Visions for Vacancies: Arbutus Shopping Center
Space left vacant by Blockbuster piques the imagination
Photos
The Arbutus Shopping Center on the 1000 block of Maiden Choice Lane was a thriving retail center for decades--until recently. A changing video industry led to the closure of Blockbuster in 2010, followed by the shuttering of Fashion Bug last year.
Since then, the storefronts have remained empty. For a while there were rumors that an auto parts store would occupy the former Blockbuster location, but plans apparently fell through. The property manager is actively seeking clients, including possibly a discount store.
Here is a shopping center within walking distance to UMBC, on the bus and shuttle lines and with plenty of parking.
What would you like to see there? What kind of store does this neighborhood need and want? Tell us in the comments.
tbw
6:50 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
I think it is less a question of what the neighborhood might like or want, and more a question of what sort of business can survive in the location.
Others have spoken of a Trader Joe's sort of place but I think any business of that type (ie a business with a strong national or regional presence) would look at the economic data for the neighboring zip codes and think that 21227/29 might not provide the customer base needed to thrive.
Too bad as it seems to be a good location re access and parking.
Terry
11:41 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
tbw -- I beg to differ with you. Zip codes 21227/29 folks are not a 2nd Appalachia ! There is plenty of money floating around in this area. Fashion Bug and Blockbuster had a lot of shoplifting and they would run to one of the 2 apt. complexes in the area .As for 21229 those statistics get put into the city. What can you say for those who put statistics together. This shopping center, if there were a Trader Joe's, would be supported by 21227/29, 21228, UMBC and the Marc train folks, I emailed and called them a dozen times, but they said they were not expanding at this time. Empty Blockbuster could be broken into several areas--Starbucks w/ wifi, a nice place to eat, hopefully lite breakfast, lunch, and maybe dinner. There is enough space for 2 businesses. We need some help from Baltimore County to contact the realty co. and talk to established food places, maybe grilled cheese factory or taneytown ( both of those are packed). This area is up and coming, we just need some County help! Empty stores don't look good, even Catonsville has empty stores and it makes people nervous.
tbw
8:43 am on Friday, June 22, 2012
My point is that the average median estimated income for all of Columbia is $93801. In 21227 it is $59080. In 21229 it is $42075. 21228 is $69007. Hardly a 2nd Appalachia but a contributing factor in a lack of businesses of the type you mention locating here. If shoplifting is the reason why Blockbuster and FB closed, than that info will be readily available to any new business considering a move here.
People concerned about the impending gas station at Giant mention the terrible traffic in the plaza and on Wilkens Av now. I agree but would consumers from Catonsville etc would drive to Arbutus and brave the same awful traffic simply to have a cup of coffee and enjoy free wi-fi?
Marc riders want to get home. UMBC is an Honors University and as such I think attracts a much different sort of student than say, UM at College Park. Additionally, students have many of the dining options they desire located on campus. They don't need free wi-fi. The coffee/bagel/sandwich place in Wilken's Plaza closed. Perhaps due to a lack of business. I don't know. Sav-a-lot located here for a reason.
Trader Joe's is owned by Aldi. Given the close proximity of the Aldi on Washington Blvd, it doesn't seem likely that we'll ever see a TJ's.
I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the statistics, but these are the same stats that businesses look at. I can't imagine that an argument based on statistical bias would have much sway with the Starbucks of the world. I might be wrong.
Jessica
10:02 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
There is going to be another vacancy in the shopping center soon. The Dollar Plus store is closing soon. Saw the sign this morning up in their window.
Cathy
8:36 am on Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Someone told me that Dollar Tree is coming to the storefront where Fashion Bug was.
She said they are working inside and there was a sign in the window saying Dollar Tree.