Back from the Thanksgiving Holiday.

My Friends, God love them, are simple T-shirt and jeans guys who hate change. Usually when something revolutionary is presented to them they act with staunch rejection demonizing what or whomever is trying to mess with their routines. Usually I am the one playing devils advocate trying to usher them into the new Millennium.

Their latest rant was the loss of the Virgin Mega Store on the corner of Newbury Street and Massachusetts Avenue. Over some cold pints my friend Dan, a music major at Northeastern, aptly said, I guess the yuppies need another (expletive delete) Pottery Barn!

Class warfare aside, I’d have to say I completely agree with him - for once. The corner of Newbury and Mass Ave has always been a safe haven to the blue-haired and pierced college students who want to browse the Army/Navy Surplus Store with their medium regular from Dunkins. Or check out the sales at Newbury Comics or Virgin while waiting for the bus.

Unfortunately the only constant in life is change. I have heard through the grapevine that a home goods store (see pottery barn) has been negotiating for the space vacate by Virgin. Also interested in the space are a few luxury clothiers and an electronic store (Best Buy).

I say split the difference. Put Best Buy in there. They’ll be able to pay the rents the landlord will want. The “Yuppies” will have a place to buy their 65″ Plasma TVs and the college kids will be able to shop for their I-Pod’s, music, and video games!

Until video games can be downloaded, I think Best Buy will make a great Switzerland for the 100,000 college students and the wealthiest of the wealthy living within a three square mile radius of what could be Best Buys newest location.

It’s a win-win for everyone!

Happy Holidays,

James Morrison

Filed under: Boston Real Estate Blogging