Friday, September 25, 2009

New Store on 75th

Found this flyer on the ground (see right), regarding a new store has opened in the new strip mall on 7th & Indiana.

I'm not too impressed, for several reasons.

The flyer said it was open on Wednesday, but when i went in at 12:55pm,there was a sign sayign it would open at 2pm. That caused an unnecessary delay in my schedule.

i wound up going the next day (Thursday).

The shelves were definitely full. But it felt more like a gas station convenience store than a food mart. The selection was limited, and the prices were OK, I guess (Milk, eggs & bread were good tewasers, but how long will that price last?).

The cashiers were behind (bulletproof?) glass windows. It was a little more open during the day. There was a lobby area which i assume will be the only place people can stay if they come in during the late hours. (I.e. they will probably lock up the store, and get the items you want, if you come in late at night).

The only other store that seems to be opening is a Maxwell's restaurant...yes, more burgers & such. Nothing unique (like Asian, African or Latino food). The restaurant wasn'topen yet, but I am betting it will be mostly, if not exclusive, take out. That would probably replace Pizza King formerly across the street.

Looking at the bigger picture...does this neighborhood REALLY need another convenience store? OK, it's open 24 hours. That replaces a void from Chatham Grocery (maybe).

It's not necessarily the developers responsibility to get "ideal" businesses...but it begs the question: what business do we NEED to ADD to Chatham? And then -- who do we ask to make it happen?

1 comment:

  1. Well I been down this road myself and agree with you. We do not need any more convenient/food marts and definitely one that is open 24/7. 75th street has enough early morning problems with the 50 yard line. I know PMNCC was having problems with this developer when they asked what kind of stores were coming. Unfortunately in this neighborhood many of our neighbors see this as "economic development" until the trash, crime and traffic affect them. Also, we do not support our Alderman like the residents of Bridgeport, Bevely and Lakeview support theirs when the Alderman takes a stand to block businesses that they feel the community does not want.

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