Not a destination city

I’m no expert on the history of Little Rock retail, but there has been a lot of chatter lately regarding the revitalization of the downtown, East End, and SOMA neighborhoods within our city limits. The emergence of destination retail in these areas is welcome action taken by local entrepreneurs with a few bucks to spend. But it should not stop there.

In my 10 years here I have seen regressive thinking negatively impact the emergence of Little Rock as a mid-South destination city. Several regional or national restaurant chains have failed that were as good or better than local versions with similar fare. Famous Dave’s, Del Frisco’s and Cock of the Walk are three that come to mind. At the same time I have local friends who openly long for a Trader Joe’s, Costco, Macy’s or even an Ikea to open shop here. But these retail giants run their reconnaissance and when they see the steady stream of failing chains not-from-these-here-parts, they know a poor bet when they see it.

So why do locals repeatedly fail to support quality retail from parts elsewhere while displaying almost maniacal loyalty for mediocre local establishments? Seriously, folks, do we really need another David’s Burgers, Whole Hog or Slim Chickens?

Little Rock suffers from an innate parochialism that seems determined to keep it local with a twang. This attitude most assuredly prevents our town from attaining the destination-city status it craves. My advice to Little Rockers: Open your hearts and minds to the notion of inclusivity and diversity when it comes to how and where to spend your discretionary income. The eventual result will be that the people and dollars will come, incomes will rise, and Arkansas might even climb a few notches above number 49 of 50. DANE BUXBAUM Little Rock