tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158467536239735339.post8028121588310019793..comments2023-10-19T05:19:01.550-08:00Comments on American Dirt: Time to shake hands…now that you’re on your way out the door.AmericanDirthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04600555386886915000noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158467536239735339.post-79792371751810433752013-11-26T13:10:39.426-09:002013-11-26T13:10:39.426-09:00Hey, Kristi, great to hear from you! I think you&...Hey, Kristi, great to hear from you! I think you're dead on. Half the reason this blog article took so long for me to publish is because I was so dang hesitant. The more I thought about it, the more it seemed like what you're saying is exactly what the Target billboard is doing: greeting the Detroiters and showing the offerings. Which kind of undercuts my whole thesis.<br /><br />Either way, it's a weird position for Target to take. After all, a huge number of those people crossing into the 'burbs at Eight Mile live in those burbs. But since the City of Detroit is one of the most job-scarce in the country (so, so many of the jobs are in places like Troy and Southfield), I guess there are fewer commuters coming from downtown to their suburban homes than most places. Which means, it's essentially say, "Hey Detroiters, now that you're in the burbs, you're not far from a Target--something you're not going to see any time soon in the city limits!" I really appreciate your comment!AmericanDirthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04600555386886915000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158467536239735339.post-21512437311560653032013-11-26T04:55:38.615-09:002013-11-26T04:55:38.615-09:00Once again, interesting blog, Eric. However, I in...Once again, interesting blog, Eric. However, I interpreted the billboard differently. There is a similar billboard off I94 at Vernier/8 Mile near Eastland Mall. The Eastland Target recently underwent a renovation and appears to be heavily marketing its newly expanded grocery/fresh produce section. It looks like other “border” Targets (Northland, Allen Park) have done the same. Rather than the billboard greeting motorists as they leave Detroit and given the (ahem) dearth of grocery options in Detroit proper, I read the billboard as Target literally dangling a carrot to Detroit residents, “’Hello, Detroit,’ we have fresh food for you right across the border! ” Just my take, for what it’s worth. Anyway, as a metro-Detroit transplant and urbanophile, I really enjoy your blog and agree with your sentiment regarding the “figurative-Detroiter.”Kristi Miller Stuckeynoreply@blogger.com