Chris Pluchinsky's comments about Trader Joes' possible interest in the Twin Cities grocery market, were it not for the ban on wine sales in grocery stores, deserves additional attention. I would hope local media investigate this aspect of the private sector's interest in building downtown groceries in the core cities. I'm sure Trader Joe's isn't the only potential player with such interest. Could our choices be as simple as 'wine in grocery stores' vs.. taxpayer/TIF subsidies?
Also, I find the entire discussion/justification of the need for public subsidies for downtown groceries (due to the high relative cost of urban real estate and the need for free parking to compete with suburban grocers) to be extremely questionable and problematic. I don't think the 'suburban grocery' model is appropriate for the downtown environment. New York City is fraught with local 'deli's' that, to a large extent, meet local resident's needs for groceries... fresh, dried and canned, including wine and beer, and great fresh sandwiches; all with no parking lots. It seems that, with the proper business incentives (and I don't mean public dollars), several smaller, urban grocers could adequately meet most needs of downtown residents without the need for expansive parking ramps and lots, and more public subsidies. I hope that upcoming 'studies of downtown grocery needs', as recently referenced on this list, examine more than the 'suburban grocery' model that seems to be continually presented for review by our local development officials and certain local suburban grocers. Michael Hohmann 13th Ward www.mahohmannbizplans.com > -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of > Pluchinsky, Christopher > Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2001 8:49 AM > To: 'Phyllis Kahn'; [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: RE: [Mpls] grocery stores > > > Yes, I have been to Trader Joe's in several cities around the country and > their product line is to die for at a great price. However, they are a > privately held company and they are not open to franchise operations. > Several times I have inquired about the possibility of their > opening stores > in the Twin Cities. They have said that they are very interested in the > Twin Cities market, however, the laws of the state of Minnesota have kept > them away. The bottom line is that as part of their grocery sales, they > also want to sell wines (and maybe some exotic beers) as this > profit margin > does defray the expenses of the grocery lines. Minnesota does not allow > wine sales in a grocery store so they have stayed away. There was an > attempt to allow for wine sales in the seven county metro area last year, > but it was withdrawn. You can find more information at > www.winewithdinner.com. The bottom line is the businesses bottom > line. You > would probably have a very strong possibility of seeing a Trader Joe's in > downtown Minneapolis as well as other locations in the central city, but > they have to be able to support their bottom line and they do > this with the > wine sales. > > Chris Pluchinsky > Vice President, Information Systems > Alliant Foodservice - Minneapolis > (651) 683-4251 > (651) 683-4438 (fax) > snip _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
