I just wrote CostCo and told them of a real estate opportunity

[Clark2008]

in my "blue" neighborhood in a "red" county.

I'm very much attempting to support "blue" companies, but there aren't any in my area.

Here's what I wrote their Real Estate and Community Relations departments:

I am e-mailing you to see if your company has ever looked at locating a store in Knoxville, TN.

I have more than just a "good price" motive for my inquiry. I am attempting to support only companies who A.) Treat their employees well and B.) Give to progressive causes. I have heard the most marvelous things about CostCo. and would love to support your company with my family's business.

It may interest your board to learn that there will be a perfectly-placed location for a Costco outlet in my neighborhood in the very near future. Target Stores, Inc. is moving out of the Fountain City area of the city of Knoxville to a larger location in the county of Knox, known as the Farmer's Market. Not only does this move mean that Fountain City, one of the most settled and diverse sections of Knoxville, will be left without a major department store (other than Big Lots, which is more of an "outlet"), it would also mean that there would be a large, empty building in the middle of the neighborhood. This property was once the site of a local historical home that was razed for the purpose of making this department store. It would be such a waste to see that land go asunder after all the problems created by the tearing down of this stately mansion more than 20 years ago.

My local newspaper does not keep free archives for stories over 30 days old, therefore, the only mention I could find online is a story that references the move, but does not go into detail. However, I'm sure your research department could find more information if interested.

/Annexation Rears Head /

/If Target and Kroger stores are built on the Farmers Market
property does that mean they will close other stores or is this a
new market? It’s an important question because these stores throw
off enough sales tax to make local governments drool. /

/If these two huge retailers move onto what is now county property
outside the city limits, the city will be missing out on a huge
chunk of sales tax. There is no doubt that the previous mayoral
administration would have been on the site waiting for them, to cut
the ribbon and welcome them into the city. /

/But if the city were to annex the Farmers Market for the sales tax
would county commissioners go berserk? It might threaten the current
détente between city and county and cooperation on such issues as
using county owned downtown property for joint projects like the bus
transfer center, a Cineplex or a library. Current Mayor Bill Haslam
is not likely to force the issue./
http://www.metropulse.com/dir_zine/dir_2004/1433/t_ear.html

I'm sure the people in Fountain City, who are noted for their progressiveness, would love to support a CostCo. as their neighborhood department store.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

[wellstone dem]

1. Great idea.

Hope you don't mind if I steal it. I'm about to join a costco that is 65 miles away, just because I need to support blue businesses. I'm now looking for property to talk them into buying.

[Clark2008]

2. Thanks!

I know I'm but one person, but I would think the property of which I'm talking would be a fantastic opportunity for them. I know several of my neighbors would support it - even the Republicans, because they're real conservative Republicans and not neo-cons.

[Egalitariat]

3. Is Litton's still selling hamburgers in Fountain City?

Oh, how I miss them.

[Clark2008]

4. Yes!!!

The Littons also still LIVE in Fountain City - in fact, in my neighborhood (I can throw a rock REALLY hard in the backyard and hit their house).

They've added onto Littons - it now has a back room where they can serve some (shhh... BEER!)... but yes, they are very much still in business and very much still loved.

When did you live here and where do you live now?

And, I'm sure Barry would probably love to hear this story. :)

[LiberalSoutherner]

5. I wrote Costco

about the possibility of their openeing a store in my blue city in a red state. After a few days I received a nice reply thanking me for my interest, and saying that she would forward my email to their marketing and real estate departments. It was great to get an actual hand written reply, and I do hope we see a Costco in my area one day.