Isn’t Kimbrell’s part of the grouping of properties getting/that got upzoned a while back? While I hate to see small businesses go under, this is the only building within that group of properties that I wouldn’t mind seeing getting redeveloped in a more vertical manner.
2 Likes
I don’t know that I’d be as pessimistic as you are, but I do think that there will be a transition in the retail scene that will shift the focus of that retail toward daily living needs. Kimbrell’s was likely able to survive for decades based on cheap rent (when nobody wanted to be downtown), and because they served an underserved market in financially creative ways. As the context of the market changes, so will the retail that supports the market.
Certainly Covid is a monkey wrench thrown into the equation, and no doubt that it will have a painful impact, but I don’t think that it spells the death of retail in the long run. Trouble is that we have to both learn to function properly with the virus at hand, and find ways for the virus to end. IMO, it’s not an either/or situation. It’s a “both” situation. We just don’t seem to want to have the discipline to learn to function with it, while we keep hoping for a quick vaccine.
No doubt that small businesses will suffer the most if we don’t prioritize supporting them individually, or with government assistance, until we can get past this horrible time.
12 Likes
I think you’re right, this is part of that block of rezoning for (possible) future development. But the business isn’t going under. They actually just expanded; only this location is closing. Not sure what the owner meant by too much construction and his customer base not being able to get downtown. Downtown has more residents than ever, and they all need furniture. Maybe update your merchandise and showroom to attract new customers. Nothing stays the same forever, you have to adapt with the times.
4 Likes
I walked into Kimbrell’s last year looking for furniture. Their furniture offerings looked 10-15 years behind in style, wasn’t close to buying anything. If they did a better job shifting their offerings to the young professionals that are moving downtown right now, they may of been fairing a bit better. Covid & the protests obviously didn’t help. Always sad though to see any small business closed. But also excited to see what the potential redevelopment of that space could be.
9 Likes
Yep. Millennials and Zoomers are looking for clean Mid Century Modern and Nordic styled furniture. Kimbrell’s had none of that really but interior of the building did not look very welcoming.
4 Likes
It’s a perfect spot for a bowling alley and restaurant/bar with the three levels.
18 Likes
Every time I drive by the Alley/Western Lanes on Hillsborough St. and see that Target I get sick to my stomach. It would be nice to see a similar replacement somewhere downtown that isn’t like Kings in North Hills.
I know its hard to replicate lanes with holes in the floor and beer stained carpet, but something that isn’t unnecessarily expensive where you won’t come back for another year.
12 Likes
That will help revive Fayetteville Street. I would go bowling weekly if that was an option.
6 Likes
I just wish they could’ve put the target in the decade old empty space next door. I know the issues with that space. Just seems like a waste. That bowling alley was one of the very few old things in Raleigh I was sad to see go.
3 Likes
Check out downtown Greensboro bowling .
7 Likes
This looks really cool
Will also add. I’d love to see a small downtown movie theater playing the blockbusters. But know that’s never going to happen with Covid and the decline of theaters.
2 Likes
Count me among those that would love a cool bowling outlet in that location, or any other location along Fayetteville St. 
6 Likes
I’m hoping for an urban multi-screen cinema at a future Smoky Hollow phase. I’m really hoping that Kane gets his hands on the SE quadrant (that’s primarily the Wake County General Service Center). With the railroad tracks creating the southern border of this quadrant, and with all of the sound proofing that happens in movie theaters, pushing a couple of floors of theaters near the tracks side of the property could be a great use of that location. Of course, parking is another use that could be pushed against the tracks along with theaters.
5 Likes
I know there has been a lot of wishful thinking on this site - but maybe in the age of Covid, it’s time to make that parking deck wall outdoor movie theatre a reality.
3 Likes
Flyan Mayan closed until next year.
Dang. That was on my list of places to eat when I in R’wood for Thanksgiving. What a shame. Still, I have to defer to the owners and hope that this allows them to reopen successfully.
Fayetteville street is tough. With Covid gone that street will still struggle. I have no idea how to fix it.
1 Like
Players’ Retreat reopening for curbside pickup soon.
7 Likes