What would be a good replacement for this closing Macy's?

[Whirlboromarlpool]

In Houston, a Macy's store built in 1947 as a Foley's (became Macy's in 2007) is closing. What do you folks think would be a good replacement for the space? I made a list of suggestions, but I really want people's input.

The former Foley’s/Macy’s property at 1110 Main Street in Houston is 791,000 square feet and has a traffic count of cars per day. This building is in the heart of Houston and has ideal visibility, with access by public transportation. It is equipped with escalators. The area surrounding this property is one of the most affluent in Texas. Not far away is the famous Galleria Mall, which is a popular tourist destination and one of the largest malls in the world. Also not far away is the oldest Sears store in Texas.

So here's my list:  :D

Sears: This company currently has a store in this part of Houston which is old and in poor condition. It is without convenient pedestrian access, and is not in proximity to other popular chain stores, with the exception of a Fiesta supermarket. The current Sears is likely in need of repairs, but it would be cheaper for Sears to move to the Foley’s/Macy’s building and let a new tenant have the repairs done.

Barnes & Noble: From 1994 until 2011, Barnes & Noble had a store across from the Galleria Mall. It closed when a Barnes & Noble was opened in the rich River Oaks neighborhood, but neither the old or new Barnes & Noble here are in locations convenient to pedestrians.

Christmas Tree Shops: This property is in an upper middle class area, and the demographics are perfect for Christmas Tree Shops. Residents of this area currently live in proximity to few or no stores that would serve the purpose that Christmas Tree Shops would. The Sears is likely their only choice.

NORDSTROM: This chain currently has no Houston-area stores, but would be a perfect fit for this large space in the heart of Houston. Right now, Neiman Marcus is the only chain equivalent to Nordstrom found anywhere in Greater Houston. Dillard’s is slightly lower-end but also has a large presence.

Neiman Marcus: This chain already has a store at the Galleria, but it is in dire need of a remodel. The escalators are obsolete and outdated, and the store is difficult to access from the outside.

Bloomingdale’s: Because this is the luxury division of Macy’s, perhaps it could do well here even though Macy’s couldn’t because Macy’s is found at most malls in Houston, but this area is rich and wants something more interesting.

Dillard’s: This company already has a store next to the Galleria, but not convenient to Galleria patrons. It sits off by itself, and has become run down on the outside. A gas station and adult business are in front of it, which tarnish the upscale image of Dillard’s.

JCPenney: This chain already has stores at most Houston malls, but is without a flagship store. JCPenney has experimented lately with big-box format stores to rival Kohl’s, and maybe a downtown store would complement this. It seems like malls have gone out of style, and department store chains should look for other venues.

TJX: TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods have a formula for success: they locate stores close to malls but not in malls. This property is neither in nor near a mall, but because it was once an ideal site for a department store but no longer is, off-price clothing stores would be a perfect fit.

Bed Bath & Beyond: BB&B has had much success in former department store spaces. There are several examples of this in the Philadelphia region, where former Sears and Wanamaker’s stores have closed and been subdivided into a combination of Bed Bath & Beyond and other stores, often including a Genuardi’s/GIANT supermarket.

COST PLUS WORLD MARKET: This chain has done very well in Houston and caters to the “mall” demographic, as do Bed Bath & Beyond, Christmas Tree Shops, and TJX. Also, being in the heart of a major multicultural city, it sells a variety of “exotic” items which are sure to please tourists.

Toys R Us/Babies R Us: These are also targeted to mall shoppers, and Houston has a younger population than many other cities. There are plenty of infants and children to patronize these stores.

AMC: This part of Houston is without a major cinema right now. AMC already has large theaters such as the AMC Willowbrook 24, but these are not at all convenient to people living near the Foley’s/Macy’s property.

Regal Cinemas: This chain currently has no theaters in Texas, but the Foley’s/Macy’s property would be an amazing first location and most certainly their flagship.

Office DEPOT: Right now, there are no Office DEPOT stores in downtown Houston, but many on the edges of the city. One in the heart of downtown would be very useful for the many businesspeople working in the area.

OfficeMax: see above

OUTBACK: This restaurant chain likes to be in areas with a lot of shopping, dining, and bars. Also, an “exotic” restaurant chain such as OUTBACK would likely want to be in the heart of a very diverse city.

Red Lobster: Houston has Cajun heritage and seafood is very popular in the city. Red Lobster is also familiar to most of the USA and is known for having bars in its restaurants. These would make it attractive to tourists.

Pappadeaux: see above

Babin’s: see above

Whole Foods: With its roots in Austin, and appeal to the upper class, Whole Foods would be a perfect fit for this site. Many visitors to Houston from larger cities in the Northeast and California are likely accustomed to having organic food stores in their downtowns.

THE FRESH MARKET: Rice Epicurean, Houston’s own luxury grocer, is in the process of going out of business right now. THE FRESH MARKET could fill this void well, having started in North Carolina, also a Southern state but with an affluent, educated community.

Rouses: This Louisiana grocer is interested in expanding into Texas. The “family” charm of Rouses is what Randalls, an existing grocer in Houston, once had until it was sold to Safeway. If Randalls goes out of business, which is likely, Rouses might be able to buy former Randalls locations cheaply and be all over Houston.

FOOD COURT: An upscale food court, with gourmet eateries, would be very successful in this area. International tourists are most likely looking for exotic foods.

[Ameskid]

The fact is, most of the stores you've listed probably wouldn't be able to justify the cost, given that this is a store with at least 2 floors.

Sears: Not really in a position to open any new stores, much less one of that size.

Barnes and Noble: Smaller stores seem to work best for them.

Christmas Tree Shops: I've read that this is a discount store similar to Ames.  That said, a former Macy's wouldn't be an ideal fit.

Nordstrom: I think this would be an excellent fit.  Macy's stores are usually comparably sized to Macy's, and such a visible location would be great for a first foray into the area.

I would elaborate on the others, but it's 2 AM and I need to hit the hay.  ;)