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Monday, November 17, 2008
What does Gwinnett Village need?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Not long ago I pointed out the obvious increase in bars and nightclubs in the area. I made a case why that might not necessarily be a bad thing, considering the market audience they typically cater to are mostly young college educated professionals.
This is the same target market who is also socially aware and environmentally responsible with a strong sense of wanting to feel invested in their present - and future. They are attracted to the live/work/play type communities like Gwinnett Village is trying to develop.
So the next question to answer is what else could draw these kinds of people to the area?
Well, before I give you another piece of that answer let me highlight some of their core values, requirements and criteria first based upon their Annual Report:
“Caring about our communities & our environment” “high-traffic shopping areas.” “urban stores located in high-density, mixed-use projects” “education levels, population density and income levels within certain drive times”
Whole Foods, Inc. could be good for Gwinnett Village, and The Village could be good for Whole Foods, Inc.
There are few better accessible locations with available facilities than you can find along Jimmy Carter Blvd, not to mention direct access to customers who work in the surrounding industrial and office parks. There could be no better publicity for a company than to have bragging rights to being partially responsible for the revitalization of an entire community.
Now The Village area obviously doesn’t meet every qualification Whole Foods is looking for, - especially education and income levels - at least those who are residents. There are many who work in the area that do, and Whole Foods could be part of the draw that attracts even more of that market to the area.
Businesses would benefit from such traffic. Furniture Row could significantly benefit from the traffic Whole Foods could bring. After all, big money makers are usually big spenders too. What better audience could they ask for but those who are just starting out on their own and trying to build a life of their own in their first home.
I know the last thing we need is another grocery store and it is not likely to happen much to my dismay. There is no mistaking, however, the positive influence a company like Whole Foods could have on the area and on our revitalization efforts.
Are young professionals crucial to the revitalization and new identity of Southwest Gwinnett? If so, what else could draw them to live work and play in The Village?
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