Main Street = Blah

(Post based on What Main Street Can Learn from the Mall by Steven Lagerfeld. It can be found here.)

The criteria Gibbs uses range from bench placement to window displays to street layouts to evaluate "Main Street." He believes that there should promptly be a "generator" store; a store that generates both customers and business, i.e. a gym. Then there are "rules" as to which side of the street different store types should be located on, think leaving home stores on right and coming home from work stores on left (so pretty much you never have to turn left while driving to the respective place). In addition to store location, street layout can make a world of difference. In a mall the idea is that the customer always has his eyes on merchandise. Main Street could be designed in a way to makes a driver unable to not see a storefront. On that note, bench and tree location is another aspect of the criteria. Public seating can look "sketchy" and bring about unappealing loiterers. Dirty sidewalks are a no-no. Displaying brand names sold in the store are a yes. Another yes is using the window display appropriately. Smaller = pricey, larger display = inexpensive.

I do think that "Main Street" should move towards mall-material. Main Street is straight up lame. They think they're being all "cozy" and "historical" and "inviting." They're not. They look old, worn-out, and undoubtedly failing- a.k.a. overly expensive. I don't think that MS should nix the kitschy feel, but "small town charm" is dead. MS doesn't need to industrialize to much, but take hints from what works. I'm from a small town that tries to pull the whole "small town charm" thing. It's not fooling anyone. Generally small towns give off a sense of being poor, being dirty, and being boring. Malls? Rich, germy, and exciting.

This is me judging "Main Street": Is it clean? Does the store accurately display the products and reflective design? Can you park nearby? Is there a variety of store options? Is there a variety of food options? Where are the police? Banks? Map? 

I think it's important that things look friendly, clean, modern, and special.