HERE'S what Layton needs at a revigorated Fort Lane shopping center: things that appeal to a higher-end shopper.

1 - Trader Joe's. This would be a HUGE coup, because there's no TJ's in the state of Utah. Yes, a TJ's is possible without selling wine and liquor (but wouldn't it be nice?) If not, give us a Whole Foods.

2 - Granato's. Yes, there'd be a LITTLE bit of overlap....so put it at the other end of the strip.

3 - Nordstrom. Think! There's people in Ogden who have to drive to Fashion Place to shop at Nordstrom.

No, I'm not being an elitist (someone who expects only the best). I'm being a realist. I do not shop Wal-Mart (but I'll shop ShopKo and Target). We need some NICER things than we currently have in the run-of-the-mill mall area.

One thing we do not want: any Larry Miller businesses (copycat restaurants, theaters that show the basest and most disgusting chop-up-body movies, etc).

Yes, a Trader Joe's would be perfect for the area. It would bring in shoppers from all over Davis, Weber, and Salt Lake counties.

Nordstroms, I'm not so sure about. I don't know if the area could support it financially. Maybe though.

Nordstrom sells classic quality items that last for years, while remaining in style. What they *do not* sell are the throwaway items that fall apart and end up costing more.

It's the difference between the $1.29 spatula at Wal-Mart and the $9.50 stainless spatula at Pan Handlers in Ogden. You buy the cheap one over and over; you buy the stainless steel, and it's good forever.

It's a lesson in economics that needs to be taught to young consumers, so they don't keep making the same mistakes over and over (and spending more).

Layton is underserved by quality merchandizing. Macy's, Penneys, and Mervyns are pretty much the same.

Plus...think of the audience this combination would draw from the surrounding towns. It's closer from Bountiful to Layton, than Bountiful to Midvale's Nordstroms.

The only reason I don't know if a Nordstrom would be supported is because I don't know if the financial base if there. Layton Hills mall is notorious for not keeping its anchor stores and can't even keep The Gap (it's gone in case you didn't know). And layton Hills draws from all over Davis and Weber counties (and a little from from Cache county as well). Also, Crossroads couldn't even keep Nordstrom (for a number of reasons). So while I would love to have a Nordstrom (cause I love buying shoes), I really only shop there at the half yearly sale. The people from Davis county who shop at Nordstrom don't mind driving into SLC to shop there because it's a novelty.

I haven't been to that area since a child, some thirty fiver years ago. I remember my mother taking me grocery shopping in Safeway there and getting to look at toys in King's. Also, I got my monthly haircut at a barbershop on the other side of that complex, and my father washed his car in a carwash on the northeast corner of that land. As I recall, there was some sort of Denny's-like restaurant we ate at there, too, and banking at the 2nd National Bank. So, why did all the businesses there fail in the first place?