Shopping as attraction

I know people travel to shop - a lot of Saint Johners go to Moncton for Costco and other stores and many NB citizens go to Maine for deals. I am starting to expect that not only do people consider "where the good stores are" when they are going on a trip but also when they are choosing a city to live.

While it might be shallow for someone to pick a city based on which has the best selection of pants, the availability of amenities such as shopping must come into play for some people who are considering where to live. Also, for people unfamiliar with a city and its culture, the stores that are present or lacking might serve as a proxy for what "the place is like." Not having a large chain bookstore likely has been part of what makes Saint John seem "blue collar" to some people. When Indigo opens its doors I doubt people will move here in droves, but some will likely be interested to know it is here and it might be a factor in choosing to move here over another "energy hub."

Signature brands might be what we need to attract some people - Starbucks is here now, as is Indigo. Getting a Gap or Banana Republic might also help clinch Saint John as a place to be for some people. I imagine having a brew pub with craft beers marketed around the region would also give us some credibility with some potential Saint Johners.

While uptown is important and the waterfront could reinvigorate the city, we just might need some big brand suburban retailers to compete.