BC Clark to take Balliets space (https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=636-BC-Clark-to-take-Balliets-space)

As Balliets readies new space in Nichols Hill Plaza (former Pops location), BC Clark has announced plans to take over their current building in Classen Curve.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bcclark080519a.jpeg


Press release:

OKLAHOMA CITY (Aug. 5, 2019) – BC Clark, Oklahoma’s oldest and most prominent jeweler, plans to open Oklahoma’s largest and most prestigious jewelry store at Classen Curve in 2020.

The company’s current Penn Square Mall location, including the staff, will relocate to the fully remodeled new location at Classen Curve in summer 2020.

“Classen Curve has become Oklahoma City’s premier shopping destination, and we look forward to joining the fantastic retailers there,” said BC Clark President Coleman Clark. “When the new store opens, our customers will experience a dynamic and inviting environment, see a wider selection in every department and find convenient parking just steps from our door.”

The store will occupy the space previously held by Balliets, and an extensive renovation will bring in even more natural light and a fresh, new look. The showroom will grow by over 30%, including expanded Rolex, David Yurman, engagement ring and Life:Style departments.

“The retail landscape is evolving. Shopping habits and consumer expectations are changing. We are in tune with our customers and will provide an approachable, comfortable and luxurious store experience,” Clark said. “The new store demonstrates our family’s commitment to Oklahoma City for years to come and solidifies BC Clark’s position as Oklahoma’s leading jewelry retailer.”

The existing Penn Square store will remain fully staffed through the coming holiday season and the first half of 2020.

Shannon Barghols, marketing director at Classen Curve, welcomed her new tenants.

“Classen Curve already has the best shopping and dining in Oklahoma for every occasion,” she said. “Adding a legendary local brand gives customers one more reason to shop in the heart of the city.”


About BC Clark
B.C. Clark opened his first jewelry store in the corner of a five and dime store in 1892. Today, BC Clark Jewelers is Oklahoma’s oldest jewelry store and the oldest business in Oklahoma under the same name and ownership. The traditions of quality merchandise and personal service have continued through four generations. As a full-service jeweler, BC Clark offers a full line of merchandise and services.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/balliets011719a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/balliets1.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/balliets053019a.jpg

I've known about this for a while...

They considered some other spots and also talked to the Penn Square Management, but I'm sure this opportunity was just too good for them to pass up.

For those who have not been inside, it's absolutely gorgeous, 2-level space. Will be a huge footprint for BC Clark; will be interesting how they utilize it.

Is this a good move for OKC as a whole? I just don't know if that big of a space being a local jeweler is the best move for CC, and OKC, as a whole. Could have been a better spot for a national retailer, due to the size of the space. Just feel like BC Clark is out-kicking their coverage with a space this big. I hope I am wrong, though, and will eat crow if I am.

It's a great fit and a good outcome after Balliets decided to move.

It's a great fit and a good outcome after Balliets decided to move.

Sweet! Just didn't know if CC settled for a local company because no new to market retailers wanted the space. But it opens up a nice space at the mall, as well.

How about how this affects Penn Square? Any talks of what might replace BC Clark's? Or still way too early in that process?

How about how this affects Penn Square? Any talks of what might replace BC Clark's? Or still way too early in that process?

The mall has known for a while that Clark's was likely to leave.

They are also completely full these days, so I suspect they will not have a hard time finding a replacement.

Don't know if they have someone already or not .

I wouldn't be surprised if H&M takes over the BC Clark space at Penn Square. They've been on the waiting list at Penn Square for some time now but Penn Square hasn't had the space. If this happens, this wouldn't be good for Quail Springs since H&M is one of their exclusive stores. Quail Springs is really struggling. All of the national retailers are leaving and consolidating to their Penn Square location, mainly because Penn Square has higher sales. If you haven't been to Quail Springs lately, they have a ton of empty space. Round One will help hopefully but as fair as traditional retailers, they're suffering with the collapse of brick and mortar retail and the preference of Penn Square over Quail Springs when consolidation decisions are made.
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I'd say that is good move by/for BC Clark, but a definite blow to PSM.

Keep in mind the current BC Clark is located down a side corridor and faces the north, which means it is only visible from the parking lot, even though it does have a direct outside entrance.

Unless they move some other tenants around, it's an odd space.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bcclark080519b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bcclark1.jpg

It is in the more upscale wing of the mall, so I am hoping they can get a new-to-market national tenant there for that space, with the external entrance. Might take some re-configuring, though.

That outside entrance could be an advantage for retailers that otherwise wouldn't locate in a mall.

My guess is H&M will locate there but we'll see.

When are most sales?

When they moved to the mall from Mayfair in 1988, they were originally in the space now occupied by Pottery Barn.

The Mayfair store opened in 1957.

It is in the more upscale wing of the mall, so I am hoping they can get a new-to-market national tenant there for that space, with the external entrance. Might take some re-configuring, though.

Would be cool if they could expand that space out into the parking lot and create a Crate and Barrel mini anchor.

They could carve up one of the 2 Dillards.

They could carve up one of the 2 Dillards.

Would love to see them rebuild one of the Dillards into a 3 or 4 level store and consolidate there, and then open up the other anchor for an upscale anchor.

Penn Square has sales per square foot not far off from some of the more upscale centers in Dallas, so it shouldn't be hard to find upscale anchor tenants

Pottery Barn Kids might make another comeback to the mall too, since it's the space right across from Pottery Barn. They left the mall a few years back when Forever 21 outbid them for their mini anchor space.

I'd say that is good move by/for BC Clark, but a definite blow to PSM.

Not necessarily a blow to PSM. PSM has a waiting list. Often times the reason retailers on that list don't take up existing spaces is because the open spaces aren't a good fit for the retailer or the mall simply doesn't have the space for them at the time. Case in point, H&M. With that being a larger space with ant outside entrance in a very successful mall, they probably already have a retailer in mind. But it all takes time to complete the deal and the transition. That BC Clark space is prime retail real estate.

Frankly, Von Maur never should've sunk all of their money into Quail Springs. Would've been a better fit and they probably would've had much more success at Penn Square. Von Maur hasn't done well at Quail and they haven't gotten any incentives from the city because they haven't met any of their sales goals. That's also why Dillards looks so dated at Quail. That store hasn't been updated since the mall was built. It makes enough money to stay open but not enough for Dillards to invest any money into it. Dillards puts all of their OKC money into the Penn Square store because sales are much higher.

Penn Sq had no interest in H&M before they picked quail springs last time i doubt they would have any interest in H&M now ..

I'd say that is good move by/for BC Clark, but a definite blow to PSM.

I say opposite.

BCC likely drew impulse customers from all the walk by traffic. PSM will have no problems filling the space.

On the other hand BCC now has to rely on only focused customers in a stand alone building meaning they have to want to go there as a stop. I have no idea how many impulse customers they got in mall but I would bet it is decent amount.

^

Remember, BC Clark does not rely on foot traffic at their other two locations (downtown and Northpark).

They are very different than mall-type jewelry places.

I say opposite.

BCC likely drew impulse customers from all the walk by traffic. PSM will have no problems filling the space.

On the other hand BCC now has to rely on only focused customers in a stand alone building meaning they have to want to go there as a stop. I have no idea how many impulse customers they got in mall but I would bet it is decent amount.

Maybe if they had a better spot. I think they are in the worst location in the mall. Unless you are walking in that door...there is no reason to ever walk by their location at the end of the hall with no other stores near them.

It will work well for BC Clark. It’s more of a destination store. When I go to BC Clark I go for BC Clark, not the mall.

Maybe if they had a better spot. I think they are in the worst location in the mall. Unless you are walking in that door...there is no reason to ever walk by their location at the end of the hall with no other stores near them.


Like Pete said, BC Clark doesn’t really depend on mall foot traffic

If anything, the ridiculous parking situation at PSM worked against them.

When are most sales?

Most sales are after Christmas, but Clark's is just before.

Couldn't resist. Sorry. :D

Their space would be a great location for a Zara. Good fit for OKC too.

a little sad that CC now becomes the flagship store for BC Clark as I want it to continue to be downtown. Today it is the ONLY remaining flagship in the CBD and we need it to continue to anchor as Park Avenue starts to take shape as an upscale retail district. Selfishly, I was/am hoping Park Avenue becomes OKC's #1 upscale district. ..

But maybe BC Clark's Park Avenue downtown will continue to be the headquarters and main flagship while CC becomes the upscale galleria-type flagship.

a little sad that CC now becomes the flagship store for BC Clark as I want it to continue to be downtown. Today it is the ONLY remaining flagship in the CBD and we need it to continue to anchor as Park Avenue starts to take shape as an upscale retail district. Selfishly, I was/am hoping Park Avenue becomes OKC's #1 upscale district. ..

But maybe BC Clark's Park Avenue downtown will continue to be the headquarters and main flagship while CC becomes the upscale galleria-type flagship.

BC downtown will still be just fine. Park Ave isn't likely to become upscale shopping destination. Those shoppers aren't going downtown to shop.

Both the downtown and Northpark stores do very well.

They have a very loyal clientele that goes back decades.

I say opposite.

BCC likely drew impulse customers from all the walk by traffic. PSM will have no problems filling the space.

On the other hand BCC now has to rely on only focused customers in a stand alone building meaning they have to want to go there as a stop. I have no idea how many impulse customers they got in mall but I would bet it is decent amount.

Respectfully disagree. PSM is a big hassle and CC will be much easier especially down on the East side. Much more in their demographic and lots of pluses.

Also, on a long term basis, I'd bet you'll see Williams Sonoma and /or Pottery Barn leave PSM before you see another PB related store come in (like PB Kids as suggested above).

Their space would be a great location for a Zara. Good fit for OKC too.

Yes, please!

On cue, 6 hrs later the Oklahoman has their own article posted with no credit.

On cue, 6 hrs later the Oklahoman has their own article posted with no credit.

This is one of those rare occasions that this was all off a press release, so we are not due credit.

I knew about it back in January (note the foliage in the drone shot) but the Clarks were not ready to go public so I sat on it. I called them last week (as they had requested, saying they should be ready then) without a reply, then they just dropped the press release today and everybody got it.


I understand why they did it but it would have been nice if they would have returned my call and gave me at least a day's head-start, as I had been working this story for at least 6 months. But, oh well.

Respectfully disagree. PSM is a big hassle and CC will be much easier especially down on the East side. Much more in their demographic and lots of pluses.

Also, on a long term basis, I'd bet you'll see Williams Sonoma and /or Pottery Barn leave PSM before you see another PB related store come in (like PB Kids as suggested above).

My take is if a person os going to BCC they will go regardless if standalone or in mall. However, if a person is at mall they might go to BCC to browse.

I’m sure they know how much impulse mall traffic they got and likely are good with numbers though.

Respectfully disagree. PSM is a big hassle and CC will be much easier especially down on the East side. Much more in their demographic and lots of pluses.

Also, on a long term basis, I'd bet you'll see Williams Sonoma and /or Pottery Barn leave PSM before you see another PB related store come in (like PB Kids as suggested above).

WS and PB do very well there. PB Kids left because the mall forced them out, not because they weren’t doing well

WS and PB do very well there. PB Kids left because the mall forced them out, not because they weren’t doing well

Lets watch it the next couple of years and see how it goes. They can do well elsewhere. PS better buckle up.

Lets watch it the next couple of years and see how it goes. They can do well elsewhere. PS better buckle up.

Why? If they lost a few tenants, it would shrink their ridiculously long waiting list of tenants.

^ Well then they’ll have no worries if/when a couple more big tenants leave.

^ Well then they’ll have no worries if/when a couple more big tenants leave.
Seems like this is what you are hoping for. You obviously despise the mall, but it seems to be doing well. There is room in this city for many types of retail centers to work.

Seems like this is what you are hoping for. You obviously despise the mall, but it seems to be doing well. There is room in this city for many types of retail centers to work.
Like the one about to be built catty corner from Penn Square.

Seems like this is what you are hoping for. You obviously despise the mall, but it seems to be doing well. There is room in this city for many types of retail centers to work.

I don't despise PS and am not hoping for anything. I am stating an opinion that I suspect there are a couple of other big tenants who wouldn't mind leaving. Sounds like that will be water off a ducks back to PS, so good for them. PS isn't going anywhere, but if people don't think there is impact to losing large tenants they are wrong.

I don't despise PS and am not hoping for anything. I am stating an opinion that I suspect there are a couple of other big tenants who wouldn't mind leaving. Sounds like that will be water off a ducks back to PS, so good for them. PS isn't going anywhere, but if people don't think there is impact to losing large tenants they are wrong.

Macy’s and Pennies might be most likely to be in trouble, because they are in trouble generally. But, there are also some large space tenants which would be candidates which would be new to the market. The demographics at PS are desirable.

Macy’s and Pennies might be most likely to be in trouble, because they are in trouble generally. But, there are also some large space tenants which would be candidates which would be new to the market. The demographics at PS are desirable.

Best chance for a Nordstrom would be them taking over 1 of those 2 spots. I doubt they would build new in OKC (nowhere for them to, really). They would kill in OKC (I know quite a few people go to DFW or buy online here, myself included).

Best chance for a Nordstrom would be them taking over 1 of those 2 spots. I doubt they would build new in OKC (nowhere for them to, really). They would kill in OKC (I know quite a few people go to DFW or buy online here, myself included).

I would like to see a Nordstrom and some other retailers open up down on Park Avenue in DT. Just having more shopping around DT so I don't have to drive to different places during holiday shopping would be nice.

I would like to see a Nordstrom and some other retailers open up down on Park Avenue in DT. Just having more shopping around DT so I don't have to drive to different places during holiday shopping would be nice.

DT shopping everywhere is dying, for the most part. It would be great, but most cities are having large exoduses of retail like that from their DT (or have already had it, as they are not building in DTs anymore).

DT shopping everywhere is dying, for the most part. It would be great, but most cities are having large exoduses of retail like that from their DT (or have already had it, as they are not building in DTs anymore).not true at all in LA and SLC.

Nor Vancouver, nor Seattle. Downtown shopping is bigger than ever (especially in Vancouver)!

I think shopping in Downtown OKC iwll be a hit bit it will need the following all at once:

1) PROMOTION - and I don't just mean one store but a full on slot of Downtown Oklahoma City ads on TV, radio, and social media. Downtown Seattle did this (minus the social media) in the 1990s and really helped establish it as a destination. Especially considering OKC would be the only city in the region as a retail destination; would make it easy to market downtown OKC to other cities not just our metro. Eventually the idea of shopping downtown becomes a prize just as it feels when one thinks of shopping in Downtown Chicago.

OKC should only market downtown though once ...

2) FILL STOREFRONTS - storefronts along Park Avenue, Broadway, and adjoining streets need retail anchors. There needs to be choices, say if OKC did get a large flagship that there could be tertiary shopping nearby. Must take advantage of having a captive audience so there must be stores open all at once not just organically like we have today (one here, one there but no critical mass).

To make this truly a success there needs to be ....

3) SUBSIDY - OKC may need to have someone with deep pockets (and/or the city) to spot businesses for a few years. Perhaps building owners could make lease rates with introductory or a reduced period based on sales then at market once the businesses are mature.

The final key to downtown retail is ...

4) TRANSPORTATION - OKC already has the office workers and entertainment downtown but we don't really have transportation resolved. We have parking garages and we have buses and the streetcar - but the transit needs to get worked out AND the parking might need to come up with offers for people to park free validated with receipt. The obvious target is the suburban household so downtown needs to accommodate them via transit (commuter bus/rail + streetcar) and parking.

If OKC can accomplish these 4 issues then we will have hugely successful downtown shopping. There may need to be a probationary period of 2-4 years where we groom everything together and have introductory/reduced rates - but if we can land stores having them all open together promoting downtown as a retail destination and providing transit to and parking within downtown - OKC will be just as successful per capita as city's I live/visited with strong downtowns.

Nor Vancouver, nor Seattle. Downtown shopping is bigger than ever (especially in Vancouver)!

I think shopping in Downtown OKC iwll be a hit bit it will need the following all at once:

1) PROMOTION - and I don't just mean one store but a full on slot of Downtown Oklahoma City ads on TV, radio, and social media. Downtown Seattle did this (minus the social media) in the 1990s and really helped establish it as a destination. Especially considering OKC would be the only city in the region as a retail destination; would make it easy to market downtown OKC to other cities not just our metro. Eventually the idea of shopping downtown becomes a prize just as it feels when one thinks of shopping in Downtown Chicago.

OKC should only market downtown though once ...

2) FILL STOREFRONTS - storefronts along Park Avenue, Broadway, and adjoining streets need retail anchors. There needs to be choices, say if OKC did get a large flagship that there could be tertiary shopping nearby. Must take advantage of having a captive audience so there must be stores open all at once not just organically like we have today (one here, one there but no critical mass).

To make this truly a success there needs to be ....

3) SUBSIDY - OKC may need to have someone with deep pockets (and/or the city) to spot businesses for a few years. Perhaps building owners could make lease rates with introductory or a reduced period based on sales then at market once the businesses are mature.

The final key to downtown retail is ...

4) TRANSPORTATION - OKC already has the office workers and entertainment downtown but we don't really have transportation resolved. We have parking garages and we have buses and the streetcar - but the transit needs to get worked out AND the parking might need to come up with offers for people to park free validated with receipt. The obvious target is the suburban household so downtown needs to accommodate them via transit (commuter bus/rail + streetcar) and parking.

If OKC can accomplish these 4 issues then we will have hugely successful downtown shopping. There may need to be a probationary period of 2-4 years where we groom everything together and have introductory/reduced rates - but if we can land stores having them all open together promoting downtown as a retail destination and providing transit to and parking within downtown - OKC will be just as successful per capita as city's I live/visited with strong downtowns.

All forgetting one thing - OKC dies after 6pm downtown. Hardly anyone lives there. WE can't even get a CVS or Walgreens down there. Gotta have butts down there in order to shop, and OKC doesn't. I would say incentivize people to build downtown, then have them add about as many units as those other mega cities you mentioned have (aside from SLC, which had help from the LDS), then yes, OKC can have downtown shopping like them. A lot of brick and mortar stores aren't in speculative mode right now, and willing to take a chance on a store in DT OKC, even with funding from the city. Maybe I will be proven wrong, and will eat crow, but I don't see it.

I would like to see a Nordstrom and some otheor retailers open up down on Park Avenue in DT. Just having more shopping around DT so I don't have to drive to different places during holiday shopping would be nice.
Full Nordstrom’s here is a pipe dream. We MIGHT score a Nordstrom’s Local. They are testing it now in the US. It’s about the size of a Starbucks.

The building permit has been issued and work should start soon on their new Classen Curve store.

Note the 2nd floor has a wine bar.

https://i.imgur.com/rUT7AIh.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/OgbI0Pb.jpg

Work has started.

https://i.imgur.com/gQAqNLK.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bcclark021720a.jpg

The Bird Poop under the Trees and on the Sidewalks are a bummer.

Full Nordstrom’s here is a pipe dream. We MIGHT score a Nordstrom’s Local. They are testing it now in the US. It’s about the size of a Starbucks.

Until the brick and morter conditions improve greatly, Nordy won't build anything more than a Rack store in OKC. Between the extraordinary costs of their flagship NYC store and the catastrophe of their San Juan, PR store, Nordy is rather overextended.

There is also the important issue of their prices. Does OKC really have enough people willing to pay at Nordstroms price level?

OKC already has a Nordstrom Local: Nordstrom Rack.

Nordstroms price level? come on mug. ....

it's just an upper end department store not a full blown Louis Vuitton. I'm sure OKC has more than enough people to pay at "Nordstrom's price level". My goodness, countless many smaller and far less GDP cities have Nordstrom, sister city Tulsa has a Saks for christs sake (Saks is higher than Nordstrom btw).

and there are only 3 or 4 that perform at the highest price points, in order: Vancouver, Chicago, Seattle Bellevue. And even then it's mostly tourists (from China) that buy the most expensive things in the stores.

Im perfectly sure OKC could support a full blown Nordstrom, whether they want to invest/bring one - OAK may represent the best shot or perhaps a development downtown. I seriously doubt they will come to Penn or Quail, those days (mall expansion) are long gone. OKC could have had a chance at that offering incentives back B.A. (before Amazon - Yes, Amazon is Nordstrom's biggest competitor).

There honestly isn't much in Nordstrom higher priced than Dillards or some other mainstream store anyway. Nordstrom just tends to buy from higher quality vendors and their real high end market is those who want the customer experience not necessarily just the clothes. Speaking from a former Nordstrom Corporate employee (btw).