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Store with Character Needed in Southbridge
May 9, 2007 - 3:39pm — 169 Guy
When the little strip malls were build by Southbridge, I was anxious to see what would be added, and unfortunately I haven't been impressed. It's landed two of the largest Sam's Club and Walmart stores I've ever seen, then they surrounded itself with all the usual chains you find everywhere. The only thing that makes this location unique other than the McDonalds, the DQ, the Subway, the Caribou, the Arby's, the chipotle, and the numerous other fast food holes is that it has a White Castle which is another non-character fast food joint. Nothing gives our suburb character like large chain stores like Pier 1, Michael's, and tanning salons. Heck, throw in the GNC for good measure. Sunny Garden was one of the only locations which was not a chain (I don't think) and it has since closed. It would be great to think our area could support a non-chain restaurant with a neighborhood feel, but I guess for our community that's hoping for too much.
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There is a independent...
Back to page topThere is a independent Vietnamese restaurant in Southbridge, actually. I'm not sure what it's called. It's located in the same strip mall area as Caribou.
And I totally agree with you, I could go anywhere and get most of the same stores that are found in the Southbridge area. I imagine rent there must be pretty expensive. Usually own chains with good financial backing can take the risk to open new stores in such area. Hence, the lack of independents. It'd be nice if the next large development project in Shakopee would try to create something unique.
Have you visited Heartfelt...
Back to page topHave you visited Heartfelt Gifts in the strip mall with Panera? Its a cute little store, more variety than Hallmark. Locally owned I believe.
A perfect opportunity to add...
Back to page topA perfect opportunity to add my 2 centz about how I detest chains. All chains. It's too bad every business couldn't be small and have character and integrity.
Ok, same thing. Hate...
Back to page topOk, same thing. Hate chains, but these are the same complaints that we just had when Say When closed, Real Gem closing, Yarusso's closed.
Most people will not take the risk of opening a small, especially food, retail business. Customers also go for convenience and speed.
There are some very exceptional small restaurants in Shakopee but not necessarily located in Southbridge (the rent there has to be high).
Take these small restaurants for example and how many times do you visit? Poll please.
Taco Loco
Panzanella's
Fajita Republic
El Toro
Dangerfields
Shakopee Bakery
Donut Stop
Coffee Ta Cream
Zuppa Cucina
Cam Ranh Bay
Thailand View
Wampach's
Turtle's
Other?
Taco Loco-...
Back to page topTaco Loco- 2x/week
Panzanella's- never
Fajita Republic - once
El Toro- once
Dangerfields- every few months
Shakopee Bakery - once
Donut Stop- couple times
Coffee Ta Cream- couple times
Zuppa Cucina - 1x/month
Cam Ranh Bay- once
Thailand View- 1x/ per week
Turtle's - every few few months
Wampach's - twice
Other:
Coffee Bean Cafe- 1x/week
Sausalito's Mexican Grill- 1x/ month
Pablo's Mexican Restaurant - once
have you ever been to the...
Back to page tophave you ever been to the strip mall?? Avant Garden is an AMAZING floral botique shop! She has amazing floral arrangements (very contemporary, not your traditional florist) as well as super cute novelty items. Heartfelt Gifts is also located in the mall, like a previous poster stated. Full of wonderful gifts, like an upscale Hallmark. Then there is WineStyles (which I guess is sorta a franchise) which is trendy wine at $20 abottle and under. I challenge you to check out these great stores!! There is a lot of character in the strip mall, but it won't survive without local patronidge!!
You're right. There are some...
Back to page topYou're right. There are some great stores. People just tend to not check them out. I bet a lot of people don't even know the stores you just mention exist even.
People gripe about areas...
Back to page topPeople gripe about areas lacking local flavor but are afraid of something they don't know. I, for one, am not a fan of Southbridge because it is the same stores as one or two towns away and will definitely keep frequenting Fajita Republic because the food and prices are amazing.