The Tulsa Forum by TulsaNow

Talk About Tulsa => Development & New Businesses => Topic started by: EricGarcia on January 23, 2013, 10:22:37 PM

Title: Von Maur
Post by: EricGarcia on January 23, 2013, 10:22:37 PM
Oklahoma City is contemplating an incentive package worth $2 million to attract the state's first Von Maur to Quail Springs Mall (soon to be vacated Sears).  Do you see an opportunity for Von Maur to open here in the Tulsa area? 
Title: Re: Von Maur
Post by: Red Arrow on January 23, 2013, 11:34:46 PM
Quote from: EricGarcia on January 23, 2013, 10:22:37 PM
Oklahoma City is contemplating an incentive package worth $2 million to attract the state's first Von Maur to Quail Springs Mall (soon to be vacated Sears).  Do you see an opportunity for Von Maur to open here in the Tulsa area? 

Looking at their web site, they are above my threshold of price pain.  There are plenty of people in the Tulsa area with wallets less squeaky than mine though.
Title: Re: Von Maur
Post by: Conan71 on January 24, 2013, 12:12:45 AM
I have to confess, until 30 seconds ago, I'd never heard of them.  Another depository for over-priced cheap imported crap?
Title: Re: Von Maur
Post by: m2violin on January 24, 2013, 12:54:49 AM
They are actually a very nice store.  I've purchased items at their store in St. Charles, IL (Chicagoland) several times.  Good quality clothing, and their customer service can't be beat.  Free alterations, and when I've had to had alterations they shipped the clothing for free.  They would be a terrific addition to Tulsa's shopping scene.  I, for one, would welcome them with open arms.
Title: Re: Von Maur
Post by: sgrizzle on January 24, 2013, 06:50:03 AM
Never heard of them.

Seems like they would do well in Tulsa. Not sure why OKC has to pay them $2M to open there. Sounds like when BA paid for Dick's Sporting Goods to open there.
Title: Re: Von Maur
Post by: TheArtist on January 24, 2013, 07:42:27 AM
 Hadn't heard of them either.   Clothes didn't look that impressive at first but then started looking at the sizes and cuts in the contemporary collection and it does seem that they have stuff that would actually fit me which in most stores here is like finding a needle in a haystack or not at all.  Within just a few clicks found some 29x34 jeans, and many of the shirts look like they are actually, really, cut with a waiste that goes IN (in other words they really fit the mannequin and weren't pulled tight with the extra pinned in back).  I don't starve myself into being permanently bitchy just so I can then be even more grumpy because the only shirts I can find make me look like I am wearing a tent. :P
Title: Re: Von Maur
Post by: TheTed on January 24, 2013, 12:28:11 PM
I don't know much about them either. But look at their locations.

You shouldn't have to pay money to lure a store that's already in such exotic locations like Wichita, Cedar Falls, IA, Fort Wayne, IN and Decatur, IL.
Title: Re: Von Maur
Post by: Townsend on January 24, 2013, 12:44:14 PM
Quote from: TheTed on January 24, 2013, 12:28:11 PM
I don't know much about them either. But look at their locations.

You shouldn't have to pay money to lure a store that's already in such exotic locations like Wichita, Cedar Falls, IA, Fort Wayne, IN and Decatur, IL.

I've had the most amazing musk melon in Cedar Falls.  No wonder they were drawn there.
Title: Re: Von Maur
Post by: Gaspar on January 24, 2013, 12:56:21 PM
Perhaps we should raise taxes and pay all kinds of businesses to move here?  Huh? What?  JOKING!

Business location is decided by Demographic study.  Having been exposed to several of these deals in the past, the drill is that they typically select locations for expansion, consult on zoning, engineering, and design, then they plant a few seeds in the community designed to produce some extra cash flow (cash, tax incentives, and other free stuff).  Wether they get the perks or not, if the demographics are strong enough, they are going to move in.  Of course nothing beats shellacking the public for a few extra dollars and making the local politicians feel powerful for "attracting" new business.  It's all part of the development game.

Title: Re: Von Maur
Post by: Teatownclown on January 24, 2013, 02:09:07 PM
Upscale Gordman's?
Title: Re: Von Maur
Post by: DowntownDan on January 24, 2013, 02:29:00 PM
I always figured Neiman Marcus would be the first overpriced clothing retailer to give it a go in Oklahoma, either at Penn Square Mall or Utica Square if a large enough space ever came available.
Title: Re: Von Maur
Post by: Conan71 on January 24, 2013, 02:36:32 PM
Quote from: DowntownDan on January 24, 2013, 02:29:00 PM
I always figured Neiman Marcus would be the first overpriced clothing retailer to give it a go in Oklahoma, either at Penn Square Mall or Utica Square if a large enough space ever came available.

Saks beat Needless Markup by about 20 years.
Title: Re: Von Maur
Post by: rdj on January 24, 2013, 02:56:58 PM
Maybe TYPros should have a sit in at their Wichita store or whatever it is they are doing to try and lure Trade Joes here...