L.A. NIK - SHOP SMALL IN MINNEAPOLIS BLACK FRIDAY. TELL 'EM L.A. NIK SENT YOU.

SHOP LOCAL ON BLACK FRIDAY

and come find me downtown Minneapolis

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As Black Friday approaches I am always just blown away by the national epidemic that takes place from midnight to 6am at stores in every strip mall and giant big box retailer in the U.S. You can have a Rockin' shopping experience and blow your friends and family away with unique gift offerings by doing the opposite during pleasant, quiet shopping days..  Read on...

Is it just me, or would you have to be insane to finish Thanksgiving dinner with your family just to bust out the door and wait in the cold (at least here in Minneapolis) for hours on end, for the thrill of securing a cheap, door buster prize that can be ordered on the internet for less money, every day of the year...  

Sure, I suppose its a family event for some people. Maybe its just the thrill of going out that early in the morning.  Im usually still awake at that hour so there's no thrill for me other than to watch droves of people conforming to mass marketing with zero gain what-so-ever. Here's my plea to you..

** A CHALLENGE **

SHOP LOCAL. It doesn't matter if you're reading this blog in the Twin Cities, Los Angeles or Rhode Island. Stop supporting the giant conglomerates that have single handily shaped the course of your holiday lives.  Christmas season starts earlier, marketing campaigns run longer, the definition of these very holidays has been shape-shifted from family time, relaxation and reflection to price cutting, competitive shopping and subliminal messages. 

If we must be subjected to mass appeal, then choose to do it in your own unique way - SHOP LOCAL. The little guys can't spend $700,000 to put their message in front of you, but if you seeked them out, you'd make a much larger impact on your own experience and your gift recipient's life and holiday memories.

I think by this point in time (my 3 year mark in Minneapolis) everybody knows I am the single biggest advocate of Downtown Minneapolis and local businesses. Not only do I stand behind local business and send customers to them, but I get to know them and spend time in their stores. I can truthfully speak to many, MANY of the businesses inside the 120 blocks we identify as "Downtown". Of course there's more but this is what I call my stomping grounds.

In the fall of 2011 I ran a philanthropic contest to drive people into local businesses which made it to the news. Seems the city is following suit..

The winner of this contest was Minneapolis Police Officer Pat McCarver. The winning photo, he submitted to board of judges (local business owners) is below.

There's a huge push nationally to shop locally, specifically on Saturday, November 24th. American Express has launched an entire campaign supporting this. Of course, it fuels their corporate pockets with billions of dollars and realistically 70% of the local businesses out there don't accept their cards due to higher fees. But hey, at least their message is on track.

Minneapolis even has a website dedicated to staying small; 

Its called "Buy Local Twin Cities". I found this because the dozens of CEO's, Vice Presidents of Fortune 500 companies and local business owners that I meet daily at networking events and at bars late at night,  have asked me "Nik, why aren't you the face of this"? Its a good question but it has a simple answer. Mayor Rybak's face is on it. Though I disagree with some of the City's policies and expenses and I see opportunity where they simply don't... I do agree with this campaign 1000%. 

If you'd like to see me work with Minneapolis for creative / edgy branded messages about local businesses and driving new people downtown, then send this post to your local ward commissioner or politician. Im happy to help and another fun contest is due.

Star Tribune (local business) did a story on shopping local HERE

WCCO (local business) did a story on shopping local HERE

There are many more, but I really support these two media outlets. The people are genuine, the coverage is fun and different and by the way.. you can "Shop Local" and gift a tour of WCCO or a subscription to the Star Tribune.

This blog has called out businesses in the past, and that's really what this is all about - NOT forgetting your local life-line, those that make the streets of the Twin Cities fill with vibrance. Let's go back in time to when I started this blog and just review these local businesses first.

~ Minneapolis 2Night. Mary Ziotas did a Q&A with me me a couple of years ago that I reposted here. www.Minneapolis2Night.com is your source for what's Rock'n in this town at a grass roots level - vs. City Pages....

Buy ad space with her. Period.

~Tiger Oak Publishing. Metro Magazine recently suspended publication, but they did a two page spread on my character here - in fact the very first one. This is a local business that produces MN Bride, West Metro and many other local mags. Know someone getting married? I'll bet I can put together a local gift package with Tiger Oak for you.

~Hells Kitchen. A home for my events for quite some time and host to Steven Adler and Adler's Appetite. One of Minneapolis's true unique hidden treasures - Great food and a great experience. You can buy their cookbook and apparel, and I do recommend it.

~Fine Line Music Cafe. www.RockinThisTown.com ran a breast cancer drive there for Treasured Chests of MN and Kelly Moore. If you really want to cut the corporate monster out, sponsor www.TreasuredChests.org in the name of someone you love this holiday season. In fact.. I encourage this and let me know when you've done it. (checking to see if you read / follow instructions)

Blog: http://minneapolislive.blogspot.com/2011/08/la-niks-rock-against-breast-cancer.html

~Minot North Dakota. Not every "local" business is in Minneapolis..  Nancy's family lives in Minot, ND and we took a trip there when the flooding took place. We helped out all that we could and put full support into local business while other saw opportunities to sweep up the businesses while disaster was present. You just can't do enough to help local businesses.

Blog: http://minneapolislive.blogspot.com/2011/07/la-nik-visits-flood-ravaged-minot-nd.html

~Nye's Restaurant . I did a brief mention of this being my favorite place to eat in Minneapolis. Not to mention, they've been nationally flagged for the same thing in GQ Magazine

Blog: http://minneapolislive.blogspot.com/2011/09/best-food-ive-had-in-minneapolis.html

~Rockin' Downtown Businesses you MUST visit. This is the list you should take with you on Black Friday and Im bundling a couple posts topics into one here.. Go visit Jeromeo on Nicollet Mall for imported jewelry, clothing and furniture. Next door you'll find James and Marie Laurie Books. This is truly unique gift giving you won't find at Best Buy or Target or even Barnes n Noble. If you're in the market for fine / custom jewelry or watches, then there is only one stop - Gittelson Jewelers in the skyway. Truly the hidden "Gem" of the city. Tell Mike and Gene I sent you - they'll treat you very well.

~Restaurants.  I reviewed the top 5 food places for under $5 in the past. Those happy hours may have changed, but let me just call out a list of the places you need to support... The Local, Zelo, Oceanaire, Seven Steak House, BANK at the Westin, Prohibition at Foshay and the Living Room and Manny's downstairs. Others include again, Hell's Kitchen, Devils Advocate, Kieran's Irish Pub, Mission at the IDS and there's others..

(I know some are corporate owned but local business in the heart of downtown)

You can tour the city like a ROCKSTAR by hiring Greg at the Hitching Company for a horse and carriage ride where ever you want to go. You could stop by Gallery 13 to visit Stephen and Karen Sugarman for local works of art. You can take in a local theatre production or fashion show by following Scott Mayer and Co. and the Hennepin Theatre District. You can get hair, nails and spa services done with Suzanne at Jungle Red Salon, then call Jessica Mae at Warpaint International for makeup and weekend girl packages.

Like BEER?  How about Fulton Brewery.. They're right downtown, they sponsored my fund raiser for Courage Center of MN this year (so they give back to community) and they have a tasting room and gift baskets.

Or how about this.. 

take my list, which is a fraction of my recommendations, and visit these people for a unique DOWNTOWN GIFT CARD BASKET to give during the holidays.  

Scenario 1: Ed opens up a brand new piece of electronics he's been wanting that you picked up on black friday while waiting for hours then getting trampled - that he can buy online himself at any time.

OR scenario 2: Ed opens a gift bag littered with gift cards for a weekend downtown at Hotel Minneapolis, lunch at BANK, dinner at Oceaniare and night caps at Prohibition. To boot, you've given him a pedicure, a tour of 3 galleries, a vintage book he's been looking for and some imported jewelry. If you want to get crazy, top his weekend off with a tour of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

 If Ed's a loner.. then send him to Seven Ultra Lounge for Sushi and mingling, Fulton Beer for guy time, and give him a budget at LURE on Hennepin Ave. Cabaret's are local businesses to and Scott the owner will be pleased to see you.

Last year I did "L.A. Nik's Black Friday TOP 5 where I gave reasons to avoid the debauchery on BLACK FRIDAY.

These were all and still are very valid reasons to shop downtown and support local businesses.  They include 

1. Heated Parking Ramps 

2. Skyway System to avoid the cold 

3. Nicollet Mall and the Target Holidazzle Parade 

4. Major Department stores (though Im urging you to support boutiques) and 

5. Minneapolis Promotions and City Support form Meet Minneapolis and the Minneapolis DID.

If you really want bang for your buck, then check one of the many coupon companies offering food, service, and retail product discounts in the area. You can Live Like a Rock Star Downtown if you really source the deals. Check out companies like Groupon, Crowdcut, Star Tribune's deals, Travel Zoo, but if you really want to drive the message home, check out Living Social. Why? Because they're a LOCAL BUSINESS.

If all of this seems daunting and you're scared to death of downtown, then please contact me HERE.(bookings@la-nik.com)

I'm more than happy to help build your packages, escort you to local businesses, introduce you to the people you'll be purchasing from, show you all of my little city secrets and more. Its the ultimate Rockin' Personal Shopping Service. I can even have a photographer follow us for a timeline of your day.

If not.. then just tell 'em L.A. Nik sent you.

DOING YOUR "BIZZNESS" DOWNTOWN

L.A. NIK'S TOP 5 PLACES TO DO YOUR BIZZNESS DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS.

Face it. If you work downtown, then you can't deny that a trip to the office restroom is not your shining moment - for fear of the location, the unknown outcome and the potential onlookers. When you have to take care of bizzness after a morning of high octane coffee and work stress, the office lieu is not the place you want to land. What if your visit leaves less than desirable results for the rest of the office OR God forbid, for the person waiting just outside the door ! They know it was you !!

Let me help you. This is a list of the top 5 bathrooms in the downtown business area of Minneapolis. Like most people I strive for privacy and cleanliness.. these TOP 5 are the best hidden gems for your 15 minute "bizzness break" to have 5 star cleanliness but most of all... anonymity.

No. 1 The Westin
I've reviewed this space before for their outstanding service and great happy hour pricing at BANK. Westin makes the TOP 5 once again with their facilities. This place is a luxury environment, clean as a whistle and empty most of the time. If you're in the skyway during lunch hour then go find this gem !

Clean, empty, and very comforting spaces !

Conveniently located at 88 6th Street South - Right downtown.

Stop at the BANK bar, have a cocktail and dinner during happy hour and tell em L.A. Nik sent you.

No. 2 The Government Center Ramp


Lets take it from the street level. This is your view from the entrance side...

Here's the hallway view on your way to this tucked away, quiet space.

Small but often empty and its heated ! You'll enjoy peace and quiet in this one and its off the beaten track.

415 South 5th Street in the east business district area next to the armory building.
If you work right in this area and need to be left alone to do bizzness.. this is the place.

No. 3 Mission at IDS Center

Mission is on the ground floor of IDS Center just behind the escalator.

The restroom is immediately to your right as you enter the restaurant. At this point, you've not walked through the restaurant at all - its a completely unseen venture. This is one of the nicest facilities that has anonymous entry. The thick terry cloths are a very nice touch too.

Venture further to their bar for a great clientele and ambience. Tell em L.A. Nik sent you.

IDS Center is located at 80 South 8th street and a central hub to the skyway system in downtown Minneapolis. Crystal Court is referred to as the "Downtown Cross-roads"

Enjoy many other businesses while in there and see my earlier post - "Gittelson Jewelers: Hidden skyway Gem"

No. 4 Accenture Tower

Accenture Tower is home to many businesses and stands about 30 stories tall. The inside of the building is lined with marble as you can see in this photo. Just the lobby space itself is pretty rockin!



The restrooms them selves are also very nice and warming. This is a sweet space because its joined by both the building and the Black Bamboo Asian Bistro.

If you work at Accenture Tower and you are visiting your regular office space for a post coffee hiatus.. travel downstairs. You owe it to your co-workers and you'll maintain your dignity while you're at it.

Accenture is located at 333 South 7th street.

Stop there Monday - Friday for drink and food specials at Black Bamboo Asian Bistro.

Meet the owner, Stanley and tell him L.A. Nik sent you.

No. 5 The Hotel Minneapolis


Hotel Minneapolis is a Boutique Hotel and I've reviewed them in past in other blog posts and have also mentioned them in interviews.  I am Hotel Minneapolis's longest standing guest at nearly 13 months.


In my opinion, this the nicest restroom in all of Minneapolis. Not only are you in a luxury environment but it is easily accessible, completely anonymous and hands down - the cleanest bathroom in the city. Every day.

There are multiple stalls with stainless steel amenities, beautiful sinks, and nice decor. Im not a fan of totally automatic faucets because you have no control over hot and cold but its still very nice.

This place of "Bizzness" is really sanitary focused though, from the auto faucets to toilet seat tissues to hand towels - you've really got a rockin' experience here.

   
Even the chrome is polished at this place all day long.  C'mon !!!  You can't lose here.

For those that aren't big hand washers, Hotel Minneapolis has even got you covered. As you exit, right before grabbing the door handle, you'll find hand sanitizer. Take a hit and roll out - doesn't get any better than this...

If you decide to patronize the establishment for providing such rockin facilities, then stop into Restaurant Max, have a cocktail and tell em L.A. Nik sent you !

The only downfall to this place of "Bizzness" is that its located at 215 4th street. There are plenty of business's in this area and if I worked in any of those offices I would be taking my personal time in this sweet spot.

Now
Let me steer you clear of one spot in Minneapolis that will leave you disturbed and worried.

This spot resides at 900 Nicollet Mall. That's right.. Target. Though I like the company and they are a Minneapolis Icon, I have to give this restroom a rating of unacceptable and a shocking field trip to the average person. I do not recommend this restroom even if you're a customer and have the urge...


This facility is immediately to your left as you enter Target from Nicollet Mall, just below the registers along the wall.  I've been in this restroom many times and every single time I am left speechless upon entering.  Often I've walked into 1 or more persons taking full baths in the sink areas, amongst other things..  This time to snap this photo, I was greeted by two thieves stuffing packing in the trash can.  Neither of them were concerned with my presence at all.  To boot, the one guy had stole Crest teeth whitening strips and was applying them before leaving !!!

Shock factor is high in this one.  This restroom needs to be under lock and key or have an attendant that works them all day long.  Even if you're in a bind, just cross the street and your bizzness trip will be quite good.



This is L.A. Nik's TOP 5 best places to "Do Bizzness" in Minneapolis and one word of advise. Find these rockin restrooms, enjoy your quiet time and make sure you patronize the businesses that surround them.

For those that may be traveling through this area or do "bizzness" outside of the downtown area, you can check out this resource for accessible restroom spaces. You can even search by zip code and the type of space. Here's 20 results under gender neutral - one person hideaways.

http://safe2pee.org/new/list.php?l=55403&t=1&Submit=Go