I called Kroger today to get the corporate address. I want to cut up my kroger-no-customer-service-card and send it to them.

You know what their customer-no-service-person said???

They are happy for every resident in PTC to send back their cards. They don't need us, and this little lady informed me that they would be better off with no store at all in PTC.

They don't want our buisness, as this little lady made very clear to me today. She said they make tons of money in other cities they don't need PTC.

Publix has great customer service. So does Trader Joes, and Whole Foods Market. It is time for a change.

I haven't had a chance to talk to the manager of the Braelin Kroger, he seems like a nice guy, but this whole story is disturbing.

If Goodwill Headquarters wants to relocate their offices in that space, that would sure be better than their store location. They could set up an job placement office down there. They do a great job of hiring special needs employees. This is not about what Goodwill does. It is about what Goodwill stores attract.

Ask any shop owner near a Goodwill store how it has worked out for their business. Over in Stockbridge I used to use a Vac repair shop located in the shopping center with Goodwill. He would find the back of his store littered with trash on Monday morning. It wasn't about helping poor people, it could even be people from McMansions who emptied their storage unit or garage in the middle of the night when Goodwill wasn't accepting donations. So they dump it behind the stores. And it gets rained on and makes a mess. Who do you think cleans that up?

Tattoo Parlors, Pawn Shops, Adult "book" stores and strip joints all have a place in our society but not in Peachtree Crossings East.

And you don't know me but I don't shop in Wal-mart. And when I found out that K-mart would not prosecute shoplifters and how that attacts the criminal element to their proximity I quit shopping there too. Ask the former shopowners from down by PTC's K-mart what it is like to be a K-mart neighbor.

I don't agree with church groups sending volunteers out of our county (some of them don't make it back), when there is so much that needs to be done around here. You can't begin to fathom the amount of hours I have put in locally and within the state as a volunteer for multiple non-profits- hundreds, thousands of documentable hours plus gas and many other expenses from my own pocket. Again you don't know me.

This is about Kroger trying to keep out the competition due to their corporate greed.

I donate to Goodwill regularly AND I have shopped there. Goodwill is a fantastic organization. However, I don't believe it should be an "anchor" to the Peachtree Crossing shopping center. I have no problem with Goodwill finding another location in PTC, preferably a freestanding location. Having Goodwill as the anchor for Peachtree Crossing sets a completely different tone for that shopping center than something like a Trader Joe's would do. Like I stated in my first post on this topic - the midtown Trader Joe's revitalized the shopping center on Monroe. That center went from being run down and a little scary to vibrant and family friendly (p.s. for those of you who shop at that Trader Joe's, you MUST make time to eat lunch at MetroFresh, and you MUST have a cupcake for dessert! Trust me!!!).

Have you ever seen a Goodwill store in a shopping center that looked vibrant & family friendly? The nicest Goodwill store I have ever seen is the little one on the way to Newnan on 54/34, but that one is *new*. I wonder what it will look like in 3-4 years? And what kind of stores will be in that little strip mall where it is located in 3-4 years? Do you think those stores will be upscale, boutique, and/or family run businesses? Does a Goodwill store make you think you're going to encounter "boutique shopping" nearby?

Honestly, I don't think the K-Mart store has done any favors for the Braelinn shopping center either. Seems like a lot of stores have left there, and it doesn't exactly scream "upscale" to me. Without a revitalization plan, that shopping center may continue to go downhill.

Peachtree Crossing is such a fantastic central location to our community. With the right anchor, it could really shine. There are some great stores in there that I would like to see continue to succeed (I was so sad to see the Elephant's Tale close!). An upscale anchor that would support more quality stores would bring valuable shopping dollars into our community!

By contrast, I spent my shopping dollars at Whole Foods on Paces Ferry this morning. I would much prefer to drive my golf cart to a local store and keep my shopping dollars in my community (not to mention reduce my contribution to global warming!). A Goodwill store at Peachtree Crossing won't help me do that, and I honestly don't think it will help the current stores in that center to prosper.

If what is being reported here is true (Kroger is subletting the space), I am very disappointed in Kroger. Kroger used to be much more about helping its community, but more and more it is all about the almighty dollar. Their donations to the community (e.g. school donations) have reduced significantly, and now this..... I am no longer a happy Kroger customer!

The deal to buy Harris Teeter was done by some execs who don't even know where PTC is. That deal going bad is the real cause of the problem. They tried to use the space and despite the friendly, community-oriented staff and store, it loses money. Kroger's corporate knee-jerk reaction to limit competition for their other Kroger stores in PTC is simplistic, but predictable. I doubt very much if anything can be done - except the developer of the shopping center not approving the tenant Kroger was to sublet to - Goodwill.

That is possible, but even that - keeping the space empty - will hurt the center. Of course, having Goodwill there will kill the center slowly. It is a no-win situation for everyone.

Only real solution is for the city to relocate the Gathering Place there.

Kroger knew that spot would be a money loser for them when they bought it and when they decided to keep it open. When Kroger bought out Harris Teeter they did not keep all of the Harris Teeter stores open as Krogers. They sold, sub-let and just closed some locations. Corporate Kroger knew what they were getting and made the decision to keep Little Kroger open at a loss to keep out the competition. They did it then, they are doing it now. The current manager was brought in to a dead end job. It was not a promotion in reality, kind of store manager purgatory/ Mommy Track position. Corporate would not approve any improvements or changes. It was to be kept status quo.

The owner of the shopping center would like to have some control over the sublet but does not in that lease. He found out about the Goodwill deal last Thursday just like everybody else. He doesn’t want Goodwill either, who will sign leases there now? It will be the ruination of that entire center. It may happen quickly or die a slow death but Goodwill in that location will bring it’s demise.

Hey, reality is that people are still going to blame the City Council. You know, they should have been "pro-active" and an "advocate" or something to control every business activity in the city.

NUK

Ignorant people will blame the City Council.

http://www.kroger.com/customercomments.htm

Let them know how you feel, I know I did.

The produce is better there anyway. They will order any specialty item that you request.

Shop at Publix they are not purposely trying to ruin our city.

I like the shopping cart idea. Although from past experience at kroger they don't care about the customer anyway, so I doubt they will get the message.

With the economy being as poor as it is, people across the United States are having trouble financially including people in Peachtree City. There are many Peachtree City residents that have to be careful with their money. We have subsidized housing here in Peachtree City, that already brings in people who have very little income. Scaring companies to come into our city is not the future.

I'm sure that many of you think that Goodwill is just a retail store; however, Goodwill Industries has training programs, computer classes, and so much more. This company is a beacon of hope for many individuals that are not able to find a job. Goodwill gives these people a chance, a chance to work and further more gives them an income that gets put back into our city, that will make our city flourish even more. Peachtree City is not what it was 10 years ago; many of the stores close and there are empty store fronts in almost every strip mall. Why is this? Maybe the majority of people in Peachtree City do not want to shop at expensive stores because they can not afford them, causing these stores to close down. If we continue to think of the Peachtree economy, we will soon be a ghost town.

Furthermore, there are wonderful things that Goodwill can offer. For example, many of you may not know that the Goodwill in Macon, GA has a culinary institute and a fine dining bistro. That's right the same Goodwill Industries that Peachtree City deems unacceptable has a fine dining bistro, where some of the most prestigious people in the area eat, and I can attest the food is absolutely amazing. As to Goodwill not being the type of establishment that would deserve this area of Peachtree City; I would argue against that. There are many Goodwills throughout the country that are fine establishments and could even be looked at as high-end.

Lastly, I would like to know what the problem is with having Goodwill when there are already TWO thrift stores in Peachtree City, that do not offer the same benefits that Goodwill can. Those thrift stores, still very good and still for a good cause do not give as much back to the community. 96 cents of every dollar spent in a Goodwill Retail store gets put back into the mission. At many of these other thrift stores, the money that is put back into the mission is minimal. So what is wrong with Goodwill and not these other Thrift Stores? Why can we allow these thrift stores to come in, but not allow a Goodwill that will not only help the residents of Peachtree City but also the community as a whole.

I don't know how of you many stop to shop at this Kroger during any day, but they have a WONDERFUL cashier named Janet, and a older baggers name that I do not know, (Sorry, he is so sweet}
I just wish them well, and I hope Kroger provides them jobs onther local Kroger.
To Kroger: What are you doing "sublenting" to Goodwill? I will do every thing to block it!

Yes, Janet is fantastic...a real dynamo/great service/consistent friendly smile/efficient/gosh...some business will be fortunate to employ her!!!!!

As long as Kroger is going...well...I am a fan of Goodwill...have found great bargains there and will enjoy it's presence here in PTC...I know PTC is supposed to be "The Land of Milk and Honey" however, I think we can still accommodate Goodwill...

Just my opinion...don't shoot me!

Tanglefoot

Don't tempt fate by mentioning shootings in the same post where you welcome Goodwill to PTC!!! It happens all the time in their parking lots.

Have you ever seen a Goodwill location without a pawn shop or a tattoo parlor near-by? Shoplifting will be a common occurrence, I don't want to even think about gunshots. Peachtree City will become Riverdale shortly after Kroger turns the space over to Goodwill. Kroger will be gone by Oct. 1st. It is only a matter of months now!

And we’ll have very few stores left in town that are owned and operated by our own citizens – just large corporations. We now see how the Kroger Corporation is taking care of our community. Every store in Peachtree Crossings East is independently owned. They won’t last long with Goodwill in there. Those store owners will lose their life savings and their livelihoods. Collectively I'll bet they employ more locals than Little Kroger.

At least now we are. When all those fancy restaurants came here we were viewed as an upscale community because of the house prices and household income. Sadly no one went out to eat and the restaurants went out of business. Now we are a bunch of middle-class, house-poor non-spenders in the eyes of the retailers. Sad, but true. Can't figure out how to blame all that on Logsdon, but maybe someone can help.

Back to my old picture, so I can say "I don't have a dog in this fight" with real feelings.

When has PTC ever in it's history had a "fancy restaurant"??

I can't think of one.

They all have been frumpy dumpy family restaurnts with the same tired freeze dried food. Which is why they went out of buisness, they were all the same.

had a great atmosphere, great food, great owners, and they were chased all the way to Newnan. not necessarily upscale, but not junk, either. they had planned to open up a larger restaurant off of 74/crosstown but that fell through - not quite sure why - but alas, they are now pegleg pauly's in the old johnny carino's...

How were they "chased all the way to Newnan?" I think they made a business decision that having a free-standing building would be a better situation than the Braelinn shopping center. I'm sure since Carino's was vacant there that Valentino's got a decent deal to move there.

Until the management of Braelinn adjusts their expectations for rent in that shopping center, there are going to be a LOT of vacancies. When it's more economically viable for the liquor store(Arnie's) to pay for a free-standing building across the street, Haynes to move up the road, Valentino's to Newnan, etc. the tenants WILL keep leaving and new ones will not come.

You show me a shopping center that is close to 50% vacant and I'll show you an example where the shopping center mgt is very out of touch about how much the market will bear for rent. This has been going on for several years there.

NUK

Vacancy there is not near 50%. I agree, it needs some improvements, but I think Valentinos left for many reasons. Obviously the name change was for some reason? Probably to get out of/away from debt. I personally thought the food had gone downhill myself.

Now if K-Mart leaves, then the vacancy may be near 50%. I've always thought that would be a good spot for a Lowes myself.

well, that's how they were chased all the way to Newnan! they need to change the color of the roofs at the Kmart shopping center! some renovation! BLUE is more inviting than that nasty shade of green! *giggle*

Email Goodwill at: contactus@goodwill.org
Tell them that they are not welcome in Peachtree City.

I miss TJs. When we lived in CA, I enjoyed going to their stores. Not to big, but with plenty of items to round out an open mind to dinner. I did send an email to TJ's asking them to look into our fair town. I don't like the drive up to midtown to shop there. It just doesn't have the same feel driving 45 min to shop. You feel like it should be a Costco trip, and stock up on non perishable items, instead of a bag or two of items to last a few days, then head back later in the week for more fresh produce.

A Goodwill is a lovely store, but it does add a new flavor to our town. A flavor I don't want. My view is tainted. I see most of the shoppers as illegals with large broods, non English speakers with ill behaved children. Gee, I see that at Walmart on the late weekend trips I make because my kid needs a folder for school.

I have also sent an email to Kroger's voicing my displeasure at their plan to allow Goodwill to take over. I will not be shopping there, until they either leave the little Kroger in place,or abandon the plan of allowing a less than desirable business to sublease the space. We all need to let them know how we feel. I'd rather see an empty store than a Big Lots or Goodwill there while, I shop at Omega.

Or any other heatlh food oriented grocery store would be a great addition to PTC!

How are we going to go about getting them to evaluate moving here? Anybody have any contact information for these companies and who should they contact here in PTC?

Write them; I did! At one time I heard Trader Joe's was considering an expansion into the southern suburbs of Atlanta, so why not now? Whole Foods was also looking at opening a store south of Atlanta before Delta's bankruptcy woes (told to me directly from a Whole Foods employee), so maybe now they are ready to reconsider that plan?

Here's a link to contact Trader Joe's:
Trader Joe's

And if you want to contact Whole Foods, here's a place to start:
Whole Foods
I doubt if the Peachtree Crossing location fits their requirements, but surely there is a location somewhere south of Atlanta that DOES fit their requirements!

The more they hear from willing customers, the greater the likelihood we'll get one of their stores here!

Thank you for a way to contact Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. I just contacted them myself. I couldn't believe the news that Kroger could even sublet to another business without the landlord's approval. Apparently, if the article that appeared in the Citizen is true, then the new tenant to take the Kroger space would be a GOODWILL store. Where is the sense in this? Why does PTC need a GOODWILL store? There already is a second hand store on Hwy 74 on the South end of PTC. It is absurd to locate a GOODWILL store in this location. Kroger should be boycotted at all locations if this is in fact a done deal.

The Peachtree Crossings Shopping Center has begun to attract stable, upscale businesses. The East end of the shopping center is highly desireable and starting to reach the upscale level. During the next few months more tenants were planning to acquire space in this convenient mid-town location and current ones have made moves to expand. This will probably not happen now because of KROGER's agreement with GOODWILL stores. Who would want to put their investment in a location that was destined to go down to Riverdale's level because of a tenant like GOODWILL and the clientele it would attract?

The Landlord and Kroger need to work out a better agreement. Even though WHOLE FOODS or TRADER JOE'S would be considered competition to Kroger, they would be a welcomed addition to PTC. PTC is ready for either business to come to town and the Peachtree Crossing Shopping Center is an ideal location for either. NOT GOODWILL!

BOYCOTT KROGER NOW! Shop anywhere else for your groceries. Try Publix or Ingles. BOYCOTT KROGER NOW! STOP GOODWILL from coming to PTC!

I hate to tell you, but a boycott will not work. Only the people like yourself will have to go to a different Kroger (owned by the same people) and the majority of the that Kroger's shoppers will still go there. Around that Kroger there are the older houses of Peachtree City, where many of the lower income families live. There are also apartments all around there that are subsidized, and they will probably continue to go there as well. I believe we are all forgetting how busy everyone in Peachtree City is. We have the soccer moms who have to pick up their kids from every sport this city offers, and if that Kroger is on their way home, that's where they will get their groceries from. A boycott won't work.

I don't know why everyone is fighting this. a Goodwill is great. Plus you are trying to relate the Goodwill's in Riverdale to a Goodwill in Peachtree City. Everything in Riverdale is rundown, and has been even before Goodwill was there. Would you go shopping at a Trader Joes in Riverdale, probably not. It is not the stores that are located in Riverdale that has made that city so poor, it is the school districts and the city council that has run the city into the ground. The stores we have in Peachtree City are not our problem. We should worry about making sure that enough money is being spent at all of our store locations to make sure that as a city we can prosper.

The reason why Peachtree city isn't what it once was, is all the problems with Delta. If Delta wasn't struggling financially, Peachtree City wouldn't be in that much trouble. Now there are people who have money issues and there are people who can't sell their houses or have higher mortgages than their house is worth. All of you who claim everyone in Peachtree City doesn't need a Goodwill or doesn't need a store like this is lying to themselves. You probably don't know your neighbors well enough to know that they are in debt. Peachtree City is the type of place where you have to look like you have money. Do you really want to teach your kids that money is the most important thing? I would venture to say that many people in peachtree city have credit card debt, or very little furniture in their huge houses, because appearance is everything here.

Actions speak louder than words... one single day of a well planned community boycott would send a very powerful message to Kroger.

In addition, do what I am going to do. I am mailing Kroger my Kroger Plus Card with a letter since I will not need it anymore.

See you at Publix!

The only store I really miss from California. What a blessing it would be to have one right here in Fayette County! Trader Joes is an upscale store; great health foods; decent prices. PLEASE, PLEASE bring it on!!

Perfectly said ATLtoPTC! What a great suggestion...I for one would definitely shop at Trader Joes or Whole Foods....bring em on.

I have been sending messages to corporate Trader Joe's for years. Now I drive to Midtown to shop there. I think one would really do well there!
How in the world do we stop this downward turn here in PTC???

How do you stop a run-away freight train?

I guess the riverdale crime crowd needs new territory, and no one here is offering resistence. We seemingly accept the crime, and the trashy developers that have the umitigated gall to threaten us.

how about a pawn shop with liquor store attached.

Liquor store!! I thought they were "package stores" here in the south. You're not from around here. That’s OK, I don't call them "buggies" but “shopping carts”. (LOL)
-------------------------------------------
Caution - The Surgeon General has determined that constant blogging is an addiction that can cause a sedentary life style.

was Likker Store, and yes they are buggies, it is a poke, and there is only one kind of tea - sweet! Ain't you funny not from around here . . .hope you enjoy yourself chuckling this afternoon, 'cuz I'm outta here, thanks to all my good hard work! Y'all have a good weekend.

Lets think really big and put an "adult" store there. It is a crying shame that we cannot attract a real grocery store like Whole Foods or Trader Vics to Peachtree City. I guess there goes another shopping center down the tubes.

Sweet-smelling Dillards...we get mothball scented Goodwill. The Bubble has ceased to exist!

Why are you so upset that 1 Kroger is leaving? We have two more! Undesirables..? If you feel that way maybe you should move. I understand that alot of people are very worried about what kind of problems may come with this new Goodwill but good grief. You act like there is going to be a mob of people just messing up your little Peachtree City life. Get over it. All types of places have Goodwills, rich and poor, black and white. Goodwill is about helping others. Maybe you should go and help out and maybe your eyes can be open. I just can not belive you feel this way. Maybe it is because I'm young or maybe it's because you are ignorant.

I'm guessing your about 18 and have nothing to lose. eptc18 - could that be your age or there abouts? I will stack my hours of volunteerism to yours and beat you hands down. I've got twenty years worth of close to 40 hours per week. This isn't about Goodwill or thrift shops - we have two great locations already in this community. This is about Corporate America manipulating our lives.
If this is was such a great thing - why was Kroger so sneaky?
Why did they wait until the deal was done? This only came out now because a real estate person leaked rumors to the PTC paper last week. The Little Kroger employees did not know about their store closing at the end of Sept until last Weds. They didn't know about Goodwill coming in until the paper hit the street on Thursday.

It is because you are young. You have nothing at stake here. Try to imagine the rest of your life being ruined financially because you tried to start your own business in your own community and lost it all because of corporate greed. Something totally out of your control and now it puts you in a hole you'll spend your whole life trying to dig back out. If Kroger doesn't want to be there - they can leave. The owner would let them out of that lease and bring in something desirable that would compliment the other locally owned businesses.

So you didn't answer my question. Is kroger a big company? Coorporate America? Is target? Walmart? Chic Fl a? McDonalds? Dairy Queen? Rite Aid? Ruby Tuesday? Are those not all "big greedy" companies? I may be young don't get me wrong but we have so many other big companies around do we not? Why is everyone so upset about Goodwill? A company that is going to help people. I work for a small bussiness so don't think I have nothing to loose. You maybe a shop owner or you may work for Delta I don't know,and you are right I don't know how this will effect me several years from now but this maybe something postive we just don't know. I'm so sick of people thinking that just because I'am 18years old I don't know anything and that I have nothing to loose, remember I work and live here to. You just have to make the best of situations. And I bet you I have done more community work in the past 4 years or just 1 year than you have in the same amount of time.

People do NOT think that just because you are 18 years old you don't know anything. It's when you make it known that you don't know what you're typing about that people begin to wonder.

I was 18 once upon a time and thought I knew everything, and what I didn't know was not important (to me). Fifty years later, I am learning something new every day. So we forgive you for being 18 and not understanding.

50 + 18 = 58. And you go around telling everyone you're 39.

We need to cut the kid a break. Anyone at the age of 18 that doesn't think that "poverty is cureable" doesn't have a heart. But, anyone over 40 that continues to believe that "poverty is cureable" doesn't have a brain.

Now was that original or what? Or do I sound like Joe Biden?

**** GIT REAL TOUGH ON CRIME ****

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY

Basically, that's what I said -- we forgive you for being 18. It's a wonderful age, you feel as though you can conquer the world, and everything comes up roses. As to my age, I lied. LOL

50+18= WHAT??

Git forgot to use his calculator. He's not good at 'rithmetic.

Ha! Ha! Ha!

Atleast you are 10 years younger.

Sorry Git. You'll get me later.

his silk boxers are to tight and are cutting off circulation to his brain!

Git just doesn't have enough fingers.

I surrender. I give up. You got me

I could try to explain away my mathematical error. How about this one? Git is a product of the public school system? No? Not good enough? What more can I say?

**** GIT REAL TOUGH ON CRIME ****

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY

I don't believe it is "tighty whities waving", how about silk boxers snapping in the breeze.

Sharp claws & big paws

Putting a Goodwill store in Peachtree City, there goes the neighborhood, and I’m afraid some of the draw of Crossings East Shopping Center. Not only will we miss the convenience of having the Kroger so close to home, but with this type of store going in, it also seems to set a negative tone to the area and Peachtree City in general. What type of consumer draw does this kind of store bring? I don't think people whom shop at a Goodwill will be the same consumers visiting the other establishments there, which could negitivly impact them.

We are in a downward slide to river-crime-dale. Well it was bound to happen sooner or later.

On the plus side it will be another geat place for granpa murray and the kids to set up drug stings.

Crossings East Shopping Center to get new tenants:
Shopping center management announced exciting new tenant news. In addition to the recent Goodwill store as the centers new anchor, they're adding a Inserection Adult video and novelty store to be located between the new gun shop and the recently relocated pawn shop, which had relocated from Riverdale.
Management is also in final negotiations with someone planning to turn the former bank building, recently vacated, and located at the corner of Peachtree Parkway and Hwy. 54. This will become Fayette County's first and only gentleman's club, offering even more employment opportunities to area residents.

A gun shop would be a great addition to PTC. Sounds like we will need one soon anyway.

We can cluster all the low-lifes everyone fears at one shopping center. The police could focus on them instead of teenagers. Maybe even open up a sub-station like they did at the Tanger Center.

Back to my old picture, so I can say "I don't have a dog in this fight" with real feelings.

Family robbed at gun point behind Goodwill store.
A Peachtree City family was robbed Saturday morning behind what used to be the Kroger Supermarket in the Peachtree Crossings shopping center. They were on their way to their 6 year old son's soccer game when a man jumped from behind a dumpster with a gun. The family always drove behind the Kroger to avoid automobile traffic and had not experienced any problems prior to the Goodwill opening. Police do not have a suspect.

Crossing East Shopping Center announces a new tenant. The recently vacated BB&T branch has been leased to Rent and Roll. You don't have to drive to Riverdale anymore to rent those rims for your ride. They will also be offering title loans.

I don't have to travel far to get those spinning wheel thingamajigs for my bicycle!!!! Pimp my ride!!!
-------------------------------------------
Caution - The Surgeon General has determined that constant blogging is an addiction that can cause a sedentary life style.