[ErickMontreal]

( :: Major differences : Halifax vs Moncton :: )

Halifax advantage

Shops and boutiques

Americam Apparel
Club Monaco
Esprit
Jacob connexion
Original Levi's Store
Sirens fashion
Talbot's
Lindor
Belts & Beyond
LA Express
Ecco shoes
Marise Petite
Lush
Please Mum
Ohsosoft
Banana Republic (Opening Summer 2007)
Buffalo (Opening Spring 2007)
La vie en rose (Opening Spring 2007)
Laura (Opening Spring 2007)
Backyard & Veranda
Tweed Hickory (Opening Spring 2007)
Liz Clairbone (Opening Spring 2007)
JYSK (Opening November 2007)
Birks
Build A Bear Workshop
The Bombay Company
Uptown Silver ( Linens N Things)
Cinnabon

Big Box Retailers

Sears Outlet
Mountain Coop Equipment
Best Buy (Opening Fall 2007)
Home Outfitters

( :: Halifax retail development / Renovation :: )

Halifax Shopping center : Renovation
Dartmouth Crossing : Over 2 millions s/f

http://www.halifaxshoppingcentre.com/
http://www.dartmouthcrossing.com/home/index.cfm

( :: Major differences : Moncton VS Saint John :: )

Moncton advantage

Shops and boutiques

Aldo
Access
Bootlegger
Boutik Electrik
Brass Decor
Cassis (Opening Spring 2007)
Children's Place, The
Clair de Lune
Coats Co.
Danier
Disney Store, the
D-Tox
Dynamite
Eddie Bauer
Envy
Fairweather
Gap/Gap kids, The
Northern Getaway
Panhandler, The
Quilts Etc.
Tommy Hilfiger
Sunglass Hut
Sony Store, The
Souris Mini
Yves Rocher
What On Earth
Nutrition House
Marie Claire
The Shoe Company
Bowring
Mr.Big and Tall
Sweet Factory/ Felix & Norton
Mexx/Mexx Kid (Opening Spring 2007)

Restaurants / Coffee Shops

Starbuck
Second Cup
Timothy's Coffees of the World
Kernels
Jugo juice
St-Hubert
Mega Wraps

Big Box Stores

Sears Home
Costco
Bricks (Opening 2008)
Chapters
PJC (Jean Coutu)
Princess Auto

Saint John national retailers that Moncton market does not have : Levis, Please Mum, Birks, Urban Planet(Opening spring 2007), Extreme Pita and Mrs. Vanelli's.

( :: Moncton Retail development :: )

Factory Outlets (2008)
Mapleton Road Shopping center (2007-2008)

( :: Saint John Retail development :: )

East Point Shopping Center (Under construction)

[brandenp]

Saint John has Build a Bear workshop as well,
Fairweather is opening this year @ EPSC

[mmmatt]

Im guessing the list of Halifax retailers moncton does not have..

1 minor correction: Thyme Maternity - 300 Main St.

Jacob connexion - Very Likely at Mapelton Power Center
MEC - Very Likely at Mapelton Power Center
Build-a-Bear - we have a similar store in Champlain Mall

besides that small error this is a sweet list, Thanks!

Edit: not sure yet, but Im hoping BestBuy will occupy old Future Shop *fingers crossed*

[ErickMontreal]

Im guessing the list of Halifax retailers are ones you suspect moncton does not have...

Thyme Maternity - 300 Main St.
Jacob connexion - Very Likely at Mapelton Power Center
MEC - Very Likely at Mapelton Power Center
Build-a-Bear - we have a similar store in Champlain Mall

besides that small error (Thyme Maternity) this is a sweet list, Thanks!

Edit: not sure yet, but Im hoping BestBuy will occupy old Future Shop *fingers crossed*

I made my verifications for the Moncton VS Halifax with Champlain place, First pro (Wheeler Power center), Mic Mac mall, Halifax shopping center, and Plazacorp as well as with the retailer websites.

Moncton is doing a great job for his size !

I`m sure Hub city will attract some of these stores litle by litle.

[someone123]

Cucina Moderna is a locally-owned business currently in City Centre Atlantic.. is that some other thing or are they opening a second location?

This list mostly seems to focus on chains, which is only one part of retail.

I have heard speculation about H&M opening here but it is just a rumour at this stage.

[ErickMontreal]

Cucina Moderna is a locally-owned business currently in City Centre Atlantic.. is that some other thing or are they opening a second location?

This list mostly seems to focus on chains, which is only one part of retail.

I have heard speculation about H&M opening here but it is just a rumour at this stage.

True, this is a national chain list. I do not know the local market enough for those cities

H&M could be very great for Halifax.

[someone123]

I'm not a huge fan of H&M.

I'd assume that they'd open in one of the malls rather than downtown, just like Banana Republic.

Unfortunately, even if the high-end chains wanted to open on SGR they'd have trouble finding a place and it takes so long to develop new buildings that it's much easier just to go to a mall.

The a new building on the lot on Brenton Street or whatever could include a large space for a major retailer, as could a development on the corner of Spring Garden Road and Queen (which is apparently desperately needed for a library, although there's no reason why that site couldn't be used for many different things).

[ErickMontreal]

I'm not a huge fan of H&M.

I'd assume that they'd open in one of the malls rather than downtown, just like Banana Republic.

Unfortunately, even if the high-end chains wanted to open on SGR they'd have trouble finding a place and it takes so long to develop new buildings that it's much easier just to go to a mall.

I would like to know if Halifax Downtown economic developement had pushed so to attract Banana Republic in downtown core ? Meanwhile, like you said, the Downtown has some problems to find some ways to attracting as well as to convince national chains to open stores in downtown . Maybe a chapters/indigo could help to revitalize this area. Like you said, the main problem stay the same. Where ? ...

The main retail street in halifax is Barrington or Spring Garden Road ?

[kwajo]

Two comments:

Are the lists supposed top be exclusives? Maybe I misunderstood the lists but for example Timothy's Coffee has at least 2 locations in Halifax but it's listed on the Moncton roster.

EDIT: nevermind, I read the lists wrong, I know see how I misinterpreted things, sorry about the confusion.

Secondly, MEC is one of my favourite stores in all the world, let us pray they don't set up shop in Moncton. That's like some unholy mixture of good and evil, I don't think I could handle it. Perhaps as a member/owner in the co-op I can try to sway against it ;)

[alps]

Nice list thanks, I like lists like these, who knew we had a Build-a-bear workshop :notacrook:.

I would like to know if Halifax Downtown economic developement had pushed so to attract Banana Republic in downtown core ? Meanwhile, like you said, the Downtown has some problems to find some ways to attracting as well as to convince national chains to open stores in downtown . Maybe a chapters/indigo could help to revitalize this area. Like you said, the main problem stay the same. Where ? ...

The main retail street in halifax is Barrington or Spring Garden Road ?
I really like the idea of the Chapters/Indigo downtown. I think that one of the problems is that because the business groups are trying to get all these specialty shops to locate there, there are few regular businesses that people use and visit often.

I think Spring Garden Road is probably more of a main retail street than Barrington (at least, it's busier in terms of foot traffic).

[someone123]

I would like to know if Halifax Downtown economic developement had pushed so to attract Banana Republic in downtown core ? Meanwhile, like you said, the Downtown has some problems to find some ways to attracting as well as to convince national chains to open stores in downtown . Maybe a chapters/indigo could help to revitalize this area. Like you said, the main problem stay the same. Where ? ...

The main retail street in halifax is Barrington or Spring Garden Road ?

Traditionally Barrington was the number one shopping street, followed by Gottingen (up until the 50s or 60s.. back then the two streets were linked together). Today Spring Garden has much better retailers, the main stretch of Barrington has declined somewhat, and Gottingen has what amounts to only a couple blocks of decent stores (there are probably more businesses along Agricola).

The relationship between Barrington and SGR is similar to the relationship between Yonge and Bloor in Toronto.

On Barrington it makes sense to talk about "revitalization" but the problem on SGR is a lack of good retail spaces. Apparently there is a list of major retailers who want to open up on that street but cannot because there are no suitable spaces.

A Chapters location would be good for Barrington but again there is a lack of really good retail space. That's probably a big part of the reason why the street is not doing very well. If there are not enough spaces then there won't be enough stores and the street ceases to become a destination for shoppers and instead only caters to those who happen to be hanging around.

[mmmatt]

A few other national chains Moncton has that Saint John does not

Retailers
Thyme Maternity
Blessings Christian Marketplace
Bizou
Roger Surette's Golf Central (not really national, only Atlantic Canadian)

Resturants
Don Cherry's
Lone Star
Boomerangs Steakhouse (not really national, only Atlantic Canadian)
Buffalo Bill Wings (not sure if that is in SJ or not)
McGinnis Landing (not sure if that is in SJ or not)
Montana's Cookhouse
The Keg Steakhouse (opening 2007)

of course SJ must have some chain resturants we don't

[mmmatt]

just for fun...

Tim Hortons

Moncton - 28
Saint John - 20

McDonalds

Moncton - 9
Saint John - 8

Subway

Moncton - 12
Saint John - 10?

Burger King

Moncton - 2
Saint John -2

Wendys

Moncton - 3
Saint John - 3

Dairy Queen

Moncton - 5
Saint John - 4

Quiznos Sub

Moncton - 2
Saint John - 2

Pizza Hut

Moncton -1
Saint John - 1

[kwajo]

A few other national chains Moncton has that Saint John does not

Retailers
Thyme Maternity
Blessings Christian Marketplace
Bizou
Roger Surette's Golf Central (not really national, only Atlantic Canadian)


of course SJ must have some chain resturants we don't
I may be out of the loop, so they may be closed now, but I know we had that maternity store and Bizou within the last year or two


I have a related question for you actually, it's about the amount of big box stores Moncton has. I know here in SJ, and I know people that live in Halifax that have similar feelings about Bayers Lake, a lot of people really don't like the East side because of all the sprawl of stores everywhere and the mess of traffic out there. I've shopped in the areas like that in Moncton and I get a similar vibe from it, so I'm wondering what the opinion of people in the city is over there. I would assume people would have all the same mis-givings about sprawl and box stores and traffic no matter where they live, but I thought maybe Monctonians might have a different opinion on it since they push themselves as a shopping mecca in their regional advertising.

[mmmatt]

I may be out of the loop, so they may be closed now, but I know we had that maternity store and Bizou within the last year or two

I looked on the "store Locator" for both, on thier official websites. Saint John has "Bizou Accessories" as does Moncton, but Moncton also has a "Bizou"

Thyme Maternity - http://www.maternity.ca/

Bizou - http://www.bizou.com/index.asp?Id=Accueil&updateLang=fr

[mmmatt]

I have a related question for you actually, it's about the amount of big box stores Moncton has. I know here in SJ, and I know people that live in Halifax that have similar feelings about Bayers Lake, a lot of people really don't like the East side because of all the sprawl of stores everywhere and the mess of traffic out there. I've shopped in the areas like that in Moncton and I get a similar vibe from it, so I'm wondering what the opinion of people in the city is over there. I would assume people would have all the same mis-givings about sprawl and box stores and traffic no matter where they live, but I thought maybe Monctonians might have a different opinion on it since they push themselves as a shopping mecca in their regional advertising.

Personally I would have rather they just expanded champlain mall, or made a new mall up there...probably the latter would have worked better. But this new "Power Center" thing is a growing trend all over north America, so I guess its a necessary evil, it has worked well in Moncton I find, at first it caused many traffic issues, but that has settled for the most part. Personally I enjoy shopping at Trinity, if I have a car, if not Id rather a mall. Of course retailers understand that most people with disposible income have cars, so it doesnt matter to them.

argh...friggin mooseheads just scored twice in like 2 mins lol

[ErickMontreal]

Traditionally Barrington was the number one shopping street, followed by Gottingen (up until the 50s or 60s.. back then the two streets were linked together). Today Spring Garden has much better retailers, the main stretch of Barrington has declined somewhat, and Gottingen has what amounts to only a couple blocks of decent stores (there are probably more businesses along Agricola).

The relationship between Barrington and SGR is similar to the relationship between Yonge and Bloor in Toronto.

On Barrington it makes sense to talk about "revitalization" but the problem on SGR is a lack of good retail spaces. Apparently there is a list of major retailers who want to open up on that street but cannot because there are no suitable spaces.

A Chapters location would be good for Barrington but again there is a lack of really good retail space. That's probably a big part of the reason why the street is not doing very well. If there are not enough spaces then there won't be enough stores and the street ceases to become a destination for shoppers and instead only caters to those who happen to be hanging around.

Completly agree with you, but at least, Halifax has the potencial to attract quality tenants in downtown core meanwhile others cities has problems to attract them in their town... I just hope the space problems that you mentioned will be resolved in the next few years.

[Wishblade]

Personally I would have rather they just expanded champlain mall, or made a new mall up there...probably the latter would have worked better. But this new "Power Center" thing is a growing trend all over north America, so I guess its a necessary evil, it has worked well in Moncton I find, at first it caused many traffic issues, but that has settled for the most part. Personally I enjoy shopping at Trinity, if I have a car, if not Id rather a mall. Of course retailers understand that most people with disposible income have cars, so it doesnt matter to them.

argh...friggin mooseheads just scored twice in like 2 mins lol

Yeah, Dartmouth Crossing is a perfect example of this trend. It's absolutely massive, and its located next to the 118 (supposidly to attract more folks from towards the Valley and Truro, and cater to Dartmouth residents). So like you said, cars don't really matter to retailers as the place had many retailers eat up spots instantly.

What should be interesting with this development is the on site hotels, as well as the 'medium to high density' housing that is also slated for the area. Remind anyone of Bayers Lake/Clayton Park?

[someone123]

Completly agree with you, but at least, Halifax has the potencial to attract quality tenants in downtown core meanwhile others cities has problems to attract them in their town... I just hope the space problems that you mentioned will be resolved in the next few years.

It is kind of a sad situation.

I have heard that retailers approached the province when a gallery left the storefront space at the bottom of a building on Barrington but they declined to lease out the space. Instead, they are putting in offices and a boardroom, things that could go on any floor.

The rationale is that they don't want to compete with private landlords, but if that is the case then why did they purchase an unsuitable building in a retail district? Either way, if I were a landlord I'd rather have a busy commercial space next door than a blank storefront dragging down rent values.

The province has also contributed to the situation with the infirmary lands, and the city owns a lot on Barrington that they have left vacant for over a decade.

Neither the city nor the province seem to care about the downtown area.

[ErickMontreal]

It is kind of a sad situation.

I have heard that retailers approached the province when a gallery left the storefront space at the bottom of a building on Barrington but they declined to lease out the space. Instead, they are putting in offices and a boardroom, things that could go on any floor.

The rationale is that they don't want to compete with private landlords, but if that is the case then why did they purchase an unsuitable building in a retail district? Either way, if I were a landlord I'd rather have a busy commercial space next door than a blank storefront dragging down rent values.

The province has also contributed to the situation with the infirmary lands, and the city owns a lot on Barrington that they have left vacant for over a decade.

Neither the city nor the province seem to care about the downtown area.

They just do not realize that Halifax downtown is the heart of the province and is the financial heart for whole atlantic Canada. With Universities right in the downtown, Halifax stay a vibrant city but they could do much better than now. At some point, the Twin-Towers appeal is very critical for the downtown futur, they could open the doors to others great developments but those doors could be close for a while if they lose. Moreover, i do not know how Halifax could lose this mainly with their poor arguments and how could allow itself to lose 150-millions private investment as well. A city should help to provide economic opportunities but in your city it seem to be clearly the opposite.

[kirjtc2]

Personally I would have rather they just expanded champlain mall, or made a new mall up there...probably the latter would have worked better. But this new "Power Center" thing is a growing trend all over north America, so I guess its a necessary evil, it has worked well in Moncton I find, at first it caused many traffic issues, but that has settled for the most part. Personally I enjoy shopping at Trinity, if I have a car, if not Id rather a mall. Of course retailers understand that most people with disposible income have cars, so it doesnt matter to them.

argh...friggin mooseheads just scored twice in like 2 mins lol

I don't think power centres are a necessary evil. They're a huge pain if you don't have a car (like me), and what about the winter? How do people like going from store to store in a -30 windchill and 20 cm of snow?

What was wrong with the enclosed mall that ruled the roost for the last 40 years? Air-conditioned, sheltered from the elements, everything all under one roof.

Gotta get used to it though. The power centre craze is now finally hitting Fredericton, with the SmartCentres/Wal-Mart development on the northside, the de-malling of Fredericton Mall, and the Corbett Centre across from Regent Mall. I look at the larger developments like Dartmouth Crossing and shudder.

[kwajo]

I've been saying the exact same thing for a while now, I just don't understand the change, other than each store wanting to showcase its brand identity on the outside of the building to people driving past. It's such a horrible model of planning. I mean the majority of people don't even walk between the stores once they park, instead they go back to their car, drive 500m or whatever, and then park again. All this does is create congestion and confirm that people are genuinely lazy these days.

[ErickMontreal]

I don't think power centres are a necessary evil. They're a huge pain if you don't have a car (like me), and what about the winter? How do people like going from store to store in a -30 windchill and 20 cm of snow?

What was wrong with the enclosed mall that ruled the roost for the last 40 years? Air-conditioned, sheltered from the elements, everything all under one roof.

Gotta get used to it though. The power centre craze is now finally hitting Fredericton, with the SmartCentres/Wal-Mart development on the northside, the de-malling of Fredericton Mall, and the Corbett Centre across from Regent Mall. I look at the larger developments like Dartmouth Crossing and shudder.

I really dont know if Fredericton will be able to support all these devlopments without de-mailling Regent Mall.

This is the Power Center plan close to UNB. Its horrible

Trinity Groups Inc.
http://www.trinity-group.com/index.php?q=system/files&file=images/Fredericton620.gif

[kirjtc2]

As long as Regent Mall has Sears, Chapters, Toys R Us, the theatres and all the other big national retail chains, it's safe. Although, in 10-15 years I see Wal-Mart leaving the mall (probably as soon as the Supercentre concept comes east).

I'm not sure what the big holdup has been in developing the Corbett Centre beyond the Home Depot that's already there. There was an article in the Gleaner today about retail development in the city...you know that sign saying all those stores and restaurants coming soon? They not only have no building permits for any of those, but one of them (Mark's Work Wearhouse) hasn't even definitely said they're moving there.

Costco has made no secret of their desire to open a Fredericton store at some point. The general rumour is that it is going at the Corbett Centre next to Home Depot, but I wouldn't be surprised if they decided to set up in the Two Nations Crossing area.

Trinity's loss in general is SmartCentres' gain. The same article also cites rumors of Canadian Tire and, yes, Mark's, going in by the new Wal-Mart. The fomer Co-Op behind it on St. Mary's Street is now owned by JD Irving....Kent anyone?

It could very well be that there is no room for all the new retail development, and the early indication is that Trinity's grand plans will never materialize.

[brandenp]

A few other national chains Moncton has that Saint John does not

Retailers
Thyme Maternity
Blessings Christian Marketplace
Bizou
Roger Surette's Golf Central (not really national, only Atlantic Canadian)

Resturants
Don Cherry's
Lone Star
Boomerangs Steakhouse (not really national, only Atlantic Canadian)
Buffalo Bill Wings (not sure if that is in SJ or not)
McGinnis Landing (not sure if that is in SJ or not)
Montana's Cookhouse
The Keg Steakhouse (opening 2007)

of course SJ must have some chain resturants we don't


Yeah, We have a bizou store here, and no, we dont have Thyme Maternity, We have Addition Elle though

[Keith P.]

I really like the idea of the Chapters/Indigo downtown.

Word on the street is that there has been some interest by Indigo in the current library site if/when the new library gets built across the street on SGR & Queen. Unfortunately the existing small local bookstores like Frog Hollow and others would raise holy hell if that were to occur and it is likely that given the exalted status of local booksellers in the public eye that they would be successful in turning public opinion against the evil corporate giant. And people wonder why we can't move forward in this town...

[someone123]

Yes, that attitude is very backwards. There's no guarantee that Indigo would even lower the business of local booksellers since they would attract more people to the area to shop.

Maybe it's a moot point. There doesn't seem to be any funding secured for this new library or any concrete plans.

Personally I think they should build a large building on the corner of SGR and Queen with a couple of major retail tenants as well as the library. An Indigo location and a library would go very well together.

[mmmatt]

Yeah, We have a bizou store here, and no, we dont have Thyme Maternity, We have Addition Elle though

I already explained lol...Saint John has a "Bizou Accessories"

Moncton has a "Bizou" and a "Bizou Accessories" whatever the difference is I have no idea, Ill have to ask my g/f lol...but yeah thats what Bizous site says anyways

[ErickMontreal]

I already explained lol...Saint John has a "Bizou Accessories"

Moncton has a "Bizou" and a "Bizou Accessories" whatever the difference is I have no idea, Ill have to ask my g/f lol...but yeah thats what Bizous site says anyways

I suppose with the East point Shopping center and the energy projects as well Saint john will be able to attract more quality retail stores. Anyway, the retail is a small part of a city

[mmmatt]

I suppose with the East point Shopping center and the energy projects as well Saint john will be able to attract more quality retail stores.

Yep...and with the mapelton power center...factory outlets...and new retail developments around both ends of the new bridge (sobeys already signed on for the Moncton side, and riverview is looking to develop a "fundy gateway" area on thier side)...and continued gorwth in many sectors, Moncton will be able to attract more quality retail stores...Fredericton also has lots of new retail popping up everywhere...NB is becoming a retail paridise...well at least the 3 big cities anyways...

[Wishblade]

I know this development isnt talked about a lot, but has anyone heard about the plans/retailers for the Bedford Commons? I know its well under construction, but I have never seen it, nor heard anything in the way of retailers aside from big boxes like Wal Mart, Home Depot, Canadian Tire, and Sobeys.

[someone123]

I passed by it on the way to the airport a couple of weeks ago. It is just a standard big box development by Duke St/Highway 102.

[SpongeG]

according to wikipedia H&M is opening in Halifax - anyone know where?

[someone123]

I have heard that is just a rumour, although I'd imagine that they will be opening a store eventually.

Halifax Shopping Centre, Mic Mac Mall, or Dartmouth Crossing are the most likely future locations.

[Wishblade]

This is a bit of an older video on the DC website, but it gives a fair idea of the project at hand:

http://www.dartmouthcrossing.com/album/video2.cfm

[Smevo]

What is supposed to be Fredericton's largest new retail development area (Corbett Centre on Regent St) is very slow to develop. The Bishop Dr. area is springing up quickly though, and the same is expected to happen with the Two Nation's Crossing (Northside) area since there's growing interest for that space. Apparently Corbett Centre is having problems because retailers aren't really keen on the space there, and are considering other options in the city before deciding to break ground there. That's the story that ran in the Daily Gleaner a couple of days ago anyway.

[brandenp]

Just an update. Re: the saint john / moncton comparisons..

Saint John does have the childrens place , We also have Please Mum
And International Clothiers, and Fairweather have opened across from the New Roots 73 outlet store at Eastpoint Shopping

The lineup in order on that Side of the development is Moores, International Clothiers, Fairweather, Urban Planet and there is 1 spot on that side that hasnt opened yet

[brandenp]

another update as well. It was just announced that two Starbucks stores will be opening in saint john this year as well. 1 in McAllister Place and 1 in the uptown core