Canadian Retail Thread

[Hali87]

Yes, I noticed yours was downtown as well. MEC has been a good inner city partner in many places it seems.

Ottawa's store relocated about 10-15 years ago (going from memory). It went from inner city east New Edinburgh to inner city west Westboro. The first location had almost no parking whereas the new location has a teeny bit of parking.

Neither area could really be considered to be struggling though, and both have done and could do fine without an MEC store.

Ours is smack dab in the middle of downtown and has no dedicated parking. They actually emphasize that it's on good public transit routes and promote urban cycling even though it's in a very hilly area that only started getting bike lanes about a year ago. There's a bit of on-street parking nearby (although it's usually otherwise occupied) and pay parkades across the street, but it's not common for people to park at the parkade to go to MEC.

[MolsonExport]

This is good news in my opinion, at least for consumers. I've never been impressed with Rona's big box stores. The one I used to go to in London was severely understaffed with huge lineups at the cashier, and the staff you could find were often either rude or knew nothing about their products (or both). Lowe's on the other hand, I've found better staffed in both numbers of employees and service quality.

yep. And probably we visited the same stores (Reno on Wonderland and Lowe's on Fanshawe Park Rd). Similar to those working at Crappy Tire, Reno's staff are about as useless as tits on a bull.

[Acajack]

This is good news in my opinion, at least for consumers. I've never been impressed with Rona's big box stores. The one I used to go to in London was severely understaffed with huge lineups at the cashier, and the staff you could find were often either rude or knew nothing about their products (or both). Lowe's on the other hand, I've found better staffed in both numbers of employees and service quality.

When I bought my house in this part of Gatineau 20 years ago, a fairly large Rona L'Entrepôt was basically the only player in the immediate vicinity. They had the most awesome service. Even my family members who came from elsewhere to help us with our settling in and household projects would rave about that store. As soon as you'd pause in an aisle, someone would be there to ask you if you needed help.

Oddly enough, once a rival Home Depot opened around the corner some years later, service at the Rona started to decline - precipitously.

Isn't that the weirdest thing? Both stores are still open and are doing OK as far as I can see. But I have no idea why Home Depot had that negative effect on Rona. You would have expected the opposite.

Lowe's have a few stores over in Ottawa but I have not been to any of them so I cannot compare.

[hipster duck]

Anyway, Mountain Equipment Coop have announced that they are moving from their inner city digs (in Nouveau St-Roch - more on this later) to a more suburban location with lots of parking of course. The new store will be in the vicinity of the new Centre Vidéotron arena. So not really in the outer suburbs, and not far from downtown. But still in an auto-dependent environment.

This is seen like a betrayal of sorts by many. MEC was one of the key players in the revitalization of the St-Roch neighbourhood, and the coop played up this fact.

Note that most MEC locations AFAIK tend to be in inner city locations. In Montreal they have one right on the Plateau. Toronto's is right downtown. Ottawa's is in the hip Westboro inner city area.

MECs customer base is so hybrid that way. On the one hand, they have the "one less car" urban bike department. On the other hand, they cater to outdoorsy types who, by necessity, have to own a car - often a 4x4. Unless it's a big market like Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver - which have both urban store and suburban stores - you have to compromise somehow. You can have a hip urban location as long as there's ample parking.

Are QC residents known for being outdoorsy? After Vancouver and Calgary, Quebec City seems like the major Canadian city with the closest proximity to major mountains.

[Acajack]

MECs customer base is so hybrid that way. On the one hand, they have the "one less car" urban bike department. On the other hand, they cater to outdoorsy types who, by necessity, have to own a car - often a 4x4. Unless it's a big market like Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver - which have both urban store and suburban stores - you have to compromise somehow. You can have a hip urban location as long as there's ample parking.

Are QC residents known for being outdoorsy? After Vancouver and Calgary, Quebec City seems like the major Canadian city with the closest proximity to major mountains.

Yes. QC and Ottawa are the most outdoorsy big cities in central Canada.

[manny_santos]

i prefer lowes over home depot, there was a rona in coquitlam that is pretty awful, its quite small and barely any staff when you need something. I can't imagine they would make it into a lowes its more like a small town home hardware store, not suitable for a big box location.

There are quite a few small format Rona stores out there (i.e. not big box). There's at least one in Toronto, a former Lansing Buildall - it's more of the neighbourhood hardware store for Willowdale than a traditional Rona.

Another issue that will inevitably come up is what happens were a Rona is located near a Lowe's. In Kingston there's a Rona about a 5 minute drive from a Lowe's. This seems like a potential repeat of the Future Shop vs Best Buy issue.

[GreatTallNorth2]

MECs customer base is so hybrid that way. On the one hand, they have the "one less car" urban bike department. On the other hand, they cater to outdoorsy types who, by necessity, have to own a car - often a 4x4. Unless it's a big market like Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver - which have both urban store and suburban stores - you have to compromise somehow. You can have a hip urban location as long as there's ample parking.


I really fail to see why this is a problem. The store promotes outdoor activity. Canada's rail/transit network is poor at best, barely serving cities let alone provincial/national parks. Most Canadians rely on cars to explore, unless you live in Vancouver.

[hipster duck]

I really fail to see why this is a problem.

I never said it was a problem. I just acknowledged that based on the services they offer, MEC needs to cater to people who require a car and people who are against using cars. Sometimes those are the same people.

[caltrane74]

http://www.blogto.com/upload/2016/02/2016216-nordstrom-rack-toronto.jpg

Nordstrom Rack to open in Toronto (http://www.blogto.com/fashion_style/2016/02/nordstrom_rack_to_open_in_toronto/)


Posted by Amy Grief / FEBRUARY 16, 2016


Bargain hunters, rejoice! Why? Because Nordstrom Rack is slated to open in Toronto by 2018.

The discount designer store, which sells clothing, shoes and accessories at 30 to 70 percent off, will move into a massive 38,600 square-foot space at 1 Bloor Street East, home of what is one Toronto's tallest condo projects under development.

The retail giant will be situated at the base of One Bloor, Great Gulf's new 76-storey mixed use tower designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects.

While you'll have to wait a few years to shop at Nordstrom Rack in Toronto, the more expensive Nordstrom is scheduled to open up at the Eaton Centre and Yorkdale this fall.

Photo courtesy of Nordstorm.

[caltrane74]

Saks interior shots

Not exactly New York style..... but I guess we'll take it. lol1

http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/business/2016/02/16/torontos-saks-fifth-avenue--its-almost-ready/mosaks001jpg.jpg.size.xxlarge.letterbox.jpg

http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/business/2016/02/16/torontos-saks-fifth-avenue--its-almost-ready/mosaks002jpg.jpg.size.xxlarge.promo.jpg

http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/business/2016/02/16/torontos-saks-fifth-avenue--its-almost-ready/mosaks008jpg.jpg.size.xxlarge.promo.jpg

http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/business/2016/02/16/torontos-saks-fifth-avenue--its-almost-ready/mosaks003jpg.jpg.size.xxlarge.promo.jpg

http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/business/2016/02/16/torontos-saks-fifth-avenue--its-almost-ready/mosaks011jpg.jpg.size.xxlarge.promo.jpg

Hudson’s Bay Company has upped the ante in retailing at the south end of the Eaton Centre, with a flagship Saks Fifth Avenue opening to the public on Thursday beside a newly renovated Hudson’s Bay store.
The Saks store — the first in Canada — is also the first flagship store for the brand in more than 40 years, said Marc Metrick, president, Saks Fifth Avenue, during a tour on Tuesday morning.
“We get to start from scratch here and define a brand.”
Built on 169,000 square feet of space carved out of the Hudson’s Bay store on Queen St. at Yonge St., the Saks occupies four floors given over to luxury brands in an opulent setting.



http://www.thestar.com/business/2016/02/16/torontos-saks-fifth-avenue--its-almost-ready.html

[miketoronto]

Saks interior shots

Not exactly New York style..... but I guess we'll take it. lol1



The term flagship is used way too often today. I would hardly call a 169,000 square foot store a flagship. Its basically a suburban branch store size.

[caltrane74]

Its the flagship because its the only location in Canada.

The H & M flagship at Eaton Center is huge and not as big as this store.

[ScreamingViking]

http://www.blogto.com/upload/2016/02/2016216-nordstrom-rack-toronto.jpg

Nordstrom Rack to open in Toronto (http://www.blogto.com/fashion_style/2016/02/nordstrom_rack_to_open_in_toronto/)


Posted by Amy Grief / FEBRUARY 16, 2016

Nice, rack!

We could also get started on the Saks metaphors. Shopaholics should have a ball there, maybe more. :D

[caltrane74]

BDt425Letaw

Saks Toronto Eaton Centre

[ACT7]

The term flagship is used way too often today. I would hardly call a 169,000 square foot store a flagship. Its basically a suburban branch store size.
I agree with you, in general, flagship gets overused nowadays. But flagship also refers to the selection of brands carried. And, yes, because it's the largest Saks in Canada (well, only one so far), it's a Canadian flagship. It's not like they said global flagship.

[caltrane74]

Finally a rendering of the Eaton Centre reconstruction

http://static1.squarespace.com/static/529fc0c0e4b088b079c3fb6d/t/56ca54c2f2b77e5c15356040/1456100711336/?format=1500w
http://www.retail-insider.com/

[WhipperSnapper]

There are quite a few small format Rona stores out there (i.e. not big box). There's at least one in Toronto, a former Lansing Buildall - it's more of the neighbourhood hardware store for Willowdale than a traditional Rona.

Another issue that will inevitably come up is what happens were a Rona is located near a Lowe's. In Kingston there's a Rona about a 5 minute drive from a Lowe's. This seems like a potential repeat of the Future Shop vs Best Buy issue.

For several years, there were two big box Ronas a couple blocks from one another when Rona bought out the Building Box. Now, in the same big box community in east end Toronto, there's a Lowes pretty much next door to the surviving Rona. I doubt Lowes will wait out the lease but, you never know. They do carry different brands.

[WhipperSnapper]

The term flagship is used way too often today. I would hardly call a 169,000 square foot store a flagship. Its basically a suburban branch store size.

Flagship , in its historical context and is still applicable today, refers to a downtown (central) location. Size has very little to do with it.

[Martin Mtl]

Finally a rendering of the Eaton Centre reconstruction

http://static1.squarespace.com/static/529fc0c0e4b088b079c3fb6d/t/56ca54c2f2b77e5c15356040/1456100711336/?format=1500w
http://www.retail-insider.com/

That's underwhelming.

[caltrane74]

I agree, it's not good.

[softee]

^ It needs some LED screens up on those big blank surfaces to liven things up.

[caltrane74]

That's what I was hoping for. Anyways, the frontage at Yonge and Dundas will be LED OVERLOAD!!

[WhipperSnapper]

It looks like a Nordstrom.

[Martin Mtl]

They are not all created equal. This is the future Columbus Circle Nordstrom in Manhattan... Glass that let you see the inside of the store is the way to go, specially at night, obviously. Much more exciting that a beige wall.

https://assets.dnainfo.com/generated/photo/2016/02/nordstrom-manhattan-flagship-w57th-glass-waveforms-during-day-1455630603.jpg/extralarge.jpg

[WhipperSnapper]

Jeebus. Forums sometimes. Nice but, it doesn't look like a Nordstrom.

[caltrane74]

This is Yonge and Dundas, not Yorkville.

lol!

[WhipperSnapper]

Lol, you and your desire for Yorkville to be some urban oasis for the uber rich. Well, they can shop at Nordstrom Rack for idems they can't find at Winners.

[caltrane74]

Lol, you and your desire for Yorkville to be some urban oasis for the uber rich. Well, they can shop at Nordstrom Rack for idems they can't find at Winners.

Funny you say that, because the Nordstorm Rack will look like this..

http://urbantoronto.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/display-slideshow/images/articles/2016/02/19811/19811-67153.jpg
urbantoronto (http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2016/02/retailer-announced-one-bloor-east-construction-progresses)

I'll be scooping up my 20 dollar "Winnersque"-"Marshallsque" dress pants and Rockports 10 at a time here..


Also, a step up from Yonge-Dundas.

http://static1.squarespace.com/static/529fc0c0e4b088b079c3fb6d/t/56ca54c2f2b77e5c15356040/1456100711336/?format=1500w

[caltrane74]

^ It needs some LED screens up on those big blank surfaces to liven things up.

OMG.. Surprise to you and me. They were testing LED lighting at Nordstorms last night.. lol!

http://urbantoronto.ca/forum/threads/eaton-centre-former-sears-store-demolition-nordstrom-rebuild-cadillac-fairview.20351/page-53

Apparently, there will be a lot more strips of LED than those pictured...

I think there will be quite a few more LED strips running horizontally at varied lengths. I think they are just testing them.

[WhipperSnapper]

Funny you say that, because the Nordstorm Rack will look like this..

http://urbantoronto.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/display-slideshow/images/articles/2016/02/19811/19811-67153.jpg
urbantoronto (http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2016/02/retailer-announced-one-bloor-east-construction-progresses)

I'll be scooping up my 20 dollar "Winnersque"-"Marshallsque" dress pants and Rockports 10 at a time here..


Also, a step up from Yonge-Dundas.

http://static1.squarespace.com/static/529fc0c0e4b088b079c3fb6d/t/56ca54c2f2b77e5c15356040/1456100711336/?format=1500w

Really? I had no idea. My post now makes sense. Onto world peace ...

[caltrane74]

Really? I had no idea. My post now makes sense. Onto world peace ...

dude, my original post was responding to this. Then you got involved.


They are not all created equal. This is the future Columbus Circle Nordstrom in Manhattan... Glass that let you see the inside of the store is the way to go, specially at night, obviously. Much more exciting that a beige wall.

[caltrane74]

H&M unveils revamped Eaton Centre store (http://www.blogto.com/fashion_style/2016/02/hm_unveils_revamped_eaton_centre_store/)

http://www.blogto.com/upload/2016/02/20160225-590-H%26M1.jpg

http://www.blogto.com/upload/2016/02/20160225-590-H%26M14.jpg

http://www.blogto.com/upload/2016/02/20160225-590-H&M18.jpg

http://www.blogto.com/upload/2016/02/20160225-590-H%26M12.jpg


Toronto's flagship H&M revealed its new look at a swanky party last night, featuring Alessia Cara and DJ Taryn Manning (a.k.a. Pennsatucky from Orange is the New Black) before opening for the public this morning.

Along with clothing for all ages, this recently renovated H&M outpost, which is among the top ten largest H&Ms in the world, features affordable (and adorable) homeware, making it a sort of fast-fashion department store.


https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNF3qHUwh6A/Vs8aQYw9nPI/AAAAAAAAmiY/3E8sgGLxuhg/s1600/TPS_0538.jpg
http://www.jaystrut.com/

[WhipperSnapper]

dude, my original post was responding to this. Then you got involved.

You quoted me. Nordstrom Rack is not a Nordstrom. Unlikely leases would allow alterations to the exterior as well.

[caltrane74]

oh geez -

quote 1

Glass that let you see the inside of the store is the way to go, specially at night, obviously. Much more exciting that a beige wall.


Then I responded..


This is Yonge and Dundas, not Yorkville.

lol!


Then you interrupted with some nonsense...

Lol, you and your desire for Yorkville to be some urban oasis for the uber rich. Well, they can shop at Nordstrom Rack for idems they can't find at Winners.



Then I posted the comparison... which had nothing to do with your off tangent remark.

1.
https://assets.dnainfo.com/generated/photo/2016/02/nordstrom-manhattan-flagship-w57th-glass-waveforms-during-day-1455630603.jpg/extralarge.jpg

2.
http://urbantoronto.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/display-slideshow/images/articles/2016/02/19811/19811-67153.jpg

3.
http://static1.squarespace.com/static/529fc0c0e4b088b079c3fb6d/t/56ca54c2f2b77e5c15356040/1456100711336/?format=1500w

Yorkville gets the fancy glass, not Yonge and Dundas. NOTHING TO DO WITH YORKVILLE BEING SHOPPING SPOT FOR THE SUPER RICH>

[WhipperSnapper]

Yeah, I responded by reminded you Yorkville is getting a Nordstrom Rack liquidator compared to Yonge & Dundas which is getting a Nordstrom designed to Nordstrom specs. You then quoted me with a picture of the Nordstrom Rack. Don't suddenly say your post was directed to something else.

You don't need to sell as some uber rich enclave. Everyone knows it isn't.

[caltrane74]

Listen if you want to take about riches, come and join me in my stock trading thread. I need your help... lol!

btw the most expensive condo in Yorkville is $30 million dollars. If that's not super rich, I don't know what is, that's more than anything in Calabasas, The Oaks or Hidden Hills and those are real enclaves of the super rich.

[WhipperSnapper]

And there are thousands of mid range units.

[caltrane74]

H & M Video

rXJIhTVEWmY

[SpongeG]

the H&M home stuff looks quite cheap, more like jysk quality, it's fun though

[caltrane74]

the H&M home stuff looks quite cheap, more like jysk quality, it's fun though

I bought some dress pants for 10 bux at H & M, can only use them to the club, cause I can't use them in full light situations, but they are good for grinding up on chicks at the club.. so.. - Better dress pants at Winners/Marshall's for cheap..as well. maybe 30 to 40 bux....

Anyways, I was down at the Eaton Centre last night and they are testing out the LED wall at the Nordstorms, they actually have activated 3 of the strips but I assume more are coming..

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F6DIuSv1kFI/Vt7sfqhZXjI/AAAAAAAAWL8/qGTYfurbeD0/s1600/IMG_20160308_101237.jpg

[esquire]

I bought some dress pants for 10 bux at H & M, can only use them to the club, cause I can't use them in full light situations, but they are good for grinding up on chicks at the club.. so..

:haha:

[caltrane74]

H & M pants work at the club, you will get the prettiest girls guaranteed.

I buy my designer dress shirts and dress pants from winners...no one can tell where I bought it. Dress shoes I buy from Marshalls...

Nordstorm Sign

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6BbM1GttypA/VvaRbZC_XuI/AAAAAAAAWQw/YEhRQSChBHY/s1600/IMG_20160326_094000.jpg

[SpongeG]

prada opened its vancouver store a few weeks ago

http://us.media.fashionmag.com/m/8e0e/d2af/ba61/da20/d34f/759b/04df/a3c4/de07/4b71/4b71.jpg
fashionmag.com

http://us.media.fashionmag.com/m/a38a/de51/1452/bcb6/9ac3/8ccc/0790/1cbe/8ec4/cb45/cb45.jpg
fashionmag.com

[yaletown_fella]

H & M pants work at the club, you will get the prettiest girls guaranteed.

I buy my designer dress shirts and dress pants from winners...no one can tell where I bought it. Dress shoes I buy from Marshalls...

^^ Yup. Also the average chick cant tell lab made diamonds from real ones either. Would rather save that extra $3000 a year.

Nordstrom Rack is high end enough for me.

[WhipperSnapper]

I made that mistake once by giving a chick a diamond. I stay away from them now.

I hate shopping at Marshall or Winners. I do buy shirts there in a crunch. At least you don't have to rummage through the racks. Shoes are a lost cause for me though. For the most part, I wait for sales and stock up. It's often even cheaper than Winners or Marshal's overstock items.

[caltrane74]

Express has nice fitted / slim fitted dress shirts.

I find it kinda pricey.. $80 for a dress shirt, have to wait for sales or clearance..

Otherwise light up the credit cards!!! Lol!

[WhipperSnapper]

I got like 40 pairs of Express socks. Good quality and variety.(well, too much variety for me) I agree the rest is a little pricey for what it is.

[yaletown_fella]

Come to think of it, I've only really splurged on wool socks and italian made scarves. Everything else is walmart, winners, and h&m.

[SpongeG]

i have a weakness for happy socks

http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--aJx6stDm--/c_fit,fl_progressive,q_80,w_636/1025798756199042961.jpg
gawker-media

[eemy]

I love the ones on the bottom right. I have two pairs of Happy Socks, but they're both variations on the ones 2nd from left on the bottom.

[miketoronto]

Express has nice fitted / slim fitted dress shirts.

I find it kinda pricey.. $80 for a dress shirt, have to wait for sales or clearance..

Otherwise light up the credit cards!!! Lol!

EXPRESS does not have as good sales here in Canada. In the USA you can get shirts for like 10 bucks when they have their sales where they just throw a bunch of stuff in these bins at the front of the store.
The same sales here in Canada are not as good :).

[WhipperSnapper]

i have a weakness for happy socks

http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--aJx6stDm--/c_fit,fl_progressive,q_80,w_636/1025798756199042961.jpg
gawker-media

Got a few of those too. The top 3 and the one under the label look familiar. You can get 4 for $25 at Express and they aren't nearly as wacky.

[SpongeG]

J. | Junaid Jamshed is a store brand from Pakistan, they opened a store in Missisauga last week

Within a short span of time, J. has expanded its reach across Pakistan and abroad. Its 50+ outlets in Pakistan alone are a testament of the efforts the company has put in to become the country's largest fashion retail brand. Best of all, each outlet has a new and inspiring outlook where customers can shop in comfort. This truly justifies the fact that the company has won Brand of the Year Award in the fashion retail category for 3 consecutive years. Aside from its extensive network of branches across Pakistan, J. has also set its foot in the Middle East and UK, with its branches in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Bradford and a new branch which is about to open in Saudi Arab. This makes the brand a one-stop shop for All Seasons and All Occasions. The summer exhibitions organized by J. also receive an overwhelming response from our customers where we unveil our latest designs and styles. This has motivated us to hold exhibitions in other cities and countries besides Karachi.

http://junaidjamshed.com/

from their facebook page
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/12928208_1011775412249511_8660931980647313052_n.jpg?oh=0b4f34b4f8fb1d905028bede42fc8a1d&oe=57818C51

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/12932977_1011775462249506_7028572681372176352_n.jpg?oh=3bc65538012f94d4c9fd6692ea6e219c&oe=57BE9844

[davidivivid]

First images of the future public market which will be housed in the old Commerce Pavilion next to the Quebecor Arena.

http://storage.journaldequebec.com/v1/dynamic_resize/sws_path/jdx-prod-images/b98bfb77-90ff-4d56-8c9c-11ca59957b48_JDX-NO-RATIO_WEB.jpg?quality=80&version=7&size=968x


http://storage.journaldequebec.com/v1/dynamic_resize/sws_path/jdx-prod-images/3c854afb-d878-4470-87a7-b81b05129843_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80&version=7&size=1200x


http://storage.journaldequebec.com/v1/dynamic_resize/sws_path/jdx-prod-images/7a6407d7-90bd-4649-a319-9834cd422015_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80&version=7&size=1200x

http://www.journaldequebec.com/2016/04/06/le-grand-marche-un-incontournable-a-expocite-des-2018

[GreaterMontréal]

nice, ça va devenir un attrait touristique majeur. Il y a du parking en masse.

[begratto]

nice, ça va devenir un attrait touristique majeur. Il y a du parking en masse.

It looks fabulous, but it's not exactly located in a prime touristic location, though...

[GreaterMontréal]

It looks fabulous, but it's not exactly located in a prime touristic location, though...

non mais quand les gens iront au Centre Vidéotron, ça va faire un attrait supplémentaire au même endroit.

[kwoldtimer]

Tourist, schmourist - if they get it right, what a terrific asset for locals!

[Acajack]

Tourist, schmourist - if they get it right, what a terrific asset for locals!

The renderings look very nice.

It got me wondering about where the public markets are in Quebec City. I admit I've never paid attention to this aspect of the city. I assume they have one as the city is certainly large enough, and that it's somewhere in the central part of the city. But unless it's a blind spot for me, it doesn't seem to be a big thing in the city like the Byward in Ottawa, Jean-Talon in Montreal or Kensington in Toronto.

[kwoldtimer]

The renderings look very nice.

It got me wondering about where the public markets are in Quebec City. I admit I've never paid attention to this aspect of the city. I assume they have one as the city is certainly large enough, and that it's somewhere in the central part of the city. But unless it's a blind spot for me, it doesn't seem to be a big thing in the city like the Byward in Ottawa, Jean-Talon in Montreal or Kensington in Toronto.

St Lawrence in Toronto. I've never heard mention of a permanent one in Quebec City but there must be one, no?

[Acajack]

St Lawrence in Toronto. I've never heard mention of a permanent one in Quebec City but there must be one, no?

Oops. You're right.

[gm_scott]

I can't help but see the similarities to the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market
http://thechronicleherald.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/ch_article_main_image/articles/B97172201Z.120130418195211000GT82OPAL.11.jpg

[begratto]

The renderings look very nice.

It got me wondering about where the public markets are in Quebec City. I admit I've never paid attention to this aspect of the city. I assume they have one as the city is certainly large enough, and that it's somewhere in the central part of the city. But unless it's a blind spot for me, it doesn't seem to be a big thing in the city like the Byward in Ottawa, Jean-Talon in Montreal or Kensington in Toronto.

There are two main farmers markets in Quebec city.


Marché du Vieux-Port (http://www.marchevieuxport.com/) (Old Port Market) Google Maps (https://www.google.ca/maps/place/March%C3%A9+du+Vieux-Port+de+Qu%C3%A9bec/@46.8140668,-71.2098198,23329a,20y,41.58t/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x4cb895e043b7d3f5:0x99d261cdaedf7416?hl=fr) This is the one that will be replaced by the new proposed one near the Centre Vidéotron
Marché public de Sainte-Foy (http://www.marchesaintefoy.com/) Google map (https://goo.gl/maps/1DfcvPRQLa12)


The one in the old port is a bit far from the touristic areas and action, and lacks restaurants, cafes, etc which would make it a bigger draw for out-of-town visitors.

There are also smaller, seasonal farmers markets in the following neighbourhoods: Val-Bélair, Limoilou, St-Sauveur, Stoneham and Deschambault. They're much smaller though, with only 10 - 25 stalls each.

[davidivivid]

There are two public markets in Quebec City.

The first one, in Ste-Foy, is only open during the summer and is situated under disgusting yellow... tents.

http://ba20052304b01c6c1f32-c3ddd1dfd62cfe2e3cd255a1bd87c57c.r32.cf2.rackcdn.com/img/catalogue/marche-public-de-sainte-foy-photo-01_Album-grand.jpg
http://www.quebecregion.com/fr/saveurs-regionales/marche-public-de-sainte-foy/


However, the city has been planning for some time now to built a permanent market near the future long track speed skating facility.

http://blogue.quebecmetro.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/anneau-de-glace-couvert-de-ste-foy-2.jpg
http://blogue.quebecmetro.com/oui-ou-non-a-lanneau-de-glace-de-ste-foy/


The second (and real) public market is situated in the Old Port area:

http://img.src.ca/albumphotos/V2/albums/3485/bdsa_marche-vieux-port-qc2.jpg
http://ici.radio-canada.ca/emissions/bien_dans_son_assiette/2014-2015/chronique.asp?idChronique=346174


This building hasn't been upgraded in a long time and there have been so many discussions about what to do iwht it over the years. One of the main problem is that it is situated on Federal Governement property so everything is more complex and takes longer to advance. It is why this market will be relocated near the arena.

However, the City found a way to maintain a smaller public market in the Old Port. The huge surface parking lot scaring the Old Port is currently being transformed into a beautiful public square opening up a pathway towards the Civilization Museum. A concealed multi-level parkade with a green roof and kiosks on its side to accomadate a small public market will occupy about a third of the site.

Currently

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8014/7356243860_a0ef8b3f27_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/35252883@N08/7356243860/)
Rendez-vous Naval de Québec 2012 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/35252883@N08/7356243860/) par Daniel Lévesque (http://www.flickr.com/people/35252883@N08/), sur Flickr


What it might eventually look like:


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I69hwpI_5vQ/UYnNlrGJv3I/AAAAAAAADms/lM2zROiMvt0/s1600/park3.png

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUBq8ybrw-I/UYnNkzd3JoI/AAAAAAAADmg/W0fNrnv0Ab4/s1600/park1.png

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1XQWh-6eKwc/UYnNlxhKohI/AAAAAAAADmw/qQ78381qhD4/s1600/park4.png

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uJPy6Ycw0Ug/UYnNmMq9CCI/AAAAAAAADm4/Nrb4LecB6bY/s1600/park5.png

http://ville.quebec.qc.ca/colloque/2013/docs/bilan_perspectives_developpement.pdf

[J.OT13]

First images of the future public market which will be housed in the old Commerce Pavilion next to the Quebecor Arena.

http://storage.journaldequebec.com/v1/dynamic_resize/sws_path/jdx-prod-images/b98bfb77-90ff-4d56-8c9c-11ca59957b48_JDX-NO-RATIO_WEB.jpg?quality=80&version=7&size=968x


http://storage.journaldequebec.com/v1/dynamic_resize/sws_path/jdx-prod-images/3c854afb-d878-4470-87a7-b81b05129843_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80&version=7&size=1200x


http://storage.journaldequebec.com/v1/dynamic_resize/sws_path/jdx-prod-images/7a6407d7-90bd-4649-a319-9834cd422015_ORIGINAL.jpg?quality=80&version=7&size=1200x

http://www.journaldequebec.com/2016/04/06/le-grand-marche-un-incontournable-a-expocite-des-2018

Nice. Hpefully it's the start of actually making the area an urban destination.

[ue]

Apologies if this is the wrong thread for this...

Are there any indoor shopping malls under construction in Canada these days? Or any since CrossIron Mills was built north of Calgary in 2009?

It seems like in the 1970s and 1980s, we overbuilt malls in Canada and the US and now have to deal with a saturation of them as we transition the mall concept away from the neighbourhood to being more regional centres. You see it with the success of Southgate, Kingsway, and WEM in Edmonton over Heritage Mall, Northgate, Meadowlark, Westmount, etc.

But as a regional centre, indoor malls have proven to continue to be very successful in the 21st century, with constant makeovers and expansions over increasingly scarce land. And while our cities continue to grow and expand, there really haven't been many new regional malls built this century. I can only think of Vaughan Mills and CrossIron Mills.

As the power centre concept slowly fades or transforms, and realizing we are in a winter country where malls can provide some respite from the cold, even though they don't encourage outdoor walkability (though without a sea of parking around them, they can be alright).

With retailers increasingly fighting over scarce prime retail space in Canadian cities, including in malls, I'm wondering why more aren't being built again, in particular in growing areas? I don't think it's necessary to have a neighbourhood mall in this day and age, but I dunno. I look at places that have grown quickly since the 1980s, like Grande Prairie or Fort McMurray, that don't have any sizable malls. I'm sorta surprised a second regional mall hasn't been built in Saskatoon, on its south side. Or SW Winnipeg. Or Milton. Or Ancaster. And so on.

[Pinion]

Apologies if this is the wrong thread for this...

Are there any indoor shopping malls under construction in Canada these days? Or any since CrossIron Mills was built north of Calgary in 2009?

It seems like in the 1970s and 1980s, we overbuilt malls in Canada and the US and now have to deal with a saturation of them as we transition the mall concept away from the neighbourhood to being more regional centres. You see it with the success of Southgate, Kingsway, and WEM in Edmonton over Heritage Mall, Northgate, Meadowlark, Westmount, etc.

But as a regional centre, indoor malls have proven to continue to be very successful in the 21st century, with constant makeovers and expansions over increasingly scarce land. And while our cities continue to grow and expand, there really haven't been many new regional malls built this century. I can only think of Vaughan Mills and CrossIron Mills.

As the power centre concept slowly fades or transforms, and realizing we are in a winter country where malls can provide some respite from the cold, even though they don't encourage outdoor walkability (though without a sea of parking around them, they can be alright).

With retailers increasingly fighting over scarce prime retail space in Canadian cities, including in malls, I'm wondering why more aren't being built again, in particular in growing areas? I don't think it's necessary to have a neighbourhood mall in this day and age, but I dunno. I look at places that have grown quickly since the 1980s, like Grande Prairie or Fort McMurray, that don't have any sizable malls. I'm sorta surprised a second regional mall hasn't been built in Saskatoon, on its south side. Or SW Winnipeg. Or Milton. Or Ancaster. And so on.

Tsawassen Mills is indoor, getting close to completed. South of Vancouver, near the ferry terminal to Victoria/the islands.

http://i.imgur.com/jqtiN5H.jpg

Here's the Vancouver subforum thread on it: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=189535&page=13

[ue]

^ Oh, interesting, thanks. Looks like the only malls being built now are 'Mills' malls. Shame it's got such a huge amount of surface parking that could be better utilized, but I guess it's the 'burbs and it takes time for habits to change...

[Innsertnamehere]

Milton got a mall, but its an outdoor one. An outlet mall at Trafalgar and the 401. Another large outdoor outlet mall was recently built in Niagara just off the QEW.

[J.OT13]

They built an outlet mall in Kanata also (Tanger Mall) across the 417 from the Corel Centre. We've seen major expansions and/or renovations to nearly all of our indoor malls, but no new ones.

[casper]

^ Oh, interesting, thanks. Looks like the only malls being built now are 'Mills' malls. Shame it's got such a huge amount of surface parking that could be better utilized, but I guess it's the 'burbs and it takes time for habits to change...

Even more concerning for someone who lives on the Island and goes over the ferry frequently. That mall has been built on the road to the main terminal. Traffic around holidays etc. is going to be challenging with both shoppers and travelers going along that route.

[hipster duck]

^ Oh, interesting, thanks. Looks like the only malls being built now are 'Mills' malls. Shame it's got such a huge amount of surface parking that could be better utilized, but I guess it's the 'burbs and it takes time for habits to change...

Well, not to get politically incorrect, but Tsawwassen mills is being built on land owned by the Tsawwassen First Nation.

IIRC, Metro Vancouver planners were pretty open in their displeasure about taking prime agricultural land and building a big ass mall with a huge surface parking lot. But, then again, we can't tell Aboriginals what to do with their land...

[ue]

Well, not to get politically incorrect, but Tsawwassen mills is being built on land owned by the Tsawwassen First Nation.

IIRC, Metro Vancouver planners were pretty open in their displeasure about taking prime agricultural land and building a big ass mall with a huge surface parking lot. But, then again, we can't tell Aboriginals what to do with their land...

Yeah, considering how geographically constrained the Lower Mainland is and how much it tries to cram as much into that little amount of land as possible, Tsawwassen Mills does look out of place for the area.

For better or worse, though, existing malls in mature suburban and urban areas, fill a niche as a regional centre (places like Metrotown, Chinook, Polo Park, Yorkdale, Carrefour Laval, Champlain Place), so I'm surprised they aren't being considered in fast-growing suburban areas anymore. I think we're past the point of the neighbourhood mall, but if an area is expected to grow rapidly, why is it just power centres and I guess out east some outlet malls get built?

If designed without huge swaths of surface parking and with having exterior access to stores, malls can be a decent addition to a suburban realm. Certainly better than power centres and very practical for the winter months.

[J.OT13]

Two pictures from Rideau Centre expansion in Ottawa. Opening in August.

Here are a few pics of Rideau.

Everyone has seen this vantage point already, but whatever.

http://i.imgur.com/PQ6iX54.jpg?1

Ogilvie Square

http://i.imgur.com/Z4sIeRy.jpg?1

On a side note, if you go to the future LRT entrance next to Shoppers you can peek through the tarp and see the entrance. It looks great.

[caltrane74]

Eaton Centre Renovation

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GeAcInomQXk/V1jSmGOlOmI/AAAAAAAAWj8/anrTN8wxHAs/s1600/IMG_20160608_211853.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QRSYZIcd6n8/V1jSqh5XSYI/AAAAAAAAWkE/C0VibUvDQ9g/s1600/IMG_20160608_211716.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bulEfi-pfUU/V1jSwJCZ6fI/AAAAAAAAWkM/piTtcNhp7bk/s1600/IMG_20160608_211530.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MvqYoTyg6_k/V1jS04aJbzI/AAAAAAAAWkQ/h4A5u6FlJcg/s1600/IMG_20160608_211411.jpg

[Loco101]

Two pictures from Rideau Centre expansion in Ottawa. Opening in August.

Any updates? LOL

[lubicon]

Saks Fifth Avenue to open at Chinook Centre in Calgary.

Jones New York to close all stores in Canada and liquidate.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/saks-fifth-avenue-calgary-chinook-centre-1.3608744

http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/jones-new-york-canada-1.3624043

[kwoldtimer]

I was surprised to see a TV commercial (women's wear) for Giant Tiger yesterday. I wonder if they're setting up to join Dollarama as the hot retail property in Canada?!

[Loco101]

I was surprised to see a TV commercial (women's wear) for Giant Tiger yesterday. I wonder if they're setting up to join Dollarama as the hot retail property in Canada?!

I'm surprised that Giant Tiger has done as well as it has. Nothing great but the chain is still alive. We have two locations in Timmins. One new one and the other was renovated. I find both stores to be quite boring and offer nothing interesting. In the West end of our city we have Walmart, Dollarama, Dollar Tree and Giant Tiger together. GT Boutique (Giant Tiger) needs to carry more interesting and different merchandise if it wants to compete.

[kwoldtimer]

I'm surprised that Giant Tiger has done as well as it has. Nothing great but the chain is still alive. We have two locations in Timmins. One new one and the other was renovated. I find both stores to be quite boring and offer nothing interesting. In the West end of our city we have Walmart, Dollarama, Dollar Tree and Giant Tiger together. GT Boutique (Giant Tiger) needs to carry more interesting and different merchandise if it wants to compete.

The reality is that with Walmart and a couple of other additional spots to your list, you've probably covered off a huge chunk of the retail market in Canada. People shop where they can afford to. And shop they will....

[Acajack]

I'm surprised that Giant Tiger has done as well as it has. Nothing great but the chain is still alive. We have two locations in Timmins. One new one and the other was renovated. I find both stores to be quite boring and offer nothing interesting. In the West end of our city we have Walmart, Dollarama, Dollar Tree and Giant Tiger together. GT Boutique (Giant Tiger) needs to carry more interesting and different merchandise if it wants to compete.

Maybe GT is different here. Ours are definitely different from Dollarama.

More like an old time small town general store.

It's got a clothing section with stuff on hangers just like Walmart, for example.

[esquire]

GT serves a pretty big segment of the population. I know that industry blogs like retail-insider salivate over luxury retailers but unsexy places like GT and Wal Mart are far more relevant to Canadians.

For as long as I can recall going back to the 80s, there has always been a chain of stores in Winnipeg that has a merchandise mix identical to Giant Tiger. The names have changed (Bargain Harold's, Bi Way, Red Apple, Giant Tiger), but the stores are pretty well the same... a cheaper, handier alternative to the discount big boxes in suburbia.

[OTSkyline]

Giant Tiger has changed A LOT in the last few years. Stores are bigger, cleaner, stores getting all newly renovated, most stores offer full grocery shop now and they are just launching new clothing brands and stepping up the fashion and marketing...

Much improved and imo much better/cleaner stores, service and products than American Wal-Mart. :cheers:

http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DSC02731-1024x575.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IaTOoAv_hbI/VcwEMq4zxiI/AAAAAAAAbb0/b313r7GH70w/s1600/giant%2Btigershopshoppingwtmk.jpg

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20160404-Photo2_mySTYLE_CoolComfort_300.jpg

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20160404-Photo3_ACX_ActiveSkort_300.jpg

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20160404-Photo1_LilyMorgan_SummerChic_300.jpg

http://forum.smartcanucks.ca/attachments/flyers-canada/313141d1465176011-giant-tiger-qc-june-08-14-img_2061.jpg

[Acajack]

I know a number of women who make well into the six figures who buy (some) clothes at Giant Tiger.

[J.OT13]

Any updates? LOL

Ya, they added a time capsule in the form of a Dodge Caravan.

[kwoldtimer]

GT serves a pretty big segment of the population. I know that industry blogs like retail-insider salivate over luxury retailers but unsexy places like GT and Wal Mart are far more relevant to Canadians.

For as long as I can recall going back to the 80s, there has always been a chain of stores in Winnipeg that has a merchandise mix identical to Giant Tiger. The names have changed (Bargain Harold's, Bi Way, Red Apple, Giant Tiger), but the stores are pretty well the same... a cheaper, handier alternative to the discount big boxes in suburbia.

I think the equivalent here would have been The Bargain Shop!, which was known as Red Apple in some places. It was indeed similar to GT, perhaps just a half notch below. I find the renovated GT's are not quite at the level of Walmart, but in the ballpark compared to pre-renovation days.

[Loco101]

Maybe GT is different here. Ours are definitely different from Dollarama.

More like an old time small town general store.

It's got a clothing section with stuff on hangers just like Walmart, for example.

Sorry, what I meant to say is that GT doesn't seem to stand out as being great for anything in particular. Definitely different than dollar stores. But I find that GT has very few attractive items. I'm better off going to No Frills for grocery and household items and there are better discount clothing stores out there. And I forgot to add that No Frills is also in the same part of town as the other big discount and dollar stores.

And: our Giant Tiger locations have not been doing well since one was renovated and a new location opened. The new location which has groceries is nice looking and clean but is kind of annoying because it doesn't have everything you would want. Across the road is Walmart where prices are similar but more items and variety are available.

[casper]

Sorry, what I meant to say is that GT doesn't seem to stand out as being great for anything in particular. Definitely different than dollar stores. But I find that GT has very few attractive items. I'm better off going to No Frills for grocery and household items and there are better discount clothing stores out there. And I forgot to add that No Frills is also in the same part of town as the other big discount and dollar stores.

And: our Giant Tiger locations have not been doing well since one was renovated and a new location opened. The new location which has groceries is nice looking and clean but is kind of annoying because it doesn't have everything you would want. Across the road is Walmart where prices are similar but more items and variety are available.

There are some differences between Giant Tiger in the East and the West. West of the Ontario-Manitoba boarder they are operated by the North-West Company. To the East they are operated by Giant Tiger directly.

The North-West Company is a weird retailer. With all the Northern Stores in remote communities and their subsidiaries in Alaska, the South Pacific they appear to specialise in being the grocery store of remote places.

Giant Tiger is the only they operate in major Urban centres such as Saskatoon and Winnipeg.

[Marshal]

WTF is Giant Tiger? Never heard of it.

[kwoldtimer]

WTF is Giant Tiger? Never heard of it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_Tiger

[flipv]

Until I moved to Ottawa in 2007 I had no idea what GT was. Then all my friends from the Ottawa valley looked at me like an alien because I've never heard of it. It's not in the GTA I think that's why. Still isn't I believe

[kwoldtimer]

Until I moved to Ottawa in 2007 I had no idea what GT was. Then all my friends from the Ottawa valley looked at me like an alien because I've never heard of it. It's not in the GTA I think that's why. Still isn't I believe

They do have a few - a couple in Scarborough and one in Etobicoke, plus Mississauga and Brampton.

[kwoldtimer]

Until I moved to Ottawa in 2007 I had no idea what GT was. Then all my friends from the Ottawa valley looked at me like an alien because I've never heard of it. It's not in the GTA I think that's why. Still isn't I believe

They do have a few - a couple in Scarborough and one in Etobicoke, plus Mississauga and Brampton.

I thing the only clothing item I've ever purchased at GT were woven winter gloves (why are they so hard to find?). I also check out their grocery loss-leaders from time to time - a few weeks back, they had tins of flaked chicken, ham and turkey on sale for 99cents, compared to the usual $2.99 or more. I went in four times (limit 6 per customer!) and took them over to the Food Bank.

[flipv]

They do have a few - a couple in Scarborough and one in Etobicoke, plus Mississauga and Brampton.

I thing the only clothing item I've ever purchased at GT were woven winter gloves (why are they so hard to find?). I also check out their grocery loss-leaders from time to time - a few weeks back, they had tins of flaked chicken, ham and turkey on sale for 99cents, compared to the usual $2.99 or more. I went in four times (limit 6 per customer!) and took them over to the Food Bank.

Ah that's why. They're in the outer boonies.

[kwoldtimer]

Walmart has announced that it is going to stop accepting VISA cards because of high transaction fees. Will other retailers follow Walmart's lead? Or will VISA drop its fees first?

[eemy]

Apparently they will continue to accept American Express, though, which I always thought had the highest fees of all the credit cards.

[esquire]

Apparently they will continue to accept American Express, though, which I always thought had the highest fees of all the credit cards.

That's odd. I typically use Amex but quite often businesses don't take it because of the high fees... I've never encountered a business that treated Visa the same way, though.

[kwoldtimer]

Maybe they're just bargaining. Walmart has a unique ability to throw its weight around.

[jmt18325]

That's odd. I typically use Amex but quite often businesses don't take it because of the high fees... I've never encountered a business that treated Visa the same way, though.



VISA has the lowest fees of any card issuer in my experience m. American Express, and some business cards from MasterCard and Visa charge over 5%.

This is because of the WalMart MasterCard. I'd almost put money on it.

[casper]

Walmart has announced that it is going to stop accepting VISA cards because of high transaction fees. Will other retailers follow Walmart's lead? Or will VISA drop its fees first?

Warehouse Club (Loblaws wholesale outlet) here in Victoria will only accept MasterCard but not Visa.

I believe Costco does one but not the other.