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Roslindale Square could get a pet store - but it would be a chain operation
By adamg on Tue, 09/23/2014 - 2:26pm
Roslindale Village Main Street reports Petco is looking at space in the square for one of its smaller Unleashed by Petco stores.
As you know, in the past, the community has expressed concern over national chains moving into Roslindale Village. Those concerns often centered around a desire to retain small, locally-owned, independent shops over national chains, as well as general concerns over increased congestion, truck deliveries and similar.
The group's board is soliciting opinions from Roslindale residents on whether they'd want to see the store open up in the square. In 2012, residents fended off a Domino's on Washington Street, in the same building as the Subway franchise and a couple blocks away from the Staples.
The store would compete with the locally owned Pet Cabaret at Washington and Metropolitan, which offers pet food (including, of course, turtle food) and supplies.
Residents can drop by the RVMS office, 2A Corinth St., between 9 a.. and 5 p.m, call 617-327-4065 or send e-mail to [email protected].
Your comments will be conveyed anonymously to our elected officials and to Petco, and will help the RVMS Board decide what position we might take on this issue going forward.
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Comments
Where specifically?
I'm not opposed to a store instead of an empty space. I think Petco carries mostly different brands than Pet Cabaret so I don't see a huge conflict, any more than the Village Market selling Iams and Purina.
I've heard the specific
I've heard the specific location is on South Street where the JB Edwards Uniform store is, across from where the former Bob's Pita location is. They are supposedly closing and the Unleashed Petco shop has signed a lease or is about to. That's the chatter. Initially I assumed it actually was the former Bob's Pita spot but have been told it's not (unless that's wrong).
Also re: Pet Cabaret,they're expanding their space tool, in an unrelated move to this possible Unleashed Petco lease I believe.
The Uniform Store is closing?
It's been around for, like, forever....
That's what I've heard but I
That's what I've heard but I have yet to see it anywhere official so cannot 100% confirm that.
Wait, are you saying Pet
Wait, are you saying Pet Cabaret is not a pet store? They have pet food, supplies, bathing facilities, toys, etc. It's also a really cool place and the people are very nice. I don't follow....
They only
offer supplies for a limited number of animals, they don't sell live food (crickets/ baby mice. Some people have pets other than dogs, cats or turtles.
Granted. I haven't been to
Granted. I haven't been to the Unleashed that's in the South End so I don't know from personal experience what they do and do not carry. But their website paints them as very similar to Pet Cabaret from what I can tell.
So its not a pet store unless
So its not a pet store unless they sell live food?
good to sell everything
its good for pet stores to sell everything
Unleashed won't help with those needs either
It's a much narrower concept and smaller stores than Petco.
Here's bit of an article on another location:
Wording changed
When I was thinking "pet store," I was thinking a place that sells, well, pets, which Pet Cabaret doesn't. But apparently the Unleashed stores don't either.
Stores that sell
pets should be illegal. You should never, ever buy a pet from a pet store. They are from horrendous puppy (or insert other anmial) mills that over breed, mis-treat and abuse animals. They are horrendous and hopefully more cities will start banning this type of shit.
People need to be educated about this stuff as well as what it is like and what you will need ot do BEFORE getting a pet.
As for the store coming in I will be sending my email. The Pet Cabaret has been an amazing addition for Roslindale and it's 11th year - they have been a part of the revitalization of the square. We don't want or need antother box store. That being said most people that go to the Pet Cabaret would stay as customers. I hope at least b/c you aren't going ot get the service, knowledge or the time the owners give the customers and their pets at a place like PetCo/Unleashed.
The pound
The Boston pound (Animal shelter) is located in Roslindale, a side street off of Washington:
http://www.cityofboston.gov/animals/directions.asp
Please go here if you need a new pet, rescue a life.
That being said if this pet store does not sell puppy mill animals, I am not necesarily opposed to it, but would not patronize it over the very nice pet cabaret.
I believe they were closed
due to animal abuse.
Didn't they reopen?
After the Animal Rescue League cleaned the place up?
Yes, they're up and running
Yes, they're up and running and always need people to rescue the way too many animals there.
Petco Unleashed
Petco doesn't sell "puppy mill animals." They sell birds, fish, small mammals (gerbils, etc.), and reptiles. While they sponsor adoption events, I have never seen cats or dogs for sale at a Petco.
Petco Unleashed, on the other hand, doesn't sell any animals at all, just pet supplies, primarily dog or cat oriented, and focused on the higher-end foods.
Pet Cabaret
is a wonderful store -- really kind and knowledgeable staff. I wouldn't want to see their business drop.
Pet Cabaret is a pet store, a
Pet Cabaret is a pet store, a really great one with awesome staff, and a few blocks from Roslindale Square.
Pet Cabaret
I am pretty ambivalent about chain stores in the square competing with local businesses but if a local landlord can land Petco I won't begrudge them that. My hunch is that if Petco moves in, it will be just about as successful as Subway has been, which is to say not very. People prefer to shop locally in Rozzie and we already have Pet Cabaret, which is where I would go even if Petco moved in. My bet is that chains have started to notice the uptick in average or median income in Roslindale in the demographic data they buy, and have started to eye Roslindale as a prospective untapped market much as they salivate over JP. Some chains may be able to capitalize on that, as Wholefoods has in JP, particularly where there aren't already good local competitors in the market. But I have my doubts that Petco is going to get great traction. What we could use is a COFFEE SHOP because there aren't ANY, which is absurd. Something that also serves brunch on Saturday would be nice.
Is Subway not successful because we like local subs ...
Or because the franchisee chose a horrible location in our car-oriented culture?
bad location for a crappy fast food place.
plus subway's chief demographic are single males ages 16-30 who pretend to be "health conscious" but still end up ordering 2 footlong meatball subs.
From going to various subways
From going to various subways now and then at my various job locations I'd say the demographic is more "business people who just want a quick lunch that won't cause heartburn."
Coffee...
Would LOVE to have a coffee place in Roslindale - like most places do. We probably won't get one b/c we just can't have nice things.
Pet Cabaret - LOVE them - high quality items, knowledgable and friendly staff and owners - they've been part of the neighborhood for years - can't imagine going to anyone else for my pet needs, but then again, I rarely need crickets.
PetCo = the new Starbucks
Not only would this take business away from a locally-owned store (Pet Cabaret), but I have to think that a PetCo here would cannibalize business from the OTHER PetCo just a few miles south on Washington Street.
This makes absolutely no sense. There are a hundred better things that could go in the vacant space here.
Yes and no
Petco Unleashed is not the same as Petco, by a long shot. There is an Unleashed store in my neighborhood and I'm pretty familiar with the differences between the two, since I shop at Petco and have tried (unsuccessfully, for the most part) to use the Unleashed store to make small purchases when I couldn't get to Petco right away.
The Unleashed shops are much smaller, and they primarily sell higher-end foods and other supplies for dogs and cats, along with offering classes for dog owners.
If you're talking about the
If you're talking about the Petco on the VFW parkway in Dedham, I don't think a location in Roslindale Square is going to hurt them. I wonder, though, how much it would hurt Pet Caberet, since they're located outside the Square.
I think he means the Petco
I think he means the Petco Unleashed on Washington St in the South End maybe. The store on the VFW Parkway is Pet Supplies Plus, a different national chain. Competition is usually a good thing, but in this instance, I don't see a need for this Unleashed Petco store where Pet Cabaret provides the same service at good prices and is locally owned. Similar to how West Roxbury really does not need another bank or pizza place. I will say that Pet Cabaret seems to have a loyal following and I bet they will double down to support it. I will certainly continue to go there myself.
The VFW changes names to the
The VFW changes names to the Boston Providence Highway when it enters Dedham, so we're both right. The Pet Supplies Plus is on the VFW, and the Petco is about two miles down the same road in Dedham. I assumed that was the one being referred to, since it's close enough to the intersection with Washington that one could mix it up easily.
And yet they don't go in here
Bob's Pita - empty
Select Cafe - empty
place next to the trophy place - empty
place between BoA and the nail place - empty for a decade!
etc... There may well be a hundred things you'd rather have in Roslindale, but as the constant turnover on Birch St. and where the bookstore was can attest, it is not an easy place to have a local retail store. I'd rather have more businesses in town than more empty store fronts.
Let's avoid the JPNDC nonsense of 'good' businesses and 'bad' business here please.
Lots of these vacant properties....
... are (make that were) owned by the same landlord, who was pretty willful in his decision-making. And now he is deceased. I assume that decisionmaking regarding the properties he owned might be rather snarled up due to probate (and such like).
Empty for Specific Reasons Not Bad Business Climate
Bob's Pita is empty because the property is a wreck and the owner has yet to make plans on what to do with the building. Select Cafe is empty because the entire building is being sold and no one is going to fill the space until the transaction closes. When it closes, I bet we get something good. The place between BofA and the nail place is empty (and has been for a decade) because (as I understand it) there is a river running through the basement and it is owned by BofA, which has little interest in dealing with that problem or, for that matter, community development. I am surprised that they have not turned it into a bank of 50 ATM machines. You have got me on why the little place next to the trophy store is vacant. The guy who owned the Birch Street properties, although a little unrealistic about the rents he can get, is (or was) actually very committed to revitalization of the Square and kept up those properties pretty well, which is why they are all filled. We have a number of commercial properties in the Square that simply need a ton of work and are owned by long term owners who have little ability (or maybe interest) to do a major overhaul. This is how we ended up with the Family Dollar taking over the old JAX space because no small business would have been able to invest what was needed to overhaul that building.
Thanks Roslindaler!
I appreciate your knowledgeable post.
Ditto...
... the above.
South street
You have been misinformed about building on South st. The large building is empty because old tenant decided to downsize when he was unable to keep up with lease. The owner is currently looking for a tenant willing to lease fully remodeled not as is .
Rozzie Square
At this point, anything that fills in an empty storefront or keeps another from becoming empty would be welcome in my eyes. Also, while I'm no big fan of national chains, something like a CVS would sure be convenient and would help to fill up some of the empty spaces.
One thing that area does not
One thing that area does not need is another CVS. Boston as a whole does not need more CVSs either for that matter.
The nearest CVS....
... is only a mile away from Roslindale Square.
there are four CVSs within a two miles of the square
plus a walgreens.
Uphill
Matters if you walk, but then again my scripts are in West Roxbury.
No need to walk...
... lots of buses run along Washington Street. ;~}
Less buses than the Square
Only the 34, it's brother 34E, and the 40. It amazes me when I see how many people are waiting for one of those buses at the stop in the Square. Of course, those are the same people who couldn't care less between chains and no chains.
Some places (not Rozzie) need and would welcome a CVS
Kendall Square and the Seaport District, to name two. Maybe also Assembly Row once more residents move into it.
You aren't a fan of national
You aren't a fan of national chains but you'd like a CVS to come in and pulverize Sullivan's Pharmacy in the square?
there are so many empty
there are so many empty spaces because commercial leases are so expensive. i'd love to open a cafe as i'm a damn fine barista, though i don't know how long i'd survive... also, there's a cvs in the stonybrook plaza down washington. but back to the point of the story, i'll continue to support pet cabaret as i have done for years.
ahh pet cabaret
Love the store and love the people and it is especially cool to see their local TV spots occasionally - it's sweet to see a local business grow and be successful. I'd prefer to see them without national chain encroachment but I think their reputation and customer base is strong enough to withstand a bit of competition.
Now if they only didn't peddle woo like homeopathic remedies for animals. I mean animals can't even presumably benefit from the placebo effect so the end result is feeding your animal super expensive distilled water. It's not even Pet Cabaret's fault -- obviously people must be buying it. Every time I walk by and see the homeopathy pitches I get bothered for a minute thinking of all the unchecked disease progression in beloved pets who suffer because their caretakers believe in magic over medicine.
Exactly
Pet Cabaretoffers something very different from Petco I think in the same way Harvest and Stop & Shop don't really overlap that much.
Well that sucks
If it's a chain some other locations probably already got the liquor licenses.
Pet Cabaret?
I've only been to Pet Cabaret a few times in the last year. Each time there were 3-4 people behind the counter, but no one ready to ring up a customer, and I always heard them dissing/making fun of customers in specific ways. Gossip in the workplace probably goes without saying, but maybe wait until your store is empty? After a few times I decided I won't go back to buy over-priced items from people who have no clue about customer service. Would love to see a Petco in this part of town.
Not my experience
I had an opposite experience, I found the staff to be extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Prices are pretty darn high though.
Were you in the same store?
I don't tend to comment much, but I have to call BS on this one. We head over to Pet Cabaret once a month or so to stock up on cat food (we have a crew of feral cats we keep an eye on) from Roxbury. When we walk in, they recognize us right away, and someone always immediately goes in the back and carries out full cases of the flavors when I ask. They ring us up right away, and they usually offer to help bring the food out to the car. Always smiling, always nice and helpful.
As far as overpriced, we started going their specifically because its cheaper for high quality food than just about anywhere else around (even online). Plus 10% off when you buy a case is really nice. I've also never heard them gossip about anyone, despite your claim that you allegedly "always" hear it during the "few times" times you've been there.
Yup, same store
Not sure why you think I would have made up those experiences (which is what I assume you think based on those ""). Maybe they're polite to customers they recognize, and don't put the same effort in for new customers. That's my guess considering all the other glowing comments about them, which quite frankly surprised me. If I had had one bad experience in there, I'd write it off. By its been consistently miserable.
Their cat food is expensive, and the selection is quit
small (smaller than the dog food selection). I've been there a few times when I've run out but they don't carry the brand I usually buy. I also got a cat carrier there the day I brought my cat home because I needed one quickly, and it was somewhere between $70 to $90 (can't remember exactly; I guess I blocked it out).
Believe me, id rather shop closer to home 99% of the time, but I'd rather drive out to Dedham than go back there.
I go there a decent amount
I go there a decent amount and have never had that experience. Not accusing you of making that up, but I know others that go there as well and have never heard anyone have bad customer service there.
I call BS as well
and if you told the owners that is what happened to you it wouldn't have happened again.
There wasn't much reason to
There wasn't much reason to contact the owners, because they don't carry the products I buy, and what they do carry is incredibly expensive. If I speak to the owners will they lower their prices?
I don't find their prices
I don't find their prices incredibly high and I have shopped aorund. Is it maybe a bit more expensive than a chain store? Maybe by a tiny amount but not "incredibly" more. Most small businesses are a tad more expensive but they have to make a living.
Also, you don't get someone at Petco that will take 45 minutes or longer to talk to you (and know what they are talking about) about your animals, their health issues, what foods/treats would work best or not (and know exactly what is in them), referrals of vets, trainers, sitters, walkers, behavioral issues, fitting on leashes, harnesses, coats, will do special orders if they don't have it or find a place that does carry what you need, etc. And yes, they should be able to make a dollar or two on that.
It's fine that you don't like it and don't shop there b/c you think it's incredibly expensive but since you don't shop there and don't know what type of service they give you really shouldn't speak on it.
Ugh
Dear everyone - we hate your dog.
Enough with the dog parks and pet only bakeries.
It's JUST a filthy animal to us.
Next they'll kick the kids out of the ball field and make it a dog toilet.
Derp
Derp
If the Pet Cabaret leaves...
...and I don't get to see their commercials on TV anymore, I'm leaving Massachusetts forever.
What channel?
Where do they advertise on TV? Is it on my favorite, Comcast Channel 26?
Petco
The last thing we need is another chain store of any kind. Give me a small independent business any day, such as Pet Cabaret, or Polka Dog Bakery in JP.