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Mervyns closing Napa store
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imgDespite plans to close, the Mervyns store in downtown Napa, has a “Now Hiring” sign outside its doors. The store is one of four Bay Area Mervyns stores scheduled to close later this year. J.L. Sousa/Register | Buy photos
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There will be no Christmas shopping at Mervyns this year. The Napa Mervyns store is closing.
On Wednesday Mervyns announced plans to close 26 of its 176 stores by late October or early November. The stores to close are “under-performing operations and are being closed as part of Mervyns’ reorganization to reduce expenses and reverse losses,” according to a press statement by John Goodman, chief executive officer of Mervyns.
On Wednesday Mervyns announced plans to close 26 of its 176 stores by late October or early November. The stores to close are “under-performing operations and are being closed as part of Mervyns’ reorganization to reduce expenses and reverse losses,” according to a press statement by John Goodman, chief executive officer of Mervyns.
Late last month, the chain announced it was going into Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but did not reveal any store closures. Other Mervyns locations among the 26 to close include those in Fairfield, Antioch and Livermore.
The closure of the Napa store could be good news for developer Keith Rogal. In June Rogal and partners completed their purchase of downtown’s largest store and adjoining commercial spaces — all previously owned by the estate of the late Napa businessman Ed Keith.
The closure of the Napa store could be good news for developer Keith Rogal. In June Rogal and partners completed their purchase of downtown’s largest store and adjoining commercial spaces — all previously owned by the estate of the late Napa businessman Ed Keith.
Mervyns holds a lease on the property with extensions into 2016. However, in July, Rogal said redevelopment of the Main Street block was “crucial to make a more pleasant and vibrant downtown.”
Rogal said he would like to see mixed residential and commercial use on the parcel, including parking underground or in a structure.
Rogal said he would like to see mixed residential and commercial use on the parcel, including parking underground or in a structure.
Reached Wednesday afternoon, Rogal said the closing was news to him and it was “just too early to know” how it affects plans for the site.
Craig Smith, executive director of the Napa Downtown Association, said he was surprised by the news.
“It’s a mixed bag, I think,” said Smith. “They certainly have a strong customer base in Napa.
“A number of people are going to be disappointed (about the closing) and a number will think it’s a great opportunity,” he said. “In the grand scheme of things, the passing of Mervyns will be like the passing of JCPenney — short term it hurts, but long term we move on. Overall, I’m optimistic.”
Robin Klingbeil, with the city of Napa’s Economic Development Department, said, “Mervyns has certainly filled a niche for our community. It’s been a consistently high-performing store, and the impact will definitely be felt. But we will work with the new ownership in a repositioning of that area and to provide something to fill that niche.”
‘Devastated’
Mervyns is a descendant of the department store formerly on the site, Albert’s.
When Roslyn Grossman, daughter of the Albert’s owner, married Mervyns founder Mervin Morris, the First Street store became one of the early Mervyns.
According to Roy Berces, with Mervyns corporate office, the Napa Mervyns opened in April 1962.
For many years, Mervyns was downtown’s largest department store. In the early 1970s, the city created a redevelopment project, razing several blocks of stores so that Mervyns could expand into a new building and remain downtown.
Mervyns remained a shopping mainstay for locals, offering clothing essentials while surrounding commercial spaces have trended toward upscale dining, retail boutiques and wine tasting rooms.
Mervyns shoppers were stunned Wednesday afternoon to hear the store is closing.
“I come here all the time,” said Dawn Stultz, who gasped when told the news. “I’d be devastated if they shut it down.”
Stultz, who said she shops at Mervyns almost weekly, praised Mervyns for offering “good quality and good prices.”
Without a Mervyns, she predicted she would be burning gas to a Mervyns in another city. Perla Nava, 14, said she felt “terrible” that her back-to-school clothing center would be departing. “They have pretty clothes and they last a long time,” she said.
Nicole Roper said she couldn’t understand it. The Napa store seemed popular, she said. “They always had a good sale,” said her husband, Steven Roper.
“I love Mervyns,” said Chris Schmitz, who was doing school shopping with her daughter Carly. “I've gone to Mervyns since I was a little girl.”
“I like the prices. They have a nice selection of clothes. It’s a nice store,” Schmitz said.
“I think it’s crummy,” said Jeannie Cowan, who feared that whatever replaces Mervyns would be aimed at tourists. Quite frankly, Mervyns hasn’t been as good as it once was, she said. “They went to a lower quality of clothes.”
Without Mervyns, she would try Wal-Mart, she said.
Employees got the news Tuesday afternoon and on Wednesday as they came to work. Management is still trying to reach some by phone, an assistant manager said.
Despite the planned shutdown, a “Now Hiring” sign remained posted by an eastern entry and a “Join Our Team” notice by the north door.
The store currently has 90 to 120 employees who will be offered jobs at other stores, “If opportunity for transfer arises,” said Berces.
“We thank our associates and our many loyal customers, especially those in these affected locations, who have supported us for many years. We are committed to treating those associates affected by today’s announcement fairly,” said Goodman.
Mervyns has retained an outside firm to assist in the liquidation sales of inventory at the closing stores. Liquidators may take over around Labor Day weekend, said Berces.
Berces said he doesn’t expect additional store closings, “This is the only round of store closings that I know of.”
“Our remaining Mervyns locations in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Utah continue to meet our performance objectives and we intend to focus our attention and resources on maintaining their future growth and success,” wrote Goodman.
Craig Smith, executive director of the Napa Downtown Association, said he was surprised by the news.
“It’s a mixed bag, I think,” said Smith. “They certainly have a strong customer base in Napa.
“A number of people are going to be disappointed (about the closing) and a number will think it’s a great opportunity,” he said. “In the grand scheme of things, the passing of Mervyns will be like the passing of JCPenney — short term it hurts, but long term we move on. Overall, I’m optimistic.”
Robin Klingbeil, with the city of Napa’s Economic Development Department, said, “Mervyns has certainly filled a niche for our community. It’s been a consistently high-performing store, and the impact will definitely be felt. But we will work with the new ownership in a repositioning of that area and to provide something to fill that niche.”
‘Devastated’
Mervyns is a descendant of the department store formerly on the site, Albert’s.
When Roslyn Grossman, daughter of the Albert’s owner, married Mervyns founder Mervin Morris, the First Street store became one of the early Mervyns.
According to Roy Berces, with Mervyns corporate office, the Napa Mervyns opened in April 1962.
For many years, Mervyns was downtown’s largest department store. In the early 1970s, the city created a redevelopment project, razing several blocks of stores so that Mervyns could expand into a new building and remain downtown.
Mervyns remained a shopping mainstay for locals, offering clothing essentials while surrounding commercial spaces have trended toward upscale dining, retail boutiques and wine tasting rooms.
Mervyns shoppers were stunned Wednesday afternoon to hear the store is closing.
“I come here all the time,” said Dawn Stultz, who gasped when told the news. “I’d be devastated if they shut it down.”
Stultz, who said she shops at Mervyns almost weekly, praised Mervyns for offering “good quality and good prices.”
Without a Mervyns, she predicted she would be burning gas to a Mervyns in another city. Perla Nava, 14, said she felt “terrible” that her back-to-school clothing center would be departing. “They have pretty clothes and they last a long time,” she said.
Nicole Roper said she couldn’t understand it. The Napa store seemed popular, she said. “They always had a good sale,” said her husband, Steven Roper.
“I love Mervyns,” said Chris Schmitz, who was doing school shopping with her daughter Carly. “I've gone to Mervyns since I was a little girl.”
“I like the prices. They have a nice selection of clothes. It’s a nice store,” Schmitz said.
“I think it’s crummy,” said Jeannie Cowan, who feared that whatever replaces Mervyns would be aimed at tourists. Quite frankly, Mervyns hasn’t been as good as it once was, she said. “They went to a lower quality of clothes.”
Without Mervyns, she would try Wal-Mart, she said.
Employees got the news Tuesday afternoon and on Wednesday as they came to work. Management is still trying to reach some by phone, an assistant manager said.
Despite the planned shutdown, a “Now Hiring” sign remained posted by an eastern entry and a “Join Our Team” notice by the north door.
The store currently has 90 to 120 employees who will be offered jobs at other stores, “If opportunity for transfer arises,” said Berces.
“We thank our associates and our many loyal customers, especially those in these affected locations, who have supported us for many years. We are committed to treating those associates affected by today’s announcement fairly,” said Goodman.
Mervyns has retained an outside firm to assist in the liquidation sales of inventory at the closing stores. Liquidators may take over around Labor Day weekend, said Berces.
Berces said he doesn’t expect additional store closings, “This is the only round of store closings that I know of.”
“Our remaining Mervyns locations in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Utah continue to meet our performance objectives and we intend to focus our attention and resources on maintaining their future growth and success,” wrote Goodman.
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dalilah wrote on Aug 13, 2008 3:20 PM:
proudmama2 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 3:24 PM:
marine1/1 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 3:32 PM:
db76 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 3:32 PM:
In other news, a wine bar (by appointment only) will open in the space once occupied by Mervyn's. Stay tuned for more details. "
BKF wrote on Aug 13, 2008 3:34 PM:
'In July, Rogal said, “I have felt for a long time that that block was crucial to make a more pleasant and vibrant downtown,” said Rogal.'
Not only does Rogal use the ill-advised 'that that' combination, but the editors played out their trump card in the form of 'Rogal said, "...," said Rogal.'
My intention is not to complain angrily, but rather to recommend an additional proof-reading before submitting each article. We, the citizens of Napa County, demand higher quality! "
Native74 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 3:47 PM:
napan007 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 3:49 PM:
Common Sense wrote on Aug 13, 2008 3:57 PM:
Bill wrote on Aug 13, 2008 4:00 PM:
make napa better wrote on Aug 13, 2008 4:10 PM:
Come on, you can get all your kids clothes and yours too!
I love Old Navy, wish they would have put one in the outlets. Old Navy outlet would have been AWESOME!! "
Napanee wrote on Aug 13, 2008 4:16 PM:
comment wrote on Aug 13, 2008 4:17 PM:
ds_granny911 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 4:21 PM:
lousy naive ignorant napan wrote on Aug 13, 2008 4:25 PM:
BD4 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 4:27 PM:
And plenty of people buy kids clothes at Wal-Mart & Target. As fast as they out grow them it makes no sense to buy expensive clothes. "
MarshaMarsha wrote on Aug 13, 2008 4:32 PM:
This is a travesty, I'll have to pick a whole new store to avoid. Darn. "
Dwayne wrote on Aug 13, 2008 4:35 PM:
I am no longer in the mood to support Napa businesses. "
longtimenapan wrote on Aug 13, 2008 4:35 PM:
je1466 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 4:36 PM:
tazzmaster wrote on Aug 13, 2008 4:38 PM:
Dirty Napkin wrote on Aug 13, 2008 4:48 PM:
I laughed my booty off at your comment..!!!!! I vote Old Navy!!! "
cordell wrote on Aug 13, 2008 4:50 PM:
dn52 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 5:00 PM:
Farmgirl wrote on Aug 13, 2008 5:23 PM:
Joe wrote on Aug 13, 2008 5:40 PM:
Joe wrote on Aug 13, 2008 5:42 PM:
what/who/how wrote on Aug 13, 2008 5:50 PM:
valleygal wrote on Aug 13, 2008 5:53 PM:
Times change I suppose. "
comment wrote on Aug 13, 2008 5:56 PM:
napathoughts wrote on Aug 13, 2008 6:01 PM:
Why? They will bring in all the other stores. No more merry go round of closing and failing business ventures. Sprinkle in a few more restaurants and wine tasting bars and downtown napa might actually become a destination versus locals going out of town and our tourists (our lifeline) driving right by it.
Pants to expensive? Don't worry about that because H&M, Old Navy and the Gap will follow. We might even get a real Cingular Store.
Before you nay-say this take a trip to Walnut Creek. In 8 years that shopping center has surpassed RODEO DRIVE in L.A. In sales per square feet. Think what that might do for our local economy? "
bimgroup wrote on Aug 13, 2008 6:07 PM:
To those of you who will miss this store, you have two Targets, a Wal Mart, and a super Wal Mart 10 minutes south of town.
It's time to build condos on top of the retail shops downtown, and bring an energy to this area that is good for all.
By the way, my wife purchased an item last week at Mervyns that was supposed to on sale for 60% off. The tag was marked 100.00 less 60%. When she went to wrap the gift, she found the original price tag marked 50.00. An accidental error? I don't think so!! Buyer beware, and and as we say in Napa these days.. Adios Mervyns!!! "
comment wrote on Aug 13, 2008 6:12 PM:
14obama wrote on Aug 13, 2008 6:23 PM:
Winewoman wrote on Aug 13, 2008 6:41 PM:
Joe B wrote on Aug 13, 2008 6:44 PM:
BD4 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 6:57 PM:
When I was a kid and lived in Concord, we all got ice skates for Christmas the year the rink opened at Sun Valley. I think I went 2-3 times. Concord is much bigger than Napa and it failed, as well as the ice rink in Bezerkly and the San Ramon area. "
Exasperated wrote on Aug 13, 2008 7:14 PM:
I also say "good riddance" to such a dump. It was a dirty, disorganized, trashy place.
Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with cheap stuff for the kids, I buy clothing for mine at Target and the outlets (Walmart is against my taste and principles), but the selection for kids her age were at best single-branded and waaaay too skimpy.
I can't wait to see what they put in this place. And, I'm glad it's not owned by George Altamura, which means something will actually go in, instead of sitting vacant. "
napablogger wrote on Aug 13, 2008 7:20 PM:
Sorry to Copperfields, but they order one copy of new books which sell out in ten minutes, then when you want one they offer to order one--should only take two weeks when you can get it from Amazon in two days.
A big bookstore would be a good anchor for hanging out downtown too.
I liked Mervyns but I dont like the seediness of the whole area, Rogal is right. Rogal is also great about building for community involvement and he has a sense of new trends about his approach that bodes well for this area. I'd say give him a chance.
Oh wait, he's a developer, I forgot I was supposed to hate him automatically and assume the absolute worse. "
cs425 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 7:30 PM:
clonapa wrote on Aug 13, 2008 7:38 PM:
jeepracer10 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 7:39 PM:
Dwayne wrote on Aug 13, 2008 7:52 PM:
You're makin' a joke, right...???...!!! "
crusherfan wrote on Aug 13, 2008 7:54 PM:
THE ICE RINK IN CONCORD...ARE YOU KIDDIN ME?THAT PLACE WAS AWSOME!!!THE CHRISTMAS WINDOW AT PENNYS,THE MEMORIES OF SUN VALLEY MALL.THANKS FOR REMINDING ME "
NapaCitizen wrote on Aug 13, 2008 8:55 PM:
Where's our realistic transit hub & park and ride, Napa? "
Hear Ye wrote on Aug 13, 2008 9:19 PM:
My vote goes to Dave and Busters! "
GregN. wrote on Aug 13, 2008 9:22 PM:
Grits wrote on Aug 13, 2008 9:23 PM:
MarkMiwords wrote on Aug 13, 2008 9:32 PM:
koni wrote on Aug 13, 2008 9:58 PM:
The thought of downtown having a store that will close down in a year is just want Napa needs. Downtown Need an AMC or Harkens some place that the family can go to after there $150.00 dinner for 2 adults and 2 kids . "
comment wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:17 PM:
abouttime wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:25 PM:
The Outlet stores are great places to buy clothes or shoes. We are lucky to have them. Also, I'm sure that whatever Rogal decides to do downtown it will be classy and help to upscale a grim, pathetic piece of downtown. "
JMO wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:40 PM:
What's wrong with a " downtown Nordstroms and an uptown shoppping area (North Napa /Taregt Walmart).
Let's return the word "Classy" to downtown". What's wrong with that???? "
royrodgers wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:54 PM:
napan1961 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:04 PM:
chunk wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:20 PM:
steph wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:35 PM:
I'll see you at Kohl's in Vallejo. "
zinful1 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:37 PM:
MOM67 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:40 PM:
jfz wrote on Aug 14, 2008 12:48 AM:
skigirltige2000 wrote on Aug 14, 2008 12:57 AM:
As a young adult in Napa, I know that there is NOWHERE to shop for clothing in Napa other than Mervyn's. Target is too expensive, Ross has the longest lines on the planet, and the Outlets are a joke. If the one decent place with great deals is going to close, at least match it with a great affordable place to shop. Please!
Every great place in the downtown plaza has already closed (Miller's Outpost, Waldenbooks, Bookends, etc). Not ALL people in Napa are tourists with money rolling around. Some of us are normal college kids with no extra money to spare for good clothes.
OLD NAVY!!! "
napablogger wrote on Aug 14, 2008 1:47 AM:
It's better than it used to be, but it sure isn't a big town book store, that is for sure. Half the books I want I can't get there without ordering them, which takes too long for me.
I think Nordstrom's is too high end for Napa, and they probably wouldn't get the business either. I bet it will probably end up being mixed use and specialty shops, some condos, etc. "
Hear Ye wrote on Aug 14, 2008 2:28 AM:
We already have 4 taquerias indowntown Napa. Unless EL Torro or Pancho Villa is moving here from SF I'm not interested. Give me my Dave and Busters! "
skiph wrote on Aug 14, 2008 3:11 AM:
ADARK1 wrote on Aug 14, 2008 3:20 AM:
" So now there's absolutely no place for middle class local napans to shop.
Rewind...Hmmm remember Mutual of Omaha nature shows...can you see em looking for the elusive middle class shoppers in Napa? Who's gonna be Jim? "
robert wrote on Aug 14, 2008 6:24 AM:
jwk wrote on Aug 14, 2008 6:51 AM:
nwnapan wrote on Aug 14, 2008 7:35 AM:
By the way, none of you have a say in what business will occupy the new space. The decision will be based on industry demand for space and demographic and economic studies. That's how it works.
Nordstrom's - no way. Napa is too small. Kohl's? Maybe. My guess it that you won't see any big name retailers in the space. It's not consistent with the surrounding businesses.
24 months free lease? There's not a developer in the world that would agree to that. Subsidizing the success of others is the business of the government, not private enterprise. "
FerrariGTC wrote on Aug 14, 2008 7:47 AM:
MOM67~
Don't write in all caps, it hurts my eyes and it's indicating that you are yelling at us. "
abouttime wrote on Aug 14, 2008 8:46 AM:
Native74 wrote on Aug 14, 2008 8:55 AM:
Rogal buying this section of town for redevelopment makes sense to me whereas I'm not for the Napa Pipe project in it's present state. I'd truly like to be supportive for at least one of his projects!!! "
db76 wrote on Aug 14, 2008 8:59 AM:
nanner wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:00 AM:
leeza wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:01 AM:
Bill wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:06 AM:
Too Bad the other major local Napa developer squeezed out the only small independent bookstore. "
Dwayne wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:26 AM:
" ..... In a year or two you will forget all about Mervyns and you'll be shopping somewhere else....."
Yep... Remember Montgomery Wards...??? "
Sickothis wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:27 AM:
omg-ur-too much wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:27 AM:
theodora wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:28 AM:
kbf wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:30 AM:
As far as the price change, I worked at Wards years ago and a ladies dress would come in priced one price and the manager who went to San Francisco to compare would re-price a higher price. I just bought my two granddaughters six dresses at the Mervyns at the Fairfield mall and they were on sale. I'll have to try the outlets, I haven't been there for awhile. "
my2cents68 wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:40 AM:
FerrariGTC wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:45 AM:
So true, and the quality is terrible as well. If I want cheap clothes I shop at H&M in Walnut Creek. Napa take notes on downtown Walnut Creek. They have the recipe for success. "
notshocked wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:54 AM:
The fact that Mr Smith was surprised by this is astonishing! But he now has a great opportunity to be a community hero, putting in a set of stores that will satisfy the economic needs of the Napa residents. "
mafi wrote on Aug 14, 2008 10:00 AM:
wined0wnnapa wrote on Aug 14, 2008 10:01 AM:
napaao wrote on Aug 14, 2008 10:05 AM:
i like what my2cents68 says: "How am I supposed to support the local economy if all options are being taken away?? " great point! how are we>? "
Dwayne wrote on Aug 14, 2008 10:12 AM:
" I think it would be really sick if we got a Saks Fifth Avenue - or a Ralph Lauren. God knows Napa needs something a little bit more high scale then Target and Wal-Mart. "
Well, the way Napa is going now it would be silly to put lipstick on a pig and expect something to be attractive. "
TheWholeTruth wrote on Aug 14, 2008 10:14 AM:
If I did I could be a part of turning downtown Napa into an award winning metal veneer old western town mock up with modular wine tasting shops, very expensive food court, parking at 25 dollars an hour, together with a mini Transamerica pyramid metal facade condo, spa and employment benefits trust hub. I could expect to get a big enough return to put a down payment on a private jet to fly me over the gridlock at Napa Pipe, Jamison Canyon, American Canyon and Hwy 37 to my quiet little private island in the Caribbean where I can escape napablogger's and Napa Redevelopment Partner's San Jose style development and planning stratgies.
Maybe the Napa Pipe industrial park should be moved to Mervyn's because we sure as heck don't need anymore "affordable" housing after Napa Pipe drives Napa Valley housing prices (those not already in foreclosure) further through the floor!!
Good Luck to us all! "
Jenn wrote on Aug 14, 2008 10:22 AM:
stray wrote on Aug 14, 2008 10:23 AM:
omg-ur-too much wrote on Aug 14, 2008 10:38 AM:
wined0wnnapa wrote on Aug 14, 2008 10:46 AM:
kbf wrote on Aug 14, 2008 10:48 AM:
Everyone remember what we are subdising-the trolly. This was to bring tourist to downtown and that really isn't happening so I can hear the city and developer-stores downtown to cater to the tourists so they won't go upvalley and spend their money.
As far as Wards I worked there and I do miss it also miss JC Penny. I do shop a lot at Target and I do go to the mall for a better selection.
winedonapa, we have enough latino markets in town now.
I agree a craft /fabric would be nice. Maybe we could lure Hobby Lobby. Id like a Kohls also.
Everyone watch, Mervyns today all the rest of the stores next. That whole block will be redone. "
SUSIE-Q wrote on Aug 14, 2008 11:32 AM:
tamazula02 wrote on Aug 14, 2008 11:54 AM:
lousy naive ignorant napan wrote on Aug 14, 2008 12:27 PM:
comment wrote on Aug 14, 2008 12:33 PM:
Mr. Rogal might have been just as surprised by this as we were. He might not have any idea about what he wants to do with the place at tis time. It will be interesting to see what he wants to do there. I hope he does something that would be a boon for the surrounding downtown area.
That building is ugly. I look forward to seeing it go. I'll help tear it down myself. "
nanner wrote on Aug 14, 2008 12:42 PM:
Dwayne wrote on Aug 14, 2008 12:48 PM:
I remember eating some of the best food on the planet from those vendors. Everything from fresh cooked fish while you wait to exotic fruits and veggies. It took about two weeks before I got Montezuma's revenge. The people who live there seem to be immune. Not something I want to experience again. "
Over50 wrote on Aug 14, 2008 12:50 PM:
hawkins707 wrote on Aug 14, 2008 1:12 PM:
I'm thinking of something along the lines of an ---- ESPN ZONE ---- Napa is lacking in the sports bar/restaraunt dept and a place like that would thrive in that location. Think about it, Napa's going to want something with a big name to flank the "riverfront" going up on the other side of downtown. Something has to go in there to support Napa's new reputation of being modern and alive and to really bring Napa to that next level. "
valley girl.com wrote on Aug 14, 2008 2:04 PM:
chunk wrote on Aug 14, 2008 2:08 PM:
bornin74 wrote on Aug 14, 2008 2:09 PM:
We need more FAMILY/LOCAL resturaunts, that are kid friendly and priced right... An ESPN ZONE & Movie Theater attached would be a good idea, but I think a Theater is already approved over on Gasser Drive.
Bring in Macy's, and store's similar will follow.
Old Navy is a good idea on here, but Old Navy is being PHASED out by GAP Corp.. Old Navy is GAP's "Cheap Brand" and GAP is taking a new startegy and "relieving themselves" of an image of poor quality (Old Navy)......
But I think WE ALL know what will go in there...... ANOTHER Hotel, 10 wine bars, and "affordable" condo's starting out @ $700,000.
NO developer is developing with the locals in mind here.
We are a rapidly growing LOCAL population, and we need developers to build for profit but also with a vision for the YOUTH in our City.
I can almost bet that Rogal would get approval on almost any type of project if he included the development of a sports complex, ballfields etc etc
(think Big League Dreams in Manteca) "
mykdgirl54 wrote on Aug 14, 2008 2:46 PM:
borders, apple store, nordstom or bloomingdales, old navy, pottery barn/crate and barrel, turn it into a shopping destination not only for tourists - but for NAPANS! "
LocalNapa wrote on Aug 14, 2008 3:01 PM:
Ross, Old Navy are cheap and their clothes fall apart after the second washing. I'd rather we start getting some more upscale choices.
By the way, Dayton Hudson is now known as Target Corporation. They changes the name over two years ago. "
MP wrote on Aug 14, 2008 3:10 PM:
abouttime wrote on Aug 14, 2008 3:16 PM:
Everything is more complicated. Travel, communications, education, your car, your TV, everything! Let go of the past, embrace the future and you will be happier. "
LocalNapa wrote on Aug 14, 2008 3:17 PM:
Ross, Old Navy are cheap and their clothes fall apart after the second washing. I'd rather we start getting some more upscale choices.
By the way, Dayton Hudson is now known as Target Corporation. They changes the name over two years ago. "
Dwayne wrote on Aug 14, 2008 3:27 PM:
NapaNana wrote on Aug 14, 2008 3:28 PM:
The only thing I agree with is that yes....the downtown is very much a dead area. I just can't wait (sarcastic) to see what the new plan for a fab refurbish of downtown is.
I just don't know where all the street people will hang out now....... "
lousy naive ignorant napan wrote on Aug 14, 2008 3:46 PM:
You're absolutely right. As long as First Street runs away from downtown, I don't see it being entirely successful. It would probably take huge infrastructure changes to make downtown Napa more like WC. "
Burts wrote on Aug 14, 2008 3:51 PM:
peabody wrote on Aug 14, 2008 4:25 PM:
Maybe the merchants downtown should stay open a little longer to cater to the tourists. I see them walking around downtown after 6pm. Once the wineries close at 5pm, what do the tourist have to do? Can't shop the stores downtown!
I'm a sad Napa native! "
SFpop wrote on Aug 14, 2008 4:41 PM:
No wonder people shop out of town... most likely it's going turn into ANOTHER little boutique hotel that no one will be able to afford, or another clothing boutique like HABIT where they charge $350 for a t-shirt.
Don't worry Napans, whatever will end up in that place will not last for long. Not with the creek rats and estranged teens scurrying around nearby. "
notshocked wrote on Aug 14, 2008 4:50 PM:
MP: great points... most roads lead you away from downtown. I had not even thought about that (no longer living there), but it does keep me out of the area (except to get my Gillwoods fix whenever I can!) "
napagurl85 wrote on Aug 14, 2008 4:58 PM:
Well, I know i'm definately going to go there one last time..... "
freeport56 wrote on Aug 14, 2008 5:10 PM:
I like the concept of something more community wide, napa-esk if you will. Something that blends and has character. Restaurants are alreadfy downtown, ice rink would you skate year round? Barwick-Duttons? Clothing stores we have, what niche can be filled to to support Napa. "
vocal-de-local wrote on Aug 14, 2008 5:37 PM:
Most definitely the downtown area is not suitable for a large mall anymore. Napans are destined to do their mall style shopping at either the South Napa Marketplace or further down in American Canyon. The downtown area is, and will continue going through a huge transformation. I doubt you will ever see a Macy's arriving in Napa; maybe Old Navy and Pottery Barn though. We are who we are at this point. We've allowed the town to move in this direction and for better or worse, we are no longer a mall friendly town. "
14obama wrote on Aug 14, 2008 6:40 PM:
A Family Affair "
Winewoman wrote on Aug 14, 2008 6:42 PM:
asahigo wrote on Aug 14, 2008 10:25 PM:
justnana wrote on Aug 14, 2008 10:50 PM:
grannieaj wrote on Aug 15, 2008 12:40 AM:
right now we may have to go out of town to shop for affordable quality clothes. soon we're just going to have to move. the city council's been spending money to turn the city into a tourist trap, and using their crazy spending as a way to justify doing whatever developers want.
enough already! locals are being driven out of town. no affordable housing. no good jobs. with elections coming, i'd like to see what lies the councilmembers are going to say, especially krider and techel. "
Grits wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:44 AM:
mafi wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:38 AM:
blundc wrote on Aug 15, 2008 10:45 AM:
lousy naive ignorant napan wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:21 AM:
I recommend the following:
Red Rock Cafe and Red Rock North (much better than Taylor's)
Villa Corona
Compadres
Pacific Blues
Gillwood's
Wah Sing
Papa Joe's
More selection in this price range would be great, but let's keep it local. We don't need another Applebee's. "
steph wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:17 PM:
I'd add Mary's, which, although a chain, is still local, having started in Sonoma and having a few restaurants limited to the North Bay.
The new Firewood restaurant is reasonable. Is it Firewood?--the new restaurant in Bel Air.
I wish Red Rock North would update a little. It's a nice family place but the decor is so tired-looking-70's. I really do think it would increase traffic.
Piccolino's is reasonable. And Filippi's! They give you SO much food.
How about Taqueria Rosita. VERY good, but no credit cards which is a bummer.
I agree that our little town has some great, unique, family-owned places to eat. I'd hate to have Napa become just like everywhere else with all the chains.
Even Chevy's, my old favorite, was AWFUL last time I went. The servers were super friendly, but the food was terrible.
On the other hand, I wish In-n-Out would open here in North Napa, but also that Villa Corona would open another restaurant in South Napa. VC is the best.
Ever since Whole Foods opened, I don't miss Fresh Choice, my other favorite chain.
But I like the list of restaurants Lousy Naive Ignorant Napan compiled. It's nice to be reminded that we DO have good choices. They don't advertise like the chains, but they do provide good food and service. "
John Richards wrote on Aug 16, 2008 12:00 AM:
Not so. For example, Mervyns carries a big selection of real Levi jeans, which Target and Walmart do not. "
samaker wrote on Aug 16, 2008 11:36 AM:
hawkins707 wrote on Aug 16, 2008 4:36 PM:
oh_stop_it wrote on Aug 16, 2008 11:30 PM:
Old_Napan wrote on Aug 17, 2008 8:41 AM:
funnyme wrote on Aug 17, 2008 12:55 PM:
I absolutely agree with you!
I love the "outdoor" Palo Alto mall! "
14obama wrote on Aug 17, 2008 4:54 PM:
14obama wrote on Aug 17, 2008 5:14 PM:
A FUN HOUSE
Go Cart Track
Batting Cage
All the Games
And
An Ice Rink "
109823 wrote on Aug 17, 2008 9:24 PM:
Melissahallford wrote on Aug 18, 2008 8:20 AM:
make napa better wrote on Aug 19, 2008 1:01 PM:
I walked out of there empty handed "