The Retail Thread

[fusili]

Originally Posted by shreddog

(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]

Originally Posted by mooky

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

It appears they were

[Me&You]

Originally Posted by fusili

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]

Originally Posted by devonb

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]

Originally Posted by fusili

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]

Originally Posted by shreddog

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.

Originally Posted by h0twired

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

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

[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+Re...#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/sto...n-opening.html

[Doug]

Originally Posted by shreddog

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]

Originally Posted by Doug

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]

Originally Posted by Doug

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]

Originally Posted by SubwayRev

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]

Originally Posted by SubwayRev

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]

Originally Posted by freeweed

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

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

Originally Posted by Ferreth

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/busines...#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/He...#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.