Comments on: The old Safeway is becoming a Sav-A-Lot

By: Big News or Big Let Down « Rhode Island Insider

Big News or Big Let Down « Rhode Island Insider — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:49:35 +0000

[...] in January, the Insider reported that Save-A-Lot was moving into the space. No word yet if this is in addition or to [...]

By: John M

John M — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:47:53 +0000

Woodie,
Home Depot is an entirely different case – it was a brand new development whereas the Rhode Island Avenue Center is comparatively run down and is better suited for short-term, lower end stores.

The best we can hope for is a complete revamp of that site, with mixed-use buildings in its place instead of empty parking lots and vacant storefronts, but that’s years ahead.

By: Chase

Chase — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:23:33 +0000

must say i’m just glad it isn’t becoming yet another “church” or “ministry” of some bloody sort.

By: Woodie

Woodie — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:21:17 +0000

JRawlings,

They said the same thing about Home Depot. “Why on earth would any retailer sink their money into RIA?” At one time the RIA Home Depot was the highest grossing Home Depot on the east coast. There is only one other Trader Joe’s in DC which is in NW. A Trader Joes at RIARow (or even the new SavALot) location is a guaranteed success. For me shopping at Trader Joes in Bethesda is not an upscale experience. That part of Wisconsin Avenue needs a lot of work. I’m really enjoying reading the various comments expressed by others. And, I am glad to read people in Edgewood on this blog, who live right next door to the new SavALot, letting us know how they feel. We need more viewpoints because this area is is diverse and growing in diversity.

By: J Rawlings

J Rawlings — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:48:26 +0000

It is unrealistic to expect any high-end retailer to move into RIA Shopping Center. It is a run-down center with no amenities. It has tennants that scream low purchasing power. It has Rhode Island Row just down the street, obviously nearer the Metro. Why on earth would Trader Joe’s – or any retailer of quality – sink their money into RIA? The sooner the city razes the whole development the better.

By: CEH

CEH — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:22:43 +0000

On one hand, it’s good to see vacant stores being occupied and economic activity taking place in Ward 5. On the other hand are very valid concerns around the economic vitality of the corridor and market saturation. Yes, a low-cost grocery chain could benefit many in the Ward. But it seems very unlikely that it would provide an anchor for future investment in the corridor the way a Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods would. Regarding market saturation, the government’s “Small Area Plan” for Rhode Island Avenue made it clear that there is an over-saturation of certain kinds of establishments, i.e. auto parts stores, liquor stores, etc. in the area. Having a diversity of businesses would benefit old, new, rich, middle-class and poor residents alike. If the strip mall with the Sav-a-Lot can’t provide that diversity and create new momentum for the area, hopefully other subparts such as Rhode Island Row or the downtown Woodridge area between 18th Street and 24th Street can.

By: Ruby

Ruby — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:45:36 +0000

I could be wrong, but I feel there are already a LOT of options for the lower income families living in the neighborhood. There are not, however, ANY upscale options or community hangouts.

By: John

John — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:25:09 +0000

Great, another ghetto low income store. Just what we need! Way to go.

By: HPRIC

HPRIC — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:46:04 +0000

Thing is, there are A LOT of lower income families and elderly pensioners people living in the neighborhood. While I would love more upscale options, let’s not forget that many of of neighbors can only afford canned peas, so shouldn’t they have options? Companies do market research and obviously, this is what the market is bearing for this location right now.

By: stephanieliottaatkinson

stephanieliottaatkinson — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:44:47 +0000

FoRIA is having a meeting on Monday the 23rd where one of the topics of discussion is attracting businesses to the Avenue – who do we want, how do we do it (I’ll be moderating that part myself). The Harris Teeters and Trader Joes of the world are making a calculation that we are not a good bet right now. Obviously a number of Ward 5 folks who follow this blog feel differently. So there’s a disconnect between supply and demand here that we can possibly remedy if we effectively lobby businesses. If you want to participate in that conversation, I’d suggest coming to Monday’s meeting:
FoRIA All-Hands Meeting
DATE: Monday, January 23, 2012
TIME: 7:30pm-9pm
LOCATION: Art Enables, 2204 Rhode Island Avenue NE
RSVP: info@friendsofria.org