8.18.2005
I started this as a comment on Andi's blog, but it got so long that I decided it was better posted here:
Polo Ralph Lauren to anchor Pinnacle Village Outlets, 21 retail stores to be part of project
Sorry to be such a downer, but this really makes me want to puke.
I admit I've shopped at outlets in the past and once in a while I still stop at one. But I don't see it as an improvement to Bemidji's community.
In my opinion outlet malls sell low quality merchandise, made in foreign countries roundaboutly taking jobs away from Union workers in America
We may be gaining a few jobs locally and presumed style, but at what cost to the city's identity? Are people (tourists/shoppers) going to be sucked out of the downtown area? Bypass the city entirely just to go to the outlet mall which may include a hotel. I don't want Bemidji to be Northbranch. I really don't think we need another altar to consumerism. We are the woods not suburbia. This is urban sprawl at its worst.
I'd much rather see development of the fuckin' empty Union Square area. Damn Kraus-Anderson.
Polo Ralph Lauren to anchor Pinnacle Village Outlets, 21 retail stores to be part of project
Sorry to be such a downer, but this really makes me want to puke.
I admit I've shopped at outlets in the past and once in a while I still stop at one. But I don't see it as an improvement to Bemidji's community.
In my opinion outlet malls sell low quality merchandise, made in foreign countries roundaboutly taking jobs away from Union workers in America
We may be gaining a few jobs locally and presumed style, but at what cost to the city's identity? Are people (tourists/shoppers) going to be sucked out of the downtown area? Bypass the city entirely just to go to the outlet mall which may include a hotel. I don't want Bemidji to be Northbranch. I really don't think we need another altar to consumerism. We are the woods not suburbia. This is urban sprawl at its worst.
I'd much rather see development of the fuckin' empty Union Square area. Damn Kraus-Anderson.