[kw5150]

There are also copies of the "crave" franchise all over canada. I still find it funny how other people are attempting to copy "crave". I have had a few of the other stores cupcakes (weddings in saskatchewan) and they dont compare. And even more funny........the names are somewhat related to the word crave......I forget the exact names.... bliss is kinda similar I guess.

I think the demand for 3.00 cupcakes may settle down but like someone said above, they make a killing at weddings, birthdays and staff parties. It is too bad that crave is having to close a few locations but I think we all saw that coming. When I was thinking they would be a great franchise, I was thinking more along the lines of in every city, not every neighborhood. I hope they do ok because they really do have a good thing.

I am always just 5% jealous that they made a fortune off of cupcakes!

[jlowry24]

I'm pretty sure the Crave on 17th is still open - it's still up on the website, and it was there when I walked by a couple of weeks ago. It's closed on Sundays though, which I never understood...they're missing out on a huge amount of people strolling along 17th. I do agree that it feels less special/unique now with a Crave opening in every suburb. But they're always a huge hit at office parties/birthdays/etc, so I think they'll be around for a while.

[freeweed]

There are also copies of the "crave" franchise all over canada. I still find it funny how other people are attempting to copy "crave". I have had a few of the other stores cupcakes (weddings in saskatchewan) and they dont compare. And even more funny........the names are somewhat related to the word crave......I forget the exact names.... bliss is kinda similar I guess.

I think the demand for 3.00 cupcakes may settle down but like someone said above, they make a killing at weddings, birthdays and staff parties. It is too bad that crave is having to close a few locations but I think we all saw that coming. When I was thinking they would be a great franchise, I was thinking more along the lines of in every city, not every neighborhood. I hope they do ok because they really do have a good thing.

I am always just 5% jealous that they made a fortune off of cupcakes!

This is exactly where I see things going. Crave should survive (as have earlier shops in Vancouver, I'm not really sure how much further back this goes but that was my first exposure to it). Specialty, boutique locations. And a very small handful in every city.

As for smoothies (responding to someone else's post) - you'll notice they are heavily marketed at the "health" food crowd. Eat Acai, it will cure cancer! Have some ginger, ancient Chinese thought it cured gout! Add it to your smoothie and you'll be disease-free (well, we're not actually claiming that because we'd get our asses handed to us in court, but we sure do try to let you make that connection). Etc. There's a huge market segment fixated on the latest curative. Actually if anything, the smoothie market is a great example of the "fad" effect I was talking about - roughly every year they seem to bring out a new improved antioxidant, ancient herbal remedy, or some other nonsense they toss into your fruit milkshake ... err I mean healthy beverage. Is wheatgrass still the latest cure-all craze, or are they onto something else yet? I haven't had a smoothie in a while, ever since having my first experience vomitting as an adult after a good old Booster Juice.

Anyway, smoothies can survive easily by playing up the healthfood angle. Can anyone honestly see Crave trying to play up the healtiness of buttercream icing? :haha:

[h0twired]

There are also copies of the "crave" franchise all over canada. I still find it funny how other people are attempting to copy "crave".

Crave is just a copy of something the owner saw in NYC.

[jeffwhit]

Anyway, smoothies can survive easily by playing up the healthfood angle. Can anyone honestly see Crave trying to play up the healtiness of buttercream icing? :haha:


It's CAKE. It'll survive because they're selling little CAKES.

[Rusty van Reddick]

Crave is just a copy of something the owner saw in NYC.

Nope- their inspiration was Cupcakes in Vancouver. And they're "owners," sisters from High River.

[freeweed]

Nope- their inspiration was Cupcakes in Vancouver. And they're "owners," sisters from High River.

Is that true? My first exposure to this was years ago in Vancouver but I never bothered researching to find out where this whole thing started. Sorta cool to have been to the first if so.

[Ramsayfarian]

Speaking of cakes and such, Nectar in Inglewood is closing at the end of the month.

[Rusty van Reddick]

Speaking of cakes and such, Nectar in Inglewood is closing at the end of the month.

Actually their last day is Sunday. I've heard so many service horror stories about Nectar that I'm genuinely surprised they've managed this long.

Sucks that Calgary has so few- well none, really- dedicated dessert places that are open late, but there is better pastry and better coffee and better service at umpteen places around town now.

ETA that Chocolate Bar, which is a block from my house, is a "dedicated dessert place" that's open late. Carry on.

[Rusty van Reddick]

fw, the whole cupcake trend did start in NYC, at Magnolia Bakery, but as anybody knows they didn't INVENT the damn things.

[Ramsayfarian]

Actually their last day is Sunday. I've heard so many service horror stories about Nectar that I'm genuinely surprised they've managed this long.

Sucks that Calgary has so few- well none, really- dedicated dessert places that are open late, but there is better pastry and better coffee and better service at umpteen places around town now.

ETA that Chocolate Bar, which is a block from my house, is a "dedicated dessert place" that's open late. Carry on.

I've heard the service was lacking. Luckily that was never the case when I was there. Mind you, I would only pop in to get something to go.

[Me&You]

I never had any service issues the few times I was at Nectar. However, I was always there at lunch or early evening.

Not surprised to see an open-late dessert place close in Inglewood... I would expect them to do better in an area that isn't dead in the evenings :koko:

[Ramsayfarian]

I never had any service issues the few times I was at Nectar. However, I was always there at lunch or early evening.

Not surprised to see an open-late dessert place close in Inglewood... I would expect them to do better in an area that isn't dead in the evenings :koko:

They're not closing due to lack of business, but because their landlord has decided not to renew their lease.

[Me&You]

They're not closing due to lack of business, but because their landlord has decided not to renew their lease.

Ahh, thanks for the info.

Any word if they'll pop up somewhere else?

[Ramsayfarian]

Ahh, thanks for the info.

Any word if they'll pop up somewhere else?

They're selling off all their equipment and fixtures so it sounds like they're done .

[Jimby]

Too bad about Nectar.
I noticed the Brooks Brothers flyer in the Herald today listed their location as Calgary Eaton Centre. Isn't that now the Core?

[sim]

Agreed, it is a shame. I don't fully understand why a landlord wouldn't renew a lease to a tenant that is able to comfortably pay (seemingly from the fact that they usually had people and what was said above.) Other plans for the building? Further insight anyone?

[Ramsayfarian]

Agreed, it is a shame. I don't fully understand why a landlord wouldn't renew a lease to a tenant that is able to comfortably pay (seemingly from the fact that they usually had people and what was said above.) Other plans for the building? Further insight anyone?

Most likely either found a tenant that wants the space and is willing to pay more or thinks that they can find a tenant willing to pay more.

[YYCguys]

Was there an elevator up to the 2nd floor of the Nectar building? I didn't see one when I was there last time and if there isn't, I'm surprised, as it seems accessibility is needed!

[Rusty van Reddick]

Was there an elevator up to the 2nd floor of the Nectar building?

Nope. In fact one time I helped a lady with one of those huge strollers up the stairs.

Frankly I'm shocked that Nectar stayed open as long as it did.

[Innersoul1]

Nectar seems like one of those really popular places, is it fair to assume that they would try to re-open elsewhere?

[Rusty van Reddick]

Nope. I called and their website confirms- they're gone for good.

[Policy Wonk]

fw, the whole cupcake trend did start in NYC, at Magnolia Bakery, but as anybody knows they didn't INVENT the damn things.

The latest cupcake trend out of New York is street vendors with glorified easy-bake ovens selling them on the street.

[Plus15]

Harry Rosen opens flagship Calgary store
By Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald September 3, 2010

Showing confidence in the Calgary marketplace, Harry Rosen today opens its flagship store downtown -- an indication the city in recent years has moved upscale on the retail landscape.

"We're a 56-year-old proud Canadian company and we've been in Calgary now for 26 years. And obviously we've watched Calgary evolve from what it was to what I consider probably one of the most sophisticated and modern eclectic cities," Larry Rosen, CEO and chair of Harry Rosen Inc., said Thursday as he gave the Herald a tour of the new store.

The expanded flagship store in the CORE shopping centre (TD Square-Calgary Eaton Centre) is on two storeys, covering more than 30,000 square feet. It has six designer shop-in-shops including a first for Calgary -- an exclusive Tom Ford shop.

The company said the addition of Tom Ford "truly proves Calgary's place of importance in the global luxury market."

Other shops that are exclusive to Harry Rosen in Calgary include Ermenegildo Zegna, Brunello Cucinelli, Canali and Hugo Boss. The store will also feature an Armani Collezioni shop-in-shop.

"We wanted to bring to Calgary a store that really represented where Calgary is now with the best of what we have to offer," said Rosen. "We brought everything that we consider a world-class, modern city should offer. This is the A-plus version of Harry Rosen and it really reflects what the city is capable of delivering.

"Calgary's a young city. It's got a lot of head offices, entrepreneurs. It's got a lot of professionals. It's a place where a lot of action is happening."

Harry Rosen is also opening a new 8,000-square-foot store at Chinook Centre at the end of this month. The expansion in the Calgary market will add about 40 to 50 new positions to the company this year.

"The Harry Rosen brand is at the forefront of an emerging battle for customer loyalty in the local high-end men's apparel business. The winners in this competitive environment will be the image-conscious fashion consumers of Calgary who will enjoy a greater selection in a historically thin category," said Michael Kehoe, an Albertabased retail specialist with Fairfield Commercial Real Estate Inc.

"As the head office capital of Canada's energy sector and an important financial centre, Calgary is a prime market for Harry Rosen."

Maggie Schofield, executive director of the Calgary Downtown Association, said having three iconic retailers -- Holt Renfrew, Brooks Brothers and Harry Rosen -- in such close proximity at the CORE not only anchors the new and rejuvenated mall, but is a great indicator of the long-term viability of retail in downtown Calgary.

"It adds so much to the unique experience that downtown offers workers, citizens and visitors alike," she said.

mtoneguzzi@theherald.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald

[SpongeG]

I love Papyrus - jealous

http://www.shopstamfordtowncenter.com/asset/get.asp?asset_id=10123
shopstamfordtowncenter.com

Specialty card chain chooses downtown Calgary for first Canadian store

Calgary's CORE attracts retailer

CALGARY HERALD SEPTEMBER 3, 2010 2:02 PM


U.S. specialty card store, Papyrus, is expanding into the Canadian market with the opening of its first store in the CORE downtown Calgary shopping centre on Tuesday.

"We will follow a Canadian rollout strategy similar to the one used in the initial roll out of Papyrus stores in the U.S., concentrating on the premium malls and streets that cater to the Papyrus customer," said Dominique Schurman, CEO of the Schurman Retail Group, the brand's parent company, in a news release. The retailer has more than 150 locations in the United States.

"We will begin with the key Canadian markets, particularly Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Montreal to establish top-tier stores that can produce brand identity. Since Canadians shop key U.S. markets, we think there will be a quick association to the brand."

...

http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Specialty+card+chain+chooses+downtown+Calgary+first+Canadian+store/3478491/story.html

[devonb]

My wife is gonna be thrilled... :rolleyes:

[Policy Wonk]

So... I got dragged back to Cross Iron Mills today. Coach... wow... I don't think I have ever seen a larger store with as little in it or as large a crowd.

[Jay in Cowtown]

So... I got dragged back to Cross Iron Mills today. Coach... wow... I don't think I have ever seen a larger store with as little in it or as large a crowd.

lol, you'd think with those kinda lineups that in a couple of months every female in the Calgary metro will own a Coach purse!

My wife bought shoes, and I bought nothing as usual... except a fucking delicious 4000 calorie Godiva blended chocolate drink

[SpongeG]

tweens carry coach bags here

me and my friend were at a white spot and there was a table of kids - must have been 12 and 14 and they all had Coach bags and coach wallets and coach anything they could have

its really made its label downmarket

[Me&You]

tweens carry coach bags here

me and my friend were at a white spot and there was a table of kids - must have been 12 and 14 and they all had Coach bags and coach wallets and coach anything they could have

its really made its label downmarket

More or less the same here. That's why the line up was crazy at Cross Iron Mills :yuck:

[freeweed]

lol, you'd think with those kinda lineups that in a couple of months every female in the Calgary metro will own a Coach purse!

Parts of Calgary, anyway. Coach really seems to appeal to Asian women for some reason, based on who I generally see shopping there.

[Doug_Cgy]

The H&M sign is back up on the 3rd floor of the Core near Holt. Hope it pans out...I think it would be a good fit!

[Plus15]

Re: H&M @ The Core

Apparently H&M execs are in town to tour the property and 20Vic set up a life-size mock-up of what the facade could look like. Its the second time they have visited the property...fingers crossed this time!

[stophs]

Note sure if anyone has seen this yet, but there's a new independent book store in the beltline in the old Lake Placid office for the Centuria building. It's called Shelf Life books and has an interesting collection. It could work out to be a great addition to the area.

[Rusty van Reddick]

stophs- I stopped into Shelf Life today after I got some bloodwork done at Chumir. With it and the (STILL NOT OPEN! ARRRRRGH!) Boxwood open, that part of 4th St is going to be an interesting area.

Also snapped a couple pics at The Core- here's the H&M mockup. If it's not going in a lot of people will be very disappointed, because if this isn't an announcement I don't know what is:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_JC7k91RICx8/TIrpXK8WbII/AAAAAAAAKEo/XD7e8lkmDhM/s1024/Mobile%20Upload.jpg

[freeweed]

I'm not usually a clothing snob, but who gets excited about H&M? I've tried really hard to figure out their target market but all I can think of is upscale Wal-Mart. Maybe I'm just too old to "get" it...

[Rusty van Reddick]

I'd say H&M target market skews young- but whatever, it's exciting because it's a huge retailer and would be good for downtown.

[jeffwhit]

With Best Buy opening in the Beltline (or Lower Mount Royal if we're getting technical) I hope that it sister store, Future Shop opens in the core in the next 5 years. At this point I'd be thrilled if Audiotronic or even Gamestop opened a store downtown. It can't all be clothes and handbags.

[mersar]

With Best Buy opening in the Beltline (or Lower Mount Royal if we're getting technical) I hope that it sister store, Future Shop opens in the core in the next 5 years. At this point I'd be thrilled if Audiotronic or even Gamestop opened a store downtown. It can't all be clothes and handbags.

EB Games (same company as Gamestop) had a store downtown in the Core until last year, so hopefully they may come back.

[DizzyEdge]

I'm not usually a clothing snob, but who gets excited about H&M? I've tried really hard to figure out their target market but all I can think of is upscale Wal-Mart. Maybe I'm just too old to "get" it...

I always thought H&M was like... the Gap as far as being somewhat ubiquitous, but more Le Chateau'y in style, ie more stylish.

[SpongeG]

H&M is known for its ability to turnover the runway looks really quickly and they do a pretty good job at being trendy but the clothes aren't really about quality just about getting the trend while it is a trend

they do have a lot of lines though - some of them are more expensive and thus better quality - you can a 6.95 t-shirt or a 35.95 t-shirt etc.

they were the only place i saw that sold harem pants which were shown in a lot of the mens collections last year

and they can sure pull in a lot of traffic as well they will only release some of the lines to some of the stores - usually the downtown stores get the designer collaborations - the newest collab is H&M with Lanvin and some of the items are quite pricey... compared to typical stuff

[Innersoul1]

H&M is for cheap fashionistas. They have non-runway tested designs, meaning that the stuff essentially comes straight from the the designers to production.

I must say that if I am going for a specific look I can go to H&M and get it for a fraction of the price. The quality isn't always fantastic but it certainly does the job!

[jeffwhit]

EB Games (same company as Gamestop) had a store downtown in the Core until last year, so hopefully they may come back.

wait, seriously, where? HTF did I miss that?

[DizzyEdge]

H&M is for cheap fashionistas. They have non-runway tested designs, meaning that the stuff essentially comes straight from the the designers to production.

I must say that if I am going for a specific look I can go to H&M and get it for a fraction of the price. The quality isn't always fantastic but it certainly does the job!

I'm sold!




misc text so that I can post

[mersar]

Theres a DP thats been applied for to turn the old Megatunes store into a liquor store. That makes 3+ DP's for liqour stores within a 2 block radius (theres 1 or 2 that are fighting it out with the city for in Mount Royal Village, plus another along 8th Street and now this one)

[DizzyEdge]

I see that "Subs and More" is open for business again, which is rather surprising.

[mooky]

I see that "Subs and More" is open for business again, which is rather surprising.

You think they'll still be selling the "and More"? ;)

[fusili]

Theres a DP thats been applied for to turn the old Megatunes store into a liquor store. That makes 3+ DP's for liqour stores within a 2 block radius (theres 1 or 2 that are fighting it out with the city for in Mount Royal Village, plus another along 8th Street and now this one)

Where on 8th Street? I am intrigued, because it might mean I have a liquor store closer than the one I have now (on 12th avenue, just off 8th street).

I know about one in Mount Royal Village, the one on the corner with 7th street, as the applicants were actually at the counter next to me when I was submitting something at the city. I think it was mostly a wine store. What is the other one?

All this just goes to show that 300m proximity rules really don't make sense in a high density area. 300m separation in a suburban area is pretty close and probably will saturate the market, in the Beltline it is totally viable.

[Rusty van Reddick]

All this just goes to show that 300m proximity rules really don't make sense in a high density area. 300m separation in a suburban area is pretty close and probably will saturate the market, in the Beltline it is totally viable.

I don't want any more liquor stores along 14 St SW. There is another opening in what used to be Pegasus- this will make 4 (or 5?) liquor stores between 12 and 28 Ave SW- way, way more than is needed by any definition of "density." A nice wine store like what they're trying to open in Mt Royal Village is one thing, but that's not what we're getting.

I actually wish to God we had Ontario's system.

[DizzyEdge]

You think they'll still be selling the "and More"? ;)

I hope so, this coffee just isn't doing the trick!

[fusili]

I actually wish to God we had Ontario's system.

Is that the system where you can only buy alcohol prior to 10:00 pm in government run liquor stores with absolutely no selection? Last time I was in Kenora, the LCBO store had something like three kinds of beer (Canadian, Labatts and Bud), no more than 2 types of each spirit and a piss-poor selection of wine. What is wrong with too many liquor stores? It isn't the amount of liquor stores that is the problem, it is the quality and the operation of them. Just like bars, the issue shouldn't be resolved at the development permit stage, because the problem isn't if they exist, the problem is how they operate.

5 liquor stores in a small area that operate properly, don't sell to people who are obviously intoxicated, have rules about how many trips a customer can make in a day, work with each other to identify and prohibit problem customers and who work with the authorities to deal with any problems will work just fine. Simple operational rules and enforcement can solve these problems. Sell alcohol to an intoxicated person? You lose your business license. Problem solved. It is much the same thing as Bar Watch. 10 bars on a street that identify and remove problem customers through ID scanning and who work closely with police to prevent violence and over-intoxication are better than 1 bar that allows open drug use to occur on site.

[outoftheice]

I don't know if it's been mentioned by anybody but I just saw on the Chinook Centre website that the official opening date for the next expansion is Wednesday, Sept 29th... Thankfully it also happens to be one of the rare days I'll be in town. I'm looking forward to wandering through and see what they've come up with!

[mersar]

Where on 8th Street? I am intrigued, because it might mean I have a liquor store closer than the one I have now (on 12th avenue, just off 8th street).

I know about one in Mount Royal Village, the one on the corner with 7th street, as the applicants were actually at the counter next to me when I was submitting something at the city. I think it was mostly a wine store. What is the other one

I believe on the west side of 8th around 14th? Co-op was one of the groups behind one of the stores, not sure which one though.

[fusili]

I believe on the west side of 8th around 14th? Co-op was one of the groups behind one of the stores, not sure which one though.

Maybe they are taking over the former Shoppers on 8th and 15th? That would be a welcome development. If not, if it is on the west side at 14th avenue, it will either be Dairy Queen, Big John's Pizza Market, Martha's cleaners or Mac's that is being replaced. Other than the Mac's all these places are very dear to me (mmmm Flamethrower combo).

[Jay in Cowtown]

Is that the system where you can only buy alcohol prior to 10:00 pm in government run liquor stores with absolutely no selection?

Yup, that would be the one!

Thank fuck Ralph privatized booze... I'd have to move if we still had to buy beer in a commie-brick, windowless, neon signless building!

I'm still wating for beer & wine in convenience stores like Ralph promised would happen a year after privatization!

[fusili]

I'm still wating for beer & wine in convenience stores like Ralph promised would happen a year after privatization!

NEVER! If that happened, drunk children would roam the streets at night and be attacked by zombies!

[mwalker_mw]

LCBO/The Beer Store were really not all that bad. The hours were not quite ideal but the beer store definitely had decent selection. The atmosphere was crap - now way to really browse - but you could still get what you wanted in a fairly efficient manner if you did your research in advance. The beer store website has all kinds of info on the beers they sell.

(Speaking as someone who went to university in Ontario... everyone still managed to get drunk and I managed to avoid shitty beer)

That said, Alberta's current system is pretty good - I'm rarely left wanting.

[Ramsayfarian]

Yup, that would be the one!

Thank fuck Ralph privatized booze... I'd have to move if we still had to buy beer in a commie-brick, windowless, neon signless building!

I'm still wating for beer & wine in convenience stores like Ralph promised would happen a year after privatization!

I was think about King Ralphie as well when I read Rusty's comment about the LCBO. Allowing privately owned liquor stores was the best thing he ever did. We should rename Banff in his honour.

I'm old enough to remember not being able to drink in a lounge unless you ordered food or going to Earl's and having to order an appi with every third round.

Let freedom reign.

[Ferreth]

I was think about King Ralphie as well when I read Rusty's comment about the LCBO. Allowing privately owned liquor stores was the best thing he ever did. We should rename Banff in his honour.

I'm old enough to remember not being able to drink in a lounge unless you ordered food or going to Earl's and having to order an appi with every third round.

Let freedom reign.

My most vivid memory pre-privatization was lining up for booze at Xmas time. It was the only time I felt like I was in a communist country.

The whole beer and wine in the corner stores pretty much got nixed with all the stores that had just set up complaining it would wreck their business. I'm good with the current system, other than the rules of having separation of buildings for Co-op, et al. type stores should be dropped. Separation walls and entrance should be good enough.

[mersar]

I'm good with the current system, other than the rules of having separation of buildings for Co-op, et al. type stores should be dropped. Separation walls and entrance should be good enough.

I believe thats already allowed in some cases (Cochrane's Safeway store and the Safeway liquor store are side by side, separate doors, and the even more hilarious restriction of they can't even share a common dumpster in the back alley). It may be a city bylaw that prevents it in the city.

[Ferreth]

I believe thats already allowed in some cases (Cochrane's Safeway store and the Safeway liquor store are side by side, separate doors, and the even more hilarious restriction of they can't even share a common dumpster in the back alley). It may be a city bylaw that prevents it in the city.

Safeway's doing liquor stores? How do they compare to the Stupid Store/ Coop ones?

[artvandelay]

I actually wish to God we had Ontario's system.

Ontario's system is great if you're Mormon.
I just got back from a week in Toronto, and I'd be surprised if there are more than ten liquor stores in the entire downtown area - I thought that B.C. was bad. At the LCBO we went to, the only cold beer to choose from was overpriced import - the majority of beer was stacked in flats on the floor. We were then directed to a store three blocks away that only sells beer for some reason and there was a 10 minute line up for some guy to go to the back and get your beer. It was ridiculous!
The selection at LCBO was noticeably lower compared to the stores here, especially the better ones like Willow Park and Co-op.

All this just goes to show that 300m proximity rules really don't make sense in a high density area. 300m separation in a suburban area is pretty close and probably will saturate the market, in the Beltline it is totally viable.

I'm guessing the 300m thing is a city bylaw? In Langdon there is a strip mall with two liquor stores at each end probably 150 ft apart. Granted it is Langdon, so there's not much to do other than drink.

[mersar]

Safeway's doing liquor stores? How do they compare to the Stupid Store/ Coop ones?

Decent, I don't drink myself so I never go into them but from what I've heard they'd rank above Superstore but below Co-op (which are some of the best stores in terms of selection). They've had Safeway Liquor stores for years, the one at Crowfoot has been there probably close to a decade now I'd bet (Co-op's new liquor store at Crowfoot is coming along as well, I'd guess maybe before Christmas for opening).

[Me&You]

Decent, I don't drink myself so I never go into them but from what I've heard they'd rank above Superstore but below Co-op (which are some of the best stores in terms of selection). They've had Safeway Liquor stores for years, the one at Crowfoot has been there probably close to a decade now I'd bet (Co-op's new liquor store at Crowfoot is coming along as well, I'd guess maybe before Christmas for opening).

The Safeway liquor store closest to me in Marda Loop has a pretty poor selection and the prices are terrible compared to most dedicated liquor stores in the area - and there are tons.

To top it off, the liquor store is located across the parking lot which really eliminates a lot of the supposed convenience.

I agree though, the Co-Op stores are great. Superstore generally has the best prices of the three.

[freeweed]

I always thought H&M was like... the Gap as far as being somewhat ubiquitous, but more Le Chateau'y in style, ie more stylish.

This is why I say it's probably that I'd just old and hate anything new. H&M seems to appeal to, and sell, the trashiest possible stuff. Like what someone who grew up in a trailer park would buy once they got their first "real" job and wanted to go bar-hopping. The men's clothes just scream "douchebag" to me, much like the "graphic/graffiti T" fad of recent years.

I'm really making an attempt to have my younger friends keep me hip, but it's harder every year. :haha:

[Jay in Cowtown]

Let freedom reign.

Yup! In fact I generally won't buy booze in the grocery chain stores... there's no neon Bud Light signs in the windows, unfreedom-esk bastards! :haha:

NEVER! If that happened, drunk children would roam the streets at night and be attacked by zombies!

For the most part... but there is a loop hole to that, if the nearest liquor store is X amount of miles away, you can sell booze in your store. ie: Exshaw Gas Station.

[jeffwhit]

While I agree that Ontario's system does suck, I empathize with what Rusty is actually getting at, which is there is no need to have 6 liquor stores in a four block radius. Besides, all the ones opening around the 14th/17th intersection aren't anything better than what Ontario has anyway.

[freeweed]

Ontario's alcohol laws are positively puritanical. Can't sell beer in the same store as wine? Or spirits? What the fuck is this, 1860 Utah? No late night sales? Is church not open that late? Can't actually browse the beer and handle it yourself? Am I not an adult capable of picking up a case of bottles myself?

Shit, I remember not being able to buy alcohol on Sundays as recently as a few years ago in this country. So not only do you have to go to a special store, you can't buy multiple kinds of alcohol at once, and you can effectively only buy it during banker's hours.

Alberta is HEAVEN in this respect. In fact, I actually drink LESS out here because I never ever have to worry about the "stocking up" phenomenon. People buy and drink more alcohol than they would otherwise, if they want to have it on hand "just in case".

That being said, I think furry's original point may be more towards not having 18 booze outlets in a 3 block radius. And all tiny seedy shops that don't follow any sort of regulation or control. I wouldn't have a problem with just ONE large store in any given strip/big box mall, personally. I've seen as many as 4, and I bet there are worse examples.

I still wonder what Quebec's alcohol problem rate is. They sell it damn near everywhere. Including the much-feared-by-puritans single beer.

[DizzyEdge]

Including the much-feared-by-puritans single beer.

Mmm, nothing like buying 6 single craft import beers from Zyn in Inglewood.

[devonb]

This is why I say it's probably that I'd just old and hate anything new. H&M seems to appeal to, and sell, the trashiest possible stuff. Like what someone who grew up in a trailer park would buy once they got their first "real" job and wanted to go bar-hopping. The men's clothes just scream "douchebag" to me, much like the "graphic/graffiti T" fad of recent years.


I think there is less "trailer" there and more "Jersey Shore".

[devonb]

Alberta is HEAVEN in this respect.


I brought back 6 bottles of wine from my recent trip to Napa. Coming to Alberta was awesome: $3 a bottle duty plus GST. Compare that to BC: 85% of the value of the wine on duty plus HST. Ontario isn't quite that bad for importing wine, but close. I recognize that they are trying to protect the wine industry, but it seems overkill.

The selection and prices and Alberta are a dream compared to most provinces. I get asked to pick up booze regularly when I go back to Vancouver. Scotches are significantly cheaper here than BC ($60 instead of $80) and most wines are a few dollars cheaper.

[Ferreth]

While I agree that Ontario's system does suck, I empathize with what Rusty is actually getting at, which is there is no need to have 6 liquor stores in a four block radius. Besides, all the ones opening around the 14th/17th intersection aren't anything better than what Ontario has anyway.

The problem now is that of those 6 stores, you have 5 providing the same stuff and one that is a little more upscale (in general, I don't know what that particular local is like).

Registries was another good one - not quite as much of a service improvement as liquor, but still way better convenience and service than with the, what? 3 locations Calgary had prior to privatization.

[SpongeG]

This is why I say it's probably that I'd just old and hate anything new. H&M seems to appeal to, and sell, the trashiest possible stuff. Like what someone who grew up in a trailer park would buy once they got their first "real" job and wanted to go bar-hopping. The men's clothes just scream "douchebag" to me, much like the "graphic/graffiti T" fad of recent years.

I'm really making an attempt to have my younger friends keep me hip, but it's harder every year. :haha:

thats their audience fashionistas and hipsters

they don't really have basics its all about trends not about fashion

i've only ever better accessories there

[SubwayRev]

Ontario's system is great if you're Mormon.

Ha!

Ontario's alcohol laws are positively puritanical. Can't sell beer in the same store as wine? Or spirits? What the fuck is this, 1860 Utah? No late night sales? Is church not open that late? Can't actually browse the beer and handle it yourself? Am I not an adult capable of picking up a case of bottles myself?

It's unbelievable buying booze in Ontario. I usually leave the store absolutely dumbfounded. (Both stores if I'm buying beer and liquor)


I remember reading once that the LCBO carries around 6,000 SKU's throughout it's system. Contrast that with Willow Park's which has over 25,000 SKU's available at its south store alone.

[freeweed]

I brought back 6 bottles of wine from my recent trip to Napa. Coming to Alberta was awesome: $3 a bottle duty plus GST. Compare that to BC: 85% of the value of the wine on duty plus HST. Ontario isn't quite that bad for importing wine, but close. I recognize that they are trying to protect the wine industry, but it seems overkill.

Wow. I don't often pay duty as I tend to visit the US long enough and i don't bring back cases of booze. I never realized there were provincial differences. It makes sense, I guess, but I always thought it was just a federal thing you were dealing with.

No wonder our border crossings are so needlessly messed up (in both directions). Bring on the Eurozone, please! 90% of our shit in stores comes from China and has destroyed our local manufacturing anyway, why exactly do we punish the little guy when big corps are getting away with much worse? :koko:

[Riise]

This is why I say it's probably that I'd just old and hate anything new. H&M seems to appeal to, and sell, the trashiest possible stuff. Like what someone who grew up in a trailer park would buy once they got their first "real" job and wanted to go bar-hopping. The men's clothes just scream "douchebag" to me, much like the "graphic/graffiti T" fad of recent years.

H&M specializes in fast fashion:

Fast fashion is a contemporary term used by fashion retailers to acknowledge that designs move from catwalk to store in the fastest time to capture current trends in the market. This has developed from a product driven concept based on a manufacturing model referred to as 'Quick Response' developed in the US in the 1980s and moved to a market based model of 'Fast Fashion' in the late 1990s and first part of the 21st century.

Zara have been at the forefront of this fashion retail revolution and their brand has almost become synonomous with the term but there were other retailers who worked with the concept before the label was applied such as Benetton. Fast fashion has also become associated with disposable fashion because it has delivered designer product to a mass market at relatively low prices.

Fast fashion is a term used to describe clothing collections which are based on the most recent fashion trends presented at Fashion Week in both the spring and the autumn of every year. These trends are designed and manufactured quickly and cheaply to allow the mainstream consumer to take advantage of current clothing styles at a lower price.

This philosophy of quick manufacturing at an affordable price is used in large retailers such as H&M, Zara, and Topshop. It particularly came to the fore during the vogue for "boho chic" in the middle of the first decade of the 21st century.


Source: Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_fashion)

If you have a strong fashion sense but are on a budget H&M can be very helpful. It can give you a cheap start on you wardrobe and provide the basics/essentials.

[Innersoul1]

thats their audience fashionistas and hipsters

they don't really have basics its all about trends not about fashion

i've only ever better accessories there

It's good for preggos too. They actually have a selection of stylish maternity wear that beats the crap they sell at Thyme Maternity. Plus it's cheaper than what you would find at top end stores like Ella Bella.

[shreddog]

That being said, I think furry's original point may be more towards not having 18 booze outlets in a 3 block radius. And all tiny seedy shops that don't follow any sort of regulation or control. I wouldn't have a problem with just ONE large store in any given strip/big box mall, personally. I've seen as many as 4, and I bet there are worse examples.Regarding Rusty's (and Freeweeds) comments on liquor density (heah, I thought we're all for urban density :haha: ) - since this is all private initiative, I say let the market decide. As long as the rules are being upheld, who really cares how many liquour stores there are in any one area??

Where I live (Tuxedo) I have 5 liquor stores within a 10 minute walk - Nicastros, Lee's, Kings, Olympia and CSN - each with a different value to me.

Nic's has a great loyalty program and sends me emails when products I have bought before come on sale (:tup:), CSN has one of the best high end wine selections anywhere + great tasting classes, Lee's is open real late (albeit small selection and crappy prices), King's is 1 minute from my door (again, small selection and mediocre prices, but I have ran there for something while in the middle of cooking) and Olympia has the best prices in town. I certainly wouldn't trade this for LCBO's system!!:koko:

BTW, I think Olympia has decent selection and out of this world prices - is anyone aware of any place that may be cheaper?? (Yes it beats Stupid Store)
I'm old enough to remember not being able to drink in a lounge unless you ordered food or going to Earl's and having to order an appi with every third round.As late as 1985, to buy alcohol in Ontario (big cities too like Ottawa and Toronto) you had to write your request/purchase down on paper! Basically you entered the LCBO store, looked at the booze selection you were interested as it was housed behind a metal cage (they would have one bottle or each type available - so a brand of rum would have 1 bottle on display for each volume size), then write down how many of each type you wanted on a gov't form - including the SKU - and go to the counter and hope that the person behind it felt you warranted buying that much alcohol. For those Westerners who never experienced this - think of the Consumers Distributors modal - but for booze! (Assuming you are old enough to remember CD!)
I still wonder what Quebec's alcohol problem rate is. They sell it damn near everywhere. Including the much-feared-by-puritans single beer.Yes and no my friend. While the Depanneaurs do sell some wine and beer everywhere - the good stuff must be bought at the SAQ - and they are less prevalent. This past year I have spent alot of time in DT Montreal and know just about every SAQ location. Think of it Montreal, Canada's answer to hedonism and here are the only true liqour stores in the DT core:
http://xml.sa.mapquest.com/?transaction=mapimage&datalen=206&data=f836c%40%23%22g%254%211%22sgE%5Bw%7CX%7E%277+V%3D%7BpXqo%26C%29s5-RwX3mL%3AFy%3Eurc%3Ai%2AmkkA%7C6HTZ%3F%23a%5E%3A%7DyaN9rpi16i5%5EIN2%217pp7%5Ed7g%22MO%5B%5Fr%3Be%28oj%7C%3D.%40%3A2ho%5FlZfE2VwU1funeBo65e0

[shreddog]

One further note on the booze thing, I was bored on one trip out East and had a sales flyer from Co-op with me that had the liqour prices listed. Went to the SAQ, and a week later to an LCBO, and compared prices. Beer was almost a wash (some more pricey here, some less, but never by much) but the hard stuff and wine was ALWAYS cheaper here - particularly Vodka.

A 26er of Grey Goose was over $12 cheaper here than in Ontario ($8 cheaper than QC) and 26 of Absolut was almost $17 more expensive in Ontario!

Sorry, but I'd rather have a red ant enema than trade Alberta'a liqour situation that of Ontario!

[shreddog]

I remember reading once that the LCBO carries around 6,000 SKU's throughout it's system. Contrast that with Willow Park's which has over 25,000 SKU's available at its south store alone.
Hmm, that may have been just at one store as I believe LCBO carries over 30000 SKUs. The big problem with LCBO is that it is one of the largest (maybe even the largest??) single buyer of booze in the world. As such, it can't deal with small suppliers efficiently - that is why the selection at places like Willow Park (and some places in Vancouver) for small run wines exceeds that at even the best Vintage locations in Toronto. I have been to both Bayview and Summerhill (both touted by LCBO as being the largest liqour store in Canada :koko:) and not been able to find a decent Malbec that even Co-op will sell! (Side note, but I have been told by the owners of WP that Alberta is the largest Malbec market outside of S.A.!)

The real ironic thing about LCBO is that if it is indeed the largest booze buyer in the world (the Walmart of liqour!) shouldn't the prices be cheap?!?!? Of course, since it is part of the gov't, it officially states that prices are kept high to "ensure it meets it social responsibility wrt drinking"!!! No sir, it has nothing to do with gov't revenue, no sir at all!

[fusili]

(Side note, but I have been told by the owners of WP that Alberta is the largest Malbec market outside of S.A.!)


That is because Malbec is freaking awesome and no one else knows it yet. Shhhhh.

[shreddog]

You think they'll still be selling the "and More"? ;)
It appears they were (http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Calgary+shop+masked+cocaine+police/3419562/story.html)

[Me&You]

That is because Malbec is freaking awesome and no one else knows it yet. Shhhhh.

Sorry, the secret's out. Nearly everyone I know is a Malbec fiend.

[h0twired]

I dunno. Ever since moving back to Winnipeg after 8+ years in Calgary I really don't see much issue with government liquor stores.

I find the prices in Manitoba actually cheaper on things like beer, wine and some hard liquor. The only noticeably more expensive items are single-malt scotch and items typically "on sale" in Alberta (namely Crown Royal, Appleton Rum and crappy wine).

Sure the hours are mediocre for the liquor stores, but I guess I don't drink as much as some and find it unnecessary to go to a liquor store at 1am. That said, in Manitoba there are still beer vendors that will sell you ice cold beer until 3am so you can keep drinking after the bars close.

I also find the selection at MLCC stores in Manitoba to be far better than the countless mom and pop liquor stores in Calgary. Half the time I could only find half of what I was looking for at one place and then had to go to another couple stores to get the rest.

At the end of the day liquor is still government run in Alberta, the distribution channels are crown corporations and regulate what the individual vendors can and cannot sell. So while the retailers might be private, the liquor industry is still very much in the hands of the Alberta government.

[DizzyEdge]

I think there is less "trailer" there and more "Jersey Shore".

Google Image search H&M.. to me it's 100% hipster, kind of like a cross between American Apparel and Le Chateau.

[Ramsayfarian]

That is because Malbec is freaking awesome and no one else knows it yet. Shhhhh.

I've been preaching the gospel since my S.A. vacation in 2004.

[SubwayRev]

The real ironic thing about LCBO is that if it is indeed the largest booze buyer in the world (the Walmart of liqour!) shouldn't the prices be cheap?!?!? Of course, since it is part of the gov't, it officially states that prices are kept high to "ensure it meets it social responsibility wrt drinking"!!! No sir, it has nothing to do with gov't revenue, no sir at all!

Their prices are also high because of their higher overhead/staff costs. Gov't cashiers make more money than most cashiers. When Alberta went private, the ALCB was paying cashiers $13/hr, in 1992! When they went private, thoses wages dropped to ~$5/hr.

At the end of the day liquor is still government run in Alberta, the distribution channels are crown corporations and regulate what the individual vendors can and cannot sell. So while the retailers might be private, the liquor industry is still very much in the hands of the Alberta government.

Exaclty right, Alberta just isn't involved in the retail side of things. THey still control all the distribution.

As an aside, the Beer Store chain is owned by Molsons, Labbats and Sleemans. It's actually a government-sanctioned private monopoly on the retail beer business.

[Rusty van Reddick]

I was in Argentina in 2004 and that was also when we (wine geek partner and I) discovered Malbec. And I discovered that it, and all tannin-y red wines, give me an almost instantaneous migraine.

Guys, I just see Ontario's system as one embracing the notion of harm reduction. Don't make it illegal, just make it regulated and (some of you are going to jump down my throat for this) inconvenient. Sure the folks on here--and as I say my own partner is a complete wine freak--are responsible and safe alcohol consumers, but too many people are not. I'm not saying that Alberta's system is anarchic, but what I'm seeing is quite simply too many liquor stores opening in too small of an area, MY neighbourhood, and this was one thing I'd never ever have to worry about in Toronto.

YMMV. Onward.

The new Harry Rosen is insane- I got to stroke a $3600 sweater there. It irked me a bit that whereas there is quite a bit of relatively inexpensive things at Holts (I mean say a pair of socks or something from Kiehl's), there is basically nothing at the new Harry like that. Even the ties are in the $100s. Crazy. Beautiful sweater though.

[SpongeG]

I was in Argentina in 2004 and that was also when we (wine geek partner and I) discovered Malbec. And I discovered that it, and all tannin-y red wines, give me an almost instantaneous migraine.

Guys, I just see Ontario's system as one embracing the notion of harm reduction. Don't make it illegal, just make it regulated and (some of you are going to jump down my throat for this) inconvenient. Sure the folks on here--and as I say my own partner is a complete wine freak--are responsible and safe alcohol consumers, but too many people are not. I'm not saying that Alberta's system is anarchic, but what I'm seeing is quite simply too many liquor stores opening in too small of an area, MY neighbourhood, and this was one thing I'd never ever have to worry about in Toronto.

YMMV. Onward.

The new Harry Rosen is insane- I got to stroke a $3600 sweater there. It irked me a bit that whereas there is quite a bit of relatively inexpensive things at Holts (I mean say a pair of socks or something from Kiehl's), there is basically nothing at the new Harry like that. Even the ties are in the $100s. Crazy. Beautiful sweater though.

stopped in at the harrys today in van - my friend like Ralph Lauren Polo RLX and he was happy to see they carry it but the prices were like way too much - they carry it at macys and its almost 50% cheaper down there for the same stuff - but they do have some nice stuff there - i hadn't been in one for many years and was surprised to see Dolce & Gabanna, DSquared etc. stuff i associated with Holt Renfrew...

also went to H&M they had cute skull underwear :tup:

the way H&M is is they have all these "lines" and depending on the size and location of the store you might not get it all

ex: these are the various ladies lines:
H&M Ladies
H&M Trend Ladies
H&M L.O.G.G.
Urban Basics
H&M Sport
H&M BIB
H&M Mama
&Denim
Underwear
Cosmetics
Accessories
Ladies Shoes
Divided

these are the mens:
Weekday Men
H&M Men
Man Trend
H&M Man Modern Classic
H&M L.O.G.G.
H&M Sport
&Denim
Underwear
Accessories
Divided

downtown stores tend to carry them all where as mall or suburban stores may only carry half the lines... so if you have been to one store you may experience a completely different store in a different location...

for example the smaller mall store here only carries:
H&M Ladies
H&M L.O.G.G.
&Denim
Accessories

so enjoy having a full H&M store :yes:

[SpongeG]

New Holt Renfrew posting big gains

Sales in several departments see sharp rise

By Lisa Schmidt, Calgary Herald September 24, 2010

Calgary's Holt Renfrew may still be riding some new store buzz, but the retailer's top executive says service brings customers back.

And apparently in droves, as Mark Derbyshire cites a list of big gains across several of its lines in the downtown location, which tripled the size of its old store when it opened a year ago.

Jewelry sales -- bolstered by its chain-leading Tiffany boutique -- up 44 per cent. Watches are 67 per cent higher.

Women's shoes, now showcased in a prime main floor location, are up 64 per cent.

"We're seeing terrific increases," Derbyshire said in Calgary on Thursday.

He is forecasting double-digit comparable store sales improvements heading into next month.

"That's where we're trending today. The people of Calgary have truly welcomed us well in this facility."

Holt Renfrew will mark its one-year anniversary of the new Calgary store with a gala on Oct. 8 -- an event headlined with a visit by Los Angeles socialite-turned-designer Nicole Richie, kicking off a month of special events.

Holts' opening was among a raft of big name brands to set up or expand in Calgary over the past couple of years, banking on a quick rebound from the economic downturn.

This year, Holts finds itself in the company a new downtown Brooks Brothers store, plus the addition of a greatly expanded Harry Rosen store, which opened earlier this month.

Business is expected to be brisk in that category, say some market watchers.

"You've got the value retailers at one end of the spectrum doing really well, and you have the luxury and high-end retailers thriving," said Mike Kehoe, retail specialist with Fairfield Commercial Real Estate.

"The money is out there; there's a lot of disposable income."

And that is likely to keep attracting new retailers.

"A lot of these guys haven't ever been here, they've always been in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and now they've kind of now discovered Calgary," said Rob Walker, a Calgary-based commercial realtor specializing in retail for Colliers International.

But that new competition doesn't faze Holts, which first opened in the city in 1953. Derbyshire, who took over the top position eight months ago, said the retailer sets itself apart with high-end service to match its high-end style.

"Relationships are the backbone of any business," he said.

And the store continues hiring more staff, including seven new "roving concierges" -- known as Holts hosts -- to help guide shoppers through the Calgary store.

Staff now sport a bright magenta name badge, helping foster that personal service, he notes.

"You come in because it's all new and it's exciting, but how do you maintain that?" Derbyshire said.

...

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/Holt+Renfrew+posting+gains/3572517/story.html#ixzz10ULWPzY5

[Plus15]

Big credit to Cadillac Fairview for the Chinook Centre expansion! Went there last night, it is well executed and exudes a glitzy, glamorous energy. Stores are well done too, impressive storefronts. True Religion Jeans, Armani Exchange, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and Forever XXI are still under construction. Victoria's Secret is arriving this Spring according to this CBC article about the project.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2010/09/28/calgary-chinook-centre-mall-expansion-opening.html

[Doug]

As late as 1985, to buy alcohol in Ontario (big cities too like Ottawa and Toronto) you had to write your request/purchase down on paper! Basically you entered the LCBO store, looked at the booze selection you were interested as it was housed behind a metal cage (they would have one bottle or each type available - so a brand of rum would have 1 bottle on display for each volume size), then write down how many of each type you wanted on a gov't form - including the SKU - and go to the counter and hope that the person behind it felt you warranted buying that much alcohol. For those Westerners who never experienced this - think of the Consumers Distributors modal - but for booze! (Assuming you are old enough to remember CD!)

It was still like that when I lived in Toronto from 88-90. I also remember Sunday shopping being illegal except for grocery and drug stores. Even back then, it was like stepping back in time a few decades.

[Wooster]

It was still like that when I lived in Toronto from 88-90. I also remember Sunday shopping being illegal except for grocery and drug stores. Even back then, it was like stepping back in time a few decades.

It's bascially still like that at many Beer Stores. It's like Prohibition never truly left town in Ontario cities. I call call the LCBO the Liquor Gustapo.

[SubwayRev]

It was still like that when I lived in Toronto from 88-90. I also remember Sunday shopping being illegal except for grocery and drug stores. Even back then, it was like stepping back in time a few decades.

In Canada, it was illegal for any store to conduct business on Sunday, until 1985, when the Lord's Day Act was struck down in R. v Big M Drug Mart. Big M was a drug store in Calgary, and CPS charged them with "carrying on the sale of goods on a Sunday." And I thought police today didn't have enough to do!

Hard to believe that only 25 years ago, you wouldn't be able go to a mall on Sunday.

On a side note, it is still illegal in many states, including New Jersey, Iowa, Illinois and Louisiana to sell cars on Sunday. I can't think of why, but that's the law.

[freeweed]

On a side note, it is still illegal in many states, including New Jersey, Iowa, Illinois and Louisiana to sell cars on Sunday. I can't think of why, but that's the law.

Because Jebus hates cars, duh. Why do you hate freedom?

[Ferreth]

In Canada, it was illegal for any store to conduct business on Sunday, until 1985, when the Lord's Day Act was struck down in R. v Big M Drug Mart. Big M was a drug store in Calgary, and CPS charged them with "carrying on the sale of goods on a Sunday." And I thought police today didn't have enough to do!

Hard to believe that only 25 years ago, you wouldn't be able go to a mall on Sunday.

On a side note, it is still illegal in many states, including New Jersey, Iowa, Illinois and Louisiana to sell cars on Sunday. I can't think of why, but that's the law.

Cripy, That brings back memories. "Big M" started life in a former Safeway store just north of Forest Lawn High School. I had a friend who used to steal 5 1/4" floppy diskettes ($1/disk at the time) and give them away. Kind of a digital Robin Hood of the day.

[SubwayRev]

Because Jebus hates cars, duh. Why do you hate freedom?

This made me laugh out loud, and I almost slapped my knee. Well done!

Cripy, That brings back memories. "Big M" started life in a former Safeway store just north of Forest Lawn High School. I had a friend who used to steal 5 1/4" floppy diskettes ($1/disk at the time) and give them away. Kind of a digital Robin Hood of the day.

Ahhh...I was wondering where it was. Thanks.

[SpongeG]

Crowds greet mall's expansion

Apple store shoppers lined up at 3:30 a.m.

BY MARIO TONEGUZZI, CALGARY HERALD SEPTEMBER 30, 2010


T here's nothing like the opening of a new Apple store to create a buzz in the air at a shopping centre.

Wednesday morning, that excitement was evident as about 200 people lined up to be the first ones in the store at the grand opening of the new expansion at Chinook Centre.

Some even came as early as 3:30 a.m., hours before the mall doors opened at 5 a.m. and the stores at 8 a.m.

"I'm here to get an iPhone 4," said Jonathan Shonicker, 22, who was the first in line at the Apple store. "Because my phone sucks . . . doesn't do anything. I don't care what it costs. It could cost anything, I'll pay it right now. I need a new phone."

Dylan Ostafie, 22, was also at the mall at 3:30 and first in line at the store with Shonicker.

"We randomly decided we wanted an iPhone. They're sold out everywhere," he said. "We figured we'd just beat everyone else."

Asked what he thought of the new expansion, Ostafie quipped: "We haven't really checked it out. We just came for the Apple store."

The $277-million expansion at Chinook Centre is expected to boost sales by millions of dollars on an annual basis.

Mall officials expect sales to climb from the current $500 million a year to $700 million, with productivity rising from $840 per square foot to as high as $1,100.

Fifty new retailers opened Wednesday in the 180,000-square-foot expansion.

There are also 1,200 heated underground parking stalls.

Debra Margles, president of Michael Kors in Canada, said Calgary is booming and the company recognized Chinook Centre was one of the best malls in the West.

"There's some really great brands here and we feel that Calgary is ready for this fashion wing," she said.

"We expect this location to be the second best in the chain. It might even be the best."

Paige O'Neill, retail property manager for Chinook, said the esthetics of the mall are "amazing" now with the expansion.

"The stores have built some of their best stores in their chains here in Chinook," said O'Neill. "A lot of malls in Calgary reinvented themselves 10 years ago and a lot of shopping centres are reinventing themselves again.

"What we're finding is that if you build it, they will come, in the sense that these brands want to be in Calgary."

Jennifer O'Brien was one of the first people early Wednesday morning to get a look at the multimillion-dollar expansion.

"I came to check out the new Abercrombie (& Fitch) store, and Hollister store," said O'Brien.

...

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Crowds+greet+mall+expansion/3601135/story.html#ixzz115ypsQLV

[SpongeG]

Hermes sales beat expectations

First year for Calgary store 'delightful'

By Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald October 1, 2010

High-end fashion store Hermes, operating as a boutique shop in the new Holt Renfrew downtown, has exceeded sales expectations in its first year of operation in the Calgary market.

"We're very pleased," said Jennifer Carter, president and CEO of Hermes Canada. "Our first year with our own store in Calgary has been delightful."

Calgary is the company's fourth store in the country. The 1,200-square-foot boutique opened Oct. 9. Its first Canadian store opened in Toronto in 1992, and today there are stores in Vancouver and Montreal.

The success of the Calgary market has Carter thinking of the possibility of a future free-standing store in the city. The Vancouver and Toronto stores are free-standing, while the Montreal one is also located within a Holt Renfrew store.

"We've had spectacular success with our leather, with our watches. I would say Calgary is leading our other Canadian boutiques in the sale of watches," she said.

"Our sales in Calgary are actually better than I expected."

Its success is also an indication of a thriving high-end retail industry in Calgary's downtown with the recent openings of Brooks Brothers and a newly expanded Harry Rosen -- all part of a multimillion-dollar redevelopment at the Core shopping centre.

"There's a very high disposable income in this market," said Rob Walker, vice-president and partner with Colliers International in Calgary.

Cindy Turnquist, marketing director for 20 VIC Management Inc., which is responsible for the Core's redevelopment, leasing and management, said the scheduled completion of the project is at the end of October for the interior mall finishes.

...

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/life/Hermes+sales+beat+expectations/3606980/story.html#ixzz11RQfvbQi

[freeweed]

Gotta say, Chinook's expansion is nice. Very nice looking. The new parkade is a futuristic wonder (I won't spoil the surprise, suffice it to say when they have the indicators actually working properly this place is gonna be cooooool).

A bit disappointed with the store lineup but there's at least a dozen still to open, so I'm reserving judgement. I also do not, for the life of me, understand the crowds in the Apple store. First, we've had one in Calgary for what, a year? Second, you can buy Apple stuff in a lot of other places. Sure it's neat to go play around in the store (I guess..) but is it really worth standing in line and crowding your way in just to check out a minor sub-revision of a phone? I'm a huge fan of Apple products and buy stuff from there as needed, but I just do not get the crowds. It's just computers and phones, people! Even if it happens to be some of the better product on the market.