What stores would you like to see in downtown Napa?

As Register writer Kevin Courtney's article states, the city of Napa is spending nearly $100,000 to have a consultant come up with a plan for filling 105,000 square feet of new commercial space and another 76,000 square feet in older buildings that sit empty.

Walk through downtown Napa and you'll see all those empty storefronts.

If you are like me, you've looked at some and wondered what type of business you could open in one of those spaces. For me, I've thought about having another coffeehouse -- as I did in the late 90s in a different city -- across the street from the new Avia hotel or in one of a number of locations.

Maybe you've thought about what type of store you'd like to see so you could stop in and shop there.

Come on, tell us what types of stores would make you come downtown to shop.

97 comment(s)

sprklsunshine wrote on Jul 9, 2009 1:24 PM:

" The Beaded Nomad, Bookends, Eucalyptus Records (I know, it wasn’t ever downtown), along with some interesting, independent, and unusual stores. A couple of chains would be okay: H & M, Old Navy, Express or Gap, a couple shoe stores where the price doesn’t start at $89, and a Macy’s would make me think I’d died and gone to heaven . . . "

KelzMom wrote on Jul 9, 2009 1:54 PM:

" This is kind of a vague answer, but anything Mom & Pop, with rent they can AFFORD. No more Subways or Ben & Jerrys. I would love to see downtown stay quaint, and nothing like the downtowns across America.

So, on that note, another coffee shop would be great. Another art gallery would be great. Too bad Dekor had to leave. More clothing stores would be nice, another shoe store. A real deli! (smaller version of Genova). "

steph wrote on Jul 9, 2009 3:45 PM:

" The Beaded Nomad. "

steph wrote on Jul 9, 2009 3:46 PM:

" Ben & Jerry's IS Mom & Pop. The owner is a big supporter in the community, very hard-working and visible. I like having that store there. "

not a tourist wrote on Jul 9, 2009 3:47 PM:

" How about we put something in for the people who actually live here. We have enough stuff for the tourists you have to go out of town anymore just to do anything fun. "

firststreetmayor wrote on Jul 9, 2009 4:01 PM:

" Medical Marijuana dispensary right across the street of the Napa Police dept, old Herritts Flower shop, it would take all the space top to bottom, it is safe, parking, tax dollars around $750,000 on up. "

JustMyyOpinion wrote on Jul 9, 2009 4:07 PM:

" A non-Starbucks coffee shop near the new hotels is a great idea, along with a nice bakery or deli where hotel guests could walk to get a light meal.

I need to think of other specifics, but whatever it is should serve the needs of both tourists and residents alike. "

efinnapa wrote on Jul 9, 2009 4:08 PM:

" Well they could of asked us and saved 100K on a consultant firm.
What they need to do is stop being greedy and offer fair rents to local business.
If they want to get the high end business in offer 1 or 2 high end retailers little or no rent for a year plus have they city give them tax breaks.
After a few of the brand name high end retailers are in others will follow and they will pay full rent and get no tax breaks. "

kmulkey wrote on Jul 9, 2009 4:08 PM:

" I would love to see a mix of business with some boutiques, places to eat that are casual (sandwiches, pizza) a nice steak house, a trendy restaurant with bar, a shoe store, clothing store, ice cream shop, coffee shop/book store, jewelry store, hair salon, nail salon, travel store, art galleries, Anthropologie, furniture store. The stores should appeal to locals and tourists.

My husband would like to see clothing stores and maybe even our own store: Pollin's Interiors and Custom Upholstery. "

rmb wrote on Jul 9, 2009 4:12 PM:

" Bath & Body Works, fun clothing stores, American Eagle, high tech electronics store with the cool gadgets, container store,jc pennys...stores that I can go to that I don't have to drive all the way through jamison canyon to get to the mall. "

4gnapan wrote on Jul 9, 2009 4:42 PM:

" I'd be happy to open a computer service shop, if i thought i could afford the rents and insurance... but it wont ever happen.

a barnes and noble, borders, or somesuch would be great, but again, the rents will prohibit it. "

sickothis wrote on Jul 9, 2009 5:45 PM:

" Restoration Hardware. "

mom2 wrote on Jul 9, 2009 6:30 PM:

" When I was a kid we came downtown all the time to Merrills, Woolworths, Mervyns etc. that was before we had three Longs in town...anyway. I remember the shops downtown that we visited were small. Just enough square feet to carry a modest inventory and some storage. I like Jamba Juice, but First Squeeze makes great smoothies at the same price. A lot of what people have mentioned above already exists downtown. No one notices because they don't think anything is down there. I'd like to see a Bath and Bodyworks, Coldwater Creek, Foot Locker, Hollister (for the kids) Chico's, Pottery Barn, Borders, (Anette's has coffee and ice cream - I don't think we need more of those) Art Gallery of Local Art, small CVS (longs) type store (locals and tourists will use this alot), Banana Republic, mixed with unique Napa stores - the ones that the tourists would use. IF we had a well balanced mix of popular and unique - then I think Downtown will thrive. Of course it is up to the City and Property owners to make it happen - We all just have to promise to come if they build it! "

krusty wrote on Jul 9, 2009 7:01 PM:

" I would like to see a combination of chain stores and smaller family owned places. I think you need the chain stores to draw people to the area. The people drawn to the area would support the smaller family owned places as well.

As far as the stores I would like to see, I would love to have a large book store. I would spend a lot of time at a place with a set up similar to what I've seen at a Borders or Barnes and Noble.

An Apple store would probably be a great addition. Those places are always packed.

I would also like to see a Chipotle restaurant. I like some of the mexican restaurants we currently have in downtown but I would still patronize them if a Chipotle moved in to downtown.

And last but not least, a drug store. "

diehard4ever wrote on Jul 9, 2009 7:41 PM:

" HOLLISTER! Aeropostale, Abercrombie, Vans, a Quicksilver, Hot Topic (they sell Twilight Stuff) and maybe an American Eagle. That WILL get 95% of people from ages 11-19 to shop in Napa. Right now we have to go all the way to Fairfield. NO KOHLS/MERVYNS! Most of the stuff there is overpriced, not adorable and doesn't last long. At all. Most of it is for babies/adults. Most of the shoppers ARE teens, well, their parents really, but still teens. "

Dirty Napkin wrote on Jul 10, 2009 7:53 AM:

" Trader Joes, Fresh Choice, and an Old Navy!!!!! "

noblindershere wrote on Jul 10, 2009 8:03 AM:

" all the stores that are in Corta Maders and Walnut Creek shopping cneters that are packed everyday would be great. "

andy wrote on Jul 10, 2009 8:17 AM:

" Chili's, Old Navy, Barnes and Noble. Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, Nordstrom. Anchors that get people downtown - then the local stores can fill in the rest of the space. "

formerNapakin wrote on Jul 10, 2009 9:08 AM:

" In all honesty, I moved out of Napa due to the lack of shopping/entertainment. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Napa but the lack of decent shopping and entertainment made it really hard to stay. Now I live in Vacaville..and let me tell you, there is everything under the sun in downtown vacaville! Higher end resturant's, diners, bars that have live music and karaoke ALL THE TIME. There is a plesant mixture of small convienent stores, ice cream and pizza parlors, thrift shops, medical supply stores, drug stores, books stores, barber shops, fruniture stores...almost everything you need is right there in dowtown vacaville. Just like a downtown area is supposed to be!

My thought is that Napa property owners charge so much for rent, that is nearly impossible for merchants to open and maintain a business with the astronomical rent they must pay for the space. In order to keep their doors open, merchants must inflate the price of their products in hopes that they are able to pay their rent...which then turns off locals from shopping/buying from them.

It's a vicious cycle that needs to be broken..or soon there will be NO downtown napa...in my opinion. "

napan007 wrote on Jul 10, 2009 9:10 AM:

" Look to Walnut Creek and Santana Row for a vision on what constitutes success... yes, tourists LOVE these places but for goodness sake, why does it have to be tourists vs. locals all the time? Nordstrom, Macys, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Apple, Limited, Express, Sephora, Anthropologie, Borders, drug store...

Does this mean the end of mom & pop stores? Not if they strategize. I would never try to run a mom & pop clothing store against a Macys, for example. But I remember a few years ago my family went to downtown Mountain View for dinner. We also walked around a lot, purchasing some books at Borders and some coffee at a local shop. We ate dinner, and were walking around again when we came across a fish store. Yep, a fish store. And I tell you what, this fish store was freaking PACKED. They had such beautiful aquariums and a wide selection of fish that seemingly everyone on the street was drawn in to take a look. And the store staff were all on hand to answer questions and chat with everyone who wandered in. Now we admittedly didn't walk out with a fish that night but that place really stuck in my mind as the store I would want to go to if/when I do get a fish. I bet their business is doing great. There was a line at the register when we left. "

rickw wrote on Jul 10, 2009 9:23 AM:

" Mervyns, Kaybee Toys, Millers Outpost, Foot Locker, Merrils Drug store, JC Penneys, Brewsters, and the LampLighter. "

fnjw wrote on Jul 10, 2009 9:47 AM:

" Some type of drug store, like Merrills. If you have the new Avia Hotel and Napa Square and future residences downtown, that's potentially a lot of foot traffic. These people might like to buy a cold drink or pick up a magazine, or some aspirin, etc. There's really not anywhere to do that except Val's and Safeway. "

wipemedown wrote on Jul 10, 2009 9:50 AM:

" Spearmint Rhino "

newnapa14 wrote on Jul 10, 2009 10:03 AM:

" A great anchor store would be Nordstroms. I am not certain why Kohls was chosen as I don't find it much different than the previous store. I won't shop there, but would be delighted to walk to a Nordstrom's rather than drive to Walnut Creek. Nordstroms would also pull people from upvalley - who would have thought?!!

Downtown locations should be a mix of national and local retail shops - many good suggestions listed here.

I think perhaps the biggest problem is thinking too low end or small! "

freeport56 wrote on Jul 10, 2009 10:14 AM:

" I know it's too late, but NOT KOHLS.

REI, Barnes and Noble, Gourment Cooking shop, Footlocker...and some high end shops Gucci...etc. "

msdemo wrote on Jul 10, 2009 10:17 AM:

" I would like to see Macy's or Penneys come into town. I think the rest would follow. Kohls in Vallejo doesn't do it for me. And I am sorry about Bookends and the beaded nomad. Some of us go downtown strictly with a purpose. The purpose has gone down to nothing. "

NVR-Dan Ross wrote on Jul 10, 2009 10:22 AM:

" Remember, all of you saying no to Kohl's, they were not recruited to take over the Mervyns space, but the company took over the leases of the Napa space and many others when Mervyns filed for bankruptcy.

See the Register article here.

http://www.napavalleyregister.com/articles/2009/02/12/news/local/doc4994f0e4b610f788877328.txt "

rico wrote on Jul 10, 2009 11:15 AM:

" Penney's and not Kohl's? Are you serious? Is Penney's even still in business? "

dmom wrote on Jul 10, 2009 11:18 AM:

" Put a Rainbow Grocery (or similar company) in the old Merrills building. If we're looking to increase foot traffic and if indeed there will be more people living/staying downtown, a cash and carry, impulse buy, fresh foods and staples store would do well there.

A small tea room with loose and sachet teas, cafe-style seating, pastries, and tea-related products, capable of hosting private parties would be a strong possibility and also attract parents with young children as these are typically designed to accomodate birthday parties. Sit-down businesses tend to keep people in the area longer.

The bigger book chains do the same thing, drawing traffic and offering a place to linger but I would rather see a family-owned, smaller chain back in downtown. Books are a tough way to make a living unless combined with many other impulse products, which can be done if you think out of the box. Take a look at Book Passage in Corte Madera and SF or Books, Inc. in SF, Palo Alto, and Berkeley, for model examples.

City planners need to get serious about building facades, working with landowners for flow and setting standards that stick; signage for example.

Not since the Ben Franklin store has there been an artist supply/crafts store in downtown and I think it would surprise many how a well-planned, fully-stocked store would be utilized by locals.

One thing the CA Dept. Of Commerce Mainstreet Program always did was search for balance in retail and insist on standards.

I'm available for consultation for much less than $100,000. lol "

NapaFurriesMom wrote on Jul 10, 2009 11:36 AM:

" Barnes & Noble or Borders, Tuesday Morning, An affordable baby / toddler store, Harry & David, Arts & Crafts Store like Michaels. "

post-it wrote on Jul 10, 2009 1:05 PM:

" it would be nice to see a vibrant place that is not a clone of every other place. I don't understand why national retailers can't develop a store that is unique to Napa? All a chain would have to do is relabel the products they sell everywhere else, add a few new items, and put it in a store designed to create a distinctive brand that would appeal to both locals and tourists.

I would hate to see downtown full of souvenir shops like pier 39.

Downtown is the best location for an entertainment district. I would like to see more places for music and dancing. What are the locals to do at night and what are the tourists supposed to do after tasting wine and eating? "

magnum wrote on Jul 10, 2009 1:31 PM:

" I thought the Mayor was going to pay a firm $100k to answer this question. "

scully wrote on Jul 10, 2009 2:34 PM:

" Has anyone wondered, when so many non-chain stores have had to move out of downtown to survive (excessive rent increases, not necessarily low revenue), why there are 3 nail salons downtown??? Are there enough customers to support 3?

I'd like to see unique stores and privately owned businesses (vs. large scale chain stores). On one hand, I see Napa businesses/landlords trying too hard to be 'upscale', and that seems to be something Napa is not and can not support. On the other hand, quite a few residents seem to want major chain stores, which will lead to a generic mall, which to me is not the type of mall you want downtown.

I miss the bookstores, Beaded Nomad, the antique store, and many of the other retailers that have disappeared in the 26 years I've lived here. We still have some interesting and worthwhile shops here which I try to patronize.

Check out Economic Development Systems for yourself: http://www.econdevsys.com/

Their 'sister company': http://www.hurstharrigan.com/ Note the page: clients>view tenant relationships for a preview of what might come to Napa. "

rred12 wrote on Jul 10, 2009 2:55 PM:

" I would love to see a Pho Vietnamese Noodle place open up. Something good and inexpensive for us locals. "

valleylocal wrote on Jul 10, 2009 3:23 PM:

" MUSIC!!!! THIS TOWN HAS NO MUSIC!!!
Seriously - why aren't Napans allowed to dance? What are they afraid of?

The Hatt Building has done great. Ask Harry Price or other successful businesses like Azzurro Pizzera & Enoteca. Always packed with locals.

And guess what city planners, locals bring their friends and make recommendations. Hmmm, cater to locals and the tourists will follow. There's a thought.

P.S. Oh and why is there only one shoe store in this town? "

napanatheart wrote on Jul 10, 2009 3:47 PM:

" restoration hardware, pottery barn, crate and barrel, chico's, ANYTHING not mervyns or target related! "

valleylocal wrote on Jul 10, 2009 4:23 PM:

" I drive out of town to:

1. Go to a decent movie theater.
2. Have a variety of reasonably priced shops.
3. Be in a park like setting where you can sit and relax but still have retail and restaurant activity.
4. Dance
5. Ride on a smooth bike path

Obviously Napa does not have the population to sustain many specialty chains but there is no reason we can't have a fun, thoughtful approach to bringing what locals want to downtown. "

funnyme wrote on Jul 10, 2009 5:05 PM:

" 1-APPLE Store (OMG krusty I never thought possible to agree with you...8D)

- Shoe stores galore...love shoes (name a girl who doesn't)

- Sidewalk cafes with some fun live music during the day. Bring the 'old world' in here!

- Beg Thomas Keller to do something! (everything he touches turns into gold, and the man is a, well, a good man)

- A pet store with 'live puppies' (consignment). Do you know how many Americans own pets?...or want one?

- MUSIC!!! (live or not)...good ol dancing can bring a smile to just about anyone...you got it valleylocal!

Now, there! "

steph wrote on Jul 10, 2009 6:29 PM:

" But only if the puppies were from a local family breeder, not a puppy mill. Not sure a family breeder would agree to that, though. "

Praetorian wrote on Jul 10, 2009 6:54 PM:

" Crate and Barrel, Ikea, "

Vintage wrote on Jul 10, 2009 7:50 PM:

" Potterybarn, Crate and Barrel, Macy's,
Restoration Hardware, Foot Candy, Apple, Upscale furniture stores, California Pizza Kitchen, Boudin, Lulu Lemon...... "

kevin wrote on Jul 10, 2009 8:55 PM:

" Some decent MUSIC would be nice! LOUD music, the way it was meant to be played.... "

Ureluis wrote on Jul 10, 2009 9:36 PM:

" I'm saying this honestly and powerifuly!! BEST BUY,surf city and MUST HAVE A APPLE STORE!!!I'm not kidding if there ws one I would beg my parents to takig until I cry!! "

KelzMom wrote on Jul 10, 2009 9:41 PM:

" rred12...........yummy...pho. That's a great idea! So far, the clothing stores that are downtown are keeping me happy. A few more shoe stores would be awesome. And YES! A baby/toddler/kids store. Just do something! I love this town. "

krusty wrote on Jul 11, 2009 12:52 AM:

" I'm not sure how that happened, funnyme. Should either of us be frightened?

Seriously, I think everyone can agree that an Apple store would be a big draw. I believe the closest Apple store to us is in Walnut Creek. One in Napa could draw people from Fairfield and Vallejo. "

Hear Ye wrote on Jul 11, 2009 1:27 AM:

" Yeah, what Funnyme said! Except for the shoes, I don't care about that. :) "

Bauhausfan wrote on Jul 11, 2009 7:43 AM:

" With all the chain stores listed by people as desired to be in downtown, it would look like some kind of "upscale" strip mall.

I am curious - what is the average amount per square foot they charge for retail space downtown? "

mykdgirl54 wrote on Jul 11, 2009 10:03 AM:

" PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE... developers listen to the people and business owners of Napa! We need a downtown that resembles walnut creek or palo alto (university ave) Which include a mix of stores like; Bath and Body Works, Victorias Secret, A Childrens Place, Old Navy, H & M, Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, etc. Alongside mom & pop delis, jewlers, rug stores, art stores,florists, etc. Also add in a electronic stores (i.e. apple) and a Bookstore! barnes and noble or borders! lastly sprinkle in a few high end boutiques as well as a few well known high end retailers - tiffanys, movado, gucci, etc. People in this valley have been begging for YEARS for quality shopping (and not just the hit/miss/discounted items at the outlets) The name brand stores would help carry the mom and pop's, tourists AND locals would stay, wonder, meander, AND SPEND! Keep the Vets park for live music/events in the evenings to keep people downtown! Make it so there is something there for everyone not just tourists! "

mktmkr wrote on Jul 11, 2009 10:14 AM:

" How about some reasonably priced restaurants that aren't chains? I'm thinking something like Pasta?, which I admit has three locations, but maintains an authentic feel unlike a place like applebees. Also, let's face it, the grocery options downtown leave a lot to be desired. I'm not sure a huge grocery store would be a big success, but an independent grocer reminiscent of Berkeley Bowl would definitely bring in locals as well as extended stay tourists like those that have condos/timeshares right across the river.
http://www.pastaq.com/
http://www.berkeleybowl.com/ "

sweetgrape14 wrote on Jul 11, 2009 4:00 PM:

" THE NATURAL CAFE!!!!

They are a Southern California restaurant business and they are AMAZING!!!!! They NEED to open a location in Napa! It would be a huge hit!! Their food is all natural and delicious and very reasonably priced!!!!

Please Please Please look into it!!!! "

pharper wrote on Jul 11, 2009 5:12 PM:

" I'd love to see a pet store too, but you hear a lot of horror stories about pet stores that sell puppies, kittens, and large birds like parrots and mynahs. They're often very questionably cared for and ill-gotten, so if we were to get a pet store, it'd have to be a family-owned one where the owners know exactly where they get their animals.

I'd love to see a Forever 21 or an H&M, because they're reasonably priced with a lot of clothes that a lot of teenagers like. I'm a big fan of Old Navy as well, for the same reason.

Fresh Choice would be great too! "

wanderingmoon wrote on Jul 12, 2009 7:16 AM:

" I'd really love to see the Uptown theater finally open up and start showing films. In town's like San Rafael they revitalized the downtown area by revamping the old movie house, hosting film festivals there, as well as offering film related classes to kids, etc. Napa needs more quality entertainment and a good movie theater would offer that to locals as well as visitors.

I'd really hate to see Borders come to town when Napa already has good independent bookstores, but I'd like to see a good independent music store like Rasputin Music or Amoeba open up downtown. I'm sure it would be enjoyed by teens as well as adults and tourists.

More locally run boutiques and affordable cafes or deli's would be welcome, but please don't turn Napa turn a strip mall. The last thing downtown needs is chain restaurants like Chili's and Fresh Choice. "

rpcv wrote on Jul 12, 2009 7:30 AM:

" I think some respondents never go downtown, because many of the types of stores on their wish lists are already there! We need a bookstore downtown. Losing Bookends and the Beaded Nomad broke my heart. But above all else, we need people to support downtown and shop there, instead of just assuming that what they want can't be found there. "

GerryKP wrote on Jul 12, 2009 8:05 AM:

" 1. First off, we need WiFi for EVERYONE downtown. All residents and visitors should have access to fast WiFi while roaming the streets. Great for all smart phones, 3G capable cell phones to find locations, wineries and restaurants.
2. Trader Joes in the old Merrills building would be great. Great for downtown residents to walk to and shop, easing some traffic woes for Bel Aire Plaza
3. Peet's Coffee (wasn't this talked about?)
4. I agree with others, Amoeba records or "Hear Music" (have you been to the one in Berkeley on 4th Street?) "

bhenery wrote on Jul 12, 2009 8:42 AM:

" From reading these posts it appears our residents are air headed shopaholics!

What do we need all this shlock, canned, sameness for?

Walnut Creek here we come.....how sad......how stupid my neighbors. "

scooby wrote on Jul 12, 2009 10:58 AM:

" i think we need a mix of stores and residences. why not turn some ot the vacant properties into condos? they do need to be so expensive as riverfront residences. get a core group of residents that live downtown and the stores will follow. "

WorksInNapa wrote on Jul 12, 2009 4:44 PM:

" Jack in the Box, McDonalds, Wendy's, or any other place a family can take kids and not go broke feeding them. This is one reason I seldom shopped downtown with the family - no place to feed the kids (and have money left over for shopping). A local owned business providing the same type of service for the same prices would work also. "

diehard4ever wrote on Jul 12, 2009 7:12 PM:

" magnum-
I would've done it for a 20 and a free coffee.. decaf, of course... unless you want to see a hyperactive 13 year old running around in small circles until the caffeine wears off... could be funny...

Maybe not BestBuy... though I do love BestBuy... it's a little too big. Best Buy rocks! We've gotten a laptop and a TV there for between $100 and $500 less than other stores that sell the same thing. GeekSquad is a coll feature too. "

John Richards wrote on Jul 12, 2009 7:45 PM:

" Those of you who keep mentioning a Macy's, as far as I know they will only locate in large indoor shopping malls. So, until we have one of those, no Macy's. :-( "

My4cents wrote on Jul 12, 2009 8:13 PM:

" I think we can learn from other successful downtown areas--for example--Petaluma with 70, 000 residents is similar to the size of Napa. The downtown area is charming, not filled with chains and has more affordable rent-ask the Beaded Nomad, that's where they moved. I would like to see a non corporate coffeehouse that stays open in the evening; a better variety of affordable and authentic ethnic cuisine restaurants (no offense Neela's); teahouse; frozen yogurt place; and a local bookstore/CD store. I agree that a pharmacy with convenience items would also be great. Kohls is opening so that should satisfy our need for an department store anchor. Small towns like Napa are great places to live because they're not like everywhere else. It not just a "tourist" thing---its part of a lifestyle where you feel lucky to live where you do because its unique. Tourism is also important and when I travel I am not interested in going to towns that have all the same stuff my town does. If locals want a vibrant downtown we have to support a vibrant downtown. We can't complain when we can't park right in front of the place we want to patronize. Personally, I would like to see the main grid of downtown turned into a car free zone. "

teacherjane wrote on Jul 13, 2009 12:48 AM:

" I would love to see:
1. Kohl's
2. A teacher's store that would compete with The Learning Fair's prices and selection
3. Best Buy
4. Old Navy
5. Medicinal marijuana dispensary
6. An arcade, like Santa Cruz has, so that teens have something to do
7. Chipotle
8. Chevy's
9. Olive Garden
10. Hula's or Mongolian BBQ
11. Fresh Choice
12. Barnes and Noble
13. Pita Pit "

rico wrote on Jul 13, 2009 8:10 AM:

" JR, as usual, doesn't know what he is talking about. Never been to Corte Madera apparently, an outdoor mall with a Macy's. "

sprklsunshine wrote on Jul 13, 2009 8:58 AM:

" We have 2 pet stores in Napa that do weekly adoptions; we have 2 animal shelters in Napa and 1 in St. Helena that also do adoptions. We DO NOT need a pet store/puppy mill for breeders. Adopt the ones that are already here that need loving homes, don’t create more. Spay and neuter, people (same goes for the humans)!! "

LocalNapa wrote on Jul 13, 2009 9:21 AM:

" Macy's / Nordstroms
Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn Kids
Crate and Barrel
William Sonoma
PF Changs
Borders
Janie and Jack
Apple Store
Pasta Pomodoro
Sur la Table
Restoration Hardware "

diehard4ever wrote on Jul 13, 2009 9:29 AM:

" teacherjane-
Arcades won't keep us entertained. THe machines cost too much money. And most of us would rather buy clothes than spend a few t-shirts worth on games to get a small rubber lizard. "

DSP wrote on Jul 13, 2009 11:38 AM:

" I second the thought of many on the following:

Apple Store

Rasputin's or Amoeba Music

Good cheap pasta place. One restaurant I miss from Santa Barbara is Presto Pasta. Great pasta cheap. Check it out http://www.prestopasta.com/

Also I agree with whoever said Natural Cafe. Another great place from my Santa Barbara days. http://www.thenaturalcafe.com/index.php "

clonapa wrote on Jul 13, 2009 11:52 AM:

" I personally would love to see:
1. Dave & Busters or any type of family fun zone-ESPN, Scandia type
2. Macys
3. Old Navy
4. Vans store
5. Childrens Place
6. Borders
7. Chipotle
8. Melting Pot
9. Create and Barrel
10. Best Buy
11. Nice movie theater (whats the status with Cinadome?)
12. Build a new skate/BMX park out at Kennedy
13. Water slides ?

Ill keep my fingers crossed...till then I go to Concord/Fairfield/Vacaville on the weekends to do most activites and shop. Id rather be spending my money and time in the beautiful city I grew up and raise my family in. "

pharper wrote on Jul 13, 2009 1:13 PM:

" A better skate/BMX park would probably make my boyfriend cry with joy. The Napa skate park isn't all that great (and it's very, very small) and isn't in a great location. An indoor skate park would be even cooler...maybe I'd finally learn to ride a skateboard. :)

I've never been to a Dave and Buster's, but my understanding is that they're a lot of fun. I'd love to see one of those here. Scandia's not a bad one either, but I don't think there's any room downtown for one.

Idk about that, Angelina. When my friends are looking for something to do, shopping's pretty low on the list. We'd rather do an activity than look for clothes (and we don't go shopping in co-ed groups, usually. I hate shopping with guys!). An arcade might be kind of fun, because we could choose how much money we want to spend. We could have DDR competitions and maybe a kind of lounge inside with food and music. Maybe weekly or monthly performances by local teen bands and sponsored contests of some sort? "

5th generation napan wrote on Jul 13, 2009 1:18 PM:

" How about:

Bookends book store
Beaded Nomand
Redwood Art Supply
Shalow's shoes
Silverado Pizza
Alfredos Pizza
Napa Toy store
Eucaliptus Records
Comedy club
Dance / Nite club
J. C. Penney's
the five antique stores
Chicks Burgers
Merryles drug/grocery store
Roller skate rink
Ben Franklin's Art Supply

Oh yah, they were here until the landlord raised their rents to a ridiculous price and drove them out.

But Added to that how about also;

A decent affordable clothing store
Mens suit's store
An ampahterater
a young adult exploratorium
An army/navy surplus store
A camp / backpacking shop
(a real sporting goods shop, not big 5)
A rainforest cafe
Boarders Books
A leather supply shop
Restoration Hardware

A downtown specific realator and a tax (retroactive) on all spaces left vacant after 3 months.

Its not the fact these stores were not supported, but that they were just making it in these economic times and their throats were cut by landlords pricing them out of business.
In the old days most of these people would have owned their own places and could weather out rough economic times. But now if with a landlord that only wants high level rents and will not work with them if he doesn't like them shop owners have no chance of survival. "

outsidelookingin wrote on Jul 13, 2009 2:29 PM:

" I visit Napa often and I think the key to a successful downtown area is a combination of retailers and restaurants that provide convenience for the locals but also pique interest for tourists. I believe that an eclectic array of big name stores, i.e., Apple, Macy's, etc. in conjunction with small boutiques and locally owned establishments is the ideal mixture for downtown Napa. "

diehard4ever wrote on Jul 13, 2009 3:53 PM:

" pharper-
If it's like what you described, then YES!!! I've lived half an hour away from Santa Cruz and the arcade there is basically a collection of overpriced games that are impossible to win and half are usually out of order. The food is overpriced and no better than the stuff at elementary school cafeteria food. :P

And I do agree... shopping with guys stinks. A nicer skate park would be cool. We might use our skateboards for something other than sitting on them and rolling down the super steep driveway we had in Santa Cruz (And nearly hitting the neighbor's car in the process).

Scandias awesome. I love the Go-Karts... Maybe a Go-Kart track sponsored by one of the vineyards in "rural" Napa? I'm trying to think of a place where... "

John Richards wrote on Jul 13, 2009 10:10 PM:

" "Corte Madera ..., an outdoor mall with a Macy's. "

The exception that proves the rule.
Let's face it, Macy's will never come to Napa. "

reneefannin wrote on Jul 13, 2009 10:39 PM:

" Stride Rite
Children's Place
Sports Authority or Di**'s Sporting Goods ( I got censored on that one)
An Independent Bookstore
Restoration HArdware
PF Changs
Chik Fil A
Body Shop
Educational Toy Store
or even better-equivalent stores to those above that are locally owned and operated "

krusty wrote on Jul 14, 2009 12:26 PM:

" Walnut Creek also has an outdoor mall with a Macy's, JR. San Antonio, Texas has an outdoor mall with a Macy's in it.

Two more exceptions to your rule. "

jersey guy wrote on Jul 14, 2009 1:26 PM:

" If you walk downtown, you will see that Main St stores are almost all filled and the south side of First St is completely filled. It is only the north side of First St and the Town Center that have the empty stores. We all know who owns those buildings. They will never be rented as long as they are under the current ownership. The Town Center should be torn down as it is not needed anymore and some type of recreational facility should be built in its place. We need to figure out a way to get control of the north side of First St, so the rents will be reasonable and stores of any type will want to locate there. "

Beebop wrote on Jul 14, 2009 1:29 PM:

" Look at LocalNapa said. Ditto that. Consider the new outdoor malls that have the nicer stores but also feel very much like a safe shopping neighborhood. Look at Aurora Colorado's mall. Very family oriented with great stores to shop. "

mcrauntie wrote on Jul 15, 2009 1:30 AM:

" stores that the people who live here can afford (not tourists) "

JustMyyOpinion wrote on Jul 15, 2009 7:16 AM:

" I'd love to have an authentic Mexican cantina with GOOD Mexican food and outdoor seating. Red Hen has the outdoor seating but the food is definitely sub-par. They know it and don't do anything to improve it.

It'd be wonderful to have a Macy's here, but I won't hold my breath. And not that we don't have enough drugstores already, but a Walgreens that has better prices than Longs/CVS would be a plus! A store like Michael's would be nice for decorating and holiday supplies. "

Sly wrote on Jul 15, 2009 8:03 AM:

" I would like to see downtown filled with locally owned mom & pop stores, which requires property owners to reduce the rent.

Secondly, I'd like to see the town come alive with music, dancing, family events, and lots of activity.

Thirdly, as many have mentioned, I'd love to have larger chain stores such as Barnes & Noble, but they should be added to existing shopping areas.

Downtown should be kept unique and fun so as to make it an interesting place for both tourists and locals. "

Shrapnal wrote on Jul 15, 2009 8:31 AM:

" on a realistic note I would love to see:
book store
toy store
large clothier (jc pennys, khols, etc)
small drugstore
Color-Me-Mine (franchise that provides pottery for people to come in and paint great for kids)
healthy "fast-food" priced restaurant "

toxicavenger wrote on Jul 15, 2009 9:18 AM:

" Dave and Busters would be great. I love that place. Some kind of sports bar would be awesome. There is no where to go in Napa for a good beer and hot wings. Don't get me wrong Down Town Joe's is a great place but a bar dedicated to sports would be cool. Just more bars in general. AS you can tell I love bars. "

vinovalleygirl wrote on Jul 15, 2009 12:22 PM:

" AW MAN! Toxic, if a D and B's were here, I would be there every night during hockey season!!! "

jeeper16 wrote on Jul 15, 2009 10:14 PM:

" How about having Mr. Altamura open up a business called "George's Drug Store & Cinema".... Drug store in the front-movies in the back! "

pharper wrote on Jul 16, 2009 10:50 AM:

" I'm in Pismo right now, and yesterday we spent a long time at a pet store with live puppies and kittens.

I did not like the set-up. The seemed healthy enough, but they were in glass cages where they couldn't hear any people. They were taken out, passed around among people, then put back in. They weren't allowed to play with people or sit and be held.

I don't remember who it was, but someone else also mentioned puppy mills and the thousands of dogs and kittens waiting to be adopted from We Care and the Humane Society.

I've changed my mind, and whoever said it was right. We don't need a pet store like that in Napa. I love my hand-me-down dogs, and I don't need to pay $900 (nine hundred!!!!) for a Pomeranian in a pet store when I could get a mixed breed that's just as cute for about a hundred from the shelter.

Perhaps a better alternative would be a shelter for animals where kids could work and learn about pet care. The Humane Society doesn’t even allow people back to look at the dogs if they’re under eighteen and unaccompanied by an adult (but interestingly, you can walk dogs if you’re over 16). As a kid who spent most of her life wanting to be a veterinarian, I would have been first in line at that shelter. We could still have “doggies in the window” at an animal shelter! "

robustdan wrote on Jul 17, 2009 7:01 AM:

" It doesn't much matter what we napan's want to see down town. The city planners have already decided that all new business for the downtown area is to attract more tourism dollars. Just who came up with the great idea to put the new Million Dollar Condo's next to the county jail and overlooking the nasty mud flats of the Napa River. That was a brilliant expense. Reminds me of the Copia Debacle. Just how much is this new potential fiasco going to cost the Napa tax payers. "

Bauhausfan wrote on Jul 17, 2009 12:43 PM:

" Robustdan - I think the condos by the river are a bad idea, but I am pretty sure that is a privately funded venture. "

ao1982 wrote on Jul 17, 2009 2:34 PM:

" Are you serious? Fast food in downtown Napa? Cook your kids a meal lazy parents! I cant believe most of you want to see corporate america take over our little town. That is sad. No morals or beliefs in this town. Whatever though, I am sure all of these suggestions will fly right out the window. "

otto wrote on Jul 18, 2009 10:38 AM:

" +1 to my4cents. Don't have to look far for a good model. Petaluma, Davis for example. Davis in particular manages a good mix of local and chain stores, affordable and upscale. We have the charming downtown, now let's stop drving all the retail to the edges of town. "

manxkat wrote on Jul 19, 2009 10:34 AM:

" I think you should go back and re-read Bruce Johnson's letter of July 14. His was the most cogent article on real estate and reatail economics.
But, since you're asking, there are a few businesses I would like to have in downtown. First of all lets have a whorehouse! And, I'd like to have a real Las Vegas casino. To top it off I think an upscale gun and knife store would be great too. Oh, and we're missing a grocery store and a gas station too. "

reason-ator wrote on Jul 19, 2009 1:01 PM:

" A snowmobile dealership and a DIY igloos outlet store. "

rjandrews wrote on Jul 19, 2009 1:05 PM:

" The Beaded Nomad. Uptown Theater. "

blundc wrote on Jul 22, 2009 3:33 PM:

" a buffaloes exchange would be SUPER COOL, i know a lot of the younger people and even older people would love this. they are extremely popular in berkeley and sf. "

alixzander wrote on Jul 23, 2009 9:50 AM:

" Yay! Consumerism!
For real though, I’d like to see more collectives. Oh ya, and lets bring back the smoking cat café/café revolution. "

diehard4ever wrote on Jul 23, 2009 1:42 PM:

" A store that sells JanSport backpacks! With as much of a selection that Mervyns had!!! I had to order this year's online because there isn't a store until San Jose that has as good of a selection as Mervyns... "

sandia wrote on Jul 23, 2009 6:34 PM:

" It will do no good to compile a wish list of stores like Apple, Restoration Hardware and A&F until Napa's impossible one way streets and horrible parking problems are solved. Perhaps a 100k could be spent on a good civil engineering firm. THEN, when downtown is functional, stores might consider it. "

Missy56 wrote on Aug 9, 2009 12:45 AM:

" I remember when our "mall" was being built and they turned down a Lane Bryant store because it wasn't something the "tourists" would shop at. This is just an example. They were so picky. Has our "mall" ever been 100% full? I love Gillwoods and Ben & Jerry's and I'd love to see it more like the Willows shopping center in Concord. Get a Fuddrucker's in there! "

Wine nurse wrote on Aug 18, 2009 9:49 AM:

" Nordy's "

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