[SpongeG]

its opening on Davie Street - i think in Alto? a block and 1/2 west of granville on davie...

[johnjimbc]

Thanks, SpongeG. That sounds right.

I hope it stays on track, and they do open a location there. I was riding my bike near there today, and it just crossed my mind.

[Vancity]

A Nando's restaurant opening in downtown? NIIICE. Anyone know when it's scheduled to open?

[sono65]

Can't seem to figure out the draw of Nando's. I decided to try one day at the Metrotown food court and wasn't impressed. Lame, dry chicken with some orange sauce on top and a shitty iceberg lettuce salad. Kind of like a "healthy" take on KFC, but void of any real taste. :shrug:

[hollywoodnorth]

nandos @ alto :)

[Built Form]

Re: Alto, Starbucks on the corner of Howe and Davie, then Nando's then an as yet to be leased CRU at the alleyway end.

[johnjimbc]

wow, sono, that doesn't sound good. But it also doesn't match up at all with my experiences dining at the Nando's in Kits.

The salads at the Kits restaurant are quite good, and I don't recall any iceberg lettuce in them. I actually can't imagine what the orange sauce would be, though I guess it might be the Peri sauce they serve (I just never thought of it as an orange colour). Maybe they serve the Peri sauce with the chicken at the mall store. In Kits, the Peri sauces are in bottles at each table.

And one of the main reasons I like Nando's is because the chicken is juicy.

I am not saying Nando's is the pinnacle dining experience (big grin at the thought). I just enjoy it as a quick, pleasant alternative when you're out and about. The service is nice and friendly, prices are reasonable, healthy servings, and a clean, interesting casual spot. Stopping at the one in Kits is always a treat so I am looking forward to having one an easy walk from home.

But if it ends up more like your experience at Metrotown than mine in Kits, I'll just continue going to trek over to the one in Kits ;).

[sono65]

Hmm, well maybe I should give the one in Kits a try. Seems weird they would be so inconsistent between the different stores!

[SpongeG]

well it was a mall food court ;)

[officedweller]

From CKNW:

Shots fired at Robson Street store

4/14/2009

Witnesses say at least one shot was fired this morning during a brazen, daylight jewellery store robbery in the 200-block of Robson street, in downtown Vancouver.

They say three men entered Atson's Jewellers at Robson and Hamilton shortly after 10am.

But they were surprised when the store clerk opened fire.

One shot was heard and then the trio fled the store, with an employee of the adjacent tailor's shop in hot pursuit.
The trio was able to make it into a getaway car and speed away.

No word yet on how much jewellry they got, but the store's display cases were smashed.

[jlousa]

1177 W Hastings
Interior and exterior alterations and to add approximately 463 SF to the ground floor to create a new commercial Retail space and to provide new storefront windows and doors along Cordova St for this existing commercial building on this site.

Having a hard time picturing this one, anyone have any insight?

[SpongeG]

the area could use more retail - maybe a McDonalds?

I was just at the new wal-mart in east van and they have a sign on the door that says "excuse our appearance while we renovate" or something to that effect...

but inside nothing was going on - it was really quite dead inside even though the parking lot looked pretty busy - no line ups barely anyone in the food section

there is some stuff in the parking lot to the north maybe they are redoing some stuff outside?

[SpongeG]

A Week In Vancouver
by: Lisa Tant - Flare Magazine April 14, 2009 9:33 AM comments: (1)

Warning: shameless promotion of my hometown follows!

I spent last week in Vancouver. After the Junos and catch-up time with family, I checked out a few new hot spots. I’m often asked for a West Coast shopping and dining guide so here are a few more places I’ll be adding to my hot list:

Shangri-La Hotel
I stayed at this stunning new hotel and was, quite simply, blown away. I loved the restaurant – Market by Jean-Georges. His original Paris restaurant turned him into a favourite among foodies – and now in-the-know stylish Vancouverites tell me that this is the new hot spot. And after an amazing seafood dinner – try the sesame crusted tuna – I know why. The next day, I checked out the CHI spa. Each of the six treatment rooms is decked out with Asian artifacts and a relaxation lounge with a fireplace. It was ridiculously fabulous – seriously! I tried the Jade Jewel Facial – smooth jade stones were used to massage my skin.
Toronto’s own Shangri-La Hotel is due to open in 2012.

Blubird
Alberni Street, a block north of Robson, is home to a host of new boutiques (Blubird) and restaurants (Salt Lik and Italian Kitchen). Blubird is run by the fashionettes behind Boboli and Max Mara – and fortunately, not at their Italian designer prices. I scooped up a stunning floor-length printed silk dress by Single Dress and will head back for a hot orange Toy Watch. Unfortunately, Agent Provocateur across the street has closed down.

A few other must-stop spots:
In Yaletown: Basquiat (cool chick fashion), Beauty Mark (sweet beauty treats) and the Cross (romantic home décor)
On Burrard: side-by-side pedis for all of your gal pals at Absolute Spa in the Century Plaza Hotel
On Robson: Gyoza King – apparently chef Jean-Georges kept coming back night after night once Market closed to feast on Japanese specialties (but no sushi)

I’ll be back next week! Cheers, lisa tant

www.flare.com/fashion

http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/blog/post/212851

[SFUVancouver]

1177 W Hastings
Interior and exterior alterations and to add approximately 463 SF to the ground floor to create a new commercial Retail space and to provide new storefront windows and doors along Cordova St for this existing commercial building on this site.

Having a hard time picturing this one, anyone have any insight?

I believe that is the round glass restaurant across the street from Urban Fare. Currently it is a cafe called Kasas, and they have a small grass plaza beside the restaurant's glass rotunda. That's my bet.

[SpongeG]

i don't think its that part - it sounds like they are creating space where none existed before - so like maybe making a lobby smaller to put in retail?

[officedweller]

1177 W Hastings
Interior and exterior alterations and to add approximately 463 SF to the ground floor to create a new commercial Retail space and to provide new storefront windows and doors along Cordova St for this existing commercial building on this site.

Having a hard time picturing this one, anyone have any insight?

That's the parking garage of the Renaissence/black towers complex. On the Cordova side (north side) it's currently an open parking level. Sounds like they'll enclose part of the parkade for a retail space.

[osirisboy]

that would be so freakin nice, i always thought it looked weird.

[jlousa]

1177 is definately the black tower not the renaissance, but I'm not sure if it's an expansion of the existing coffee shop or something completely different.

[SpongeG]

night market starts may 15th


http://www.summernightmarket.com/default.html?s=y


lets hope its better than last summer - i went twice last year and both times were awful - the one night we went i would say only 40% of the stalls were occupied and the amount of food stalls and foot traffic was down big time from previous years

seems like its the same people who ran last years markets - whatever happenned to the original group and their big move?

[Built Form]

Another Waves is going in on the east side of Howe near Smithe st were the old Yaletown Sofa was. Some of you may recall before that it was the Michel Blais gallery.

[phesto]

1177 is definately the black tower not the renaissance, but I'm not sure if it's an expansion of the existing coffee shop or something completely different.

The coffee shop on the corner is part of 1199 West Hastings. I think OD is correct in that it would be enclosing a portion of the parkade since it specifically mentions the Cordova side.

If correct that would be an odd plan. That block is kind of a dead zone - pretty sure that the 8,000 sq ft retail space upstairs at the Renaissance next door still hasn't been leased after over 2 years.

[officedweller]

The corner at Thurlow has an office tenant at grade on the Cordova side - there's a sign at least.
The Renaissence itself comes right to the curb on the Cordova side, so it would be one of the black office towers. The one that makes sense to me is the one closer to Thurlow (that's the more open of the two parkades and is somewhat kitty corner to Shaw Tower). But the address suggests that it's the one closer to the existing coffee shop, closer to the Bute "hub".

[osirisboy]

That so called bute hub is retarded, what is with that stupid grass on either side of the sidewalks??? It turns right to mud, the city obviously knows this so why do they make developers put grass in these areas

[officedweller]

On Hamilton south of Robson, - same thing.

***

On the way to pick up our team's Sun Run package noticed that the Dunhill shop at Hastings & Howe has closed.

Also in Pacific Cntere "Underground" is opening in the Foot Locker location (may have been mentioned before). Big Sephora hoarding up at Howe & Dunsmuir - suggests that the curtain wall / streetfront windows will all be replaced.

[SpongeG]

hopefully - sephora usually have bright stores with big windows looking into them

[LeftCoaster]

OD curtain wall facing the street will be replaced and as per tender plans the canopy will be replaced by a new glazed canopy system as well... although I know the tender came in over budget and that was one of the aspects which was under consideration to be axed so we'll see if it makes it through to the final contract.

[officedweller]

Thanks.

*******

Noticed a new smoothie store "FroYo[smooth?]" on Homer in the Galileo (south of Robson).

Can't remember if it's been mentioned before - but there's also a new sushi place in Vancouver House (Seymour north of Robson) where the Capitol condo display centre used to be.

The new Japanese restaurant (Junsei River) at the former Prima Taste location in L'Aria on Robson used to be 4 doors east on Robson (there's a sign at the old location). The barber shop on that same block (the heritage-ish building) is also moving to a small location next to Rosie's on Robson.
That two empty storefronts side by side in that building - coincidence?

[phesto]

The new Japanese restaurant (Junsei River) at the former Prima Taste location in L'Aria on Robson used to be 4 doors east on Robson (there's a sign at the old location). The barber shop on that same block (the heritage-ish building) is also moving to a small location next to Rosie's on Robson.
That two empty storefronts side by side in that building - coincidence?

For what it's worth - that building (the whole corner up to the Capitol) is owned by David Goldman, who owns Boys' co...wouldn't be surprised if this was a new location or a move from their existing Robson location.

[officedweller]

The barber and Japanese restaurant moved from the other block - the Si Vous Plait block.

I would like to see a nice glassy modern building on the Goldman block (framing store corner), just to draw people down Robson to the east.

[SpongeG]

yes that froyo opened a couple months ago

there seemed to be a bunch of unrelated frozen yogurt places open around than - a couple on broadway opened too

Whole Foods Opens Wednesday! the old store shut down on saturday

[djh]

Yeah, just got back from the Whole Foods opening - PACKED. Interesting: in the last 3 years I've been to the opening day of Capers (Cambie/16th), Whole Foods (Cambie/7th) and now Whole Foods (Cambie/8th). My 'hood is now overflowing with good food options to please every price point.

Anyway, the interesting thing to people on this forum was this. When you go into the car park, the signage is up to direct cars appropriately, depending on which store you're a patron of. This is what is says: London Drugs - this way. Whole Foods - that way. MILESTONES - this way.

So I guess Milestones is going to be the as yet unannounced restaurant going into the building (Crossroads). I knew there was a large restaurant space on the 2nd floor, but had no idea who was going in.

[LeftCoaster]

Yeah I think that was announced a while ago... it is definitely going to be a milestones. I believe they are in the process of selecting a GC to outfit their space

[SpongeG]

sounds cool - how was the hot food? did they have it all? I know the west vancouver was good but they didn't have it all as compared to the stores i have been to in the USA - like in the states they have a great sandwich spot - had one of the best sandwiches ever there - i am jonesing for one

[djh]

Forgot to mention, yet another coffee shop going in in the Cambie/Broadway corridor, to add to the multiple Starbucks, Blenz, Artigiano and Elysian and independents.
It's in Loft 495 (the newish loft building they squeezed in on Cambie/6th, just by the onramp and across from Best Buy's entrance). Can't remember the name, but it appears to be a newish chain, sort of like how Waves started out a couple of years ago. Their sign said they had another branch on the 900 block of West Broadway (I guess that's neat all the mattress and sofa shops near Oak).

Rename the area Caffeine Cambie Corridor!:haha:


P.S: The Whole Foods has a pretty huge restaurant in it, and a florist, but also a very cool ice cream bar. I got a huge bowl for about $5 and enjoyed the walk home!

[officedweller]

Hmm - that's the same price as one scoop at some places!

[SpongeG]

i was at whole foods today - it was great - busy - but no sandwich bar like the one in Portland :(

the caffe artigiano - i noticed is inside the london drugs entrance and mcdonalds is still not open!

anyway some pics from the area - it was extremely pedestrian busy and most weren't even going to whole foods but a lot were... i can only imagine how busy it will be with the new line

oh there is a cool deli across from whole foods - they looked to be doing some good business - was quite busy

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02532.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02533.jpg

street people have arrived in the area

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02534.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02535.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02536.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02537.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02538.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02539.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02540.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02541.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02542.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02543.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02544.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02545.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02550.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02551.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02552.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02553.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02554.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02555.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02556.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02557.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02559.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02560.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/april%20whole%20foods/DSC02561.jpg

[officedweller]

Thanks!
That would be Max's Deli - always very busy.

Looking at the pics, Home Depot and Homesense/Winners need bigger signs!!
Whole Foods, Save-on-Foods, London Drugs, Canadian Tire all have big signs.
Home Depot's is hardly noticeable - Ditto for Homesense/Winners. The curved panels above the Home Depot sign is the perfect spot for them.

[LotusLand]

Thanks!
That would be Max's Deli - always very busy.

Looking at the pics, Home Depot and Homesense/Winners need bigger signs!!
Whole Foods, Save-on-Foods, London Drugs, Canadian Tire all have big signs.
Home Depot's is hardly noticeable - Ditto for Homesense/Winners. The curved panels above the Home Depot sign is the perfect spot for them.

I was thinking the curved panels above the signs would be awesome place for a large television! I also think the London Drugs on Georgia is ripe for a television screen as well :tup:

[djh]

I was thinking the curved panels above the signs would be awesome place for a large television! I also think the London Drugs on Georgia is ripe for a television screen as well :tup:

Yeah, 'cos there's such a shortage of blimmin' stupid giant TV screens in this city...
I hate the fact that every bar you go into has a massive TV screen dominating it. So you go out to talk to your friends or whatever, and what happens? Everybody ends up watching TV - scratch that, end up watching ADVERTS. Why not stay home then!
And now you're suggesting we have TVs on any bare wall! Yeah, bring on the adverts! More, more more!!!

:rolleyes:

[sono65]

Yeah, 'cos there's such a shortage of blimmin' stupid giant TV screens in this city...
I hate the fact that every bar you go into has a massive TV screen dominating it. So you go out to talk to your friends or whatever, and what happens? Everybody ends up watching TV - scratch that, end up watching ADVERTS. Why not stay home then!
And now you're suggesting we have TVs on any bare wall! Yeah, bring on the adverts! More, more more!!!

:rolleyes:

:rolleyes:
Nobody said it had to be advertisements. How about some neat public art? Screens/lighting, help to create buzz in areas that need it. ex. Georgia/Granville: A major intersection in downtown that looks pretty boring and bland for such an important area. Robson and Granville: Why do we have 2 screens on the the side of Future shop? Because It's our entertainment district and IT LOOKS FUCKING COOL. Cambie/Broadway: A soon to be more, and already buzzing intersection for our city. Any neat lighting or animation added to this area is great for the overall atmosphere, and if done correctly, cant be tasteful on top of it. By the way, if your friends would rather pay attention to a tv inside a bar than to talk to chat with you outside, it's probably because the tv is more interesting. ;)

[jlousa]

At least Granville and Robson makes some sense, but Granville and Georgia??? It's the throughfare thru the core, there is no way the city would ever allow it due to the increased potential for accidents.

Anyways back onto retail. This sounds like a pretty bid deal, does anyone have any insight? Appears to be the Vogue theatre.

Location: 918 GRANVILLE ST Zoning: DD
Project Type: Change of Use Department: Planning Department
Application Date: 2009/04/20 No: DE412879
Applicant Contact: Merwin Chercover Chercover Massie & Assoc.
Description: Change of use from theatre to retail, addition of floor area and interior alteration to this existing theatre building listed as Heritage A, National Historic site F designation.

[duener]

I hope they're not turning the Vogue into a large shop. That would be ridiculous, especially with the dearth of theatres in Vancouver.

I thought the chap who bought the place a few years ago wanted to turn it into a Buddha Bar style bar.

[osirisboy]

At least Granville and Robson makes some sense, but Granville and Georgia??? It's the throughfare thru the core, there is no way the city would ever allow it due to the increased potential for accidents.


hmm time square seems to be a major thorough fare and they seem to be ok.

[Locked In]

hmm time square seems to be a major thorough fare and they seem to be ok.

There are actually a relatively high number of accidents in Times Square from what I understand, probably due a combination of the awkward traffic arrangement and all the distractions. In any case, the City of New York has come to realize the traffic pattern there can be drastically improved, which is why they're shutting off Broadway to vehicle traffic in that area and leaving it exclusively for pedestrians. Also: apparently the loss of several lanes isn't expected to cause traffic chaos in NY...

[sacrifice333]

Also: apparently the loss of several lanes isn't expected to cause traffic chaos in NY...

Because they already have traffic chaos?! :banana:

[osirisboy]

There are actually a relatively high number of accidents in Times Square from what I understand, probably due a combination of the awkward traffic arrangement and all the distractions. In any case, the City of New York has come to realize the traffic pattern there can be drastically improved, which is why they're shutting off Broadway to vehicle traffic in that area and leaving it exclusively for pedestrians. Also: apparently the loss of several lanes isn't expected to cause traffic chaos in NY...

i can agree with that the traffic arrangement is a little awkward but the accidents i dont believe are caused by the "lights"

[zahav]

London Drugs is going to be installing a large double-sided projecting sign on the Granville side. It will have a bit of a retro feel, to match the Granville neon style. look for it in the next 6 months or so, depending on how much trouble the city feels like creating...

Pharmasave is also going to be building a large sign, i will post photos soon

[sono65]

^ Sounds great. :)

[Chikinlittle]

^ Sounds great. :)

/agree

[SFUVancouver]

I sure hope the Vogue isn't converted into retail. That was the plan for the Stanley Theatre on Granville at 11th. Thankfully that was avoided and Wall Financial stepped in to buy the density and let the Arts Club Theatre Company renovate and restore the theatre. That extra density was what let the Wall Centre be the tallest in the city.

The City has allowed the York Theatre to have 100% of its density transferred to another site and Wall Financial bought the building and lined up Henriquez and Partners to do the job, so when the market recovers we'll get something neat.

I had hoped that something like this would come together for the Vogue. I wish the heritage designation for theatres would require their continued use in that role, instead of just applying to the building.

[worldwide]

Yeah, 'cos there's such a shortage of blimmin' stupid giant TV screens in this city...
I hate the fact that every bar you go into has a massive TV screen dominating it. So you go out to talk to your friends or whatever, and what happens? Everybody ends up watching TV - scratch that, end up watching ADVERTS. Why not stay home then!
And now you're suggesting we have TVs on any bare wall! Yeah, bring on the adverts! More, more more!!!

:rolleyes:

http://theshoegame.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/nike2.jpg

[SpongeG]

the Vogue tried to get a liquor license but was turned down - so thats why it can't be a bar

I guess retail is the next best thing

Anyway - are they really demolishing that little strip of buildings on robson? where s'il vous plait etc is?

I thought they were "heritage" and couldn't be demolished?

My friend says Dean & Deluca, and some other store names are listed - are they what will be going in?

[entheosfog]

the Vogue tried to get a liquor license but was turned down - so thats why it can't be a bar

I guess retail is the next best thing

Anyway - are they really demolishing that little strip of buildings on robson? where s'il vous plait etc is?

I thought they were "heritage" and couldn't be demolished?

My friend says Dean & Deluca, and some other store names are listed - are they what will be going in?

I don't think they're designated but they sure do have some charm

[Login650]

Anyway - are they really demolishing that little strip of buildings on robson? where s'il vous plait etc is?

I thought they were "heritage" and couldn't be demolished?

My friend says Dean & Deluca, and some other store names are listed - are they what will be going in?

It appears to be renovations rather than demo:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3656/3499812718_8132642afe.jpg Photo by me, Login650

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/3498997797_bf6ee0e4b2.jpg Photo by me, Login650

[djh]

It appears to be renovations rather than demo:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3656/3499812718_8132642afe.jpg Photo by me, Login650

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/3498997797_bf6ee0e4b2.jpg Photo by me, Login650

Yes, I noticed that they had listed actual real tenants in the renderings, as opposed to a type of store they imagined would go in. This implies signed contracts already...
I noticed Toni & Guy was listed as a tenant, and Dean & Deluca, Nike, and Wild Orchid, and a Bahay Izakaya (not heard of it before, might be an independent). Again, it could still be just the type of store they envisage going in, but generally you don't use brand names unless it's a done deal.

[officedweller]

London Drugs sign sounds good. Wish there was a video screen on the angled wall though - it would announce the entrance to the entertainment district.

WRT the Robson retail - cool, thanks! I guess I haven't looked up whenever I walk by! The facade looks to angle in and out - hopefully it'll open up a bit more sidewalk space.

[SpongeG]

thx for the pics - gonna look a little weird - but if Dean & Deluca opens that pretty cool - there aren't very many stores - there are some in new york one in california and than in dubai - but you can buy some of their products at urban fare

[johnjimbc]

It strikes me as strange that they would be opening a dean & deluca - the first in Vancouver (or even Canada?) - in that strip. Are we sure it isn't just artist concept taking some liberties with stores on the sign?

Incidentally, Washington, DC, has a couple of dean and deluca stores as well, including a rather large one in the Georgetown neighborhood housed in the heritage building from an old market built over 100 years ago. It's quite a neat one, I liked it better than the ones in NYC.

But do they even have stand-alone stores at all in Canada? I would think they'd start in Toronto before they'd stake out a rather small store in Vancouver.

[SpongeG]

i looked at their site

they have the US locations plus Dubai, Kuwait and Tawain, and a few in japan and I think Korea

so perhaps Vancouver's Asian influence would prompt them to open here since they have so many asian customers/fans

Plus Vancouver is a pretty good town for foodies and cooks etc and a lot of concepts started here did well - like Urban Fare, Bread Garden

also saw that they are opening their second location in California in San Diego sometime this year...

[johnjimbc]

Ha! That's a first. I went to their website and saw that there was an online customer service option. So I just had a brief im exchange with a representative that said pretty definitively (as in the answer was "no" not "I'm not sure") that there are no plans for Dean & Deluca to open stand-alone stores in Canada at this time.

I would tend to think if they do take that step, they'll probably start by creating some high-end cafes and small shops in stores like Holt Renfrew or The Bay. I really don't think there is going to be just some random store opening on some street in the middle of town. I suspect they'll just continue to expand their line of offerings at local specialty stores, then perhaps venturing into a cafe / small stop in an established retailer at some point.

I would think one could get into some trouble for indicating a future store in a retail strip (even if just in a concept drawing) that isn't going to actually be there, but it's probably small potatoes. I doubt Dean & Deluca would even know about it, much less feel the need to respond with anything more than a legal letter. Most signs you see like the one posted above just has some type of generic sketch, with just the words "cafe" or "boutique" visible. It seems a bit strange that they decided to sketch in actual retailer names.

[SpongeG]

yah usually they will put names close to real one but fake

like they use the same font but not the real name - weird that they would use the real name without confirmation

[jlousa]

The fact that they are listing floorspace from 400-6000sqft should clue in that they don't have anyone yet, that whole floorplate is probably only 6000sqft.

[SpongeG]

oh well no $3.00 cookies for us

lol

their prices are ridiculous makes meinhardts look cheap

[hollywoodnorth]

The fact that they are listing floorspace from 400-6000sqft should clue in that they don't have anyone yet, that whole floorplate is probably only 6000sqft.

I was just about to post that! beat me!

[Spork]

Anybody have any idea what is going in at Columbia Square in New Westminster? I believe it was mentioned earlier that they demolished a London Drugs and now it appears that two buildings are under construction with a lane between them. One has at least one level of underground parking.

[SpongeG]

wasn't shoppers drug mart going there? or were they going in the old salvation army?

[Spork]

Wasn't shoppers drug mart supposed to go in Plaza88 along with Safeway?

[officedweller]

Maybe we'll see little stickers pasted on the sign as a result of legal action...

[SpongeG]

Wasn't shoppers drug mart supposed to go in Plaza88 along with Safeway?

no I don't think so

I remember london drugs moved out and hearing shoppers was going in where they were which i thought was kinda dumb

[jlousa]

Looks like Joeys on Burrard (the 800blk one and not the Bentall one) is applying for a major patio. Currently it has a 106seat lounge and a 112seat dining area, they are applying for 2 patios, the larger one is 84seats to the south of the entry doors, and another one of 32 seats to the north of the entry doors.

[SpongeG]

that place was packed when i drove by the other day - around 5 pm ish

[SpongeG]

rich preps rejoice today is your day!

Brooks Brothers opening first Canadian store in Vancouver May 8

If you liked the cashmere coat, burgundy scarf and black leather gloves Barack Obama wore to his inauguration this year, you'll be able to buy them soon in Vancouver.

Upscale U.S. mens clothier Brooks Brothers will open its first Canadian outlet at 1026 Alberni St. in Vancouver on May 8 -- about six months before a new Toronto store opens and a year ahead of a scheduled new Calgary outlet.

So why did the iconic brand choose Vancouver ahead of Toronto and Calgary? The 2010 Olympics, of course.

"With the Olympics coming, we decided to give our full attention to Vancouver first so we could fine-tune the operation there [before the Games begin]," Brooks Brothers chairman and chief executive officer Claudio Del Vecchio said in an interview from New York.

"There will be a lot of people from all over the world in the city then, and they're going to see a nice Brooks Brothers location. It's a great billboard for us."

The 11,000-square-foot Vancouver store should appeal to city customers who already shop at the chain's Seattle store or purchase Brooks Brothers goods online. "We know there's a core group of customers that will be very happy to see us there," Del Vecchio said.

Brooks Brothers generates nearly $1 billion US in annual sales through 210 U.S. and 120 international locations. Del Vecchio's Retail Brand Alliance Inc. bought the 191-year-old retail chain in 2001 from Marks & Spencer for an estimated $225 million US.

Del Vecchio said the recession has clearly affected business, but insists the company will continue to resist the pressure to discount at almost any cost.

"We're trying to maintain our sanity," he said. "We're not giving the stuff away or overpromoting. It can make things hard in the short term, but our customers recognize the value we offer day in and day out."

Brooks Brothers will assess the reaction to its first three Canadian stores before deciding on further expansion.

"Canadian customers will decide if they want more Brooks Brothers stores," Del Vecchio said. "We'll be ready to do it if they want us."

He expects the Vancouver market will favour a merchandise mix common to other West Coast Brooks Brothers stores, which feature a strong selection of sportswear.

"We understand the Vancouver market is a little more sportswear-driven than the East Coast," Del Vecchio said. "We'll enter the market the way we normally do and then adjust the merchandising mix as the customers tell us what they like and what they don't like."

Brooks Brothers offers a ProSport line of active wear that should be popular with Vancouver customers, but Del Vecchio expects the store's "core offering" will be men's suits priced at about $1,200 to $1,300. The company's popular button-down shirts will start at $108.

Del Vecchio said Brooks Brothers wants to be known as a "family brand" that appeals to more than just men. He noted women's apparel sales at the chain have risen from 11 per cent to 20 per cent of total sales in the past seven years.

As for the timing of opening a high-end clothing store during an unprecedented global recession, Del Vecchio says people still want to be well dressed.

"People want to be even better dressed in this kind of economy than in the past," he said.

"In New York, the guy who used to go to the office dressed a little more casually is dressing up again. He wants to make sure he's the last one being let go."

http://www2.canada.com/vancouversun/news/business/story.html?id=0ce69624-127a-4603-83ea-a2003b3cc286&k=74552

[SpongeG]

http://www.straight.com/article-219019/its-iconic-style-brooks-brothers-comes-town

With its iconic style, Brooks Brothers comes to town


http://www.straight.com/files/imagecache/wideimage//images/wide/FAS_StyleWatch3_2159.jpg
When it opens its doors in Vancouver, the venerable Brooks Brothers, long a favourite of presidents and preps, will prove its look isn’t just about the well-heeled man. Sleekly tailored women’s fashions include this sleeveless shift dress in fine wool. (left) Brooks Brothers’ Country Club look rolls up its sleeves.



Brooks Brothers, that bastion of American prep and classic business attire, is on its way to Vancouver. And along with its usual Ivy League favourites, there'll be a few surprises—plus a nod to our local style—when the company's first Canadian store opens tomorrow (May 8) at 1026 Alberni Street.

Founded in New York in 1818, Brooks Brothers has survived nearly two centuries of radically changing fashions. It's launched a number of firsts (including the button-down-collar dress shirt), and it was the first retailer in North America to offer such fabrics and patterns as seersucker, madras, argyle, and paisley.

Long a staple of the well-heeled, Brooks Brothers has outfitted everyone from the robber barons of the gilded age to Hollywood's biggest stars. American presidential customers include Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy (Brooks's Fitzgerald line of suits is an updated version of JFK's old favourite), and Barack Obama, who wore a Brooks topcoat at his inauguration. Even fictional characters have given their stamp of approval: in Memnoch the Devil, Anne Rice's sartorially splendid antihero the Vampire Lestat opined that "one of the most erotic and flattering garments a man could choose was the well-tailored navy-blue Brooks Brothers suit."

The new store in Vancouver, however, is not your father's Brooks Brothers. Times have definitely changed, and these days Brooks, while maintaining its bread-and-butter favourites, has taken its fashions in some very new directions—including a full line of women's wear. "We're no longer just about charcoal-grey or navy suits," says Brian Shaughnessy, Brooks Brothers' national manager for Canada. "We've really come a long way over 191 years."

Because our fair city is a world away from midtown Manhattan and Boston's Back Bay, we'll see a different emphasis on the racks here. "In Vancouver, because of the weather and the lifestyle, we're expanding our ProSport line," Shaughnessy says. "It's a very casual, technical activewear line—technical fabrics, beautifully designed and well made." Available for men and women, the ProSport line covers everything from workout gear to swim trunks to golf and tennis wear.

Shaughnessy explains that the Vancouver store will carry Brooks's Country Club collection, "an upscale casual golf, tennis, hiking product—finer fabrics, a lot of technical fabrics".

The biggest new development for Brooks Brothers, however, is the edgier Black Fleece collection, created by Ralph Lauren alumnus designer Thom Browne. With lines for men and women, it's a modern look back at Brooks Brothers history: a place where Mad Men–era three-button suits with side vents and pegged trousers coexist with Edwardian jackets; pencil skirts and cardigans mix with boating blazers; baby blues and pinks intermingle with Prince of Wales check. Here, traditional Brooks Brothers fabric and pattern cues are combined in radically new ways. The collection won't be available immediately, but Shaughnessy reports there'll be a prelaunch of Black Fleece in June, with products arriving by the end of July.

With the Alberni Street store Brooks Brothers' first in this country (others will follow in Toronto and Calgary), it remains to be seen how this quintessentially American brand will play locally. One thing's for sure: with well-established on-line sales in Canada, the label's classic appeal can work as comfortably here as it does on Madison Avenue or the beaches of Cape Cod.

[Spork]

Excellent. Although just barely outside of my price range, I'm excited to finally have some half-decent slim fit shirts in Vancouver. Le Chateau can die a slow, painful death.

[SpongeG]

i took some pics - will post them later

the store is really nice

also noticed a second Calvin Klein Underwear store has opened on granville street - near west 12th

[SpongeG]

alberni street

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/may%20shops/DSC02670.jpg

the new brooks brothers - quite nice inside

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/may%20shops/DSC02671.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/may%20shops/DSC02673.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/may%20shops/DSC02674.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/may%20shops/DSC02675.jpg

and Crocs is opening on Robson Street

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/may%20shops/DSC02699.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/may%20shops/DSC02698.jpg

[metroXpress]

^ nice!


A new Bed and Bath will be opening soon at Central City...I was there today :)

[Whalleyboy]

its been coming soon for months lol

[WaxItYourself]

its been coming soon for months lolI think it's sooner rather than farther considering they are now putting up the sign for Bed, Bath and Beyond infront of the store (Right by Rickys)

[metroXpress]

^ I didn't notice that one :)

[SpongeG]

finally

its been coming since last summer

[Whalleyboy]

one would hope so
but i thought the same thing when they put it up on the walls
plus i seen the signs out on king george there a long time back

[SpongeG]

well bb&b is expanding into canada and this is their first BC location

it will happen

[LeftCoaster]

There is another in the works for West Broadway too ;)

Also the "HMV Megastore at Robson and Burrard might be losing a chunk of its floor space, opening up room for a new retailer...

[SpongeG]

what part of their floor space? main level?

they have so much unused space upstairs...

yes BB&B has a few locations coming - there is supposed to be that one on marine drive too

it's an okay store

[SpongeG]

was at Oakridge yesterday - the bookstore is gone and the old talbots store is moving and there is a huge space between the bay and banana republic - must be the location for the Apple Store - I think it looks bigger than the space in Pacific Centre! and its got a great site line down the one hall from zellers atrium end...

malls looking good - it really needs an expansion and Crate And Barrel would be awesome there

[SpongeG]

also noticed at oakridge - a DKNY store is opening soon next to Coach

[SpongeG]

the dennys on Burrard is gone shut down - apparently a month or so ago? I wonder how long it will take to fill up - its a prime spot

[danby]

I think the dennys on burrad closed in Feb I went there in Jan and there was signs all over the window advising it would be closing by the end of Jan??? Inside it was very outdated and parts of the roof were falling apart....

Has anyone been to the new Flip Flop Store on West 4th ave?

[nova9]

has anyone seen the size of the Forever21 store at Metrotown? It's HUGE!!

I wonder how this first venture in BC compares to other forever21s.

Oh the girls/women will have it good come summer/fall. they better have benches outside for the men to sit.

[Overground]

Has anyone been to the new Flip Flop Store on West 4th ave?

I just heard about this shop so I think I will check it out very soon. The company is the same people behind Cold Stone Creamery. They currently have these locations(Vancouver, California[Irvine, Canoga Park, Santa Barbara], Phoenix, Guam). There is also a planned expansion of 12 locations in BC. I'm not sure how it would sell in the rest of Canada but it seems like a great idea for southern BC.

article on store - http://www.franchisegator.com/articles/Flip-Flop-Shops-signs-first-Canadian-Store/

[wrenegade]

the dennys on Burrard is gone shut down - apparently a month or so ago? I wonder how long it will take to fill up - its a prime spot

Spence Diamonds is going in there.

[djh]

Spence Diamonds is going in there.

Does that mean they are moving from the other Burrard location (Burrard/7th or so)? Or is this an additional location?

[danby]

Forever 21 in Edmonton is a large store as well. Forever 21 sells mens and womens clothing both! The mens clothing tends to fit very small!

[SpongeG]

all the new Forever 21's are huge - is it open now? i thought it was opening in the fall??

[SpongeG]

there's a shoppers drug mart opening on hastings somewhere near the PNE at slocan? is it in that new development where the funeral home was?

anyway they are now hiring for the store

[wrenegade]

Does that mean they are moving from the other Burrard location (Burrard/7th or so)? Or is this an additional location?

Pretty sure it is an additional store, but I could be wrong.

[jlousa]

Some Aberdeen centre news. Looks like they are lowering lease rates ~5% on renewals, so don't expect them to expand anytime soon. :tup:
As a positive they are expecting most leasees to renew though. Also looks like they have two suitors for the old Starbucks space, one of them is Blenz the other is a Japanese chain that would be a new entrant to N.A. No idea what that chain is though.

[SpongeG]

there's a new sushi place going in on broadway next to the starbucks across from kingsgate mall...

Ricky's Restaurant is closed in Metropolis

Sephora is going in where that farm market produce store was

no sign of where H&M will be - maybe where Rickys was? so it can have an outdoor entrance?

Forever 21 looks large and on two levels - interior stairs/escaltor? or two separate stores?

Sony is redoing its store there

BCBG is now open in metropolis

[teriyaki]

Some Aberdeen centre news. Looks like they are lowering lease rates ~5% on renewals, so don't expect them to expand anytime soon. :tup:
As a positive they are expecting most leasees to renew though. Also looks like they have two suitors for the old Starbucks space, one of them is Blenz the other is a Japanese chain that would be a new entrant to N.A. No idea what that chain is though.

Ugh, they should just lower leases across the board by atleast 5%. Like I mentioned previously, they should be checking out alot of the boutiques on 4th avenue and such and lure them to expand into Aberdeen (by matching similar lease rates). That would truly make Aberdeen a different shopping destination, not a gigantic mall with 90% of its stores owned by the same guy:koko: