One of the biggest issues with downtown Los Altos has been the lack of large chain stores. Many of the property owners have wanted to keep the "village" feel and only have small, local shops present - especially on Main Street. Of course, time and countless lessons learned by other towns has shown that that trend is prone to failure. Look at the number of vacancies downtown and you'll see what happens when small businesses with little economic backing do. A recent article in the Los Altos Town Crier talked about this issue, which is what prompted this blog.
What chains could we possible want downtown that would augment the retail experience? Interestingly enough, Apple was mentioned as was Niketown. However, I think we could use a few others that would appeal. We have one major sumbling block before they show up - small properties!
There are 3 major owners downtown who still hold narrow lots, some adjoining. If those owners would sell those lots, and merge them, we'd have more wide lots with 3000+ sf of store space to accomodate these chains. The town is is desparate need of more, better stores - c'mon owners, get with the program! Is keeping the Los Altos "village" feel so important that you'll sink the town's economy to do it? I think we can have a successful mix of chains and small businesses, very much like Los Gatos. If they can do it, so can we!
My suggestions for appealing chains include:
- Children's Place (clothes)
- Coldwater Creek (clothes)
- Ed Hardy (clothes)
- Gap (clothes)
- Justice (clothes)
- Pottery Barn (housewares)
- Morton's, Ruth's Chris, or any other steakhouse chain
- Lego (toys)
There are several others but these, in my opinion, fill a gap in what we already have downtown without seriously impacting existing merchants. In particular, we don't have a serious steakhouse in town and that's popular with many folks. We have one toy store and the Lego products would probably augment their business instead of taking away from it by bringing more "toy focused buyers" downtown. The clothes are a no-brainer and these stores are very popular right now.
I'd like to get some more exciting restaurants downtown too. A theme restaurant that's family oriented would be interesting but I'm not sure where to put it. Something like "Rainforest Cafe", you know what I mean? Something with a little flash. A little "sizzle" downtown would really attract consumers. Sleepy little villages don't tend to make much money.
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Bryan Robertson, Broker Associate | T: 650.799.9951 | Email: bryan@serenogroup.com | Website: http://www.BryanRobertsonHomes.com |CA License: 01191946 | Sereno Group - Los Altos branch | 369 S. San Antonio Road | Los Altos, CA 94022
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I like the old time village feel but the shops you mention would probably make a great addition to Los Altos without being too "commercial".
Hi Bryan,
Restaurants and good chain stores would definotely help the Los Altos downtown area as more folks would be attracted here in the evening. A few High end stores would also help draw other folks and competitors.
You have an excellent point Bryan and this has been a hot topic in many California towns for a while. While the mantra is "shop local" to help local merchants it can also help to have major chains invest and increase shopping and dining traffic in the area.
Clearly, upscale botique shops would add value to the downtown, and could even draw some shoppers away from the malls. Why are there so many vacancies on Main Street?
The only reason I now see, personally, to go downtown is for the post office and the bank, or an occasional visit to Starbucks or the library. There used to be a great stationery store in Downtown Los Altos, but no more. I would shop at Banana Republic or Pottery Barn if there was one downtown.
Why is mainstreet Los Gatos so much more lively? (Population/demographics?)
You are right on about sleepy little villages don't tend to make much money. I had a business in our downtown for several years and it was tough. Attracting big name business to downtowns is very difficult too.
We have had the same issue with our little New England town of Sturbridge. Years ago, a socially conservative group tried to prevent WalMart from coming in, and vetoed the idea of a movie theater here. Big mistake. Now, with new leadership, we are getting a theater this year. The stores you propose would be wonderful for any town. I hope you get some momentum on this issue.