Rumor has it that Atlanta-based Swoozie’s is considering the former Cameron Clothing space in Cameron Village. We’ve certainly seen a lot of changes in the Village in the past year or so and while the site-wide momentum is still trying to find its legs, I think this kind of addition is a good thing. I actually think the recent infills like Victoria’s Secret and the full line of Talbot’s offerings aren’t a complete slap in the face to independent local shop owner and definitely help to pay the bills. They are better for our downtown economy than, say, a Wal-Mart, and I hope they allow many of my fellow males to have reliable options for presents for their significant others… (no matter how embarrassing it is for you to make the purchases) With that said, I certainly would rather that such a historical location offer interesting, unique options. I completely understand that the current lease rates in the Village make it difficult for just any local business to consider making a run for it there, and as such I think regional offerings are a good direction for the center.
We’ll do our best to stay abreast of this one and let you know when it becomes official. Again, just rumor at this point and I absolutely am not betting anything on it actually coming to fruition.
[All of a sudden I'm missing the days of 30 daily readers... I'm terrible at these disclaimers...
Ok, I'm lying. Our current readership is so freakin' exciting that I am even more in love with this city than I was when Dana and I started this thing last year...]
Just took a glance at that current readership on Alexa…wow, you guys! Good for you, good for Raleigh!
When I go visit my parents in the Atlanta area, I sometimes accompany my mom to their Swoozie’s location. It’s your run-of-the-mill gift shop–current and interesting enough, but not so different from a Charlotte’s (Triangle Town Center, others?). So it’s not the most exciting addition to Cameron Village, but probably a good fit for the kind of shopping most people seem to do there.
When you get a chance, I’d love an update on the new Chick-fil-A at CV and any news about the HTeeter/Eckerd’s switcheroo…and what might become of the old HT site.
Oh, and also…any word on a Trader Joe’s closer than Cary? That one’s for sure, then I heard Brier Creek was in the running for the second of three locations. Will it be Raleigh or Chapel Hill for the third?
For those that don’t know there is a Swoozies at Triangle Town Center (across from Moe’s). It is a lot like Charlotte’s with less jewelry but more stationary and other girly gifts. They also had a large selection of those hand-painted dishware thats popping up all over the Triangle (with everything from college themes to poker to lobsters).
Just a response to Lea above, I was at a meeting a few months ago where Mr. York was present–he said himself that the Harris Teeter/Eckerd switch was just a rumor and he didn’t know how it ever even got started.
Count me in as a Raleighing fan. (My shirt is being shipped as I type). You guys are great – you welcome discussion, even if there is disagreement. It’s a genuine & friendly group here. I’d take this site over Urban Planet any day – no heavy handed control freakery moderators here. Keep bein’ you, Raleighing. After all, NC’s motto (Esse quam videri) is To BE rather than to SEEM.
Please keep up the good work! I like your focus knowing that I can get reliable information here!