Upscale Grocery Shopping in Edmond?

[ShowMeOKC]

This looks like it belongs in Automobile Alley. Not sure the design is ideal for the suburbs but still looks interesting.

http://www.okc.biz/oklahoma/article-...to-market.html Here is an article I believe Pete was sourcing.

It's definitely a unique design in comparison to what we're used to in our suburbs, but ties in nicely with the bank that was built in this location just a couple of years ago. Maybe it's the design theme that the city's trying to push in this area?

[Pete]

It will also be part of a larger shopping center that I'm sure will feature the same sort of architecture.

I bet this concept will do very well at that location and glad to see a local company stepping up.

[JSpitZ]

After being curious about this giant monstrosity being built the builder has finally put. sign stating what this building is going to be. Being curious, I searched the name and found this thread.
I'm quite excited for this store as I don't have time to travel to whole food to get items that I want. I hope this store is somewhat a comparison to whole foods and creates a good competitor. Hearing that it was a Buy for Less brand sorta' shocked me.

Oh, and my favorite part - BEER SINGLES. Market Street had over 100 different types of beer all in singles so that you could try whatever you want a beer at a time instead of buying a whole six pack. Everytime I went, I would pick up 2 or 3 to try. Good stuff.

CJkohnson, sorry to ruin your hopes. But, I highly doubt that this store will have the beer selection that you want it to. With Oklahoma's liquor laws, high-point beer must be sold in liquor stores only. (I've heard because of said laws, this is why Trader Joes will not come to Oklahoma)

[Debzkidz]

I drove by there a week or so ago, but there was no sign at the time. Does it say when it will open?

[wallbreaker]

With Oklahoma's liquor laws, high-point beer must be sold in liquor stores only. (I've heard because of said laws, this is why Trader Joes will not come to Oklahoma)

I see the statement made all the time, but there's no evidence to back it up. I mean, Texas doesn't have any Trader Joes either. It's not like there's nationwide coverage of Trader Joes with the exception of Oklahoma. There are a lot of places Trader Joes isn't yet, and I've got to figure cities like Austin and Dallas are much higher in their priority to grow into before OKC. Additionally, Delaware has several Trader Joes, and they don't allow any beer sales at all in grocery stores (not even 3.2).

I always head the same thing about Whole Foods, and we've seen that was a load of BS too.

[Pete]

Whole Foods was very late to Oklahoma (besides the Tulsa location that came with an acquisition) and required tons of effort and lots of incentives from the City and Chesapeake.

Trader Joes is in 34 states and yet OK doesn't even seem to be on their radar screen.

And Costco also isn't in OK and doesn't seem interested.


While this all can't be blamed on the silly liquor laws, we know for a fact that these establishments make a lot of money in most their stores through items that would not be allowed in OK. There is absolutely no way that doesn't factor into their expansion plans.

[wallbreaker]

It might (and a strong might since no chain has stated so as far as I'm aware) be part of the picture. However, as I pointed out, Trader Joes is in states with the same or even more restrictive liquor laws. The same can be said for Costco. So it seems to me the consideration is more economic, no liquor. CostCo specifically may be affected by the strength of Wal-Mart/Sams. There are also no Costcos in Arkansas.

[Pete]

The OKC Chamber has stated many times that in it's attempts to lure new retailers this issue has come up repeatedly.

It's why the Chamber has been lobbying for a change in the laws and involved in the committee studying these changes.

Chamber President Roy Williams:

Breaking the liquor store monopoly on wine and strong beer would help speed the state's efforts to bring retailers like Costco into the state.

Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/artic...A1_CUTLIN62098

Retailers don't issue press releases about why they aren't coming to a market. The fact that they haven't been specifically quoted as our liquor laws being a factor is spurious logic for saying it is not a reason.

I used to be a commercial real estate broker that marketed shopping centers and I can assure you that when chains are contacted this issue did come up as a reason for prioritizing other markets.

[Jersey Boss]

The OKC Chamber has stated many times that in it's attempts to lure new retailers this issue has come up repeatedly.

It's why the Chamber has been lobbying for a change in the laws and involved in the committee studying these changes.

Chamber President Roy Williams:




Retailers don't issue press releases about why they aren't coming to a market. The fact that they haven't been specifically quoted as our liquor laws being a factor is spurious logic for saying it is not a reason.

I used to be a commercial real estate broker that marketed shopping centers and I can assure you that when chains are contacted this issue did come up as a reason for prioritizing other markets.

I tend to believe what you are saying about Oklahoma and liquor laws from the previous century. A simalarity is in play when a previously dry county elects to go wet. Bryan County had no national presence before the liquor laws were changed. Now there are several national restaurants plying their trade in Durant.

[Pete]

Our current laws are definitely a hurdle that has to be overcome when recruiting some of these desirable businesses.

It's not an insurmountable obstacle, but it is an obstacle none the less and removing it would absolutely, positively help on these fronts.

[redrunner]

Photo from last week of backside of building facing Kelly Ave.

[bluedogok]

I was in Costco Sunday after the Bronco's game, I don't recall seeing any beer in the store and they have similar laws to Oklahoma in regards to 3.2 beer, high point beer, wine and liquor, although liquor stores here can refrigerate beer/wine. There is no Costco liquor store around the Aurora location that I could find but it was nuts around there after the game and before the impending snow storm early Monday so I didn't look too hard.

Like I have stated before, the Costco liquor stores in Austin are merely leased space to independent operators as a licensee can only hold a license for up to five stores in the state. You do not need a Costco card to buy in there and there is no access from the store. Specs does the family pool of licenses to open up stores under the same brand but each store is licensed to a particular individual.

[jdbells]

Anyone hear rumors of them opening up next week? Heard from two different people that it is the 21st, but nothing that can be verified.

[Pete]

They have had jobs posted for about three weeks now, so they must be getting close.

[Debzkidz]

I drove by there over the weekend, and it doesn't look like it's that close to opening. Maybe I just didn't get a good look at it though.

[RadicalModerate]

While this all can't be blamed on the silly liquor laws, we know for a fact that these establishments make a lot of money in most their stores through items that would not be allowed in OK. There is absolutely no way that doesn't factor into their expansion plans.

Perhaps if they allowed Native-American Absentee Tribe Controlled OTB and slot machines in the deli, the rest of the dominos would fall into place? I would certainly hope so. Maybe some of the local tribes could even link all this to some form of "Authentic Bottled Water" franchise without having to involve a herd of lawyers? =)

[AFwife04]

Anyone hear rumors of them opening up next week? Heard from two different people that it is the 21st, but nothing that can be verified.

I heard that they will open in February.

[Celebrator]

Drove by the place today and Feb. looks totally within reason. By the way, the building looks great. It has a look that is classic and will stand the test of time. Wish more retail in the area would make efforts in this area of design...architectural design longevity...so key.

[Frustratedoptimist]

Uptown looks great. With Sunflower Market opening soon in downtown Edmond, mixed-use housing is just around the corner!

[metro]

The Uptown Grocersin far north Edmond is looking sharp.

[Dustin]

Is this a local company?

[metro]

Yes aka Buy For Less

[RangersYear]

I drove by yesterday. It will open in late February.

[Pete]

Photo from 1/12/12.

Facebook page says opening Feb. 29th.

http://uptowngroceryco.com/

[mcca7596]

I hope that this is very successful and that Buy-For-Less opens more stores of this concept throughout the metro.