[vanlaw]

Looks like Upholstery Arts has gone belly up, taking a lot of customers' order money with them. Too bad, we need more manufacturing here.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/cbc/101119/canada/canada_britishcolumbia_bc_upholstery_arts_receivership

Too bad. I bought a couch from there a few years ago. I knew exactly what I wanted, and looked for months to find the right one, and finally found that their “Thurlow” sectional was exactly what I was looking for. It is a great couch, quite large (def not for a condo) and extremely comfortable (I went with the goose down filled back pillows), although I had to wait a few months as the fabric was on backorder.

Although I am very happy with it, and the quality is great, what struck me was how much of a prick one of the owners and/or managers was, and most of the other staff seemed to have a holier than thou type attitude. I bought right at the time when they were switching from foam to whatever cfc free material they started pushing a few years ago. I had the choice of both, and stuck with the foam as it breaks in over time, and they said that their new material wouldn’t, and I don’t want rock-hard couch three years down the road.

So I’m going to pay for the thing ($6k on a 25% off sale), and the asshole behind the counter hears the staff member confirming the details, turns around, looks down his nose at me and makes some sort of comment about buying a couch with “all that nasty toxic stuff” in it. Excuse me? Weren’t you pushing this stuff for the past x number of years???? Are you telling me that you are selling me a shitty product???? I was pretty pissed. If it weren’t for the fact that it was “the” couch I had been looking for months, I’d have no qualms walking out.

Great product, workmanship etc. Shitty attitude.

[whatnext]

Of interest - came across the attached - new strip plaza next to IKEA in Coquitlam:

http://formretail.catylist.com/files/property/2780000/2781571/3928834_1090_Lougheed_Hwy_Brochure.pdf

Plaza 500 Hotel (to be Hotel Indigo) retail (and restaurant formerly Figmint) for lease:

http://formretail.catylist.com/files/property/2760000/2769507/3936025_W12th___Cambie_Vancouver_Brochure.pdf

Interesting to see Hotel Indigo is part of Intercontinental Hotels. Its about time that property was spruced up. Kept meaning to try Figmint but never made it, menu price points seemed a bit high for the area.

[SpongeG]

hotel indigo is where tori and dean stayed in texas on their tv show - i was wondering if we would ever get one here - they are sort of boutique type hotels

is the plaza going to the east of IKEA? like where the car dealership was? i saw was cause it was taken over by something i forget the name after GM left but now its empty... as the dealer moved to where carter motorsports was near the Crash Crawlys

[SpongeG]

I saw the PDF... so its going on the dealership...

anyway Mobilicity has a cart/stand/kiosk set up at commercial drive station, also saw wind and mobilicity set up with kiosks at lougheed mall

and a big wind store where the smoked salmon shop used to be on thurlow just off robson...

[officedweller]

anyway Mobilicity has a cart/stand/kiosk set up at commercial drive station, also saw wind and mobilicity set up with kiosks at lougheed mall

mobilicity has a storefront on Broadway west of Cambie across from London Drugs.

[djh]

mobilicity has a storefront on Broadway west of Cambie across from London Drugs.

...yep, about 2 doors up from the newish Wind Mobile store.
Looks like the 2 new mobile phone companies are going toe to toe with locations. They know if you're fed up with the incumbents then you're going to pick one of the new ones, but can't distinguish between them, so they're all locating together.

[jlousa]

Haven't seen it posted but some bad news for film buffs. Cineplex Odeon has bought Cinemark's Tinseltown location. They will be dumping some money onto digital and 3-d projectors but probably stop playing more of the artsy films. The official switch over will be this Friday. They are undecided if they will raise prices even though the difference is only 25cents for evening flicks, the biggest thing is if they will pay for parking as is currently the case. I won't effect me but I know many people only go there because of the free parking.

[SpikePhanta]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, CINEPLEX DO NOT TOUCH THE PLACE AT ALL! DO NOT CHANGE THE ARCADES TO SHITTY CINEPLEX TOKENS, DO NOT CHANGE THE LIGHTING, THE CARPETS AND THE DECOR.

Well there goes my favorite popcorn in the city....
If they keep everything else the way it is, then I won't mind it as much, I like how I'll be able to collect Scene Points. but man doesnt this mean Monopoly for Cineplex? Pretty smart of them going there though, Gentrification of the area and NEFC developed will mean more people, heck you can see the difference now, a lot more people walk in the area.

[hollywoodnorth]

Haven't seen it posted but some bad news for film buffs. Cineplex Odeon has bought Cinemark's Tinseltown location. They will be dumping some money onto digital and 3-d projectors but probably stop playing more of the artsy films. The official switch over will be this Friday. They are undecided if they will raise prices even though the difference is only 25cents for evening flicks, the biggest thing is if they will pay for parking as is currently the case. I won't effect me but I know many people only go there because of the free parking.

WEAK NEWS :(

[entheosfog]

Haven't seen it posted but some bad news for film buffs. Cineplex Odeon has bought Cinemark's Tinseltown location. They will be dumping some money onto digital and 3-d projectors but probably stop playing more of the artsy films. The official switch over will be this Friday. They are undecided if they will raise prices even though the difference is only 25cents for evening flicks, the biggest thing is if they will pay for parking as is currently the case. I won't effect me but I know many people only go there because of the free parking.

I'm one of those people who park for free. It's not the only reason I go to that one but it helps. It's usually way less busy than Scotia on Burrard and cheaper, too. A few years ago, I forgot to get my ticket validated and I went to the machine and was blown away at the cost of parking for a movie. The guy at the booth let me go through thankfully. I think it was $12 or something. Now you don't even need to get it validated after a certain time.

[SpongeG]

that sucks but cineplex gets the first pick of movies which left cinemark having to fill its roster with second tier choices - which it did a good job at

i wonder if they will make it into one of their new cinemas - i forget the name AXD or something like that - they have em in toronto and apaprently you can reserve a seat! which would be nice and the screens and sound are apparently a lot better

I wonder if we will ever get AMC here - toronto has AMC

[whatnext]

I'm one of those people who park for free. It's not the only reason I go to that one but it helps. It's usually way less busy than Scotia on Burrard and cheaper, too. A few years ago, I forgot to get my ticket validated and I went to the machine and was blown away at the cost of parking for a movie. The guy at the booth let me go through thankfully. I think it was $12 or something. Now you don't even need to get it validated after a certain time.

Definitely one of the reasons I'll go to the Park, Ridge or Dunbar before going to Scotiabank, or even Riverport which isn't that much more time when you factor in having to drive around looking for parking downtown.

[Yume-sama]

Tinseltown has always been my theater of choice, it's nice and comfortable, and usually empty :P. They just rarely show anything I actually want to watch. The theatres in Vancouver are so fickle. They seem to all play random movies, and you can never be sure what movie will be playing anywhere, if at all.

I haven't been in over a year, though. Has the mall become any less deserted?

[SpikePhanta]

Tinseltown has always been my theater of choice, it's nice and comfortable, and usually empty :P. They just rarely show anything I actually want to watch. The theatres in Vancouver are so fickle. They seem to all play random movies, and you can never be sure what movie will be playing anywhere, if at all.

I haven't been in over a year, though. Has the mall become any less deserted?
Sometimes Tinseltown does get movies not shown @ Scotia, even popular ones, recently I watched Due Date.

Well the first floor of the mall has people, Especially the specialty store, Rexall, the food court, starbucks, and Mcdonalds area.
Also outside a lot more people have been walking in the area.

Only problem I had with it on the weekend before remembrance day, there was a homeless bum on a wheelchair asking for spare change saying "Spare Change for a Canadian Forces War Veteran from Vietnam", I said no sorry I don't Spare change to people who lie, with him yelling some profanities and calling me a "jew" :haha:

[SpongeG]

from the vancouer sun article

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Cineplex+acquires+Tinseltown+multiplex/3874122/story.html

Cineplex already owns the newest downtown theatre, ScotiaTheatre, at the corner of Burrard and Smythe Streets. The acquisition of a second downtown property could have presented a problem with bookings given the existing zone system for exhibitors – which is designed to ensure competing theatres don’t end up playing the same title across the street from each other.

Moffatt says ScotiaTheatre and the newly renamed Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas are far enough apart to allow open bookings at both theatres, without restrictions.

The distance means Cineplex bookers could conceivably program the same movies at both downtown locations. But Moffatt says that’s unlikely because it would mean the company was competing with itself.

The better business model would see the screens at International Village continue screening a mixture of art house and commercial fare, which is exactly what Cineplex is doing – at least in the near future.

Moffatt says current indie faves such as Inside Job and Fair Game will still be up for the week of December 3. After that, the consumer will have a great hand in deciding what stays and what goes with their vote at the ticket wicket.



Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Cineplex+acquires+Tinseltown+multiplex/3874122/story.html#ixzz16BBIetQr

[officedweller]

Cineplex has a history of operating art house theatres - like the former Royal Centre Theatres (Cineplex's first theatre in Vancouver where the theatres were very, very small) and the Cartlon in Toronto.

Cinemark once had big plans to expand in Canada, but they didn't materialize after Tinseltown was opened.

I'm surprised that Cineplex hasn't branded it a Coliseum, SilverCity or something - the name "International Village Cinemas" may support the art house programming.

[SpongeG]

if you haven't read the christmas thread...

temporary retail: german christmas market has been set up at the QE plaza - opens wednesday till dec 24 - sounds cool - put on by germany and locals

http://www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com/

Stroll through the festively decorated outdoor Christmas village and be treated to row upon row of illuminated wooden huts offering handmade gifts and tempting treats. Listen to the sounds of bells, trumpeters and carolers. As day becomes night, thousands of Christmas lights sparkle and delicious aromas of mulled wine and spicy gingerbread waft through the air.

ZOsd2BNB5qw

[twoNeurons]

that sucks but cineplex gets the first pick of movies which left cinemark having to fill its roster with second tier choices - which it did a good job at

i wonder if they will make it into one of their new cinemas - i forget the name AXD or something like that - they have em in toronto and apaprently you can reserve a seat! which would be nice and the screens and sound are apparently a lot better

I wonder if we will ever get AMC here - toronto has AMC

Interesting. They do seat reservation in Japan as well. re: 3-D. Ick. Another excuse to tack on a surcharge.

Even those 2-for-1 movie passes force you to pay the surcharge twice. Sheesh, airlines are more reasonable.

[twoNeurons]

Sometimes Tinseltown does get movies not shown @ Scotia, even popular ones, recently I watched Due Date.

Well the first floor of the mall has people, Especially the specialty store, Rexall, the food court, starbucks, and Mcdonalds area.
Also outside a lot more people have been walking in the area.

Only problem I had with it on the weekend before remembrance day, there was a homeless bum on a wheelchair asking for spare change saying "Spare Change for a Canadian Forces War Veteran from Vietnam", I said no sorry I don't Spare change to people who lie, with him yelling some profanities and calling me a "jew" :haha:

Well, NEXT time don't wear your Kippah! Kidding of course. Are there still bums in the area who offer to rap for you?

[mezzanine]

if you haven't read the christmas thread...

temporary retail: german christmas market has been set up at the QE plaza - opens wednesday till dec 24 - sounds cool - put on by germany and locals



I think it's on fire now.....:(

A fire broke out following an explosion in downtown Vancouver minutes before the opening of a Christmas craft fair at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on West Georgia Street, but an alert security guard managed to evacuate the site.

The fire appears to have started when a propane heater set up on a temporary stage for the opening exploded.



Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2010/11/24/bc-vancouver-downtown-fire.html#ixzz16EXrdt8d

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/photos/2010/11/24/fire-queen-elizabeth-theatre.jpg

[SpongeG]

uh oh that's not too good

[SpikePhanta]

Well, NEXT time don't wear your Kippah! Kidding of course. Are there still bums in the area who offer to rap for you?

Haha, I'm not even jewish, the only jewish stereotype characteristic I have is the Curly Hair!

I met a bum last month willing to rap, albeit it was near Pacific Central.

[jlousa]

Winking Judge is applying to increase it's liquor license from 65 to 90, it's filling in the old barbershop that was nextdoor.

[red-paladin]

Winking Judge is applying to increase it's liquor license from 65 to 90, it's filling in the old barbershop that was nextdoor.

It's not true that the Winking Judge's name was a reference to Ujjal Dosanjh is it?
Someone that works at Robson Square told me that.

[officedweller]

There's a sign up next to Commune (Nelson & Seymour @ Level) for "Paul Stirfry - Chopstick House". Ugh.

[SpongeG]

Louis Vuitton has reopened - i walked past on wednesday - looked quite busy and their were checking id or something at the door perhaps an invite only for the re-opening? it was like early afternoon though

anyway they've added two windows to the south side of the store - they look good and bring some light and interest to that part of the driveway and grabs your attention from burrard/robsob

[officedweller]

Future Shop put up some wraps on the atrium of the Robson & Granville building and along Granville on the windows.
Maybe we'll see some more around town due to their familiarity after the Olympics?

[SpongeG]

the old Office depot on broadway has a huge scaffolding tent going on above it and lots of activity at the site

fresh slice is opening up across the street from the uncle fatihs in the international village area, blendz is opening on the corner kitty corner from starbucks - same area

Coach inside the bay looks like it will open soon the boarding is down its shrouded in a black curtain but you can see inside - its very big and bright and the wall surrounding i guess you would call it a wall is really impressive and cool and the whole area is just a coach boutique and nothing else

[jlousa]

I'm not sure if Blenz is opening there or if they are just advertising the availability of a franchise for that location as I haven't seen any construction take place.

[SpongeG]

yah it said franchise available but from past places i have seen that poster at a place it usually opens up pretty soon after

[hollywoodnorth]

I'm not sure if Blenz is opening there or if they are just advertising the availability of a franchise for that location as I haven't seen any construction take place.

ya Blenz is NOT moving in the there unit is still for Lease

[SpikePhanta]

I think its just that Blenz is selling the area rights to a potential franchise owner.
I know a lot of bc food franchises that do that.

[SpongeG]

caya is opening another store - this one in gastown - across from where koolhaus used to be - lots of stuff opening down there - that old koolhaus shouldn't be empty for long

[VancouverguyDowntown]

The new Coach store at The Bay downtown is beautiful... marble floors and such. It's over 3,000 square feet, and The Bay's accessories manager says it's the largest Coach shop-in-store in North America. He says The Bay is looking at bringing in other shops-in-store into The Bay in downtown Vancouver, but that no further names have yet been confirmed. The rumours of Chanel and Vuitton shops in the Bay in Toronto are also incorrect, he confirms. He gave a nod to the notion that a Kate Spade shop might open at some point in the future, though that isn't in any way finalized.

The opening party for the new Louis Vuitton Maison will be December 8th, and is by invitation only :(

[SpongeG]

what i could see of the coach store looked great i loved the walls they have

[wrenegade]

Vancouver's first HP Store opens tomorrow in 1166 Alberni (next to the new A&W).

[LotusLand]

Blenz is moving into international village. Also next to Escada

[Yume-sama]

Vancouver's first HP Store opens tomorrow in 1166 Alberni (next to the new A&W).

lol that's becoming as ubiquitous as saying "beside the Starbucks" :yes:

I do wonder how an HP store could do? I'd be more interested in a "Microsoft" store which concepts have popped up of.

[SpikePhanta]

Blenz is moving into international village. Also next to Escada

Escada Georgia st?

Also HP store looks ok, few computers though,

[SpongeG]

some of their facebook feed... please not the cutoff text is them... not the pasting or me

HP Canada Attention Foursquare users. Check into the HP Vancouver Store and receive a Free retractable Mobile Mouse (limited quanities only and must be in store :)

HP Canada Get up extra early and take advantage of this Saturday’s sweet deals. Get an HP notebook for only $364.99 or a HP Photosmart All-in One Printer for only $44.99. While quantities last.Limit 1 doorcrasher per customer.
There is so much going on this Saturday. For all you music lovers out there, Juno-nominated band, Faber Drive will be at the store on December 4th between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. For all you car enthusi

HP Canada The HP Store is officially open.Be the first to experience a new world of technology. Hurry in this weekend for fabulous doorcrashers, in-store draws and grand opening promotions. The first draw will take place in store today at 4:00pm. Enter for a chance to win one of three fabulous prizes. An HP Photosmart printer, a HP notebook and a Microsoft Office Professional 2010 edition are all up for grabs. Draws wi

HP Canada The HP Store is officially open! Wohoo! The next time you are in the Vancouver area be sure to go check it out. Be the first to experience a new world of technology.

seems they have lots of stores in places like africa, asia, middle east, europe, south america

[Spork]

See any Palm Pre 2 units when you were there?

[SpikePhanta]

Passed by it didn't go inside, it was 4 so they were basically packing up.
Also I have a feeling the store might be robbed....
The laptops and beats by dr dre are way too close to the windows, the corner store next to it was broken into because the Atm machine was by the window.

[Spork]

Not sure if this has been mentioned before (there is always much discussion about US retailers coming to Vancouver), but a Lowe's is opening in Queensborough at Westminster Hwy and Jardine, approximately.

Source: http://www.newwestcity.ca/council_minutes/1129_10/CWDS%20street%20naming%20tanaka.pdf

[SpongeG]

looks like its going between the casino and walmart - I always thought there or marine drive would be a good spot

[LotusLand]

Escada Georgia st?

Also HP store looks ok, few computers though,

No, Escada's new location on Thurlow

[Yume-sama]

lol I got the list of what will be in stock at the Louis Vuitton "grand opening" one of the items is a $96,000 Christmas Trunk.

You know, for those fancy ornaments from WalMart.

Then there is a $35,000 Wardrobe, and a new Golf Bag for $10,000~

Unfortunately I will be skipping the party :P Through December the store will supposedly be carrying *every* item they make.

[SpikePhanta]

No, Escada's new location on Thurlow

Yeah on Thurlow and Georgia.....

[SpongeG]

Escada has a temporary store on georgia right now in that BC gas building until the spot across from burberry is ready

re LV - its a maison - the first in Canada and they carry the entire range as opposed to limited like other LV stores do or did

[Yume-sama]

Yeah, but they normally wouldn't have a $96,000 trunk sitting on the floor (or in stock) lol

Hope they're providing coasters for their VIP event!

[SpongeG]

probably not but if its a special item one time only thing

my friend lived in a basement suite in east van and there was a storage common type area in the house and there was an old LV trunk sitting down in there - like the old check pattern - so he asked the owners who didn't live there if he could have the trunk and they said sure take it - i don't think they knew it was an antique LV... anyway it wasn't in the best condition but he still managed to sell it for $1200!

it was a nice trunk - but had some water damage at the bottom

[Yume-sama]

Vintage LV trunks can actually sell for quite a lot more than their current ones. LV offers restore services for every product they've ever made in their history, it probably would have been worth it for your friend to pay the restoration fee (which would have actually been quite HIGH, considering it's sent to France :P), and then try to sell it. The trunks are still one of the only items they make that are completely hand-made and stitched.

For a general idea, you can't really buy a new trunk for under $15k

It would be a steal of a deal for someone to pay the $1200 for it and then have it restored!

[SpongeG]

yah it was he got it for free and doesn't have the funds to get it restored so it was like a lottery win to him and the next guy can benefit even more

he wanted to hold onto it but one has to pay rent

[SpikePhanta]

I think one of those old trunks was on PawnStars, I didn't watch the episode but Rick (pawnstore owner) def said he would have bought it and restored it if the profit margins were big enough.

[Yume-sama]

Here is the $96,000 Christmas Trunk at LV Vancouver. I didn't know it *came* with 35 ornaments. Now it's so much more practical!

http://bagbunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/lvchristmaschest.jpg
http://bagbunch.com/louis-vuitton-releases-limited-edition-christmas-chest-with-ornaments/

Apparently only five exist in the World.

Do not expect it to be on public display :P

[SpongeG]

Fast-growing burrito chain to open in downtown Vancouver

Monday, 06 December 2010

Downtown Vancouver residents are getting another option for one of North America’s fastest-growing restaurant concepts: fast and fresh Mexican food.
An Ontario-based Mucho Burrito franchisee is about to open its second B.C. restaurant on Davie Street near Burrard Street. Mucho Burrito franchisee Joe Sangha opened the chain’s first Lower Mainland restaurant in Burnaby in March. (See “Mucho competition sprouts from Chipotle success” – issue 1090; September 14-20.)

“Our Davie Street store should have been open by now, but there’s been delays in the permit process. We should be open by February,” Mucho Burrito president and CEO Alex Rechichi told Business in Vancouver Friday.

Other planned Mucho Burrito openings in B.C. in 2011 are set for Victoria, Vernon, Kelowna, North Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey and Vancouver, Rechichi said.

Franchisees of the chain are intending to cash in on the recent upswing in demand for upscale fresh Mexican fast food chain Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG). The McDonald’s Corp. (NYSE:MCD) spinoff chain’s stock price has zoomed 167% since the beginning of 2010 and closed at US$235.95 on December 3.

All Chipotle stores are in the U.S., except for two locations in Toronto.

...

http://www.bivinteractive.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3467&Itemid=46

[giallo]

Judging by the menu and reviews, Mucho Burrito looks ok. I think it'll have a hard time competing with LA-based Chronic Taco which seems to be the new Mexican fast food darling of Vancouver.

I'm not a big fast food chain guy, but I'd love to see a Chipotle's in Vancouver.

[hollywoodnorth]

Judging by the menu and reviews, Mucho Burrito looks ok. I think it'll have a hard time competing with LA-based Chronic Taco which seems to be the new Mexican fast food darling of Vancouver.

I'm not a big fast food chain guy, but I'd love to see a Chipotle's in Vancouver.

Chipotle! YES PLEASE :)

[SpongeG]

there is a Tim Hortons/Coldstone Creamery opening in Coquitlam on lougheed hwy near the Jysk/Safeway Superstore

[GeeCee]

Yep, in the old Tony Roma's..

[Yume-sama]

We have Mucho Burrito in Calgary. Red Burrito on Robson is honestly a lot better.

[dreambrother808]

:previous:

Agreed. I've been to Mucho Burrito in Edmonton and it really lacks the flavour of Red Burrito.

[giallo]

Not solely pertaining to Vancouver, but it looks like Carl's Jr. has finally invaded Canada, well.....Kelowna. They've taken over the old Burger King on Harvey Ave. I haven't heard any news of the chain in Metro Vancouver. Anyone seen a restaurant anywhere?

If you're not familiar, it's a California chain with decent fast food fare. The jalepano burger and the bacon swiss chicken burger being the stand-outs.

It seems like Kelowna is getting all of these chains as soon as or even before the bigger cities. Driving along Hwy 97 this summer, it's Papa Johns, Fatburger, Eastside Mario's, Montana's, Moxies, Joey's, Arby's, Triple Os, Wendys, Twisted Tomato (I hear the pizza is phenomenal) etc. It looks like Chronic Tacos will open there next year. That's a lot of fast food retail for a small city on one street. I suspect the city's collective waistline won't be so small in the future.

[Yume-sama]

Good. I always feel somewhat self conscious at their beaches :P

Eat away!

[NetMapel]

So the new LV store in Vancouver will apparently be Canada's biggest, eh ? Is this LV's Canadian flagship store then ?

[SpongeG]

its a "Louis Vuitton Maison" the only one in Canada - so far - toronto will probably get the maison and be bigger and grander soon enough

[SpongeG]

I was looking at the movie schedule for tinseltown now that its cineplex - seems they are a little more blockbuster types - they have some of the arty stuff at paramount (like the kings speach) and some of the big openers at tinseltown (like the tourist)

seems a good mix at both

[quobobo]

No link, but I heard that Meinhardt is going out of business. It's a shame, South Granville is already a bit of a dead zone for groceries.

[osirisboy]

No link, but I heard that Meinhardt is going out of business. It's a shame, South Granville is already a bit of a dead zone for groceries.

where did you hear this from?

[quobobo]

A friend who works with one of their competitors (pricey small food store chain local to the Lower Mainland, don't want to name names). Hopefully they're wrong.

[sacrifice333]

A friend who works with one of their competitors (pricey small food store chain local to the Lower Mainland, don't want to name names). Hopefully they're wrong.

Hope that's false.

Though they've just added their Kinds Produce deal to their Arbutus store, so would seem to not make sense.

Maybe you're just referring to their Granville location. Also would be a shame.

Great breakfast sandwiches BTW!

[SpongeG]

I was at meinhardt on arbutus about two weeks ago around 6 pm on a weekday, you would think its prime time for people getting some last minute dinner on the way home from work and the store was dead more staff than customers

most of the stuff is overpriced and a lot of it is easily found at superstore at a much cheaper price

[officedweller]

That would be a shame, Urban Fare seems to be dong well though - but downtown.

[wrenegade]

That would be a shame, Urban Fare seems to be dong well though - but downtown.

Really only the Yaletown location does well. It carries Coal Harbour and Shangri-La. I'm sure the Olympic Village one will take them back into the red, at least temporarily.

[SpikePhanta]

Really only the Yaletown location does well. It carries Coal Harbour and Shangri-La. I'm sure the Olympic Village one will take them back into the red, at least temporarily.

Shangri-la seems like its starting to pick up the pace.
Great spot for lunch for many office workers.

The Coal Harbour one mostly has the locals, or the dailys, people who come in and sit everyday with a coffee.

[hollywoodnorth]

the Freshslice is now open on Abbott in International Village!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1360.snc4/163209_10150334994720066_687880065_16039419_5157612_n.jpg
my pic on FB.com

also to note the Uncle Fatis will open next month across the street along with another location @ The Rise on 8th & Cambie beside the TD Bank opposite Wendy's

[hollywoodnorth]

Shangri-la seems like its starting to pick up the pace.
Great spot for lunch for many office workers.

The Coal Harbour one mostly has the locals, or the dailys, people who come in and sit everyday with a coffee.

ya the Shangri-La one is picking up steam and the lunch seating there is at capacity.

I think the one at the OV will do OK from people in the outside the OV area. Citygate residents for example will flock there IMHO. I sure will ;) Let alone all the business's on the slops will have a nice place to eat lunch at much like the downtown location.

[SpikePhanta]

Passed by the Fresh Slice today....
emmmpttyyy, maybe they'll do an event like they did on commercial drive with the beat. Fresh Slice is one of my favorites, does this location do delivery?


ya the Shangri-La one is picking up steam and the lunch seating there is at capacity.

I think the one at the OV will do OK from people in the outside the OV area. Citygate residents for example will flock there IMHO. I sure will ;) Let alone all the business's on the slops will have a nice place to eat lunch at much like the downtown location.

Yea, most interesting thing to see is if Urban Fare and Whole foods can compete with eachother.

[Spork]

Definitely not groundbreaking news, but reasonably interesting.

If you remember the addition to Columbia Plaza along Columbia St. in New Westminster, it seems to have really worked for that mall. Since building the additional buildings, vacancy has dropped substantially. The addition took on De Dutch, Starbucks, Subway, BMO, TD, and Pharmasave. Whereas the vacant spaces in the preexisting part of the mall have added a Bosley's (coming), hearing place, dentist, fabricland, laundromat (coming), and some other unit being worked on. A tanning salon and workout place have closed.

Very interesting that a highly vacant place can be brought back to life with even more space!

[SpongeG]

they should do okay on game days make up for the slow days - that pita place looks like it does a good business on game days

[SpikePhanta]

Definitely not groundbreaking news, but reasonably interesting.

If you remember the addition to Columbia Plaza along Columbia St. in New Westminster, it seems to have really worked for that mall. Since building the additional buildings, vacancy has dropped substantially. The addition took on De Dutch, Starbucks, Subway, BMO, TD, and Pharmasave. Whereas the vacant spaces in the preexisting part of the mall have added a Bosley's (coming), hearing place, dentist, fabricland, laundromat (coming), and some other unit being worked on. A tanning salon and workout place have closed.

Very interesting that a highly vacant place can be brought back to life with even more space!
I love how the Downtown New West area is much more vibrant now, compared to a few years ago, And my fear for safety in the area is now non existant (compared to being robbed a few years ago)


they should do okay on game days make up for the slow days - that pita place looks like it does a good business on game days
The Pita Place does well on non game days as well. Costco does well when its open. The cupcakes place doesn't seem to attracting many people. Also a huge portion of the building in the cul de sac where T&T is located is empty.

[SpongeG]

I walked past that new Bread And Meat shop across from Victory Square today around 12:30 and it was packed and even had people waiting outside, seems like a hit and the clientele seemed older professionals

has anyone tried it?

[SpongeG]

also - the mac renovation at the bay downtown is done and they have replaced the window display with the mac store so it brings a lot of life to that corner the people in the store doing their thing - they makeup chairs are set up right in the window really creates some interesting activity and relationship between the street and the store

[Porfiry]

I walked past that new Bread And Meat shop across from Victory Square today around 12:30 and it was packed and even had people waiting outside, seems like a hit and the clientele seemed older professionals

has anyone tried it?

Yup, I tried their lamb sandwich two days ago, and it was great. I love the concept - focus on 3 or 4 menu items and execute really well (it actually feels very San Franciscan). The atmosphere is great also, casual yet deliberately designed. The city needs more places like this.

[jlousa]

Been there a handful of times, think I've had everything on their menu at least once. Their soups are quite good as well. They have a really cool bacon flavoured ice cream sandwich, it actually tastes good, although I find it best to share as it's too much.

[Skook]

Meat and Bread is great - been there a couple of times already. Wish they were open Sundays and for dinner.

[SpongeG]

i just read this one facebook about meinhardts

Meinhardt Fine Foods on South Granville Alive and Well | South Granville
southgranville.info
It is being miscommunicated and falsely reported online throughout Social Media in the Lower Mainland, that Meinhardt Fine Foods, 3002 Granville Street, on South Granville will be closing. It is important to report that this viable and important business to our neighbourhood is in fact not closing.

[AdrianT]

The old Rona location between Bridgeport and Sea Island Way in Richmond has turned into a Liquidation World. It's called LW Everybody's Outlet store and I didn't figure out the LW until someone told me it was Liquidation World.

[quobobo]

i just read this one facebook about meinhardts

Good to know, Granville really needs that store. Unfortunately the Arbutus location is closing:

Meinhardt, the high-end Vancouver grocery store that was open long before the likes of Urban Fare and Whole Foods, is closing their Arbutus Street location.

The closure is a bit of surprise, since the retailer recently added a Kin’s Farm Market produce section to the store. It’s also the larger of the two locations (the other location being in South Granville). The Arbutus location is closing Christmas Eve, December 24.

http://www.vancouverhoods.com/south-granville/meinhardt-arbutus-location-closed/

[hollywoodnorth]

interetsing to see Caya open a 2nd location

Telus Caya mobile boutique opening in Gastown
http://www.vancouverhoods.com/gastown/telusowned-caya-cell-phone-boutique-opening-gastown/

[hollywoodnorth]

pics of the newly open Legacy Liquor Store in the OV >>

http://www.vancouverhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/outside-legacy-liquor.jpg
pic from vancouverhoods.com/hosted there also
http://www.vancouverhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/inside-legacy-liquor.jpg
pic from vancouverhoods.com/hosted there also

[hollywoodnorth]

New Coach boutique opening soon in the Bay
http://www.vancouverhoods.com/downtown/coach-boutique-opening-bay-downtown/

New BIA coming to Downtown Eastside
http://www.vancouverhoods.com/dtes/bia-coming-downtown-eastside/

[SpongeG]

the coach boutique is already open - its very nice and was quite busy when i went by yesterday

[SpongeG]

NCIX is opening a location in Coquitlam - not sure where or when - just saw a job posting for a new location to be located in Coquitlam - perhaps in henderson place?

[xd_1771]

NCIX is opening a location in Coquitlam - not sure where or when - just saw a job posting for a new location to be located in Coquitlam - perhaps in henderson place?

There's another new one in Richmond as well, in the complex @ Sea Island Way where Compu2000 used to be (they moved into Aberdeen). Apparently this store focuses more on the home-theatre department and the Aberdeen store will remain open, probably for most major pickups.

NCIX seems to be on a roll lately with expansion... if all goes well I don't see how an NCIX in Surrey near where I live is too far on the horizon :tup: perhaps if that commercial complex on the NE corner 104th & 156th ever goes through they'll put it there... then it'd be blocks from my house :haha:

[GeeCee]

NCIX is opening a location in Coquitlam - not sure where or when - just saw a job posting for a new location to be located in Coquitlam - perhaps in henderson place?

!!!

Awesome! Somehow I doubt Henderson Place.. though that really big vacant street-facing spot might work well for them.

Edit: it's in the new condo buildings by Coquitlam Center.

http://www.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=the+high+street+and+northern+ave,+coquitlam&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=24.913014,86.572266&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=The+High+St+%26+Northern+Ave,+Coquitlam,+Greater+Vancouver+Regional+District,+British+Columbia&ll=49.280768,-122.796121&spn=0.01229,0.042272&z=15&iwloc=A

http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/3653/photo0013g.jpg

[SpongeG]

ah okay good spot

[NewfBC]

There's another new one in Richmond as well, in the complex @ Sea Island Way where Compu2000 used to be (they moved into Aberdeen). Apparently this store focuses more on the home-theatre department and the Aberdeen store will remain open, probably for most major pickups.

NCIX seems to be on a roll lately with expansion... if all goes well I don't see how an NCIX in Surrey near where I live is too far on the horizon :tup: perhaps if that commercial complex on the NE corner 104th & 156th ever goes through they'll put it there... then it'd be blocks from my house :haha:

Are you thinking of Memory Express?
http://www.memoryexpress.com/CompanyInfo/StoreLocations.aspx#Richmond

That's not NCIX!

Ron.

[whatnext]

I had a chance to check out the Liquidation World on Bridgeport in the old RONA location. Pretty disappointing stuff in terms of merchandise.

[Conrad Yablonski]

Good to know, Granville really needs that store. Unfortunately the Arbutus location is closing


That store is a ghost town far too expensive and staff are bored to tears, snarling at everyone, it's something of a nightmare.

Since Buy Low left that location's been so many things but none lasted.

As to the Granville St store there's always a bad smell on the deli side like meat juices have soaked into the floorboards.

It's an old building I remember it as an A&P back in the day.

[SpongeG]

I wonder what they could put in the arbutus location and make it last - trader joes would be amazing there but they aren't coming to canada ever