A few weeks ago we asked readers what types of businesses they would like to see in The Village at San Antonio Center. This week, I’d like to discuss the results.
About 50 users participated which is great, but not a valid sample size yet. A valid sample size, surprisingly, is only about 400 users. The poll is still open so if you haven’t made a suggestion, you can use this link: http://www.spotmojo.com/openspot/villagesa/
Here are the results, suggestions on the same line means they were tied.
- Jamba Juice, Luluelemon
- Apple Store, American Restaurant (Houston’s, Elephant Bar)
- Hallmark, Sports Authority, Container Store, Old Navy, Lyfe Kitchen, Wine Shop/Wine Bar, Seafood (Pacific Catch, Red Lobster)
- Yogurtland, Boston Market, Movie Theatre
It’s interesting that Lululemon was such a popular suggestion because the broker also mentioned she would love to have a shop like them come to the center. One problem is there’s already one in downtown Palo Alto so it may be difficult to convince them to build another store this close. Another possibility is to attract another store in the same category that doesn’t already have a store nearby.
For the #2 spot an Apple Store and some type of American Restaurant were suggested. Similar to Lululemon, there’s also an Apple Store in downtown Palo Alto so it may be difficult to convince them to open a store in Mountain View. I don’t think suggesting a competitor like a Microsoft store would work for Apple users :)
For American Restaurant, Elephant Bar and Houston’s were specifically suggested. Readers wanted something non-ethnic, family-friendly and in the case of Houston’s a restaurant with a nice bar and wine list. Paul Martin’s American Grill is confirmed to open here. I’ve only visited their website, but this might be what some of you are looking for.
I’ll make some quick comments on the remaining suggestions. I also agree a Sports Authority or something similar is warranted in Mountain View. The location in Sunnyvale seems too far.
Wine Bar, I agree! I worked in Mountain View for a few years and we never found a good place for a nice glass of wine after work. We would usually end up at the Sports Page or Tied House, which is pretty different to say the least!
Seafood, Pacific Catch is on the way so hang tight.
Yogurtland or frozen yogurt in general, I think is a great idea. I know the broker was considering an ice cream or frozen yogurt shop, but the last time we talked it sounded like that would be difficult. I don’t know the details but I have heard the two biggest challenges with this business is that winters are very tough and it’s a small ticket item. It’s too bad because I think a frozen yogurt or ice cream shop is essential.
Some of the suggestions were for stores that are already in neighboring cities like Palo Alto or Sunnyvale. Traditional methods of site selection probably would tell Apple not to put a store so close to another store, especially their flagship store, but I think the world is changing and some of the old site selection methods need a little update as well.
As gas prices and the threat of climate change continues to increase people are choosing, or being forced, to drive less. Also, now that you can buy easily on the web with free shipping in both directions, more and more people are choosing this option even for things like clothing. But I’m not suggesting putting full stores every two miles, in every city, but perhaps mini-stores in cities where there’s strong demand, like Mountain View.
One of the goals of Spotmojo is to help build more walkable cities, or at least cities that don’t require quite as much driving, by getting the things people use closer to them. Check out Ellen Dunham Jones’ TED talk, “Retrofitting Suburbia.” I agree with a lot of her ideas about building more neighborhoods that are denser, more energy efficient that are built near public transit. I still think cars are necessary, to get to the train station, for families, to get to places where public transit doesn’t reach, but it would be great if you could get to most of the things you need within two miles instead of seven.
If you haven’t suggested yet, you can still do it using this link: http://www.spotmojo.com/openspot/villagesa/
Palo Alto Patch is working with Spotmojo to collect your ideas for filling vacancies. Michael Hsueh is the co-founder of Spotmojo. Spotmojo is a website where you can suggest the businesses you want where you live, work, or play. The suggestions are used to help new businesses find the perfect location. This gives you a voice in the businesses that open in your neighborhood and it helps local businesses succeed.
