Some national chains are desirable at times. And if the owners of the owners of the building had no other offers for it, I could understand their decision. But when the owners of the building at 14th and T have a great local alternative, why shouldn't we encourage them to go with the proven local independent business people?
In addition, what will this do to the independent furniture stores on 14th Street and U Street? These business owners took a HUGE risk by coming to our neighborhood years ago when no national chain would even consider it. Now the national chains want to come into the neighborhood to feed off the local independent businesses who helped make the neighborhood what it is today. Where is our community support for these people who took risks early on?
I also believe in the importance of retail diversity. We need dry cleaners, hardware stores, restaurants, clothing outlets, bakeries, book stores, etc. Do we really need another furniture store along 14th Street?
Again, I am sure the owners of Room and Board would be a nice addition to the neighborhood IF there were not any other alternatives and if we did not have many other local furniture options already in the neighborhood. But given the local alternative, I would hope the owners of the warehouse at 14th and T would reconsider their choice.
If you would like to express your thoughts to the Founder and President of Room and Board, here is his contact information:
John Gabbert, Founder and President
c/o Room & Board, Inc.
4600 Olson Memorial Highway
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55422
Or email the CFO at : mmiller@roomandboard.com
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1 comments:
This is truly a tragic development with wide-ranging consequences to the 14th Street retail corridor, most importantly to our many localy-owned furniture businesses. This goes beyond a candidate's ANC aspirations and I can only hope that both candidates for ANC 2B09 are in agreement on this issue. We as a community need to support our local businesses and be vocal in our opposition of this Big-Box retailer. The addition of a mega retail outlet on 14th will degrade the charm of the entire area. Please stand up and write to Room & Board and also voice your strong support to the many local furniture shops on 14th and U Streets. What the hell, go buy a chair or a cocktail table today!!!!
Chris Brown
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