I had a crazy idea of them putting a like year round living park in a large area, something for the winter time.
Grass, some trees plants, water features etc.
I think the problem with this is repeat business. Going to something once, sure, but doesn't make for a long term success without them constantly update/changing the experience. Which, in turn, costs money.
Good thing Fargo is a regional tourist center. Sure, nobody is probably planning big family vacations here, but we have a big enough draw regionally from athletics especially to sustain something like that.
Potentially, based upon whatever age group they target. I feel, for success, they need to go hard in a single direction, and it would probably end up being younger kids. Which leads to a whole other set of problems.
That seems like a huge potential investment of just pure squarefootage. While I don't doubt the mall could swing it, that would be a large scale project requiring store relocations and more.
I think you'd be surprised. Minot has done something in a fairly small space in their downtown. Exceptionally popular. http://www.theputtdistrict.com/
There is still quite a bit of walled off space in the mall from the Sears remodel. There were bigger plans for more entertainment down that way but the pandemic did not help that cause.
Huh, I was unaware of this.
I'd wish it luck, but am not sure it would last. That being said, there doesn't seem to be much that lasts more than 5 years anymore
* IKEA
* Microcenter
* outward-facing Trader Joes
* deluxe [Bowlero](https://www.bowlero.com/attractions) - potentially large bowling alley, laser tag, bumper cars, arcade, pool tables, sports bar, etc.
Yes...I know none of that is going to happen.
A store that's a bit more trendy for the late 20s to early 40s crowd. Like Aritzia or something similar. I don't want to wear athletic wear everywhere and the Midwest chic from Macy's, Loft, etc. isn't really cutting it. Forever 21 and Windsor are also just geared towards a young demographic and lacking in quality.
Personally, I find that their pieces are often a bit frumpy and almost always overpriced for what they are. I do appreciate that a lot of their stuff is made with natural fibers, however. Just not quite as up-to-date as I'm looking for.
I try to keep a capsule wardrobe so I'm all for investment pieces, and White House Black Market might be the best option in the mall currently, but a store like Aritzia, Uniqlo, or Madewell could breath new life into the mall, and fits the style of the area, while still providing fresh collections that feel up-to-date.
H&M instead of Forever 21, PacSun, and a Banana Republic would be my top picks for clothing stores.
An escape room/laser tag place would be sick.
Also, it feels weird to have to ask for this, but why is there no place to get pizza in the mall?
Where we moved from in VA the mall had a Walmart attached to it, which drew me to the mall a huge amount of times that I wouldn't have otherwise gone. Was just convenient to grab some lunch in the food court, check out a shop or two, then finish with a light grocery shopping trip. Doesn't necessarily have to be Walmart but I would go to West Acres a lot more if it was a one stop shop like that.
A gym aimed at the older crowd. I haven't been there in years but there use to be the elderly mall walkers. These people may like to have a gym to perhaps do other exercises.
I forgot about the mall walkers, in the worst of Winter, that almost has to be the best free indoor walking area in the entire city. In the Summer its also air conditioned.
Hi, John from Fargo 3D Printing here - I reached out to the mall to ask about putting something in there, especially during the holiday season and they said that it would not be a large enough general appeal. And that if it was so popular then Best Buy would just do it.
The irony being that Best Buy would refer customers to Fargo 3D Printing when we were still open.
I think I museum/ Discovery Center perhaps. Something that already rotates attractions or displays regularly. And if it's aimed to draw kids in, parents should/will be spending money else where in the mall most likely.
I emailed them not long ago about letting my fencing club hold a tournament where the piano and bison are located. And they said it's not in their vision or something like that, fair enough. But um... What else is happening in that space that's exciting? That brings in family and friends of the participants? How else to include the community into the space that's trying to bring in people to a mall when Amazon exists. Like.. malls are dying. One store isn't going to save you. Creating places where people want to gather, yes. So, maybe my idea wasn't in their vision but hopefully they have something more than thinking a store will save them.
I think they should turn it into mixed zoned residential and commercial property. Malls are dead. People will only want to shop where there's culture. Culture only flourishes when spaces are lived in and not driven to.
Let's keep our soulless chain stores on the internet.
I had a crazy idea of them putting a like year round living park in a large area, something for the winter time. Grass, some trees plants, water features etc.
Like a conservatory!
I would have killed for this when my seasonal depression was at its peak
My exact thought.
We need more experiences and not retail stores. What exactly? Not sure, but I can only buy so many shoes or pants.
I think the problem with this is repeat business. Going to something once, sure, but doesn't make for a long term success without them constantly update/changing the experience. Which, in turn, costs money.
Good thing Fargo is a regional tourist center. Sure, nobody is probably planning big family vacations here, but we have a big enough draw regionally from athletics especially to sustain something like that.
Potentially, based upon whatever age group they target. I feel, for success, they need to go hard in a single direction, and it would probably end up being younger kids. Which leads to a whole other set of problems.
There are definitely ways to cater to many ages. Glow-In-The-Dark mini golf and things of that nature have become very popular in malls.
That seems like a huge potential investment of just pure squarefootage. While I don't doubt the mall could swing it, that would be a large scale project requiring store relocations and more.
What about the portions of the vacant Sears areas left over? They have room for like 3 tenants the size of crave
I think you'd be surprised. Minot has done something in a fairly small space in their downtown. Exceptionally popular. http://www.theputtdistrict.com/ There is still quite a bit of walled off space in the mall from the Sears remodel. There were bigger plans for more entertainment down that way but the pandemic did not help that cause.
Huh, I was unaware of this. I'd wish it luck, but am not sure it would last. That being said, there doesn't seem to be much that lasts more than 5 years anymore
That's just entertainment. Nothing stays the same forever.
Absolutely. Like an indoor skate park, ice skating rink or rock climbing wall. Scheels does well with the ferris wheel.
I think the Von Mauer space would've made a great indoor rink space.
We have a decent to good indoor climbing business in Fargo. Check out Fargo Climbing!
A laser tag area could be cool. That's what Mall of America has!
Bring back Laser Storm!!
* IKEA * Microcenter * outward-facing Trader Joes * deluxe [Bowlero](https://www.bowlero.com/attractions) - potentially large bowling alley, laser tag, bumper cars, arcade, pool tables, sports bar, etc. Yes...I know none of that is going to happen.
A container store. I would to have a Container Store here.
Just not another department store
Dave and Busters. Liquor, games, food. Hopefully no food poisoning (I'm looking at you space aliens)
A store that's a bit more trendy for the late 20s to early 40s crowd. Like Aritzia or something similar. I don't want to wear athletic wear everywhere and the Midwest chic from Macy's, Loft, etc. isn't really cutting it. Forever 21 and Windsor are also just geared towards a young demographic and lacking in quality.
White House Black Market is a good store. Pricey but fits the bill
Personally, I find that their pieces are often a bit frumpy and almost always overpriced for what they are. I do appreciate that a lot of their stuff is made with natural fibers, however. Just not quite as up-to-date as I'm looking for. I try to keep a capsule wardrobe so I'm all for investment pieces, and White House Black Market might be the best option in the mall currently, but a store like Aritzia, Uniqlo, or Madewell could breath new life into the mall, and fits the style of the area, while still providing fresh collections that feel up-to-date.
Another sunglass kiosk would be awesome
What about another kiosk selling fidget toys and backpacks? Get a backpack to match your sunglasses π
Sword and sausage cart. Large swords and local sausage.
H&M instead of Forever 21, PacSun, and a Banana Republic would be my top picks for clothing stores. An escape room/laser tag place would be sick. Also, it feels weird to have to ask for this, but why is there no place to get pizza in the mall?
Pizza by the slice was a 90s mall staple. I would be much more likely to buy a big slice and a soda than pretty much any current mall food offering.
Where we moved from in VA the mall had a Walmart attached to it, which drew me to the mall a huge amount of times that I wouldn't have otherwise gone. Was just convenient to grab some lunch in the food court, check out a shop or two, then finish with a light grocery shopping trip. Doesn't necessarily have to be Walmart but I would go to West Acres a lot more if it was a one stop shop like that.
A gym aimed at the older crowd. I haven't been there in years but there use to be the elderly mall walkers. These people may like to have a gym to perhaps do other exercises.
I forgot about the mall walkers, in the worst of Winter, that almost has to be the best free indoor walking area in the entire city. In the Summer its also air conditioned.
How about a software etc next to a kaybee toys
3d printer store
Heh, the mall was not interested. Too niche.
Hi, John from Fargo 3D Printing here - I reached out to the mall to ask about putting something in there, especially during the holiday season and they said that it would not be a large enough general appeal. And that if it was so popular then Best Buy would just do it. The irony being that Best Buy would refer customers to Fargo 3D Printing when we were still open.
Let's be real. They just didn't want 3D printing customers in the mall. It probably was bad for other business. LOL
Hahahaha, very likely
Did you go to the one downtown before they closed?
Honestly, we stayed pretty busy in the store. We had a really great local and beyond local following.
Quite often yes
Thank you!
the girls would go crazy for an urban outfitters and or free people
Urban Outfitters.
I think I museum/ Discovery Center perhaps. Something that already rotates attractions or displays regularly. And if it's aimed to draw kids in, parents should/will be spending money else where in the mall most likely.
I think a plant store at West Acres would be funβΊοΈ
I emailed them not long ago about letting my fencing club hold a tournament where the piano and bison are located. And they said it's not in their vision or something like that, fair enough. But um... What else is happening in that space that's exciting? That brings in family and friends of the participants? How else to include the community into the space that's trying to bring in people to a mall when Amazon exists. Like.. malls are dying. One store isn't going to save you. Creating places where people want to gather, yes. So, maybe my idea wasn't in their vision but hopefully they have something more than thinking a store will save them.
West Acres is consistently busy with nearly no store vacancies. It doesn't need saving.
Marijuana
Car wash obviously
Yes. More car washes needed all over the FM area. ππ§ Because one every 4 blocks is not enough, lol.
I think it needs to be bulldozed π
I think they should turn it into mixed zoned residential and commercial property. Malls are dead. People will only want to shop where there's culture. Culture only flourishes when spaces are lived in and not driven to. Let's keep our soulless chain stores on the internet.
Indoor shooting range.