Shopaholics, Get Ready!

Shopping in Milwaukee just got better with the addition of two nationally known retail stores set to open this winter.

Online stores are my preferred means of shopping mostly because I despise the mall and its crowds and I just don’t see the point of wasting time window shopping since whatever my heart desires is just a click away on the web. But with two new stores – Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie – moving into the neighborhood, I might change my ways and bear the crowds and lines and press my nose against their windows.

Right now, there’s only a sign and some funky wallpaper up at 1937 E. Kenilworth Place, but next month Urban Outfitters will beckon college students from all over southeastern Wisconsin, and just in time for the holidays.

Anyone who has been to college or knows someone who was or is in college has heard of Urban Outfitters simply because college students make up a large share of the store’s customer base. And since Urban’s new location is only one mile south of UW-Milwaukee’s main campus and is in a building that’s part of UWM’s student housing, it’s a prime spot.

When I moved to the East Side a few years ago, the Kenilworth building was in the process of being converted from a warehouse to apartments and classroom space for UW-Milwaukee, as well as, rental space. This autumn my sister had her first class there, however the only current retail tenants in the complex are Anytime Fitness and Ess Elle (my favorite women’s boutique). But that will change. Soon you’ll be able to browse the new Urban Outfitters for trendy clothes and home furnishing like pillows and bedding. I prefer their games and gadgets though – they make superb gifts!

I read that, after considering locations on the East Side for more than two years, Urban ultimately was impressed by the opening of Whole Foods in fall 2006 right down the road. According to store operations project manager Travis Serpa, “We are very excited about the space and cannot wait to become a part of the community.”

I couldn’t agree more. Like many East Siders, I think this will be a great addition to the neighborhood. Along with Moxy, once again a high quality national retailer has chosen our commercial neighborhood for their first store in southeastern Wisconsin (Urban’s only other Wisconsin location is on State Street in Madison). And even though Urban Outfitters is a national company, I think it will fit in nicely with the small, local business flavor of the East Side – especially because the neighborhood has a great vibe and is definitely on the rise.

With the arrival of Urban Outfitters, consumers, shopaholics and retailers alike will be attracted to this part of town, don’t you think? Perhaps cool shops will also rent the spaces available in the old Prospect Mall so it's not such an eyesore.

Meanwhile, drywall and light fixtures are transforming the vacant space located at the corner of Broadway and Chicago (301 N. Broadway) into Anthropologie, an upscale retail chain for women.

Although I'm not much of a shopper, I'm thrilled! For one, Anthropologie is a unique clothing store and it’ll fit in well with Milwaukee’s chic fashion district, not to mention, like Urban it will be another draw to the city.

At the Third Ward location, Anthropologie will only be steps away from the neighborhood’s first boutique, Lela, where condos, apartments and offices have been built from the ground up, and converted from former industrial buildings over the past 10 years.

Still, only recently has the Third Ward seen a surge of new retail development. And most of those new shops and restaurants are locally owned, with the exception of a few. In fact, come January Anthropologie will be the Third Ward’s first national retailer and the first Anthropologie store located in southeastern Wisconsin.

Even though the clothes aren’t cheap, I would definitely leave my computer to browse the store and, at the same time, wish I had the money to make a purchase. Anthropologie stores are custom-designed for their locations, offering clothing, furniture, bed linens, soaps and other accessories. Clothing and merchandise range from pretty and feminine to ethnic, to clean and modern styles. And although they don’t advertise, the store has a loyal following of women who have outgrown the hip, youthful styles of Urban Outfitters, which is part of the same company.

There are also plans to convert the building’s basement into underground parking, which is something Milwaukee can definitely use, especially in the Third Ward. And there’s talk that the third floor might be leased to office tenants, which will be an additional attraction.

Just like Whole Foods, I expect Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie to lure other national retailers to the East Side and Third Ward, which will continue this boom in retail growth – and it’s about time.

Comments

[kg]

This really is a great addition to Milwaukee. It is ABOUT time those stores got here. What took them so long, seriously. However, there IS another Anthropologie in WI...at Hilldale mall in Madison.

[Karen]

KG- You're right. Though I swear I read that somewhere else, I made the change in my post - clearly it was incorrect. Thank you for the info.

Anyway, I also just read that Anthropologie is said to be moving into the Bayshore Town Center in Glendale. Pretty cool, eh?

[char]

I really like Anthropolgie, a little pricey, but sale items aren't bad. I went to the one in Schamberg, IL. With these new stores and their locations to MLK we have no reason to go to IL. The new stores will fit in nicely with the college group.

[Karen]

Ah-ha! I knew I read it somewhere. In an OnMilwaukee.com article writen by a staff writer: "This is the first Anthropologie location in Wisconsin."

http://www.onmilwaukee.com/market/articles/Anthropologie.html

[kg]

Another Anthropologie at Bayshore would be pretty cool too...it was definitely always a store a looked forward to going to when in Chicago.

I dont know what to make of that article...because there is definitely one in Madison. I know it's new also though, maybe it opened after the MKE one was announced? At the end of the day, who cares...both cities are lucky to have the store :)

[Audra]

I looooooove Anthropologie. Can't wait 'till this place opens. Good shopping is one thing I really miss having here in Milwaukee and I'm glad to see we are finally getting some cool stores.

[Ess Elle]

We're really looking forward to Urban Outfitters joining our East Side neighborhood. It will be a great addition! We especially love all of the fun giftable items they have.

[Karen]

Ess Elle- As if I haven't said it enough already, I absolutely love your boutique! You'll have to let me know the date of your next Friday Night Fling.