Kind of like the Prada in Marfa, it could be an art project and contain Radio Shack, Blockbuster and other stores from that time that aren’t around anymore.

Edit: I meant as more of an art project, not an actual functioning stores. They’re no longer in business for a reason, though I could see vinyl loving types unironically shopping there.

  • TrackinDaKraken@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    In this economy?

    Do you know what it would cost to build one of those stores for an “art project”. More than it would have cost when they were in full swing, no more economy of scale savings. A Radio Shack sign alone would be 10 or $15K today.

    EDIT: I mean this type of sign. Having looked at the signs, I see now that they were made at many different quality levels, but this is the sort of sign I was thinking of:

    • Nemoder@lemmy.ml
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      2 months ago

      I could see it working as a themed area inside a larger tourist theme park with rides and things. If most of the structure is fake just to get the look right on the surface it might not be too pricey to setup and could generate revenue just on admittance fees.

  • phx@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    They’re no longer in business for a reason,

    Fuck that. Bring back Blockbuster and Radio Shack. I’ll take rentals over streaming any day, and electronics kits are da boss!

  • Zephorah@discuss.online
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    2 months ago

    What? In person shopping in Sears, Claire’s Boutque, Spencer’s, Payless, Radio Shack, and Forever 21 followed by a steaming pile of Sbarro’s washed down with an Orange Julius?

    I’m so old.

    • Zephorah@discuss.online
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      2 months ago

      The best set up I’ve seen is a mall with a gym, the local library, and specialty stores that would otherwise exist in a downtown mainstreet: bakery, brunch restaurant, etc.

      It could be done: Micheal’s, Ross, hook in the main discount grocery store, Harbor Freight. Then knock down some walls for the smaller shops and keep going: dollar store, local consignment/antiques, etc.

      One stop shopping.

      • WolfmanEightySix@piefed.social
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        2 months ago

        The place I grew up had people argue that large shops didn’t want to be on the high street and smaller indie places couldn’t afford it…so why can’t those premises be used for art galleries, for example. The council turned round and said if someone wanted to put an art gallery in there was nothing stopping them. Totally missing the point in other words.

        • Zephorah@discuss.online
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          2 months ago

          Isn’t it cheaper rent at this point?

          Forget the shit 80s and 90s mall vibe. Modernize to the box stores people still use and food favorites like tacos and sushi. Cheaper rent. One stop shop would be less gas and time for everyone concerned. I think the selling point would be getting the grocery store on one end.

          Or turn it into a weird apartment complex.