Fandor has such a crazy reputation here, there are so many businesses packed into a rather small area, and the diverse people who shop and work there let me know that I'm not in East Lansing. I think that it feels comfortable to see that I am far from the freakiest person at the old school Korger Store. I find it very relaxing to take the bus to Frandor, but I don't like standing outside waiting for my bus.
While I tend to avoid frandor because I find the parking lots insane, I think I find myself there more than Eastwood. I don't think there's anything that's a particular draw, but its a nice variety of things that I will occasionally find myself out there for. "Standard strip mall with a fountain in the middle" is exactly right! I keep thinking it's just a glorified strip mall with a massive parking deck and weird apartments in a field.
It's definitely true that Eastwood was trying for a type of clientele that the Lansing area just doesn't have much of, or just isnt interested in that location/setup. I had no idea Banana Republic had closed, but I'm not surprised. It's one of the few stores I did go to out there, but more often I went when I was in another city doing some wardrobe upgrades, not going to Eastwood.
It's too bad because I do wish we had some better shopping options for brick and mortar stores locally, but I think online shopping and returns have just made it so easy. There is still plenty I'd prefer to buy in person though from brands I actually recognize.
OK, Google Reviews tell me it is more of "dignified wine store", less of "party store", and I should be less judgmental.
(Their website was advertising that they sold kegs, so I thought, OK.)
Comments
It's definitely true that Eastwood was trying for a type of clientele that the Lansing area just doesn't have much of, or just isnt interested in that location/setup. I had no idea Banana Republic had closed, but I'm not surprised. It's one of the few stores I did go to out there, but more often I went when I was in another city doing some wardrobe upgrades, not going to Eastwood.
It's too bad because I do wish we had some better shopping options for brick and mortar stores locally, but I think online shopping and returns have just made it so easy. There is still plenty I'd prefer to buy in person though from brands I actually recognize.
As someone who feels the area is already swimming in party and liqour stores, don't know if we need another, really BIG one. But there you go.
(Their website was advertising that they sold kegs, so I thought, OK.)