BlockCubChicago reports that attempts by upscale c-store chain Foxtrot to open a store in the city’s Andersonville neighborhood are facing resistance by locals, who argue that “saying another chain in the neighborhood would further harm local shops.”
According to the story, “Besides the increasing presence of chains in Andersonville, Foxtrot’s move to open on Clark Street is personally concerning for Ándale Market owner Mia Sakai … Foxtrot staff have shopped Sakai’s store, then stocked the same products and contracted with the same vendors for its locations, undermining her business, she said.
“Sakai led an effort to rally the business community against Foxtrot’s plan. A letter sent to city officials opposing Foxtrot in the neighborhood has been signed by 41 small business owners or manager representing 35 local businesses, including from the recently opened Paper & Pencil to the Clark Street stalwart Women & Children First bookstore.
“A public petition against Foxtrot’s plans has garnered nearly 1,400 signatures as of Monday.”
The piece notes that “the news of Foxtrot’s interest in Andersonville comes after several notable chain stores arrive in the neighborhood, also prompting backlash. That includes a Warby Parker store opening across from a mom-and-pop eyeglass shop, Jeni’s ice cream taking over a shuttered sundae shop and Taco Bell displacing Andersonville Antiques from its longtime storefront.”
And:
“Foxtrot has raised over $160 million to fund an expansion into Austin, Dallas and Washington, D.C. The company also just merged with Chicago-based upscale grocer Dom’s Kitchen … Foxtrot has reached out to Andersonville neighbors and officials to garner their support for opening in the neighborhood, according to emails reviewed by Block Club. Plans for the store include on-premise consumption of alcohol, outdoor seating and delivery, according to the emails. Foxtrot was hoping to open by spring.”
KC’s View:
Sometimes when these stories are reported, it emerges that the local stores are not really being supported by members of the community, which is why they were vulnerable. But that does not seem to be the case here, and so I cannot help but root for the home team. Not sure the locals will be successful – after all, money talks, and the interlopers are well-funded. But hope springs eternal.
The landlord for Ándale Market reportedly is reconsidering his options in the face of the local backlash, which is encouraging. If I recall correctly, Dom’s Kitchen also was involved in a bit of a real estate kerfuffle when it signed a lease for a space elsewhere in Chicago where there already was a Plum Market; the folks at Plum felt stabbed in the back, though there were differing takes on whether the stabber was the landlord or Dom’s.
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