Does anyone know what is going into Mervyn's when they are gone?

Thats a good question that I was pondering myself just today while passing by there.

In the short term, giving the economy and how difficult it is to launch a business, or just another location, in California, I'd be surprised if that space isn't sitting empty for a while. It's not like there are a lot of potential candidates.

I'd like to see some different opinions as to what local folks would like to see in the Mervyn's location. Obviously, no one wants to see "empty".

I believe a TJMaxx went into the old Circuit City location on Cleveland Ave. in Santa Rosa.

Might this large space be sub-divided?

What are your thoughts for occupancy? Will the shopping center owners be actively pursuing tenants?

If Petaluma really wants a Target, this would be a great location for it.

I would love to see an Apple Store in Petaluma. Obviously, the Mervyn's space is too big for that alone, perhaps if it's split up this would be a great location for them. I seems that there are plenty of customers to go around between southern Sonoma and northern Marin counties based on a couple of visits to the Santa Rosa Apple store in early October. Would be great to have those tax dollars stay in Petaluma. Not to mention those spent in online Apple product purchases.

I think this site may sit vacant for awhile. I could see the site being divided as it is fairly large, too large for most local type stores, or not large enough for a large retailer, ie Target, Costco, Wal-Mart etc. I think an apple store might be a decent fit if the space is divided. But in all honesty Target would be a bad fit. I would want all or nothing with that type of store. We already have seen what a small big box store is like with the home depot / yardbirds, its the worst of both worlds. Almost no selection, not all the products you want, and the same "whatever you are shopping at a big box store" attitude from the staff.

Chad/Leslee, would you rather see the Home Depot/Yardbirds location sit empty??? They seem to have done a great job with the limited space available. Over this past summer we purchased flooring, two bathroom faucet fixtures, a new light fixture, paint and garden supplies and flowers. I'm glad to have this opportunity to spend my $$$ in Petaluma. The sales folks were knowledgeable and friendly. I'm glad to see that HD employs all types, both the young and not-so-young.

It's not that I want to see the space sit vacant for a long period. But I would like the large retailers to treat our town with more respect. It seems we get "second class" stores. The home depot we have is ok, but often lacks the variety of their other stores, and there is not much lumber in the Petaluma store. I understand they are working with limited space but I want a store comparable to any of their other stores I visit. My work territory can have me anywhere from San Mateo, all the way to Cloverdale so I do end up in a variety of these stores Home Depot Lowes etc.
Other retailers J.C. Penny, Mervyn's,Kmart have had what I would call sub standard stores in Petaluma. Penny's is gone, Mervyn's is soon to go and Kmart although it has gotten better is walking a thin line. When Target comes to town it needs to be comparable.
I too like spending money in my home town, I especially like the service I get at Rex, I just want to see the "big guys" give us what we deserve.