Last week, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported on a comment made by real estate broker Gary Stein at Milwaukee’s annual real estate forecast conference. Basically, Stein feels that the Milwaukee area is under-served by “high fashion” retailers. This got me thinking about the Milwaukee retail landscape and whether or not there’s a demand for luxury shopping. For instance, would retailers such as Henri Bendel or Saks Fifth Avenue succeed in our area? Certainly there are those who would shop regularly at upscale stores in Milwaukee, but it’s likely this portion of the population already makes regular trips to Chicago. That being said, these same consumers would benefit from Wisconsin’s sales tax rate should retailers set up shop in Milwaukee. Chicago has a whopping 9.75 percent tax on general sales whereas the sales tax rate in Milwaukee County is just 5.6 percent. For now, as JS notes, Milwaukee can look forward to such developments as The Corners in Brookfield and The Mayfair Collection proposed for Wauwatosa to draw in more high-end business.
What do you think? Would high fashion retailers succeed in the Milwaukee area?
In other shopping news…
It’s back-to-school time for many local college students, which means pajamas may very well return to the forefront of fashion on campus. But for those looking to update their wardrobe, here are a few sales that may help:
Aeropostale
Through Feb. 15, Aeropostale is having its Teens for Jeans sale. Receive 25 percent off Aeropostale jeans when you donate a pair. Locations at Bayshore, Mayfair, Southridge and Brookfield.
J. Crew
Show your college ID and receive 15 percent off at J. Crew. Locations at Bayshore and Mayfair.
BVEN Boutique
Through March 31, “Like” BVEN Boutique on Facebook and receive a $25 gift certificate. Pick up in-store or call when you purchase online to redeem your credit.
