Thank you to Listmembers who noted the demise of Walgreens in Phillips neighborhood, and have noted concerns and comments on this topic. You have asked for information and commentary from Phillips neighbors, so I will pass on what I know.
Walgreens has been in intensive negotiations with AIBDC (American Indian Business Development Corp), leaseholder, for at least 6 months, and I don't know details of these negotiations. Walgreens was committed via lease to stay in place until their current lease ended, so they have been "on the ground" through some of the worst times in the neighborhood. Of course neighborhood residents and associations were hopeful that the turn-around and re-development in the area would encourage Walgreens to renew the lease and remain. During the time Walgreens has been on Franklin they have built up quite a customer base, as several Members noted, and have been "reasonably profitable", particularly more recently. They do serve a large area, and having good bus access, receive a lot of neighborhood pedestrian and bike-riding business in addition to car-based customers. They have hired many local residents as employees, so have been a positive force in this way also. However Walgreens has used this location as a kind of "exile" for managers through the years so quality of management has often been marginal and turn-over high. The most recent (last) manager has been much better, and the store and employees both showed the improvement. Although initially the reason neighbors heard for closing was "low profitability", more recently the reason given for closing the store was that the corporate direction for stores is away from strip mall locations and to stand-alone stores on busy intersections. The local manager seemed unaware of this "directive" until 3 weeks ago, and Walgreens are found in the Hub and Springate (GV) "strips" with no apparent closure immanent. More than 140 customer signatures on petitions supporting Walgreens staying were sent with a letter detailing reasons the store should remain in December to the corporate headquarters of Walgreen Drug Stores. Many more signatures could be gathered and some in the neighborhood have discussed picketing. I think the Phillips neighborhood has rallied together to try and convince Walgreens to remain, because they do provide a vital service to the community. Others have written to City Council members to express concern. You can add your voice and influence to ours in attempt to restore Walgreens at this location. If that event doesn't occur, the plan is to approach other drug chains. Either way there will certainly be a disruption in service and hardship to Walgreen's customers and employees. Sue Anderson Phillips neighborhood _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
