Hilldale Towne Mall in the Making.
Submitted by Lisa S on Thu, 2005-09-01 02:24.
Current | Feature
 After construction is complete in early 2007, Hilldale will be transformed into a multi-faceted, 24-hour environment featuring inviting indoor and outdoor lifestyle components consisting of retail, restaurants, open-air cafes, public gathering spaces and residences.
Today's Capital Times and Wisconsin State Journal reported that at least one thing will be missing from the new Hilldale. Joseph Freed and Associates has decided to terminate the lease of the locally owned Chocolate Shoppe to make room for the national chain, Ben & Jerry's. The Chocolate Shoppe, a family-owned business since 1962, has had a Hilldale location for 20 years. Part of Hilldale's appeal over the years has been its local vendors. Local merchants such as the Chocolate Shoppe and many other Hilldale tenants are a rarity on Madison's west side. Last month, the Capital Times also revealed the developer's plans to add a national chain Whole Foods store to the mix at Hilldale. The mall has been home to the locally owned Sentry grocery store for about 30 years. The developer states that he is glad to have both tenants, but Sentry owner, Tom Metcalfe, expressed concern. "I'm all for competition, but in your own parking lot is a bit much. I think there are plenty of uses for that spot that would be better," he added. "I'd question the thought process behind the decision to bring Whole Foods in here. I can't believe this very accurately reflects what Freed heard from the neighborhood in terms of what they wanted to see in this location."
It seems it would be difficult for Sentry to compete with a big box grocer and its lower cost buying power. Sentry has filled a neighborhood niche for years, but now it must compete with a giant in its own backyard.
Who is next on the chopping block? Will other small retailers be replaced by their big box counterparts? Just imagine... Instead of Morgan Shoes and Cornblooms, we could be shopping at Payless. It seems Hilldale's transformation could create the next West Towne or East Towne, sterile malls with nearly all nationally owned retail tenants. Imagine Hilldale Towne Mall. |
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