[SteelTown]

Since there seems to be a retail boom happening in Hamilton I figured I create a separate thread. JYSK basically a smaller version of IKEA.

JYSK to open new store in Stoney Creek - Hamilton, ON - February 9th 2008

HAMILTON, ON, Dec. 18 /CNW/ - JYSK Bed - Bath - Home - The Scandinavian retailer with over 1,300 locations worldwide, will open its first store in Stoney Creek, Ontario, on Saturday, February 9th 2008, at 8:00 AM.

The 23,000 square feet store will be located in the Parkway Plaza - 200 Centennial Pkwy. Other major retailers in this shopping plaza are Future Shop and Food Basics.

There are currently 9 JYSK stores in Ontario and a total of 35 JYSK locations across Canada. The first Canadian store opened 11 years ago in Port Coquitlam. Since then, the company expanded rapidly and now has a coast-to-coast presence from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. In addition to the "brick-and-mortar" stores, JYSK ships anywhere in Canada from its Online store at www.jysk.ca

"At JYSK, customers will find all the furnishings they need for their home; from mattresses to towels, including linen and curtains. Duvets and quilts are a JYSK trademark as we are one of the world's largest buyers of these products. In our furniture department, people will find a large selection of Scandinavian-style beds, tables, bookcases, seating, and dining sets. We also carry a great assortment of patio furniture and seasonal items for the spring and summer, and because we buy large volumes around the world, we can offer our customers the lowest prices possible." stated Pablo Reich, JYSK's Chief Operating Officer who says the retailer is excited to now be part of the Stoney Creek community.

[LikeHamilton]

I was looking at their web site. They list the store as being in Stoney Creek. That plaza is in Hamilton. Always was. Just like the Home Depot on Centennial is listed as Stoney Creek but is in Hamilton. Ever since amalgamation, Stoney Creeks border has been creeping westward. Even the Canadian Tire at Nash and Queenston Rd is listed as 686 Queenston Road, Stoney Creek. This has been Hamilton since the early 60’s and was Saltfleet Township before that.

Just a little thing that bugs me.

[raisethehammer]

yea, I'm not sure why they do that. Centennial Pkwy, north of Queenston is all in Hamilton's old boundary....the border shifts west to the corner of Queenston/Centennial, but no further.
Queenston west of Centennial is also Hamilton:

http://map.hamilton.ca/Static/PDFs/WardMaps/Ward5Councillor.pdf

[flar]

These retailers want to pretend they're in Stoney Creek lol. Hamilton is just so undesirable.

[fastcarsfreedom]

The store in Windsor has survived now for a couple of years. The format is much smaller than Ikea obviously--they do sell unfinished furniture (I built and finished a hutch from there)--expect a store that is somewhat cluttered and has a blizzard of signage. Overall though they do run decent sales--and in addition to the usual offerings of furniture and linen they sell a lot of outdoor patio/bbq stuff for summer. Guessing they are occupying the late White Rose location?

[LikeHamilton]

They tore down the old White Rose store and the plaza. Only the grocery store, the Kelsey’s I believe and the Burger King where left. They built a new plaza behind the Kelsey’s and added to the grocery store a new building. Part of it is the Future Shop and next to it will be “JYSK Bed - Bath – Home”. It has a sign advertising its opening and looks like it will be a fairly large store.

[fastcarsfreedom]

Thanks for the update LikeHamilton--I'd completely forgotten that Future Shop had moved there. That's a cool Kelsey's--nice building--I remember when it was St. Hubert.

[raisethehammer]

a friend who lives near Up. Gage and Stonechurch says rumour around there is that Starbucks is coming to the plaza at SW corner of that intersection.
I personally find that hard to believe considering there's nothing around there other than homes, but that's what he says the locals are all saying.

[DC83]

There was a crappy gas stn there b4 and a Big Bear Variety. The owner of the property completely redid the site into a small strip-mall. Not the type Starbucks likes to locate in. and considering there isn't really any density in that area, or much more growth, I find it hard to believe.

There is a newer set of low-rise retirement condos on the N-E corner, so a Coffee Time or something along those lines is more likely... Starbucks seems to cater to younger, "hipper" crowds... not the geriatric ones that Coffee Time n Co prefer.

[raisethehammer]

There was a crappy gas stn there b4 and a Big Bear Variety. The owner of the property completely redid the site into a small strip-mall. Not the type Starbucks likes to locate in. and considering there isn't really any density in that area, or much more growth, I find it hard to believe.

There is a newer set of low-rise retirement condos on the N-E corner, so a Coffee Time or something along those lines is more likely... Starbucks seems to cater to younger, "hipper" crowds... not the geriatric ones that Coffee Time n Co prefer.


hmmm, "a younger, hipper crowd"??
So I wonder what I am?
Young AND geriatric?? lol

[DC83]

hmmm, "a younger, hipper crowd"??
So I wonder what I am?
Young AND geriatric?? lol

HAHAHA I think everyone's a lil bit of both!! I catch myself saying, "Kids these days..." every now-and-then, too :s hahaha

[raisethehammer]

check this out...these guys just moved their US headquarters to Portland and are opening their first US store in downtown Portland:

http://www.icebreaker.com/site/index.html

SWEET eh?
H&M also just announced a new store in downtown Portland...I guess if they are just getting there now, I'll have to wait quite a while before they come downtown here.

[DC83]

H&M also just announced a new store in downtown Portland...I guess if they are just getting there now, I'll have to wait quite a while before they come downtown here.

Not necessarily... H&M is a Euro store that is newer to the North American market (within the last couple of years). Some major malls don't even have a store, and most major malls didn't get one until very recently.
I don't know much about H&M's finances or whatnot, but from the looks of it, they're on some sort of a fairly big expansion process (into NA anyway).
So it may be sooner than later... if ECDEV can somehow manage to woo them into our market, it'd be great... ESPECIALLY if they carry their men's line in our downtown store! (I know I'd be there!)

[raisethehammer]

me too....a full H&M store downtown right at King/James would do awesome....check out all the young people yesterday lining up for a bus ride to Limeridge and coming back down with bags...there's a huge student/young person population living downtown and is on the increase. EcDev should really go after these guys. It would only take a few new 'known' stores to start turning the tide downtown - H&M, Winners, HomeSense and maybe Indigo. To go along with already existing Le Chateau, Moda Classica, Urban Planet, Sirens...places that young people are always shopping in. I was surprised when walking by yesterday how jammed Jackson Square looked from the King/James entrance. and most people had bags. I wonder how sales were...I assumed it would be dead. Once London Tap and Williams open downtown people will be able to make an afternoon of it with shopping/dining/market/library/books etc.... we're getting close, but need a few major new stores to kickstart more momentum.

[raisethehammer]

by the way, does anyone know who the contact person is at EcDev to email about retail suggestions?? I'm assuming that Coalmine will know. I'd like to drop them a line.

[realcity]

EcDev is getting a new staff.

[SteelTown]

Eastgate Mall owner hopes to fill The Bay's spot soon

February 12, 2008
Steve Arnold
The Hamilton Spectator

A well-loved department store name will disappear from Hamilton's east end by the end of March.

The Hudson's Bay Company has confirmed its store at Eastgate Square will close March 22, affecting more than 80 jobs and leaving only the chain's Lime Ridge Mall store.

Katherine Raso, senior manager of public and corporate communications for the chain, confirmed the decision yesterday, adding most employees will be relocated to other stores in the company.

"We're closing the Eastgate location March 22 -- it was a smaller location and the property was leased," she said in an e-mail.

"The company made a strategic decision to not renew the lease and felt that our customers would be best served through our other larger locations in the area."

In addition to The Bay, HBC also operates Zellers and Home Outfitters locations in this area.

"There are just over 80 associates at the Eastgate location and the company is doing its best to relocate associates to other Bay, Zellers and Home Outfitters locations," Raso said. "Prospects for relocation at this time look very good."

Losing The Bay will leave a major hole in Eastgate's landscape -- a hole the mall owner said it hopes to fill by the end of this month.

"We have a conditional arrangement with the Bay to surrender its lease by the end of next month and by the end of this month we should be in a position to announce a replacement tenant," said Don Burton, executive vice-president for retail of Redcliff Realty Management. "We're hopeful that things will come together by then."

As the Bay leaves one Redcliff property, Sears is looking for a new location for the store it will close sometime this year at Centre Mall, which is in the early stages of a $100-million redevelopment. Neither Burton nor a spokesperson for Sears, however, would confirm the chain will relocate to Eastgate.

"Nothing's done until it's done," Burton said. "Would we like the opportunity to get Sears at Eastgate? Yes. We're certainly hopeful."

A new retail name is also coming into the city -- electronics retailer Best Buy is in the early stages of opening a huge new store in the Meadowlands Power Centre in Ancaster. The project is expected to create up to 150 full- and part-time jobs during the off season, "and it will swell up dramatically around Christmas," said Geoff Stollery, senior real estate manager for Best Buy and Future Shop.

The new store will be in the same location as the Meadowlands' current Future Shop -- it's moving to the Wal-Mart power centre in the south of Ancaster.

Stollery explained that Best Buy, which currently has its only area store in Burlington, has been looking to break into the Hamilton market for several months.

"Timing is everything. We went after the GTA, then the larger markets in Canada and now we're going after the secondary larger markets," he said. "We've been looking for awhile and effectively had to create our own opportunity."

While he was coy about the cost of the new facilities, Stollery said the "many seven figures" price tag represents "a very serious economic commitment we're making in Hamilton."

Other locations could be coming in the future, he said, although the Centre Mall isn't on Best Buy's radar.

[raisethehammer]

this has to be the worst kept secret in town. Redcliffe owns both properties and is taking Sears out of Centre Mall. Gee, I wonder where they are going?? haha.

I still haven't heard anything about this so-called 'major tenant' for Centre Mall. anyone else?

[fastcarsfreedom]

RTH it is sort of funny how they are playing coy about Eastgate--I'm guessing that HBC has made the request to avoid the appearance that Sears is "replacing" or "taking over" the location--which it is in essence doing--but you can understand for competitive reasons why The Bay would want to avoid this appearance. The demographic in that end of the city continues to change and I would guess Sears will do better there as they are in more product categories (like hardgoods) and have a slightly lower price-point. They'll likely do a nice job outfitting the store--their new locations with the full Lands End "store-within-a-store" concept look great. Amazing though, as Department Stores go, no one has yet touched Eaton's last interior layout at Lime Ridge for attractiveness and functionality.

Haven't heard anything about the "major tenant" for the Centre--I frankly think it's a bit of a ruse--and likely the "big" announcement will be another poorly kept secret--such as the fact that the Real Canadian Superstore is opening it's "first" location in Hamilton.

[markbarbera]

The Loblaws superstore is most likely the as-yet-unnamed destination store referred to in previous posts.

[raisethehammer]

oooh, exciting.

[fastcarsfreedom]

I'm basing my guess on the fact that they haven't officially come out and said "yes, this will be an RCSS location"--it's a decent enough store, but I agree with your assessment, it's not exactly something to set your hair on fire for.

[markbarbera]

In all fairness, Redcliffe described it as a destination store, and GCSS is as much a destination retail store as say Costco or WalMart.

[SteelTown]

Is Superstore a 24 hrs grocery store like Sobeys? I know a few people that go to Grimsby for the Superstore. Superstore will do really well in Hamilton.

[fastcarsfreedom]

SteelTown, RCSS is what I'd call "hypermarket-lite"--it's an effort by Loblaw to move closer to the Wal-Mart Supercenter concept. It is full-service grocery as well as small appliances, housewares, linens, health and beauty--and most recently, private label clothing under the "joe fresh" brand. They run with price-points lower than whatever the traditional Loblaw format is in a given market (Fortinos in your case, Zehrs in mine) thanks to an agreement with the UFCW that allows them to hire non-grocery employees at a lower wage scale. Not aware of any that operate 24 Hours--Hamilton's Victorian business hours laws would prevent that anyway considering the general merchandise (non-grocery) in the format.

[markbarbera]

None of the Loblaws formats offer 24hr shopping, at least not in Ontario. However, they probably could if they wanted to, seeing as both Sobey's and The Barn both already operate 24hr here.

[SteelTown]

The Sobey's at Ancaster is open for 24 hrs which is helpful as I've gone 1am to Sobey's before lol.

[SteelTown]

I think the Wal-Mart Supercentre at Ancaster just recently started to open 24 hrs as well. So I was wondering if the Superstores is 24 hrs or will it be going 24 hrs as well.

[raisethehammer]

King West Barn is 24-7 along with Upp James Mohawk.

[flar]

The Barn and A&P in Dundas are both 24hr as well. Why they're both 24hr I don't know. Since The Barn in Dundas switched to 24hr it's been declining. Lineups at the checkouts, subpar produce and now Fortino's is cheaper on a lot of items. I wish they'd cut their hours back to normal and put more into their service, quality and pricing like they used to. It's completely dead after 9 anyway.

[fastcarsfreedom]

Wal*Mart is moving to 24 Hrs at a number of locations--I know Ancaster was initially prevented from doing so by a by-law limiting the types of businesses that can remain open 24/7--that may have changed.

markbarbera is correct--Loblaws has generally not operated 24 Hr stores.

[markbarbera]

None of the Walmart stores in Canada have gone to year-round 24hr operation. A select group operated round the clock last December, and the Ancaster location was one of them. Walmart has yet to make a final decision on year-round 24hr operations. Should they decide to move ahead with it, the Ancaster store is certain to be among the stores doing so, along with the Upper James store once its renovation to the new format has been completed.

[fastcarsfreedom]

Following the success of 24 hour operations over the month of December, Wal*Mart Canada announced in January that it would move to year-round 24 hour operations at 25 stores across Canada. The Wal*Mart store in my neighborhood is among these, I assure you, as a shift worker I have taken advantage of the convenience more than once. You may not always agree with me, but have some faith that I know what I'm talking about when I post facts/information here.

For confirmation of this story you can follow this link to a Globe & Mail article dated January 7.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080107.wlwalmart07/BNStory/lifeMain/home

[fastcarsfreedom]

Stealing a page from the Trolleybus links provided, here is a classic early 80s shot of Eastgate, showing the soon to be former Bay location under it's original lineage.

http://www.trolleybuses.net/ham/htm/can_h_ham_flyer_779_king_198409_ss.htm

[markbarbera]

I stand corrected on the 24-hour Walmart availability. I was not aware that they had started testing the extended hours in stores beyond the Christmas rush.

[raisethehammer]

Stealing a page from the Trolleybus links provided, here is a classic early 80s shot of Eastgate, showing the soon to be former Bay location under it's original lineage.

http://www.trolleybuses.net/ham/htm/can_h_ham_flyer_779_king_198409_ss.htm

dang, not much has changed down there.
It kills me seeing the fabulous trolley network we had. Dumb city.

[fastcarsfreedom]

The signs on the buildings have changed--I guess that's about it--the view today would be quite similar.

Losing Robinson's was a shame--it was Hamilton's own, founded and bred here.

Loved the trolley system when I was a kid--would get my dad to stay behind them on Queenston and King so I could watch for sparks.

[HAMRetrofit]

Canada's government is too busy spending on arctic sovereignty and the northwest passage to invest in commuter transit that makes sense.

For some reason it is more important to ship things through 100 meters of ice than to develop rapid transit in places where people actually live. It will be nice to be in New York for the next few months.

[DC83]

Canada's government is too busy spending on arctic sovereignty and the northwest passage to invest in commuter transit that makes sense.

For some reason it is more important to ship things through 100 meters of ice than to develop rapid transit in places where people actually live. It will be nice to be in New York for the next few months.

We need to protect our Northern-Sovereignty, you know!
I hear the penguins & polar bears are developping some WMDs? hahahahaha

as for Eastgate, the general area's view hasn't changed much (I see it e-v-e-r-y day ugh) but the main entrance to the Mall certainly has changed! The new angled-glass wall entrance, the new beauty of a transit terminal and the covered walkway up the that gorgeous new entry-way! Those trees to the east of that bus in that pic however (http://www.trolleybuses.net/ham/htm/can_h_ham_flyer_779_king_198409_ss.htm) are still just as tall! hahaha That's what happens when you plant trees in new developments! No soil to grow in... sadly :(

[raisethehammer]

yea, I'm impressed with that transit terminal. Only thing I would have done differently is to extend the covered walkway right to the mall doors and use some longer shelter/terminal structure like the ones on McNab downtown instead of a whole pile of those individual bus stops that only hold 5 people.
Other than that, it's great. And I'm sure they'll evaluate, get some feedback and improve on that design for future terminals at Limeridge, McMaster, Centre Mall and elsewhere.

[DC83]

yea, I'm impressed with that transit terminal. Only thing I would have done differently is to extend the covered walkway right to the mall doors and use some longer shelter/terminal structure like the ones on McNab downtown instead of a whole pile of those individual bus stops that only hold 5 people.
Other than that, it's great. And I'm sure they'll evaluate, get some feedback and improve on that design for future terminals at Limeridge, McMaster, Centre Mall and elsewhere.

I actually prefer that they have several stand-alone shelters rather than one long roof over my head. ESPECIALLY during the winter months when it's FREEZING!

I use this new terminal every day and it's fantastic. The buses run in-and-out smoothly, cars are prohibited from entering unlike the last one Eastgate had, and there is ALWAYS either a King or B-Line waiting. Sometimes there are even 3 King's lined up.

I also like how the (West-Bound) B-Line's stop is on Queenston so it can get people off, on, and leave without having to wait for a signal (buses now have merging right-of-way by law although there are still some people who wont let them in). It works great.

[raisethehammer]

sounds good. Yea, I guess there's some truth to having smaller shelters instead of huge ones.
the new one at King and Dundurn is a complete joke. The other night during that blizzard the whole inside of the shelter was being filled with snow. There are openings on all 4 corners of the shelter!! what's the use in that?
It's a shame that McMaster is screwing over the B-Line just as it was starting to be looked at as a true rapid transit option in the city with more enhancements coming. Maybe they are worried about losing some of their hig-priced parking business. idiots.

[BCTed]

I actually prefer that they have several stand-alone shelters rather than one long roof over my head. ESPECIALLY during the winter months when it's FREEZING!

I use this new terminal every day and it's fantastic. The buses run in-and-out smoothly, cars are prohibited from entering unlike the last one Eastgate had, and there is ALWAYS either a King or B-Line waiting. Sometimes there are even 3 King's lined up.

I also like how the (West-Bound) B-Line's stop is on Queenston so it can get people off, on, and leave without having to wait for a signal (buses now have merging right-of-way by law although there are still some people who wont let them in). It works great.

The Eastgate covered walkway doesn't actually seem to offer any protection from the elements. It seems to be little more than decoration.

[BCTed]

It's a shame that McMaster is screwing over the B-Line just as it was starting to be looked at as a true rapid transit option in the city with more enhancements coming. Maybe they are worried about losing some of their hig-priced parking business. idiots.

Many people on here refer to the service as the B-Line, but as far as I know, it is the Beeline Express. I tend to think of the B-Line being a Vancouver thing!

McMaster has very reasonable parking rates in comparison to other area universities, especially given that its lots are pretty well full up. York University, for example, has many, many more free parking spaces at any given time than does McMaster, but its parking rates are several multiples of the Mac rate.

[raisethehammer]

It used to be the Beeline. Now it's the B-Line. Take a look at any of the signs at all the B-Line stops.
I think the full name is B-Line Express.

[BCTed]

It used to be the Beeline. Now it's the B-Line. Take a look at any of the signs at all the B-Line stops.
I think the full name is B-Line Express.

Ah. Well, now it is in line with Van City.

[matt602]

The naming convention was switched over earlier this fall when service hours were extended. The full name is indeed B-Line Express. I suppose they changed it in anticipation of future LRT/BRT lines that will adopt a similar naming convention (A-Line, C-Line, etc.).

[raisethehammer]

yea, as far as I know it has/had nothing to do with Vancouver. The name change was done in order to more easily allow us to develop new lines like matt mentioned.

[DC83]

The Eastgate covered walkway doesn't actually seem to offer any protection from the elements. It seems to be little more than decoration.

I have yet to stand under it during a rain storm, but would personally prefer to be in a shelter if it happens to be pouring! But as far as I can tell, the area under the tarp is generally dry when the surrounding area is wet.

And ya, as for the name, I don't like it. B-Line ughghhh. I'm so old school and miss my Beeline Express :( I remember the old "label" on bus stops had buzzing bees on them! But now I have to suck it up and refer to it as the B-Line.

[raisethehammer]

I'll be happy once there's an A-Line, C-Line, X-Line and whatever else can be developed. AND when the B-Line actually runs full hours, 7 days a week.

Man, I've been noodling around downtown checking out various retail spaces, and I gotta tell you. We have a TON of potential downtown for a great retail vibe. We all know about the streetfront potential. 3 new spaces are opening up soon - Foster Building, new City Building and Terraces on King.
But I've started to realize the great opportunities that exist in our little arcades - Lister, Connaught Corporate Centre, Terminal Towers, Right House. Man, these buildings are so cool and unique. No reason why we can't attract some great anchors in Jackson Sq and on King Street and have these arcades filled up again with great shopping/dining.

[fastcarsfreedom]

RTH--when I was a lad I can remember Terminal Towers being chock-a-block with stores--there were several little back passageways that have since been closed off--but at one time they were full, as was the basement level, which once housed a Loblaws.

[fastcarsfreedom]

I too preferred the old Beeline signs that dated back to the 80s--with the "beelining" bee on the signs and ad literature.

[raisethehammer]

RTH--when I was a lad I can remember Terminal Towers being chock-a-block with stores--there were several little back passageways that have since been closed off--but at one time they were full, as was the basement level, which once housed a Loblaws.


yup, I remember. it would be great to see that happen again there and at Right House, Lister and Connaught. Not to mention filling up the street retail spaces downtown and Jackson Square.
I believe it CAN happen. Sadly, the wonks at city hall don't. They always talk about how we'll never see the retail downtown like it once was.
Hogwash. Portland's downtown has gone from looking like ours to becoming the centre of their city's retail. Same in Boston, Montreal, TO etc.... small vision at city hall leads to even smaller realities. We need to start electing people who actually give a rat's backside.

[matt602]

My apologies for the crappy picture but I noticed RTH brought up the Connaught Corporate Center. Here's a pic of it that I took last spring. It's a beautiful hallway on the main floor of the 1930's Annex that allowed access to the storefronts facing King. As you can see it is/was lit by beautiful light fixtures and features some nice detail on the walls. There's about 5 or 6 stores that branch off from here, including a set of washrooms to the immediate right hand of the picture.

The scene is quite different today, somebody went and smashed all the glass and the lights are usually turned off or burned out. We cleaned up the glass and found the panel for the lights though, so I'll try to get a better shot of it in the future. It's really nice. The doors at the end of the picture exit out onto John St, across from the courthouse.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k201/sugarton/UE/IMG_0150.jpg

[fastcarsfreedom]

matt602--i completely remember walking through that "arcade" area about 10 years ago when the businesses were all open. The "arcade" concept in hotels was very common in the era of the Connaught's construction.

[DC83]

^^ I remember walking thru that hall and actually using that washroom just a couple months b4 it's closure. I don't believe there were any accessible stores at that time tho (as far as I can remember). I'm sure they had all closed down already.

I believe the Royal York also has an arcade level to it... but I think it was added afterwards. But regardless, another one opening up into cafes or something similar could definately work again in a new Connaught. Hopefully this gets taken into consideration when it's finally redone.

Awesome pic, Matt.

[raisethehammer]

I'm worried about the fate of this beautiful arcade and the Lister arcade as long as LIUNA owns them. They seem to have no creativity other than slapping up office cubicles everywhere. Man, I wish someone would buy them out and just get them off the scene. Such thugs.

[fastcarsfreedom]

Been to LIUNA Station RTH? It's a masterpiece.

[raisethehammer]

1 out of 3 isn't very good.

[realcity]

Been to LIUNA Station RTH? It's a masterpiece.

ya right, but it's a disaster that's not a train station anymore.

[fastcarsfreedom]

I wasn't playing a numbers game--merely pointing out that their completed restoration is far from unimaginative. Nor is their home in the restored American Can HQ on Hughson. As for the lack of train service at the station--it's abandonment is an issue I'd recommend you take up with CN, it's previous owner. Headquarters is in Montreal, I'm sure they'd appreciate the call.

I actually understand why people are disappointed in LIUNA--but when you deny that a project like LIUNA station has been a success, it doesn't lend credence to your arguments--it just makes you look blind.

[matt602]

ya right, but it's a disaster that's not a train station anymore.

That's because it's a banquet center :)

[raisethehammer]

1 good project doesn't get someone off the hook for acting like thugs and holding downtown and the city hostage in a sole effort to fatten their pockets with public money. Let's make a deal. I'll call CN for realcity. You pay my portion of public money to LIUNA to wreck these buldings (since you seem to love their idea so much).

[matt602]

Could we forget about the LIUNA thing and focus on retail news again? Or at least how awesome our shopping arcades and such are? It pains me to go into Right House and see all the potential being wasted. Other downtowns would kill for a building like we have here. Thankfully it's not abandoned... yet.

[fastcarsfreedom]

Actually I've never thought the plan to convert the existing Lister into Class A office space was a good one--I repeat, the building, as designed, has an awkward floor plate and weird ceiling heights. Proper Class A space would require a demo and rebuild--and we've been down that road and back again. Lister as-is lends itself to mixed use--I think we all agree on that. This has nothing to do with me loving LIUNA's plans--it has to do with making your arguments balanced--otherwise they don't hold water.

matt602, I'd be curious to hear what your ideas for The Right House are. I am old enough to BARELY remember when it was a department store--and have only slightly clearer memories of it's reopening around 1985 as Park Place. It opened with two levels of upscale retail and very quickly faltered. It failed 20 years ago as a retail complex--and I think it would be stretch to suggest that the retail market has improved vis-a-vis 1985. I'm not trying to be a snot-rag, just genuinely wondering what you think would work in there. What is it's leasing situation currently? Are the spaces currently leased to non-retail entities or are most vacant?

I also recall being taken through Lister's Arcade years ago when it was still open, and the majority of it's spaces were filled. I'm not saying these spaces don't have a future--but what's your key to drive traffic into these spaces? The Connaught space, assuming it returns to hotel use, is a far easier sell. Those spaces could easily be filled (as they were prior to closure) with ancillary hotel functions, business centers, coffee shops, hair salons, tailor shops, travel agents, etc.

Someone mentioned The Royal York earlier. To the best of my knowledge the Arcade on the main floor was created during the hotel's expansion in the late 1950s, and the lower level/PATH arcade is a far more recent addition.

[matt602]

I honestly couldn't say. I've come to the conclusion that Hamilton is very weird as far as retail goes. Some of it works, some of it doesn't. Some of it might work in one end of the city, where in another end it fails dramatically. I'd love to see 2 full levels of retail with residential or more commercial space above in the Right House, but I agree that Hamilton most likely isn't in the right state to support it. Possibly at some point down the line, but certainly not now.

I do know that we need to hold onto the Right House no matter what happens. It will have it's day again, I just couldn't say when or why.

[markbarbera]

Someone mentioned The Royal York earlier. To the best of my knowledge the Arcade on the main floor was created during the hotel's expansion in the late 1950s, and the lower level/PATH arcade is a far more recent addition.

The Arcade of The Royal York is actually the lower level of the hotel, the level connected with the Toronto PATH system, and has been an element of the hotel since it opened in 1929. It features an underground passage connecting the Arcade to the Arrivals area of Union Station, a feature welcomed whole-heartedly by rail passengers of the 1930's. While the arcade has been renovated several times, many of the original fixtures remain, and the passage to Union Station has remained relatively unchanged.

[raisethehammer]

Actually I've never thought the plan to convert the existing Lister into Class A office space was a good one--I repeat, the building, as designed, has an awkward floor plate and weird ceiling heights. Proper Class A space would require a demo and rebuild--and we've been down that road and back again. Lister as-is lends itself to mixed use--I think we all agree on that. This has nothing to do with me loving LIUNA's plans--it has to do with making your arguments balanced--otherwise they don't hold water.

matt602, I'd be curious to hear what your ideas for The Right House are. I am old enough to BARELY remember when it was a department store--and have only slightly clearer memories of it's reopening around 1985 as Park Place. It opened with two levels of upscale retail and very quickly faltered. It failed 20 years ago as a retail complex--and I think it would be stretch to suggest that the retail market has improved vis-a-vis 1985. I'm not trying to be a snot-rag, just genuinely wondering what you think would work in there. What is it's leasing situation currently? Are the spaces currently leased to non-retail entities or are most vacant?

I also recall being taken through Lister's Arcade years ago when it was still open, and the majority of it's spaces were filled. I'm not saying these spaces don't have a future--but what's your key to drive traffic into these spaces? The Connaught space, assuming it returns to hotel use, is a far easier sell. Those spaces could easily be filled (as they were prior to closure) with ancillary hotel functions, business centers, coffee shops, hair salons, tailor shops, travel agents, etc.

Someone mentioned The Royal York earlier. To the best of my knowledge the Arcade on the main floor was created during the hotel's expansion in the late 1950s, and the lower level/PATH arcade is a far more recent addition.


I can't speak for Matt, but I know that I'm of the opinion that we need to save and preserve these spaces in the belief that as downtown turns the corner, they will become attractive once again for retail. Cities like Boston, Toronto etc...have neat little shopping concourses like this in their downtowns.
Right now I don't think these spaces can do much more than keep them clean, reno'd and open for business...it's kind of a holding pattern until something happens in the downtown retail market. A big anchor locating on King, Jackson Sq landing a few major retailers etc....once the momentum gets going I think you'll see these spaces become attractive again for a couple of reasons. 1. They are so unique and historic. 2. They offering 'mini-mall' experiences which is nice in our climate. I can see a mix of service industries along with retail. But, just to be clear, I don't expect these things to fill up tomrorow or next year. But someday I believe it can and will happen.
I know I'm personally contuing to spend all of my 'disposable' income (I hate that phrase) downtown as a small way of helping the process along.

[fastcarsfreedom]

I have my own taxes to pay down here--perhaps that should exclude me from the discussion as has been suggested before? I don't pay my taxes to the City of Windsor--but if I did I could engage you in a conversation about deals they've made that have resulted in them being responsible for leasing space in the new downtown Chrysler HQ that they have no need for or selling the existing Convention Center to St. Clair College for $1--does that mean St. Clair is a money hungry leach like McMaster? Do the jobs and bodies these projects brought downtown justify the cost? The City was fixing to donate a huge chunk of land to the U of W to establish itself downtown--is that corporate welfare? Firstly, the investment of public dollars into private and para-public projects to stimulate development in urban areas is not unique to Hamilton. Secondly, LIUNA, whether you care to admit it or not, is not the lone recipient of municipal goodwill. You tax dollars have funded everything from massive projects to the residential development loan program. Those are private projects living off your dime. I understand your frustration at the lack of progress at Lister--it's been WAY too long. How do you honestly feel about the current proposal that would have the city buy and renovate the building? Is that somehow better given that the building would transfer to public hands?

[raisethehammer]

I have my own taxes to pay down here--perhaps that should exclude me from the discussion as has been suggested before? I don't pay my taxes to the City of Windsor--but if I did I could engage you in a conversation about deals they've made that have resulted in them being responsible for leasing space in the new downtown Chrysler HQ that they have no need for or selling the existing Convention Center to St. Clair College for $1--does that mean St. Clair is a money hungry leach like McMaster? Do the jobs and bodies these projects brought downtown justify the cost? The City was fixing to donate a huge chunk of land to the U of W to establish itself downtown--is that corporate welfare? Firstly, the investment of public dollars into private and para-public projects to stimulate development in urban areas is not unique to Hamilton. Secondly, LIUNA, whether you care to admit it or not, is not the lone recipient of municipal goodwill. You tax dollars have funded everything from massive projects to the residential development loan program. Those are private projects living off your dime. I understand your frustration at the lack of progress at Lister--it's been WAY too long. How do you honestly feel about the current proposal that would have the city buy and renovate the building? Is that somehow better given that the building would transfer to public hands?



I've made it quite clear before that I'm a HUGE fan of properly invested public money to help spur revitalization. I'd love to take 75% of the money used to fund sprawl and redirect it to urban cities in Ontario.
The downtown loan program here is an absolute no-brainer. it's a loan that gets repaid. The city has leveraded close to $1 billion in downtown construction by loaning something in the area of $50 million dollars.
I'm a huge fan of well-planned, well-thought out investments. Thats why I push LRT so hard. The highway folks have had their day with Red Hill, Linc and others. I'd love to balance the system by building LRT and new streetcars.
What LIUNA has done is plain wrong...aided by DiIanni of course. The downtown loan program is up front and everyone knows what the projects are and the plan of action. These backroom deals among buddies is disgusting.
The only reason I can stomach the newest idea is because I'd rather have the city own this building than LIUNA. At least in the future we could spend public money on it properly and not always be held hostage by LIUNA trying to steal millions of extra dollars for their own pockets everytime something needs to be repaired in the building.
Hope that helps clarify my position.

[markbarbera]

Folks, this is a general discussion thread for retail news in Hamilton. The last few posts have drifted way off topic, either accidentally or deliberately.


there is a thread for discussion on Hamilton taxes in the Business Politics and Economy section.
there is also a discussion on Lister in the Downtown thread.
discussions about other cities belong in either their own SSP or in the appropriate regional section.
namecalling belongs nowhere.


There is a cast of usual suspects who seem determined to provoke rather than discuss, and they have been busy at work this weekend. I don't need to list of their tags, it's pretty obvious whp they are. I suggest those who do not keep to the thread topic, or those simply interested in provocation be completely ignored in the thread. Also, personal attacks, insults, and provocations can be reported to moderators by simply clicking on the "report post" link in the top right corner of the offending post (you'll only see the link if you are logged into the SSP). I have found this tool quite useful in the past.

Hopefully relevant discussion will return once the provokers get the message, either on their own, or through censure from the moderators.

[LikeHamilton]

Since there seems to be a retail boom happening in Hamilton I figured I create a separate thread. JYSK basically a smaller version of IKEA.

JYSK to open new store in Stoney Creek - Hamilton, ON - February 9th 2008

HAMILTON, ON, Dec. 18 /CNW/ - JYSK Bed - Bath - Home - The Scandinavian retailer with over 1,300 locations worldwide, will open its first store in Stoney Creek, Ontario, on Saturday, February 9th 2008, at 8:00 AM.

The 23,000 square feet store will be located in the Parkway Plaza - 200 Centennial Pkwy. Other major retailers in this shopping plaza are Future Shop and Food Basics.

There are currently 9 JYSK stores in Ontario and a total of 35 JYSK locations across Canada. The first Canadian store opened 11 years ago in Port Coquitlam. Since then, the company expanded rapidly and now has a coast-to-coast presence from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. In addition to the "brick-and-mortar" stores, JYSK ships anywhere in Canada from its Online store at www.jysk.ca

"At JYSK, customers will find all the furnishings they need for their home; from mattresses to towels, including linen and curtains. Duvets and quilts are a JYSK trademark as we are one of the world's largest buyers of these products. In our furniture department, people will find a large selection of Scandinavian-style beds, tables, bookcases, seating, and dining sets. We also carry a great assortment of patio furniture and seasonal items for the spring and summer, and because we buy large volumes around the world, we can offer our customers the lowest prices possible." stated Pablo Reich, JYSK's Chief Operating Officer who says the retailer is excited to now be part of the Stoney Creek community.

Since this store started this thread, I thought that you should see a picture of it finished. By the way, the store is not in Stoney Creek it is in old Hamilton.

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/1646/img4448hs0.jpg

[raisethehammer]

looks beautiful.

[realcity]

^ lol what a joke. same schlock as everywhere just a different logo over the door.

[realcity]

someone mentioned Hamilton's retail is weird... I agree.

Hamilton loves it's Wal*Mart but won't take transit because that means you're 'poor'.

Hamiltonians will support high-end stores in other cities but not in their own city.

Hamiltonians will travel 300 km to an outlet mall somewhere in PA, or NY to save $3 on a pair of jeans.

Furthermore, those said pair of jeans would be considered 'too junky' in our local market and wouldn't sell.

[raisethehammer]

haha..so true.
we are weird!

[the dude]

it's called self-loathing.

[Millstone]

Stucco lovers rejoice!

[SteelTown]

For the future retail at Ferguson/Barton. Rumour is it'll be Wal-Mart and/or Canadian Tire.....

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/hammer396/IMG_2808.jpg

[MsMe]

Well now that Eatons has closed, and the others closed like Zellers etc in the downtown area, they need more larger retail in that area. And that will bring more jobs. :)

[thistleclub]

Ferguson from Cannon to Barton is as full of potential as it is challenges. The litter along that fenceline (and in the neighbouring Cathcart gulley) is recommended reading.

[fastcarsfreedom]

What that stretch of pavement needs more than anything is the old Hamilton Bar-B-Que to reopen--man that was good stuff.

[matt602]

Ferguson from Cannon to Barton is as full of potential as it is challenges. The litter along that fenceline (and in the neighbouring Cathcart gulley) is recommended reading.

Ah, Listerine alley.

[raisethehammer]

yea, I love this area, and it's really looking better these days with new developments at the General, new bridges over Ferguson and Mary and the amazing Mark Preece House.
Walmart would suck. I could live with Canadian Tire, I guess. Apparently the old Crowbar at the corner is being reno'd and re-opened by new owners. and that Pho place in the old Johnny's ice cream is unreal. Probably the only restaurant I visit that is located in a suburban-style plaza parking lot.

[DC83]

So Bath & Body is coming to Canada and guess who's not getting a store? You guessed it!

But London and Guelph are getting one?!

Why haven't the Centre Mall people courted such a popular, new-to-Canada shop?

[realcity]

^ it's because on-paper Hamilton doesn't look very good. Highest poverty rate in Canada, highest office vacancy, and lack of locations.

Lime Ridge rents are astronomical, waiting list (unless they want the store), and with Body Shoppe and Fruits and Passions already there, Bath & Body probably passed.

What Hamilton needs is stretches of street retail stores, like Younge Street. with A-Tier retailers, Guess, Gap, a steakhouse chain etc.

[matt602]

King St. in the village? Locke St.? Ottawa St.? Barton St.?

The districts are there. We have the same things Toronto has, it just needs to be realized.

[raisethehammer]

Limeridge has a store called 'Fruits and Passions'?? haha. nice.

[FairHamilton]

What Hamilton needs is stretches of street retail stores, like Younge Street. with A-Tier retailers, Guess, Gap, a steakhouse chain etc.

I think what Hamilton needs is street retail with local retailers who offer something different then Limeridge, and other malls. Retailers that keep their profits local vs. sending them back to the US. We shouldn't want chains, they make the environment generic, and only invest in their store not the community at large.

Either way, Hamilton needs to attract wealth (jobs and people) to the core in order for any rejuvenation to occur. The stores won't locate unless there is a market to serve.

[raisethehammer]

I think the market is there, but city hall isn't telling anyone. they simply allow our bad rep to persist in the minds of 'corporate Canada' (if there is such a thing).

[FairHamilton]

I think the market is there, but city hall isn't telling anyone. they simply allow our bad rep to persist in the minds of 'corporate Canada' (if there is such a thing).

In a free market businesses go to where they can achieve profits. If there's no profit to be had, they do not go there, simple as that. Businesses don't need to be told by governments where to find profits/markets, they find those all on their own.

Do you mean, such a thing as "Corporate Canada", or such a thing that they have minds?

[raisethehammer]

I actually mean corporate Canada. It's all US-owned these days.
I realize they can locate where they want, but you know they're staying away for various reasons when we don't see some of these stores downtown.
Look at how busy the Starbucks has been on locke since opening. they're making gobs of money. Another one, or second cup would do great at the Gore or International Village.
But none of them want to take the plunge.
That's another reason why Stinson's project is so important. He's going to bring in a few 'big' stores and it would draw others to locate here without feeling like they're taking the first step.
these corporations usually operate very, very safely. They want to see other businesses do well before moving in. It's kind of hard in our case when nobody is brave enough to open up a store and test the market. It's like a never-ending game of chicken.

[FairHamilton]

If anyone, US/Canadian/local business thought there was a market which would provide them with a return they would locate in those locations.

Correction, Stinson isn't bringing anything to downtown, he's proposing it. If you think developers bring things you've got it reversed. Business work with or direct developers on where they want to locate and the developers source the property and build.

Do you think Smart Centres brings Walmart to an area? Walmart does their research and Smart Centres sources property that matches that research and builds. That's how things operate and why the 'power centres' are full of the same businesses, with very little vacancies. The developer never builds and then looks for tenants. The tenants push the developer to build in a location.

[adam]

Hey look guys, good things are slowly happening in Hamilton. We just have to be patient.

[flar]

Suburbia is the forte of these retailers. They just don't know what to do in an urban setting like Hamilton because their formula is set for spacious suburban locations near middle-class suburbanite consumers who drive everywhere. The only exception to their suburban formula is for big cities like Toronto, where the huge market is undeniable and nearly risk-free. You don't see the major retailers opening up in places like downtown London or downtown Kitchener either, for most purposes, Hamilton is lumped in with cities like these.

[FairHamilton]

^ Thanks Flar, that takes it right back to my original assertion, that local retailers are needed. Not large national/multi-national ones to fill the void in downtown. The big chains won't come until others have blazed the trail. They have shareholders to report to and are generally conservative.

I'm old enough to remember when Queen Street West in Toronto was only small local independant retailers. Then based on their sucess larger retailers (I think Club Monaco was the first, 20 years ago) moved into the neighbourhood because there was less risk.

[raisethehammer]

bad news on the downtown retail front.
Write Impressions is closed down for good on James South.
And so it continues.
Sigh.

[block43]

That sucks. We need more residential downtown to support these businesses.

[raisethehammer]

we need the thousands of people in Durand and Corktown to get off their duffs and support these businesses.

the density in that area is astounding. People need to quit acting like Hamiltonians and spending all their time watching TV, and get out and enjoy the neighbourhood. geez.

[Jon Dalton]

That's what amazes me, how many high rise apartments there are downtown and yet retail is so weak. There must be tens of thousands of residents in walking distance of James South, King East and Gore Park. There are things I simply don't buy because they aren't sold downtown and I can't waste my time going up the mountain for it.