2009.09.22
More on Ukrop's
Since Friday, you've all had much to say about the news of Ukrop's closing in Roanoke. Thanks for weighing in. In case you missed it, here's the latest story on the future of Ukrop's soon-to-be vacant store in Roanoke.
Also, I want to address some comments by some of you, expressing concern that the city of Roanoke has used taxpayer dollars to fund the Ivy Market project. No taxpayer money has been used to fund this project.
The developer, IMD Investment Group, receives incentives based on the performance of Ukrop's and Walgreens. This means that the city considers the tax revenue generated by these two retailers before IMD actually receives any kind of payment.
When the city crafted this agreement in 2004, officials estimated that the development would generate at least $1.4 million in tax revenue. The contract says that IMD would receive up to $600,000 for 15 years, if the stores generated this amount. So, the city had hoped to recoup about $800,000 a year in retail taxes from Ivy Market.
This is more money than the city would have received if this site had remained in its former state. You may remember that this Ukrop's site was once overgrown with weeds and known to many as a "hobo-jungle."
It's unclear what will happen with this agreement now that Ukrop's will be closing. If IMD finds another store to fill the Ukrop's spot, the tax incentive will stay intact, according to city officials.
This site would make great "Happy's 2" flea market. South west folks have to drive across town to visit a flea market.
Comment by T.J. Witten — September 22, 2009 @ 8:18 pm
I usually make it to Ukrops a couple of times a week. On my trip Tuesday evening I was surprised to find the displays and stock in disarray; stock wasn't "faced," stock not replenished on shelves, little bakery stock selection. It seems like they're already cutting back by reducing the work force, bringing in less stock from Richmond and/or they just don't care anymore. PLUS, beginning Sept. 28, signs on the doors state that Ukrops is reducing store hours to 8:00am until 7:00pm.
Comment by Smitty — September 23, 2009 @ 1:39 am
Upon reading today's paper (Sunday Oct. 4), I was called upon to make my wishes for a new use for the soon-to-be-empty Ukrops building: Kohls!
It's TIME. There has been talk for too long...let's take some action. I think that one of the reasons Ukrops didn't fare so well was that it was too high-end for that location. Kohls is a place that should do well in today's somewhat suffering economic society. It has below average to average prices on good quality items...and the sales are wonderful! In closing: "Come on, Kohls!!!"
Comment by T. Thompson — October 4, 2009 @ 9:27 am
Let's have either Earth Fare---fabulous natural grocery, much more "local" than whole foods! Or harris teeter or wegmans!
Comment by denise — October 4, 2009 @ 10:15 am
I would love to see Kohl's go in the Ukrops building. Roanoke is really missing out with Goody's and other retailers gone and Kohl's would definitely be a great choice. I vote Kohl's
Comment by Dana — October 4, 2009 @ 4:29 pm
Does anyone know where I can get a Chocolate Fudge Pie as good as the one at Ukrops? (rolls also)
I have stock-piled several, but don't know what I will do when they run out.
Comment by Brenda — October 5, 2009 @ 8:55 am
Brenda.. I know for fudge, a great place to go is Nancy's at Lakseside Plaza in Salem.. I was in there a few weeks ago and cant remember if they have pie or not.
Comment by Scott — October 5, 2009 @ 11:35 am
Absolutely must have Trader Joes. They even sell wine. Second best would be Whole Foods.
Comment by LAS — October 6, 2009 @ 6:11 pm
As much as we would love to have a Kohls and Trader Joes, the paper did a story a year or so ago that both said Roanoke doesn't have the traffic or demographics to support one.
Comment by gedneyguy — October 7, 2009 @ 10:26 am
All these people calling for Kohl's or Trader Joe's, etc. Don't you know retailers do market research, probably even read these blogs. After what happened to Ukrops they certainly will not come to Roanoke.
Comment by RJ — October 7, 2009 @ 4:16 pm
Come on Roanokers! Happy's Flea Market?? ANOTHER discount retailer?? With this mentality we have no hope of ever getting a major retailer to relocate here!! Please, please, please look at the bigger picture and get over your cheap, small town mentality.
Comment by Lori Rosen — October 7, 2009 @ 11:14 pm
As dumb as that sounds, Lori, I live near the Happy's Flea Market and I haven't actually been myself lately but all morning Saturday and Sunday Williamson Road traffic bottlenecks because they run out of parking there. Isn't that crazy?
Comment by Michelle — October 9, 2009 @ 1:15 pm
Lori , I agree with you, Happy's flea market? c'mon Roanoke! Brenda, I will be shopping at Ukrop's in Glenn Allen, once monthly. I would be delighted to pick up your chocolate fudge pies if you like.
Comment by Catherine — October 9, 2009 @ 2:27 pm
Fresh Market has a good fudge pie!
Comment by Vicki — October 11, 2009 @ 10:37 pm