What store would you like to see come to Lawrence? / LJWorld.com

Asked at Massachusetts Street on November 28, 2010

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“Victoria’s Secret.”

— Chanel Reiling, radiology major, Oskaloosa

“I don’t like the chains, and the charm of Lawrence is the individual shops.”

— Carol Poppe, banker, Leawood

“I like seeing local stores. I don’t want to see any more chains.”

— Bill Wachspress, Balloonman, Lawrence

“Adidas Originals.”

— Liza Yuzhakova, art history major, St. Petersburg, Russia

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RETICENT_IRREVERENT 2 years, 5 months ago

Second. Someplace that has a good beat, and you can dance to it.

riverdrifter 2 years, 5 months ago

Third. I still want a combination bar, bank, baitshop and steak joint that only offers the highest quality prime beef. There will be no endive salad.

therandyteacosy 2 years, 5 months ago

I thought this town was already a combination bar and bank?

faceit 2 years, 5 months ago

...and the same thing for those who only pretends to have gotten in to law school; one that actually flunked out during their undergrad, but uses a grad school moniker. Amusing isn't it?

meggers 2 years, 5 months ago

We already get that from the drum circles.

RoeDapple 2 years, 5 months ago

A car dealership like this! http://www.clickorlando.com/news/25767498/detail.html With a drive-thru liquor and ammo store next door.

RaynRavyn 2 years, 5 months ago

They don't sell Ammo, but Valley Falls (North and a little West of Lawrence) has a drive-thru liquor store!

Nick Yoho 2 years, 5 months ago

out of the bars and into the cars!

Ricky_Vaughn 2 years, 5 months ago

Rollin' down the street, smokin __, Sippin' on Gin and Juice With my mind on my money And my money on my mind...

misterlee 2 years, 5 months ago

A big and tall men's clothing store. It can be local or a chain.

SeaFox 2 years, 5 months ago

Anything but a KU apparel/Sporting goods store.

Oh, and can we get rid of Lids while we're at it? They're one of those chains Mr. Wachspress wants to not see.

grammaddy 2 years, 5 months ago

I want Kmart back.Or a Big Lots.

loosecaboose 2 years, 5 months ago

Lowe's.

snap_pop_no_crackle 2 years, 5 months ago

Spatula City

knytphal 2 years, 5 months ago

Having just seen UHF again this past week, I'll second Spatula City! ;-)

Ron Holzwarth 2 years, 5 months ago

I'll third that one!

Ron Holzwarth 2 years, 5 months ago

And while we're at it, how about a Metropolitan Car Franchise?

Kookamooka 2 years, 5 months ago

H & M, Trader Joes, Costco, IKEA, Art Mart, Paper Source. We've got everything else I need.

notanota 2 years, 5 months ago

IKEA!

madameX 2 years, 5 months ago

Yes! H&M! The closest one is in St. Louis, but that doesn't stop them from running commericals during 90210 and Gossip Girl...

LoveThsLife 2 years, 5 months ago

I agree..just add Anthropologie to that list as well and I would be a happy girl.

knytphal 2 years, 5 months ago

I would like to see Best Buy expand their pathetically small store.....but that'll never happen because Lawrence doesn't like big box retail. I'd like to see Cracker Barrel come to Lawrence - not really a "retail store", but it does have a retail aspect. Definitely add Toys-R-Us to the list of "nice to have's". I know we have plenty of bookstores, but I kinda miss Books-a-million from my hometown area, they seemed to have a much better selection than what's available here.

Masttop 2 years, 5 months ago

Best Buy's "pathetically small" store is based on their demographic decisions not the city's. Lawrence isn't considered a big enough market to support a larger store. Apparently we're not as important as some us of think.

sunny 2 years, 5 months ago

I don't care. I'm heading to KC to do my shopping.

merrill 2 years, 5 months ago

Arts and Economic Prosperity

Arts & Economic Prosperity III: The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations and Their Audiences documents the key role played by the nonprofit arts and culture industry in strengthening our nation’s economy. This study demonstrates that the nonprofit arts and culture industry is an economic driver in communities—a growth industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is the cornerstone of tourism.

Nationally, the nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $166.2 billion in economic activity every year—$63.1 billion in spending by organizations and an additional $103.1 billion in event-related spending by their audiences. The study is the most comprehensive study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry ever conducted. It documents the economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture industry in 156 communities and regions (116 cities and counties, 35 multicounty regions, and five states), and represents all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The $166.2 billion in total economic activity has a significant national impact, generating the following:

*
  5.7 million full-time equivalent jobs
*
  $104.2 billion in household income
*
  $7.9 billion in local government tax revenues
*
  $9.1 billion in state government tax revenues
*
  $12.6 billion in federal income tax revenues

Our Arts & Economic Prosperity studies continue to be among the most frequently cited statistics used to demonstrate the impact of the nation’s nonprofit arts industry on the local, state, and national economy.

Questions? Check out our frequently asked questions page.

Want to promote AEPIV? Put the web sticker on your website.

http://www.americansforthearts.org/information_services/research/services/economic_impact/default.asp

Download the Reports http://www.americansforthearts.org/information_services/research/services/economic_impact/default.asp

Can Lawrence be a host community for Arts & Economic Prosperity http://research.zarca.com/clients/99234452/survey.aspx?sid=17&lang=0

snap_pop_no_crackle 2 years, 5 months ago

Recycling: http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2010/feb/23/state-house-committee-schedules-hearing-consider-h/#c1160127 At least you're waiting a while before repeating this one.

merrill 2 years, 5 months ago

Bring it all downtown instead of killing downtown!

How much more in taxes are residents willing to pay for more convenience? More and more retail like residential will not pay for themselves.

Suburban sprawl has been rightly blamed for many things: destroying green space, increasing air and water pollution, fracturing our neighborhoods and forcing us to drive gridlocked roads for every chore. But there is one consequence that usually goes unmentioned - sprawl is draining our pocketbooks and raising our taxes.

It would probably be more fiscal realistic to make a drive elsewhere once in awhile than to pay more taxes locally.

Art always has value - Can The Arts Save Your Small Town?

Can The Arts Save Your Small Town? ( Douglas County is mentioned in this)

by Joanne Steele on August 3, 2010

Last weekend I had one of those serendipitous happenings that keep my belief in magic alive.

Phoenixville First Fridays feature live music, open studios and gallery showings.

The topic of our monthly Revitalization Team meeting was to be art as an economic development tool. Who should appear at my info table at our small town summer festival but an expert in art towns!

Joe McArdle is a resident of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, a former steel town that revitalized itself by attracting artists and selling itself as an art town. They’ve been at it for years with great success.

Here are some of Joe’s sage suggestions: http://ruraltourismmarketing.com/2010/08/can-the-arts-save-your-small-town/

RETICENT_IRREVERENT 2 years, 5 months ago

A store that sells jaternice, ring bologna, and bacon.

deec 2 years, 5 months ago

don't forget the jelice,wieners and kolace!

jumpin_catfish 2 years, 5 months ago

Popeye's Chicken. Duh!!!

xbusguy 2 years, 5 months ago

Good one, Original Bob, but now I have to get another keyboard.... Spilled coffee on the old one.

whats_going_on 2 years, 5 months ago

VS I thought Olive Garden until I ate there last time...wasn't that good. I'll stick to Paisanos :-D

Ron Holzwarth 2 years, 5 months ago

I was going to say Olive Garden, and then I read through the comments to see if that would be a repeat. But I'll second you on the "sometimes good, sometimes not" nature of the place. When it's good, it's great! But sometimes you have to rate it only a so-so, and not really worth the price.

dajudge 2 years, 5 months ago

Dead Lobster.

rosben 2 years, 5 months ago

Banana Republic. J Crew.

jajacut 2 years, 5 months ago

Chick Fil A---Red Lobster---a grocery store on 23rd and O Connell----Menards (because Lowes and HD suck compared to them).

whats_going_on 2 years, 5 months ago

omg Chick Fil A is soooooooooooooooo nasty. Ew ew ew.

They do actually have one...at KU. Not convenient for anyone else, but yeah.

(or at least, they used to)

independant1 2 years, 5 months ago

A mom and pop diner like Drakes and a donut shop like Joe's.

whats_going_on 2 years, 5 months ago

I think a Red Lobster would be good. Olive Garden maybe...but we have a couple nice places to get italian.

I'm thinking some chains don't want to come here because we have such a wide range of eating options?

kernal 2 years, 5 months ago

I heard some Lawrencians like the food poisoning at Red Lobster in Topuka. Last time I ate there, it was mediocre, dirty and the wait staff obviously hated working there.

jonas_opines 2 years, 5 months ago

Smokestack BBQ's all I'd really care about, or an OK Joes, or something else that is more than simply passable BBQ.

notanota 2 years, 5 months ago

Eat at Granddaddy's. Their sides aren't much, but the BBQ is really good.

geekin_topekan 2 years, 5 months ago

Geisha Steakhouse and Spa.

Jack In The Box.

Nick Yoho 2 years, 5 months ago

I'd just like to say, I agree with you. mark it down.

snap_pop_no_crackle 2 years, 5 months ago

I'd like to sell felled trees, amphibians, Poland China swine and Weimaraners. I'd call it Snap's House of Logs, Frogs, Hogs and Dogs. "One day my log will have something to say about this. My log saw something that night."

wissmo 2 years, 5 months ago

I would like a full service sporting goods store.

raerae 2 years, 5 months ago

A permanent artist/craft market, with working studios, I'm thinking along the lines of the old Reuter's building converted. Most of all, I'd like to see a few blocks of downtown become pedestrian only space, room for all those outside patios and walkers.

whats_going_on 2 years, 5 months ago

good idea! I second this.

vermont 2 years, 5 months ago

Francis Sporting Goods does a great job of getting what you need and you're feeding/supporting a local family when you shop there. They give back to the community in various, substantial ways.

rollcar 2 years, 5 months ago

Agreed! Francis is a great store, and I've bought several items there over the years, but if you are looking for a tent, or a tacklebox, or a shotgun, or an in-ground basketball system, or a weight bench, you're just out of luck. Perhaps they could special order, but who wants to buy an item sight-unseen when there are businesses out there that could offer in-store inventory? Sporting goods selection (of the non-KU apparel variety) is seriously lacking in this town for those of us who desire more than Target and WalMart have to offer.

kernal 2 years, 5 months ago

Too bad Play It Again Sports moved to KC area and didn't leave a store in Lawrence. They used to carry weight benches.

radiohawk 2 years, 5 months ago

Trader Joe's Stroud's A nice, cheap Vietnamese sandwich shop. Bahn mi = yummy.

phoggyhawk 2 years, 5 months ago

Trader Joe's and/or Hen House/Price Chopper on the east side, maybe by the new Tractor Supply. I get so tired of the traffic between Mass & Iowa on 23rd. With all the new development out east, a grocery store out there would thrive.

cozy 2 years, 5 months ago

Gordmans...very nice home decor and other department selection--TJ Maxx seems more like a thrift store than a department store :(, Waffle House, Fazolis, Victorias Secret, Charlotte Russe or somewhere with inexpensive clothing and accessories. And of course, a grocery store in east and north lawrence.

cozy 2 years, 5 months ago

And Costco.

whats_going_on 2 years, 5 months ago

There are a lot of places you can get cheap clothes...Kieus, Buckle (at least shirts are pretty inexpensive), Britches, Kohls, Old Navy, Maurices, and JCP (although I really don't like the last 4, but they work for some).

I think i heard somewhere that they were trying to get a Fazolis here...I would LOVE that too, and I think it would do very well with all the college and high school students here.

cozy 2 years, 5 months ago

LOL @ Kieus, Buckle, Britches, Maurices. Those are not inexpensive places that I am talking about. Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, are what Im referring to for inexpensive.

whats_going_on 2 years, 5 months ago

I got that, thanks for clarifying.

cozy 2 years, 5 months ago

Fazolis would be nice. I shouldnt have to have a date and get shnazzed up to get some spaghetti and meatballs. The drive thru option is nice. (no, im not fat. lol)

I actually do all of my clothes shopping at Gordmans. Its cheap and they have good brands and such awesome home decor. I cant stop talking about it, its so cheap and looks pretty expensive. lol.

sherbert 2 years, 5 months ago

I bet all those folks shop elsewhere when they really need clothes or shoes though. Designer Show Warehouse DSW would be awesome!

cozy 2 years, 5 months ago

DSW would be great!

lubyloo 2 years, 5 months ago

Victoria's Secret, Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, Lowes....

m_norman01 2 years, 5 months ago

In & Out Burger.

parrothead8 2 years, 5 months ago

I'll see that In-n-Out Burger, and raise you a Waffle House.

The other business Lawrence could use is a Dave & Buster's-type place. There's very little to "do" in Lawrence...just places to "shop" and "eat." We need putt-putt, video games, go-karts, etc.

whats_going_on 2 years, 5 months ago

I miss the putt putt and the skating rink :(

Godot 2 years, 5 months ago

The home of the anti-capitalists and anti-corporatists, and we have people longing for a corporate chain to open up in Lawrence. You want a shopping venue? You think it will survive and make money? Then put up your own money and your hard work and your life, and do it yourself.

jackbinkelman 2 years, 5 months ago

Paradise Cafe, Tin Pan Alley, Cornucopia.. oh wait.. a minute..wrong decade..

CLARKKENT 2 years, 5 months ago

MENARDS OR SUTHERLANDS--CRACKER BARREL OR BOB EVANS--POPEYE'S CHICKEN, OR SOMEBODY THAT WOULD SERVE GOOD CHICKEN. 90,000 PLUS PEOPLE AND THE ONLY THING WE CAN GET HERE IS KENTUCKY FRIED GREASY CHICKEN.

jackbinkelman 2 years, 5 months ago

Mass St. Dillons Deli has surprisingly good fried chicken.

geekin_topekan 2 years, 5 months ago

Chester Fried at Checkers was good. Haven't tried the new stuff though.

Church's (Topeka) only redeeming value is the Spicy Sprinkle. Maybe the Okra, if I'm in the mood.

kujhawk 2 years, 5 months ago

It doesn't matter what the people of Lawrence want it's whatever the city will allow into Lawrence. A town this size should have several different choices of stores. Maybe one day, just maybe.

vermont 2 years, 5 months ago

IKEA...

notanota 2 years, 5 months ago

Yes, yes, yes. Of all the suggestions, this is the only one that would actually get people to drive out of town to come here and shop. Anyone got several million dollars to go in with me on a franchise? I'll put down a twenty...

parrothead8 2 years, 5 months ago

Wow. Yeah, I wish I'd thought of that. An Ikea would be awesome. I'd even be happy if there was one in KC.

looza 2 years, 5 months ago

circuit city

whats_going_on 2 years, 5 months ago

didn't Circuit City go out of business?

LogicMan 2 years, 5 months ago

Yes.

amesn 2 years, 5 months ago

Fazoli's is a great idea! Cheap, fast food italien that is surprisingly good! I also agree we could use a larger quantity sporting goods store..hmmm what else...it would be awesome if we could get a Trader Joe's but I don't see it happening with 2 going up in KC (at least that's what I heard). Has anyone heard where and when Trader Joe's is coming to KC?

gphawk89 2 years, 5 months ago

Used to like Fazoli's but their prices have gone sky high in the past few years. Still fast and good, though.

cozy 2 years, 5 months ago

Everywhere has gone sky high in the past few years.

Newell_Post 2 years, 5 months ago

LL Bean outlet store.

jehovah_bob 2 years, 5 months ago

Because outlet stores have worked out so well for Lawrence in the past.

jehovah_bob 2 years, 5 months ago

Because outlet stores have worked out so well for Lawrence in the past.

booyalab 2 years, 5 months ago

A bar with a daycare attached. (if anyone steals my idea and is successful, I'm suing!)

justavoice 2 years, 5 months ago

I want "Everything But Ice" to come back

whynaut 2 years, 5 months ago

misterlee 2 years, 5 months ago

When I was in the hotel business, I was frequently asked, "Where's Denny's?" Good questiion, not that I'm a big fan, but overnight eating options in Lawrence are rather limited.

notanota 2 years, 5 months ago

I'm pretty sure we used to have one, and it failed.

The_Big_B 2 years, 5 months ago

Perkins bought their leftover grease and spilled syrup, and it is available on their table tops nightly.

Nick Yoho 2 years, 5 months ago

you might be surprised at how many places to eat are open overnight these days.. Is there still an all night cereal bar?

Nick Yoho 2 years, 5 months ago

you might be surprised at how many places to eat are open overnight these days.. Is there still an all night cereal bar?

cozy 2 years, 5 months ago

We need a Waffle House. Its cheap and it would be a place to get "regulars" for business.

BigPrune 2 years, 5 months ago

Most of the stores mentioned above will not come here because Lawrence doesn't have a large enough population to support their store, or, they tried to come to Lawrence but they got run out of town (Cracker Barrel), and others who want to come here cannot afford to pay the high price because everything is inflated since the City has restricted anything new that can be developed or it is owned by the three remaining "players" in town who want exorbitant prices.

kosmo513 2 years, 5 months ago

Waffle House. I think the kids would really dig it, especially late at night. Heck I'm 50 and I like it. I drive all the way to Shawnee to eat at the one there.

faceit 2 years, 5 months ago

One word describes Waffle House, "Nasty."

none2 2 years, 5 months ago

I'm 50, and I used to eat at Waffle house. I wouldn't go back though. The food wasn't good; it was just plentiful.

However, if I really had to go to one, I'd just go to the Bonner Springs one right near the I-70 exit.

The_Big_B 2 years, 5 months ago

I used to eat at Waffle House, but then they increased the penalties for DUI so much, that it just isn't worth it.

The_Big_B 2 years, 5 months ago

"It's 2 A.M. ... Still time to make one more bad decision." - Jim Gaffigan

sinkorswim 2 years, 5 months ago

Putt-Putt, skating rink, etc. IKEA, Trader Joe's, Costco, Victoria's Secret, Dillard's, Dick's Sporting Goods Red Lobster, Cracker Barrel, McCormick and Schmick's - a nice place to go!

Places I wish would return - Arensberg's (Brown's and Weaver's just aren't the same!), Little Women (no good children clothing shops anymore)

kernal 2 years, 5 months ago

Did Blue Dandelion close?

nobody1793 2 years, 5 months ago

Last. I want a 3rd Wal-Mart. The other two aren't convenient enough.

whats_going_on 2 years, 5 months ago

not going to happen. We have Smashburger, Freddy's and 5 guys now, In and Out would be a little bit of an overkill. Much like the gazillion pizza places we have.

parrothead8 2 years, 5 months ago

You're right, and it's too bad. I wouldn't mind if some of those other burger places closed, and then we got an In-n-Out Burger.

CWGOKU 2 years, 5 months ago

Another National title for the KU Basketball Team

faceit 2 years, 5 months ago

The first YellowHouse Superstore with a Friday night happy hour on guns. 1/2 price guns for two hours.

Liberty275 2 years, 5 months ago

A real mall.

snoozey 2 years, 5 months ago

An intelligent blog training center would be a useful addition..

missmia 2 years, 5 months ago

Agree with Chanel- Victoria's Secret.

middlemgmt 2 years, 5 months ago

Costco!

booyalab 2 years, 5 months ago

You mean all the homeless in one convenient spot for me to avoid? Yes, please!

slvrntrt 2 years, 5 months ago

A Butcher. I can't believe we don't have one.

H_Lecter 2 years, 5 months ago

Perhaps....we do.

kernal 2 years, 5 months ago

There used to be one, but he went out of business due to lack of. Is there still one in Lecompton?

slvrntrt 2 years, 5 months ago

I go to DeSoto right now, they're really inexpensive.

slvrntrt 2 years, 5 months ago

I go to DeSoto right now, they're really inexpensive.

SAHM21 2 years, 5 months ago

Babies R Us and Toys R Us

The_Big_B 2 years, 5 months ago

I think I should reject the premise that a store has to "come here" from somewhere else, and maybe support the premise that we should promote an environment where cool new stores could come FROM here.

jayhawklawrence 2 years, 5 months ago

Indoor gun range.

whynaut 2 years, 5 months ago

isn't there one in the basement of the community rec center at 11th and Vermont?

rtpayton 2 years, 5 months ago

<p>Condomdepot.com has many retail outlets maybe we could rename ballonman for Lawrence, KS store. deec those wieners might be looking to expand but small store on Johnson Drive in Mission, KS likely not coming to Lawrence, KS.

Dejacrew423 2 years, 5 months ago

I would love to see a Children's Place in Lawrence. Although I've been doing more shopping in Leavenworth and at the Legends so I guess if there was a Children's Place at the Legends I'd be happy. It's not because I don't love Lawrence and driving 45 minutes to get to Target..... but those areas are closer to my house..... or at least have less traffic lights and the empT slowing me down.

Nick Yoho 2 years, 5 months ago

My Daughter and her friends would like to see Hot Topic come to town.

chucklehead 2 years, 5 months ago

A fair trade boutique year round.

A Pike Place Market - all that fresh stuff is fabulous. But it just wouldn't be the same without Seattle

barbkm 2 years, 5 months ago

Red Lobster and Whole Foods.

kernal 2 years, 5 months ago

Trader Joes and Costco. We'll never get a Costco in Lawrence due to our size.

I like what The_Big_B said.

larrytowngirl 2 years, 5 months ago

COSTCO!!..BIG LOTS!!!
Fast Food... Go Chicken Go (I like the livers and gizzards!) :) For a restaurant...RED LOBSTER!!!! (we have NO real sea food restaurant in Lawrence) and though I like what The_Big-B said also, I don't really see that happening... But you never know I guess! Johnnies started in North Lawrence and is now around KC!!

Ami 2 years, 5 months ago

The Limited New York & Company Trader Joe (coming to KC finally) DSW Costco

raerae 2 years, 5 months ago

Ah yes, Red Lobster, the WalMart of frozen reheated seafood. Try Anglers on mass st. It's sooo much better.

Checkers has its own butcher.
it amazes me how many people here ask for stores that we already have a much better version of here. We had a Whole Foods once. It didn't last, as the Merc is so much better.

slvrntrt 2 years, 5 months ago

A grocery store butcher is not the same as a stand alone store where you can get processing, sides of beef, and a wide selection of animals to eat.

Denny2009 2 years, 5 months ago

I would like to see an indoor ice rink.

tuschkahouma 2 years, 5 months ago

Lawrence will never have a Price Chopper, Hen House, Apple Market Grocery Store. Because those are Union Grocery Stores. And Lawrence does not like a Union Grocery Store in the town.

MacHeath 2 years, 5 months ago

I wish someone with money would talk to Ollie Gates. A Gates BBQ would kick butt.

JJE007 2 years, 5 months ago

Bubba's Gun Range, Gun Shop & Other S h i t e... Vermont St. BBQ REI

sustainabilitysister 2 years, 5 months ago

More independent food stands at bars, more locally grown foods in restaurants, a REAL traditional shelter that does not turn people away when they're at capacity (you can't have a shelter that's trying to go "No Kill" without a traditional one in the same vicinity... this causes people to do inhumane things when their last and only humane option is closed to them), and a more environmentally sound sustainable city government.