QuoteBy Karen Brune Mathis, Managing Editor
Frank and Frankie Gatlin moved their development headquarters, families and futures to Jacksonville three months ago, quietly settling in while setting their sights on significant growth.
Father and son see the potential for a Downtown grocery store, redeveloped community centers that now struggle with vacancies and new shopping plazas.
QuoteGatlin Development owns 700,000 square feet of space in Northeast Florida.
The Gatlins see the possibility of developing at least 1 to 2 million square feet more in the area. Here's what they plan:
• They envision redevelopment of largely vacant shopping centers that need rejuvenation, perhaps some with Walmart Neighborhood Markets. Gatlin said they are looking at several opportunities of 100,000 to 150,000 square feet, but declined to identify them.
• Gatlin said he is committed to finding a Downtown area location he hopes Walmart would approve for a Neighborhood Market. He also hopes to identify several more sites for markets in the metro area, pending Walmart, city and community approvals.
• They are looking for opportunities to develop or redevelop community shopping centers to bring in tenants desired by the neighbors.
"There is nothing I like more than to bring a community services and tenants and restaurants that are needed and that they want," Gatlin said.
The Gatlins work with many big-name retailers, including Home Depot, Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Kohl's, PetSmart, Michaels and others, in addition to Walmart.
They also want to bring new names to Jacksonville. Frankie Gatlin is creating "void reports" to assess which retailers are not in Jacksonville and where they might want to locate.
Full article: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=546069
Neighborhood Walmart in the Downtown area? I volunteer the vacant grocery store building on 8th Street, near Main.
^^^That would be a much needed location for that area. I would definitely have a good police/security presence, ala DT Winn Dixie.
I'm glad to see them desire to take on the challenge of revitalizing aging shopping centers. I wish them well.
QuoteThe Gatlins said Jacksonville offered the oak trees, historical architecture and waterfront scenery like New Orleans, while the temperate weather offered a taste of four seasons.
Being from Louisiana, Frank Gatlin also was familiar with the Panhandle and its beaches. Still, Jacksonville was different.
"I never thought we would travel 300 miles north to return to the south," he jokes.
This is EXACTLY how I felt about Jax when I was first exposed to this city. It SHOULD be the basis for the city's 'brand' , a brand which is non-existent today. Unfortunately, the emphasis is on how to replicate South Florida's brand and appearance.
Quote from: vicupstate on September 05, 2015, 09:31:58 AM
QuoteThe Gatlins said Jacksonville offered the oak trees, historical architecture and waterfront scenery like New Orleans, while the temperate weather offered a taste of four seasons.
Being from Louisiana, Frank Gatlin also was familiar with the Panhandle and its beaches. Still, Jacksonville was different.
"I never thought we would travel 300 miles north to return to the south," he jokes.
This is EXACTLY how I felt about Jax when I was first exposed to this city. It SHOULD be the basis for the city's 'brand' , a brand which is non-existent today. Unfortunately, the emphasis is on how to replicate South Florida's brand and appearance.
I would never consider Jacksonville's climate to be "temperate" and you basically get two seasons in Jax. But I suppose it's more than you get down south!
(We are two distinct weather zones removed from my native south Florida.......enjoy!)
"Downtown" Walmart et al could also attract Avondale/Venetia/Ortega patrons who would rather not, or do not patronize Normandy Blvd. or 103rd Street,Orange Park Walmart et al.
Maybe the same even for San Marco area residents......Phillips HWY or Downtown ??? :-\ :)
Hmmmm.....the return of Downtown. 8)
Quote from: Know Growth on September 05, 2015, 07:52:27 PM
(We are two distinct weather zones removed from my native south Florida.......enjoy!)
"Downtown" Walmart et al could also attract Avondale/Venetia/Ortega patrons who would rather not, or do not patronize Normandy Blvd. or 103rd Street,Orange Park Walmart et al.
Maybe the same even for San Marco area residents......Phillips HWY or Downtown ??? :-\ :)
Hmmmm.....the return of Downtown. 8)
Excuse me Sir, I'll Have some of what hes smoking! Hey it could be wait for it........................ wait................ a GAME CHANGER!!!!
Quote from: Know Growth on September 05, 2015, 07:52:27 PM
(We are two distinct weather zones removed from my native south Florida.......enjoy!)
"Downtown" Walmart et al could also attract Avondale/Venetia/Ortega patrons who would rather not, or do not patronize Normandy Blvd. or 103rd Street,Orange Park Walmart et al.
Maybe the same even for San Marco area residents......Phillips HWY or Downtown ??? :-\ :)
Hmmmm.....the return of Downtown. 8)
This would be a downtown Walmart Neighborhood Market, which is just a grocery store.
There is nothing in Jax that offers South Fla feel, I wish people would stop that non-sense. Jax does offer a difference is season change, is it like NY or Vermont, no but there's certainly a difference in Nov vs mid July.
I wish them the best of luck with their project.
Quote from: vicupstate on September 05, 2015, 09:31:58 AM
This is EXACTLY how I felt about Jax when I was first exposed to this city. It SHOULD be the basis for the city's 'brand' , a brand which is non-existent today. Unfortunately, the emphasis is on how to replicate South Florida's brand and appearance.
I totally agree that there's alot of that in Jax today (South FL replication). Look none other than that Shipyards proposal (I get that it's kinda in limbo, but still). I don't think it's a bad thing being near southern GA like some joke about. We should embrace our geography, way of life, architecture etc.
Quote from: I-10east on September 07, 2015, 02:56:38 AM
Quote from: vicupstate on September 05, 2015, 09:31:58 AM
This is EXACTLY how I felt about Jax when I was first exposed to this city. It SHOULD be the basis for the city's 'brand' , a brand which is non-existent today. Unfortunately, the emphasis is on how to replicate South Florida's brand and appearance.
I totally agree that there's alot of that in Jax today (South FL replication). Look none other than that Shipyards proposal (I get that it's kinda in limbo, but still). I don't think it's a bad thing being near southern GA like some joke about. We should embrace our geography, way of life, architecture etc.
I agree. Jax is distinct from South Florida and shouldn't try to ape that.
Has anyone gone into a Walmart Neighborhood Market? I have when they first came to town. The W.N.M. is more like two steps down from a Winn Dixie and 5 steps down from a Publix. If you're looking for cheap prices then W.N.M. is your store. But unless it has a different look inside or out it's nothing to write home about. And during checkout these W.N.M. have several lanes which you bag your own groceries and perform self pay, and the other lanes have a human that will take your money & bag your groceries.
Quote from: The_Choose_1 on September 07, 2015, 04:45:47 PM
Has anyone gone into a Walmart Neighborhood Market? I have when they first came to town. The W.N.M. is more like two steps down from a Winn Dixie and 5 steps down from a Publix. If you're looking for cheap prices then W.N.M. is your store. But unless it has a different look inside or out it's nothing to write home about. And during checkout these W.N.M. have several lanes which you bag your own groceries and perform self pay, and the other lanes have a human that will take your money & bag your groceries.
It may not be Publix, but any development downtown/in the "core" like this is a good thing. And self checkout is so common nowdays that it's not that big a deal. I'm happy this might happen.
I prefer self checkout lanes myself. I also wouldn't mind having a few WNMs, Aldi's, etc. open up shop in various underserved neighborhoods.
Quote from: thelakelander on September 07, 2015, 06:50:44 PM
I prefer self checkout lanes myself. I also wouldn't mind having a few WNMs, Aldi's, etc. open up shop in various underserved neighborhoods.
I haven't been in the Aldi's at 1702 Blanding Blvd. Middleburg, FL 32068-3836. But I have driven by the store. And I like the way it looks outside.
Quote from: thelakelander on September 07, 2015, 06:50:44 PM
I prefer self checkout lanes myself. I also wouldn't mind having a few WNMs, Aldi's, etc. open up shop in various underserved neighborhoods.
Aldi and Lidl are both so cheap. Although the shopping experience isn't wonderful, the savings are pretty great.
When I shop for a family of 3 I buy mostly all my meat, vegetables and fresh breads at Publix and Lake Shore Produce. When it comes to can food, chips, soda's etc etc etc unless Publix has a sale on these items. I buy these at Wal$Mart or Target and save a lot of money. A box of famous Amos cookies at Publix unless it's on sale runs around $3.69 this same box at Wal$Mart is around $2.50. Wal$Mart superstores don't give you the friendly attitude that Publix does I have found.
Quote from: Bill Hoff on September 05, 2015, 12:26:51 AM
Neighborhood Walmart in the Downtown area? I volunteer the vacant grocery store building on 8th Street, near Main.
^^^ YES! That property is perfect for a grocery store, is in the heart of Historic Springfield and is convenient to both downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods.
I wouldn't mind it, i wouldn't have to drive to the Phillips Highway one any more (I am a riverside resident). With that said i have never seen a Walmart spur any meaningful growth in any part of this country. The Publix in riverside is ridiculously overpriced IMO and a second option wouldn't hurt anyone. I can buy the exact same product at Walmart often for 30-40% less than the riverside Publix.
Quote from: Murder_me_Rachel on September 08, 2015, 12:38:40 PM
I'll happily overpay at Publix any day not to support Wal-Mart, or even have to set foot inside.
Over 8 years and no plans on returning.
They can put up nicer stores in better neighborhoods, but until their employee treatment practices (real or perceived) improve, I'll continue to hold my end of the bargain.
I really wish millions of others who claimed to feel the same were able to act it as well.
In light of Shad Khan's statement last week that "if somebody else wants to develop the Shipyards, that would be fine...", it's hard to read that article without wondering what the Gatlins think that that property.
Quote from: Murder_me_Rachel on September 08, 2015, 12:38:40 PM
Quote from: gerschea@gmail.com on September 08, 2015, 11:08:24 AM
I wouldn't mind it, i wouldn't have to drive to the Phillips Highway one any more (I am a riverside resident). With that said i have never seen a Walmart spur any meaningful growth in any part of this country. The Publix in riverside is ridiculously overpriced IMO and a second option wouldn't hurt anyone. I can buy the exact same product at Walmart often for 30-40% less than the riverside Publix.
I'll happily overpay at Publix any day not to support Wal-Mart, or even have to set foot inside.
I thought this exact same thing to until i watched the documentary Food Chains on Hulu this weekend. Publix treats the people in their supply chain just as bad as Walmart. Check it out if you have free time, i was disgusted at Publix after watching it.
Quote from: gerschea@gmail.com on September 08, 2015, 02:24:27 PM
Quote from: Murder_me_Rachel on September 08, 2015, 12:38:40 PM
Quote from: gerschea@gmail.com on September 08, 2015, 11:08:24 AM
I wouldn't mind it, i wouldn't have to drive to the Phillips Highway one any more (I am a riverside resident). With that said i have never seen a Walmart spur any meaningful growth in any part of this country. The Publix in riverside is ridiculously overpriced IMO and a second option wouldn't hurt anyone. I can buy the exact same product at Walmart often for 30-40% less than the riverside Publix.
I'll happily overpay at Publix any day not to support Wal-Mart, or even have to set foot inside.
I thought this exact same thing to until i watched the documentary Food Chains on Hulu this weekend. Publix treats the people in their supply chain just as bad as Walmart. Check it out if you have free time, i was disgusted at Publix after watching it.
Supply chain does not equal employee. Beating your suppliers up for every penny is commonplace. If you're referring to the tomato workers... seriously? It's not Publix's place to step in and pay even $0.01 more than their supplier is selling it for.
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on September 08, 2015, 02:51:40 PM
Quote from: gerschea@gmail.com on September 08, 2015, 02:24:27 PM
Quote from: Murder_me_Rachel on September 08, 2015, 12:38:40 PM
Quote from: gerschea@gmail.com on September 08, 2015, 11:08:24 AM
I wouldn't mind it, i wouldn't have to drive to the Phillips Highway one any more (I am a riverside resident). With that said i have never seen a Walmart spur any meaningful growth in any part of this country. The Publix in riverside is ridiculously overpriced IMO and a second option wouldn't hurt anyone. I can buy the exact same product at Walmart often for 30-40% less than the riverside Publix.
I'll happily overpay at Publix any day not to support Wal-Mart, or even have to set foot inside.
I thought this exact same thing to until i watched the documentary Food Chains on Hulu this weekend. Publix treats the people in their supply chain just as bad as Walmart. Check it out if you have free time, i was disgusted at Publix after watching it.
Supply chain does not equal employee. Beating your suppliers up for every penny is commonplace. If you're referring to the tomato workers... seriously? It's not Publix's place to step in and pay even $0.01 more than their supplier is selling it for.
One could argue that it would be the ethical option, even if it's not required.
Quote from: Adam White on September 08, 2015, 03:21:07 PM
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on September 08, 2015, 02:51:40 PM
Supply chain does not equal employee. Beating your suppliers up for every penny is commonplace. If you're referring to the tomato workers... seriously? It's not Publix's place to step in and pay even $0.01 more than their supplier is selling it for.
One could argue that it would be the ethical option, even if it's not required.
How so?
If you're selling me a product and your employees are disgruntled because you pay shitty wages, then why is it my responsibility, as someone who buys product from you, to make sure you pay your employees more?
I don't know your margins. I really don't care. As a matter of fact, if someone offers me a price point below yours at the same service level, we're not doing business anymore anyhow.
Edit for reference:
I haven't see the documentary, but What I assume to be the issue that gershea is referring to: https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=publix%20refuses%20to%20pay%20tomato%20pickers
Here's the actual video press release: http://www.miaminewtimes.com/restaurants/the-film-food-chains-tells-the-story-of-florida-workers-makes-publix-look-terrible-6570763
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on September 08, 2015, 03:39:09 PM
Quote from: Adam White on September 08, 2015, 03:21:07 PM
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on September 08, 2015, 02:51:40 PM
Supply chain does not equal employee. Beating your suppliers up for every penny is commonplace. If you're referring to the tomato workers... seriously? It's not Publix's place to step in and pay even $0.01 more than their supplier is selling it for.
One could argue that it would be the ethical option, even if it's not required.
How so?
If you're selling me a product and your employees are disgruntled because you pay shitty wages, then why is it my responsibility, as someone who buys product from you, to make sure you pay your employees more?
I don't know your margins. I really don't care. As a matter of fact, if someone offers me a price point below yours at the same service level, we're not doing business anymore anyhow.
Edit for reference:
I haven't see the documentary, but What I assume to be the issue that gershea is referring to: https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=publix%20refuses%20to%20pay%20tomato%20pickers
Here's the actual video press release: http://www.miaminewtimes.com/restaurants/the-film-food-chains-tells-the-story-of-florida-workers-makes-publix-look-terrible-6570763
I'm not making a comment about Walmart or Publix, per se. My comment was more general. But to answer your question, it is the ethical (or could be considered the ethical) choice for the same reason why some companies only stock (or prefer to stock) fair trade products. Some companies consider it the 'right' thing to do to make sure that the people working for their suppliers are taken care of.
Additionally, there is the issue of scale. Large companies like Walmart have a massive influence on the market - if they buy all their produce from a company that severely underpays its workers, then the other produce suppliers will either have to lower their prices to compete or go out of business. It becomes a race to the bottom.
This isn't quite the same thing, but there is an issue in the UK now where retailers are buying milk for below what it costs for farmers to produce it (well, supply it -- the cows ultimately produce it). There have been lots of protests. On the one hand, you could argue that if ASDA, Lidl and Aldi can pay what they're paying, then why should they pay more? On the other hand, it is seriously harming dairy farmers and, if it doesn't correct itself, can lead to the collapse of the British dairy industry.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33953963 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33953963)
Quote from: Adam White on September 08, 2015, 03:21:07 PM
One could argue that it would be the ethical option, even if it's not required.
Yes, one could. And one likely wouldn't be in business for long, would one?
Quote from: The_Choose_1 on September 07, 2015, 07:22:59 PM
I haven't been in the Aldi's at 1702 Blanding Blvd. Middleburg, FL 32068-3836. But I have driven by the store. And I like the way it looks outside.
[/quote]That's not Middleburg, that's South Orange Park. Damn post office!
Quote from: RattlerGator on September 09, 2015, 07:46:53 AM
Quote from: Adam White on September 08, 2015, 03:21:07 PM
One could argue that it would be the ethical option, even if it's not required.
Yes, one could. And one likely wouldn't be in business for long, would one?
Ask M&S or Whole Foods.
Quote from: Adam White on September 09, 2015, 07:57:57 AM
Ask M&S or Whole Foods.
Not sure about M&S, but WF doesn't care how much they pay because they're pretty flexible with what they charge as well.... ;)
http://observer.com/2015/06/afternoon-bulletin-whole-foods-in-legal-trouble-for-inflating-prices-again/
Quote from: RattlerGator on September 09, 2015, 07:49:06 AM
Quote from: The_Choose_1 on September 07, 2015, 07:22:59 PM
I haven't been in the Aldi's at 1702 Blanding Blvd. Middleburg, FL 32068-3836. But I have driven by the store. And I like the way it looks outside.
That's not Middleburg, that's South Orange Park. Damn post office!
[/quote]I got the address from Aldi's website. ;)
I refuse to use self-checkout, but that is a topic for a whole other thread.