Articles about Shopping
Don’t Let the Park Cities Become Frisco
Our award-winning editorial board just this week received a response to a recent editorial. Unfortunately, because the writer did not provide a name, it can’t be printed in our newspaper. So I provide it here:
Thank you for your May 23rd article on “Tearing Down Our History.”
We all know change is inevitable and that some is beneficial and some is detrimental. It would seem that it would behoover us to carefully examine change initiatives and if we determine that we are note resisting change because we are just reactionary, we should try to deter detrimental change. (more…)
Are You Lazy if You Don’t Walk the Escalator?
In his review of Wall-E in Friday’s paper, senior editor Glenn Arbery took aim at able-bodied people (without strollers) who don’t walk up escalators. By my rough count, I’d say this is — oh — 99 percent of everyone. Anyway, we thought he might get some response to his complaints, but we had no idea passions ran so deep, as they apparently do for this reader:
Speaking of pet peeves:
The purpose of an escalator is NOT “to speed up the normal ascent of people climbing a stairway”. That is to say, getting any one person from point A to point B faster is not the goal. The goal is to move a group of people from point A to point B as efficiently as possible, without compromising safety. Speed of individual ascent (even average speed of individual ascent) and efficiency aren’t the same thing.
The most common accident that occurs on an escalator is tripping. Same as on stairs. In my experience, people walking escalators typically appear awkward and uncertain. (more…)
Was Nordstrom Asking to be Robbed?
We’ve just posted our exclusive account of the NorthPark ATM theft from early this morning. From the sound of it, our local Nordstrom didn’t have the tightest possible security in place to prevent the crime. A snippet:
“That was the only ATM in the company that was close to a door like that that doesn’t have a roll-down metal door in front of it,” said Brooke White, a corporate spokeswoman for Nordstrom. “We just won’t replace the ATM there. We had it as a convenience for our (restaurant) customers.”
NorthPark is Safe … From Journalists
Reporter Josh Hixson was dispatched to NorthPark Center to look into the ATM theft at Nordstrom. Here’s what he found:
After taking a look at the scene of the crime near Nordstrom’s east entrance, I ventured into the mall to find some patrons willing to share their opinions on the third high profile crime to hit NorthPark in three months.
I talked to a nice woman and her daughter for all of two seconds before mall security was looking over my shoulder at my reporter’s notepad.
Brett Holbrook, a security guard at NorthPark, required backup to inform me of the following: (more…)
Dunkin’ Donuts to Snider Plaza
Merritt shares what she’s heard. I don’t know if her source is the waitress at Kuby’s:
“Balls Hamburgers in Snider Plaza is either closed or closing…now for the news: Dunkin’ Donuts is going in that space! Not a bank.”
Drink Some Sweet, Sweet Tea
Plaza at Preson Center is hosting a contest to find the best iced tea around this Sunday afternoon. Here are the details:
Did you know June is National Iced Tea Month? To commemorate this Southern tradition, The Plaza at Preston Center is hosting its second annual Best Iced Tea Contest on Sunday, June 8, 2008 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. to find the best iced tea in the [Ed.: offensive word removed, replaced with Dallas-Fort Worth area] benefiting the North Texas Food Bank. Come taste the wide array of iced tea samples from participating Dallas-area restaurants to determine which restaurant truly has the best iced tea in Dallas - whether it’s a “mom and pop” shop or a prominent Dallas restaurant. Some of last year’s participants included Craft, Celebrity Bakery & Café, Houston’s Restaurant and many other Dallas favorites. The public’s vote will determine the People’s Choice Award alongside a panel of “celebrity judges” who will be handing out the Judges’ Award for the best version of this classic refreshment.
A Chick-Fil-A Rookie No More
I haven’t been to the Chick-Fil-A in Hillcrest Village yet. But I went to the one just north of Southwestern on the 75 access road for lunch today. The double-lane drive through was backed up onto the access road, and there were at least 50 folks eating inside.
What is the deal with Chick-Fil-A’s popularity? It was a good meal — better than I expected. But it’s still fast food. Can someone tell me what the big deal with this chain is? I’m about ready to invest in the company based on what I see at that location every day. It was busy until 1:50 inside, and still had 10 cars in the drive through well after the standard lunch hours.
More on the Shooting at NorthPark Mall
Frontburner is discussing security issues at Northpark after 5 men pulled a smash and grab yesterday. The bold crime, committed so soon after the May 16 shooting, raises concerns for many in the area.
We Encourage Feedback From Our Readers . . .
Even when it turns out to be one of these:
(phone message left for Cassie Clark, who wrote our lead story this week on the shooting at NorthPark):
(Thu., 8:49 p.m.) — “You dumb ****. I’ve been here 37 years and I read your stupid article. You think because one god ****** ****** decides to commit a random crime that NorthPark and its changes has anything to do with it? Huh? You ass****.”
The caller, whose caller ID listed ‘unknown’, hadn’t had enough. He called back later.
(Fri., 2:52 a.m.) — You forgot to mention in your article how those damn ******* get to NorthPark these days. DART. They get on that DART train and they don’t need a car to get there. They get there to steal cars. Don’t forget to put that in there. ‘Course you don’t have to say ‘******.’ Say ‘undesirables.’
How about that. He found his conscience in the final two sentences.
Editor’s Note: The correlation between the increase in crime (most of it non-violent) and NorthPark’s expansion two years ago is attributed to shoppers we quote as sources in the story. We made no such conclusions in the story itself or in our reporting.
Gimme My Coffee! Now!
Wow, I heard someone order a four-shot venti latte today at Starbucks. Wouldn’t that actually lift your feet off the ground and cause 
your hair to crackle?
Signs of the Times
Yesterday, while lunching in the Knox Street area (within the very penumbra of the PC), I noticed a trend in window advertising: the use of quotations and other pithy text. Except that the text isn’t so pithy. For example,
Isn’t There a Rule About Pets in Restaurants?
I realize that Parkies love their fancy dogs but is it necessary to take them into restaurants and grocery stores? I’m noticing it more each day and I just want to know the rule beacuse if it’s OK, I’m letting my daughter take her gerbil to Kuby’s.
Laura and Jenna Bush to Hit Up Borders
I know it’s not exactly in the Park Cities, but nevertheless, First Lady Laura and daughter Jenna Bush will be at Borders in the Preston Royal Shopping Center at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The duo will be reading from their new children’s book “Read All About It!”
I wonder which book will resonate better with North Texas readers, the Bushes’ book, or Terrell Owens’ gem, “Little T Learns to Share?”
If you’ve ever been around the first family, you know how tough security can be, so you might try avoiding the entire Preston Hollow area unless you have to be there.
Orangecup: A Skinny Snack for Parkies
Orangecup is the new hip snack for chic shoppers occupying the prime real estate in Northpark Mall between Neimans and Barney’s.
An Orangecup Overheardian brought me (photographed above) the light natural yogurt with strawberry, kiwi, almond, 131 calories, 1 gram of fat. It rocks.
The grand opening is this weekend and you get free valet parking with one yummy purchase.
Monitoring the Scene
So far today:
- The new mod fountain at Lovers and Hillcrest now has lights. It seems they’re unveiling it in parts. Several city employees stood watching it for a long time this morning, maybe it’s supposed to do something else.
- There are a lot of glam Real Estate agents in town, see the comments here.
- UPPA Spring Gift Market is in full swing at University Park Elementary.
Fashion Fun
Fashion at the Park attracted all ages of Dallasites ranging from the young teen to the young-at-heart. DJ Lucy Wrubel got her groove on while spinning tunes in the tent referred to by attendees as the “party tent”, “holding tank” and “reception area”. On Day 3, Friday night, Lucy was still going strong (dancing atop her perch in the center of the tent) when I attended CH Carolina Herrera and Intermix.
Todd Fiscus’ event guru, Josh Madans, was overheard telling guests Todd Events debuted their new white couches in the tent reception area. Hopefully the new couches survived the wear and tear of the non-stop parties and shows.
Think spring and enjoy some bright colors on this dreary day.
Something New at Mallies?
I noticed that the awning over Mallies in Snider Plaza has a sign that says, “new.”
New what? I’ll need to know before I return. I haven’t gone there since I was shopping with a friend long ago and we felt like we were being followed too closely. Not like the “can I help you” follow, more like the “you’re going to steal that” follow.
Happenings at Forty Five Ten
March 31 is going to be a huge day at Forty Five Ten. Stationery fans, brace yourselves: Jenine Ferrari of Mrs. John L. Strong custom stationery will be in town (through April 3) to help customers place bespoke orders. Interior design junkies: Bunny Williams will be signing copies of “Point of View” in the T Room. Fashion enthusiasts: Designer Peter Som will present his fall 2008 runway collection, along with a trunk show.
Sounds like someone needs to organize a carpool.
Sample Sale at the Apartment
Get ready for some spring shopping, ladies. The Apartment is hosting S.O.S. (Samples on Sale) next Wednesday (11-8) and Thursday (10-7). Featured designers include Abi Ferrin, Elaine Turner, and Nicolas Villalba, among others. It’s $10 to get in, no purses or backpacks allowed.
Cops Don’t Know Fashion
From a police report: $1,500 “Lewis Vitan” handbag stolen from Preston Royal shopping center. Is there a Louis Vitan storefront anywhere around here? Maybe it’s coming soon to HP Vil.
Random Reader E-Mail
I know I’ve been out sick but did I miss something?
What kind of a trash walks into an establishment and starts tearing through merchandise like she’s some back alley bag lady?
what was the name of this person anyway that she would think people would even care about what a piece of garbage she is?
Sip & Shop at “Freedom Friday”
Looking for something to do in honor of this special Friday in February? (Note: It’s Leap Year, so it’s a perfect reason to go shopping. We have to wait 4 more years for a day like today.)
Abi Ferrin launches her monthly Freedom Fridays today. On the Final Friday of every month, you may celebrate your “Freedom to Be Fabulous” by sipping cocktails while seeking the latest and greatest Abi Ferrin find. 10% of sales will be donated to The Nepal Project. The fun (translation: cocktails) starts at 4:00 pm.
Whither Overpriced Gadgets?
Sharper Image filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection late yesterday, reports the Wall Street Journal, and plans to immediately close many of its stores. If the stores at Northpark and Preston Center close, where will we buy our vacuuming robots?
Brooke Berman Gallery in New Digs
Art lovers take note! Brooke Berman moved her gallery from the Hotel Palomar location to 170 Leslie Street. Check out the new location and celebrate the opening of her first show, “Retrospective”, on Saturday, February 16, from 6-9 p.m.
Local Artist Opens New Gallery
The society crowd is familiar with Christopher Martin — he’s donated pieces that have fetched thousands for children’s charities — and now he’s opening a new gallery in Victory Park near the W Hotel. You can meet him and see his art at the gallery opening from 8 p.m. to midnight on Feb. 14.
UPDATE: We wrote an article about Martin and his lovely wife their sassy singles parties back in October ‘06. Aren’t they cute?