Posted on 07/13/2021 8:58:17 PM PDT by KeyLargo
From the Desk of Lori:
Symbols matter. And there is no greater symbol of Chicago’s broad and diverse shoulders as the Magnificent Mile. Yet the anti-equity policies of retailers such as Macy’s that decided not to renew leases on Michigan Avenue have led to other national brands replacing artfully painted BLM plywood edifice monikers with empty storefronts (as to Macy’s, good riddance to their racist Frangos which force you to chomp on darkness before getting to the good stuff inside).
Seriously, the situation is grim: Nearly 1/3rd of retail space sits empty on this section of Michigan Avenue. Moreover, others such as Target, have recently prioritized profits over equity in deciding not to open new stores, despite their promises to me.
You might say this is not in your backyard, but this is impacting my wardrobe. I used to buy my sack suits at Brooks Brothers, but now I need to have my detail drive to Oak Brook for the latest in fashion. For the first time in over 50 years, there is not a Brooks Brothers within city limits unless you count O’Hare airport shopping, which I refuse to visit because the Juneteenth flag has not yet replaced the Chicago flag in most terminals like it has at City Hall for at least one month of the year (during my next term, I will work on overcoming this blatant example of Daley-legacy racism, as well as getting rid of the racist US flag at Customs and Immigration).
But back to the present day: Why is retail leaving? I have been told theft is an issue as well as the decline of tourists, who are afraid of having their belongings redistributed or getting stabbed or shot. I believe this is an excuse which reeks of what one Brit told me represents “high street” racism, even if in Chicago I think it means something else for the teens who congregate peacefully in the Loop on the weekends.
Regardless, we need a solution to operationalize racial equity and defeat white supremacy on Michigan Avenue, which in turn will bring back street traffic and fix the vacancy issue. Kim suggested these three ideas to me to help transform the Magnificent Mile into the first Chicago Retail Equity Zone:
Bring in a new group of tenants to increase foot traffic. Dollar General, Sharks Fish and Chicken and Pawn America have all approached Michigan Avenue landlords in recent weeks about open space. I am supportive of these efforts as it will diversify the culinary and shopping options on the Magnificent Mile. And also, in the case of the latter, it will allow for the redistribution of merchandise from Burberry and the Nike Store in a greener fashion – fewer miles traveled – after the next peaceful march, reducing the need to raise the bridges (also reducing greenhouse emissions). Of note: Sharks is also considering the soon-to-be-empty Spiaggia’s space as a test kitchen! Lock up merchandise: Despite Kim’s good intentions with this idea, I am not supportive of locking up merchandise as Walgreens has done throughout much of the city. The plastic barrier between shoppers and merchandise is symbolic of racial inequity. I will propose legislation next week to ban this practice and to allow for people to once again “shop” freely. Use eminent domain and insider sway to transform The Casino Club into a casino. The elite club that sits in the shadow of the John Hancock could be the foundation of a high-rise casino which would both increase foot traffic (Kim tells me this will reduce crime) and provide a much needed tax injection for the city. Apparently there is some support among progressive board members of this institution for this initiative thanks to the success of the (top, top, top secret) joint Chicago mayoral administration White Privilege Exorcism Anti-Racist Task Force (WPEAR) that has been secretly funding diversity, equity and inclusion programs aimed at the re-education of the Latin and Parker communities (open to the public: visit us in Room 101
Satire, but right on target, about how the Democrat mayor has sped up the number of business, never returning to Chicago due to her hands off approach to criminals and defunding the police.
I always fall for the satire because no matter how absurd the scenario, these days it is always plausible
Land of Lincoln can be described as Land of Stinkin’ . . .Politicians.
I am truly personally disturbed that you consider “equity” with NOT being responsible for your personal actions.
If you want to purchase my products, I am good with that. If you want to discuss those prices and negotiate, on VOLUME, I still have no issue with that conversation.
You want to
TELL ME
what I am going to sell you that product for, we may have an issue.
You try to TAKE MY STUFF, you WILL NOT LIKE the consequences
look, the dollar store has some great values!
It is very plausible.
I can remember growing up in the burbs, we would go shopping in Chicago and Mag Mile was so much fun back then. And after a long day, we would go to my father’s fav restaurant, Miller’s Pub. My age is showing!
Chicago has a smaller population than it did in 1920. It’s demographics are a problem:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Chicago
Even if the companies wanted to return, their insurance companies may say “not insured by us”.
Death after Junius crash results in manslaughter charge
Manslaughter Charged Filed Against Driver in Rt. 318 Crash
Interestingly, I could only find one article naming the retail location that the merchandise was stolen from.
Let's hear it for shoplifters.
FYI for all.
The ‘Kim’ that the writer refers to in the article is, the corrupt, racist Cook County State’s Attorney. Kimisha Foxx
She is Soros backed and, anti police, Leftist that refuses to prosecute her voter base.
Satire, but most of it is true - Downtown Chicago has become the plywood window city.
I feel for the law abiding who can’t or won’t leave Chicago.
Good stuff!
It is really hard to tell what is satire these days. It is hard to come up with anything crazier than what the DemonRat Marxists actually say and do.
What, they don't like giving away their products?
"Food for thought — 3/4" Plywood Standard:
March 2020 - $37.98 /sheet
February 2021 - $72.49 /sheet
March 2021 - $83.49 /sheet
April 2021 - $95.98 /sheet
There seems to be a common theme to these cities. I can’t quite put my finger on it....
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.