i disagree that Goodwill won't do anything with the property. The newer stores that have opened are relatively attractive as thrift stores go. For example, the new one in the west end of the shopping center @ NW 23rd & Meridian

http://newsok.com/new-greenhouse-to-be-built-to-supply-homeland-with-fresh-produce/article/3671790

It's been 2 years so I assume this project isn't going to happen. Does anyone know specifics?

Wow, that would be totally cool. Hope it happens.

The Bright Farms website says a farm is "coming soon" to 1-585 NE 70th in OKC, but that address makes no sense. It's the site of a drilling company.

BrightFarms (http://brightfarms.com/s/#!/store_locator)

Does anyone know what is going on at the old homeland on 39th and penn? There have been trucks there doing some work and taking things out. I stopped by the other day and looked in and the whole store is now an empty shell. I looked at the permits and it seemed like they were approving a remodel to split it into two spaces. One 10k sq ft and the other 22k sq ft.

http://www.okctalk.com/general-real-estate-topics/29947-39th-n-penn-homeland.html

Thank goodness. Homeland got away far too long with providing sub par service at that location. Hopefully something better fills it up soon.

Signs are posted on the doors that they will close by the end of the month.

Have a feeling we're going to see more contraction of Homeland stores in the coming months. I've yet to visit a Homeland that was even close to price-competitive, and most (well, many) of them are in former Safeway or Albertson's locations that had already failed....

Have a feeling we're going to see more contraction of Homeland stores in the coming months. I've yet to visit a Homeland that was even close to price-competitive, and most (well, many) of them are in former Safeway or Albertson's locations that had already failed....

The trick with Homeland is the very favorable coupon doubling policy that ends up bringing their prices lower than competitors if you use it correctly. Of course not everyone is going to bother with that. :)

Regardless of that, them closing the Main Street location is probably good. It'll allow them to focus on the other stores in Norman but also allow that eye sore to be torn down and the space developed.

The trick with Homeland is the very favorable coupon doubling policy that ends up bringing their prices lower than competitors if you use it correctly. Of course not everyone is going to bother with that. :)

Regardless of that, them closing the Main Street location is probably good. It'll allow them to focus on the other stores in Norman but also allow that eye sore to be torn down and the space developed.

Wife did their coupon dance for several months a few years back and saved a ton of money...But it was a big pain in the azz

Wife did their coupon dance for several months a few years back and saved a ton of money...But it was a big pain in the azz

Where does one get these coupons?

Where does one get these coupons?

She said they double manufacturer coupons unless the coupon says do not double. Most of the annoyance was trying to match the coupons up with their sale ads to maximize the savings.

She said they double manufacturer coupons unless the coupon says do not double. Most of the annoyance was trying to match the coupons up with their sale ads to maximize the savings.

Actually, they double the coupon amount up to $1.00. It's really not difficult to match coupons with sales whenever possible.

Actually, they double the coupon amount up to $1.00. It's really not difficult to match coupons with sales whenever possible.

This. Even if it is do not double, it'll likely still double.

As far as matching up, just use Consumer Queen or any of the other coupon matching sites: http://www.consumerqueen.com/category/homeland-deals#axzz1xWwQu2Ua

Where does one get these coupons?

Plenty of sites online or from the manufacturers directly, and of course the easiest place - the Sunday paper.

The main places I look at online correspond with the the ones in the Sunday paper.

Free Printable Coupons, Grocery Coupons & Online Coupons | Coupons.com (http://www.coupons.com)
www.smartsource.com
Printable & Downloadable Coupons. Grocery, Health, Beauty | redplum.com (http://www.redplum.com)

I don't use a coupon matching website. I just look at the ads to see what's on sale and to see if I have a coupon I can use.

The main places I look at online correspond with the the ones in the Sunday paper.

Free Printable Coupons, Grocery Coupons & Online Coupons | Coupons.com (http://www.coupons.com)
www.smartsource.com (http://www.smartsource.com)
Printable & Downloadable Coupons. Grocery, Health, Beauty | redplum.com (http://www.redplum.com)

I don't use a coupon matching website. I just look at the ads to see what's on sale and to see if I have a coupon I can use.

I use to just match my own, then I got too busy (or lazy lol) and just rely on the matching sites. At some point I need to get my binder going again, yes I'm one of those, because I know I'm missing out on a ton right now. I still manage to hit 70% savings at Homeland when I go though. It's always enjoyable to go out with an overflowing cart and know you only spent maybe $50. :)

The real sweet spot is when the coupons are doubled on a sale item and that item is on the 10 cents off a gallon of gas at the Homeland gas pump. As far as being competitive on price I find many of the items I purchase cheaper at Homeland than Crest, and a heck of a lot more convenient.

The real sweet spot is when the coupons are doubled on a sale item and that item is on the 10 cents off a gallon of gas at the Homeland gas pump. As far as being competitive on price I find many of the items I purchase cheaper at Homeland than Crest, and a heck of a lot more convenient.

This current week is pretty decent (where the sales end Wednesday). I was able to stock up on some items and also save quite a bit off of gas.

I really wish some other company that actually cares would buy up Homeland. Such an outcome would likely be to good to be true in OKC though. I don't want to see them close and be replaced by Goodwill stores, leaving few choices other than Wal-Mart for grocery shopping.

The Homeland on 12th and Alameda is closest to my house so I end up there a lot. I think they are spending some money at that location, they just installed new freezer section with LED lights that come on as you approach. My guess is that they are planning to invest there and let the one nearest Target and Crest go away.

The Homeland on 12th and Alameda is closest to my house so I end up there a lot. I think they are spending some money at that location, they just installed new freezer section with LED lights that come on as you approach. My guess is that they are planning to invest there and let the one nearest Target and Crest go away.

Yeah they've been dumping a good deal of money into the one over here. Last year was the overhaul of the produce section. They've also redone about half of the shelves so far. Still needs some more TLC, but it isn't the worst store I've been in.

I don't shop the one at 24/robinson a lot, but for what it's worth, I do drive by there a lot. Their parking lot gives no indication Crest has harmed them at all.

I don't shop the one at 24/robinson a lot, but for what it's worth, I do drive by there a lot. Their parking lot gives no indication Crest has harmed them at all.

I have never been in that Homeland but from the outside it doesn't look that bad. The one on Main St looks like an original Homeland which aren't as nice. Those seem to be the ones closing more often than the former Albertson's locations. If they would close all the subpar locations and then put money into the remaining ones it would be awesome and would help the chain as it would increase its reputation.

I have never been in that Homeland but from the outside it doesn't look that bad. The one on Main St looks like an original Homeland which aren't as nice. Those seem to be the ones closing more often than the former Albertson's locations. If they would close all the subpar locations and then put money into the remaining ones it would be awesome and would help the chain as it would increase its reputation.

I think the Main St location is the only original Homeland in Norman. Lindsey street was something else if memory serves correctly and of course 12th & Alameda and 24th & Robinson were former Albertsons.

Wasn't the Lindsey Street store a Safeway?

The store on Lindsey needs some serious TLC. That place is terrible.

The store on Lindsey needs some serious TLC. That place is terrible.

So true. But that spot has so much potential. Not really any competition in that area for grocery shopping.

So true. But that spot has so much potential. Not really any competition in that area for grocery shopping.

And several higher end neighborhoods nearby. It could support a much nicer store, or even a Whole Foods eventually. I wonder what will replace the Main St store?

The store on Lindsey needs some serious TLC. That place is terrible.
It's no doubt going to be the next one to close.

And several higher end neighborhoods nearby. It could support a much nicer store, or even a Whole Foods eventually. I wonder what will replace the Main St store?

Lindsey can be an amazing corridor if developed correctly with mixed use / high density development.

Lindsey can be an amazing corridor if developed correctly with mixed use / high density development.

Too bad we've put the damper on that with the road design our "leaders" chose to go with.

Is there any way to find out how much of the land on both sides of Lindsey is owned by the church?

Too bad we've put the damper on that with the road design our "leaders" chose to go with.

I don't think it will be as bad as some think. The positive will be that traffic at least in the short term should move more efficiently but the big improvements will be having continuous sidewalks and bike lanes , and improved landscaping/lighting that will make the corridor more attractive. I think Main and Boyd are better anyway for the type of pedestrian-oriented growth along streets that we want to see, as well as Lindsey between Chautauqua and Jenkins through campus.

I wonder what will go in there? The Homeland may be a teardown?

I wonder what will go in there? The Homeland may be a teardown?

Most of these old Homeland locations aren't fit for modern grocery stores.

I don't shop the one at 24/robinson a lot, but for what it's worth, I do drive by there a lot. Their parking lot gives no indication Crest has harmed them at all.

Crest is likely pulling in the rural shoppers who come into the city to shop. My aunt lives in Bridge Creek and frequents the S. May Crest when she needs to stock up. The local stores and Walmart are not cheap to say the least. The only time she shops at the stores close to her is when she just needs a couple of things.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/homeland1.jpg


Recently on Nextdoor.com Mesta Park and Heritage Hills residents have been rightfully complaining about the condition of the 18th St Homeland. Several people sent emails to customer service and this was the homeland president's response. Not great news, but Might be a good sign.


Thank you for taking the time to share your concern about our store on Classen. We want to remain your local neighborhood grocer. I am the President of HAC Inc, and the current parent company for Homeland. I, too, want a better shopping experience for you and your neighbors. Our store's current District Manager will begin immediately addressing cleanliness of our current facility.

Behind the scenes, we have been doing market surveys on the trade area and looking for an alternative location to build a new store in your area. That search has not proven fruitful. The city has come up with some downtown locations, but there is not sufficient downtown population to support the profitable operation of a new store downtown, yet.

As a result, we have engaged a store design group to begin an review of your current store and to give us an architectural drawing for a total remodel of our current store. We believe this remodel will cost between $2.5 and $3.5 million dollars. To offset some of this cost, we will be asking the city to consider a possible tax abatement for some period of time. This process can be lengthy.

The process is underway now. I thank you for your current business and hope you will be patient with us as we try to work through the steps required to complete a remodel of your store.

Thank you again for your concern and feedback, Sincerely, Darryl Fitzgerald, President and CEO.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/homeland2.jpg

Every major retailer who considers the downtown market always reaches the same conclusion - not enough rooftops. How far do you guys think downtown OKC is from reaching that point where retail will work?

Regarding the remodel - excellent news if it happens!

Not every retailer; just national chains who make decisions on spreadsheets.

If this store could just be remodeled to a decent standard, downtown will already be well-served by it and Native Roots.

Not every retailer; just national chains who make decisions on spreadsheets.

If this store could just be remodeled to a decent standard, downtown will already be well-served by it and Native Roots.

I would definitely take an upgrade to decent or up to par with the rest of their stores (quality wise, obviously not size) over what we have now. It would be a massive improvement and would bridge the gap until a competitor builds a new store downtown which hopefully would force more upgrades at the Homeland to remain competitive.

Is there a link to nextdoor comments or can you describe "rightful complaining about the condition of the 18th St Homeland"?

This place needs a major overhaul. It is right next to Mesta and if it was upgraded I have no doubt it would get even more business.

I would definitely take an upgrade to decent or up to par with the rest of their stores (quality wise, obviously not size) over what we have now. It would be a massive improvement and would bridge the gap until a competitor builds a new store downtown which hopefully would force more upgrades at the Homeland to remain competitive.

Agrees. I just hope the upgrade is not some cookie-cutter deal but instead will treat that location like our local urban grocer as it should. Their design team needs to be on the ground not buried in their corporate model. I'm also interested in seeing some competition.
BTW PhiAlpha I'm new to this but noticed your handle...I'm SAE from OU. (Very possible I know you but can't figure out how to use this site to know.)

Dozer bait. This place is too far gone.

Mr. Fitzgerald has been spouting the same nonsense for years:

"Our goal is to stay focused on bringing the customer a better experience, Fitzgerald said."

Homeland rebuilds image<br>Retail grocery chain made changes to staff, stores | News OK (http://newsok.com/homeland-rebuilds-imagebrretail-grocery-chain-made-changes-to-staff-stores/article/2886202/?page=2)

If his idea of "better experience" is embodied in their property at 18th and Classen, then I'd say his standards are a wee bit low.

IMO they should buy the lot directly north on the opposite side of 18th, where that little strip of shops is. It's partially parking for AF, but that shouldn't be an issue anymore, there really should be plenty of parking for whatever new tenets are to follow. They can build a similar sized, but more modern, store (preferably fronting Classen) with a similar sized parking lot, serving the exact same market. Then the current location can be bulldozed for another development, OR put back to use in making that little strip of Western two-way again (e.g. move the gas station to the SW corner of this lot, tear out that triangle, add the lanes, etc etc etc... just random thoughts about the area. Having lived at the Classen for 6+ years with this as my primary grocery (and obviously still going there a lot even living downtown now), I'm definitely liking the idea of a revamp, but not of there not being a grocery in roughly this spot.

If we're going to pony up for tax incentives, I would rather see Trader Joe's / Whole Foods or something else there, unless Homeland rebrands it and dramatically changes the type of offerings to fit a more urban location.

Dozer bait. This place is too far gone.

Mr. Fitzgerald has been spouting the same nonsense for years:

"Our goal is to stay focused on bringing the customer a better experience, Fitzgerald said."

Homeland rebuilds image<br>Retail grocery chain made changes to staff, stores | News OK (http://newsok.com/homeland-rebuilds-imagebrretail-grocery-chain-made-changes-to-staff-stores/article/2886202/?page=2)

If his idea of "better experience" is embodied in their property at 18th and Classen, then I'd say his standards are a wee bit low.

This location is not any better than the 39th street location they closed somewhat recently. And Homeland is not a company capable of making their Classen location a place where people actually want to shop. It is simply a place where people must shop because it is there. And that is fine with them. They are not geared toward satisfying the concerns of customers and they are not geared for growth - they seem wholly focused on preserving what they have. They don't care and it shows.

This location is not any better than the 39th street location they closed somewhat recently. And Homeland is not a company capable of making their Classen location a place where people actually want to shop. It is simply a place where people must shop because it is there. And that is fine with them. They are not geared toward satisfying the concerns of customers and they are not geared for growth - they seem wholly focused on preserving what they have. They don't care and it shows.

Yep.

With all the grocers moving and and expanding, Homeland is doomed for extinction in OKC.

The will probably do okay in the small towns where there are very few options -- which was how OKC has been until now.

I always thought it would be best for OKC if Homeland was simply bought out by a competing chain. What I really don't want to see is them to simply go out of business and leave vacant big boxes scattered all throughout town.

With all the grocers moving and and expanding, Homeland is doomed for extinction in OKC.

The will probably do okay in the small towns where there are very few options -- which was how OKC has been until now.

The small towns have nicer options in many cases. I'll take United over Homeland any day -- and Reasor's of course.

The small towns have nicer options in many cases. I'll take United over Homeland any day -- and Reasor's of course.Funny you should say that. HAC owns United also. If only they would treat the Homaland stores like they do the United stores.

Agree that Homeland needs some competition here. As a Mesta resident I'm worried that their idea of renovation is not what most of us would have in mind for a local, quality, urban grocer. They're approach is likely a cookie-cutter spreadsheet-driven model and will fall short of what we need and want. It'd be great if they'd take this seriously and get our input and take cues from other local development, but I'm not optimistic. This may be a good time to try to bring about competition.

The small towns have nicer options in many cases. I'll take United over Homeland any day -- and Reasor's of course.

That's sad but true. Actually pretty much anywhere has better grocery stores than OKC. Things are very, very slowly getting better in this area but there is still less than a handful of "decent" grocery stores in the entire metro area, so for a lot of people getting to one is less than convenient so you are pretty much stuck with Wal-Mart or a dirty, smelly Homeland.

Interesting news. In addition to remodeling the facility they need to quit selling nearly or already expired produce, dairy and meat. I hardly ever shop there but if I must I only buy processed canned or boxed food because the "fresh" offerings are usually disgusting.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

This is kind of a joke. I'm glad they've noticed the complaints about this store, but I'm insulted that they think the city should use incentives for a downtown grocery store so they can remodel this one that is not downtown.

This location is not surrounded by walkable critical mass of rooftops to the same degree that anywhere downtown would be.

Yet it WOULD serve downtown AND a massive number of inner city rooftops, many with enviable demographics. That location makes SO much sense for a high-quality grocery store. Not necessarily defending the use of incentives.

I honestly think we are still years away from having a dense enough urban population that by itself justifies a full-size grocery store largely catering to a walking clientele. It sounds wonderful, but it's not very practical or realistic. The street car will help in this regard, but no matter what it will still need to cater heavily to a crowd that arrives by automobile to succeed. Even many downtown residents will drive there rather than lug bags of groceries for blocks; even if it's only three or four blocks to/from a streetcar stop.

Frankly, if the street car were extended close to that Homeland location - as a part of an extension to Plaza for instance - I truly believe a high-quality grocery story there COULD reasonably serve as the only supermarket-scale grocery store in the downtown area for years to come. I'm not saying that would be optimal; only that it would be adequate.

Yet it WOULD serve downtown AND a massive number of inner city rooftops, many with enviable demographics. That location makes SO much sense for a high-quality grocery store. Not necessarily defending the use of incentives.

I honestly think we are still years away from having a dense enough urban population that by itself justifies a full-size grocery store largely catering to a walking clientele. It sounds wonderful, but it's not very practical or realistic. The street car will help in this regard, but no matter what it will still need to cater heavily to a crowd that arrives by automobile to succeed. Even many downtown residents will drive there rather than lug bags of groceries for blocks; even if it's only three or four blocks to/from a streetcar stop.

Frankly, if the street car were extended close to that Homeland location - as a part of an extension to Plaza for instance - I truly believe a high-quality grocery story there COULD reasonably serve as the only supermarket-scale grocery store in the downtown area for years to come. I'm not saying that would be optimal; only that it would be adequate.

Agree.

A quality grocery store at 18th and Classen would be a HUGE improvement over having to drive to the Belle Isle Wal-Mart, which many downtown residents currently do. I don't think the population of downtown OKC is currently at a point where a real grocery store could be supported in a neighborhood like Midtown. If it was able to be supported I am sure that somebody would have taken the initiative by now.

Even a significant percentage of those shopping at Native Roots drive there, and it's small and in the middle of the most walkable neighborhood in OKC.

And any larger store in the central core will be even more reliant on cars.