[MolsonExport]

^did you open up her box?

[ericlewis91]

More updates at Masonville

FoodCourt being worked on (mostly pillars and ceiling, no new seating yet)
Some of upstairs new ceiling is complete (lots more to do all over mall)
Clock + Water Fountain are gone (tarped out)

Stores Closed:

Carlton Cards + Tabi
Sony
Buck or Two ("store closing sale)

Relocation: Lenscrafters + North by Northwest

Wonder what is going on at Masonville.. I heard rumors of a Forever 21 which would take the spaces of NorthWest/Tribal/Lens/Buck/Payless/Sony

But who knows... other spaces are available!

[manny_santos]

Inside London Mall yesterday...

Only three interior tenants, one of which will be gone after Monday:
- Doug Ferguson's campaign office (where the Indian carpet store used to be)
- Schmokey BBQ (with an application for a liquor license)
- sketchy looking flea market (reminded me of a dump of a market I saw in NYC a few years ago)

The Lotto kiosk is gone, the bubble tea store is gone, and the dry cleaner is gone. Sears Outlet Store still seems to get a steady stream of traffic. Still no activity where Price Chopper used to be. There is still a Christmas wreath up on a wall by the Sears entrance, right above the Great Canadian Chew-Chew Train. Also has the obligatory mechanical rides that most dying malls have.

On the exterior, H&R Block is gone, but Falcon Travel is still there. Kelsey's is still the big draw.

God, someone needs to redevelop that property into something useful. Sears Outlet Store should move out to an industrial area. The London Mall site should be something that incorporates Kelsey's and improves the appearance to the access to McDonalds, but otherwise I visualize part of that property returning to nature.

[haljackey]

Looks like that mall's doing just as badly as the Liberals are doing in the polls!

Sorry for the pun but it seems funny because that's where the Lib's campaign office is. :P

Haven't been to the London Mall in years, but I think I went to the Kelsey's there about a year ago.

[ericlewis91]

maybe re-locate the sears outlet to one of our many big box store areas

and then build a mix-use residential/commercial centre with apartments and stores below...

wait, that will never happen....

[MolsonExport]

Keep it going just as is. for head-to-head competition with Oxbury, as London's shittiest mall. May the worst mall win.

[joeymac]

Keep it going just as is. for head-to-head competition with Oxbury, as London's shittiest mall. May the worst mall win.

Perhaps they can see Wonderland Mall style re-purposing. Say what you will about Southside Group, but they are pretty good at buying abandoned properties and re-using them. (Former Canadian Tire, Wonderland Mall, Home Depot, Beaver Lumber/No Frills)..

[manny_santos]

Perhaps they can see Wonderland Mall style re-purposing. Say what you will about Southside Group, but they are pretty good at buying abandoned properties and re-using them. (Former Canadian Tire, Wonderland Mall, Home Depot, Beaver Lumber/No Frills)..

We don't need any more anti-pedestrian commercial developments. We need developments that create a sense of neighbourhood and are easily accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.

I envision that property as follows:

- Streetfront shopping along Oxford Street, with parking behind as well as between the commercial buildings and Burger Thing; parking would continue to be accessible from Highbury, Oxford, and Mornington
- Food Basics moving to a slightly larger location closer to the corner of Oxford and Highbury, with access from the parking lot above and from on Oxford
- The south half of the property redeveloped into residential use; the existing two-level parking garage accessible from Mornington could be integrated into parking for a new high-rise apartment building, while the rest of the property would be condos
- All residential and commercial developments in this area would be connected by well-lit pedestrian walkways

[joeymac]

That would be great, but developers that would build something like that don't seem to know where London is on a map.

[manny_santos]

That would be great, but developers that would build something like that don't seem to know where London is on a map.

Either that or the City has got to start telling developers they have to build to their specifications or they are not welcome in the city.

[joeymac]

Hmmm, like Niagara on the Lake. Everything there must fit a very strict building code.

[GreatTallNorth2]

Hmmm, like Niagara on the Lake. Everything there must fit a very strict building code.

Dude, we're not even close to being Niagara on the Lake if we tell developers to start building people friendly developments. That's kind of like how people say they don't want London to become Toronto. We couldn't become Toronto, no matter how hard we tried.

[ldoto]

London is getting two Target stores, as the U.S. retail giant announced Thursday where it’s locating its first wave of 105 stores in Canada.

Zellers stores at Westmount and Masonville malls will be converted to Target, set to open early in 2013.

Target bought Zellers and its 220 stores in a $1.8-billion deal with Hudson’s Bay Co. and wants to eventually open as many as 200 stores in Canada.

“Well, I think it is great. I love Target,” said Peggy Taylor of St. Thomas, shopping at the Zellers at Westmount Shopping Centre. “I think it is cheaper and there is more variety at Target.”

But not all customers were happy with the decision, saying they’ll miss buying Canadian.

“It’s a shame to see Zellers go. It is Canadian. But Target is not bad, either,” said Gwen Willison of Lambeth, who was at Zellers with her friend, Shirley Marr.

The friends regularly shop at Target in Port Huron, Mich., and see little difference between the two retailers.

“I like this store. They are both the same, really, but I hate to see a Canadian store go,” said Marr, also from Lambeth. “I do not like these American companies coming over here and buying us up.”

A Target will also be located in Stratford, at Stratford Mall.

Shoppers may be disappointed to find there’s little difference between the two chains, said Michael Pearce, a professor at the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario. “There is a cachet to the name, but people may find the experience is not that special in terms of merchandise. Still, it is a step up from Zellers and Wal-Mart,” he said.

Target markets more toward discounted women’s fashions, giving it a leg up on the discount competition, he added.

The announcement about Target’s Canadian roll-out came from Target Canada president Tony Fisher in Chicago.

The first wave of stores breaks down as 15 in British Columbia, 13 in Alberta, two in Saskatchewan, five in Manitoba, 45 in Ontario, 19 in Quebec, one in New Brunswick, one in PEI, two in Nova Scotia and two in Newfoundland and Labrador.

An announcement about the next round of openings is expected in September.

Target also announced it’ll open its Canadian head office in Mississauga

[manny_santos]

Good news, especially for Westmount.

I say good riddance to Zellers. I don't care if it's Canadian, American, British, Chinese, or Indian. While you can get good prices there and arguably higher quality merchandise than Wal-Mart, most of the stores I've been to are poorly merchandised, poorly designed, and very run down. Target, which just so happens to be an American company, is making an investment and giving Canadians a better shopping experience.

[MolsonExport]

^total agreement.

[ldoto]

:previous::tup::tup::tup::tup:Yes!!!

[Stevo26]

Good news, especially for Westmount.

I say good riddance to Zellers. I don't care if it's Canadian, American, British, Chinese, or Indian. While you can get good prices there and arguably higher quality merchandise than Wal-Mart, most of the stores I've been to are poorly merchandised, poorly designed, and very run down. Target, which just so happens to be an American company, is making an investment and giving Canadians a better shopping experience.

Agreed. For me, Zellers has always been a slummy, low-rent, run-down kind of shopping experience, and that's why the Zellers store at Westmount can't go soon enough.

Canadians do lots of things really well, but retail isn't one of them. The biggest problem that most of our indigenous retailers have had for a long time is something I call 'the English shopkeeper mentality': "There it is, that's the price, it comes in only one colour, we have only one in stock, and if yer don't bleedin' well like it, yer can sod off!"

[MolsonExport]

^Full agreement. All things being equal, of course I would support Canadian chains/brand names. But all things are not equal, and the service/price combination at Canadian-based stores is typically low/high (thus, the dreaded less for more)

[MolsonExport]

This could be the adrenaline shot needed to get Westmount mall moving. One thing that keeps me from visiting is the utter lack of a foodcourt. the management suggests Metro's on-the-go menu (lousy potato wedges and a dessicated rotisserie chicken), along with Zagel bagel (I don't want a fuggin bagel sandwich) and the crappy bland food (e.g., hot turkey sandwich with instant gravy on instant mashed potatoes...or liver&onions) of the Zellers old fart restaurant.

[Simpseatles]

along with Zagel bagel (I don't want a fuggin bagel sandwich) and the crappy bland food (e.g., hot turkey sandwich with instant gravy on instant mashed potatoes...or liver&onions) of the Zellers old fart restaurant.

Hey, I love Zalley's Bagel Bakery!

Does Zeller's still have a diner style restaurant there? Always creeped me out as a kid for some reason. Because, why is there a restaurant within a discount department store? And if the store can't seem to keep itself clean and organized, then what should I infer about the restaurant!

[GreatTallNorth2]

It's kinda too bad they didn't rebuild the theatres to be in the mall. Imagine Westmount with Sears, Target, the theatre complex and the Westmount library? That would be some serious anchors for the mall, and maybe just what it needs to start being relevant again.

[manny_santos]

Zellers Restaurant always creeped me out as well. One time I took a look inside, there were a few seniors sitting around, and the place was a mess. The tables were covered in dirty plates and glasses. No thank you.

Zellers should never have gotten into the restaurant business. Or, they should have been like Wal-Mart and outsourced the in-store restaurant to a chain.

P.S. Does anyone remember the in-store restaurants at Woolco stores? Oakridge Mall had one called Strawberry Street, which reportedly was at some other Woolco stores but not all of them. I'm looking at go_leafs_go02 in particular. As I recall Strawberry Street had bizarre hours and was usually closed when you actually wanted to go in to eat.

[MolsonExport]

I remember Woolco restaurants...some even had soda fountains back in the day. The food tasted like stir-fried shit.

[go_leafs_go02]

Zellers Restaurant always creeped me out as well. One time I took a look inside, there were a few seniors sitting around, and the place was a mess. The tables were covered in dirty plates and glasses. No thank you.

Zellers should never have gotten into the restaurant business. Or, they should have been like Wal-Mart and outsourced the in-store restaurant to a chain.

P.S. Does anyone remember the in-store restaurants at Woolco stores? Oakridge Mall had one called Strawberry Street, which reportedly was at some other Woolco stores but not all of them. I'm looking at go_leafs_go02 in particular. As I recall Strawberry Street had bizarre hours and was usually closed when you actually wanted to go in to eat.

I moved to Oakridge in December 2000, it was already a Walmart with a McDonalds in there. I remember Woolco a tiny bit back in the day - I was born in 1988, and I think they were converted to Walmart by 1994 or so (so I was 6 years old). I lived in Chatham before I moved to London

so no, I can't help you. Miss that mall - it did quite alright until Walmart moved up to Hyde Park/Fanshawe - although the plaza that remains does quite well and the Superstore is always busy.

[MolsonExport]

Found old photos of the former Oakridge mall

Elvira!

http://www.geocities.ws/mjlarochelle/oakridge/photos/20030924/loblaws.html
http://www.geocities.ws/mjlarochelle/oakridge/photos/20030924/walking.html

more as well

[Snark]

Inside London Mall yesterday...

Just so no one misses it when it's gone....

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6192/6120805807_ba2b762cd1_b.jpg

Courtesy TVC 15 on Flickr

[new age]

I have had big Ideas for this lot. I would love to see terraced retail on two, or three levels, starting at a high point at the corner of Oxford street, and Wonderland. With wide pedestrian squares, and walkways leading people to the opposite side. The retail facing away from the main corner along an interior street would be a floor lower. All built around a parking garage with two, or three high rise condos rising above. On the opposite side of the interior street there would be low rise apartment, with row houses in behind.

It could have as high as 1000 total units maintaining the retail space it has now, and become a transit knob.

[Simpseatles]

^Nice concept! I've been toying with my own for a little while, and now that I've finally had the time, I decided to do a little map of what I would like to see done. This is just at ground level, so one day I may do some conceptual drawings, or renderings of the towers.

http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n596/Simpseatles/LondonMall-2-1.jpg
http://s1141.photobucket.com/albums/n596/Simpseatles/

Now that I think of it, I might try similar concepts for the Old South street, and Mental Health Centre sights as well.

[Snark]

I'm appalled that you guys refuse to acknowledge the heritage value of this building. I would suggest the following design, in respect to the great role this site has played in the city's history:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6176786998_c4d04d8e2b_b.jpg

;)

[manny_santos]

I'm appalled that you guys refuse to acknowledge the heritage value of this building. I would suggest the following design, in respect to the great role this site has played in the city's history:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6176786998_c4d04d8e2b_b.jpg

;)

I would totally rent an apartment in that place. I'd go for one of the Sears Outlet Suites. ;)

[MolsonExport]

I'm appalled that you guys refuse to acknowledge the heritage value of this building. I would suggest the following design, in respect to the great role this site has played in the city's history:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6176786998_c4d04d8e2b_b.jpg

;)

Fabulous addition to the commieblockland of Oxfart and Wonderbread,

[manny_santos]

I took a rare trip into Westmount Shopping Centre today. Three days before Christmas, it was business as usual: most of the patrons inside were Saunders students from across the road. Not a whole lot going on inside. Sears was dead.

Of note, however, is that Tim Hortons is now open on the lower level near Zellers.

[MolsonExport]

^biggest news to come out of Westmount Mall since...they severed Metro/urban planet.

[Wharn]

Westmount mall kinda reminds me of a tired development near my parents' house in Toronto called "Shops on Steeles". There's a number of periphery businesses that are quite popular (Tim Hortons, Chinese restaurants) but the core centre itself is looking really tired. They were planning to revitalize it with a few residential high-rises and a medium-density shopping area a la Don Mills Centre. Perhaps the same thing could work for Westmount? Is anyone willing to do some concept art?

[MolsonExport]

I wonder how much Target will improve Westmount Mall traffic. There currently is very little shuffling occurring between the two anchors. I am still totally confused as to why they guillotined Metro/urban planet from the rest of the mall.

[manny_santos]

I wonder how much Target will improve Westmount Mall traffic. There currently is very little shuffling occurring between the two anchors. I am still totally confused as to why they guillotined Metro/urban planet from the rest of the mall.

I can understand making Metro a standalone building as supermarkets today tend to be more of a destination store and aren't generally found inside Canadian malls anymore, but Urban Planet makes no sense. From a marketing standpoint Urban Planet and Metro are not complementary brands; they have different target markets and have unrelated products. Something like an LCBO would be more complementary. I can't see the current arrangement being good for Urban Planet's sales.

I would rather Urban Planet have moved elsewhere in the mall, and Metro expanded. That Metro, by modern standards is a small supermarket, as it has never been expanded since Dominion opened there in 1973. Obviously this means they can't offer the same breadth of products that the much larger Metro in Byron, or the massive Loblaws down the road, offer.

[Simpseatles]

I wonder how much Target will improve Westmount Mall traffic. There currently is very little shuffling occurring between the two anchors. I am still totally confused as to why they guillotined Metro/urban planet from the rest of the mall.

I doubt Target will improve Westmount Mall traffic all that much. It's really just a cleaner version of Zellers anyways.

[MolsonExport]

To kill time on a grey, dismal New Year's Day, I decided to visit Gibraltar Weekend Market (At Dundas and Third!). Nothing has changed, except the general decrepitude of the booths, vendors, and customers has somehow gotten worse.

Bob's Ultimate MEEETS!
Get your Dog a Bone!
Di's Fresh Cut Fries.
Places selling used NES-8 game cartridges for $15 each.
Black metal-head tea-shirts.
Used books. Costume jewelry. Junk that even Dollarama wouldn't sell.
Some extremely greasy all-day breakfast (dog's breakfast?) joint.
We pay U cash for y'R Gold.


Good times.

http://www.gibraltarweekendmarket.com/images/IMG_0174.JPGhttp://www.gibraltarweekendmarket.com/images/IMG_0022.JPGhttp://www.gibraltarweekendmarket.com/images/IMG_0151_2_2.JPGhttp://www.gibraltarweekendmarket.com/images/IMG_0080.JPG
gibraltarweekendmarket.com

Plenty of photos and even a few commercials can be found here:
http://www.gibraltarweekendmarket.com/vendors.html

[ldoto]

RETAILING: Masonville Place says deal not final

By HANK DANISZEWSKI, The London Free Press


Is the Masonville Place mall ripe for an Apple store?

The website IfoAppleStore.com is reporting the hi-tech giant will continue its expansion into Canada, moving into the space now occupied by Eddie Bauer, on the second floor of Masonville Place.

IfoAppleStore.com is an independent site, not associated with Apple Inc.

Apple's ultra-sleek retail stores selling the company's technology products have attracted a cult following and rumours of a new London store have set social networks buzzing. The closest official Apple store is in Waterloo.

Daryl Clemance, general manager of Masonville Place, confirmed the Eddie Bauer store will close when its lease expires at the end of January.

He said the mall is negotiating with a "prominent" retailer to move into that location, but couldn't discuss details because the deal has not been finalized.

But he added, "I'd love to have an Apple (store). Who wouldn't?"

Clemance did confirm Masonville will welcome a prominent new retailer in March when a Forever 21 store opens. The store will be one of the mall's largest, covering 23,000 sq. ft. over two floors with an exterior entrance.

It will be the first Forever 21 store in Southwestern Ontario.

The California-based fashion and accessories stores mainly target young women.

"The anticipation of it opening is quite large," said Clemance.

The Zellers store in the mall will gradually be converted to a Target outlet over the next year. The U.S. retail giant bought Zellers and its 220 stores in a $1.8-billion deal with Hudson's Bay Co.

[MolsonExport]

PLEASE gimme Apple Store. It would be the only reason why I would visit that house of horror known as Masonville Mall.

[K85]

It'd give me one more reason to not visit :D

[haljackey]

Speaking of Masonville Mall, remember this?

http://i.imgur.com/YZIVq.jpg

I miss it so much.

[MrSlippery519]

^^^ you bet was so fun!

[manny_santos]

That mini golf course was freaking awesome.

For those who don't know, the one end of the golf course was located where the elevator is located. The side opposite the elevator doors was on the 10th hole.

[drjohnnyfever]

Wasn't there a classic car museum or something on the upper level above the golf course? If I'm right, did it die a natural death of being a stupid concept or did the Zellers expansion force it out?

Loved the mini-golf course. I thought it beat East Park, and was a good place to take dates when I was in high school :)

[manny_santos]

Wasn't there a classic car museum or something on the upper level above the golf course? If I'm right, did it die a natural death of being a stupid concept or did the Zellers expansion force it out?

Loved the mini-golf course. I thought it beat East Park, and was a good place to take dates when I was in high school :)

As I recall, the golf course was open to the second level, and there was nothing directly above the golf course.

The reason for closing the course was to permit the construction of more stores. It would not surprise me that when Masonville expanded in 1991 that the golf course was meant as a temporary revenue-generating measure until demand was high enough to warrant adding more retail space in the mall.

[Wharn]

I dropped by Wesmount Mall the other day and... it didn't seem so bad. Sure, it has a lot less going on than Masonville or White Oaks, but there are still quite a few stores open and a fairly popular movie theatre that attracts people onto the property. The parking lot was fairly full for a Friday afternoon.

Overall the whole place reminded me of Fairview Mall in North York during the 1990s. Tired, but not a complete write-off.

PLEASE gimme Apple Store. It would be the only reason why I would visit that house of horror known as Masonville Mall.

What on Earth is wrong with Masonville? Sure, it may be a little bland, but in terms of sanity it's miles ahead of any mall in the GTA. Even a few days before Christmas it took me less than 3 minutes to find a parking spot, and walking through the mall I always had lots of personal space. Also, why would you want an Apple Store? We already have the Mac Outpost to give us terrible service and levels of smugness matched only by Toyota dealers.

[Simpseatles]

Also, why would you want an Apple Store? We already have the Mac Outpost to give us terrible service and levels of smugness matched only by Toyota dealers.

I think this excerpt from Cracked.com sums up my opinions on apple (and Steve Jobs) quite well:

"The world will miss his relentless vision of the sterile totalitarianism promised to us by 1970s sci-fi, as well as his branding campaign pretending to be the complete opposite."
http://www.cracked.com/blog/the-9-biggest-bastards-2011_p2/

I just can't stand the pretentiousness of many apple fans.

[K85]

I hate apple and everything behind or in-front of it, even though I have an iphone, I only use it to talk, text, bank and gps. Can't wait to get an android.

[GreatTallNorth2]

. Also, why would you want an Apple Store? We already have the Mac Outpost to give us terrible service and levels of smugness matched only by Toyota dealers.

Apple has the highest customer satisfaction for any technology company in the world. Their stores also have the highest sales per square foot for any stores in the world and incredible customer satisfaction. They are the largest company in the world. I'm not sure a mall manager could want a more prestigious tenant then Apple. Hello, they have $80 billion sitting in the bank. They will be paying their rent. Also, they will attract higher end stores and clientel to the mall. People will travel from all over to visit this store.

You can choose to be ignorant, but the above are easily provable and documented facts. The fact that Apple would have confidence in London to build a store is good news for the mall and London.

[MolsonExport]

I was a PC (And still am) user since the PC was invented. Gradually bought an iPod classic, iPod touch, IPad, and now, iMac. PC and Mac, side by side, and guess what I use; always use. The Mac.

What I find difficult to understand is the instant scorn poured upon Mac users. as if we are all fucking idiots or drank some purple kool-aid, or something. Toss out that PhD, MSc, and BComm, because I must be some apple drone and therefore a retard. Oh gimme back my wonderful microsoft endless updates (and shutdowns now or in 10 minutes...at least once per week)!!

Wharn, with all due respect, you call me out on Apple but apologize for Masonville? Miles ahead of GTA malls? Come on.

[Wharn]

Wharn, with all due respect, you call me out on Apple but apologize for Masonville? Miles ahead of GTA malls? Come on.

You have never known what it is like to be in Yorkdale on December 23rd. Or Scarborough Town Centre. Or Square One. It may not be as flashy or have the same selection, but in terms of sanity, yes, Masonville is miles ahead of the GTA malls and that I can stand by all day long.


What I find difficult to understand is the instant scorn poured upon Mac users. as if we are all fucking idiots or drank some purple kool-aid, or something. Toss out that PhD, MSc, and BComm, because I must be some apple drone and therefore a retard. Oh gimme back my wonderful microsoft endless updates (and shutdowns now or in 10 minutes...at least once per week)!!

I don't hate Macs, in fact I could care less about which platform someone uses (there are other things that actually deserve hatred- for example, Dodge Caravans). What I do hate are rabid Apple fans who live for nothing else and think it's the greatest brand in the world. Sorta like how I don't hate anime, I hate rabid anime fans who continually curse their non-Japanese heritage and talk about how "inferior" North American culture is. They're both exceedingly annoying, but in both cases I'm not going to heap blame on the medium.

It's funny though, because back in the days of System 7 and OS 8/9, everyone thought I was fucking retarded for using a Mac. Now they're all on Macs and deny that they ever criticized the platform at all. I'll probably never go back though, just because Windows feels completely natural and I love my Thinkpad. Not many computers can survive a fall down a flight of stairs- Macbooks included.

[Snark]

...Well you can go with this, or you can go with that...

[K85]

QFT. I personally hate the cult mentality of it. I know far too many people that swear by apple, hate anything pc, and say it's updates this, viruses that...

The internet is an evil place by nature. Lots of hate. But, because windows has a massive userbase, it's targeted. Apple users can say we get no viruses... bull. I've seen it on my friends computers, and they aren't novices.

It's the mentality, not the product, though the closed nature of their products isn't something I like.

What I do hate are rabid Apple fans who live for nothing else and think it's the greatest brand in the world. Sorta like how I don't hate anime, I hate rabid anime fans who continually curse their non-Japanese heritage and talk about how "inferior" North American culture is. They're both exceedingly annoying, but in both cases I'm not going to heap blame on the medium.

[Wharn]

QFT. I personally hate the cult mentality of it. I know far too many people that swear by apple, hate anything pc, and say it's updates this, viruses that...

The internet is an evil place by nature. Lots of hate. But, because windows has a massive userbase, it's targeted. Apple users can say we get no viruses... bull. I've seen it on my friends computers, and they aren't novices.

It's the mentality, not the product, though the closed nature of their products isn't something I like.

Personally I haven't had a single virus issue since the days of Service Pack 1 on Windows XP. Common sense and a good anti-virus program (Microsoft Security Essentials is probably one of the best now, IMO) get you a long way.

...so getting back on topic... them Apple Stores...

[MolsonExport]

Toronto malls could easily be worse for traffic (pedestrian, parking, etc.). But at least some of them have a better variety of stores. To me, Masonville seems to have only the usual-ran boring chains (yay! Reitmans! Urban Planet! American Eagle Outfitters!), of which 90% seem only to sell women's clothes and women's shoes. I much prefer shopping on Rue Ste. Catherines in downtown Montreal.

But I just hate malls 99% of the time. Spent 5 years working in retail management out on the west coast. Christmastime at the mall was.....pretty fricken horrible. Getting your faced ripped off by assholish customers, screaming brats, shoplifters...so glad I got out.

[manny_santos]

Toronto malls could easily be worse for traffic (pedestrian, parking, etc.). But at least some of them have a better variety of stores. To me, Masonville seems to have only the usual-ran boring chains (yay! Reitmans! Urban Planet! American Eagle Outfitters!), of which 90% seem only to sell women's clothes and women's shoes. I much prefer shopping on Rue Ste. Catherines in downtown Montreal.

In general London seems to be very dominated by corporate chains, with very few local options left.

[Wharn]

In general London seems to be very dominated by corporate chains, with very few local options left.

Which is why adding an Apple store will only make the problem worse. If what GreatTallMacintosh2 says is correct, and more high-end stores are attracted to Masonville, it will help kill off London's independent specialty retail sector.

[manny_santos]

Which is why adding an Apple store will only make the problem worse. If what GreatTallMacintosh2 says is correct, and more high-end stores are attracted to Masonville, it will help kill off London's independent specialty retail sector.

London also severely lacks independent quick-service restaurants, particularly in the suburbs. There is Sammy's Souvlaki, which is expensive, and pizza joints such as Cousin Vinny's and Stobie's. But, other than that, if you want to eat out cheaply you're usually stuck with corporate food designed by accountants and consultants, and usually with sky-high prices (almost $7 for a KFC "Big" Crunch sandwich on its own, which has shrunk to the point it is a snack-size sandwich).

Why is that? Are Londoners that afraid of things that don't have a brand name that is listed on the TSX?

[GreatTallNorth2]

If your guys logic was true, it would mean that every other Canadian city with an Apple store, had it at the expense of independent retailers. This simply isn't true as every city larger than London (except Hamilton) has a store.

[north 42]

London also severely lacks independent quick-service restaurants, particularly in the suburbs. There is Sammy's Souvlaki, which is expensive, and pizza joints such as Cousin Vinny's and Stobie's. But, other than that, if you want to eat out cheaply you're usually stuck with corporate food designed by accountants and consultants, and usually with sky-high prices (almost $7 for a KFC "Big" Crunch sandwich on its own, which has shrunk to the point it is a snack-size sandwich).

Why is that? Are Londoners that afraid of things that don't have a brand name that is listed on the TSX?

It's quite the opposite here in Windsor, we have many independent restaurants throughout the city and burbs. I always thought it was mainly the American cities that were overrun with chain restaurants. We have lots of chains here too, but there are more independant places to eat, and their food is usually superior to some of the chains.

[Wharn]

If your guys logic was true, it would mean that every other Canadian city with an Apple store, had it at the expense of independent retailers. This simply isn't true as every city larger than London (except Hamilton) has a store.

If your guys logic was true, it would mean that every other Canadian city with a suburban mall, had it at the expense of independent retailers. This simply isn't true as every city larger than London (except Hamilton) has a mall.

Do you see where I'm going with this? Masonville, White Oaks and Westmount malls are all partially responsible for killing downtown retail. That story has been repeated many times over in many Canadian cities. If what you originally said proves to be true, and the Apple store begins attracting a whole bunch of other niche businesses to Masonville, what do you think is going to happen?

It's quite the opposite here in Windsor, we have many independent restaurants throughout the city and burbs. I always thought it was mainly the American cities that were overrun with chain restaurants. We have lots of chains here too, but there are more independant places to eat, and their food is usually superior to some of the chains.

In some respects, London is a lot like most American cities. It's a bit sprawly for Canada, it's not particularly affluent, and chains dominate everything. The only differences? We don't have a freeway running through the downtown, and we don't have any asinine race politics.

[Symz]

I liked The Family Circle restaurant for breakfast in London.

[GreatTallNorth2]

I like turtles.

[Symz]

I like turtles.

Haha, did my comment seem as random as a zombie face painted kid replying I like turtles?

Lol

My response was to all the London is dominated by chains comments.

[go_leafs_go02]

I got to venture London Mall today at the corner of Oxford and Wonderland.

Sears is still there, some little cafe operates inside, a hair salon, and an alterations company are there.

Finch is renovating across the street, so their sales office has completely taken over the old Price Chopper store.

Still, that mall is dead. Nothing else in there, and Finch will be gone in a few months once their new dealership is completed.

[Blitz]

Ha, I enjoy the Family Circle restaurant too. That's some good eatin.

It's quite the opposite here in Windsor, we have many independent restaurants throughout the city and burbs. I always thought it was mainly the American cities that were overrun with chain restaurants.

Probably true but Windsor has all the ethnic enclaves where those restaurants tend to thrive (especially Little Italy).

I've heard that London is a test market for lots of chain restaurants when they first break into Canada.

[manny_santos]

Ha, I enjoy the Family Circle restaurant too. That's some good eatin.



Probably true but Windsor has all the ethnic enclaves where those restaurants tend to thrive (especially Little Italy).

I've heard that London is a test market for lots of chain restaurants when they first break into Canada.

London is a test market, period, for new products and services. Tim Hortons Iced Capps were available in London a year before anywhere else. And London had the Yellow Pages CD-ROM for a couple years.

I haven't eaten at Family Circle in years, but I recall their breakfast being very good.

[MolsonExport]

Apple is coming to London, according to reports issued on various London-area radio stations this morning. There is some ambiguity of the location, but masonville mall was cited as the most likely venue for the Apple Store.

[MolsonExport]

More Apple retail stores planned for historic buildings in 2012; Stores approved in Germany, Canada, and Spain



Apple is not slowing down when it comes to opening more iconic brick-and-mortar retail locations. Three new retail locations all received recent approval: one located in a century theatre in Germany, and a second in London, Ontario, Canada, and the third in a historic 1860-era building in Madrid, Spain. The approvals continue Apple’s aggressive retail push after the opening of their new Grand Central store, and after meeting its goal of 30 new locations opened worldwide in the fourth-quarter of 2011.
...
Another store set to open in 2012 is located in London, Ontario, Canada in Masonville Place shopping mall. Although it’s been rumored for years, we’re receiving several tips that it is set to open next year and the typically reliably ifoAppleStore has confirmed. The store will apparently take over the 6,176 square-foot space previously occupied by Eddie Bauer on the upper level. This would continue Apple’s steady retail expansion in Canada, currently sitting at just 22 stores across the country, nine of which are located in Ontario.

http://9to5mac.com/2011/12/30/more-apple-retail-stores-planned-for-historic-buildings-in-2012-stores-approved-in-germany-canada-and-spain/

[Wharn]

Goodbye Mac Outpost, I hope you get a swift kick in the ass for all the computer-illiterate students you've ripped off over the years!

[MolsonExport]

Today I visited the sad sack Northland Mall. About half the interior stores are unleased. Yet, some signs of life, with a Walmart (formerly Zellers) and a Toys R Us express. Also, Williams where the KFC used to be.

[LondnPlanr]

Today I visited the sad sack Northland Mall. About half the interior stores are unleased. Yet, some signs of life, with a Walmart (formerly Zellers) and a Toys R Us express. Also, Williams where the KFC used to be.

Over the next little while, you're going to see some major changes at both Northland Mall and Argyle Mall.

You'll notice that most of the stores located 'within' Northland Mall all have doors that access directly to the parking lot, on the 'east' side of the mall. If you're a betting man, I'd wager that the 'interior' stores will soon be demolished, leaving only the row of storefronts that face onto the parking lot. The WalMart doesn't even access to the interior of the mall, as they have closed up that interior entrance. Pretty obvious why, if you ask me.

Similar situation at Argyle, where all of the 'interior' stores are being relocated to the newly-constructed storefronts out in the parking lot, butted up against Clarke Road. The 'mall' located between the No Frills and the Winners, will soon be demolished, leaving more space to construct a few more 'big box' style retailers in that space.

So there ya' have it.

[manny_santos]

Similar situation at Argyle, where all of the 'interior' stores are being relocated to the newly-constructed storefronts out in the parking lot, butted up against Clarke Road. The 'mall' located between the No Frills and the Winners, will soon be demolished, leaving more space to construct a few more 'big box' style retailers in that space.

The developers still have yet to figure out that "big box" is not going to work in the long term, especially in the Canadian winter.

[LondnPlanr]

The developers still have yet to figure out that "big box" is not going to work in the long term, especially in the Canadian winter.

I think the oodles of cash that these centres generate say otherwise. I think it's less about the shopping experience, and more about the space/convenience/set-up for the retail side of things.

I understand from a planning perspective how these places are quite terrible, but logistically, they appear to be working just fine. They build 'em, and people go to 'em.

We'll see what they look like in 15-20 years, I suppose.

[go_leafs_go02]

I think the oodles of cash that these centres generate say otherwise. I think it's less about the shopping experience, and more about the space/convenience/set-up for the retail side of things.

I understand from a planning perspective how these places are quite terrible, but logistically, they appear to be working just fine. They build 'em, and people go to 'em.

We'll see what they look like in 15-20 years, I suppose.

I still much prefer malls than Smart Centres in terms of shopping convenience.

[MolsonExport]

The only thing smart about smart centres is their incredible cheap (cookie-cutter) environment, utterly lacking in common amenities save parking. This cheapness underscores their ability to undercut the prices of malls, etc. Certainly convenient for the penny-pinching motorist. A blight on the landscape for almost all other stakeholders.

These power centres represent a separation of work/shopping/residence spheres to the extreme. Mostly bereft of life outside of working/shopping/sleeping periods.

[manny_santos]

The only thing smart about smart centres is their incredible cheap (cookie-cutter) environment, utterly lacking in common amenities save parking. This cheapness underscores their ability to undercut the prices of malls, etc. Certainly convenient for the penny-pinching motorist. A blight on the landscape for almost all other stakeholders.

These power centres represent a separation of work/shopping/residence spheres to the extreme. Mostly bereft of life outside of working/shopping/sleeping periods.

I absolutely refuse to shop at big box retailers unless they offer something not available anywhere else...which unfortunately is increasingly the case in London.

Still, I think that people drive to these things because they think they can save a couple of bucks...my father even will drive all the way to Walmart in Hyde Park when he's only saving a couple of bucks on things he could get closer to home. It's not worth the gas.

The good news is that aside from a grocery store, downtown London has most of what one needs, including a hardware store.

[Wharn]

Today I visited the sad sack Northland Mall. About half the interior stores are unleased. Yet, some signs of life, with a Walmart (formerly Zellers) and a Toys R Us express. Also, Williams where the KFC used to be.

I almost forgot this place existed, despite the fact that I drive by it every time I come into the city. Maybe developers should take a hint: London has too much retail space given the size of the population.

I absolutely refuse to shop at big box retailers unless they offer something not available anywhere else...which unfortunately is increasingly the case in London.

Still, I think that people drive to these things because they think they can save a couple of bucks...my father even will drive all the way to Walmart in Hyde Park when he's only saving a couple of bucks on things he could get closer to home. It's not worth the gas.

The good news is that aside from a grocery store, downtown London has most of what one needs, including a hardware store.

I don't really shop at Big Box stores for two reasons:

1) They are rarely able to match internet prices
2) You do not get the same personalized service that you find at smaller shops

So, the question is, if the prices can be beat and the service can be beat, why bother with them at all? There's no reason to drive all the way out to hell's half acre. It's not so much the gas (I've figured out that my car costs about $0.15 per kilometre in fuel, which is not a killer by any means), but the time spent. If you're taking 30 minutes to drive across town and save a few bucks, you're basically working for less than minimum wage.

[manny_santos]

I just saw on CTV London's Facebook page that Metro at Westmount is closing before Christmas. Someone there is claiming that Sherwood Forest Mall's Metro is also closing, although I find that one harder to believe with the lack of any other grocery option in that area.

The Westmount store dates back to the mall's opening in 1973, and I believe it was a Dominion originally.

[MolsonExport]

^shitty news. When I first moved to London (2005), we had an apt across from Westmount mall. It was extremely convenient, since we were still carless. The mall was quite healthy back then...most of the dumbcentre to the South was not yet constructed (only Blob-laws, LCBO, Crappytire, and a handful of others). More of the usal robbing Peter to pay Paul.
It would really suck if Sherwood mall's location was shuttered. It is a mostly thriving micro-mall, with a great mixture of useful stores (banks, Beer/LCBO, grocery, pharmacy, pet food, kids shoes, restaurants, etc.). Like most malls used to be, before morphing into Ladies-wear/shoes emporiums and big box barf.

I go to Sherwood 3-4 times per week for something or other. Metro is running the locations into the ground with ever-reduced store hours. Not surprised as this was their m/o back in Quebec as well. I can't stand stupidstore and No-Thrills (both Blob-laws brands...in fact, I hate Blob-laws as well with their ridiculously high prices: $10.99 for 500grams of Cracker Barrel? are you fucking nutz??).

[haljackey]

I remember when both The Beer Store and the LCBO along with banks were at Westmount Mall. It was the place to do all your shopping in one place with underground parking.

Why on earth did we abandon that in favor of paved paradise/smart centres? Now we need to drive everywhere which makes trips longer and no sheltered parking either.

At least the post office is still there... but Westmount Mall is a lost cause now. It's hurting even more with the theatres outside of the mall itself and more recently with Zellers gone. I doubt things will pick up much when Target opens.

[MolsonExport]

Here is the article on the closing in the LFP (or is it the Bud pages?): http://www.lfpress.com/2012/10/12/metro-grocery-store-closing-at-londons-westmount-shopping-centre-cuts-61-jobs

[MolsonExport]

At least they did it with heartfelt dignity:
http://www.am980.ca/Pics/Metro.png
am980

Above is what employees were treated to this morning. Heartless bastards. Wonderful HR manager. Hey Paul Rucurean, did you learn the art of subtlety at b-school?

[Wharn]

:previous:

A friend of mine lives across from Sherwood Forest Mall in the townhouses on Gainsborough Road. That metro was one of the reasons (the list of which no doubt included the Beer Store) she renewed her lease this year- because it was just so convenient for someone without a car to pop across the street and get groceries.

She was very pissed off when I texted the news, as manny pointed out there are literally no other grocery options in the area for people who don't have a set of wheels. And considering how many students live around there, I'm very surprised that they decided to close this location. Didn't they realize that they commanded their own little niche? They had a competitive advantage Loblaws and No Freds couldn't achieve, and just pissed it away.

[manny_santos]

:previous:

A friend of mine lives across from Sherwood Forest Mall in the townhouses on Gainsborough Road. That metro was one of the reasons (the list of which no doubt included the Beer Store) she renewed her lease this year- because it was just so convenient for someone without a car to pop across the street and get groceries.

She was very pissed off when I texted the news, as manny pointed out there are literally no other grocery options in the area for people who don't have a set of wheels. And considering how many students live around there, I'm very surprised that they decided to close this location. Didn't they realize that they commanded their own little niche? They had a competitive advantage Loblaws and No Freds couldn't achieve, and just pissed it away.

I have heard nothing more about the Sherwood Forest Mall location; I have to wonder if it was nothing more than a rumour. My source was someone on the CTV London Facebook page who claimed that store was closing, in response to CTV's post about Westmount's Metro.

Another possibility is that Metro at Sherwood Forest is planning a switch to Food Basics, which would mean technically Metro would be leaving. But I have no information beyond speculation and the Facebook post.

[MolsonExport]

^I hope sherwood retains a full scale grocery store. It is one of the last functional shopping malls anywhere: banks, pharmacy, groceries, beer, spirits, restaurants...without having to drive from one to the other as with the dumbcentres. I am there practically every day.

[haljackey]

Went to Cherryhill mall for the first time today.

Actually a legit place. Its like Oxbury Mall.... except alive.

[manny_santos]

Went to Cherryhill mall for the first time today.

Actually a legit place. Its like Oxbury Mall.... except alive.

Cherryhill has a great marketing strategy. Probably 90% of their clientele are seniors. Much of the rest are Western students, as the Metro there is the only grocery store southwest of the university now.

Oxbury is a lost cause. I'd like to see the property redeveloped into some sort of multi-use development and residential development, while keeping a grocery store there.

[manny_santos]

According to my sources in the Westmount area, the Metro store has already closed, more than a month ahead of schedule.

I did hear a rumour that Sobey's might be taking over that space, converting it to a FreshCo. While it would be great to keep a grocery store in that location, the FreshCo format does not include a bakery, butcher, or deli counter.

[haljackey]

A FreshCo is being built at Wonderland and Pine Valley, where the old White Rose used to be.

Not sure what will replace the Metro in Westmount. It is now separated from the mall itself and Target will have a grocery section. It could sit vacant for some time.

[Whisper09]

^
Does anyone know what the building structure next to Cotton Eyed Joes is? I heard rumours of a Five Guys, even an Applebee's.

[MrSlippery519]

A FreshCo is being built at Wonderland and Pine Valley, where the old White Rose used to be.

Not sure what will replace the Metro in Westmount. It is now separated from the mall itself and Target will have a grocery section. It could sit vacant for some time.

I was wondering what they were doing at the old White Rose location as I say them digging over the past few weeks. Good to know as the area needs something to replace the Metro. Also this location has plenty of apartments all around it.

[MolsonExport]

That White Rose sign has been kicking around for about a decade. I moved here in 2005, and the store was long since closed. About time something is done with that spot. Hopefully they will take out that adjacent arch-fugly former CIBC (with black tape covering the old logo/name). I hate the way businesses abandon locations without proper cleanup. Remember the mouldering Crappy-Tire location on Wonderland South, before it became a U-Store it place?

Westmount Shopping Centre: Watch us Transform....into an abandoned mall!

[MrSlippery519]

That White Rose sign has been kicking around for about a decade. I moved here in 2005, and the store was long since closed. About time something is done with that spot. Hopefully they will take out that adjacent arch-fugly former CIBC (with black tape covering the old logo/name). I hate the way businesses abandon locations without proper cleanup. Remember the mouldering Crappy-Tire location on Wonderland South, before it became a U-Store it place?

Westmount Shopping Centre: Watch us Transform....into an abandoned mall!

The old CIBC was being demolished when I went by last week so thankfully that entire site will be new.

Agreed about the old crappy tire I work up the road and it was an eyesore for years.

[haljackey]

One mall I'd really like to see fixed up is the London mall at Oxford and Wonderland.

That intersection has now become one of the busiest in the city and what's there around it? Gas stations on two sides, a corn field on another and a dying mall. Would make a great site for redevelopment.

[MolsonExport]

London Mall and Oxbury Mall are both no-hope malls, at critical intersections. It points to the fundamental weakness of the local economy that each has not been redeveloped yet (although with the city always zoning more retail on the periphery....)

[Simpseatles]

Why the heck would they close that Metro? There should be more than enough people who shop there with all the apartments and such. Is everybody expected to drive out to giant supermarkets on the outskirts of town to get their groceries now? Metros are good sized stores. They aren't overwhelming like the Superstore or Loblaws.

Sad news for Westmount Mall. Is the underground parking still open? That was one of the things that made that mall the best in the city imo.

[north 42]

Damn, just how many malls do you guys have in London?

[Coldrsx]

I always like hearing that Masonville is doing well, for my grandparents who resided in London most of their lives on Huron, were of the surname Mason.