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Reuse of VacantDepartment Stores

Presented at New Holstein Community CenterJanuary 10, 2001

by Bill Ryan, Jerry Braatz and Steve DellerUniversity of Wisconsin - Extension

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Discussion Outline

1 Adaptive Reuse Options

2 Pursuing a New Retail Use

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1. Adaptive Reuse Options

• How Vacant Stores Have Been Used Nationwide

• A Study of Closed Pamida Stores in Wisconsin

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How Vacant Stores Have Been Used NationwideNew Retail Uses:

• Rutland, VT - vacant Kmart converted to a Wal-Mart

• Chatham, VA - Leggett Store to restaurant and antiques mall

• Chippewa Falls, WI - JC Penny to Mason Shoe factory outlet

• Ponca City, OK - JC Penny to a Dollar Saver (off-price outlet)

• Franklin, VA - department store to a hardware superstore

• Rice Lake, WI - Schultz Brothers to Rice Lake Furnishings

• Bridgetown, NJ - conversion to a retail incubator

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How Vacant Stores Have Been Used Nationwide Other Commercial Uses:

• Birmingham, AL - conversion to professional offices and deli

• Russell, KS - conversion to telemarketing offices

• Bardstown, KY - conversion to a health club

• Martinsburg, VA - conversion to showroom and offices for American Furniture (125 employees)

• Hagerstown, MD - conversion to a telework center with workstations, copiers, fax machines and conference space

• Petuluma, CA - conversion to manufacturing

• Port Huron, MN - conversion to a casino for local tribe

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How Vacant Stores Have Been Used Nationwide Community Service Uses:

• Bedford, VA - Leggett Store converted to new county offices• Culpeper, VA - Leggett Store converted to post office• Portsmouth, VA - conversion to a children’s museum• Ithaca, NY - conversion to a community college• Ithaca, NY - conversion of Woolworths to a public library• Woodward, OK - conversion to a sheltered workshop for

developmentally disabled• Woodward OK - Sears converted to a community civic center• Somerset, KY - conversion to offices for non-profits

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A Study of Closed Pamida Stores in Wisconsin

Community New Business Reuse Category

Sun Prairie On the Road Liquidators Storage/Sales

StoughtonNelson Industries Offices/Dist

Sturgeon Bay Palmer Johnson Offices

Merrill County Market and Bank Retail, Service

Whitewater Auto Sales and Service Building raised

Ripon Heritage Wafer Storage

Tomah Hartland Furniture Retail

Sparta Family Dollar, Sears Retail

Menominee Vacant Vacant

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2. Pursuing a New Retail Use

• Understanding the Consumer

• Understanding the Retailer• Conducting a Market

Analysis• Developing a Recruitment

Strategy

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Understanding the Consumer

Changing Demographics:• Change in Households, Income, Age, and Diversity

Consumer Preferences:• Convenience, New Stores, Scale/Size, Chains, Parking,

Segmented Shopping, and a Sense of Place

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Understanding the Retailer

Business Objectives:• Increase Sales and Profits, Market Penetration, Strong Identity

and New Store Locations

Market Selection Criteria:• Location Types, Building Size, Trade Area

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Conducting a Market Analysis

1 Assess the Current Situation 2 Determine Size of the Trade Area by Market Segment3 Analyze Demographic and Lifestyle Characteristics4 Assess Attitudes and Preferences Through Focus

Group or Survey Research5 Analyze Demand and Supply by Business Category6 Development of Strategies and Recommendations

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Developing a Recruitment Strategy

1 Identify Targeted Retail Sectors2 Compile Community Information3 Identify Retail Prospects4 Contact Prospects