[ozonemania]

Beard Papa opening soon in Park Royal South. In the marketplace next to the magazine shop.

[trofirhen]

:sly: Don't you dare try telling me creampuffs and *Japanese* hot dogs are unhealthy.

I'm on a diet, and they will be part of it! :whip: :haha:

How true. Japanese food Is among the healthiest on the planet. I lived in Tokyo for a year, and ate and ate and ate to my heart's content, staying
slim and feeling great ! !

(... mind you, it was mostly fish, rice, and seaweed, but nothing's perfect...)

:haha:

[Shibuya]

I think one creampuff has about 220 calories, so it's probably not a lot worse than Tim Hortons.

On an unrelated note, I had to do a doubletake, but it looks like Marine Drive in North Van is going to get a Thrifty Foods. At least their logo was on a development site sign I saw there. It's about time that Thrifty Food starts having a bigger presence in the Lower Mainland.

The Thrifty foods is going in the development next to the Pricesmart foods. It is also where Bed Bath and Beyond will open there North Vancouver location if I am not mistaken.

[twoNeurons]

How true. Japanese food Is among the healthiest on the planet. I lived in Tokyo for a year, and ate and ate and ate to my heart's content, staying
slim and feeling great ! !

(... mind you, it was mostly fish, rice, and seaweed, but nothing's perfect...)

:haha:

Japanese food may be healthy... but everything in moderation.

The problem we have here has less to do with healthy food ( which is ONE factor ) and more to do with volume consumed.

[Rusty Gull]

The Thrifty foods is going in the development next to the Pricesmart foods. It is also where Bed Bath and Beyond will open there North Vancouver location if I am not mistaken.

Wow. There is going to be a full-on grocery store war on Marine Drive, featuring Price-Smart, Save-On and Thrifty. Not to mention nearby IGA Marketplace, Whole Foods, Superstore and Extra Foods.

It makes you wonder why Safeway lets its stores languish in such pitiful fashion. Tell me why anyone would shop there again when there are so many better choices?

[djh]

I think that's been open for a while.

You must be right - I went by again yesterday and this time it was open. So I bought a box...mmm:)

[phesto]

It makes you wonder why Safeway lets its stores languish in such pitiful fashion. Tell me why anyone would shop there again when there are so many better choices?

The Safeway at 13th and Lonsdale will be redeveloped within the next 2 years, possibly even sooner. I'd expect Safeway will be rebuilt to about double it's current size (with additional retail, residential etc).

-----------

An update on some old news, but it appears IKEA is moving ahead with complete redevelopment/expansion of their Richmond store. No details, but I wouldn't be surprised if it is even bigger than Coquitlam...

[Shibuya]

The Safeway at 13th and Lonsdale will be redeveloped within the next 2 years, possibly even sooner. I'd expect Safeway will be rebuilt to about double it's current size (with additional retail, residential etc).

-----------

An update on some old news, but it appears IKEA is moving ahead with complete redevelopment/expansion of their Richmond store. No details, but I wouldn't be surprised if it is even bigger than Coquitlam...

They've been doing renovations to many of their stores in the last year. I heard they are going to remodel the Coquitlam store, which seems odd since it was only opened maybe 10 years ago? Not sure why they think it needs it.

[ryanmaccdn]

Remodels are generally a branding thing....

IE All Ikea's in the world that are the Coquitlam concept will be changing to the new concept so its across the board.

You will notice this best if you walk into any of the new Old Navy's.... its like 360 how they have changed in the last month.

If the store has been open 7 months or 5 years it will get a remodel to the new concept.

I remember the A&F in Edmonton opened and then a month after, had contractors tear down the neon signage and storefront to upgrade to the new louvers/windowless package... I think it cost like 300,000 to do.

It sucks but it needed to happen sooner or later.

[Shibuya]

Remodels are generally a branding thing....

IE All Ikea's in the world that are the Coquitlam concept will be changing to the new concept so its across the board.

You will notice this best if you walk into any of the new Old Navy's.... its like 360 how they have changed in the last month.

If the store has been open 7 months or 5 years it will get a remodel to the new concept.

I remember the A&F in Edmonton opened and then a month after, had contractors tear down the neon signage and storefront to upgrade to the new louvers/windowless package... I think it cost like 300,000 to do.

It sucks but it needed to happen sooner or later.

True, I just noticed this at the Joey Bentall One. They are all going to a consistent branding with Joey and then a location identifier. Joey Bentall One now has new signage after being open for no more than a year. Such a waste.

I guess I only see one IKEA so I don't realize what the new locations look like or what they are moving to.

[jtwin]

Didn't mean to prod, only curious if this was inside info or public (ie. in the news).

FYI - they own the building, so would not be subleasing...;)

That's fair enough. Sorry for being so defensive everyone. Like I said, I'm a newbie.:cheers:

[SpongeG]

I was at IKEA Coquitlam yesterday they just switched around some departments entirely - near the cashiers they had a big area tarped off and said something was changing/coming - I wonder if that relates to the new concept?

and I wonder how thrifty foods will do next to price smart? thrifty is pretty expensive - nice but pricey - they had signage up on fraser hwy for a long time in cloverdale/surrey and than extra foods opened and thrifty never opened but price smart opened instead

[Shibuya]

I was at IKEA Coquitlam yesterday they just switched around some departments entirely - near the cashiers they had a big area tarped off and said something was changing/coming - I wonder if that relates to the new concept?

and I wonder how thrifty foods will do next to price smart? thrifty is pretty expensive - nice but pricey - they had signage up on fraser hwy for a long time in cloverdale/surrey and than extra foods opened and thrifty never opened but price smart opened instead

Thrifty Foods has Island Farms milk. No contest really. haha.

[Rusty Gull]

Personally, I think Thrifty is a good fit for North Van. I would have preferred a Nester's, but I guess Nester's is too preoccupied with succeeding downtown.

The Price Smart opening still leaves me scratching my head, because Jimmy P. already has three Save-On Foods in North Vancouver.

[CBeats]

Yeah, Thrifty's for North Van, Whole Foods for West Van.

I didn't know a beard papa's was opening in park royal. exciting!

[hollywoodnorth]

An update on some old news, but it appears IKEA is moving ahead with complete redevelopment/expansion of their Richmond store. No details, but I wouldn't be surprised if it is even bigger than Coquitlam...

very interested! They have the land in Richmond and held off on expansion a while back. I imagine we will see a parking structure just like Coquitlam.

[Vancity]

The Safeway at 13th and Lonsdale will be redeveloped within the next 2 years, possibly even sooner. I'd expect Safeway will be rebuilt to about double it's current size (with additional retail, residential etc).

-----------

An update on some old news, but it appears IKEA is moving ahead with complete redevelopment/expansion of their Richmond store. No details, but I wouldn't be surprised if it is even bigger than Coquitlam...

Oooh. I didn't know the IKEA in Richmond was being redeveloped/expanded. That's nice to hear. When are the details for redevelopment/expansion for IKEA Richmond to be released?

[dreambrother808]

Nice :) IKEA Richmond feels so cramped. I especially hate the low ceilings.

[officedweller]

Last I heard way back was that the new store will be on the property to the east of the existing store and the existing store site will become parking lot/garage.

[Denscity]

They've been doing renovations to many of their stores in the last year. I heard they are going to remodel the Coquitlam store, which seems odd since it was only opened maybe 10 years ago? Not sure why they think it needs it.

Ya our Safeway is getting a full inside/outside reno. This will include Castlegar's first Starbucks.

[Denscity]

I don't recall any Starbucks inside Safeways in Vancouver?

[GeeCee]

Fatburger @ Willingdon & Lougheed opening monday Nov. 9...

[SpongeG]

I don't recall any Starbucks inside Safeways in Vancouver?

almost all the safeways here have starbucks inside them except for the old ones

up until a few years ago you could use your safeway club card and get every 10th drink free at the starbucks inside a store - but they stopped that :(

Fatburger @ Willingdon & Lougheed opening monday Nov. 9...

nice

when does the fatburger on west broadway open?

[jlousa]

Pacific centre is getting a UK retailer called Bench, I've never heard of them, this will be there 2nd Canadian store after Toronto.

[SpongeG]

Pacific centre is getting a UK retailer called Bench, I've never heard of them, this will be there 2nd Canadian store after Toronto.

its hugely popular with the young folk these days - apparently - maybe a little on the outs - but the Bay has had bench depts in some of their stores for a couple years now - nice stuff - street wear

[hollywoodnorth]

London Drugs @ Woodwards opens November 23rd according to LD HQ.

[Shibuya]

Speaking of London Drugs, Micheals is taking their West Broadway Space apparently.

[hollywoodnorth]

Speaking of London Drugs, Micheals is taking their West Broadway Space apparently.

hmmm I guess IGA passed on the space.....

[officedweller]

Probably a smart move on IGA's part - too much area competition.

******

I saw a Starbucks inside Safeway in Portland, OR.

[Yume-sama]

I've never been in a Safeway without a Starbucks in Calgary.

Funny thing is, near me, there is a Safeway with a Starbucks, a Chapters with a Starbucks, with a Starbucks location inbetween them, inside a strip mall.

And in a new little strip mall there is a Safeway with a Starbucks, with an actual Starbucks less than 100 feet away... and another Starbucks about 500m down the street.

Calgary could possibly be taking over from Vancouver in Starbucks mania :(

[SpongeG]

I've never been in a Safeway without a Starbucks in Calgary.

Funny thing is, near me, there is a Safeway with a Starbucks, a Chapters with a Starbucks, with a Starbucks location inbetween them, inside a strip mall.

And in a new little strip mall there is a Safeway with a Starbucks, with an actual Starbucks less than 100 feet away... and another Starbucks about 500m down the street.

Calgary could possibly be taking over from Vancouver in Starbucks mania :(

the starbucks inside other stores are not "real" starbucks they are licensed concepts - i believe run by cara foods - so thats why you often find a "real" ie corporate starbucks very close to other places

there is one inside sears downtown and than one across the street on granville - my friend worked at the one is sears and his room mate worked at a "real" one - his room mate could pick up shifts at almost any starbucks store but my friend couldn't do that he could only work at the sears one - he could apply to work at a real store but he never tried

[GeeCee]

Plenty of Safeways have Starbucks here too.. typically when they get renovated they add the Starbucks.

Heck, at this point I wouldn't be surprised to see a Starbucks inside of a Starbucks.

[Yume-sama]

the starbucks inside other stores are not "real" starbucks they are licensed concepts - i believe run by cara foods - so thats why you often find a "real" ie corporate starbucks very close to other places

there is one inside sears downtown and than one across the street on granville - my friend worked at the one is sears and his room mate worked at a "real" one - his room mate could pick up shifts at almost any starbucks store but my friend couldn't do that he could only work at the sears one - he could apply to work at a real store but he never tried

:P If it sells everything Starbucks sells, they dress in Starbucks uniforms, and it's branded as Starbucks; it's a Starbucks.

At least to 100% of the general public.

[SpongeG]

yes I never knew until my friend told me - but to the employess its a little different - they didn't get the same benefits of perks that the real starbucks workers did

I think on Davie there is a starbucks inside the store and than one below the store

[NewfBC]

the starbucks inside other stores are not "real" starbucks they are licensed concepts - i believe run by cara foods - so thats why you often find a "real" ie corporate starbucks very close to other places

there is one inside sears downtown and than one across the street on granville - my friend worked at the one is sears and his room mate worked at a "real" one - his room mate could pick up shifts at almost any starbucks store but my friend couldn't do that he could only work at the sears one - he could apply to work at a real store but he never tried

Cara doesn't operate Starbucks locations. They own Second Cup.

Ron.

[Whalleyboy]

I've never been in a Safeway without a Starbucks in Calgary.

Funny thing is, near me, there is a Safeway with a Starbucks, a Chapters with a Starbucks, with a Starbucks location inbetween them, inside a strip mall.

And in a new little strip mall there is a Safeway with a Starbucks, with an actual Starbucks less than 100 feet away... and another Starbucks about 500m down the street.

Calgary could possibly be taking over from Vancouver in Starbucks mania :(

here in bc we know real coffee and its from timmys thats why lol

[Yume-sama]

here in bc we know real coffee and its from timmys thats why lol

:P There's what, like 4 Tim Hortons in Downtown Vancouver?

[dreambrother808]

Tim Horton's is far more popular in Alberta than it is in Vancouver.

I was recently in Calgary and found that, other than downtown, it could still be hard to find a Starbucks nearby.

[Yume-sama]

Tim Horton's is far more popular in Alberta than it is in Vancouver.

I was recently in Calgary and found that, other than downtown, it could still be hard to find a Starbucks nearby.

Depends what side of the city you're on in Calgary. On the more affluent west side there are dozens popping up... everywhere.

[SpongeG]

there is one opening on robson - they are much more saturated in the suburbs - lougheed mall area has 3

I have to admit i sometimes get a half coffee half hot chocolate now - i still avoid the food though

[officedweller]

The drywall is up for the Tim's at L'Hermitage - probably not much longer.

[djh]

I don't recall any Starbucks inside Safeways in Vancouver?

There's one in the Safeway at Oak & King Edward

[Yume-sama]

there is one opening on robson - they are much more saturated in the suburbs - lougheed mall area has 3

I have to admit i sometimes get a half coffee half hot chocolate now - i still avoid the food though

In my building no less! This will not be good for my Summer iced capp obsession, that was only halted by me being too lazy to walk to a Timmy's.

[SpongeG]

the chevron/triple o's on grandview hwy is open now

[officedweller]

I only just realized the other day that instead of popping into Starbucks, etc. to grab a scone on the walk into work - I could pop into the IGA at L'Hermitage and get one for 99 cents rather than the Starbucks $1.70 (or whatever the price is now).

[Yume-sama]

I only just realized the other day that instead of popping into Starbucks, etc. to grab a scone on the walk into work - I could pop into the IGA at L'Hermitage and get one for 99 cents rather than the Starbucks $1.70 (or whatever the price is now).

Yeah, the IGA is actually very busy at lunch. They have a good selection of fresh packaged sandwiches, salads, etc.

[officedweller]

Also, the McDonalds at Library Square is now a 24 hour operation.

[wrenegade]

The TVs are installed and working at Red Card (new sports bar in Moda hotel). The bar looks almost finished. Can't be much longer than a couple weeks till they are finished.

[Whalleyboy]

Also, the McDonalds at Library Square is now a 24 hour operation.

there all open that way now i thought?

[hollywoodnorth]

the Starbucks at Main Skytrain will be 24/7 during the 2010 Games I'm told...

[SpongeG]

there all open that way now i thought?

no most close down - driv thrus are mostly 24 hrs - but a few close early - i know the one on 160th and 96th closes at 2 am and opens at 5 am - drive thru only

[SpongeG]

Aldo is opening on Granville - just north of 12th next to Lucky Jeans in that space that has stood empty for many months...

the store next to it is all behind wraps now - perhaps its being demolished? and replaced like its two neighbours?

[punkster1982]

There's one in the Safeway at Oak & King Edward

All the renovated Safeways have Starbucks in them
I know Broadway & Commercial, Davie & Cardero, and Robson & Denman all have Starbucks, all with Starbucks within a block as well

[LotusLand]

Anyone get a chance to see the upside down display and street art done by The Gap on Robson Street. My buddy was telling me about it. So far only Vancity Buzz seems to know about this:

http://vancitybuzz.blogspot.com/2009/11/wtf-robson-street-turned-upside-down.html

Apparently its part of the Gaps new marketing campaign. Kinda neat. Also apparently Lululemon has hotties doing yoga in their store front displays. I might have to go and check that out :slob:

[SpongeG]

in vancouver? such innovation and daring differentness allowed? lol

[Yume-sama]

I don't think turning a car upside down to try and attract attention to your falling business is that innovative or different :P

And CHEAP cars, too! Sheesh.

[SpongeG]

yes but its different and different is not allowed

wahts next digital billboards! the horror

[Yume-sama]

yes but its different and different is not allowed

wahts next digital billboards! the horror

Stop! You're giving people nightmares. :haha:

[SpongeG]

haha

Was down near morgan crossing - its slowly coming along - I wonder if they can open anything before christmas? half of it looks like it could be close - it looks like london drugs has its blue painted on one spot unless its the best buy blue...

original joes is opening up near the future shop

where carl's jr was suppossed to be is now A&W

[entheosfog]

Anyone get a chance to see the upside down display and street art done by The Gap on Robson Street. My buddy was telling me about it. So far only Vancity Buzz seems to know about this:

http://vancitybuzz.blogspot.com/2009/11/wtf-robson-street-turned-upside-down.html

Apparently its part of the Gaps new marketing campaign. Kinda neat. Also apparently Lululemon has hotties doing yoga in their store front displays. I might have to go and check that out :slob:

It's also on here:
http://vancouverisawesome.com/2009/11/07/gap-flipped-on-its-head-exclusively-vancouver/#more-24472

[ryanmaccdn]

I don't think turning a car upside down to try and attract attention to your falling business is that innovative or different :P

And CHEAP cars, too! Sheesh.

I've worked in the retail Visual world for years and must say this is by far one of the most expensive visual displays I've ever seen.

Congrats on GAP for such a great idea... unfortunately there are way larger problems at hand to fix the GAP... but still nice to see some effort.

Also check out OLD NAVY..... they have completely changed their stores concepts, its a total 360.

I was surprised they did this type of thing on Robson... Vancouver in terms of retail is pretty low on the list of importance.

[nova9]

I was surprised they did this type of thing on Robson... Vancouver in terms of retail is pretty low on the list of importance.

Well it must be important enough because this campaign is for Sprize which they are testing using the Vancouver market. Sprize's tagline is "shopping turned on its head."

If y'all wanna know, it's actually kinda neat. You sign-up for Sprize (it's free I think) and you register all your Gap purchases everytime you buy something there (I imagine you get a card or number) and if the item you bought goes down in price within a certain amount of time, they will pay you the difference (in store credit). So you're always guaranteed the lower price.

It's only available at the 10 Metro Vancouver stored right now.

[sacrifice333]

^so kind of the concept they've always had EXCEPT that they seek you out and turn it into a credit instead of cash/credit back.

good theory... since people will generally spend more than their credit, etc. and you get them back into the store.

[djh]

Well it must be important enough because this campaign is for Sprize which they are testing using the Vancouver market. Sprize's tagline is "shopping turned on its head."

If y'all wanna know, it's actually kinda neat. You sign-up for Sprize (it's free I think) and you register all your Gap purchases everytime you buy something there (I imagine you get a card or number) and if the item you bought goes down in price within a certain amount of time, they will pay you the difference (in store credit). So you're always guaranteed the lower price.

It's only available at the 10 Metro Vancouver stored right now.

How do you kow so much about the concept?

[LotusLand]

I've worked in the retail Visual world for years and must say this is by far one of the most expensive visual displays I've ever seen.

Congrats on GAP for such a great idea... unfortunately there are way larger problems at hand to fix the GAP... but still nice to see some effort.

Also check out OLD NAVY..... they have completely changed their stores concepts, its a total 360.

I was surprised they did this type of thing on Robson... Vancouver in terms of retail is pretty low on the list of importance.

Actually Vancouver is pretty high on the list of Retail destinations. Many in this city don't realize how we are viewed by others and I don't expect forumers to check their facts before the chime in with an opinion, just look at the nightlife thread lol. Many forumers didn't even know about all the new clubs and bars that have sprung up over the course of the last few years yet they complain that nightlife here sucks :rolleyes: I'm not saying our nightlife can't improve or our retail scene can't improve. Both can and we should constantly want to see improvement in those realms, just check your facts before you say something argumentative.

Note: I used to work for a marketing firm and Vancouver is in the top 5 North American retail cities list or something like that. Behind NY, LA, Chicago, SF and T.O. and Vancouver is only growing in important as all those metros are atleast twice the size of Vancouver.

[SpongeG]

How do you kow so much about the concept?

there were cards in the mail to pretty much everyone who gets mail at least I got one and everyone in my building got one plus there are posters in the store window

its a good idea, the gap is doing better apparently, not as good as they used to - I haven't noticed any old navy changes other than the metrotown store

Is todd oldham still the creative director for old navy? he took over a couple of years ago and the clothes certainly changed

[ryanmaccdn]

Actually Vancouver is pretty high on the list of Retail destinations. Many in this city don't realize how we are viewed by others and I don't expect forumers to check their facts before the chime in with an opinion, just look at the nightlife thread lol. Many forumers didn't even know about all the new clubs and bars that have sprung up over the course of the last few years yet they complain that nightlife here sucks :rolleyes: I'm not saying our nightlife can't improve or our retail scene can't improve. Both can and we should constantly want to see improvement in those realms, just check your facts before you say something argumentative.

Note: I used to work for a marketing firm and Vancouver is in the top 5 North American retail cities list or something like that. Behind NY, LA, Chicago, SF and T.O. and Vancouver is only growing in important as all those metros are atleast twice the size of Vancouver.


I've worked in the retail industry for 10 years..... from store to head office level. So I have some understanding of the industry.

Trust me.... Toronto or Calgary has 3x the priority then Vancouver will ever be. Last I checked Vancouver has always been last to get American brands heading up north....

A&F... Toronto/Edmonton/Calgary then Vancouver.
Sephora (pretty much everywhere but Vancouver until recently)
Forever 21
H&M
Urban Outfitters
the list goes on..

I'm guessing the Sprize demo was just due to some type of demographic they have here... it was shocking since the store they did all this hupla at is like 5 years out of date. Robson never received the full upgrade package to new concept which was why its kinda shocking to see higher ups in that sorta store.

[SpongeG]

^^^

Vancouver used to be the first
first gap, first old navy, first restoration hardware, first IKEA, a few other things

[phesto]

^First McDonald's in Canada (well, Richmond).

Oooh. I didn't know the IKEA in Richmond was being redeveloped/expanded. That's nice to hear. When are the details for redevelopment/expansion for IKEA Richmond to be released?

They've got an application in now to consolidate their land along Knight Street, so it's likely they'll go for rezoning/development applications next year.

They went through this process in 2002 and then put it on hold. At that time the plan was to demolish the existing store and build a new 300,000 sq ft store.

Someone mentioned it earlier, but they will likely build a new structure to the East and keep the existing store in operation until the new one is ready. It will be the same type as Coquitlam with some surface/ some covered parking, and around the same size.

[LotusLand]

To add to the list:

First Burberry, Brooks Brothers, Agent Provacateur (I think) etc...The reason Vancouver doesn't get all these firsts like they used to is because of the lack of great retail space in the city, at least that is what I keep hearing. Everyone of those major retailers want lots of space in a great setting i.e. Robson, now Alberni, but it takes time.

Trust me when I say this, you say Vancouver and people want to be in there, it's just a matter of finding the right retail location in this city as there are only a few good locations as most have been taken already.

[wrenegade]

I've worked in the retail real estate industry for 3+ years. We are definitely below Toronto and Montreal, but that should be a given. Almost everything goes to eastern Canada first. Edmonton can be a bit of an anomaly because of WEM. Forever 21 has been there for years. But it isn't always the case. In the past few year when big retail companies start to make their move out west, Calgary has been an easy choice for number 1 because of two things. Insane disposable income and tons of opportunities. Vancouver is close behind because we are twice the size of Calgary, but it is hard for many of these companies to open up a physical space. This is why the first H&M was in Coquitlam, the first Forever 21 in Metrotown, etc. Apple would have been here years ago if they could have set up on Robson street. They've looked at over a half dozen different locations but couldn't make anything work (for a flagship store that is). It was getting to a point where they just needed to be in the market which is why they did the deal at Pacific Centre. Our rents are also quite a bit higher than pretty much anywhere else. Robson street can equal Bloor in some areas (Bebe recently renewed at $290+ psf).

All that being said, it's pretty neat to see that Gap chose Vancouver for this marketing plan. Unfortunately it is still the Gap.

edit: Lotusland has got it right. Beaten by a couple minutes.

[trofirhen]

All this is testimonial to original question some days ago, why don't we have a chic shopping district, "THE District," such as Yorkville in Toronto, Crescent Street in Montreal, or Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills?

Of course, these cities are much larger than Vancouver. Perhaps Vancouver hasn't reached the size to support such a district.

But, if as one contributor said, Calgary is consistently ahead us when they are half the size, then surely we could develop something, instead of having our "chic" stores diffused throughout the city, with no really centralized, high-fashion area.

:shrug:

[SpongeG]

we have alberni/burrard street - someone just needs to come up with a trendy name for it

[nova9]

Yeah but you know what? There's a reason why we have the Western Flagship for Holt Renfrew and not Calgary. In terms of fashion, I would rank us way above Calgary but way below Montreal and Toronto.

Just because they have a store doesn't mean they're better - it's where they WANT to be in terms of their store's image as opposed to where they HAVE to be (if that makes sense). Calgary has the disposable income but I'm pretty sure everyone wants to be able to open up a storefront in Vancouver.

If it matters, there are only 4 hermes in Canada and we have 2 of them.

I might have to add that perhaps we have also shot ourselves in the foot by relying on Washington State since it's so close. Perhaps they saw us as part of the Washington State market and didn't see a need to open a store up here until now? I mean, Calgary can't exactly just drive south - and even if they did, they'd run into the cosmopolitan.....state of Montana.....

[nova9]

All this is testimonial to original question some days ago, why don't we have a chic shopping district, "THE District," such as Yorkville in Toronto, Crescent Street in Montreal, or Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills?

Of course, these cities are much larger than Vancouver. Perhaps Vancouver hasn't reached the size to support such a district.

But, if as one contributor said, Calgary is consistently ahead us when they are half the size, then surely we could develop something, instead of having our "chic" stores diffused throughout the city, with no really centralized, high-fashion area.

:shrug:

I completely disagree. There's a reason why Main St. and Gastown is awesome, because of the independent/trendy/chic boutiques. Those places can get expensive as some are couture as well.

And the high-end luxury stores aren't exactly on one boulevard but they are concentrated along Alberni and the northern part of downtown towards coal harbour bounded by Burrard and Gastown.

[Yume-sama]

Actually, Calgary's new Holt Renfrew which just opened has been called the "flagship" and is bigger than the Vancouver store by nearly 15,000 square feet, carrying more brands, and etc.

http://beta.images.theglobeandmail.com/archive/00270/hotshop10lf6_270991a.jpg

It also carries more ridiculously priced items, such as a $198,000 Hermes hand bag, in the largest Hermes boutique in Canada. :P

[nova9]

Actually, Calgary's new Holt Renfrew which just opened has been called the "flagship" and is bigger than the Vancouver store by nearly 15,000 square feet, carrying more brands, and etc.

It also carries more ridiculously priced items, such as a $198,000 Hermes hand bag, in the largest Hermes boutique in Canada. :P

Hmmm......judging from many releases over the year, they seem to be calling all the stores flagships which totally diminishes the term.

Still, it's not going to change my perceptions/biases.

Once again, they have a bigger store but my point is....who cares? I still think Vancouver market is more representative of the type of consumer they want. In terms of international reputation, I hope that stands but feel free to find evidence against my view. I would like to see just how much Vancouver sucks compared to Calgary as we all seem to love pointing out ad nauseum here.

[Yume-sama]

The retail scene in Vancouver is undoubtedly better, and I say that as someone who has lived in Calgary my whole life.

I was just pointing out that, in fact, Calgary does have the larger, and better, Holt Renfrew :P

But that's not much of a victory unless you can afford $500 jeans.

Keeping in mind, Holt Renfrew was able to take over the 3 level Downtown Sears in Calgary, and renovated it completely (inside and out, obviously) for a couple of years, so they had more space.

Now if only they had taken over the Downtown Sears in Vancouver :D

[nova9]

Right. So my completely biased assessment is that they get everything because you cannot ignore Calgary because of its wealth whereas in Vancouver 'deserves' it more. Haha. But let's mover this thread out of the city comparison track which I apologize for.

When was the last big name to move into Robson, I feel like it's been kinda stagnant. It needs a few new stores.

[Yume-sama]

Right. So my completely biased assessment is that they get everything because you cannot ignore Calgary because of its wealth whereas in Vancouver 'deserves' it more. Haha. But let's mover this thread out of the city comparison track which I apologize for.

When was the last big name to move into Robson, I feel like it's been kinda stagnant. It needs a few new stores.

Someone would have to move out first. Or the city would have to allow them to build up, but shadow restrictions don't allow that.

[Hed Kandi]

It also carries more ridiculously priced items, such as a $198,000 Hermes hand bag, in the largest Hermes boutique in Canada. :P

:haha:

[Smooth]

If I was buying a $198,000 hand bag then I'd probably make the trip to Alberta just to avoid paying PST on it. That is a completely hypothetical scenario for me though.

[hollywoodnorth]

^First McDonald's in Canada (well, Richmond).



They've got an application in now to consolidate their land along Knight Street, so it's likely they'll go for rezoning/development applications next year.

They went through this process in 2002 and then put it on hold. At that time the plan was to demolish the existing store and build a new 300,000 sq ft store.

Someone mentioned it earlier, but they will likely build a new structure to the East and keep the existing store in operation until the new one is ready. It will be the same type as Coquitlam with some surface/ some covered parking, and around the same size.

awesome stuff! I hate going out to COQ for Ikea.....will be stoked to have a full store in the Ditch :)

[LotusLand]

Right. So my completely biased assessment is that they get everything because you cannot ignore Calgary because of its wealth whereas in Vancouver 'deserves' it more. Haha. But let's mover this thread out of the city comparison track which I apologize for.

When was the last big name to move into Robson, I feel like it's been kinda stagnant. It needs a few new stores.

Like OMG Crocs just moved on to Robson! Big name, hello :jester:

[johnjimbc]

I don't think Robson necessarily needs to build up to be better. It's not bad as it is now. It just feels a bit dated. Storefronts have been getting renewed over the past few years though. Even I can see a difference since I moved here. So I think the trend to renewal is underway, just sort of slow.

I think what Robson really needs more than anything is for the merchants who are there to create - or be more active as - a business improvement district. They seem to rely on the steady traffic they have and past reputation. I think it would do wonders for them to start making nice touches to the area. Perhaps they could have seasonal or even monthly organized events. Imagine if there was a Saturday in December touted as "Holiday on Robson." They could place special banners for the event up and down the street, merchants could have special coupons for the day, offer hot cider and treats in the stores, hire street performers to set up in a few locations for the day (like the musicians on Granville Island), or roving carolers.

In a general sense, perhaps they could make small, but notable, improvements along the stretch itself. Perhaps some new benches along the street, hanging planters in the spring and summer, etc.

In short, I just think Robson merchants need to band together to "refresh" the Robson street brand as a District. I know not everyone here is a big fan of Yaletown, but the merchants there do a much, much better job of hosting events to draw people to the area . . . tasting fares, the street race they had over the summer, the lighting event that one evening a few months back. I never see Robson host anything like that . . . they seem content to just rest on their laurels. As such, there isn't really a sense of place or excitement, even though it's arguably one of the most memorable stretches in the heart of downtown.

[Shibuya]

Bebe at $290+psf? Impressive.

That's a pretty big jump from what I have been hearing. The last few new deals on Robson were around the $220 psf, but none would compare to the corner of Robson and Burrard.

[Yume-sama]

:P That's nothing! According to an article I read awhile ago, the famous "Shibuya Starbucks" pays over 100 million JPY ($1.1 million CAD) per month in rent.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3351197088_8fedc4fdb8.jpg
^ My photo

I wonder how much JapaDog is paying? That end of Robson must surely not be as expensive.

[Jacques]

:P That's nothing! According to an article I read awhile ago, the famous "Shibuya Starbucks" pays over 100 million JPY ($1.1 million CAD) per month in rent.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3351197088_8fedc4fdb8.jpg
^ My photo

I wonder how much JapaDog is paying? That end of Robson must surely not be as expensive.

Don't they also (Starbucks) have exclusivity in the Louvre museum, Paris, and if my memory serves me right, they paid an astronomically crazy amount of money to be the only one located inside near by the mall entrance.
it kinda has a killing effect on the whole Louvre experience to see such place instead of true french coffee bar for me anyway.

[Yume-sama]

Yes, I think with some locations Starbucks believes more in "being there" than "making money" :P

Think of the brand advertising with the Shibuya store alone. 3 million people are there everyday, millions of photos, etc.!

The store is so ridiculously busy though, that, to make it easier, you can only order one size :haha:

[vancityrox]

All this is testimonial to original question some days ago, why don't we have a chic shopping district, "THE District," such as Yorkville in Toronto, Crescent Street in Montreal, or Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills?

Of course, these cities are much larger than Vancouver. Perhaps Vancouver hasn't reached the size to support such a district.

But, if as one contributor said, Calgary is consistently ahead us when they are half the size, then surely we could develop something, instead of having our "chic" stores diffused throughout the city, with no really centralized, high-fashion area.

:shrug:


Actually I have lived in Montreal my whole life before moving to Vancouver and Crescent Street isnt really a fashion street and REALLY cantcompare Rodeo to it lol.

Crescent has only a Hugo Boss store. There is a Holt Renfrew on the corner of Crescent and Sherbrooke though. Then there is a Gucci, Dior and Hermes store around the corner on Sherbrooke attached to the Holts. Thats pretty much a big name brands we have. We have otheres scattered around downtown though. We have a mall that is very chic and classy that holds only high end shops called Cours Mont Royal.

We have the first Diesel Flagship store in Canada on De La Montagne street, which is one parallel street away from Crescent. Then there is the other high end department store called Ogilvy's on St. Catherine which is like Holts but better.

I mean yeah we do have some stores in Montreal that are here first but Vancouver has way more interesting stores that Montreal still doesnt have.

We also just got a Seffora same time as Vancouver and a Forever 21 downtown one or two weeks before the Metro town one opened. We still dont have a Hollister, Armani Exchange or even a A&. Also Burberry and Versace stores we dont have. We have stores in Ogilvy that carry the brand but not store front itself. We dont have that much stores.

We also just got our 2 floor Apple Flagship downtown like 2 yrs ago. Dont worry Van will get it soon.

Anyways the point im trying to make is dont be so hard on yourselves. Vancouver has soooo many stores and great shopping areas. The only thing that I think is missing is a district or shopping malls downtown. Pacific isnt enough. Montreal just on St. Catherines street has more then 4 malls that all connect underground to each other!


Vancouver will get there soon. Just a little more time.

[SpongeG]

Actually, Calgary's new Holt Renfrew which just opened has been called the "flagship" and is bigger than the Vancouver store by nearly 15,000 square feet, carrying more brands, and etc.

http://beta.images.theglobeandmail.com/archive/00270/hotshop10lf6_270991a.jpg

It also carries more ridiculously priced items, such as a $198,000 Hermes hand bag, in the largest Hermes boutique in Canada. :P

its only large cause it has instore boutiques - vabncouver has stand alone stores for a lot of whats inside holt renfrew

Calgary lacks the stand alone stores for Chanel, Hermes etc

[SpongeG]

:P That's nothing! According to an article I read awhile ago, the famous "Shibuya Starbucks" pays over 100 million JPY ($1.1 million CAD) per month in rent.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3351197088_8fedc4fdb8.jpg
^ My photo

I wonder how much JapaDog is paying? That end of Robson must surely not be as expensive.

the sil vous plait in the same building that closed down amidst much sorrow saw its rent jump from something like $3500 to $8000 or something in that range per month - japadog must be close to $5000 per month I would guess

[johnjimbc]

Speaking of which, someone was doing work inside the old S'il Vous Plait location tonight. I could see lights on inside and someone working near the windows (through the paper covering all the windows . . . you could just see shadows so couldn't tell exactly what they were working on.

[SpongeG]

new 7-11 for downtown - this one going in on pender at bute

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/2605/dsc06395z.jpg

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/92/dsc06397.jpg

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/5630/dsc06396.jpg

[Yume-sama]

its only large cause it has instore boutiques - vabncouver has stand alone stores for a lot of whats inside holt renfrew

Calgary lacks the stand alone stores for Chanel, Hermes etc

Well, duh! That's why we started WestJet; so we could go to Vancouver 12x per day. :P

The main problem with Calgary's retail is that there really is nothing downtown, and everything else is spread impossibly far through various malls at opposite ends of the city.

[Rusty Gull]

Great to see the 7-11 opening up. We need more of 'em. On a recent trip to Chicago, I was really impressed with the 7-11s there - in terms of their promotions and their proliferation. Very convenient.

The 7-11s in Japan are amazing, by the way... they have an amazing array of baked goods and meals that are constantly being trucked in.

For some reason, most of the old 7-11s in Metro Vancouver have the 1980s design, and are prime targets for hold-ups.

[SpongeG]

yah - its funny me and my friend were walking down around coal harbour area last week - near to this new to be 7-11 and we were both like this area really needs a 7-11 or something thats open 24 hours cause besides the shoppers and urban fare theres not much else going on

[Yume-sama]

Great to see the 7-11 opening up. We need more of 'em. On a recent trip to Chicago, I was really impressed with the 7-11s there - in terms of their promotions and their proliferation. Very convenient.

The 7-11s in Japan are amazing, by the way... they have an amazing array of baked goods and meals that are constantly being trucked in.

For some reason, most of the old 7-11s in Metro Vancouver have the 1980s design, and are prime targets for hold-ups.

They would be more amazing if they sold Slurpees. :(

[nova9]

They would be more amazing if they sold Slurpees. :(

I KNOW!!!!! In HK too, right where you'd need it the most. Buuuutttttt being able to buy beers with your Octopus card at 7/11 is pretty awesome.

[officedweller]

7-11 without Slurpees? Wow.