Articles about Shopping
Faux Town Squares: Do ‘Suburban Lifestyle Centers’ Create an Authentic ‘Sense of Place?’
Is Southlake Town Square the exception or the rule?
Long-suffering Denton residents have heard this before. Golden Triangle Mall has new ownership. The long-troubled shopping center is going to get yet another renovation. This time the city of Denton itself had to kick in $9.5 million to make it happen.
The news reminded me of something that came up during my recent breakfast with Ray Washburne, he of the MCrowd Restaurants and owner of Highland Park Village. We mostly talked about all the changes coming to the Village, but something that didn’t make it into the published article were his comments about Denton.
MCrowd had a deal in place to put a Mi Cocina location into the Rayzor Ranch development in Denton, but with that planned mixed-use project having slowed down due to economic factors, it hasn’t happened. “It was going to be the classic suburban lifestyle center,” Washburne said. “As a college town, I think a small Mi Cocina or Taco Diner would do well up there.” Then he added:
“Denton doesn’t have a sense of place. That’s what these lifestyle centers have done — like up in Allen — is create a sense of place.”
Obviously, I disagree. (more…)
Neiman Marcus Revamps The Book
I’d heard a rumor that Neiman Marcus was working on a new editorial print product. Turns out to be sorta true (but not really). Neiman’s spokesperson Ginger Reeder says they have decided to cease publication of Entree, the magazine that went to InCircle members. Reeder says the same sort of editorial that ran in that magazine will be rolled into The Book, along with outside advertising. New editorial product? Let’s call it revamped. (Bonus: here’s some cool behind-the-scenes footage of a photo shoot in Bandon, Oregon, for the fall 2011 Book.)
The Three Coolest Items for Sale at Good Records, the Best Record Store in Dallas
Chris Penn models the 3D glasses that come with Brightblack Morning Light's album.
I’ve been going to Good Records for some time now, though I wouldn’t call myself an expert on the store. Given its recognition as the Best Record Store in Dallas, I thought it was time to go straight to the expert—co-owner Chris Penn—to hear about the coolest (and weirdest) records in its inventory. I had dreamed of being shown an ancient, long-lost copy of The Beatles’ Carnival of Light, but what I found instead was a little less dusty and stained. Not that I should have been surprised: Good Records is, after all, a store that predominately sells new vinyl and CDs. Used music is bought and sold, but until Sir Paul walks into the store and hands over his copy of Carnival, I guess I’ll just have to wait. Until then, it’s 3-D and scratch-and-sniff vinyl, “nothing too too out of the ordinary.” Right, Chris.
Valley View Mall Kind of In the Way of Fancy New 635
Interesting story in the Dallas Morning News today about the fate of the languishing Valley View Mall, and the fact that the new five year expansion project for LBJ will probably mean the mall is razed to make better use of the property.
With the Galleria and NorthPark Center doing a much better job of keeping up with what draws shoppers to malls, Valley View began slowly emptying of stores. Foleys became Macy’s, who shut down that location in favor of better real estate with more shoppers. Then Dillard’s left. Just the other day, several of us were talking about the last time we were in Valley View. For me, it was more than a year ago. Another person said she hadn’t stepped foot in the mall since the Dillard’s clearance sales when it closed. Another goes more frequently – but just to the AMC movie theater. As it stands, there are only two anchor stores – JC Penney and Sears – left, along with a smattering of small stores, a small food court and the aforementioned movie theater.
Things have flatlined so badly for the mall that its owner, Macerich Co., chose not to continue paying on a $125 million note a year ago, handing the mall over to its creditors instead.
Nickelson Wooster Out as Neiman Marcus Men’s Fashion Director
Since I noted his hiring, I feel obligated to post that Fashionista is reporting Nickelson Wooster, the mustachioed, heavily tattooed men’s fashion director for Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman is out.
Fashionista is most concerned about the fate of the Tumblr devoted to him.
Vote Now in the Best of Big D Readers’ Choice: Services Poll. Once an Hour Through May 29.
I told you, on Friday, what to expect.
Now’s your chance to live the dream.
VOTE.
Only you can determine who takes the title of “Best of Big D” and appears in the August 2011 issue of D Magazine.
Denton’s Golden Triangle: Tear Down This Mall
Growing up at the top of what only Denton civic boosters ever call the “Golden Triangle” (of Dallas, Fort Worth, and Denton), I have a longstanding relationship with “the mall” in my hometown. As NBC 5 reported last night, private companies are looking to the city for help in resurrecting the place.
Though I have fond childhood memories of sipping free samples at Orange Julius, getting a little thrill from browsing the naughtier items at Spencer’s, and running back and forth between the two (!) bookstores that were then in operation to determine which would give me a better deal on the latest Xanth-series paperback, I remain keenly aware of one fact: Golden Triangle was, and has always been, an awful mall. Ugly and dark inside, poor selection of shops to browse, few food options.
So when I watch the NBC 5 video (more…)
Last Days to Vote in Best of Big D: Shopping Poll. Once an Hour Through Sunday.
This is it, folks. Time to put up or shut up. We’ve come to the home stretch in our Best of Big D: Shopping poll, where were are deciding such important questions as: what’s the best furniture store in town? the best clothing store? the best comic book store? the best gift shop?
These are not trivial matters. Great songs will be written about the triumph of the winners. Honors shall be bestowed upon them, their children, and their children’s children. (But not their ne’er-do-well great-grandchildren.)
Most importantly (and truthfully), the winners will be recognized in the August 2011 issue of D Magazine. So vote now, and up to once an hour, through the last minutes of Sunday.
Vote Once an Hour in the Best of Big D Readers’ Choice: Shopping Poll
It’s time to get voting on all the best places to shop in and around Dallas.
The winners — your winners — will be recognized in the August 2011 issue of D Magazine.
Best of Big D Readers Choice: Shopping Poll Starts Monday, April 25
It’s almost that time again, kids. Our Best of Big D Readers Choice polling continues on Monday with your chance to sound off on where to find the best shopping in town.
You’ll be able to vote up to once an hour through May 8, and cast your ballots on your smartphone through our mobile website.
Dallas Must-Do List: Slide the NorthPark Planters
It's been a long time since Katie's had this much fun.
I can finally say that I’ve accomplished 12 of the Things Every Dallasite Must Do. My latest opponent was a brick planter outside of Neiman Marcus at NorthPark Center, which doubles as a slide for kids. And, now, for D Magazine interns too.
Here’s what you need to know if you too have never participated in this rite of passage:
First, and most obviously, if you are over 4 feet tall, accomplishing this feat will be a challenge.
Secondly, you must leave your pride at home, at the office, in your car, or wherever you keep it, because this is not a very flattering undertaking.
Third, there was a mall cop watching me the entire time, and he just laughed. No worries about getting reprimanded. (more…)
Yet Another Lawsuit Filed Against Dez Bryant
In Leading Off this morning, I told you about lawsuit filed by jeweler who says Dez owes $246,000 for bling he bought. Now comes another suit from another jeweler (and ticket broker) that claims Dez owes them more than $600,000. Not only are we now talking about some serious cash, but a lot of these transactions took place while Dez was still a student at OSU.
Royce West! Quick! You gotta help this poor guy!
The Dallas Must-Do List: Sam Moon Shopping
Courtney found a place to camp out for awhile.
Moving right along, I’ve now done 5 of the Things Every Dallasite Must Do. The next item on my list: Mix it up at Sam Moon.
Sam Moon is no joking matter. I know I’ve heard people talk about how big it is and how much stuff it has to offer, but — WOW — even I was impressed. Being an avid shopper at Forever 21 stores all across the area, I thought I was going to be prepared for the hectic, jam-packed ways of Sam Moon. I was wrong.
The store’s flagship location in Dallas has purses, earrings, necklaces, rings, luggage, and as if that weren’t enough, an entire section on faux hair. A security guard sits at the front and monitors what seems like thousands of women packing the inside of this mega store.
Although a little overpowering at first glance, the store is actually (somewhat) organized by large hanging signs clarifying what section you are in. It’s easy to get confused when first walking in, but after the initial anxiety wears off, it’s really not too bad.
A crucial part of the Sam Moon shopping experience (more…)
Beer Trucks Merrily Make Deliveries on Greenville as Flowers Go Into Lock Down
Central Market flowers
While beer trucks are hustling to make deliveries along Greenville Avenue for tomorrow’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Central Market has gone into flower lock-down mode.
Suggestion: If you have shopping to do in the area, do it today.
Apple-Loving Justin Wagoner Has Tented Up for iPad 2
Justin Wagoner at temporary home
Yup, Justin Wagoner set up his tent Sunday at the temporary Apple store on McKinney. Dang it, but it looks like he’s gonna be first in line for the iPad 2 on Thursday Friday (sorry was overly anxious). It appears that since his last tent-in for the iPhone 4, he’s upgraded his accommodations.
And, no, we got absolutely nothing, not even a pat on the back, for mentioning Justin or Apple.
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