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Talk About Tulsa => Development & New Businesses => Topic started by: Teatownclown on February 28, 2013, 07:54:52 PM

Title: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: Teatownclown on February 28, 2013, 07:54:52 PM
http://www.vitamincottage.com/

http://www.naturalgrocers.com/ sez they'll be opening a store 6/25/13 here in Tulsa.

rumor has it...71st and Memorial area. Old Linens n Things?
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: Townsend on March 01, 2013, 10:25:59 AM
Quote from: Teatownclown on February 28, 2013, 07:54:52 PM
rumor has it...71st and Memorial area. Old Linens n Things?

That means I'll never see it.

Too many short term businesses in too much traffic in a poorly designed street plan.

Good luck to them though.
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: swake on March 01, 2013, 10:40:35 AM
There's a lot of empty space there along 71st. And a lot of turnover in the restaurants. Seems like too many places chasing too few customers.
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: Teatownclown on March 01, 2013, 11:48:53 AM
Quote from: swake on March 01, 2013, 10:40:35 AM
There's a lot of empty space there along 71st. And a lot of turnover in the restaurants. Seems like too many places chasing too few customers.

you don't know what you are talking about....just being snakey?

no need to be mean....mean people suck
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: swake on March 01, 2013, 12:11:20 PM
Quote from: Teatownclown on March 01, 2013, 11:48:53 AM
you don't know what you are talking about....just being snakey?

no need to be mean....mean people suck

I'm being serious. There are a lot of empty big box stores and restaurants along the 71st corridor from Memorial to Garnett. I bet at least two dozen, maybe three. And a lot more that look sick. The area closer to Memorial is looking awfully shabby too. Cheap aging construction. The new stuff in downtown Tulsa, Tulsa Hills and Smith Farm are really taking their toll.
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: rdj on March 01, 2013, 01:22:53 PM
Quote from: swake on March 01, 2013, 12:11:20 PM
I'm being serious. There are a lot of empty big box stores and restaurants along the 71st corridor from Memorial to Garnett. I bet at least two dozen, maybe three. And a lot more that look sick. The area closer to Memorial is looking awfully shabby too. Cheap aging construction. The new stuff in downtown Tulsa, Tulsa Hills and Smith Farm are really taking their toll.

Are you saying Tulsa has a limited number of customers and the downtown developments are taking business away from south Tulsa?  Doesn't that mean that at some point a saturation will happen if we don't an increase our inflow of population and an increase in our median income?
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: Teatownclown on March 01, 2013, 01:35:14 PM
Quote from: swake on March 01, 2013, 12:11:20 PM
I'm being serious. There are a lot of empty big box stores and restaurants along the 71st corridor from Memorial to Garnett. I bet at least two dozen, maybe three. And a lot more that look sick. The area closer to Memorial is looking awfully shabby too. Cheap aging construction. The new stuff in downtown Tulsa, Tulsa Hills and Smith Farm are really taking their toll.

You're showing why you have little credibility.

Most big box vacancies have been re leased. Aside from Circut City and Chilis, there are few vacancies. Woodland hills Mall continues to have the highest sq. ft. sales in the region.

You judge your books by the covers? Oh, you don't have books....
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: swake on March 01, 2013, 02:14:39 PM
Quote from: Teatownclown on March 01, 2013, 01:35:14 PM
You're showing why you have little credibility.

Most big box vacancies have been re leased. Aside from Circut City and Chilis, there are few vacancies. Woodland hills Mall continues to have the highest sq. ft. sales in the region.

You judge your books by the covers? Oh, you don't have books....

Really, off the top of my head what's in the spot where Drug Warehouse was? How much space is available in the old Target center on Memorial? I'd be shocked if that's 2/3 full, and it looks awful. The Burlington place across the street has empty places and looks right out of Mexico. Is that Kansas City BBQ place out of business yet?  Those little centers on the corner of 71st and Memorial always have empty spots. There are three or four empty restaurant spots in the places that surround the mall alone.  How many big boxes are empty in the center with Barnes and Noble, three or four there alone? How long do you think Barnes and Noble will last there? The huge center with Gold's Gym is at least half empty. Has that center ever been completely full?  The center with Dollar Tree has empty space. What's in the strip center behind QT? Anything? The Zio's center has a lot of space. There are at least two empty restaurant spots near Sam's. The big Center on Mingo has at least one large space. The one with Best Buy I think has two empty big boxes, maybe three. When does Food Pyramid die? The new center next to SuperTarget has at least one empty big box and Fuddruckers can't last much longer. The Italian place too.

We can head on down Memorial in both directions and find the same thing but you go far enough south and they are still building.
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: Red Arrow on March 01, 2013, 02:18:24 PM
Quote from: rdj on March 01, 2013, 01:22:53 PM
Are you saying Tulsa has a limited number of customers and the downtown developments are taking business away from south Tulsa?  

Pleeeeeease take some.  Traffic is no fun.
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: Red Arrow on March 01, 2013, 02:21:38 PM
Quote from: swake on March 01, 2013, 02:14:39 PM
We can head on down Memorial in both directions and find the same thing but you go far enough south and they are still building.


PLEASE STOP!!!!
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: BKDotCom on March 01, 2013, 05:29:45 PM
Quote from: Teatownclown on March 01, 2013, 01:35:14 PM
Woodland hills Mall continues to have the highest sq. ft. sales in the region.

Premiere Popcorn moving in shows that Woodland is on the downhill...
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: Teatownclown on March 01, 2013, 06:23:12 PM
Quote from: swake on March 01, 2013, 02:14:39 PM
Really, off the top of my head what's in the spot where Drug Warehouse was? How much space is available in the old Target center on Memorial? I'd be shocked if that's 2/3 full, and it looks awful. The Burlington place across the street has empty places and looks right out of Mexico. Is that Kansas City BBQ place out of business yet?  Those little centers on the corner of 71st and Memorial always have empty spots. There are three or four empty restaurant spots in the places that surround the mall alone.  How many big boxes are empty in the center with Barnes and Noble, three or four there alone? How long do you think Barnes and Noble will last there? The huge center with Gold's Gym is at least half empty. Has that center ever been completely full?  The center with Dollar Tree has empty space. What's in the strip center behind QT? Anything? The Zio's center has a lot of space. There are at least two empty restaurant spots near Sam's. The big Center on Mingo has at least one large space. The one with Best Buy I think has two empty big boxes, maybe three. When does Food Pyramid die? The new center next to SuperTarget has at least one empty big box and Fuddruckers can't last much longer. The Italian place too.

We can head on down Memorial in both directions and find the same thing but you go far enough south and they are still building.


If you read the newspaper then you'd see this week where Conn's has leased the vacancy by Best Buy you mention. Also, the sale of the old Mervyn's where Golds Gym is sold to the adjacent owners of the Village at Woodland Hills for $100+ per foot.


Food Pyramid's deals are AWG .... they are not going away anytime soon.

You really hate real estate.....and you're a snake.
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: swake on March 01, 2013, 07:47:58 PM
Quote from: Teatownclown on March 01, 2013, 06:23:12 PM
If you read the newspaper then you'd see this week where Conn's has leased the vacancy by Best Buy you mention. Also, the sale of the old Mervyn's where Golds Gym is sold to the adjacent owners of the Village at Woodland Hills for $100+ per foot.


Food Pyramid's deals are AWG .... they are not going away anytime soon.

You really hate real estate.....and you're a snake.

And yet the Food Pyramid at 101st just closed. I don't hate real estate, it's just you latch on to every failure in downtown as indicative of impending doom while your part of town is full of far crappier developments than what is being built downtown with lots of business failures.   
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: Teatownclown on March 02, 2013, 07:27:02 PM
Quote from: swake on March 01, 2013, 07:47:58 PM
And yet the Food Pyramid at 101st just closed. I don't hate real estate, it's just you latch on to every failure in downtown as indicative of impending doom while your part of town is full of far crappier developments than what is being built downtown with lots of business failures.  

No, I don't latch on to every failure in downtown as indicative of impending doom. I am a realist, however.
I also understand retail and the restaurant biness...urban planning....and supply and demand. Not to mention finance and marketing. When something makes sense, you don't hear from me much.

As in politics, I like to point out stupidity. I can spot a bozo from a mile away....
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: Conan71 on March 02, 2013, 07:33:56 PM
If you ask me Vitamin Cottage/Natural Grocer is jumping into a crowded market with some serious competition from Fresh Market and Whole Paycheck.

I hope this is a sign we are all eating healthier.

There's still no substitute for raising your own food, but that's highly impractical for most of us.
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: Teatownclown on March 02, 2013, 08:24:31 PM
Quote from: Conan71 on March 02, 2013, 07:33:56 PM
If you ask me Vitamin Cottage/Natural Grocer is jumping into a crowded market with some serious competition from Fresh Market and Whole Paycheck.

I hope this is a sign we are all eating healthier.

There's still no substitute for raising your own food, but that's highly impractical for most of us.

Fresh Market is already a dumbed down store with weak legs.

They will hurt Akin's.
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: carltonplace on March 04, 2013, 10:35:57 AM
Swake found a nerve. Very interesting banter above...sure clears some things up.
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: davideinstein on March 04, 2013, 06:56:08 PM
Quote from: swake on March 01, 2013, 10:40:35 AM
There's a lot of empty space there along 71st. And a lot of turnover in the restaurants. Seems like too many places chasing too few customers.

Awful area for business right now.
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: Breadburner on March 04, 2013, 08:14:40 PM
Who gives a smile....!!
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: Teatownclown on March 29, 2013, 01:48:38 PM
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/575803_10151537924935419_1063056557_n.jpg)
QuoteNatural Grocers chain to open southeast Tulsa store in June


By KYLE ARNOLD World Staff Writer
Published: 3/29/2013  1:49 AM
Last Modified: 3/29/2013  7:15 AM

The Natural Grocers store in southeast Tulsa just might become the area's greenest food destination when it opens this summer.

The Lakewood, Colo.-based chain is setting up shop in a 38,000-square-foot space at 9127 E. 71st St., formerly occupied by Linens n' Things. The store is slated to open June 25, said Nancy Flynn, director of marketing for the company.

The store is expected to employ about 20 to 25 people.

Officially called Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, the chain sells only natural and organic products, including produce that is strictly organic-certified and meat from animals raised without antibiotics or hormones. Also, products don't include artificial flavors, preservatives or hydrogenated oils, the company says.

In addition, Natural Grocers doesn't distribute paper or plastic bags, and customers are encouraged to bring their own or use recycled shipping boxes provided by the store.

Natural Grocers, founded in Colorado in 1955 by Margaret and Phillip Isley, has since grown to 67 stores in 13 states. The Isley's grandchildren now run the company.

Flynn said the store carries about 18,000 natural and organic products.

The chain opened a store in Norman in 2011; the Tulsa location will be the second in the state.

Natural Grocers joins a growing number of natural and health food stores that are moving into the Tulsa area with a variety of takes on the health and natural food movement.

Whole Foods is building a second Tulsa store at 91st Street and Yale Avenue that is expected to open next year.

The Fresh Market opened a grocery store at 81st Street and Yale Avenue in 2012 that focuses on high-end grocery items but also includes a large selection of organic products, a fast-growing segment of the grocery industry.

Sprouts Farmers Market is set to open a 25,000-square-foot location at 101st Street and Memorial Drive in Bixby. Sprouts, tagged as a natural food seller, focuses on fresh produce and meat, eschewing prepackaged goods in favor of a "farmer's market feel."

Smaller health food stores and restaurants such as My Fit Foods and Muscle Maker Grill have opened recently to add variety to a segment of the grocery market once dominated by a single Whole Foods store in the Brookside district.

But Natural Grocers takes the strictest definition of the green and healthy eating trend.

The store's philosophy is centered around "natural" foods, and it publishes an extensive list of foods it won't sell on its website. Among those items are chocolate candies, in-house baked goods, wine and liquor, cigarettes and even a fresh meat counter because "many people find the smell of animal blood and flesh is very offensive, as is viewing animal carcasses."

http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=53&articleid=20130329_46_E1_CUTLIN23163

cool beans!
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: Conan71 on March 29, 2013, 02:15:28 PM
Won't catch me driving that far out there.  If the day ever comes I think I need over-priced supplements, Akins is only a mile away from the Lorton Ranch.
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: Hoss on March 29, 2013, 02:36:22 PM
Quote from: Teatownclown on March 29, 2013, 01:48:38 PM
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/575803_10151537924935419_1063056557_n.jpg)
cool beans!

I avoid the 71st St corridor like the plague.  Liked it so much better when there were only one or two shopping centers out there.
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: swake on March 29, 2013, 02:48:45 PM
Seems like a really bad location. There's direct competition from Akins at 51st and Memorial and 101st and Memorial.  The store is located in high density commercial zone with very few rooftops in the immediate vicinity. With the traffic overload on 71st those competing stores to the north and south will be easier to reach for the large majority of potential customers.
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: Red Arrow on March 29, 2013, 06:11:26 PM
Quote from: swake on March 29, 2013, 02:48:45 PM
Seems like a really bad location. There's direct competition from Akins at 51st and Memorial and 101st (121st, I think) and Memorial.  The store is located in high density commercial zone with very few rooftops in the immediate vicinity. With the traffic overload on 71st those competing stores to the north and south will be easier to reach for the large majority of potential customers.

I also think it's a "Sprouts" going in at 101st.
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: Red Arrow on March 29, 2013, 06:14:41 PM
Quote from: Hoss on March 29, 2013, 02:36:22 PM
I avoid the 71st St corridor like the plague.  Liked it so much better when there were only one or two shopping centers out there.

I liked it even better before Woodland Hills Mall.

;D
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: Teatownclown on March 29, 2013, 07:50:58 PM
Both Whole Foods at 91st and the Natural Grocer are equal distance from my house. I'll keep you posted come fall on my reviews and times if you so desire. I've learned when to go down 71st and when to avoid it. At night headed west from Memorial I can hit every light at 45mph for 4 miles in under 7 minutes on a good night with no plodders. It's all down hill with synchronized lights. BTW, that center has a traffic light on 71st.

For Conan, it would mean hopping on the BA at 31st and Yale going out 169 to 71st street exit...and he's there in 15 minutes and what 5 lights? Problem is, he's not their customer.

I think it adds to our city's livability index having these type of stores finally. The city will be prepared when the sugar/salt/fat mob is exposed and the antibiotic/GMO/hormone additives to meat gang starts to show it's ugly head. I'll let you know, but my guess is they will do fine in south Tulsa...Sprouts/Sunflower too. Akins might want to worry. And the Peoria WF store will be alleviated at least %20 of their current traffic. These are destination stores. Reasors and Food Pyramid are for the "on the way home" customers many who have little time to go out of their way for groceries.

I'd think you'd root for these stores enhancing the possibility that some day they might go to 31st and Harvard or even eventually
to downtown. They just might spread the gospel about good clean self maintenance to our community. They do help make our city more progressive....

Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: swake on March 29, 2013, 09:49:36 PM
Quote from: Teatownclown on March 29, 2013, 07:50:58 PM
Both Whole Foods at 91st and the Natural Grocer are equal distance from my house. I'll keep you posted come fall on my reviews and times if you so desire. I've learned when to go down 71st and when to avoid it. At night headed west from Memorial I can hit every light at 45mph for 4 miles in under 7 minutes on a good night with no plodders. It's all down hill with synchronized lights. BTW, that center has a traffic light on 71st.

For Conan, it would mean hopping on the BA at 31st and Yale going out 169 to 71st street exit...and he's there in 15 minutes and what 5 lights? Problem is, he's not their customer.

I think it adds to our city's livability index having these type of stores finally. The city will be prepared when the sugar/salt/fat mob is exposed and the antibiotic/GMO/hormone additives to meat gang starts to show it's ugly head. I'll let you know, but my guess is they will do fine in south Tulsa...Sprouts/Sunflower too. Akins might want to worry. And the Peoria WF store will be alleviated at least %20 of their current traffic. These are destination stores. Reasors and Food Pyramid are for the "on the way home" customers many who have little time to go out of their way for groceries.

I'd think you'd root for these stores enhancing the possibility that some day they might go to 31st and Harvard or even eventually
to downtown. They just might spread the gospel about good clean self maintenance to our community. They do help make our city more progressive....

This store is a lame Akins clone. Akins has been around for decades and actually does have a store at 31st and Harvard
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: BKDotCom on March 29, 2013, 10:13:38 PM
Quote from: swake on March 29, 2013, 09:49:36 PM
This store is a lame Akins clone.

All 3 are true:



Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: Conan71 on March 29, 2013, 10:17:28 PM
Quote from: Teatownclown on March 29, 2013, 07:50:58 PM
Both Whole Foods at 91st and the Natural Grocer are equal distance from my house. I'll keep you posted come fall on my reviews and times if you so desire. I've learned when to go down 71st and when to avoid it. At night headed west from Memorial I can hit every light at 45mph for 4 miles in under 7 minutes on a good night with no plodders. It's all down hill with synchronized lights. BTW, that center has a traffic light on 71st.

For Conan, it would mean hopping on the BA at 31st and Yale going out 169 to 71st street exit...and he's there in 15 minutes and what 5 lights? Problem is, he's not their customer.

I think it adds to our city's livability index having these type of stores finally. The city will be prepared when the sugar/salt/fat mob is exposed and the antibiotic/GMO/hormone additives to meat gang starts to show it's ugly head. I'll let you know, but my guess is they will do fine in south Tulsa...Sprouts/Sunflower too. Akins might want to worry. And the Peoria WF store will be alleviated at least %20 of their current traffic. These are destination stores. Reasors and Food Pyramid are for the "on the way home" customers many who have little time to go out of their way for groceries.

I'd think you'd root for these stores enhancing the possibility that some day they might go to 31st and Harvard or even eventually
to downtown. They just might spread the gospel about good clean self maintenance to our community. They do help make our city more progressive....



I said before this outfit screwed up by not jumping on the vacant Homeland at Ranch Acres. Better demographics on our end of town. IMO, everyone in Unionville is in love with fast food and craptastic additives. I think it's a lousy location.  People going grocery shopping want to do it close to home, not close to shopping malls, home improvement centers, and in the midst of 150 restaurants within the square mile.  Whomever is doing the real estate work for this outfit is either a moron or getting paid to simply find suitable square footage. This spot as very low consumer appeal for what they sell.  Don't believe me? Look how other supermarkets are situated.

And you are right, I'm not their target customer. I'm a food snob.  I get what I need when I eat it and I don't add useless supplements to my diet. What's the point in pissing gold?  ;D
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: Teatownclown on March 30, 2013, 05:04:16 PM
Quote from: Conan71 on March 29, 2013, 10:17:28 PM
Better demographics on our end of town.

This spot as very low consumer appeal for what they sell.  Don't believe me? Look how other supermarkets are situated.

And you are right, I'm not their target customer. I'm a food snobjunkie and a meat head.   ;D

You don't know anything about demographics. Other supermarkets are not destination retail like this store is....

Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: Red Arrow on April 24, 2013, 06:03:37 PM
Sprouts at 101st & Memorial (actually just a bit south on the northbound side of Memorial) opened today.  Mom said the parking lot was pretty full.
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: Red Arrow on May 02, 2013, 06:48:39 PM
They were still pretty busy last night (Wednesday) at 7:30.  I went to get some Mahi Mahi on sale for 4.99/lb.  The only open parking spots were the handicapped spots and even some of them were taken.  Inside, the place was packed.  All the check-out lines, about 10, were at least 7 carts deep.  The offerings look a lot like a slightly smaller Fresh Market.
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: sgrizzle on May 06, 2013, 08:54:39 AM
Sprouts seems to be Fresh Market but cheaper.

Natural food cost-competitive with standard grocery items. whodathunkit.


And yes, packed from open to close basically.
Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: Red Arrow on May 06, 2013, 09:03:27 AM
Quote from: sgrizzle on May 06, 2013, 08:54:39 AM
Sprouts seems to be Fresh Market but cheaper.
Natural food cost-competitive with standard grocery items. whodathunkit.
And yes, packed from open to close basically.

Many of the low prices appear to be Grand Opening Specials.   

Title: Re: Vitamin Cottage/ Natural Grocer
Post by: sgrizzle on May 07, 2013, 01:12:21 PM
Quote from: Red Arrow on May 06, 2013, 09:03:27 AM
Many of the low prices appear to be Grand Opening Specials.   



The ad listed the regular prices as well.