Comments on: Podcast: State of the downtown with localized groans http://locallygrownnorthfield.org/post/320/ Blogging and podcasting the people, issues, and events of Northfield, MN Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:06:57 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 By: Nick Benson http://locallygrownnorthfield.org/post/320/#comment-968 Nick Benson Wed, 31 Jan 2007 22:44:00 +0000 http://locallygrownnorthfield.org/archives/320/#comment-968 I've got no insightful comments with regard to the content of the show, but I did want to leave a comment about how excellent the production was. I haven't been listening religiously, but many of the earlier pod-casts I've listened to (including the ones recorded at Carleton) had some really annoying volume issues, one mic would be whisper quiet, the other would be blasting, etc. Not to offend the previous radio producers, but whoever is doing it now is doing a much better job :-) I’ve got no insightful comments with regard to the content of the show, but I did want to leave a comment about how excellent the production was. I haven’t been listening religiously, but many of the earlier pod-casts I’ve listened to (including the ones recorded at Carleton) had some really annoying volume issues, one mic would be whisper quiet, the other would be blasting, etc. Not to offend the previous radio producers, but whoever is doing it now is doing a much better job :-)

]]> By: Jerry Bilek http://locallygrownnorthfield.org/post/320/#comment-932 Jerry Bilek Tue, 30 Jan 2007 19:49:48 +0000 http://locallygrownnorthfield.org/archives/320/#comment-932 Great podcast! I'll add just a few points. Since I opened in July, internet sales have been 20% of my business. 40% in Jan. due to the drop off in walk-in business. Internet sales supplement my walk-in business, not the other way around. That may change as internet sales grow. Downtown is part of my plan. The store is not a place to store my books for the internet. I could find cheaper space if that is what I want to do and I may someday, but for now I think I can make a go of it on Division st. I made changes to the business from its previous incarnation to attract more walk-in traffic, comfortable seating, readings, book signings etc. I advertise in the Northfield News, Carletonian, Manitou Messenger. Mathius thought it seemed odd to have a used bookstore in Northfield. Where other than a college town would a used bookstore do well? My market research led me to believe a used bookstore could only survive in a college town. I went to school in Madison WI, which may have more used bookstores per capita than anywhere. Ross said: One problem with radio is that you can’t see the commentators’ expressions. In yesterday’s podcast, I wish you could have seen Carleton student Mathius Bell’s expression when he commented on developers who built beyond the student body’s walking range. I interpreted it to indicate that he was wondering why someone would leave that much money on the table. Students may seem suprised that more businesses don't open near campus. I'll just mention this. In my 7 years at St. Olaf, I had students complain about the price of poster board, $1.00. Target sells it for $.50 They would drive to Target to save $.50. They bought ipods at Target even though the bookstore price was the same. Everyone falls into that marketing trap that chains are cheaper. For me to be successful downtown, I believe I need to offer the best selection, service, price and overall value to my customers. I am an optimist that it can be done. Great podcast! I’ll add just a few points. Since I opened in July, internet sales have been 20% of my business. 40% in Jan. due to the drop off in walk-in business. Internet sales supplement my walk-in business, not the other way around. That may change as internet sales grow.

Downtown is part of my plan. The store is not a place to store my books for the internet. I could find cheaper space if that is what I want to do and I may someday, but for now I think I can make a go of it on Division st. I made changes to the business from its previous incarnation to attract more walk-in traffic, comfortable seating, readings, book signings etc. I advertise in the Northfield News, Carletonian, Manitou Messenger.

Mathius thought it seemed odd to have a used bookstore in Northfield. Where other than a college town would a used bookstore do well? My market research led me to believe a used bookstore could only survive in a college town. I went to school in Madison WI, which may have more used bookstores per capita than anywhere.

Ross said:
One problem with radio is that you can’t see the commentators’ expressions. In yesterday’s podcast, I wish you could have seen Carleton student Mathius Bell’s expression when he commented on developers who built beyond the student body’s walking range. I interpreted it to indicate that he was wondering why someone would leave that much money on the table.

Students may seem suprised that more businesses don’t open near campus. I’ll just mention this. In my 7 years at St. Olaf, I had students complain about the price of poster board, $1.00. Target sells it for $.50 They would drive to Target to save $.50. They bought ipods at Target even though the bookstore price was the same. Everyone falls into that marketing trap that chains are cheaper.

For me to be successful downtown, I believe I need to offer the best selection, service, price and overall value to my customers. I am an optimist that it can be done.

]]> By: Griff Wigley http://locallygrownnorthfield.org/post/320/#comment-926 Griff Wigley Tue, 30 Jan 2007 14:06:33 +0000 http://locallygrownnorthfield.org/archives/320/#comment-926 I know you have no interest being mayor, Tracy, but you'd be a good one, even when grouchy! But sure, cook up another quote and I'll swap it out. I know you have no interest being mayor, Tracy, but you’d be a good one, even when grouchy!

But sure, cook up another quote and I’ll swap it out.

]]> By: Tracy Davis http://locallygrownnorthfield.org/post/320/#comment-924 Tracy Davis Tue, 30 Jan 2007 13:15:07 +0000 http://locallygrownnorthfield.org/archives/320/#comment-924 Oooohhh....."localized groans" - Locally Grown - I get it! P.S. I have no interest in being mayor. Can I say something funnier? Oooohhh…..”localized groans” - Locally Grown - I get it!

P.S. I have no interest in being mayor. Can I say something funnier?

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