So IKEA’s on the horizon. But still, we long for other everywhere-but-here stores and restaurants. We road-trip for a fix. We pay massive shipping fees. We wonder when, exactly, the scales will fall from the eyes of retail-location gurus. Here’s what we want and how we’ll cope until they arrive:
Trader Joe’s
What you’re missing: Funky gourmet grocer without the Whole Foods prices. Beloved for its semi-healthy snacks and extreme-value-priced wines known as “Two-Buck Chuck” (may be as much as $4 a bottle in areas outside California.)
Until it comes: Get by with trips to Sunflower Market in Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins, and supplementing with imported package goods from Cost Plus World Market.
Fry’s Electronics
What you’re missing: A big-box discounter that offers build-your-own computer components as well as the usual home, office and auto electronics, it has been described as Best Buy on steroids.
Until it comes: Best Buy, without the steroids.
In-N-Out Burger
What you’re missing: California burger chain with a cultlike following, including people who memorize a “secret” menu to get their burgers served with grilled onions, extra secret sauce and extra pickles.
Until it comes: Make do with equally gut-building Fatburger, found in Aurora, Centennial, Colorado Springs and Highlands Ranch.
H&M
What you’re missing: Another Swedish retailer, this one focused on cheap, cheap, cheap men’s and women’s fashion built to last only as long as the season in which it’s sold.
Until it comes: Troll Target for the only-around- until-they’re- sold-out designer lines.
Bloomingdale’s
What you’re missing: Iconic. Urban. Fab holiday windows. Style without the Saks price tag.
Until it comes: We dress at the other retail icon, Macy’s.
Pinkberry
What you’re missing: Tiny, 70- calorie swirls of plain, coffee and green-tea frozen yogurt make us feel like Paris Hilton when we take a bite.
Until it comes: We’ll just wait. Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is a partner in the company, so it’s only a matter of time.
Dana Coffield and Marcus Chamberland, The Denver Post
