenters on Danforth and I-35. Everybody acted like it was going to be the end of the world. The stores opened and operated just like any other store in country. No crime, No heavy traffic other than those who already live in the area.

I think the key to new development is requiring businesses to adhere to the same standards home owners have to live by. The parking lot should always be kept clean. There should be a reasonable amount of landscaping and it should be properly maintained.

The way I see it if you want to live in a peaceful country setting you should move to a rural area. You shouldn't move to a suburb and expect it to be a peaceful utopia until the day you sell your house or die. Development should be viewed as something that will happen at some point.

If Walmart or any other retailer comes to town, hold them to high standards and hold the city's feet to fire to make sure those standards are enforced. We have to stop this kindergarten garbage of "This is my neighborhood mine, mine, mine and you can't play here because I was here first."

Every retailer can and will develop a tasteful store if the people demand it. Besides, the days of building big box stores are just about over.

Even Walmart has discovered that gargantuan stores are no longer necessary. The neighborhood market they built at Reno and Midwest Boulevard in MWC is much smaller than the neighborhood markets they built about 5 years ago. The place is kept very clean and the outdoor lighting is not the bright intrusive lights they put on stores back years ago. It's nice ambient light that lights up the parking lot in the areas that need to be lit. The areas just off the edge of the property are dark as if no store exists at all.

As far existing locations are concerned, many times retrofitting and demolition of existing sites cost more than building your own space. Not to mention, some of the existing developments want crazy rent rates because they are in one location over another even though there property is lack luster compared to what the retailer wants for there store.

Really?

Edmond Police Focus On Crime Spike Along Danforth - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/22856639/edmond-police-focus-on-crime-spike-along-danforth)

Property values have also been affected in the houses that border the Wal-Mart.

Noone says new construction can't happen, but there seems to be a feeling by folks (who I wonder if they're ever owned their own home) that property and home owners shouldn't fight for their own best interests. They should just sacrifice home value, security, and quiet for the common good. This is why they hold hearings and votes on rezoning.

As for the empty land BS, that's just that... BS. That's folks who don't know the area or the history. The bank and much of what's there? That was housing. They tore down residential houses in for the Spring Creek developments. It's 100% valid to be shocked if they tear down housing to put in commercial. I'd be shocked as hell if they started bulldozing part of my neighborhood to put in retail.

I love how generous people are with other folks money, property, and standards/peace of living. They attack the NIMBYs, but I'm not sure they ever have to burden the same standard.

The owner needs to buy the property and not put anything there if they don't want anything. This isn't a Walmart, it is an upscale grocer. They already put a bank there, there are tons of banks, churches, and single story office buildings and park all around Edmond, it's ridiculous. The city is growing and for the better. When you move to a house that has vacant land nearby, you are taking a gamble. There is a reason zoning can change.

Like I mentioned, this wasn't vacant land. This was residential with housing, that was torn down.

Really?

Edmond Police Focus On Crime Spike Along Danforth - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/22856639/edmond-police-focus-on-crime-spike-along-danforth)

Property values have also been affected in the houses that border the Wal-Mart.

Noone says new construction can't happen, but there seems to be a feeling by folks (who I wonder if they're ever owned their own home) that property and home owners shouldn't fight for their own best interests. They should just sacrifice home value, security, and quiet for the common good. This is why they hold hearings and votes on rezoning.

As for the empty land BS, that's just that... BS. That's folks who don't know the area or the history. The bank and much of what's there? That was housing. They tore down residential houses in for the Spring Creek developments. It's 100% valid to be shocked if they tear down housing to put in commercial. I'd be shocked as hell if they started bulldozing part of my neighborhood to put in retail.

I love how generous people are with other folks money, property, and standards/peace of living. They attack the NIMBYs, but I'm not sure they ever have to burden the same standard.That crime is by Edmond standards. Edmond has had really low crime and the crime is going to go up with OKC's growth. Hopefully it won't go up much, but when cities grow, so does crime and all of the other things that come with it. You can't expect not to see crime around this area. It is Walmart, I don't think a Reasors will bring crime with it.

Like I mentioned, this wasn't vacant land. This was residential with housing, that was torn down.I didn't know that. What condition where the houses in? Just to clarify, I am talking about the land adjacent to Pelican Bay.

I didn't know that. What condition where the houses in? Just to clarify, I am talking about the land adjacent to Pelican Bay.

Can't comment on the conditions, but yes, the land right next to Pelican Bay. They tore down the housing about 5 years ago and leveled the land, removing all the trees there.

4347

The same thing was done on the NW corner of 15th and Bryant.

The only reason these developments look as nice as they do is because the horrible NIMBYs forced so many concessions from the developers and keep the developments in line.

Can't comment on the conditions, but yes, the land right next to Pelican Bay. They tore down the housing about 5 years ago and leveled the land, removing all the trees there.

4347

The same thing was done on the NW corner of 15th and Bryant.

The only reason these developments look as nice as they do is because the horrible NIMBYs forced so many concessions from the developers and keep the developments in line.I'm sorry, but the only thing I've ever heard of NIMBYs doing is just stopping developments from happening entirely. If they really have made developers raise the standards of their developments, then I'll lighten up on them.

I'm sorry, but the only thing I've ever heard of NIMBYs doing is just stopping developments from happening entirely. If they really have made developers raise the standards of their developments, then I'll lighten up on them.

Sometimes they simply want to raise the standards, which is a good thing. Other times, such as the Spring Creek Reasor's, their goal is to stop the development entirely. NIMBYs have their place and can do some good. What's frustrating about this specific case is that its a Reasor's, which is the kind of grocery store many in the metro area have wished we had for a long time. If it was a Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, NIMBY opposition would be much more understandable and probably more supported.

Sometimes they simply want to raise the standards, which is a good thing. Other times, such as the Spring Creek Reasor's, their goal is to stop the development entirely. NIMBYs have their place and can do some good. What's frustrating about this specific case is that its a Reasor's, which is the kind of grocery store many in the metro area have wished we had for a long time. If it was a Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, NIMBY opposition would be much more understandable and probably more supported.

Part of the problem with this, is that when this was rezoned in the first place, a bunch of promises were made by the developers to both the city, and the residents. It was supposed to be a retail anchor (department store) and not open 24 hours. The developers have moved the goalposts.

I agree with Panda that in a fast growing suburban area, development should be expected. Fighting to increase development standard is a good thing, but trying to stop development entirely because there may be a little noise isn't. As he said, Reasor's isnt Wal-Mart. I lived right behind a 24-hour flagship Harris Teeter when I lived in Charlotte and I loved having it there. I can completely understand people's desire to want to live somewhere without any noise or traffic, but if that's your desire, moving somewhere like SE OKC on the other side of Draper may be a good option. That area will probably never see major development.

I'm sorry, but the only thing I've ever heard of NIMBYs doing is just stopping developments from happening entirely. If they really have made developers raise the standards of their developments, then I'll lighten up on them.
Sometimes they raise standards and sometimes they kill projects, both has happened in various Austin projects that I know about. Once the anti-Walmart group in the Allandale area found out they couldn't stop the store they changed tactics to get concessions from Walmart on store hours, truck hours and design (even though it was going in what was once an enclosed mall). This angered the more militant anti-WM people who tried to do everything they could to stop it.

BTW, although Costco is definitely coming to OKC I still think this 90,000 sq ft retailer that I mention in the OP is something different, probably still WinCo.

How do you know Costco is coming to OKC? Or is that just inevitability? Have they said anything?
Hope that retail from the west coast is not Winco.

How do you know Costco is coming to OKC? Or is that just inevitability? Have they said anything?
Hope that retail from the west coast is not Winco.

http://www.okctalk.com/suburban-development-buildings/34911-costco-active-negotiations.html

Any update on this?

I don't understand why people are against Winco. It may not be the trendy grocer many, including myself, hope for, but I have no doubt its better than many of the stores already in the market. If the selection is good, I'll shop there.

People like to complain especially on forums. It hasn't been long ago that "if only we had a Whole Foods" then things would be great. Whole Foods came and apparently things aren't great. My Dad and I used to watch the cows always trying to eat the grass on the outside of the fence when there was plenty of grass on the inside. We had some great conversations about that although I didn't really appreciate them that much at the time. It will always be the one thing we don't have that everyone wants. Just the way we are.

Can't comment on the conditions, but yes, the land right next to Pelican Bay. They tore down the housing about 5 years ago and leveled the land, removing all the trees there.

4347

The same thing was done on the NW corner of 15th and Bryant.

The only reason these developments look as nice as they do is because the horrible NIMBYs forced so many concessions from the developers and keep the developments in line.

I dont recall houses on the NW corner. On the SW corner (BOK and offices) it was one house and a goat farm. Ya, strange to think it was a goat farm only about 15 years ago. And on the NE corner it was owned by a couple, their old house is still standing. It is in the area of where the Reasors would be going. Cant really remember if the Sooner Land (the Reasor developers) tore any houses down where that Bank First is.
And the NIMBYs always seemed to be more worried about traffic, noise and trash and less about look. The developers of Spring Creek Plaza and Village already had the stadards raised because it was Edmond and it needed to look nice. Also, the city of Edmond is quite demanding when it comes to building materials, ie more brick, less other crappy stuff.

I know there were houses on the NW corner because my uncle and cousins lived in one of them. I spent quite a bit of time over the years in that house. A very nice (albeit older) house, with a large back yard.

People like to complain especially on forums. It hasn't been long ago that "if only we had a Whole Foods" then things would be great. Whole Foods came and apparently things aren't great. My Dad and I used to watch the cows always trying to eat the grass on the outside of the fence when there was plenty of grass on the inside. We had some great conversations about that although I didn't really appreciate them that much at the time. It will always be the one thing we don't have that everyone wants. Just the way we are.

Whole Foods is great. It has really got the ball rolling on bettering the grocery situation in this city, which I not exaggerating when I say it is mindnumbingly dismal for a city this size. As a result of Whole Foods coming, Spouts has entered the market, and Buy for Less and Crest have both introduced new formats that are a step up in quality from the previous standard and more along the lines of what is standard in other cities. However, there are still many, even affluent parts of the metro that lack convenient access to a quality alternative to Wal-Mart.

People like to complain especially on forums. It hasn't been long ago that "if only we had a Whole Foods" then things would be great. Whole Foods came and apparently things aren't great. My Dad and I used to watch the cows always trying to eat the grass on the outside of the fence when there was plenty of grass on the inside. We had some great conversations about that although I didn't really appreciate them that much at the time. It will always be the one thing we don't have that everyone wants. Just the way we are.

LOL, good analogy. I'm going to have to put that away for future use, if you don't mind.

I do agree though, we had a Whole Foods open up, only to have people on here complain because some cities were on their second. Never mind that a quick look at their website shows that other "peer markets" (Louisville, Memphis, Richmond, Jacksonville, Milwaukee) typically only have one. In terms of grocery stores, I am kind of surprised how many people here just forgot about Sprouts. They have 3 locations here, am from what I have heard they are all some of the company's top stores as far as store performance goes. But then again they do well in mid-level markets in the Western US. The prospect of them expanding here is much higher than Whole Foods. But Sprouts lack the status in some people's minds, even though they provide what a lot of people clamor for (a more high quality grocer). Sometimes I think that some on here are a little more concerned with style over substance.

I do most of my shopping these days at either Sprouts or Buy for Less on NW Expressway. Sprouts is always so packed its hard to get around in it so I have no doubt this city could support more locations.

LOL, good analogy. I'm going to have to put that away for future use, if you don't mind.

I do agree though, we had a Whole Foods open up, only to have people on here complain because some cities were on their second. Never mind that a quick look at their website shows that other "peer markets" (Louisville, Memphis, Richmond, Jacksonville, Milwaukee) typically only have one. In terms of grocery stores, I am kind of surprised how many people here just forgot about Sprouts. They have 3 locations here, am from what I have heard they are all some of the company's top stores as far as store performance goes. But then again they do well in mid-level markets in the Western US. The prospect of them expanding here is much higher than Whole Foods. But Sprouts lack the status in some people's minds, even though they provide what a lot of people clamor for (a more high quality grocer). Sometimes I think that some on here are a little more concerned with style over substance.

The reality is that it is hard to shop regularly at Whole Foods if you live in Norman. I think the complaining is mainly regarding the ratio of upscale/regular grocery stores to the number of low cost grocery stores in the OKC metro. I agree, though, that even Homeland and others have improved since Whole Foods came to OKC. Sprouts is nice, but it isn't the kind of place where you would grab some food and sit down and enjoy it. My family likes to go to Whole Foods, sit out on the patio, and eat there. Some of us get something from the hot bar, others get sandwiches, others get pizza, or sushi. Maybe we'll share some goodies from the bakery for dessert. Then, we'll do our shopping. If you've ever been to Central Market in Dallas, they have live music, and lots of folks are hanging out and eating in the restaurant, enjoying gelato, etc. For some reason, some people here don't understand that these stores are more than just a grocery store. I agree that if you just need to pick up bread and milk, Walmart Neighborhood Grocery and Homeland are just fine. But there are other grocery stores that offer a whole lot more, including catering, cooking school, fresh meals, and so forth. Again, it's just a matter of having more good options to choose from on the high end as well as the low end (of which there are already plenty from which to choose even without WinCo).

This "West Coast retailer seeking four sites for 90,000 square foot operations" is still very much scouting sites in OKC. I believe they want to open the stores in close succession.

Don't know for sure who it is but my money is still on Winco.

They just opened one near me -- I'll go check it out and report back, but people rave about them.

WinCo Foods (http://wincofoods.com/)

BTW, Winco is opening it's first stores in the DFW area tomorrow, one each in Ft. Worth and McKinney.

I'm almost positive it's Winco.

That's one hell of a competitive market, especially with all the new entrants. Anybody have experience with these?

The just opened one near me here in California and I'll go check it out and report back.

Winco has received raves out here; huge selection, super cheap, great customer service and open 24/7.

I've also heard they have two locations in/near OKC already locked down and want two more.

The just opened one near me here in California and I'll go check it out and report back.

Winco has received raves out here; huge selection, super cheap, great customer service and open 24/7.

I've also heard they have two locations in/near OKC already locked down and want two more.

This is good news. Should actually finally provide real competition to Wal-Mart in this area. Do you know where the locations are?

Don't know the locations yet.

Would love to see them in SE Norman instead of the Neighborhood Market that is planned. I can't see them messing with Norman though unless it is the east side. West is getting too congested now.

Why can't you see them in Norman?

I think it would be a hit for a college city, especially closer to campus. There is a growing number of younger, educated people who do not like walmart (not going to start one of those threads), but also do not have the money for upscale. Seems the perfect demographic for a low cost alternative to "WalMart".

Why can't you see them in Norman?

I think it would be a hit for a college city, especially closer to campus. There is a growing number of younger, educated people who do not like walmart (not going to start one of those threads), but also do not have the money for upscale. Seems the perfect demographic for a low cost alternative to "WalMart".

Agree with this. However, Norman currently probably has the most variety of grocery options within a single area anywhere in the OKC metro. Some areas have only Wal-Mart and there are even some highly populated areas no nearby grocery stores at all (SE 89th/Sooner comes to mind). While Norman makes sense demographically, there are numerous other areas that could benefit from one of these stores.

Why can't you see them in Norman?

I think it would be a hit for a college city, especially closer to campus. There is a growing number of younger, educated people who do not like walmart (not going to start one of those threads), but also do not have the money for upscale. Seems the perfect demographic for a low cost alternative to "WalMart".

I agree with you. The problem becomes that the need for this would be Central and East Norman, but nearly all of the recent grocery development has been clustered on the west side. If they could make it work here on the east side, I would probably imagine somewhere in the Hwy 9 / US 77 area would be best. 12th an Alameda on the NW corner has plenty of room as well, but would put them very close to Homeland and Walmart. Either location though would be closer than anything on the west side for campus students.