Major retailers not in Jacksonville, yet...

[fsujax]

The Johnny Rockets used to be where the mexican restaurant is now.

[Joe]

Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus are an extremely long way off. Jax simply doesn't have the income demographics to support these stores yet. The St Johns Town Center has talked a lot about Nordstrom, but they have been rebuffed so far.

IKEA is probably never coming here. We are too close to Orlando's store. (I've posted this in other threads about Jax retail, and someone always gets angry with me. However, IKEA's store location strategy has been pretty well documented in several business school case studies. Until they fundamentally change their market analysis, we are NOT getting an IKEA.)

As for Macy's and Bass Pro Shops - I have no idea why they aren't already here. Jax easily fits the demographic requirements for both these companies, possibly even for multiple locations in the metro area. It's a real head-scratcher why they aren't here already.

My personal request would be for a Trader Joe's. I'm not a huge fan of all this hippie organic crap, but I appreciate Trader Joe's focus on value pricing. $3 for a decent bottle of wine is the only reason you need.

[fsujax]

As far as Macy's and Bass Pro Shops maybe the City is doing a poor job of actually selling the City to these potential retailers. Who knows. I know I have emailed Bass Pro Shops and inquired about why they aren't in Jacksonville. No response.

[reednavy]

Well, we do have Gander Mountain. Bass Pro is just that with a big fish tank and more boats to be honest. I'd go for Cabela's instead.

[Duke]

Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus are an extremely long way off. Jax simply doesn't have the income demographics to support these stores yet. The St Johns Town Center has talked a lot about Nordstrom, but they have been rebuffed so far.

A former marketing professor of mine ran/or still runs a consulting firm and worked closely with the town center.  Nordstrom had every intention of opening a store at the town center but would only commit to a 2 year lease due to the questionable economy and with jacksonville being a relatively new market for them.  The powers that be at the town center wanted at least 4 or 5 year commitment and Nordstrom wouldn't do it.  Believe it or not, they're still trying to get them so hopefully not all is lost. 

[reednavy]

I don't think all is lost. Nashville's recently broke ground after being pushed back a year due to the economy. The next SE location is going to be at the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover, Alabama, just south of Birmingham.

If Simon wants them bad enough, they'll flex to what Nordstrom wants, and should. They should also not forget about trying to move Belk into one store, and then trying to land another big name to The Avenues.

[coredumped]

The Macy's at millenia was always a Macy's. The Macy's in Daytona (and others in florida, ocala for one) was a Burdine's they changed to Macy's when Macy's bought them. Still a nice store but no Macy's. We never had a Burdines ("the florida store") so we never got a Macy's.

Anyway, to add to the list of food, we don't have a Romano's Macaroni Grill, Red Robin, Uno Chicago Grill. I'm ok with that, I love our local selections!

[Sportmotor]

there isnt a Cabelas...Jax could use that in a big way!

[Coolyfett]

the attitudes on these replies is all wrong. Closed mindedness n insecurity is all over them. People really need to read about over metro cities.

[Coolyfett]

i say read because actually traveling to other major metros is difficult for many. People want options, especially women. Could u imagine a major metro with no Mcdonalds, wal mart or jc pennys? these places r everywhere right? Jax NEEDS many things both for locals n visitors. no need to get upset when someone ask what does Jax need.

[stephenc]

REI

How awesome would that be!!!

[downtownjag]

REI

How awesome would that be!!!

What's that?

[stephenc]

It's the most amazing outdoor store ever!!! www.rei.com

[Captain Zissou]

^TRUE!  It would instantly put Black Creek Outfitter$ out of business.  I'm tired of dropping $250 any time I need outdoor gear.