There's a restaurant near me. It's nicely decorated outside and looks inviting. But, I will never eat there. Know why? It used to be a funeral home. Yeah, I'm sure they took out the dead bodies and the embalming fluid, but I can't even begin to think of having a panini in a place where viewings were once held.
A few miles from the funeral home, er, restaurant, I saw someone outside yesterday hanging a sign for their brand new business which will open in a few weeks. A spa. Looks like the kind of place that will charge high prices to make you feel pampered and pretty. But, I just can't seem to look past the fact that this place was a porn shop for the last 20 years.
As a new tenant who's excited to open up your new store, you may not have inquired about what used to be in the space. If you're not from the area, you probably wouldn't even know. But, for those looking to open up a retail store, be sure to do your homework. Ask what used to be there and for how long.
Maybe the rest of you aren't as particular as I am. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so that probably comes into play a little bit here. But, these retail spaces have baggage that I'm not willing to overlook.
I'm eager to hear your thoughts on the matter. Would you dine at that restaurant? Would you strip down for a massage at the spa? Does the baggage bother you? Or, is what's in the past of no consequence?
How many times do you think that spa will have to explain, "We're not that kind of spa?"
ReplyDeleteThere is a Mexican Restaurant in our area that used to be a pet clinic and some people won't eat there. I never knew that's what it was, but I do think it matters to the people who can still visualize what it was before!
This is a great post and I never would have thought of it as a consideration, but I will in the future. Thanks, Amber!
Hi Jeanie,
ReplyDeleteHa ha. You are so right. I bet they WILL have to explain the more limited services of the spa ;-) Excellent observation!
I guess it all goes back to our own baggage and preferences. I actually have no issues with death and am pretty accepting about it as a cycle of our lives. I think you hit the nail on the head, though. People being able to visualize what it used to be.
Thanks for adding your thoughts. Good stuff, Jeanie!
Oh God yes!!! It so bothers me as I am a firm believer in energy. Its the reason I also will never buy antiques; you don't know what energy the piece has; where it was, what happened there, why it had to be sold etc. For me it's not so much about visualizing what was happening there before, just more about the energy of a place. I also ask when buying property if the owners are divorcing and that's why they are selling (crazy for some I know ;-)
ReplyDeleteHey Vanessa! Thanks for chiming in! ;-)
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I know I lot of people believe in the power of energy. For example, you look at horrific places like Auschwitz and there's gotta be some horrible energy there, huh?