With the first major chain to enter the mall, I know Charlottesville residents have mixed feelings about Urban Outfitters. Local retailers generally seemed initially pleased with its presence, local media is scared to bash it for fear of losing advertising dollars and most of us are just confused.

Sure, having an Urban Outfitters brings increased foot traffic, but once the chains start a’ comin’ they don’t stop a’ comin’. Having Urban Outfitters on the mall essentially validates the downtown mall and we can rest assured that other major retailers will start popping up downtown. Some will say this is good for the local economy, others will say this destroys the local feel of the downtown mall. Eventually with more big name retailers, rents will rise and this will squeeze local retailers who can’t compete with major chains. That’s just a theory.

Personally, I don’t like it. I think it looks out of place and touristy, but oh well. Things have to change.

The Real Question: Did they hire professional hipster shoppers to stand around and look interested in the merchandise?

Hey ladies, a birdie informs us of the following:

Anthropologie is setting up on Emmet, where the Hollywood Video used to be (in the strip where Levy’s and those other stores I can’t think of are).  Kind of exciting news for some of us.  Although maybe you all know this already.

[pic from gbaku]

Thanks to a birdie who is also an internet detective, not only will Urban Outfitters come to Charlottesville, but so will the parent company’s sister store, Anthropologie.

The Murray Costello Construction Company website lists the following places for new stores on its website:

Upcoming Company Projects
* Anthropologie – Ridgeland, MS
* Anthropologie – Greensboro, NC
* Anthropologie – Charlottesville, VA
* Anthropologie – Aventura, FL
* Anthropologie – Alpharetta, GA

* Urban Outfitters – Nashville, TN
* Urban Outfitters – Charlottesville, VA
* Urban Outfitters – South Bend, IN

Now, is this in the same space as Urban Outfitters?

Thank the heavens it isn’t pouring anymore.  While last weekend was semi-lame, this weekend we introduce you to many things, from saving 20% at local stores to pub crawls to 2008’s best music.  We also have some gift ideas for you, including art that has no status.  This is a good preview, let’s rock it…

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From a little birdie:

Hi all! I’m sure by now we’ve all heard about Plan 9 closing, I just
wanted to give everyone a heads up that their closing sale has
started, so it’s a good time to take advantage of that and show them
some love. Everything in the store is 20% off now through Friday,
and this Saturday only, it’s 30% off all new items, and 50% off all
used items–they’ll be open until Midnight, and if you spend $25.00
or more, you get a ticket to Satellite Ballroom’s last show for
$5.00! It’s a little sad to see these two staples go, so if you have
a chance to get over there this week I know both Satellite and Plan 9
would appreciate it!

For a list of this week’s shows: visit the Satellite Ballroom

Amazon has just caught my eye. Here I thought this dull drum internet company only sold books and music. I was so wrong, welcome to the internet!

Here is a list of some of the off the wall crap Amazon sells:

Fresh Whole Rabbit

Praying Mantid 2 Egg Cases 100 to 400 Babies

The 2007-2012 Outlook for Bathroom Toilet Brushes and Holders in Greater China
Taxidermy Today (book)

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Credit: tudodany

(It’s not your average annual report.)

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This is the real deal, folks. If you disagree, you obviously have not the powers of the bearer of thunder and lightning, nor the gentle powers of a storm demon who brings death and disease to your village. »Read More

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We’ve discussed gifts for women, what about gifts for men? What stores in Charlottesville have good guy gifts? What gifts appeal to men? What are you going to buy your lover, your father or– to pick a totally random example– your brother-in-law from Florida who already has everything and needs a gift small enough to fit into a suitcase? And where will you buy it?

Men, what gifts are you hoping for?

Shortened Title: Ladies, what would you want and where do I get it?

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There are so many stores in Charlottesville that sell stuff that girls like. I mean soaps, lotions, pillows, jewelry, you know all that stuff that gets you a smile and you don’t really understand why?

I need to maintain my masculine by getting in and out quickly while making a perfectly executed decision. But, I need some guidance. »Read More