[Mike K.]

**Please use this thread to discuss retail/commercial storefront topics.

What's the deal with the Mac store that may be going into one of the new towers proposed for downtown?

[SpongeG]

on some mac forum it was announced that Apple was finally opening an Apple Store in the has yet unconstructed Jameson House

Vancouver is one of the last cities (it feels like anyway) to get a real Apple Store

would be nice if it was more than a rumour though

odd location perhaps? or smack dab in the middle of a new retail area?

[Rusty Gull]

It's a shame that Vancouver still does not have an Apple store. In the case that the store isn't setting up in the under-construction Jamieson House, I wonder what the hold-up is? Greater Toronto is already home to, I believe, three stores. And judging by the number of iBooks I see at cafes and libraries, Metro Vancouver certainly isn't a Mac-unfriendly environment.

[SpongeG]

yeah it is odd - there is that ugly mac store on west broadway next to staples - its so run down - i am sure if steve jobs saw it he would cringe

seattle has a number of them and they are always packed with people

[204]

Indeed what is the hold-up? Meh, it's their loss in the end though. I just won't buy any of their hyped-up, proprietory, over-priced products.

[NewfBC]

The hold up is pretty obvious... lack of decent retail space. There are a lot of stores missing from Vancouver I'm sure want to be here.. Apple, Sephora, Quicksilver, Abercrombie, etc etc.

Ron.

[deasine]

I'm quite updated with the Apple stores in Van and so far everything's just rumors. Apple recently announced their opening of a flagship store in Laval... I'm sure we will find an Apple coming to Vancouver soon especially with microsoft having an office in Richmond (trust me it's relevant).

Vancouver needs more stores!!!!! Let's start off with Apple, then Holliser. I will post up any Apple rumors when I get them.

[SpongeG]

i know its in the suburbs but surrey central with its renos is full of empty spaces and its a great mall and the SFU and office crowd would support some good shops in there - plus the connection or ease to skytrain is a plus

[NewfBC]

i know its in the suburbs but surrey central with its renos is full of empty spaces and its a great mall and the SFU and office crowd would support some good shops in there - plus the connection or ease to skytrain is a plus


I dunno... To me that says something (not good) about Surrey... Malls like Pacific Centre, Oakridge, even Coquitlam Centre.. have waiting lists for spaces.

Ron.

[SpongeG]

well its filling up now that all the renos are done

guildford is an ok mall and seems to the main mall but its so ugly and car centric - at least surrey central is on the skytrain - just like metrotown

if i were choosing a spot i would choose it over guildford

[osirisboy]

what about those additions planned for pacific centre along georgia street (where the canada line station is planned for and where the glass atrium is)?

anybody know whats planned for there? that would be a good spot for apple and quicksilver? does anybody know when the mall might start that expansion.

[SpongeG]

theres a quicksilver store in new westminster at that outlet mall...

[NewfBC]

theres a quicksilver store in new westminster at that outlet mall...


I'm sure that was their first choice for the GVRD.. or is it Metro Vancouver now? :)

There's a decent new Quicksilver store in Victoria too.

Quicksilver's Canadian headquarters is on the North Shore.. and before they had any stores in BC.. they had a location in Calgary... weird.

Ron.

[SpongeG]

I'm sure that was their first choice for the GVRD.. or is it Metro Vancouver now? :)

There's a decent new Quicksilver store in Victoria too.

Quicksilver's Canadian headquarters is on the North Shore.. and before they had any stores in BC.. they had a location in Calgary... weird.

Ron.


haha well its an outlet mall so thats a draw in itself

there are also outlets or factory stores for - Esprit, LeChateau, Mexx. Tommy Hillfigger, Garage, La Senza, Aldo, Point Zero, Guess plus some others

[leftside]

A few Gastown updates:

1) Yet another designer clothing store is coming to Gastown on Water Street. It replaces one of the "art gallery" stores. I can't remember it's name, but it looks like a designer jean store

2) The old Inform store on Water Street is getting a makeover. Not too sure what is going in there...

3) The Lamplighter on Water Street is getting another makeover

4) Looks like KoolHaus will be moving to Water Street on Nov 1st

[SpongeG]

2) The old Inform store on Water Street is getting a makeover. Not too sure what is going in there...


I heard it was going to be B&B Italia - a high end furniture store - they are opening a store in vancouver :)

http://www.bebitalia.it/

http://bedzine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/charles.jpg

yaka yooka or whatever it is called has opened in International Village - its some kind of Japanese Dollar store

can't find the real name but it looks like Daiso from the outside

could be the turnaround???

[officedweller]

I heard it was going to be B&B Italia - a high end furniture store

The website says that Inform is one of the Canadian distributors for B&BItalia - So Inform will probably operate the store. Makes sense rather than subleasing/leasing the space to a competitor (i.e. Koolhaus)

[SpongeG]

agent provocateur has signage and stuff up - looks like it might be close to opening...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/DSC02577.jpg

[djh]

agent provocateur has signage and stuff up - looks like it might be close to opening...



What's the location?

[hollywoodnorth]

What's the location?


Across from Italian Kitchen on Alberni

[David]

looks like the sutton place wine merchant is opening soon. saw them loading the store with wine bottles today

[SpongeG]

yah looks good with the stairs and stuff they put there too

Joey Tomatoes has a countdown clock at its new spot on burrard - was saying 46 days on friday...

something either closed or is opening below H Mart on robson

and there is what looks to be a temporary Guess store on robson

and TNA is opening a store on Robson

[djh]

Was in Gastown on Thursday evening:

Richard Kidd in Gastown is G O N E - and with all arrogance, they have a sign saying something lilke "We are Expanding!!" then lists all these international capitals...YEAH RIGHT!!!

Koolhaus in the old Brothers Resturant is "sorta open" - they haven't finished the building renos but they are still in there, but not fully, officially open.

Oh and there's definitely something going on at the Storyeum location. When I walked by there were probably a dozen people doing work in there, moving stuff around, painting, having heavy discussions. So either a new tenant is in, or the people who bought the auctioned stuff a few months back are clearing everything out. I expect to see an announcement before Christmas, as any business worth it's salt would want to get that location ready in time for the Christmas rush.

What's going into the old Inform space?

[SpongeG]

drove through gastown on thursday eve and saw them working at storeyum too was gonna ask here

haha

i think B&B Italia is going in the old inform space

also noticed a lot of new shops in that Koret lofts building - seemed to be a cluster of hipsters hanging outside the one store front

looked like a home store, some clothing stores and a salon or wig store is what has opened so far - a few empty stores still but quite surprised to see the retail in there so fast

[SpongeG]

there is a tim hortons opening on broadway at fir - a block west of granville

that spot has been empty for quite a long while now - seemed like nothing could survive there - must have high rent

[leftside]

Danish Living has gone into Storyeum. Will be open Nov 1st - Dec 15th. Have no idea why only until Dec 15th.

I am amazed at how many stores have opened along Cordova where the Koret Lofts are. Gastown is getting stranger and stranger. On one side you have hipster stores and on the other you have crack dealers.

Also on Cordova you have Bonnetta's and right next door you regularly have 5-10 crack addicts sprawled out on the sidewalk. One block further south you have the delightful Pidgeon Park, yet another block south you have the starting to look very nice Carrall Street Greenway.

Soon you will have Salt, Garage and Terminus all backing on to Blood Alley. Funnily enough someone has appended "IV junkines" on the "Lane Closed" sign to Blood Alley.

[David]

Joey Tomatoes has a countdown clock at its new spot on burrard - was saying 46 days on friday...

where is that? on the east side between robson and smithe?

[hollywoodnorth]

where is that? on the east side between robson and smithe?

RIGHT beside the Subway on Burrard @ Robson.....

[SpongeG]

Danish Living has gone into Storyeum. Will be open Nov 1st - Dec 15th. Have no idea why only until Dec 15th.

I am amazed at how many stores have opened along Cordova where the Koret Lofts are. Gastown is getting stranger and stranger. On one side you have hipster stores and on the other you have crack dealers.

Also on Cordova you have Bonnetta's and right next door you regularly have 5-10 crack addicts sprawled out on the sidewalk. One block further south you have the delightful Pidgeon Park, yet another block south you have the starting to look very nice Carrall Street Greenway.

Soon you will have Salt, Garage and Terminus all backing on to Blood Alley. Funnily enough someone has appended "IV junkines" on the "Lane Closed" sign to Blood Alley.

its just an exhibit - about the art of danish living - i walked past today - CTV is a sponsor

[SpongeG]

Mavi is opening two stores right now - one in gastown and one on west 4th

Mavi is a jean label from Turkey

west 4th

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/DSC02650.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/DSC02652.jpg

gas town

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/DSC02627.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/DSC02628.jpg

[squeezied]

^ awesome! my favorite brand of jeans :)

[leftside]

I went to the Irish Heather open house last night in Gastown. They are planning on moving across the road to the building that is currently being refurbished. Their plans look very nice and the new pub is based on a pub in Dublin. They should be moved in by May 2008. Sheban and Salty Tongue will also be moving to the new location. I don't know what will be taking their old location.

I spoke to a few other people there and there are lots of rumours about future developments in Gastown. I'll publish these in the rumours section on this site.

[officedweller]

Mavi is opening two stores right now - one in gastown and one on west 4th

Not sure if it has closed yet, but the Yaletown Mavi store will be the site of an Earl's.

[hollywoodnorth]

American Apparel is opening up a Robson location right beside where TNA is going in. Robson between Burrard & Thurlow....northside.

[officedweller]

Was in Metropolis @ Metrotown the other day - noticed they have an Armani Exchange now. Apparently it's only the second in Canada after the Robson St. store.

[squeezied]

i think it was there since august

[mr.x2]

^ sweet! i haven't been to Metrotown in months, should check it out.

[officedweller]

i think it was there since august

Yeah, haven't been in the mall for a while. Definitely ups the profile of Metrotown - i.e. not in Oakridge?

+++++++++

That store called Heaven's Playground in the Commordore retail space has closed down. Merchandise is cleared out and the mannequins are all in the middle of the store. Sign on door says "closed".

[SpongeG]

yes its one of two in Canada - there was one in Toronto but it closed down

nice score for Metrotown

noticed there is a new starbucks now open across the street from Metrotown under the new best buy

[deasine]

yes its one of two in Canada - there was one in Toronto but it closed down

nice score for Metrotown

noticed there is a new starbucks now open across the street from Metrotown under the new best buy

hey yeah... but there are too many starbucks in Vancouver now I never acutally notice a new Starbucks... XD I think Global did a news report months ago about the amount of Starbucks in the GVRD, something like one opens every day or w/e.

[officedweller]

yes its one of two in Canada - there was one in Toronto but it closed down

I think the one in TO was Emporio Armani - the higher end stuff.

[deasine]

is the AX in Metrotown already opened? i knew they were constructing it when i was last month.....

[officedweller]

Yes, it's open. Squeezied said since August.

[deasine]

omg i have to go there then... I'm mixing up stores all around now =S

Has anyone acutally been to H&M, I've always wanted to go there but it's way too far.

[officedweller]

Nope - too far not into line ups and its probably too young for me.

But the Roberto Cavalli collection was made available today Nov 8th at H&M incl. Coquitlam. Surprised it wasn't on the news.

[SpongeG]

H&M is great

the new roberto cavalli collection sold out in munites at the few stores that had it - only 200 of the 1400 stores were carrying it - Coquiltam being one of them

I just read on someones blog (in montreal) that they were only able to get one sweater in the wrong size and people were ripping clothes off the mannequins!

people in london and europe lined up overnight

heres the commercial - the collection includes mens clothes as well - well it did - its all sold out apparently

H8s-7ENpqVo

[SpongeG]

omg i have to go there then... I'm mixing up stores all around now =S

Has anyone acutally been to H&M, I've always wanted to go there but it's way too far.

its worth the trip at least once - its insane - everytime i have been its been really busy - like christmas busy

you need to try the clothes on though - i hear that the sizes are off - people have said the large fits like a small etc.

i have never actually bought anything but its fun to check out

[officedweller]

Sizing sounds like Zara.

[mr.x2]

its worth the trip at least once - its insane - everytime i have been its been really busy - like christmas busy

you need to try the clothes on though - i hear that the sizes are off - people have said the large fits like a small etc.

i have never actually bought anything but its fun to check out

well, they're European sized clothes....a medium is like a small.....and who doesn't try on clothes before buying them????

[SpongeG]

have you seen the lineups?

last time i was there it was about 20 minutes to get into the fitting rooms

[murman]

I think the one in TO was Emporio Armani - the higher end stuff. Emporio isn't high-end Armani.

[deasine]

Emporio isn't high-end Armani.

Well it's higher than AX (that's what officedweller meant)... The highest of course is Giorgio Armani, then Emporio Armani, and then Armani Exchange.

I will go to H&M when I have a school holiday. Too bad I can't skip classes =(

I guess H&M sizes are probably like Giordano sizes?

[officedweller]

Yeah, that's what I meant - the higher end of the two mass market labels.

BTW - Winners downtown Vancouver has some Armani suits - can't recall if they are Gorgio Armani or Armani Collectione (sp?) priced at $899.99. About a month ago they had a bunch of Armani sweaters, pullovers, t-shirts, etc. all priced at $179.99 - even for the Ts!

[SpongeG]

H&M was a zoo on saturday

the roberto stuff was of course gone but there is a sale with 50% off the lowest tag price so they have some shirts for $4.45! and some stuff was 70% off - lots of winter coats for 50% off the normal price of $99.90 or less

the fitting room line ups were long

the mall in general was a zoo - its like christmas is coming or something

[deasine]

Yeah, that's what I meant - the higher end of the two mass market labels.

BTW - Winners downtown Vancouver has some Armani suits - can't recall if they are Gorgio Armani or Armani Collectione (sp?) priced at $899.99. About a month ago they had a bunch of Armani sweaters, pullovers, t-shirts, etc. all priced at $179.99 - even for the Ts!

Holy mother... that's awfully expensive for winners? I mean Holt Renfrew has Prada (mens) Ts for $150.00...

i have to go to H&M ONE DAY!!!!!!! :hell:

[204]

Well it's higher than AX (that's what officedweller meant)... The highest of course is Giorgio Armani, then Emporio Armani, and then Armani Exchange.


Emporio Armanio is targeted toward younger buyers, offering less expensive and more mass produced items. The line is considered a "bridge line" as it features higher-end products than Armani Exchange or Armani Jeans but is not as expensive as the exclusive Armani Collezioni or Giorgio Armani ('black label') lines.

[SpongeG]

remember when edina wore her emporio hehe

[murman]

Emporio Armanio is targeted toward younger buyers, offering less expensive and more mass produced items. The line is considered a "bridge line" as it features higher-end products than Armani Exchange or Armani Jeans but is not as expensive as the exclusive Armani Collezioni or Giorgio Armani ('black label') lines.

What 204 said.

[204]

High-noon for high-tea at Murchie's

B.C. tea and coffee business icon goes into receivership

Last Updated: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 | 5:24 PM ET

CBC News

After steeping for 113 years as a West Coast business mainstay, Murchie's Tea & Coffee Ltd. has gone into receivership.

The company has been importing, blending and selling its specialty teas and coffees for the Victoria and Vancouver markets since John Murchie founded the company in 1894.

The elegant tea rooms and shops remained a family operation under current president Gwen Murchie, but now the company is up for sale.

David Bowra, the president of Bowra Group, which is acting as the receiver handling the Murchie's file on behalf of its creditors, said on Friday he believes a buyer will be found because Murchie's has a strong reputation.

Nobody from Murchie's would speak to the CBC about the sale, but potential buyers have until Nov. 27 to make offers.

At the Murchie's store in downtown Vancouver, customers were clearly sad to hear that the West Coast icon might change hands or even close.

Rhonna Eksyma told CBC News she's been coming to the 113-year-old tea and coffee merchant for decades.

"I just remember as a kid coming downtown … and we would always go into Murchie's," said Eksyma. "We liked the smell of it."

Lindsay Mcintosh, another customer, was horrified to hear Murchies had slipped into receivership, and offered some advice to potential buyers.

"I would really like to see Murchie's survive the crisis and stay in its traditional ways," McIntosh said. "The new owners would not be too smart to turn it into another Starbucks."

But others said Murchie's needs to wake up and smell the coffee. Passing by the store, Jean Marc said he favours Starbucks.

"I just walk by them every time. I'm aware of them but maybe they're a little old-fashioned, out of date," said Marc.

[mr.x2]

that sucks.....*walks across the street to Starbucks*

[SpongeG]

Pottery Barn is going to shut down nov 21 and reopen in the newly renovated store on Dec 1

it looks like they have made it into a 2 level store now - it was only 1 level before

williams-sonoma doesn't look close to opening from the outside anyway

but i bet they will try open before christmas - the sign says they will open fall 2007 however -doesn't seem possible but i suppose it could happen

[SpongeG]

where is a Murchies store?

I remember one on robson but i can't think of any other locations

[djh]

Kripps is moving from downtown Granville.
After 60 years on that location on the Granville mall strip, they're heading out to Kerrisdale.
That can only mean one thing: that block of Granville Mall has finally fallen to the hands of a developer. Took long enough - that's a hot location.

[SpongeG]

i noticed a few new little spots on granville the other week - one where there used to be a greek place is now a more hip lounge

the big empty store across the street - been empty since new has a sign on the door that says the people who leased it owe them a lot of money - looked like it was going to be a restaurant but something happenned along the beginning stages i guess

the rent is apparently insanely high - i think i read one place went from a reasonable $2500 a month up to $10,000 a month

[djh]

Cambie/Broadway...remember last month I said the Dairy Queen was moving out? Guess who's going in?

What a great location, though. I can't imagine what rent they're paying. They will be on one of the hottest corners for business that I can think of - City Hall Canada Line station across the road, Whole Foods/Save-On Foods across the road, view of downtown, major bus intersections...
There will now be something like 5 Starbucks within a 5-10 minute walk of my place at 8th/Cambie: 1) Montreaux (4th/Cambie), 2) City Square (12th/Cambie), 3) opp. London Drugs (Broadway/Ash), 4) Cambie Village (Cambie/19th); 5) the new one at Cambie/Broadway. Not open yet, and no signage.

[officedweller]

Murchies is on Pender between Howe and Hornby moved from Robson a few years ago)

[SpongeG]

jopeys on burrard have stopped their countdown clock it seems or maybe it just got unplugged?? the last couple of times i past the clock was not counting down

[hollywoodnorth]

jopeys on burrard have stopped their countdown clock it seems or maybe it just got unplugged?? the last couple of times i past the clock was not counting down

ya I noticed that also........delays anyone?

The Sutton Wine store is open...looks killer :)

[SpongeG]

Cambie/Broadway...remember last month I said the Dairy Queen was moving out? Guess who's going in?

What a great location, though. I can't imagine what rent they're paying. They will be on one of the hottest corners for business that I can think of - City Hall Canada Line station across the road, Whole Foods/Save-On Foods across the road, view of downtown, major bus intersections...
There will now be something like 5 Starbucks within a 5-10 minute walk of my place at 8th/Cambie: 1) Montreaux (4th/Cambie), 2) City Square (12th/Cambie), 3) opp. London Drugs (Broadway/Ash), 4) Cambie Village (Cambie/19th); 5) the new one at Cambie/Broadway. Not open yet, and no signage.

just two weeks ago me and my friend drove past and were like they really need a starbucks there :haha:

[204]

The first Marimekko concept store in Canada opened in Vancouver, 14 November 2007. With around 2.1 million inhabitants, metropolitan Vancouver is the biggest metropolitan area in Western Canada.

The 180 m2 store is located in trendy Yaletown, a downtown spot known for its hip clothing, shoe and interior decoration shops.

North America is one of Marimekko’s most important export markets, with very strong growth registered in the last couple of years.

This year, Marimekko concept stores have also been opened in Yokohama and Nagoya, Japan; Silver Spring in metropolitan Washington DC, the United States; Graz, Austria; and Aalborg, Denmark.

Run by independent retailers, Marimekko concept stores are shops that sell exclusively Marimekko products and carry a comprehensive selection of merchandise from all the different Marimekko lines: clothing, interior decoration and bags.

Developing and anchoring the concept store idea based on Marimekko’s lifestyle thinking represents an important part in Marimekko’s internationalisation strategy.


http://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/images/marimekko_canada_44638100.jpg

[SpongeG]

yah i wanna go check it out

they have some great stuff

[SpongeG]

looks like the Costco in burnaby is going up finally - will try get a pic soon

[204]

Pottery Barn is going to shut down nov 21 and reopen in the newly renovated store on Dec 1

it looks like they have made it into a 2 level store now - it was only 1 level before

williams-sonoma doesn't look close to opening from the outside anyway

but i bet they will try open before christmas - the sign says they will open fall 2007 however -doesn't seem possible but i suppose it could happen

The Sun has an update on that:

Williams-Sonoma cookware store, revamped Pottery Barn opening

U.S. company caters to Vancouver's 'strong food community' with gourmet 'gadgets'

Bruce Constantineau, Vancouver Sun
Published: Thursday, November 22, 2007

Upscale home furnishings chain Williams-Sonoma Inc. launches two new South Granville retail experiences on Dec. 1 -- opening its first Vancouver Williams-Sonoma gourmet cookware store and unveiling an expanded Pottery Barn outlet just three blocks away.

Williams-Sonoma Inc. executive vice-president Patrick Connolly said the ventures represent a "significant investment" for the San Francisco-based company that's bullish on the Vancouver market.

"We know Vancouver has a real interest in food and entertaining, certainly as much as any place in Canada or the United States," he said in an interview from San Francisco. "There's a strong food community there and we're very excited about bringing the unique Williams-Sonoma experience to Vancouver."

A new 7,000 sq. foot Williams-Sonoma store will open at 2903 Granville St. with a "Grand Cuisine" format that includes an area for kitchen demonstrations and cooking classes. An espresso bar will be among the store's interactive components.

The renovated Pottery Barn store at 2600 Granville reopens after a six-month renovation project that nearly doubles the amount of retail space to about 25,000 sq. feet on two levels. A temporary Pottery Barn store operated from 2935 Granville during the project.

Connolly noted the Vancouver Pottery Barn needed to be expanded just four years after it opened.

"Overall, our Canadian business has exceeded expectations," he said. "We had good success with that Pottery Barn store so we wanted to replicate that (with a new Williams-Sonoma outlet). It's convenient for our customers and it's a very good shopping street."

Connolly said the company will consider other Vancouver area stores in the future but will focus on its South Granville operations now.

He said core Williams-Sonoma customers are well-travelled people who are curious about food and want to be inspired. More than half the customers are women but Connolly stressed a lot of men also like the store because it offers so many "gadgets."

He said company officials wanted to open the new Vancouver store earlier this fall but understands B.C.'s booming economy has created delays in many construction schedules.

"The [city workers'] strike also didn't help but we've had great cooperation from the city and our construction suppliers so we're working hard to get the store open in time for Christmas," he said. "I wish we could have opened earlier but these things happen and you want to do it right."

The Williams-Sonoma concept began in 1956 when company founder Chuck Williams set up shop in Sonoma, Cal., offering cookware imported from France. The 92-year-old Williams, who remains actively involved in the company, is scheduled to attend a store opening celebration in Vancouver early next month.

There are 255 Williams-Sonoma stores throughout North America, including five in Canada -- with four in Toronto and one in Calgary. There are currently six Pottery Barn locations and three Pottery Barn Kids stores in Canada (Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto).

Williams-Sonoma Inc. operates 588 stores in total -- under the Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, West Elm, and Williams-Sonoma Home brands.

The company posted net earnings of $208.9 million US last year on revenues of $3.7 billion US.

bconstantineau@png.canwest.com

[204]

Some shoppers won't waste a second on Black Friday

Seattle Post-Intelligencer (http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/340617_blackfriday22.html)

Looking to lure hard-core Christmas bargain shoppers -- and offset a projected weak holiday sales season -- three Seattle-area retail centers will open their doors right when Thanksgiving officially ends.

The other early openings are in Tulalip at Seattle Premium Outlets, which for the third straight year is opening at midnight, and the Chelsea Premium Outlets in North Bend.

The Tulalip event has garnered such a following that, for the first time, Quick Shuttle of Vancouver, B.C., plans to bring about 50 Canadian customers when the doors open.

"It is absolutely beyond my scope of thinking to get on a bus at 8 p.m. at night and travel a couple of hours to go shopping and then come home at 4:30 in the morning," said Barry Keys, president of Quick Shuttle. "I ignored it while it was developing, but I'm a believer now."

Keys said that while Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving in October, it's enticing to cross the border and take part in the American holiday weekend because the loonie, Canada's currency, is roughly on par with the U.S. dollar. He also said there are better selections and better prices in the U.S.

"Canada pays a heavy price for being a bit socialistic," said Keys, who is charging $29 for a round trip to the Tulalip outlet mall. "Sometimes the United States doesn't give itself a good pat on the back for being a capitalistic country."

[SpongeG]

my friends wanna go down and i don't but i may end up going - argh

target has some great deals on DVDs well all the stores do -walmart circuit city best buy etc have newish releases like 300 for $5.99 or so and a bunch of others for $2.99 - $3.99 that are about $15 up here

but it means leaving at 4 am :(

[officedweller]

Some of those stores are open at midnight tonight - i.e. 12:01 am on black Friday.

[SpongeG]

yeah so my friend talked me into going and we will be getting up at 4 am hopefully get to target in time for the rush

was out at Surrey Central tonight - they have a sign on an empty spot that seems to elude to what stores it could be so i imagine all three will be opening or why would they put actual store names with the proper logos and fonts etc??

anyway the three stores which look to open there are

H&M
Bed Bath & Beyond
and
Liz Claiborne

that mall has really turned around

and if the H&M opens soon finally there will be an H&M on the skytrain line!

[204]

anyway the three stores which look to open there are

H&M
Bed Bath & Beyond
and
Liz Claiborne

that mall has really turned around

and if the H&M opens soon finally there will be an H&M on the skytrain line!

Bed, Bath & Beyond?

Heard they were coming to Canada. That was fast!

[officedweller]

The lower level Pacific Centre former Holt Renfrew space has signage up for a big Jacob store. It's pretty well most of the lower level. There's still space at the north end and the corner at the south end (former Armani space in HR, but very small). My guess is that the H&M (3 levels?) will take the bit on the north end of the lower mall - menswear? - and partial space on the upper mall and the whole level above that. That would leave room for Apple in the upper mall.

[SpongeG]

the news way back on the site said they had one large space of about 25,000 sq ft and space for 8-9 smaller units

i guess jacob is taking a big chunk of that

[officedweller]

Yeah, Jacob has to move because its current location is where the Canada Line Station and connection to the mall will be located. The sign said opening Spring 2008 - so expect that's when the plaza in front of Sears will start getting ripped up.

[NewfBC]

yeah so my friend talked me into going and we will be getting up at 4 am hopefully get to target in time for the rush

was out at Surrey Central tonight - they have a sign on an empty spot that seems to elude to what stores it could be so i imagine all three will be opening or why would they put actual store names with the proper logos and fonts etc??

anyway the three stores which look to open there are

H&M
Bed Bath & Beyond
and
Liz Claiborne

that mall has really turned around

and if the H&M opens soon finally there will be an H&M on the skytrain line!


Pac Centre is well under construction..

Ron.

[SpongeG]

yes

but the sign at Surrey Central makes one assumer its opening very soon - probably sooner than Pac Centre

which leads me to believe it will be Liz Claiborne

lol

but I still think H&M will set up shop there

from what i have read H&M seems to open in little blitzes - opens stores within days or weeks of each other in some markets

[SpongeG]

looks like H&M is opening in burnaby from hm.com/jobs

Cash Office Manager Burnaby, BC, Canada
Visual Merchandiser Burnaby, BC, Canada
Department Manager Burnaby, BC, Canada
Store Manager Burnaby, BC, Canada

[LeftCoaster]

Hey guys, I can offically confirm that H&M is going into the old Holt Renfrew space in Pacific Center. However what you see there right now is not H&M construction, but demolition of Holt Renfrew's old space by Pacific Center, which was happening regardless of H&M's intentions on the space. H&M just put their construction plans out to tender today so we should see it begin construction right after the holidays in early January, and be ready for occupancy at the beginning of may.

[SpongeG]

does anyone know where H&M would open in Burnaby?

Do you think they would open under Best Buy?? or is something already going there?

I can't think of any empty store space in Metrotown... is there anything left?

unless they go in station square? since they are wanting to revamp their mall

Brentwood Mall has a lot of empty store space as does lougheed mall now but its kinda close to Coquitlam centre

a mystery

[SpongeG]

JYSK opened a new store today in Landsdowne Centre in Richmond

[LeftCoaster]

So I was down at the H&M site in Pacific Centre today, and the site supervisor told me that the exterior glazing fronting Granville street should start to go up this week, well before construction of the actual H&M store. The entire facade will be transparent curtain wall, and I would imagine in trying to keep with Pacific Centre's new image of being a high class mall the glass should be of quite high quality, so if you're in the area keep your eye out for that becuase it should look pretty good once it is completed.

[SpongeG]

sounds good

the old facade really made granville feel closed in

[Jacques]

Hey guys, I can offically confirm that H&M is going into the old Holt Renfrew space in Pacific Center. However what you see there right now is not H&M construction, but demolition of Holt Renfrew's old space by Pacific Center, which was happening regardless of H&M's intentions on the space. H&M just put their construction plans out to tender today so we should see it begin construction right after the holidays in early January, and be ready for occupancy at the beginning of may.

Another thread here stated that APPLE was going into that section under renovation, any info to that effect?:notacrook:

[officedweller]

Yeah, that was confirmed by Cadillac Fairview a while ago - not sure where within the old Holt's space though.

*******

A friend at work has confirmed that H&M will be opening in the old GAP location at Lougheed Mall (temporarily occupied by an antique store).

[SpongeG]

ah nice :) about H&M that mall could use it - oddly close to the other one though

I think Apple or at least what some blog said about it - is that it will open in time for the launch of the Iphone in Canada and it will have an outdoor street entrance as well

[officedweller]

I think Apple or at least what some blog said about it - ...... it will have an outdoor street entrance as well

Makes sense - that means it will be in the upper mall - probably would have to be close to Georgia St. (i.e. right where Holt's had it's entrance, before the hill tapers off too much).

[SpongeG]

went to the williams-sonoma tonight

its ok - very small - not as nice as the ones i have been to in Seattle - feels a little weird and crowded even though there weren't a lot of people

and than went to the new Pottery Barn - its really nice - the two levels are great - the bottom feels a little smaller now though but there is much more of everything - like a whole towel bath section instead of one little wall

[jlousa]

Forgot to mention it earlier, Carl Jrs is coming to Canada, they are seeking locations in Western Canada and want to be up and running by Summer/08

[LeftCoaster]

^ Gross

[officedweller]

Carl's Jr - cool.

Keep forgetting to mention - @ L'Aria on Robson, H-Mart is expanding into the formerly unleased space at the base of their escalators - so they must be doing well. It also balances the look of the ground floor level whereas before the wall hitting the angled facade looked odd.

[SpongeG]

carl's jr - yay

was reading how much it is to open a franchise - quite a lot of money

Lansdowne Mall was really busy today - quite the turnaround for that mall - the new Jysk is quite nice

with the addition of skytrain business should pick up for them

[leftside]

I was walking in Gastown today and noticed a lot of new high-end stores have opened or are opening along Cordova, Water and Abbott. Abbott from Water to Cordova is looking great these days! That must be the most improved area of Gastown the last 4 years.

John Fluevog coming to Gastown on Water:
http://www.songsthelordtaughtus.com/John%20Fluevog.jpg

Nika in Gastown on Abbott:
http://www.songsthelordtaughtus.com/Nika.jpg

Lamplighter on Abbott getting another overhaul:
http://www.songsthelordtaughtus.com/Lamplighter%201.jpg

http://www.songsthelordtaughtus.com/Lamplighter%202.jpg

Looks like the space inbetween Jules and Lamplighter is also getting a makeover:
http://www.songsthelordtaughtus.com/Jules.jpg

[SpongeG]

yeah noticed that a few weeks ago when walking around

a lot of little clothing shops that sell some pretty costly things - like $85 t-shirts

but so many seem like clones of each other trying to be more hip than the next

[leftside]

yeah noticed that a few weeks ago when walking around

a lot of little clothing shops that sell some pretty costly things - like $85 t-shirts

but so many seem like clones of each other trying to be more hip than the next

Yes, very costly! I'm not a fan of the "more hip than you" stores, but there are still some pretty unique clothing stores opposite the Cambie pub on Cordova and Cambie. I also like a few on Water - but those clothes are out of my price range.

[osirisboy]

update on the homesense store on robson. I called their customer service department and they informed me that the original opening was for november 07 but it has been pushed back now to march 08. seems a bit long considering IGA appears to be almost ready.

[officedweller]

March 08?
Wow - that is a long delay, esp. since the fixtures are in place.

[Jacques]

In the earlier thread previous page someone stated that Apple would be setting foot on the old H&R site, that is not the case, JACOBS Clothing and COEX shoes store will be major tenants as publicized today in the mall, as for Apple, well it was talked about the rotunda at Georgia and Howe, but no final decision, come to think of it has anyone has any idea as what's up with the OLD entrance of the old Theatre on Granville, they sure taking a long time to unravel what it is supposed to be It could be big enough for Apple to set up shop!!
As for the water street latest development, they are finally going ahead with so many things here its like a chicken with its head cut off.
John Fluvog was here 25 years ago, he's just coming back where the money trail leads, the Terminus Condominium is near completion, the GARAGE luxury condo has just begun, that ought to be done by spring 09, then there is the restoration of the last building at Carrall and Water street, which they will add 2 story lofts at the back and restored the unit inside, there is also the Whitecap Stadium back on the board I received a letter from Libby Davies pertaining to this matter.
Richard Kidd used to occupy the Atrium is now relocating where INFORM has shop before relocating to their new digs.
One of my concern as of late is how are the new tenants of owners of the Terminus who will occupy the south side are going to adapt with all the raucous mayhem going on daily in Blood alley, the city owns the 3 buildings north Cordova street and it is decrepit and the cops and ambulanc eand what not are there every night.
Hope the architects have started to plan ahead and started a process in purchasing those building from the city and relocated those transients, nothing against the youths and drugs addicts , however that building had a face lift a few years back so as to accommodate these people and in return they simply ransack their city owned abode, so if that what they do then move them out and let it be developed into what it was meant to become a quiet muse of great architecture with its cafe and little shops as it was once a quarter of a century ago, I recall.
My only sadness in this all re-development of the DTS and GASTOWN, is teh influx of this new boutique style shop at exuberant prices for its stock, I bet my bottom dollars that I can still go to Yaletown and find good decent price for most accessories and food, even A&N is ripping people left and right I compare prices and I was surprised that some of its items are pricier than Wallmart to say the least.
Time will tell

[djh]

^It's cyclic. Every few quarters there's a big hoo-haa about the regeneration of Gastown and look at all the cool new shops. They have a couple seasons of business, then they lose their "new and cool" edge, but the landlord still wants the rent, and so poof, they're gone. I could name a dozen shops in Gastown that this happened to.
The same thing happened in Yaletown a decade ago, cyclic boom-and-bust. What stopped all of that happening was the anchoring tendencies of residents turning the area into a real neighbourhood.

Hopefully, as more and more (moneyed) residents begin occupying the projects in Gastown, it will stop the cycles and those people will actually make the shops their first ports of call. Goodness knows there are enough good restaurants, bars, coffee shops, furniture shops, and even reasonably-priced clothing shops to keep residents from jumping in their cars and going to (ugh) Robson. Like you said, time will tell.

[SpongeG]

so fluevog is pulling off granville?

seems dumb - he won't get the exposure in gastown that he gets being so close to robson

he will keep his old shoppers i guess but good luck getting new ones

[Jacques]

so fluevog is pulling off granville?

seems dumb - he won't get the exposure in gastown that he gets being so close to robson

he will keep his old shoppers i guess but good luck getting new ones

I agree with you on that one, however there's nothing that states they are closing their store on Robson, man have you seen where there moving, its the old space Richard Kidd occupied for the last few years with mostly their two mountain bernese dogs and lots lots of foreign money, that place ain't going for peanuts.

[SpongeG]

yeah maybe jhe will have two shops - but he gets a lot of support from west end dwellers and to get them to go to gastown is like asking them to go to metrotown or cross a bridge - lol

[officedweller]

In the earlier thread previous page someone stated that Apple would be setting foot on the old H&R site, that is not the case, JACOBS Clothing and COEX shoes store will be major tenants as publicized today in the mall, as for Apple, well it was talked about the rotunda at Georgia and Howe, but no final decision, come to think of it has anyone has any idea as what's up with the OLD entrance of the old Theatre on Granville, they sure taking a long time to unravel what it is supposed to be It could be big enough for Apple to set up shop!!

The bottom line is that the old Holt Renfrew space is so big (3 floors, including a floor above the upper mall) that the space can accommodate all of the stores mentioned. The top floor will almost certainly be occupied exclusively by H&M due to access issues (a small store is not going to install a staircase/escalator from the upper mall) - the question is how much of the lower mall or upper mall space will H&M take up (and how much will be left for the other retailers)? The Jacob signage has provided some information in that respect.

[SpongeG]

superstore was having a no tax from 5 pm - midnight today - it was insane - great day to go shopping though :0

they are doing it again tomorrow - 5 pm - 12 am no tax

and the store is open 24 hours until dec 24th, same with all the wal mart stores and zellers in coquitlam will stay open 24 hours starting next wednesday

[officedweller]

Finally had a chance to go into the IGA Marketplace at L'Hermitage - nicely laid-out. Seems a bit bigger than the Nestor's, but Nestor's seems brighter - maybe due to a higher or lighter coloured ceiling at Nestor's. The entrance is pretty narrow but not too bad.

[SpongeG]

Hunting-lodge chic meets downtown cool

Lark 8th Avenue

2315 Main St., Vancouver

604-879-5275

http://www.lark8thave.com

At the epicentre of Mount Pleasant, one of Vancouver's oldest neighbourhoods, Lark 8th Avenue is a boutique that embodies the area's recent sea change.

A vibrant sense of place emerges from the window display of local and European fashion facing both the old Mount Pleasant clock and a new condo development.

Its elegant yet down-to-earth mix of Vancouver-based and international designers make Lark the perfect place to shop for a shiny new Olympic future that still stays true to the town's boho West Coast roots.

"This area has changed so much in the past five years," says 30-year-old Veronika Baspaly, a painter-turned-retailer who conceived the boutique with her set designer/furniture maker husband, Dane.

The arty edginess that set the Main and Broadway area apart and made it scenester central in the early 2000s has matured with its aging population and surging real-estate prices.

The area is still home to working artists and musicians living in rented lofts, but also to the well-heeled Lark patrons who, Baspaly says, often come in and say, "I'm so glad to find this place. Now, I won't have to go to New York to shop."

It's no surprise to learn that the 2,000-square-foot space with high ceilings was once an art gallery (the Aion, which moved a few blocks away) as the shopping experience is pure aesthetic pleasure.

The seasonally themed window display is currently "German hunting lodge," largely in honour of the handmade Zeha Berlin calfskin and horsehide shoes on offer. The sturdy yet luxurious footwear once worn by East German Olympians is perched on bricks spray-painted with "Wir Sind Das Volk (We are the People)" - the rallying cry of protesters as the Berlin Wall came down in 1989.

Illuminating the front third of the store that is equal parts gallery and fashion boutique are light-box photo installations by Vancouver's Angela Fama. On one side, photographs of stuffed warthog and deer heads complement a gorgeous Drykorn tuxedo jacket (which is meant pour hommes, but, like many of Lark's pieces, has a definite unisex appeal). On the other, Fama's photos of B.C. nature scenes with a vaguely retro feel set off the soberly chic apparel of Danish designer Malene Birger.

Local designer items complement the shop's overall haute-Scandinavian feel. Organic alpaca scarves by Danae, for instance, feature photographs of the alpacas whose wool they were knit with, while a special blend of coffee beans wrapped in gold foil is being sold to fund a memorial skateboarding tunnel for murdered local graffiti artist/boarder Lee Matasi.

Along with her focus on aesthetics, Baspaly's attention to textile quality borders on the obsessive. "When we're on buying trips," she says, "we often go by how something feels - it's got to feel right."

Fortunately, Lark's local and international styles are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the touch.

Consider the Yoshi Kondo black wool coat with sheep collar or his skirt and jacket set with hand stitching, flirty pleats and the wonderfully textured feel of a blanket.

Closer to home, Tannis Hegan's goatskin bag with velveteen lining is wonderfully soft and chic to carry, while Paperbird's dark-grey wool tunic dress with pleats and soft teal lining and Jackie-O-inspired, sixties-style collared wool coat are as warm as they are stylish.

And then there's the shop's newly launched house line designed by Vanya Mcdonell: well-tailored, no-nonsense classics with intelligent twists.

The mix of local and international is so well edited that lines soon blur into one singular experience, making Lark the perfect shop for a well-dressed, grown-up Vancouver.




http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20071229.HOTSHOP29/TPStory/Entertainment

[leftside]

I was in the new Lamplighter on Water and Abbott last night. It's changed a little... It's been bought by the Donnelly group and it now looks like another Earl's. Great for watching sports, but not ideal for going out for a drink and chat with friends. Not my cup of tea, but I think a lot of other people will like it. Still, there's plenty of choice in Gastown these days and I still have the Black Frog, Six Acres, Irish Heather, Cambie and Chill Winston's to go to.

The outside of the building has been painted a very nice black and red. The building opposite which used to be a Thai restaurant has also been painted a similar colour - as have a lot of other buildings in Gastown. It seems that black and red is the colour of Gastown. I really like it.

[officedweller]

Joey's on Burrard near Robson is open.

[SpongeG]

finally

they must be pissed that they missed the christmas season

[djh]

It was open before Christmas - I was up there. They hadn't made use of the plaza area in front of the restaurant, as was originally planned in the building's development permit application.

-------------

On another note, I just got a completely FREE dinner out of Starbucks. They just had their soft launch of the one across the road from me (Broadway & Cambie). It's due to officially open tomorrow. It was PACKED just now for the soft launch, no doubt because whatever you ordered was on them. Nice.

[SpongeG]

It was open before Christmas - I was up there. They hadn't made use of the plaza area in front of the restaurant, as was originally planned in the building's development permit application.

-------------

On another note, I just got a completely FREE dinner out of Starbucks. They just had their soft launch of the one across the road from me (Broadway & Cambie). It's due to officially open tomorrow. It was PACKED just now for the soft launch, no doubt because whatever you ordered was on them. Nice.

i like when sbucks screws up your order and they just give you it for free :banana:

[hollywoodnorth]

Joey's on Burrard near Robson is open.


they have been open for over a month.

and are making progress on their location in Bental also.

[officedweller]

Just noticed it today - must have been a very soft opening!

WRT Bentall - Joey's is where? i.e. Bentall V is Cactus Club, right?

[SpongeG]

pottery barn kids is openng on granville enar william-sonoma

there's a moores opening underneath the new Best Buy in Burnaby at Metrotown

[SpongeG]

i noticed the store the other day...

Pappas Furs opens outlet in Richmond to better serve clientele

By Joanne Lee-Young
Vancouver Sun


Monday, January 28, 2008

Pappas Furs is a family-run, Vancouver company that has been around since 1913. It has long sold its Canadian backcountry furs in a no-man's-land spot where downtown, Gastown and Chinatown meet.

Then, last year, it branched out into a whole other retail world when it opened a store at shiny Aberdeen Centre in Richmond.

The company is mum on the topic, but the move to this Asian mall is clearly just one in a series to court a growing group of Chinese customers, both local residents and tourists.

http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/media.canada.com/61db835f-ebfd-4dad-859c-0d1b07b7b404/furs.jpg
The stigma attached to the fur industry by animal-rights activists has yet to dampen Asian consumer enthusiasm, as evidenced by interest at the China Fur and Leather Products Fair in Beijing earlier this month.
Photograph by : Getty Images

"It wasn't an accident," said Alan Herscovici, executive vice- president at the Fur Council of Canada, in a phone interview. "Quite a bit of Pappas' clientele is in the Chinese community and [the company] chose Richmond to be closer and better in serving them."

A strategic physical location is just one aspect of this. Media is another. Many large B.C. companies aim to reach ethnic groups by advertising in multicultural newspapers, radio and television. But not many of these companies are more visible in this minority arena than they are in the mainstream.

Pappas is an exception. There was a time when it ran full-page ads in glossy English-language magazines. In the last few years, however, it has reduced this profile, even axing relatively limited visibility, including an ad in a Sutton Place Hotel brochure and another promotion with Famous Players.

Animal-rights groups take credit for this, citing negative publicity generated by their campaigns to highlight the cruelty associated with buying fur.

Flip the language switch, however, and Pappas hardly appears the shrinking wallflower.

One Chinese-language radio station does regular live broadcasts from Pappas' Richmond location. These are usually short marketing snippets where customers are chattily interviewed about what they might purchase or why they like Pappas.

And before Christmas, Chinese-language newspapers such as Sing Tao carried a stretch of Pappas ads.

A few times a year, word gets out via these outlets about Pappas' special events. The company will, for example, rent out meeting rooms at various Richmond hotels such as the Radisson on Cambie Road, for big one-day sales events or VIP fashion shows.

Constantine Pappas, president and son of the company's founder, Ted Pappas, declined to be interviewed for this story, but said briefly that sales and traffic in these few weeks before Chinese New Year on Feb. 7 are as brisk as the pre-Christmas season. "These are the two busiest times of year for us," said Pappas.

Herscovici at the Fur Council of Canada, which represents retailers and manufacturers across Canada, said that Pappas' store at Aberdeen Centre fits into an extended history of selling Canadian furs to a Chinese market, one that dates back to 19th century cross-Pacific trade.

"These are old stories. These trade routes are not that new," he said.

He also said that these days his council is heavily involved in promoting the cachet of high-end Canadian furs in China. In some ways, this, and Pappas' Aberdeen outpost in Richmond, for that matter, may seem foolhardy considering that China has become a major producer of furs.

However, he explained, "there is a growing luxury segment in China that doesn't want to wear Chinese-made, mass-market furs. We will target these buyers with very expensive, wild furs from Canada that are seen as different, more unique. It's a way of selling coals to Newcastle."

Pappas isn't involved with the council in China, but if this campaign trickles into the mindset of an ever-mobile group of Chinese tourists, immigrants and long-time residents flowing through Aberdeen Centre in Richmond, the company could benefit.

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/business/story.html?id=965163a2-b49c-4f97-b801-f977c486d4be&k=67417

[David]

how long until that place gets torched?

[SpongeG]

there's an International News Opening inside the Brentwood Skytrain station

Looks like its taking over what was the transit office

[jjjb]

how long until that place gets torched?

It's already been the object of nearly-weekly protests from a group of vegans and philosophy students. One instance was even featured in one of those commuter papers (featured nudity).

[officedweller]

As mentioned elsewhere, for the Canada Line entrance at Pacific Centre, RW&Co has closed (not relocated yet as far as I could see) and Jacob has now relocated to the middle section of the lower mall (former Holt's space) - looks like an American-scale mall store (big windows). Roots also closed - but has not relocated - so that could be unrelated to the Canada Line entrance.

As for the rest of the former Holt's space, signage indicates Geox shoes in the lower mall and Brown's shoes and H&M in the upper mall. Note that the Brown's and H&M signage do not occupy all of the frontage in the upper mall, so either they ran out of H&M signage, or others will occupy that space and H&M will rely on the upper floors of the old Holt's (above the upper mall) for space.

[dreambrother808]

As mentioned elsewhere, for the Canada Line entrance at Pacific Centre, RW&Co has closed (not relocated yet as far as I could see) and Jacob has now relocated to the middle section of the lower mall (former Holt's space) - looks like an American-scale mall store (big windows). Roots also closed - but has not relocated - so that could be unrelated to the Canada Line entrance.


I've read that RW&CO is reopening in the mall at some point. Roots is apparently building a flagship store in one of the new PC developments, replacing the atrium space beside the Four Seasons or filling the square between Sears and the TD tower.

[officedweller]

Never saw the Roots as being busy, but the Eaton Centre in TO has a big flagship, so it makes sense they'd do the same here. Could it mean a relocation of the Robson Street store? i.e. they probably shut the PC store since it wasn't busy, so two flagships would be hard to justify.

[johnjimbc]

What about the Pacific Centre future Apple store that the company has been posting job openings on their website? Couldn't that be set to fill one of the spaces opening up at street level?

I had read some speculation that it might not open until 2009, but others have wisely pointed out they usually start posting for jobs about 6 months before opening. The job postings starting in late October.

[officedweller]

My guess is Apple will take one of the locations in the upper mall.
They could relocate later when the streetfront redevelopments are completed - that's at least a year away given that the Rotunda redevelopment is only now going through the Development Permit Board - that process alone would take 6 months to complete.

[dreambrother808]

What about the Pacific Centre future Apple store that the company has been posting job openings on their website? Couldn't that be set to fill one of the spaces opening up at street level?

I had read some speculation that it might not open until 2009, but others have wisely pointed out they usually start posting for jobs about 6 months before opening. The job postings starting in late October.

I could see room for an Apple Store, the size that they put in malls, and that would certainly fit in with the timeline of job postings for the store. I would be slightly disappointed though. A new flagship is currently being built in Montreal and I would like to see something on the same scale here. Put a mall Apple Store in Metrotown but build something wonderful on Granville. Then again I want an Apple Store a.s.a.p..... so whatever works in that regard.

[dreambrother808]

My guess is Apple will take one of the locations in the upper mall.
They could relocate later when the streetfront redevelopments are completed - that's at least a year away given that the Rotunda redevelopment is only now going through the Development Permit Board - that process alone would take 6 months to complete.

I've thought about that but I wonder if they would want to put that money into the first store only to move to another not too far off in the future. It's not like they would build something cheap and temporary like what Pottery Barn did while renovating on S. Granville. I've also never heard of Apple using this strategy. Who knows though.

[mr.x2]

As mentioned elsewhere, for the Canada Line entrance at Pacific Centre, RW&Co has closed (not relocated yet as far as I could see) and Jacob has now relocated to the middle section of the lower mall (former Holt's space) - looks like an American-scale mall store (big windows). Roots also closed - but has not relocated - so that could be unrelated to the Canada Line entrance.

As for the rest of the former Holt's space, signage indicates Geox shoes in the lower mall and Brown's shoes and H&M in the upper mall. Note that the Brown's and H&M signage do not occupy all of the frontage in the upper mall, so either they ran out of H&M signage, or others will occupy that space and H&M will rely on the upper floors of the old Holt's (above the upper mall) for space.

Yup, those stores are definitely closed (pics taken Saturday):
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/4051/dscf1841mo4.jpg
sorry, a bit blurry...cell phone camera.

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/1/dscf1842ys7.jpg

[Rusty Gull]

I would be slightly disappointed though...

Put a mall Apple Store in Metrotown but build something wonderful on Granville.

Agreed. The shopping mall Apple stores should be in Metrotown and Park Royal. A street-level flagship store should be on Granville Street.

Steve Jobs, are you listening?

[SpongeG]

montreal is the only Canadian city getting a flagship

not even Toronto has one

On a mac forum they said that the Apple Store is planning to open in time for the launch of the iphone to Canada

depending where you read about it coming to Canada - it could be April 2008 or May 2008 or Fall 2008??

[SpongeG]

post this again - they are hiring gor the pac centre store - usually the last hires before it opens

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/DSC03213.jpg

[Jacques]

montreal is the only Canadian city getting a flagship

not even Toronto has one

On a mac forum they said that the Apple Store is planning to open in time for the launch of the iphone to Canada

depending where you read about it coming to Canada - it could be April 2008 or May 2008 or Fall 2008??
well in the time being nothing be done to service apple users in Vancouver and that is a shame
IE: CTV.ca BC news under Microsoft arrangement with nothing for Apple users :hell: :hell: :hell:

[officedweller]

Yup, those stores are definitely closed (pics taken Saturday):

There are wooden hoardings up across all of them now.

[dreambrother808]

From Pacific Centre's website...


"We are pleased to share with you some of the new stores that will be joining the centre in the early Spring and Summer 2008:

• Apple Store
• Browns Shoes
• Geox
• H&M"


http://www.pacificcentre.com/store/index.ch2

Other development info, including Sport Chek & Coast Mountain expansion: http://www.pacificcentre.com/dyn3/index.ch2

[SpongeG]

they have a nifty apple section at the best buy on cambie - i never noticed it before - none of the other bb's i have been to have a swank apple section

[officedweller]

Interesting article - I had heard that Urban Fare woud be taking over the space from Capers.

Market expert predicts Cambie Capers closure
Glut of grocery stores prompt dire prediction

Sandra Thomas, Vancouver Courier
Published: Friday, February 01, 2008

A local retail marketing specialist doubts the new Capers Community Market will remain on Cambie Street for long, despite denials about closures from its corporate head office.

Last August Whole Foods Markets bought Wild Oats Market Inc., the corporate head office for Capers, for $565 million US and the assumption of debt. Two months later, Whole Foods closed the 22-year-old flagship Capers store on Marine Drive in West Vancouver, citing limited parking and poor traffic access. In July 2006 a new 20,000-square-foot Capers opened on Cambie Street at West 16th Avenue. But now a 51,000-square-foot Whole Foods Market is under construction just blocks away at the corner of Cambie Street and Broadway. For months residents and some Capers workers have speculated about the future of the store.

A Vancouver-based publicist for Whole Foods denies the Cambie Capers is at risk.

"There are no plans to close the Cambie store," said Danielle Jang in an email to the Courier. "It's a very strong store, and the company doesn't see any reason why both stores can't operate in the neighbourhood."

David Ian Gray, owner of Dig360, suspects there's more to the story. Dig360, formerly known as Sixth Line Solutions, is a marketing research and information consulting company operating in Vancouver since 1994. "My guess is they probably have a pretty committed lease," said Gray. "And that probably comes with a fair penalty to get out of that lease. My feeling is they're waiting a while and trying to figure out an exit strategy."

Gray said Whole Foods differs from Capers in that it's slightly more up-market, similar to the Urban Fare gourmet foods chain. He said Capers and Whole Foods are very similar in that they both specialize is organic products and promote healthy lifestyles.

Gray notes the area around Cambie and Broadway will soon be saturated with grocery stores. Besides the Capers store on Cambie at 16th, a Choices Market on Cambie at 18th and the Safeway store in City Square at Cambie and West 12th, a Whole Foods Market is under construction at Cambie and Broadway. A Save-On Foods store is also under construction on Cambie near the Whole Foods location.

"I realize Safeway and Save-On aren't organic stores, but people just aren't that compartmentalized," he said. "They often shop for convenience."

He notes while residential development is taking place in the neighbourhood, it doesn't compare to the number of towers popping up in Coal Harbour and Yaletown.

But Gray said the exact fate of Capers is hard to predict. When Best Buy bought out the Future Shop chain in Canada in 2001, it planned to convert or close the Future Shop stores.

"But the Canadian people convinced them the stores were sufficiently different, that there was a market for both," said Gray. "You never know. If they do their homework and offer distinct products, it might work and they may be able to continue to profitably run both. But that's a lot of grocery in one area."

© Vancouver Courier 2008

[dreambrother808]

...

[dreambrother808]

Confirmed Apple Store site in Pacific Centre, opening Spring/Summer

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2090/2235554883_c6feb63111_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2008/2236348486_fa4cd75333_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2149/2236348508_f64e84f24d_o.jpg

[mr.x2]

^ that's an unfortunate location, appears to be no street entrance.

[204]

Home Depot, nice building....

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2084/2204830356_a59e8d11e4_b_d.jpg
freedryk on flickr

[204]

Confirmed Apple Store site in Pacific Centre, opening Spring/Summer

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2090/2235554883_c6feb63111_o.jpg



http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2057/2186393657_5d826369fb_b_d.jpg
freedryk on flickr

[officedweller]

Thanks!
Apple will work well in the upper mall (despite the lack of a street level entry) with its modern look.

WRT Home Depot - I think that corner must be the main entry for it @ Yukon & 8th - not sure what the interior access is like (there must be a circulation stair/elevator to all of the stores from the parkade rather than separate access points.

[SpongeG]

grocery mania

they should turn that capers into a london drugs or shoppers perhaps

[SpongeG]

Thanks!
Apple will work well in the upper mall (despite the lack of a street level entry) with it's modern look.

WRT Home Depot - I think that corner must be the main entry for it @ Yukon & 8th - not sure what the interior access is like (there must be a circulation stair/elevator to all of the stores from the parkade rather than separate access points.

there also looks to be a cambie street entrance

whereis the save on going? above it? below it?

and winners/homesense is in there too?

[dreambrother808]

there also looks to be a cambie street entrance

whereis the save on going? above it? below it?

and winners/homesense is in there too?

the save on is beside it i think, on the southwest corner.

[officedweller]

The NW corner has the characteristic "Save-on-Foods" canopy. Looks like the Home Depot (stairs just inside its entry) is above the Save on Foods (looks fairly level through its entry).

[deasine]

That will be a good spot for Apple. The apple storefront (usually silver, but sometimes seen in black) will match really well with the clean lines of the Harry Rosen store.

[SpongeG]

The NW corner has the characteristic "Save-on-Foods" canopy. Looks like the Home Depot (stairs just inside its entry) is above the Save on Foods (looks fairly level through its entry).

ah

we rtried to walk from best buy to wendys the other night but it was rainy so we never walked

we wondered how they could fit three big box stores in there - it really doesn't look like they could all fit - the apartments are pretty low down - i would have thought there is a retail level above home depot but it was hard to tell from the vantage of best buy/CT

[Rusty Gull]

Re: Apple. Disappointing, but at least we're finally getting a store. We could do worse than Pacific Centre. I was hoping for something with the same kind of presence of Holt Renfrew, though.

I wonder if a flagship store might be still be in the cards in the future for West Hastings, at Jamieson House?

[SpongeG]

not here but nice to see the company expand

Blenz Coffee Finds a New Home in Manila

(PRLog.Org) – Feb 01, 2008 – Manila, Philippines – Blenz The Canadian Coffee Company Ltd. has signed a Master Franchise agreement with Alfred Lim of Maple Leaf Coffee Corporation, based in Manila. The first Philippine Blenz Coffee, boasting a modern contemporary design, will open February 2nd, 2008 at Unit E02-E03 Harbor Drive, SM One ECom Centre in Pasay City.

Blenz Coffee served its first guest in 1992 in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Since that time, Blenz has become a global presence with operations in Canada, Japan, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, China and now, the Philippines. Blenz Coffee proudly offers top quality beverages including specialty coffees, high-end teas and innovative specialty drinks (such as Ceremonial Matcha and hot chocolate crafted from real Belgian chocolate), delicious food and a comfortable atmosphere that is perfect for business or pleasure.

Mr. Lim and his Director of Operations, Dale Maktal, completed an intensive 5 week training course at the Blenz Coffee Academy in Vancouver, Canada. Throughout their training, they learned the finer points of creating premium beverages and the high standards of operations that all Blenz Coffee franchises provide. Mr. Maktal achieved the level of Master Barista, the highest level of certification awarded by Blenz Coffee.

“All Blenz Baristas are trained to create coffee and tea based beverages at a world class level,” stated George Moen, President of Blenz Coffee. “They are provided with skills and knowledge on everything from espresso technique to creating latte art that not only contributes to the aesthetic of a drink, but also to the overall taste,” He went on to say. “I am proud to see how much emphasis has been placed on training by Mr. Lim and Mr. Maktal. They understand it’s the people as well as the product that make Blenz Coffee great.”

As part of the opening celebrations, many of Blenz Coffee’s executives including Sarah Moen (Director and Co-Founder), George Moen (President), Tak Aramaki (Vice President), two-time international Millrock Latte Art Champion, Layla Osberg (Director of Training), and Ron Downie (Director of Operations) have made the trip to Manila. Ron and Layla will publicly demonstrate award winning latte art and showcase the skills and techniques that are the foundations to Blenz international success, providing a wonderful learning experience for employees as well as a spectacle for Blenz Coffee’s guests.

“We are very excited to see our organization expanding to the Philippine market,” says Geoffrey Hair, Director and Co-founder of Blenz The Canadian Coffee Company. “We have enjoyed building a solid friendship and business partnership with Maple Leaf Coffee Corporation, and we wish Mr. Lim and Mr. Maktal the best of success with their operations.”

About Blenz The Canadian Coffee Company™
Blenz Coffee is a premium retailer of coffee, tea and other innovative and delicious specialty beverages. All of Blenz' beverages are hand crafted from only the highest quality ingredients available. Their commitment to staff training, providing an excellent customer experience and a great cup of coffee has fueled Blenz' growth from its inception. [B]Blenz operates a network of over 85 franchise locations in British Columbia as well as Japan, China, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and now, the Philippines.


http://www.prlog.org/10048783-blenz-coffee-finds-new-home-in-manila.html

[Jacques]

way to go BLENZ like it alot, my kind of place

[dreambrother808]

way to go BLENZ like it alot, my kind of place

Blenz coffee is garbage to me. If I ask for the dark roast it should be dark, not light. I do rather love their dark chocolate mochas though. It's like drinking a chocolate bar.... mmmmmm....

[Jacques]

Blenz coffee is garbage to me. If I ask for the dark roast it should be dark, not light. I do rather love their dark chocolate mochas though. It's like drinking a chocolate bar.... mmmmmm....

Well I do not support Starbucks, MacDonald, Cosco, Walmart, I buy locally and organics and made in Canada as much as possible, my little ways to help reduce my foot print.

BTW: the best coffee for me is at home, I have a Delonghi espresso coffee maker, after a three hour walk around the seawall, I reward myself with a home made cafe latte.

[dreambrother808]

Well I do not support Starbucks, MacDonald, Cosco, Walmart, I buy locally and organics and made in Canada as much as possible, my little ways to help reduce my foot print.

BTW: the best coffee for me is at home, I have a Delonghi espresso coffee maker, after a three hour walk around the seawall, I reward myself with a home made cafe latte.

There are good local companies like JJ Bean, Bean Around The World, Saltspring, the Grind... but in the end we don't grow coffee beans in this area. No matter what, you are buying something that has been shipped quite a distance. Local companies are only roasters, not producers.

[Jacques]

I never said I bought my coffee beans at Blenz, I buy at Bean around the world, fair trade, organics.
But eh if we could grow beans here don't you know we would, still anything one can do to help the planet in even small manners is a step in making good for the future of our children.
look at what they just turned down the proposal to rid of plastic bag, for godsake we all carry back pack why use plastic bags.

[osirisboy]

^^ whats the diff between starbucks and say jj bean? they both import their coffee. also costco walmart etc sell local/ national products, so you could shop their nd buy local nationally produced products. thereby reducing your "footprint"

[vanlaw]

Bean Around the World sells fantastic coffee. And their baked goods (Main/21 location at least) blows any other coffee shop and most cafes out of the water with regards to selection and quality.

[officedweller]

WRT Home Depot - I think that corner must be the main entry for it @ Yukon & 8th - not sure what the interior access is like (there must be a circulation stair/elevator to all of the stores from the parkade rather than separate access points.

Drove by yesterday - Home Depot also looks to have an entrance at Yukon & 7th (i.e. ower level) - so it is probably 2 levels stacked on each other at the east end of the building.

[SpongeG]

seems like a lot of things opening up

passed a few spots

west 4th - a new steak house and lounge down near videomatica/marks work wearhouse
west 4th - orb clothing
west 4th - book warehouse is now open

hastings - opus art and frame is opening across from victory square - just a block west of the new woodwards development :)

[Jacques]

hastings - opus art and frame is opening across from victory square - just a block west of the new woodwards development

It is about time, there used to be one art supply store on Water Street years back, finally they are waking up to very potential business, i know many artist around my area that are going to be delighted, just today I wished they had been open, I didn't feel like going all over to Broadway for supply nor main station!
Any idea as to when, because the writing on the windows have been there for a while.

[officedweller]

I noticed that the Loomis Art Supplies on Main Street (near Terminal) has changed its name.

[officedweller]

The Geox shoe store is open in Pacific Centre - very very modern design for the store - lots of glass on the corner - anchors it well.

[Jacques]

I noticed that the Loomis Art Supplies on Main Street (near Terminal) has changed its name.

yep its called OMER de SERRES I recall a few of them way back in the early 90th, I know they have stores near the UQUAM in Montreal, it is a Canadian company started in Montreal 100 years ago.
As a student in Montreal arts school Omer de Serres was the place to stack up on art supplies

here the INFO link:http://www.deserres.ca/


For nearly 100 years, DeSerres has been working to nourish artists’ creativity. DeSerres is the largest retailer of art and craft supplies in Canada. A vast network of international suppliers and a range of 30,000 products contribute to positioning the company as a leader in its field. Each store is a treasure trove of creative inspiration, and guarantees a colourful shopping experience that marries art, creativity and the latest new ideas.

A driving force behind creativity in Quebec, DeSerres continues its Canada-wide expansion, currently numbering 27 stores. This family business employs over 700 people in Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta and British Columbia.

NOTE: I don't understand why they changed the name, because they owned Loomis art supplies, I gather its just a marketing plot

[officedweller]

Probably just consolidating the operations? i.e. costs of advertising, packaging, etc.?
Loomis has only been in BC for maybe 5 years. I remember seeing them in Ontario before, but not in BC - they had started to develop their brand here but probably not enough to prevent them from changing over.

[Jacques]

The Official name brand once know in Quebec as Omer de Serre, and in the rest of Canada under acquisitions in the 90th of Loomis, will now be know Canada wide as DESERRES

[officedweller]

The Official name brand once know in Quebec as Omer de Serre, and in the rest of Canada under acquisitions in the 90th of Loomis, will now be know Canada wide as DESERRES

From a branding prespective, in Vancouver, DESERRES would have people wondering how to pronounce it. "de Serre" is more obvious.

Remember, the restaurant "Ouest" changed its name to "West" because patrons couldn't pronounce it.

[Jacques]

From a branding prespective, in Vancouver, DESERRES would have people wondering how to pronounce it. "de Serre" is more obvious.

Remember, the restaurant "Ouest" changed its name to "West" because patrons couldn't pronounce it.

I doubt very much a name change, remember this is the brand name and the name of its founder Roger Deserres open its first store in Montreal in 1908, they have no intent to mingle with that IMO

[SFUVancouver]

I saw that Opus is opening a storefront operation in the Dominion Building on Hastings at Cambie.

[SpongeG]

guess on robson has closed down and the new store is all boarded up a few doors down - the one guess was using as a clearance store...

kind of odd that they would close the old store down before the new one is ready isn't it?

i noticed Mavi has opened up on granville where heavens playground used to be

pac centre has boards up saying look for the new Canada line connector summer 2009

R&W was closed and should be open by this summer i guess? it says something about the summer

H&M doesn't seem to have any signage on the bottom level - only the upper level

jacob looks nice - it looks like it is located where the escalators used to be for HR

browns shoes is opening in the spring and a couple other stores - still no apple store signage

a night and day restaurant has opened on denman street - finally that spot that was left boarded for years - formerly a hot dog place if i recall

[officedweller]

kind of odd that they would close the old store down before the new one is ready isn't it?
...

H&M doesn't seem to have any signage on the bottom level - only the upper level

Maybe to move existing stock rather than clearing out the old stuff.

Noticed that too - makes me think that H&M isn't going to have space on the lower level - just the upper level and the unseen third level above that.

[jlousa]

Went for burgers last night at a Vancouver icon, Wally's Burgers on Kingsway. Almost everyone that was brought up in Vancouver has been there at least once, it used to always win the best burger awards whenthe Vancouver sun ran the contest years ago. Anyways I was dissappointed to learn that Wallys will be no more. It is scheduled to close in March of this year. The business is for sale so hopefully someone can revive it and bring it back to it's old glory. In the meantime I'm going to make sure to hit it a few times before it goes dark.

[leftside]

All of Vancouver's institutions disappearing. The Drake, The Cecil, Madame Cleo's, Richards on Richards, Wally's Burgers...

[hollywoodnorth]

ya the Night and Day just sort of sprang up there.......shitty and odd its not 24/7 like most if not all of the other locations..........

its like a new Denny's or 7/11 opening up downtown and not being 24/7........lame lame lame

[Rusty Gull]

Yeah, I noticed that. Looks like an upscale Knight and Day -- compared to their Boundary Road and Kingsway locations, that's for sure. Should be some good competition on Denman, with Knight and Day joining the fray with Fat Burger and Veras.

Who would have thought that progressive, international Denman Street would become a haven for the hamburger and milkshake scene! Not that I'm complaining...

[SpongeG]

some pics for the thread :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/DSC00140.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/DSC00141.jpg

[deasine]

I can't believe they are opening a Wholefoods at Cambie & Broadway (that's the Crossroads building under construction right now), especially when there's the flagship Capers store a few blocks up the street [Capers & Wholefoods = same company now]

[SpongeG]

yah they might be closing the capers down - it was mentioned in a news article not too long ago - they would monitor how the two do and decide than

from the whole foods i have been in they are much much larger than the capers stores

probably as big as a safeway which is probably double a capers

the fresh/hot food areas are large and great the one in portland made the best sandwich i ever had :P so jonesing for one now

they should do a great business at lunch time - the soups, the salads, prepackackged foods and buffets etc. are really good

[hollywoodnorth]

Save on is now set to open in mid April.......

[dreambrother808]

from the whole foods i have been in they are much much larger than the capers stores

they should do a great business at lunch time - the soups, the salads, prepackackged foods and buffets etc. are really good

yeah, whole foods is really the creme de la creme of grocery stores, everything is so well-laid out and enticing.

no other major grocery store i've been to measures up to the quality of prepared foods. i used to shop at the rosedale one in toronto all the time.

i have made one trek out to the west van store but having one so close at cambie & broadway will be great.

[deasine]

iunno I prefer Capers more - they seem to have a more "community market type" feel unlike Whole Foods, though they basically offer the same products.

Sigh and that's Capers flagship store too...

[dreambrother808]

iunno I prefer Capers more - they seem to have a more "community market type" feel unlike Whole Foods, though they basically offer the same products.

Sigh and that's Capers flagship store too...

I like Capers, but they definitely will not be able to compete with Whole Foods, especially when you add in the location factor.
I imagine though that Capers might possibly be able to retain enough customers from those in its vicinity, notably those south of the store and therefore that much further away from WF.

When it comes down to it both WF and Capers have highly annoying customer bases, people taking themselves way too seriously.
I was a regular shopper at the Kits Capers in the mid-90s and miss the more down-to-earth vibe it once had.
But I guess the change is just part and parcel of the sadly shifting Vancouver attitude in general.

[SpongeG]

i prefer having room to move around and not fight for elbow space like the small capers stores

[Smooth]

Isn't Capers owned by Whole Foods now? I think there are plans to eventually rebrand all the the Capers stores as Whole Foods.

[SpongeG]

yes - capers was owned by Wild Oats - also an american company - and than wild oats was bought out by whole foods

whole foods tends to have large stores - none of the capers stores really fit there type

they have already closed the capers in west vancouver that was there for years

ate at capers last week on west 4th - they had some whole foods things in store

[204]

Isn't Capers owned by Whole Foods now? I think there are plans to eventually rebrand all the the Capers stores as Whole Foods.

Yes, and they just installed the Whole Foods computer systems on all the cashes at the Capers on Robson. Apparently they are slowly rebranding Capers as Whole Foods.

[hollywoodnorth]

Business in Vancouver March 4-10, 2008; issue 958

Retail Review: David Gray

Retailers remain upbeat, despite space crunch and other major market challenges

Notes from Whistler’s January 28 and 29 International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) conference:

On the heels of the stock market dive of January 21, I was curious about the mood of the crowd at the conference, because much of the ICSC activity revolves around cultivating commitments to drive new developments. Interestingly, the mood by all accounts was upbeat.

Shane Eldstrom, general manager at Metropolis, echoes his peers: “We’re doing great. Sales are strong. Demand for our space is huge, and we’re appealing to even broader shopper segments.”

There’s also high demand for new retail development and renting existing space.

Strong Canadian consumer trends (housing, sales, employment and confidence) are but a contextual backdrop to both. They’re a factor in overall industry confidence, but the real supply demand curve is space.

There’s ample interest in new developments, but the supply of land or renewable urban blocks is limited, and residential projects command more attractive returns.

Ivanhoe-Cambridge continues to seek the Metro Vancouver location to replicate its successful 1.2-million-square-foot Vaughn Mills project in Ontario, which is Canada’s largest mall.

The dynamics around anchoring retail have also changed. Gone are the days of large mall anchors, such as the Bay or Sears, with smaller specialty retailers in between. Now we see a demand for many mini-anchors and large format specialty retailers such as Sport Chek of approximately 50,000 square feet. Collectively, they’re deemed to be a draw for shoppers.

Another emerging feature is off-price outlet malls, similar to those commonly seen in the United States, which insiders claim can double the distance shoppers are willing to drive to a shopping destination.

Leasing managers are fighting tooth and nail to land the hot new U.S. or global retailers to serve this role – stores like H&M and Abercrombie & Fitch. These, however, present their own challenges, as they normally focus on top centres and aren’t prepared to locate in all the malls in a market.

By contrast, smaller projects such as Grosvenor’s the Rise on Cambie Street are focused on mixed-use development featuring a combination of residential, office and retail. In this case, anchors include Home Depot, Winners and Save-On Foods. With more tightly constrained urban developments, retailers often need to creatively adapt larger formats to suit smaller urban mixed-use space.

Enclosed malls are also incorporating residential into their expansions and responding to the hot foreign chains expanding into Canada.

The latest addition at Metropolis this spring will be Coach.

Rejuvenations are the active side of the larger developer’s investment, with projects such as Guildford Town Centre pulling $250 million in funding. The space constraint is addressed by building vertically.

Steve Evans, principal of Sunstone Realty Advisors, continues to find successful value-added opportunities in places like Vernon’s Polson Place.

He notes that smaller towns in B.C. are not nearly as constrained on space as their major market counterparts. However, not all community projects are readily able to draw stable, quality retailers either.

For the larger developers, such as pension-fund owned Ivanhoe-Cambridge, financing growth is not an issue.

They’re flush with cash and seeking deals. It’s the developers requiring funding for their projects that are seeing the impact of the recent market turmoil.

Linked back to the sub-prime mortgage crisis in the United States, lending for retail development has all but dried up for many ICSC attendees. Add to this, the poor equity market conditions.

Many feel this is temporary, however, the liquidity crisis is putting opportunities on hold.

Yet for properties seeking tenants, times could not be better.

Not only is occupancy high, chains are on a frenetic pace to add locations during the current consumer boom.

Add to this the growing global retail expansion into Canada and retail rents are rising dramatically.

But this good news could become a concern because many retailers are expanding without a game plan. Instead, they’re simply adding stores to multiply sales.

But as the competition continues to add their own retail supply and consumer spending cools, some retailers could face a sudden cash crisis.

Short-term gains by landlords might lead to tenant challenges in their properties. •

David Gray (davidiangray@dig360.ca) is an expert on shopper trends and retail strategies.

[SpongeG]

ooh coach how classy

[LeftCoaster]

Business in Vancouver March 4-10, 2008; issue 958

Retail Review: David Gray

Ivanhoe-Camb