The Castro
Many people are confused when it comes to defining what "formula retail" really is. With neighborhood associations, merchant associations, and city planners weighing in on allowing businesses into the Castro, many times coming at odds, it's easy to get a cloudy understanding of what makes a business fall into this doomed category.
One recent example is CVS and Chipotle. CVS is a chain that operates more than 15 stores in the United States, but the Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Association gave the retailer its blessing to move in because it would provide competition to the many Walgreen's stores in the Castro. When Chiptole wanted to move in at Market and Church Street at the old Home location, the DTNA was against it, but the Merchants of Upper Market and Castro and the Castro Community Benefit District gave their support. Many people asked, "Why was CVS allowed, but Chipotle was denied?"
The Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association is hoping to clear this up. Tomorrow at 7PM, the EVNA will be holding a discussion panel called "Facts Regarding Formula Retail" at the Castro Community Room (501 Castro Street above BofA). The neighborhood group noted it was especially important to get all the facts on what formula retail actually is as the SF Planning Commission is currently undergoing a citywide study of the issue with city supervisors pushing plans to expand a citywide policy on formula retail.
The topics the panel hopes to cover include:
Why limit formula retail?
Do limits on formula retail improve a business district's economic vitality, or does it hinder it?
Does formula retail cause rents to increase or decrease?
What is the right mix of formula retail in our neighborhood - 10%, 20%, 30%?
Are formula retail establishments more stable/successful than locally owned?
Other related data and facts in support of or opposition to formula retail
Panelists include:
Gary Weiss, IXIA owner and EVNA Board Member
Wendy Mogg, Sweet Inspirations owner and SF Locally Owned Merchants Alliance
Terry Asten Bennett, Clift's Variety owner and President of MUMC
AnMarie Rodgers (or alternate), SF Planning Department Staff working on Formula Retail
James Moore, EVNA Member, Neighborhood Resident
Andrea Aiello, Executive Director, Castor/Upper Market CBD
Erik Honda, Vice President, Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Association
We reached out to Supervisor Scott Wiener to find out why he was not included on the panel. Supervisor Wiener got back to us last night saying that he was not asked to be on the panel, but that "they’ve included some very knowledgeable people. I’m sure they’ll have a great discussion about what works for the neighborhood in terms of retail mix."
We emailed the Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association to try to find out what they hoped to accomplish with this panel discussion outside of the neighborhood being (hopefully) more informed about what does and doesn't fly as far as incoming retailers. We have not heard back, but will let you know if anything significant is noted such as consensus recommendations to the planning commission or supervisors.
