This involves using devices called electrolyzers that make use of renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gas. The solution, some propose, is to store energy chemically-in the form of hydrogen fuel-rather than electrically. For example, they have fixed charge capacities and don’t hold charge well over extended periods of time. Using today’s lithium-ion batteries for long-term grid storage isn’t feasible for a number of reasons. Under Armour: I just like their athletic apparel.When it comes to renewables, the big question is: How do we store all that energy for use later on? Because such energy is intermittent in nature, storing it when there is a surplus is key to ensuring a continuous supply-for rainy days (literally), at night, or when the wind doesn’t blow. Why not import it from the Coachella Valley? Sherman’s Deli: Orange County deserves quality pastrami. I note more than a few luxury cars parked in front of this dollar store. Microsoft: Hey, it’s only fair! You need something to compare to the existing Apple Store’s offerings.ĩ9 Cents Only: Don’t laugh. Merrell shoes: Comfy hiking boots, perfect for walking all of Orange County’s trails. Linksys store: I have a dream: a place where they’d explain to you how Wi-Fi really works and that would sell $300 Wi-Fi routers to the masses. I’d bet these Orange County loan innovators could make a storefront work. Loan Depot shop: Someday getting a mortgage will be like buying any consumer commodity. But why should a hot sport be served by only stores in out-of-the-way shopping centers? Lacrosse gear: I’ll let others figure out the branding. Google: Long rumored to be eying brick-and-mortar retailing. Ghirardelli: Who doesn’t need good chocolate now and then? Or peppermint bark? Doesn’t Orange County’s outdoorsy crowd deserve a high-profile shopping hangout?Ĭrayola: New concept that allows shoppers to create their own custom sets of crayons.įedEx Office: Sometimes, you just need to get workday stuff done and go shopping.įrank & Oak: Trendy and affordable men’s clothing shop from Canada. Trust me, the lines will be long.Ĭabela’s: A Nebraska-based chain of hunting, fishing and camping merchandise. And the combo provides year-round interest.īagel Oasis: From my old neighborhood in New York. Where better than at a mall catering to a youthful crowd?Īngels/Ducks store: Yes, sporting goods are already available, but the team-store selections are deep. So to help the Irvine Co.’s efforts, here are 20 merchants I’d like to see added – with the caveat that some of these concepts exist only in my mind, and that I’m guaranteeing only that I’d walk into this mix of shops!Īmazon: The online retailing giant is dabbling in brick-and-mortar, book-centric stores.

And the pressure is on because while Irvine Spectrum has top-flight entertainment and dining options, it’s shopping choices need some work. is about to embark on an aggressive $150 million retooling of its Irvine Spectrum Center, including tearing down Macy’s and replacing it with a shopping paseo that will house up to 20 smaller offerings.įilling shopping space may be the toughest job in commercial real estate because it’s about signing leases and making sure the roster of tenants doesn’t make your mall just like every other center.

Spectrum locations