In light of an uptick in population, household income and retail spending in the region destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Apple will open a retail store at the Lakeside Shopping Center, its first store so close to New Orleans. The 1.1. million square-foot development is located in the community of Metairie just minutes north of downtown New Orleans, and would host only the second store in the state. Apple’s decision was no doubt influenced by the region’s economic recovery, led by a permanent population that is 85 percent of pre-Katrina figures, and a median household income that is up six percent from before the hurricane hit.
Hurricane Katrina struck in August, 2005 and changed everything. The region’s permanent population dropped dramatically as evacuated residents simply decided to remain where there had been taken, and never returned. Those who did return have had trouble finding jobs, and are still hampered by lack of utilities, transportation and other public services.
But within the past six months, optimism is more abundant. In Jefferson Parish where Lakeside Mall is located, median income is up by about 6 percent from its pre-Katrina level, according to Census Bureau figures, and the percentage of households below the poverty level dropped by three percentage points. In neighboring Orleans Parish, median income is up 14 percent, and the poverty rate has dropped from 14.5 percent to 10.1 percent (see chart).
Sales tax revenues, as an indicator of retail sales, took a dip for December, 2007, parish officials said: Orleans was down 0.8 percent from December, 2006, and Jefferson was down 2.8 percent. The National Retail Federation reported that nationwide, holiday sales rose 3 percent in 2007.
Jefferson Parish usually experiences a two to three percent sales tax bump for December, said Jefferson Parish finance director Gwen Bolotte. She noted that despite the latest December dip, sales tax revenues remain much higher than for pre-Katrina Decembers. For example, December 2004 sales tax revenues in Jefferson Parish were $37 million, compared with $49.7 million in December 2005, after the hurricane.
The unincorporated community of Metairie suffered the effects of Hurricane Katrina, but it was less than catastrophic. The levee broke on the New Orleans side of the 17th Street Canal, saving the community from total flooding and destruction. However, heavy rains and high winds did cause to widespread damage.
The Lakeside Shopping Center weathered the storm, but then suffered from the economic decline that swept the area in the following months. Now, over two years later, developers and financial backers believe the tide has turned.
In September, 2007 Macy’s announced it would built a new store at Lakeside–the first Macy’s to open after Katrina, and in fact the first big-store retailer to open in the region. However, the good news was tempered by Macy’s announcement they would not be re-opening a New Orleans store, which sparked public criticism.
In 2007 Jefferson Parish officials also announced they were negotiating for a comprehensive renovation for the area around the mall known at “Fat City,” known for 50 years as the region’s alternate–and somewhat seedy–night-life district. However, by April, 2008 the Parish still hasn’t signed any agreements with developers. The Parish is also considering a state office building in the area, along with a parish courthouse.
Trivia: The grand opening of this store will mean there are two Apple stores in identically-named malls. The other is in West Thurrock (UK).
The Lakeside Shopping Center is adjacent to the community’s night-life district–Fat City.
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I already work at an Apple Store in Lakeside Shopping Centre – http://www.apple.com/uk/retail/lakeside
After New Orleans was destroyed by Katrina, its nice to see businesses willing to take the risk and try to revamp commerce. Props to Apple.
Looks like the Gulf Coast is finally getting Steve’d!
Hopefully this means that Apple will someday consider a store on Canal Street or in the French Quarter.
Once again? London Ontario needs a apple store more bad then the area where half the people left cause of the storm and everything being destroyed
Now you are acting like an idiot. London, Ontario does NOT need an Apple Store. Neither does anywhere else. Besides, even after the hurricane, the metropolitan area population is over 1 million, a loss of about 300,000, not a reduction by half. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans-Metairie-Kenner%2C_LA_MSA
That still makes it more than twice the size of the London metropolitan area. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London%2C_Ontario
Let’s assume you are correct about everything being destroyed (you are not). Does that not mean people are not supposed to rebuild? What you said is insulting to everyone that lives or did live there.
There is no 2nd Louisiana store planned for Metairie, New Orleans, Lafayette, or anywhere else. Baton Rouge, that’s it, we got one, that’s all we’ll have for a long time. Misguided rumor… [IFO - I disagree. The plans are real.]
The Lakeside employees know the store is coming. So, it’s coming. They won’t say when, however.
@eric – You obviously don’t know anything about the geography of our city, the population, or the damage that occurred.
Apple now has the jobs posted on the Apple site, I’d guess this summer.
I know a guy who has quoted very specific building materials for the Lakeside Apple Store. Don’t want to say too much, in case he is covered by a NDA.
you can still get computer repair for mac at http://applerepairneworleans.com they’re in the french quarter
In spite of the seemingly altruistic gesture of FINALLY opening a store NEAR New Orleans, Apple has surely shown its true colors. The promo for this store is almost laughable. If Apple had done its research from the standpoint of recovery in a city that needs business, especially big and important business, it would have established its location within city limits,so that New Orleans would get the taxes earned. As a citizen of this city, i make the effort to do all my spending within city limits. Home Depot has opened TWO stores within city limits. By taking that ‘risk’, they are bringing money to the city, that might actually end up in Jefferson Parish, because Mac owners have no choice but to go to Lakeside to visit with the Genius Bar and take classes. All I can do is shake my head and wish I had a PC.
Hey Gael, get a life! N.O. is not the center of the universe! I’m a citizen of New Orleans, I own a business there. But not every business “owes” N.O. anything, and not every business is best served inside city limits. Why has N.O. re-elected a mayor who is a lame duck, doing nothing to help the city? Because citizens like you re-elected him in the face of all logic. N.O. needs help. But not from major corporations, not from government, but from it’s own citizens, when they are ready to grow up and make “real” changes.
I was in Lakeside Mall today, I saw the Apple Store under construction. It is taking the place of the old Discovery Channel store in the center of the mall next to Victoria’s Secret and Adler’s Jewelry. I peeked inside from the corner and saw that nothing had yet been done. Hopefully, It will come soon!
It’ll open by the fall.
Trust me…
There’s another opening soon in Jackson, Mississippi, too.
Next location will be either Lafayette or Shreveport in late 2009.
Store opens this Saturday, September 27, 2008!
Now let’s hope for a Lafayette and Shreveport locations!
Both sell Macs for the exact same price, and the Apple Store has better service. Computer Shoppe doesn’t have all the cool stuff laid out to fool with, either. I loved the Computer Shoppe for many years, but, time are changing, and the Apple Store is here to stay, and a very good resource. I’ll miss Computer Shoppe, but it’s a new day.
Apple Store sucks!
Go to the Computer Shop, it’s much better!
Frank — Is it wise to call Apple names, when you’re trying to attract their product users as customers?