“created an usual effect”: I think you mean “unusual.” It is quite a change from the old store; I got the impression the company was more interested in impressing me with its design novelty than enabling me to find what I wanted and buy it.

What was all that furor about lost retail last year? Palo Alto retail seems pretty healthy to me. Definitely better than in Menlo Park or Mountain View!

I doubt if I will EVER set foot in Luisa Spagnoli, AllSaints or Uno de 50. Stanford may gain one type of shopper but they have lost me.

<sigh> Remember when there was a Woolworth at Stanford? Goodbye moderately priced shopping options at Stanford.

Re other postings, yes, I remember Woolworth's. However, I wouldn't call that "moderately priced shopping" - it was much less than that. I remember Emporium too. Neither of them are relevant to our shoppers in the area. I'm predicting Macy's is the next to leave, as it has turned into just a step above Kohl's, although it still has its place for me. Too bad they can't bring Sak's Fifth Avenue back, but Nordstrom and Neiman already have that area covered.

I don't step into those boutique shops either and shop at Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's, Sephora, and other mainstream small stores on occasion.

I wish they would have a Zumiez, H&M or other teen store besides Brandy Melville. PacSun's customer service was atrocious, good riddance.

Has anyone ever shopped during the daytime, weekdays? The shoppers are clearly not Palo Altans unless they are Old Palo Alto or Professorville residents. Shoppers are decked-out in super designer clothing.

I agree, Luisa Spagnoli, AllSaints, Uno de 50 and are too pricey for the average shopper. What about Bloomingdales? I used to frequent that before they 'changed' their whole outlook. I don't step into Bloomies anymore, sad.
They should also think about bringing Zara in. It's not too pricey and pretty fashionable.

Wow!! clothes shopping has changed. I remember when I first came to PA in the 1960s, you'd stand in line just to get into Macy's when they had their bi-annual sale. Then to buy anything you'd stand in another line behind 7 or 8 others. Now I go into Macy's, every rack is a "sales" rack and there are more sales people than customers. How sad!!!

Let's face it I used to have 10 or more suits and had to have "front desk" appearance at all times. Now my children go to work in jeans and a T-shirt. Styles have definitely changed and the department stores are suffering.

@Judy: Yes, in the 70s, those Macy's White Flower sales increased to once per month. Nowadays, I don't even buy anything there unless I can get a discount or I feel ripped-off because they always have discounts. And I agree with you, "business casual" has gotten out of control. I find that a skirt or dress is actually more comfortable than pants.