Nebraska Crossing (Gretna)

[damonhynes]

Isn't Formula One on the upswing though? That could be something to grab on to before it gets too big.

Got change for a Hundred-Million-Dollar bill? That's at least how much for the race track and the fees paid to the mafia FOM and FIA.

[ita]

Also pulled this from Cindy's article in the Nebraska Examiner:

Yates said that unless the state helps to finance the proposed development, it won’t happen, and the area would be destined for construction of new truck stops or industrial buildings.

“Or we could have a beautiful new destination,” he said. “It could be the front door to Nebraska if it’s done right.”

So, sounds like they want to avoid more of what's happening across the highway. They must be having a hard time acquiring property next door if they are seeking state funds.

If Yates doesn't get the funds, their project doesn't move forward. Both Creighton's and Cordes's asks are, at least the way I've read it, not totally dependent on state assistance. I am liking this less and less.

[Coyote]

Could big new brands come to a Gretna entertainment district?
Nebraska bill aims to attract developmental



GRETNA, Neb. (KMTV) — Ikea, Crate and Barrel and Restoration Hardware are the kind of destination brands not yet available in the area that developers are dreaming about in Gretna, Nebraska State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan says. Linehan, of Elkhorn, said she drives by Nebraska Crossing at the intersection of Interstate 80 and Highway 31 every day she heads to Lincoln.

She says she's seen the area "come from someplace that was basically abandoned and an eyesore to a very successful shopping center." "Those same developers want to turn that into a huge tourist destination area," she said, "And I think it would be amazing, plus there would be hotels, there would be sports complexes, similar to Legends in Kansas City."

Linehan introduced LB 692, the "Good Life Transformational Projects Act," which would make it possible to divert a portion of Nebraska's 5.5% sales tax in new development areas to support new development in the same area. She said the details are in the works, but as introduced, the bill has requirements for a project to qualify, including the expectation that the project would create a certain number of jobs depending on the size of the city and that 20% of sales would come from outside Nebraska.

"We have people going to Kansas City, Denver, Chicago, Des Moines to do shopping," Linehan said.

[djc311]

Isn't Formula One on the upswing though? That could be something to grab on to before it gets too big.

Got change for a Hundred-Million-Dollar bill? That's at least how much for the race track and the fees paid to the mafia FOM and FIA.

Get Peter Fink to back it (owns Certified Transmission). He loves cars and has mega money… could easily afford to do it.

[Garrett]

Isn't Formula One on the upswing though? That could be something to grab on to before it gets too big.

Got change for a Hundred-Million-Dollar bill? That's at least how much for the race track and the fees paid to the mafia FOM and FIA.

heck, I mean it sounds like Sen Linehan is ready to print at least that much, so why not shoot for the stars instead of just aiming to be a slightly more northern KC?

[ricko]

I don’t think high end stores like Crate&Barrel and Restoration Hardware would be interested in locating in a discount outlet mall, and IKEA stores are located in metro areas of over 2 million. I was reading an article a few years ago that exposed Restoration Hardware as fraudulent; selling expensive looking furniture that is actually poorly constructed, and covered with expensive looking fabric. Their couches go for around 10k, and customers have been complaining about them literally falling apart after several months of use. I’ve been in their store near me; cool looking stuff but way beyond my budget.

[Coyote]

KFAB has Nebraska Crossing on right now. Drew Brees with Just Data, and with Governor Pillen with LB 692.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I don’t think high end stores like Crate&Barrel and Restoration Hardware would be interested in locating in a discount outlet mall

In 2010, your comment would have been accurate..

Not anymore..

Nebraska Crossing does not consider or market itself as a “discount outlet mall”. In reality, it has evolved away from that label years ago- today, it’s hardly a discount outlet mall..

“Nebraska Crossing is an outdoor lifestyle center in Gretna, Nebraska with over 85 global and national retail brands.”…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[ChadJK]

I don’t think high end stores like Crate&Barrel and Restoration Hardware would be interested in locating in a discount outlet mall

In 2010, your comment would have been accurate..

Not anymore..

Nebraska Crossing does not consider or market itself as a “discount outlet mall”. In reality, it has evolved away from that label years ago- today, it’s hardly a discount outlet mall..

“Nebraska Crossing is an outdoor lifestyle center in Gretna, Nebraska with over 85 global and national retail brands.”…

Yep, they quietly dropped the word "outlet" from their branding a few years back. Though, colloquially, everyone in town still calls it the "outlet mall." Some of the stores are still labeled as outlets or factory stores, but for the most part it's just another outdoor shopping area like Shadow Lake, Village Pointe, and others. It's probably good they dropped the "outlet" as a frequent complaint from shoppers was there were few outlet-level discounts to be had there.

[Dusty]

The first time I went I noticed the prices for full retail pricing. Definitely not outlet deals or pricing. Not worth the drive when you can find similar shops in the city limits. I can see the appeal though for residents that live in Gretna, Ashland, Etc.

I would call this a shopping center. Endlessly driving in circles looking an empty parking stall is not what I would call entertainment!

[skinzfan23]

I think some of the prices may be the same as retail stores in the city, but I always get a deal at Adidas. I can usually get a pair of shoes from $30-50. The same type of shoes at Kohl's or Pennys are $70-90.

[MadJack]

The first time I went I noticed the prices for full retail pricing. Definitely not outlet deals or pricing. Not worth the drive when you can find similar shops in the city limits. I can see the appeal though for residents that live in Gretna, Ashland, Etc.

I would call this a shopping center. Endlessly driving in circles looking an empty parking stall is not what I would call entertainment!

Actually, they have an impressive number of national brands there that you find nowhere else in Nebraska -- Michael Kors, Vineyard Vines, YETI, Nike, Under Armour, REI Coop, J.Crew, Kate Spade, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tecovas, Untuckit, North Face -- off the top of my head. So, there are tons of brands there you can NOT find in the Omaha city limits.

[legato9]

The only place out there that I can think of that *isn’t* outlet pricing is Ralph Lauren.

Granted, I don’t go to every store, but I know that the pricing is outlet at:
Tommy Hilfiger
Coach
Michael Kors
Tory Burch
Banana Republic
Nike
Adidas
Cole Haan
Express
Kate Spade
North Face
Steve Madden
Vineyard Vines

[PotatoeEatsFish]

My life would drastically improve if we got an IKEA.
I’ve always hated NFM because we probably would’ve gotten an IKEA by now without them.
(This is all personal preference, I mean no disrespect to any NFM workers they’re all amazing)

[OmahaOmaha]

My life would drastically improve if we got an IKEA.
I’ve always hated NFM because we probably would’ve gotten an IKEA by now without them.
(This is all personal preference, I mean no disrespect to any NFM workers they’re all amazing)

I don’t understand how life could drastically improve by having an IKEA. I’m very familiar with their stores, having lived in a half dozen cities that had one. Their furniture is very poor quality. They like to advertise that their business is highly concerned about the planet, but most of the stuff they sell ends up in a landfill in a short time. The Swedish meatballs are pretty good though.

[Dusty]

I think it's a mixed bag of outlets and designer stores. Some of the original tenants probably signed as an outlet store. The dynamic has shifted with the rebranding. Regardless, shopping at a brand only store you are bound to find deals.

I truly didn't appreciate the magnitude of NFM until I left Nebraska. Here is Florida it's all tiny vendors with Rooms to Go being the best option. The selection is limited with higher prices. Nothing is in stock as they are all showrooms only. Expect 4-8 weeks wait on anything.

As for Ikea, don't expect one to come to Omaha. When opening new stores, they target markets that are 2 million or more (metropolitan population). I agree the knockdown furniture is pretty cheap. There is a large selection of small decor items that is different than NFM, Target, etc.

[Doctor Fate]

I think it's a mixed bag of outlets and designer stores. Some of the original tenants probably signed as an outlet store. The dynamic has shifted with the rebranding. Regardless, shopping at a brand only store you are bound to find deals.

I would consider any of the brands at NEX to be designer brands. I guess Tory Burch, Kate Spade, and Coach are the absolute lowest tier of designer. But when I think of designer brands I think of Louis Vuitton, Celine, Gucci, Prada, Bottega, Off-White, etc. and those brands have very few physical stores. Even the Nordstrom locations here in Salt Lake City don't carry ANY designer shoes/clothing/accessories. .....though I did go to a Gucci "outlet" in Orlando.

[Garrett]

There are larger cities without an IKEA here in the US. #24 San Antonio is the largest and has 2.7 million people metro and doesn't have one. From there it's basically every city smaller than #34 Indianapolis at 2.1 million that doesn't have one. Even though the current campus is very hodge podge, NFM is a very unique thing for Omaha to have.

[Dusty]

There are larger cities without an IKEA here in the US. #24 San Antonio is the largest and has 2.7 million people metro and doesn't have one. From there it's basically every city smaller than #34 Indianapolis at 2.1 million that doesn't have one. Even though the current campus is very hodge podge, NFM is a very unique thing for Omaha to have.

San Antonio and Indianapolis both have an Ikea. They do appear to be smaller size, but pictures can be deceiving.
Live Oak, TX
Fishers, IN

[djc311]

I think it's a mixed bag of outlets and designer stores. Some of the original tenants probably signed as an outlet store. The dynamic has shifted with the rebranding. Regardless, shopping at a brand only store you are bound to find deals.

I truly didn't appreciate the magnitude of NFM until I left Nebraska. Here is Florida it's all tiny vendors with Rooms to Go being the best option. The selection is limited with higher prices. Nothing is in stock as they are all showrooms only. Expect 4-8 weeks wait on anything.

As for Ikea, don't expect one to come to Omaha. When opening new stores, they target markets that are 2 million or more (metropolitan population). I agree the knockdown furniture is pretty cheap. There is a large selection of small decor items that is different than NFM, Target, etc.

I'll shop anywhere possible to avoid "The Mart"... before the grandsons took over it was certainly run as a better company. IKEA would be a welcome addition to our market although based upon past research I've done we simply don't have the population base they'd like to have.

I was a dedicated customer at one time... I certainly don't lose any sleep over not purchasing from that store.

One personal opinion I will share - NFM has had no problem spending $$$$$ in other markets to create stores that go above and beyond the property they've developed in Omaha. There's been several rumors and conversations about them relocating between Lincoln and Omaha or building out west... everyone knows it's all nonsense because they'd much rather put lipstick on a pig than build the most amazing store they could. If they (NFM) actually appreciated the Omaha market as much as they claim then they would do everything possible to make their Omaha store their flagship location. You may agree to disagree, but with the billions they have behind them it's really not that difficult of a decision.

There's so many things wrong with the Omaha store... not limited to the flow and checkout process in their main appliance/electronics building. Also, having to walk outside TWICE to go to different sections of their store is terrible (counting Mrs. B's, Mega Mart and the main furniture store). Parking is completely awful and people have been hit in their parking lots on multiple occasions (crossing from building to building).

At the very least they should fill the space between the furniture building and electronics and make it a single building. Of course they'd probably need a parking garage but it's feasible, not impossible.

But, they won't - because they know they don't have to because they feel they have the dedicated Nebraska customer base that will put up with whatever to shop there.

[PWL73316]

NFM could be improved but Buffett is not exactly known for loving splashy new buildings. I don't think it's half as terrible as you're saying here, I find it pretty pleasant to visit, even if the layout isn't great. NFM is working on a new location near Austin, which is a huge capital investment for them. It's a large retailer in our city but on the scale of retail NFM is still tiny.

[nativeomahan]

I don’t think high end stores like Crate&Barrel and Restoration Hardware would be interested in locating in a discount outlet mall

In 2010, your comment would have been accurate..

Not anymore..

Nebraska Crossing does not consider or market itself as a “discount outlet mall”. In reality, it has evolved away from that label years ago- today, it’s hardly a discount outlet mall..

“Nebraska Crossing is an outdoor lifestyle center in Gretna, Nebraska with over 85 global and national retail brands.”…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

You are correct. We were back at the mall last Monday (first time in 6 months), and while we found some bargains at H&M and a few other stores it’s not a “discount outlet mall”. We like Nebraska Crossing but stores such as Nordstrom’s Rack would be a nice addition as that is a store we always shop at in our semi annual trips down to KC.

That said, Nebraska (and Omaha) are just not ever destined to be major tourist hubs. The only people I know who come to Omaha to shop are people from rural Nebraska and Iowa (and small parts of SD and Missouri) who don’t have any better options and who don’t like online shopping. Speaking of which, since a huge percentage of shopping today is now conducted online, a city must have an abundance of eye catching “WOW!” factor museums, natural and historic attractions, iconic nationally acclaimed restaurants, concert venues and big league sports options in order to attract many out of town dollars. Denver has those. So does Chicago, Minneapolis and to a fair extent so does KC and St. Louis. Des Moines has the Iowa State Fair and Omaha the zoo and CWS but those are very short term attractions (except our zoo, which is popular in warm weather). The Luminarium and Joslyn addition will help but time will have to tell by how much.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

Re: IKEA. Their store location map shows that they have begun to locate "Pick-up Points" in smaller markets for online orders. Albuquerque, Grand Rapids, Syracuse, Buffalo, and Richmond each have one and are similar in size to Omaha. These Pick-up Points are nothing special though. They're in nondescript warehouses shared with logistics companies. I don't even see IKEA signs on the buildings.

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/stores/

This is probably the closest we'd come to an IKEA store for now.

[ricko]

Went to Barnes&Noble today to look for a book. Anyway, there happens to be a Nordstrom Rack in the same center. Hadn’t been there in a half dozen years, give or take, so I thought I’d check it out since I was in the market for a dress shirt. Ended up not buying anything. What I came across was mixed. Most of the designer shirts were second quality, although they did sell some brands that were first. Keep in mind that most of these outlets stock lower quality clothing with the same labels. The second quality stuff had cheap buttons that were poorly stitched, poor seam stitching, lower quality fabric. The prices looked like a deal, but you’re getting what you pay for. I’m a value shopper, but I’ve discovered over the years that you’re much better off buying a first quality shirt on sale that’ll last you much longer. I have L.L. Bean shirts that are 15 years old and still look good. You’re better off buying something on sale at a store that sells durable goods like Cabela’s, Bass Pro, Men’s Wearhouse or Carhart. It took me years to figure this out. The NR store kinda’ looked like a TJ Max or Burlington Coat Factory——nothing special.

[Dusty]

B&G Tasty Foods is coming to Nebraska Crossing.

"It will open in the 4,500-square-foot former location of Local Beer, Patio and Kitchen right across from Voodoo Taco, with a dining room, takeout service accompanied by parking that will allow customers to run in and pick up their food and — unlike the original — a drive-thru."

[Coyote]

Omnibus bill aims to help make Nebraska Crossing a mecca for ‘retail tourism’
State has declined to offer incentives for retail development in the past, and some worry measure moving too fast

LINCOLN — For years, the State of Nebraska has avoided giving incentives for retail development. The thinking has been that helping build a new shopping center just encourages existing businesses, and existing spending, to shift to a new location, generating little net gain in tax revenue or jobs. Plus, shopping center jobs don’t pay high wages, and retail developments don’t last as long as other projects that get state tax incentives, such as factories and corporate expansions. But all could change under a multi-faceted economic development bill quietly working its way through the Nebraska Legislature.

[ita]

Omnibus bill aims to help make Nebraska Crossing a mecca for ‘retail tourism’
State has declined to offer incentives for retail development in the past, and some worry measure moving too fast

LINCOLN — For years, the State of Nebraska has avoided giving incentives for retail development. The thinking has been that helping build a new shopping center just encourages existing businesses, and existing spending, to shift to a new location, generating little net gain in tax revenue or jobs. Plus, shopping center jobs don’t pay high wages, and retail developments don’t last as long as other projects that get state tax incentives, such as factories and corporate expansions. But all could change under a multi-faceted economic development bill quietly working its way through the Nebraska Legislature.

Some interesting details from this article:

There’s something for everyone in the measure, including incentives for renovation of Omaha’s CHI Center, construction of a convention center in Lincoln, a tax break for retired firefighters, tax credits for those selling soybean-based biodiesel and tax credits for those restoring historic buildings.

There’s even a portion of the bill that would allow bond financing of state highways, something that has been avoided in the past in this traditionally pay-as-you-go state.
...
Right now, the area around Nebraska Crossing is “a corn field,” the senator [Linehan] said, and unless the state helps out, the area will become a forest of strip malls, like those that already exist along 204th Street in west Omaha, or another truck stop.
...
They also envision a complex of soccer and baseball fields and motels that would lure “youth sports tourism” that is now going to other states because of a lack of complexes here.
...
In addition, a Good Life district, if located in a county the size of Sarpy County, must show that it draws at least 20% of sales from out-of-state residents, that it has attracted “new-to-market” retailers, and that it will generate at least 3 million visitors per year.

If this things is passed, maybe a retail district that fits the bill could be done downtown?

[TitosBuritoBarn]

Some interesting details from this article:

...
Right now, the area around Nebraska Crossing is “a corn field,” the senator [Linehan] said, and unless the state helps out, the area will become a forest of strip malls, like those that already exist along 204th Street in west Omaha, or another truck stop.

Not if Gretna and/or Sarpy redo their zoning ordinances and master plan to disallow them there. It's not hard for them to do and the state doesn't need to provide any help whatsoever except to stay out of the way.

This idea is poorly thought out. More and more I believe all state government does is come up with half-baked solutions in search of problems in order to feel relevant.

[Dusty]

Not if Gretna and/or Sarpy redo their zoning ordinances and master plan to disallow them there. It's not hard for them to do and the state doesn't need to provide any help whatsoever except to stay out of the way.

This idea is poorly thought out. More and more I believe all state government does is come up with half-baked solutions in search of problems in order to feel relevant.

I agree. The state needs to stay out of the way. A hodge podge bill that caters to special interests does not help this area.

The whole thing seems like a panic attack. We need ideas, we need money, and we need it now1 Or as you mentioned half-baked ideas. Quick, dude! Build something before the other guy does. More retail and umm, errr, ummm...Something totally rad like little league baseball fields. WHOA, Man! That will bring droves of people!

Seriously, if you talk to anyone in retail, they will tell is it's extremely difficult to get people to work for them. Major labor shortage in this sector. We don't need a tax incentive to increase more if market can't handle it. They just need to slow down and figure out what they really want.

[Garrett]

I feel like we’ve seen so many projects in the last few years building fields to attract the fabled youth sports tournaments. Have any of these panned out?

[ita]

I feel like we’ve seen so many projects in the last few years building fields to attract the fabled youth sports tournaments. Have any of these panned out?

La Vista and Lincoln's have made it to the finish line. It is interesting that Youth Sports is what Yate's is claiming will bring new retail and visitors. We've discussed this before, but youth sports complexes versus the stuff they have at Legends is just not comparable.

[ChadJK]

I feel like we’ve seen so many projects in the last few years building fields to attract the fabled youth sports tournaments. Have any of these panned out?

Bellevue's baseball/softball complex didn't work out too well.

[Dusty]

I feel like we’ve seen so many projects in the last few years building fields to attract the fabled youth sports tournaments. Have any of these panned out?

I get the excitement of expanding, but it just seems like an odd pairing to me. Plus, Kansas City is known for hosting many of these youth sports tournaments. How games are you pulling from them? Who is the target to draw to Nebraska Crossing? Attracting high school athletes or the parents forced to chaperone?

In my mind, building the Werner Natatorium swim center was a better idea. That didn't work out either.

[djc311]

Is this their feeble attempt at trying to attract IKEA to Nebraska? All of the recent news of IKEA's planned expansion into more markets in the US is awesome - however I don't believe Omaha would be one of them. At one time they had a population target of ~2 million ppl within a set distance. Omaha is barely at 1 million.

Of course their targets could change. And honestly I'd love to see them build here. Regardless of their quality reputation they make OK stuff for decent prices.

[Garrett]

Anyway, putting all of your chips into retail like this is such a wildly unimaginative thing. Like if you wanna draw people to the area then make something unique, not a carbon copy of what Kansas City has. Make efforts to make Omaha a more livable place, not IKEA. Invest in transit and unique neighborhoods.

[Athomsfere]

Is this their feeble attempt at trying to attract IKEA to Nebraska? All of the recent news of IKEA's planned expansion into more markets in the US is awesome - however I don't believe Omaha would be one of them. At one time they had a population target of ~2 million ppl within a set distance. Omaha is barely at 1 million.

Of course their targets could change. And honestly I'd love to see them build here. Regardless of their quality reputation they make OK stuff for decent prices.

I've been thinking about the IKEA too, and we might have a shot.

The rumor / announcement was 8 new stores.

We are on the larger side of cities without one. Nashville is ~2 million for their metro, but not so far away is Memphis with one and 1.3 milllion. Salt Lake City is also just under 1.3.

Omaha + Lincoln would be larger than from what I can see is the smallest city with one currently.

The bigger issues:

IKEA claimed to be looking at the coasts. Could be puffery to get better real estate of course.

Internationally, IKEA is trying to shift away from suburban, car infested sites. I don't know that applies to the USA but it might hurt our odds if it is a concern in newer NA developments too.

[ricko]

Is this their feeble attempt at trying to attract IKEA to Nebraska? All of the recent news of IKEA's planned expansion into more markets in the US is awesome - however I don't believe Omaha would be one of them. At one time they had a population target of ~2 million ppl within a set distance. Omaha is barely at 1 million.

Of course their targets could change. And honestly I'd love to see them build here. Regardless of their quality reputation they make OK stuff for decent prices.

I've been thinking about the IKEA too, and we might have a shot.

The rumor / announcement was 8 new stores.

We are on the larger side of cities without one. Nashville is ~2 million for their metro, but not so far away is Memphis with one and 1.3 milllion. Salt Lake City is also just under 1.3.

Omaha + Lincoln would be larger than from what I can see is the smallest city with one currently.

The bigger issues:

IKEA claimed to be looking at the coasts. Could be puffery to get better real estate of course.

Internationally, IKEA is trying to shift away from suburban, car infested sites. I don't know that applies to the USA but it might hurt our odds if it is a concern in newer NA developments too.

There was a high end Scandinavian furniture store on the ring road just east of the Westroads—-had to be about 30 years ago, give or take. I don’t remember the name of it, but it carried IKEA type furniture, but more solid ‘heirloom’ furniture. Wasn’t cheap—-a lot of it was teak. I just wish NFM didn’t have such a large footprint on the local furniture market. Design wise, most of the furniture stores near me (Northern Virginia) don’t appeal to me, but there are a number of small specialty stores that do. Unfortunately, they’re beyond my budget.

[Athomsfere]

There was a high end Scandinavian furniture store on the ring road just east of the Westroads—-had to be about 30 years ago, give or take. I don’t remember the name of it, but it carried IKEA type furniture, but more solid ‘heirloom’ furniture. Wasn’t cheap—-a lot of it was teak. I just wish NFM didn’t have such a large footprint on the local furniture market. Design wise, most of the furniture stores near me (Northern Virginia) don’t appeal to me, but there are a number of small specialty stores that do. Unfortunately, they’re beyond my budget.

People here seem to love, or hate NFM. Not much middle ground.

For me, I'd love a place for cheaper more urban feeling furniture from time to time.

Actually, we bought a couple day beds from IKEA and had it shipped. Most of the time, they are just twin sized beds. But when we have visitors they expand to be a queen sized, actually comfortable bed with some storage built in.

NFM had something similar, at like $3k each and without as much storage.

[Dusty]

So this developer wants to add more retail and tons of sports fields. Yet Gretna is building a pool, park, and tons of sports fields. These are unrelated projects, right? If so, who is going to tell them Gretna beat them to the punch?

https://www.gretnacrossingpark.com/

I would much rather see outdoor adventure/water sports like Riversport in Oklahoma City. Bring something new to Omaha that we don't already have.

https://www.riversportokc.org/

[TitosBuritoBarn]

Was looking to see where Vuori brand clothes are sold in Omaha and found an entry for “Nordstrom Gretna” with Nebraska Crossing address.

https://vuoriclothing.com/apps/store-locator/

So, let that feed the rumor mill.