Downtown Grocery Store

[Just the facts]

One of the biggest problems with the CityTarget concept is Wall Street. The concept was launched in early 2012 and by mid-2012 the Wall Street analyst were already calling it a failure and of course, we know what happens to companies who don't increase their stock value every quarter. Outside a few cities in the US urban living hasn't existed in any meaningful way for 50 years - and 6 months into rebuilding it one of the corporate pioneers is already taking the arrows.

Who gives an F what these flipping vampires think?

I share your disdain - but what can you do when companies sell their souls to a master that measures success and failure in nano-seconds. Look at our very own Chesapeake - 75% of the new CEO's income is tied directly to the stock price.

Couple that kind of corporate mentality with Oklahoma's liquor distribution laws and in the world of corporate grocery shopping Oklahoma is lucky to have a place to even buy groceries. Why should a national company build better stores in Oklahoma when they can spend that same money in other states and make more money off it? Oklahoma is trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. If you want better grocery stores, then allow the grocery chains to earn a higher return buy selling higher margin products. You guys would wet your pants if you could shop at even an average Publix we enjoy here in Florida.

[bchris02]

I have worked all three stores and while the former Albertsons are relatively nice, I can't portray 208 as anything but a dead store awaiting closing papers. Edmond Homelands are suffering from terminal lack of volume, the lifeblood of any grocery store. 208 is as nasty a place as I have been, but is probably more healthy than the other two as the lease expense difference so it may outlast the others. They are currently suffering from the pissing contest to see who shares Edmonds' grocery future . There are actually three Edmond homelands, Bryant, Broadway n 208. Broadway was also a former Albersons, former corp homeland office, that rocked many moons ago. It has since contracted the same disease as the other two and I believe is the most likely be the first to fall.

I haven't been in 208, but the one on N Bryant has been remodeled similar to the N May/Britton flagship store. It would surprise me, as few stores as they actually put money into, they would close that one. 208 on the outside looks the worst of the three.

Unfortunately Wal-Mart will probably win out just like it has everywhere else in the metro area.

[bchris02]

I share your disdain - but what can you do when companies sell their souls to a master that measures success and failure in nano-seconds. Look at our very own Chesapeake - 75% of the new CEO's income is tied directly to the stock price.

Couple that kind of corporate mentality with Oklahoma's liquor distribution laws and in the world of corporate grocery shopping Oklahoma is lucky to have a place to even buy groceries. Why should a national company build better stores in Oklahoma when they can spend that same money in other states and make more money off it? Oklahoma is trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. If you want better grocery stores, then allow the grocery chains to earn a higher return buy selling higher margin products. You guys would wet your pants if you could shop at even an average Publix we enjoy here in Florida.

Wal-Mart is the only national chain in OKC. Whole Foods and Sprouts are specialty so they don't count. For regular shopping, Albertson's was the last one left and Wal-Mart ran it out of town back in 2007. Liquor isn't the only reason grocery shopping in OKC is so dismal. It's because where else has Wal-Mart built such a high concentration of Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets? Others simply cannot compete. In addition, Tulsa has Reasor's and Fresh Market and they are under the same liquor laws as OKC.

[GaryOKC6]

Wal-Mart is not the cheapest by far. I live by the Belle Isle Wal-Mart and drive to buy for Less to buy groceries. I am a very careful grocery shopper and know the prices of the items that I buy most. When I am in Wal-Mart I notice that they are definitely higher.

[Rover]

Wal-Mart is not the cheapest by far. I live by the Belle Isle Wal-Mart and drive to buy for Less to buy groceries. I am a very careful grocery shopper and know the prices of the items that I buy most. When I am in Wal-Mart I notice that they are definitely higher.

I appreciate being a smart shopper, but this lowest price regardless mentality and practice in OKC is what lends companies to believe OKC will not support more up scale and full service businesses. Many people buy on price only and don't recognize the differences in offerings or quality and view groceries (and clothes, and other consumer goods) as commodities only.

Until we consistently prove we will recognize and reward quality, the better retailers aren't coming in. That is why the success of stores like Whole Foods is essential.

[Rover]

BTW, I am not saying WalMart is quality...far from it.

[Spartan]

Yeah, Wal-Mart is definitely not the cheapest. I find that up here Target is cheaper, and of course Trader Joe's simply can not be beat. That is what OKC needs to be in an uproar trying to get. TJ's has changed my life... that and the local indoor market which has the best fresh Amish cheese, bratwurst and other sausage varieties, corned beef, artisan bread, pierogies, etc. But TJ's is awesome, too.

[kbsooner]

The problem with Wal-Mart is anything they build is always suburban in nature and given the track record in places like Bricktown, I doubt the city would force them to change their design. Plus, fair or not, Wal-Mart has a stigma.

This is not wholly true. In the central US, yes, where land is ample and cheap. They made a big push in Cali last year, and they are buying/leasing many old and empty retail spaces in semi dense neighborhoods. That being said, I doubt the Downtown OKC area has enough density yet to make them take notice, but it could in a couple of years. They are always playing with smaller concepts, article below is an excellent example.

UFCW 324

[bluedogok]

The WB Neighborhood Markets here have gone into former Albertson's stores. There are still three Albertson's that I know of here, one is the closest grocery store to our house in Aurora.

[traxx]

A local alternative would be for Buy 4 Less to take their Uptown Grocery concept from Edmond to ... well, to town. The basic building design of the Edmond store would work very well in many locations but I think somewhere in Midtown would be great. Maybe on one of those huge open areas north of 10th?

I think this is an idea that hasn't gotten talked about enough. This would be perfect downtown. If you could just take the Edmond store, right click, copy, paste - it would fit in well downtown.

[Praedura]

I think this is an idea that hasn't gotten talked about enough. This would be perfect downtown. If you could just take the Edmond store, right click, copy, paste - it would fit in well downtown.

Some photos, just for reference:

A rendering:




The real thing:

[HangryHippo]

What does the inside look like?

[mkjeeves]

My kids in Chicago use Peapod delivery a fair amount. (When they aren't shopping at whole foods.) I also see where Amazon is expanding their home grocery delivery too. Seems like a bizop for someone bullish on OKC downtown (if only short term until Amazon or a major player takes over the territory).

[traxx]

What does the inside look like?

uptown grocery edmond - Bing Images

[Praedura]

uptown grocery edmond - Bing Images

Yeah, based on those pics, I'd say it looks pretty nice inside.

[CaptDave]

What does the inside look like?

One section looks like a conventional grocery store and the other side has a deli with prepared foods, large cheese bar, bakery, and small cafe area. Kind of like a smaller reasonably priced WF.

Thanks for posting the photos Traxx - I thought about doing it after realizing many people may not have seen Uptown.

[HangryHippo]

Impressive. Looks like it'd be a great fit downtown.

[bchris02]

Uptown Grocery is the kind of store that is the standard in most cities. Crest Fresh Market is a similar concept though not quite as upscale in appearance. I would love for both of these Oklahoma companies - Crest and Buy 4 Less to build several more stores in the metro to finally challenge Wal-Mart's dominance and to force Homeland to compete or go out of business.

Uptown Grocety would be perfect for downtown.

[Pete]

While we wait for Uptown and perhaps Sprouts downtown, I wanted to point out a few things...

As I've mentioned elsewhere, the Homeland at 18th and Classen isn't that bad. Far, far better than not having that store at all and since I'll be living in SoSA, it will be my go-to store.

But there are actually quite a few food stores in downtown nobody talks about. In addition to the awesome Native Roots, there is also now a pretty good home delivery service.

Also, while not glamorous, there is a Family Dollar at 11th & Classen that I can and have walked to. I was pretty darn surprised to find out how much food they carry, both packaged stuff and a large frozen section. They also have tons of sundries and drug store type stuff and most the big brand names. I had never in my life been in a dollar store but was pleasantly surprised. I'll walk over there a lot to get a small item when needed. There is another on 23rd near Robinson.

I guarantee that Family Dollar on Classen will get tons of business once the neighboring LIFT and Frank apartments open for business. It's darn handy.

There is also a Circle K in Bricktown, a Shell station at 6th & Walker and the Downtown Market on Broadway just north of the Buick Building. And a 7-11 at 10th & Western.


There are simply more options than apparent. Even if a Sprouts opened at 4th & EKG and/or an Uptown Market opened in Midtown, I'd still walk to Family Dollar or even that Shell station for little things.

Considering most people living downtown are just one or two people in a household, you simply don't need a huge grocery store most the time.

[bchris02]

CVS at Classen and 23rd also has quite a few basics.

I haven't been in them, but there are a few Asian supermarkets in the Asian district. I am not sure how much regular food they sell but I know they at least have produce.

Uptown Grocery in Midtown will be amazing and hopefully it happens sooner rather than later. If not, hopefully the rumor of Homeland upgrading their Classen store pans out.

[Pete]

I don't think many people are walking to that CVS or Walgreens at 23rd & Classen.

However, especially after LIFT and the Frank open, you can bet lots of people will be walking to that Family Dollar. It's a nice little amenity for that area and I'm darn glad it's there.

I can also ride my bike to the Homeland.

[sooner88]

CVS at Classen and 23rd also has quite a few basics.

I haven't been in them, but there are a few Asian supermarkets in the Asian district. I am not sure how much regular food they sell but I know they at least have produce.

Uptown Grocery in Midtown will be amazing and hopefully it happens sooner rather than later. If not, hopefully the rumor of Homeland upgrading their Classen store pans out.

Super Cao Nguyen is great for produce, seafood (haven't bought chicken, beef, etc.) and has tons of other groceries, Asian or otherwise. A lot of restaurants buy from them, so you can buy in bulk sizes if you need to.

[zookeeper]

I don't think many people are walking to that CVS or Walgreens at 23rd & Classen.

However, especially after LIFT and the Frank open, you can bet lots of people will be walking to that Family Dollar. It's a nice little amenity for that area and I'm darn glad it's there.

I can also ride my bike to the Homeland.

Family Dollar is a guilty pleasure of mine. I love that store and I think some of it has to do with its layout reminding me of TG&Y. It's also a very handy store to have close by as they really do have a little of everything.

[Pete]

There is also something called the Nutritional Food Center on the SE corner of 10th & Classen.

In one of my many walks, I checked it out because I had no idea what was inside.

Simply put, it was the most shockingly depressing food store I have ever seen.

They are in the process of consolidating to the northern half of the building but even with that the place looked like a Russian supermarket, the shelves were so bare.

The floor was this nasty old carpet that was tattered and bunched up and the whole place smelled off.

In talking to the woman working there, it's been owned by the same family for quite a while and they also own the building they occupy and the land to the south. An enterprising developer could buy them out and do something great there. I've never quite seen anything like that place and of course, there was absolutely no one else in there the entire time.

[zookeeper]

There is also something called the Nutritional Food Center on the SE corner of 10th & Classen.

In one of my many walks, I checked it out because I had no idea what was inside.

Simply put, it was the most shockingly depressing food store I have ever seen.

They are in the process of consolidating to the northern half of the building but even with that the place looked like a Russian supermarket, the shelves were so bare.

The floor was this nasty old carpet that was tattered and bunched up and the whole place smelled off.

In talking to the woman working there, it's been owned by the same family for quite a while and they also own the building they occupy and the land to the south. An enterprising developer could buy them out and do something great there. I've never quite seen anything like that place and of course, there was absolutely no one else in there the entire time.

Oh, yes. They've had it since the '50s. It was once the premier vitamin shop/health store in Oklahoma City. I remember they had a cardboard Jack LaLane in a display selling his products that tied into his TV show. It wasn't run down then, but it's always had an old-time feeling.