Every time a construction site pops up in the city of Auburn, rumors swirl about what it's going to be. I can't tell you the number of times I've keyed up for a Red Lobster, only to be sorely disappointed by yet another drugstore.
Don't get me wrong; I want businesses to come to Auburn.
However, I think it's a waste of time to open a department store that can't compete with Wal-Mart's prices.
Of course there are people who hate big bad corporate chains.
But well-established businesses such as Old Navy and Target mesh with the economic landscape better then high-end boutiques or specialty shops.
When it comes to restaurants, why do we keep opening burger joints? I know Auburn is an all-American, working class city; but I think investors underestimate consumers. I've been to the Olive Garden in Syracuse on many a Monday night and the place is always packed to the rafters.
Or how about an Outback Steakhouse?
It seems to me there are a number of successful, reasonably priced, family restaurants that could really thrive here.
Not to take anything away from the businesses that have recently opened. But if there were more affordable options in Auburn, Wal-Mart wouldn't have such a lock on the market.
It almost seems like businesses are afraid to compete and that forces people to spend money outside of the city.
I often dine in Ithaca and I do the bulk of my shopping in Syracuse.
It's unfortunate because I'd much rather spend my dollars in town, especially with the astronomical cost of gas.
I guess my point is that there is a lot on the horizon for Auburn.
I don't think we necessarily need a save-all casino to breathe a little life into the economy.
Keeping consumers in the city will eventually stimulate the economy enough to allow small business owners to gamble on endeavors that are at present, far too risky.
It's ultimately a win-win for everybody.
Success creates work, work generates income, and income supports the families that make up this community.
But most importantly, I could have the cheesey biscuits from Red Lobster whenever I wanted and I'd think to myself, what a wonderful world!
Estabrook's column appears Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com
However, I think it's a waste of time to open a department store that can't compete with Wal-Mart's prices.
Of course there are people who hate big bad corporate chains.
But well-established businesses such as Old Navy and Target mesh with the economic landscape better then high-end boutiques or specialty shops.
When it comes to restaurants, why do we keep opening burger joints? I know Auburn is an all-American, working class city; but I think investors underestimate consumers. I've been to the Olive Garden in Syracuse on many a Monday night and the place is always packed to the rafters.
Or how about an Outback Steakhouse?
It seems to me there are a number of successful, reasonably priced, family restaurants that could really thrive here.
Not to take anything away from the businesses that have recently opened. But if there were more affordable options in Auburn, Wal-Mart wouldn't have such a lock on the market.
It almost seems like businesses are afraid to compete and that forces people to spend money outside of the city.
I often dine in Ithaca and I do the bulk of my shopping in Syracuse.
It's unfortunate because I'd much rather spend my dollars in town, especially with the astronomical cost of gas.
I guess my point is that there is a lot on the horizon for Auburn.
I don't think we necessarily need a save-all casino to breathe a little life into the economy.
Keeping consumers in the city will eventually stimulate the economy enough to allow small business owners to gamble on endeavors that are at present, far too risky.
It's ultimately a win-win for everybody.
Success creates work, work generates income, and income supports the families that make up this community.
But most importantly, I could have the cheesey biscuits from Red Lobster whenever I wanted and I'd think to myself, what a wonderful world!
Estabrook's column appears Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com
The Citizens' Say
There are 6 comment(s)
brew1234 wrote on May 10, 2008 11:30 PM:
cayugawriter wrote on May 8, 2008 6:15 PM:
realist wrote on May 8, 2008 6:26 AM:
rd wrote on May 6, 2008 4:46 PM:
Brian33908 wrote on May 6, 2008 3:39 PM:
Sort of an FYI, Outfits like Target, Olive Garden and Red Lobster base their decisions solely on the numbers. They have complicated rubrics that factor in vehicular traffic, market saturation and other impersonal barometers. They want to know a store’s going to make money.
There's nothing the city can do directly to bring in the chains. And I question why or whether they'd ever want to.
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brew1234 wrote on May 5, 2008 12:25 PM: