[SpongeG]

the awnings at the entrances are said to be replicas of the original grand entrance awnings so they aren't going to be more obtrusive

[dreambrother808]

Nothing funky or undulating, but rather classy and traditional with a modern freshness. What is shown in the render is quite appropriate. Tonight while walking by I was wondering if some of the terracotta removal was for new signage. :shrug:

[officedweller]

It could also be that the later addition to the building - the north wing - will get a different awning treatment (i.e. continuous) since it doesn't have a "traditional" entrance like the older sections do. The only entrance in that wing is at the corner near Gothams, but that entrance has been closed for a few years.

[Conrad Yablonski]

New owners save Book Warehouse from extinction

Flagship Broadway location will retain name, stay open

Read more: http://www.vancourier.com/business/owners+save+Book+Warehouse+from+extinction/6676949/story.html
Thanks for posting this Great News! :banana: :cheers:

[VancouverguyDowntown]

I noticed this blog post mentioning that Saks could move into Pacific Centre?

http://www.retail-insider.com/2012/05/saks-fifth-avenue-looking-for-canadian.html

"A Toronto-based commercial real estate broker has confirmed that his/her company has been retained to investigate, locate and negotiate with Canadian landlords, including Sears Canada, for one or more potential Saks Fifth Avenue stores. Saks is also said to be 'feeling out' the market, recognizing the strength of homegrown Holt Renfrew and the possible entry of Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's (via The Hudson's Bay Company) into the Canadian retail market.

Saks Fifth Avenue is searching for 'ideal' sized retail footprints, generally between 110,000 and 180,000 square feet. Nordstrom has been trying to locate similarly large stores between 135,000 and 220,000 square feet.

This broker notes that Saks would ideally like locations in Toronto (Eaton Centre and/or Bloor Street and Yorkdale Shopping Centre), Chinook Centre in Calgary, and Pacific Centre in Vancouver, BC. We had initially reported that Nordstrom had been in negotiation for these Sears locations. Saks' interest could mean the delay or elimination of Nordstrom's efforts to move into Canada."

[SpongeG]

Nordstrom would be better than Saks, I feel like I can't even walk into Saks

[Van23H]

Saks would be great, but I would not trust that blog as they don't have many credible sources and often just take info from this thread... so pretty much they are no better than Vancity Buzz, who drive me insane with the amount they take from the ssp thread and don't source.

[officedweller]

Saks has been closing stores, hasn't it?
It closed its downtown Portland store a year or two ago.

Portland just has a "Saks Off 5th" store at Bridgeport Village (which is a great place to buy suits if you are down that way and they have a 40% off sale (and no sales tax)). I wouldn't mind seeing an Off 5th store - but those aren't generally downtown stores I don't think.
(Although Nordstrom moved its Rack store to Westlake Centre a few months ago - across the street from the main Seattle store)

[etceteraism]

Not sure if it has been mentioned here yet (I tried searching but didn't find any results), but West Elm (sister store of Williams-Sonoma & Pottery Barn) will be opening in the old Shoppers Drug Mart space on South Granville in September. I just happened to at the Belltown location in Seattle yesterday and was speaking with one of the guys there who is moving up to Vancouver to open the store.

Hmm I still think it's a little bit small for a West Elm-but I'm happy to hear! I drive past every day and noticed a couple of weeks ago that the storefront had been painted "West Elm grey"-so I had a hunch!

[Conrad Yablonski]

The large retail space on Hornby @ Nelson (888 Nelson) is going to be a Royal Bank-the branch now on the NE corner of Nelson & Howe is moving.

[mrjauk]

Honestly, we use to have 4 or 5 Japanese book stores in Metro-Van, now we are going to have none! Why do we seem to be losing diversity / flavour in our retail market all the time?

Three words: decreasing disposable income.

[memememe76]

It's not like English-language book stores are thriving these days. I think it has more to do with the fact that the business involves books rather than the fact that the business is Japanese.

[204]

I went to Uniqlo for the first time last week and it really is a great shop. It just opened recently here in Tangshan, China. Kind of a bummer that some random Chinese city gets one before Vancouver. Hopefully they start expanding more in North America soon.

I must say, its really insane how many malls there are being built here. There's like a chain of mall/residential/office? complexes called Wanda Plaza and they're being built all over China. And each of the malls is at least as big as metrotown.

Good article here about China's Addiction To Construction (http://seekingalpha.com/article/618171-china-s-addiction-to-construction).

"The shopping malls are being built, but there are no shops or customers in them. Large stadiums are being built, but there are no teams to play sports in them. Highways are being built, but they lead to nowhere and have no traffic on them. Apartment blocks are being built, but they have near zero demand. Hospitals are being built with no doctors and nurses in them. Schools are being built with no students or teachers in them. China is building things just for the sake of it."

[officedweller]

Pic by me today:

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/1812/img2012052900480.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/832/img2012052900480.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[Darren Tate]

:previous: Yay! Finally!

[dreambrother808]

A Splendid, from California, is opening in PC beside Hollister and an Ever New, from Australia, is opening beside La Senza.

[SpongeG]

is it forever new?

http://www.forevernew.com.au/

[ryanmaccdn]

I was wondering that too - the parts removed on Seymour do look like they are for cable stays - but the rendering for the TopShop/TopMan awnings don't show cable stays.

Also, on the Georgia side, the part of the pilaster being removed is the medallion at the top - which isn't suitable for a cable stay if there are separate awnings for each display window since they'd be angled (it would only work if there was a continuous awning). The parts removed on the Seymour side are different places, though.

Unless the awning design is different on different sides...

The odd thing is - why install an awning that is more intrusive to the original facade? Why not install a funky glass awning (i.e. undulating) using the existing, massive I-beams?

Also I recall reading that The Bay retained a professional terra cotta restoration firm for the work done before the olympics - so hopefully this reno will be consistent with that.

I think the Render shows a great design.... I definitely pulls a throw back to the original design period and also merges in a newer look.

I think a full glass set up would really feel out of place... and is so a-typical of Vancouver.

Also I'm over joyed that these awnings don't fully block the elements so it will be less convenient for bums to sleep/shit next to the building as they please.

The Seymour side is completely rid of the awnings and its amazing how different that who side looks.

Very excited for the expanded windows!

[The_Henry_Man]

Opening in June.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1060476.jpg
pic by Built Form

AWESOME!!! My favourite men's clothing store. When they have massive discounts, their stock is a huge bang for the buck and their style fits my body physique and my age pretty well (mid 20's to mid-30's). I check it out quite often these days whenever I'm at the Mall of America.

[SpongeG]

I think the Render shows a great design.... I definitely pulls a throw back to the original design period and also merges in a newer look.

I think a full glass set up would really feel out of place... and is so a-typical of Vancouver.

Also I'm over joyed that these awnings don't fully block the elements so it will be less convenient for bums to sleep/shit next to the building as they please.

The Seymour side is completely rid of the awnings and its amazing how different that who side looks.

Very excited for the expanded windows!

there will be glass awnings running the length of the store replacing the metal awnings though...

[jsbertram]

Good article here about China's Addiction To Construction (http://seekingalpha.com/article/618171-china-s-addiction-to-construction).

"The shopping malls are being built, but there are no shops or customers in them. Large stadiums are being built, but there are no teams to play sports in them. Highways are being built, but they lead to nowhere and have no traffic on them. Apartment blocks are being built, but they have near zero demand. Hospitals are being built with no doctors and nurses in them. Schools are being built with no students or teachers in them. China is building things just for the sake of it."

This reminds me of an episode of "Yes Minister" from the early 80's in which the Minister discovers that a brand-new hospital has been built and filled with over 500 administrative staff to run the hospital, but it hasn't been opened for patients. The hospital project was started by a previous Minister when times were good but it has taken so long to build that the country is now in a recession. Subsequent Government cutbacks means there isn't a budget to hire any medical staff for the Hospital. A suggestion that the redundant administrative staff should be let go & the hospital closed results in a union threat to have a general strike at every hospital in the country.

Meanwhile the hospital administrative staff are 'performing their jobs admirably' and achieving the highest efficiency ratings of any hospital in the country.


It seems sino-reality has caught up with the best of British comedic-satire fiction.

[officedweller]

there will be glass awnings running the length of the store replacing the metal awnings though...

Do you have a source (ie. inside contact) who has confirmed that?
The TopShop/TopMan render shows individual glass awning for each window - so we'll have to see what gets built.

I'm also wondering about the north wing, as the blank walls above the windows on that side look like they are too tall to be fully opened up. It would be interesting if they do install a different canopy - i.e. for a Bloomingdales

*********

Signage is up on the old Pacific Centre Mexx location (facing the Canada Line entrance) for... American Eagle Outfitters.

*********

Cashier at Homsense Park Royal told me that a Marshalls will open later this year on Marine Drive (North Vancouver) near Wal-Mart. She said there would be about 5 stores in the Vancouver area. Anyone know if that could be on the ground floor of one of those condo buildings? Or is there already built big box space near the PriceSmart/Bed Bath Beyond?

*********

Urban Fare False Creek store will open on Friday June 8 at 4pm (4:30 ribbon cutting) (confirmed by source at Great Pacific)

*********

[BodomReaper]

This reminds me of an episode of "Yes Minister" from the early 80's in which the Minister discovers that a brand-new hospital has been built and filled with over 500 administrative staff to run the hospital, but it hasn't been opened for patients. The hospital project was started by a previous Minister when times were good but it has taken so long to build that the country is now in a recession. Subsequent Government cutbacks means there isn't a budget to hire any medical staff for the Hospital.

Meanwhile the hospital administrative staff are 'performing their jobs admirably' and achieving the highest efficiency ratings of any hospital in the country.


It seems sino-reality has caught up with comedic-fiction.


:cheers: You beat me to it! That Yes Minister episode was the very first thing that came to mind upon reading that article.

[jsbertram]

:cheers: You beat me to it! That Yes Minister episode was the very first thing that came to mind upon reading that article.

I just read on a Yes Minister FAQ page that the fully-staffed hospital episode was complete fiction when the script was written.

After the show aired, it was discovered there were actually about a half dozen hospitals (or new hospital wings) in that same situation around Britain. New buildings filled with administrative staff but no medical staff, and therefore not open to the public. And the unions blocked any attempts at downsizing that staff or closing the buildings.

[SpongeG]

Do you have a source (ie. inside contact) who has confirmed that?
The TopShop/TopMan render shows individual glass awning for each window - so we'll have to see what gets built.

I'm also wondering about the north wing, as the blank walls above the windows on that side look like they are too tall to be fully opened up. It would be interesting if they do install a different canopy - i.e. for a Bloomingdales

*********

Signage is up on the old Pacific Centre Mexx location (facing the Canada Line entrance) for... American Eagle Outfitters.

*********

Cashier at Homsense Park Royal told me that a Marshalls will open later this year on Marine Drive (North Vancouver) near Wal-Mart. She said there would be about 5 stores in the Vancouver area. Anyone know if that could be on the ground floor of one of those condo buildings? Or is there already built big box space near the PriceSmart/Bed Bath Beyond?

*********

Urban Fare False Creek store will open on Friday June 8 at 4pm (4:30 ribbon cutting) (confirmed by source at Great Pacific)

*********

I read about the glass awning in this thread :shrug: its in here somewhere - thats my source

[SpongeG]

Value Village is opening a store in Coquitlam on united blvd in the old liquidation world spot

[Built Form]

We all knew Starbucks was closing at Thurlow and Robson but White Spot closed as well for the same reasons. Letter on the door said they couldn't secure a long term lease.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1070079.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1070081.jpg


Also a new 7-11 is opening at 982 Granville near Nelson.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1070083.jpg
all pix by Built Form

[sacrifice333]

We all knew Starbucks was closing at Thurlow and Robson but White Spot closed as well for the same reasons. Letter on the door said they couldn't secure a long term lease.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1070079.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1070081.jpg


Oh wow, all the while I thought it was the older building across the street that wanted the demo clause.

This building isn't that old... and they couldn't get that much more square footage out of the space with the Robson St height restrictions, could they?

[WarrenC12]

Oh wow, all the while I thought it was the older building across the street that wanted the demo clause.

This building isn't that old... and they couldn't get that much more square footage out of the space with the Robson St height restrictions, could they?

Does anybody know who the landlord/owner is? Seems weird to demand lease conditions that obviously healthy companies can't meet. They either know something we don't, or they are greedy morons. :koko:

[dreambrother808]

In the larger space beside the new 7-11 there is a sign requesting a transfer of the liquor license from Hosteling International, down the street.

[Denscity]

That new 7eleven on granville is going to be 2 storeys. Ive never seen a multi floor 7eleven before.

[mezzanine]

Does anybody know who the landlord/owner is? Seems weird to demand lease conditions that obviously healthy companies can't meet. They either know something we don't, or they are greedy morons. :koko:

IIRC, in addition to a higher rent, the landlord also asked for a demolition clause. I would like to see a 3-4 story development there.

Another sticking point was the notice provision. The owners wanted to be able to evict Starbucks with one-month's notice if it decided to demolish the building and redevelop the site

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2012/04/30/bc-kitty-corner-starbucks-closes.html

[SpongeG]

Oh wow, all the while I thought it was the older building across the street that wanted the demo clause.

This building isn't that old... and they couldn't get that much more square footage out of the space with the Robson St height restrictions, could they?

the other building with the apartments is a heritage building it won't be going anywhere ever

[Metro-One]

Honestly, the land lord must be very greedy.

Talk about artificially creating another huge void on Robson street...

And i personally like that building, and feel it fits the area just fine and does not need to be replaced anytime soon.

[wrenegade]

Does anybody know who the landlord/owner is? Seems weird to demand lease conditions that obviously healthy companies can't meet. They either know something we don't, or they are greedy morons. :koko:

Yes, I know the landlord. It is common for him to ask for demos clauses in his leases, whether he intends to knock the building down or not. Sort of a "just in case" type of thing. As for the rent, he clearly thinks the building is worth more than what Starbucks or Whitespot Triple Os wanted to pay (both likely wanted a reduction in rent from previous leases). I know Starbucks has a more disciplined corporate culture when it comes to signing leases nowadays and won't pay above certain thresholds (area-dependent) and won't sign leases with demos clauses anymore. They were clearly bitten in the ass by over expansion in the lead up to the correction in 2007/2008 and have learned from it. Either way this location no longer meets their qualifications.

[204]

Also a new 7-11 is opening at 982 Granville near Nelson.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f58/hirtus1/P1070083.jpg
all pix by Built Form

Great! Now I pass by three 7-11s on my (not particularly long) walk to work.

[vanman]

In the larger space beside the new 7-11 there is a sign requesting a transfer of the liquor license from Hosteling International, down the street.

Hopefully it goes through. That prime unit has been vacant for way too long.
Also good news about that 7-11, although it is gonna be quite the gong show most nights.

[SpongeG]

will serve the bar crowd well

[Built Form]

I am disappointed with the new 7-11 signage. Although there will be neon in it they missed an opportunity to create something larger and flashier to suit Granville. Even the sign at Granville and Drake is far better.
-----
The new Rogers store has finally opened at Davie and Jervis. They've taken a page from Apple in it's execution.

http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/983229/rogers-unveils-innovative-new-retail-store-design-in-vancouver

[sacrifice333]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/550926_10151757498635117_44723820116_24204650_760964156_n.jpg

Source (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151757498635117&set=a.194595945116.255502.44723820116&type=1&theater).

[Conrad Yablonski]

Urban Fare False Creek store will open on Friday June 8 at 4pm...
What that area really needs is London Drugs-and I note they are being very cagey since their announcement of the opening delay.

Spent some time talking with a manager @ one of their other stores and she was adamant that nothing was going to happen until False Creek was substantially occupied-whatever that means.

Can't remember the number she quoted but I gathered they felt burned opening on Hastings St in a relatively empty building/retail dead zone.

[SpongeG]

the london drugs at woodwards when i have been to has been pretty much empty, the staff easily outnumber customers, the last time i was there was around 11 am on a weekday

[Porfiry]

What that area really needs is London Drugs-and I note they are being very cagey since their announcement of the opening delay.

Why do they "need" a London Drugs when there's a large one a stone's throw away at Broadway & Cambie? A smaller format drug store / convenience store would probably be better suited to that area.

[Conrad Yablonski]

Why do they "need" a London Drugs when there's a large one a stone's throw away at Broadway & Cambie?
Try dragging two little kids-one in a stroller-up that hill in dirty winter weather.

I can't believe I actually have to point things like this out to people.

[sacrifice333]

What that area really needs is London Drugs-and I note they are being very cagey since their announcement of the opening delay.

Spent some time talking with a manager @ one of their other stores and she was adamant that nothing was going to happen until False Creek was substantially occupied-whatever that means.

Can't remember the number she quoted but I gathered they felt burned opening on Hastings St in a relatively empty building/retail dead zone.

The funny thing is there was never really any question as to if London Drugs was going to open. Urban Fare and the Mark James Group were the only tenants who actually "pulled out". Now, as is obvious, UF is about to open, arguably under much better terms than previous, and LD is the laggard. :shrug:

The area is obviously not yet built out. But The Village is substantially occupied and another 500 units will be occupied in 2013 Q1, with the units of James and Maynards coming on stream before that. Which makes no mention of the second Pinnacle project, Opsal, Central, Meccanica, Lido, West, the Concord proposal, Pinnacle Living 3,4,&5, etc.

[memememe76]

Yaletown doesn't have a London Drugs right within it and it still somehow survives.

Olympic Village may be the only condo development in all of Vancouver that does not have a Starbucks and/or sushi joint, lol.

I don't know why, but I always find Olympic Village so isolated from everything, even if the distance is not that far. I always end up thinking how far I have to walk to McDonald's, the Main Skytrain Station, the Gelato Place, or, heck, even Science World.

[Pinion]

That's insane. It's so close to everything, and has its own Canada line station if the short walk to Main is too far for you.

[NewfBC]

Try dragging two little kids-one in a stroller-up that hill in dirty winter weather.

I can't believe I actually have to point things like this out to people.

Take the Canada Line.

Ron.

[SpongeG]

there is no canada line at the village

anyway i bet shoppers or rexhall will move-in in the area before london drugs opens

[whatnext]

Try dragging two little kids-one in a stroller-up that hill in dirty winter weather.

I can't believe I actually have to point things like this out to people.

Indeed, its like saying there's a London Drugs at Granville & Georgia so why do they need one on Davie or Robson. :rolleyes:

[subdude]

I am disappointed with the new 7-11 signage. Although there will be neon in it they missed an opportunity to create something larger and flashier to suit Granville. Even the sign at Granville and Drake is far better.
-----
The new Rogers store has finally opened at Davie and Jervis. They've taken a page from Apple in it's execution.

http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/983229/rogers-unveils-innovative-new-retail-store-design-in-vancouver

http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120530_C3961_PHOTO_EN_14351.jpg

[s211]

Try dragging two little kids-one in a stroller-up that hill in dirty winter weather.

I can't believe I actually have to point things like this out to people.

Believe it. Same goes for wheelchairs. Armchair internet hipsters need to get out more.

[Porfiry]

Believe it. Same goes for wheelchairs. Armchair internet hipsters need to get out more.

Oh please.

In Vancouver the average population base per London Drugs store is 60,000+. In Richmond, it's 95,000+. In Calgary, it's 137,000+. At full build-out, SEFC will only have 12,000-16,000 residents. By the numbers alone, this location should underperform, especially when there's a larger and better-stocked store in a stronger retail zone all of 2 minutes away.

[Conrad Yablonski]

In Vancouver the average population base per London Drugs store is 60,000+. In Richmond, it's 95,000+. In Calgary, it's 137,000+. At full build-out, SEFC will only have 12,000-16,000 residents. By the numbers alone, this location should underperform, especially when there's a larger and better-stocked store in a stronger retail zone all of 2 minutes away.
Lies, damned lies and statistics.

[whatnext]

Oh please.

In Vancouver the average population base per London Drugs store is 60,000+. In Richmond, it's 95,000+. In Calgary, it's 137,000+. At full build-out, SEFC will only have 12,000-16,000 residents. By the numbers alone, this location should underperform, especially when there's a larger and better-stocked store in a stronger retail zone all of 2 minutes away.

Using that rationale, there wouldn't be any retail at all in the OV.

[s211]

Oh please.

Nice to see you check your compassion at the door when you log on.

[Porfiry]

Nice to see you check your compassion at the door when you log on.

I understand that everyone wants the world at their door, but get real. Wants are not needs. The simple fact is that, as far as London Drugs is concerned, SEFC will be comparatively over-served relative to its population (having two stores within a mere 2 minute drive).

As I said before, the one at Broadway is larger, better served by transit, and has more pedestrian traffic drawn in by flanking retailers. Therefore my prediction is that it will be a better performing business than the one in SEFC.

[phesto]

FWIW, the Cambie/Broadway LD is consistently one of their top grossing store locations anywhere.

[s211]

I understand that everyone wants the world at their door, but get real. Wants are not needs. The simple fact is that, as far as London Drugs is concerned, SEFC will be comparatively over-served relative to its population (having two stores within a mere 2 minute drive).

As I said before, the one at Broadway is larger, better served by transit, and has more pedestrian traffic drawn in by flanking retailers. Therefore my prediction is that it will be a better performing business than the one in SEFC.

Get it through your thick head. I'm not talking about real estate inventory. I'm talking about physical accessibility. It's your "oh please" response to my original post that's offensive.

[Porfiry]

Get it through your thick head. I'm not talking about real estate inventory. I'm talking about physical accessibility. It's your "oh please" response to my original post that's offensive.

Oh please.

I was responding to that little bit you casually threw in about how "armchair internet hipsters need to get out more".

If you're going to throw around insults instead of formulating a clear counter-argument, you're damned right I'm going to be dismissive towards you.

[officedweller]

Leasehold improcvements ARE being installed at the Olympic Village LD - a friend of mine who lives in the building said they start making noise early each day.

I think the comments about proximity of the various LD stores is because they are really "big box" stores and generally big box stores are widely spaced apart since the serve larger market areas. The older stores like Robson and Davie are smaller more neighbourhood-ish stores and even the Granville & Georgia one replaced a tiny one that used to be further north on Granville (where "Joe" store is now located). So what we see now is a mix of smaller stores and larger stores - that may create some redundancy in their market coverage.

The Canadian Tire Vancouver franchises also changed its strategy by switching from small stores to fewer larger stores. i.e. the larger Cambie & 7th store replaced both the small store at Cambie & 7th and the one at 1st & Burrard (where Atmosphere is now located).

Also, supermarket spacing follows similar trends. The markets for larger supermarkets are fairly built out - so there appears to be an emphasis on smaller supermarkets that don't need such a large customer base.

[NewfBC]

Oh please.

In Vancouver the average population base per London Drugs store is 60,000+. In Richmond, it's 95,000+. In Calgary, it's 137,000+. At full build-out, SEFC will only have 12,000-16,000 residents. By the numbers alone, this location should underperform, especially when there's a larger and better-stocked store in a stronger retail zone all of 2 minutes away.

There are 4 London Drugs downtown (counting Hastings). I don't think the population is 240000+.

Ron.

[SpongeG]

all those retail spaces in the bay skytrain walkway - are becoming a food thing - it looks like the old food/deli counter type place that was inside the bay is moving over there maybe - but the name seems different but same type of thing it looks like - either way some kind of place to grab food is moving in there

[ryanmaccdn]

all those retail spaces in the bay skytrain walkway - are becoming a food thing - it looks like the old food/deli counter type place that was inside the bay is moving over there maybe - but the name seems different but same type of thing it looks like - either way some kind of place to grab food is moving in there

Looks like it will be a duplicate of the one Queen street Toronto has... sorta a market deli type vibe... with salads/sandwiches, ect. Think grab and go and quick business lunch type stuff.

Far better improvement then what the Bay currently offered.

[Conrad Yablonski]

Stopped by the Urban Fare opening tonight-a good sized store full of the usual poseurs and sullen Staff.

A sign on the London Drugs location says Opening August 31 IIRC.

[officedweller]

I popped in too - some of the sale produce was priced well. Strange that the checkouts are blocked off by a produce display - I couldn't see them when i wanted to check-out, but otherwise, the store is more or less a simple rectangle compared to the Yaletown one.

****

The retail/cafe space (with patio) to the south (right) of the Beasley entrance has a "Leased" sign on it.

[s211]

So... the Bay is putting up almost all of its Skytrain level up for lease:

http://www.pbsrealestate.com/ftp/hbcretail.pdf

Interesting...

[officedweller]

That is wild...

So there's a new escalator entrance to the Concourse level where Coach is currently located.

Conceivably, the Concourse and SkyTrain levels could be consolidated for, say, a CityTarget.
I can't see the blue area being workable unless they install their own set of escalators between the SkyTrain and Concourse levels - otherwise customers leaving the SkyTrain level end up in TopShop.

Guess the Bloomingdales deal fell through - OR - the basement is not suitable for Bloomingdales....

ALSO - that render on the first page DOES show a continuous glass awning with cable stays angling out from the locations of the removed terra cotta panels - at least for the Georgia side and a bit around the corner. Mystery solved.

***********

Also - there's a sign up at the Library Square McDonald's that it closes permanently on June 16th and the new TV Towers location is "Opening Soon" (no date). A sign was installed below the awning for the TV Towers location a few days ago. Hopefully the golden arches will be installed above the awning.

[officedweller]

YVR - McArthurGlen outlet mall finally officially announced:

http://www.richmond-news.com/Airport+cements+designer+outlet+deal/6789623/story.html

**********

Memphis Blues sign has been erected at the L'Atelier location on Robson.

The crepe place on Robson across from Library Square has closed down.

[hollywoodnorth]

in more or less the most exciting news of the past year. I was doing my usual harassing of CHIPOLTE to get them up to Vancouver. and they responded like this via FB >>

Chipotle Mexican Grill We're already on our way. We should be there in late September if all goes well. - Joe
13 hours ago

and

Chipotle Mexican Grill Looks like Robson Square is where we are heading. -Myra
7 hours ago


so let it be said ....... THANK YOU SWEET ZOMBIE JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

can anyone think of the location for them?

[Porfiry]

Chipotle Mexican Grill We're already on our way. We should be there in late September if all goes well. - Joe

Best news ever.

[jlousa]

Sorry just not excited about the news, Chipotle is well Chipotle. Good to have a new choice available but I could think of half a dozen other food chains I'd prefer.

[hollywoodnorth]

Best news ever.

agreed I literaly got emotional at the news :)

tears of joy! ;)

[GeeCee]

Call me when it's Carl's Jr. :)

[SpongeG]

Carls Jr is opening in chilliwack...

Maybe chipotle will open in the old urban barn location

[GeeCee]

Carls Jr is opening in chilliwack...

Maybe chipotle will open in the old urban barn location

Are you sure? There was supposed to be one on Marine Drive or something and it ended up being an A&W..

Edit: sheesh, says so in this very thread! Wonder how I missed it.. in any case, I don't think that Chilliwack can really be considered Metro Vancouver. :)

[Klazu]

Great work, hollywoodnorth! I used to do the same spamming few years ago in another country I lived in at that time. I got some interesting answers from different companies, but there was no success in any of those initiatives, as far as I know...

Carl's Jr. opening in Chilliwack? That must be the most bizarre thing I have heard of. Why on Earth? I happened to be in Chilliwack yesterday and it was... far and... quiet. Why would they start there?

[hollywoodnorth]

Maybe chipotle will open in the old urban barn location

yup good call. I think it is that space ... 818 Howe Street.

would work very well for them. I know I will be there WAYYYY too much.

[SpongeG]

Great work, hollywoodnorth! I used to do the same spamming few years ago in another country I lived in at that time. I got some interesting answers from different companies, but there was no success in any of those initiatives, as far as I know...

Carl's Jr. opening in Chilliwack? That must be the most bizarre thing I have heard of. Why on Earth? I happened to be in Chilliwack yesterday and it was... far and... quiet. Why would they start there?

Why not? The first Canadian location was kelowna, same franchisee apparently, the first alberta location is apparently going to be grande prairie

they plan for 25 locations in greater Vancouver, seeing how Vancouver itself doesn't allow drive thrus anymire I bet the suburbs will get the bulk of them

[hollywoodnorth]

yup good call. I think it is that space ... 818 Howe Street.

would work very well for them. I know I will be there WAYYYY too much.

and here is the job posting for manager >> http://jobs.vancouversun.com/jobs/detail/48463404?jobId=48463404&utm_source=Indeed&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Indeed

maybe one of the local blogs will use this story now? ;)

and according to HQ yes it will be on Howe street! whoot!

[officedweller]

Rumour has it that Holt Renfrew has a non-compete clause in its lease preventing Cadillac Fairview from leasing space in Pacific Centre to another high end department store.

[Built Form]

1) The former Thurlow Starbucks has been leased, they're working on it now but I don't know what it is.

2) According to the construction crew Victoria Secret has leased the first and lower floors of the HMV. They are eliminating the atrium space in both the HMV and office entrance by building a ceiling to cap off the entire first floor.

3) Also according to them CKNW is taking some office space vacated by CTV.

4) And yes they were all wearing orange vests ;)

[Vestry]

Anyone know any companies in Vancouver that provide retail technology infrastructure?

[LeftCoaster]

1) The former Thurlow Starbucks has been leased, they're working on it now but I don't know what it is.

2) According to the construction crew Victoria Secret has leased the first and lower floors of the HMV. They are eliminating the atrium space in both the HMV and office entrance by building a ceiling to cap off the entire first floor.

3) Also according to them CKNW is taking some office space vacated by CTV.

4) And yes they were all wearing orange vests ;)

I'd be surprised about VS in CTV, but in the end I hope it's right. It's a much more appropriate location than where I heard they were going to end up, and leaves that location for a much better retailer.

[wrenegade]

According to the construction crew Victoria Secret has leased the first and lower floors of the HMV. They are eliminating the atrium space in both the HMV and office entrance by building a ceiling to cap off the entire first floor.


I mentioned this back in February. I wonder if the Abercrombie I heard about is also happening?

Rumours are Victoria Secret & Abercrombie.


Also, if there is in fact an exclusive in Holt Renfrew's lease precluding another high-end department store I would have to say that is a pretty big oversight on Cadillac Fairview's part.

[officedweller]

My understanding is that any other tenant would be more profitable to CF than Sears (at Eatons lease rates).

[Locked In]

1) The former Thurlow Starbucks has been leased, they're working on it now but I don't know what it is.


A Caffe Artigiano, according to the Globe (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/showdown-brewing-on-coffee-corner/article4359052/).


One opened in 1988 – the third Starbucks in Canada. The other, located in a 1908-era apartment building kitty-corner to the first, opened a year later. But Starbucks closed the first store last month, citing a failure to come to a deal to renew the lease of the property.

That failure opened a door for Mr. Mounzer, president of Vancouver-based Caffe Artigiano, a 12-year-old company known for its old-world, Italian-themed atmosphere and cutting-edge coffee.

Mr. Mounzer has snapped up the space occupied by the former Starbucks. He plans to open the his new store – the 14th in the Lower Mainland – within three weeks. There is also a store in Victoria and two in Calgary.

[rxp]

1) The former Thurlow Starbucks has been leased, they're working on it now but I don't know what it is.

2) According to the construction crew Victoria Secret has leased the first and lower floors of the HMV. They are eliminating the atrium space in both the HMV and office entrance by building a ceiling to cap off the entire first floor.

3) Also according to them CKNW is taking some office space vacated by CTV.

4) And yes they were all wearing orange vests ;)

Robson and Burrard? didnt someone earlier say that was not the case? leftcoaster?

[daveraver]

Rumour has it that Holt Renfrew has a non-compete clause in its lease preventing Cadillac Fairview from leasing space in Pacific Centre to another high end department store.
I'm not sure if this is implying that Nordstrom is a competitor of Holt Renfrew. I think it's a bit of Holt's and a bit of the Bay.

Leftcoaster - Didn't you say we'd hear something about Nordstrom around mid-June? I imagine that something will be announced any day now?

[hollywoodnorth]

Leftcoaster - Didn't you say we'd hear something about Nordstrom around mid-June? I imagine that something will be announced any day now?

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=5735152&postcount=1001

[LeftCoaster]

^Ya it will be early July most likely now.

As for VS not happening on Burrard and Robson I had definitely heard they were going elsewhere but plans change so I could be wrong.

[rxp]

^Ya it will be early July most likely now.

As for VS not happening on Burrard and Robson I had definitely heard they were going elsewhere but plans change so I could be wrong.

what are the other possible locations that are vacant or vacantable?

[officedweller]

Yeah, it would depend on the wording in the non-compete clause and whether Nordstrom fits within it.

*****

Another story on YVR developments:

http://www.richmondreview.com/news/159497495.html

http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/8150richmondyvrluxuryoutletmallrendering2.jpg
An artist's rendering of one of the luxury plazas inside a future designer outlet mall on Sea Island.

...

Phase 1 of a luxury outlet mall will open on Sea Island in the fall of 2014, Vancouver Airport Authority officials have announced.

The 459,600-square-foot retail centre—twice the footprint of the Richmond Olympic Oval—is a joint project between the airport and London-based McArthurGlen Group. It's expected to boast the world's leading fashion brands like Prada, Armani, Burberry and Gucci.
...

Luxury designer outlet on Sea Island

•Vancouver Airport Authority planning to develop a destination retail centre of luxury brands with London-based McArthurGlen Group.

•Public information sessions will be held
Tuesday, June 26 and Wednesday, June 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at River Rock Casino Resort's Whistler Ballroom C

•Sessions will offer information on building design, economic benefits, environment and timeline

[SpongeG]

west elm has their windows on south granvuille saying they are hiring - according to a pic i saw on twitter... have not seen this wrap in person yet to confirm but seems legit since its the south granville bia posting the pic

[hollywoodnorth]

and here is the job posting for manager >> http://jobs.vancouversun.com/jobs/detail/48463404?jobId=48463404&utm_source=Indeed&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Indeed

maybe one of the local blogs will use this story now? ;)

and according to HQ yes it will be on Howe street! whoot!

http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2012/06/chipotle-mexican-grill-vancouver-near-robson-square/


cough cough ;)

[officedweller]

Memphis Blues BBQ on Robson opens TODAY!

[Metro-One]

Nice!

[LeftCoaster]

what are the other possible locations that are vacant or vacantable?

There are a couple of expansion opportunities at Pacific Centre, the new project at the corner of Robson and Granville, many opportunities on Granville and the odd place on Robson itself.

[rxp]

There are a couple of expansion opportunities at Pacific Centre, the new project at the corner of Robson and Granville, many opportunities on Granville and the odd place on Robson itself.

Thanks!

[thefly]

Artigiano is opening up in the old Starbucks location on Thurlow and Robson.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/showdown-brewing-on-coffee-corner/article4359052/