Big Lots in Anaheim Hills?
According to the Anaheim Hills section of the OC Register, the owners of the shopping center across the street from my house are considering putting in a Big Lots where the Ralphs used to be (Santa Ana Cyn & Fairmont).
Yeah, I’m not thinking that Big Lots is the best choice for the area. The spokesperson for BL said they like to put stores where there will be ~60K customers. Instict tells me there is simply not the customer base right in Anaheim Hills; thus, assuming the store is successful, people will be coming in from outside area. There is enough congestion as it is!
Personally, I would love to see something like Henry’s or Whole Foods move into that location. The article mentioned that the owners are also considering Henry’s, and I certainly hope they do. The nearest natural food store is Trader Joe’s, about a 15 minute drive. I know I’ll be crossing my fingers for Henry’s to move in…
Big Lots is a great store, though I understand the congestion issues up there. That said, I’m sure having a Whole Foods or Henry’s will be just as busy (next closest Whole Foods is in Tustin, and Henry’s down in Costa Mesa). Especially since Corona doesn’t have either, and you’d be their next stop.
You’re right Jill. Big Lots wouldn’t fit in around this area. Not with the population nor with the other stores that we have. I know a bunch of people that would love for a Trader Joe’s to be put in. Henry’s or Whole Foods would be good to. Although there is a Henry’s in Fullerton now. Either way you’re looking at more congestion on Santa Ana Canyon. Maybe Fairmont should be an exit on the freeway?
Saw you mention Henry’s and I gotta tell you, it’s a great store. I go to the one in Anaheim and I love it. Hope you get a Henry’s!!
I agree, Michael it is a great store – there is one by my work that we frequent often for all sorts of things. I just don’t think it’s the right fit for AH. Henry’s, on the other hand (as Ken mentioned) is wonderful store. There is one right next to Grant’s, and we often go there to pick up lunch or breakfast. The prices are fair, the meat/deli/produces sections are great, and it offers a variety not found at Vons.
And Chris, yeah, that whole congestion thing… tricky. I have no idea what to do about it. But having a Henry’s/TJs/Whole Foods right across the street would be awesome…
Not of fan of Big Lots!–wasn’t it originally Pick ‘n Save? I would like to see a Trader Joe’s though. As it is, I have to drive all the way down to Costa Mesa for the closest one. Or does anyone know of one in North County?
Ronnie, I don’t know where you are, but there is one at the Ghetto Mall of Orange.
Oh, come on! It’s The Village now! Though the best stuff is still outside the mall. Including the Trader Joe’s.
The Mall of Orange is pretty good now – especially if you don’t go inside the mall. The mall’s parking lot has lots of new/different fast food, the TJ’s, and attached are a Red Robin, Todai, and a Cost Plus.
I’m for the Henry’s. It’ll give us AH’ers a little more variety for our grocery shopping options. Of course the opening of the Big Lots may create the same controversy that the Super K-Mart created when It opened in Yorba Linda (It’s now the new Home Depot).
The only issue, from a business standpoint, with Henry’s at that location is that there is also a Henry’s in Yorba Linda. Maybe, though, Whole Foods, which owns Henry’s, would have a Whole Foods at the SA/Fairmont location, since it wouldn’t “compete” with any other WF store in the area.
Other ideas: Bristol Farms (upscale, no gourmet groceries within miles), 99 Ranch (large Asian population in AH)…