Canadian Retail Thread

[isaidso]

Some photos:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dm5L5hhWsAAmMb7.jpg


That's a nice wide sidewalk. Much better than before. :tup:

[khabibulin]

[QUOTE=SaskScraper;8313790]From Donuts to Gyms...

"Me and my husband have been looking for a gym and I was wondering what's SSPers favourite gyms in the Country. What do you feel is the best deal, taking into consideration, cost per month, membership fees, not having to pay for womens'-only-area gyms, location/locations else where to use when on vacation or traveling between residences etc."


I travel alot and am amazed at how many Anytime Fitness Centers I see. They seem to have over 4000 locations world wide.

https://www.anytimefitness.com/find-gym/

[someone123]

That's a nice wide sidewalk. Much better than before. :tup:

The streetscaping for this area has been delayed for years. I think the current estimate is for work to begin on the rest of the street in 2020. The plan has been done for a while though so some redeveloped blocks have been overhauled in the same way that the rest of the street eventually will be.

I don't think the sidewalks and fixtures have changed much since the 1960's or earlier. Back then Spring Garden Road was far less developed. There are still trolley poles along the street.

There are around 850 residential units under construction in the Spring Garden Road area, so it's going to be busier in a few years.

[SaskScraper]

originally posted by SaskScraper
from Donuts to Gyms...

Me and my husband have been looking for a gym and I was wondering what's SSPers favourite gyms in the Country. What do you feel is the best deal, taking into consideration, cost per month, membership fees, not having to pay for womens'-only-area gyms, location/locations else where to use when on vacation or traveling between residences etc.

One of the more popular gyms in the part of Saskatoon we live is Planet Fitness, there aren't many of their gyms in Canada, a vast majority of its gyms are in the USA were we travel to often. Planet Fitness gained a lot of popularity with being the gym used on 'The-Biggest-Loser' plus the gym has contributed a lot to anti-bullying campaigns & calling their gyms 'judgement-free-zones', allowing trans women to use women's locker room etc.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1868/44614008292_1062b7abe8_b.jpg

https://www.planetfitness.com/

Our most likely choice for gym in the neighbourhood is Snapfitness because they have lots of gyms in the UK & one close by to us in London as well.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1892/42853401240_610da01fd3_b.jpg

https://www.snapfitness.com/

originally posted by khabibulin

I travel alot and am amazed at how many Anytime Fitness Centers I see. They seem to have over 4000 locations world wide.

https://www.anytimefitness.com/find-gym/

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1900/43877776635_49ec1d5245_o.png

Brilliant!
thanks for your suggestion, highly appreciate it khabibulin

I tried out the Anytime Fitness near my neighbour in Saskatoon last week & liked it, I'm going to check out the Anytime Fitness St Paul's (7day free trial) or the King Cross one in London later this week once I recover from jet leg.

wish me luck :banana:

[isaidso]

The streetscaping for this area has been delayed for years. I think the current estimate is for work to begin on the rest of the street in 2020. The plan has been done for a while though so some redeveloped blocks have been overhauled in the same way that the rest of the street eventually will be.

I don't think the sidewalks and fixtures have changed much since the 1960's or earlier. Back then Spring Garden Road was far less developed. There are still trolley poles along the street.

There are around 850 residential units under construction in the Spring Garden Road area, so it's going to be busier in a few years.

Is it possible to widen the sidewalk that much along the length of Spring Garden Road? Even the area around Park Lane likely couldn't accommodate a wide sidewalk like exists now in front of this new building.

[SpongeG]

American Apparel returning to Canada with online store

Revived retailer will sell basics, like hoodies and legging, with less provocative advertising

The Canadian Press · Posted: Oct 29, 2018

American Apparel will return to the Canadian market with an online store on Nov. 1., a year after its bankruptcy and closure.

This time the brand will be Canadian-owned and, for now, won't have any physical stores in the country, said American Apparel's brand marketing director Sabina Weber, who indicated the company was taking a careful approach to its relaunch as it measured how its customers have changed.

Montreal's Gildan Activewear won an auction for the company after it went into bankruptcy and now is testing the market for its line of popular unisex hoodies, bodysuits, tights and leggings.

"It is kind of like putting yourself back out in the dating world. You don't know if someone will be interested or not," Weber said. "We know Canada is a huge market for us. They have always been so supportive of the brand."

...

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/american-apparel-gildan-1.4882775?cmp=FB_Post_News&fbclid=IwAR1-dqB37u8uav7yTHz79CQEi0TS4oYJKA9hQVWy3UMqLxYJFLg-LNS0TcU

[Acajack]

Gildan - every cheap t-shirt I have in my drawer (office promos, giveaways, fundraisers, etc.) comes from them!

[esquire]

Gildan - every cheap t-shirt I have in my drawer (office promos, giveaways, fundraisers, etc.) comes from them!

They sell their undershirts at Dollarama now! I bought a 2-pack, not bad... you certainly won't do better for $4. :)

I suspect they will do a little better with the American Apparel product, though. But that said, I wonder if the AA brand isn't passé these days... it was a big deal 15 years ago, but I'm sure the kids have long since moved on to other things.

[niwell]

American Apparel tshirts were always my go-tos for any undershirt or just plain shirt to wear around the house / yard. Always found they fit me better than any other brand and seemed very durable. Also liked their zip-up hoodies, and still wear some occasionally that must be close to 10 years old at this point.

I found them a much more marketable company when trying to keep things simple - things started going off the rails when they expanded their lines to more complicated garments. The management didn't help, of course.

[someone123]

American Apparel tshirts were always my go-tos for any undershirt or just plain shirt to wear around the house / yard. Always found they fit me better than any other brand and seemed very durable. Also liked their zip-up hoodies, and still wear some occasionally that must be close to 10 years old at this point.

I remember going into an American Apparel store in Vancouver and if I remember correctly the waist sizes on their jeans ranged from 31" down to 23". Pretty sure I wasn't in the kids' section... :)

[J.OT13]

A new Food Hall coming to Ottawa. The 9,000 square feet space, called "Queen St Fare", will open in the SunLife Centre in downtown Ottawa. The complex is directly connected to the Parliament/Parlement subway station.

The concept is basically a food court with licensed high end local restaurateurs that features a stage for live performances . The Food Hall will be continue to operate after 5 p.m. as an after hours venue, which is quite rare in Ottawa's central business district outside of Sparks Street.

These kinds of Food Halls are apparently quite popular in major U.S. urban centres. When it opens on December 7nd, it will be the second of its kind in Canada after Campo in Toronto.

https://www.narcity.com/ca/on/ottawa/news/a-brand-new-9000-square-foot-food-hall-is-coming-to-ottawa-next-month

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dq8fH-lUcAAdAaN.jpg
https://twitter.com/chrisrands/status/1058098668681809922

[MonctonRad]

LL Bean apparently plans to open 20 bricks & mortar retail locations in Canada within the next decade.

As usual, I'm sure almost all of these stores will be located in the top 9-10 urban areas in the country, but, given the historical ties between the Maritimes and Maine, and the loyal customer base for LL Bean in the Maritimes, I wonder if 1-2 of these physical locations might actually come east.......

Bass Pro Shops has stores in Moncton and Halifax, with only about 20 locations nationwide, so it is possible..........

[kwoldtimer]

LL Bean apparently plans to open 20 bricks & mortar retail locations in Canada within the next decade.

As usual, I'm sure almost all of these stores will be located in the top 9-10 urban areas in the country, but, given the historical ties between the Maritimes and Maine, and the loyal customer base for LL Bean in the Maritimes, I wonder if 1-2 of these physical locations might actually come east.......

Bass Pro Shops has stores in Moncton and Halifax, with only about 20 locations nationwide, so it is possible..........

Did I see something about them possibly putting these locations inside existing retailers?

[MonctonRad]

I thought they were to be standalone, but I may be wrong. The first location (not surprisingly) will be in Toronto.

[MonctonRad]

Did I see something about them possibly putting these locations inside existing retailers?

I just checked. There is a good article on this in the Financial Post.

https://business.financialpost.com/news/retail-marketing/l-l-bean-looks-to-northern-neighbour-to-boost-sales

In the short term, they plan on offering LL Bean product in about 28 partnering retail stores but within the next 10 years they plan on opening 20 standalone stores.

[SpongeG]

speaking of LL Bean, this was shot in Vancouver. I used to get the LL Bean and the Lands End Catalogues in the 90s. I preferred Lands End though. Sears used to have some partnership with Lands End that lasted a few years. Will be nice to have LL Bean in Canada.

dZL2KkqgIOg

[osmo]

Is it likely that LL Bean just ends up in Hudson's Bay? Not sure who else they partner with to spread across 20+ locations. Quite obvious it will be The Bay to take it on IMO.

[SpongeG]

the retail insider mention Hudsons Bay, The Sporting Life and MEC.

https://www.retail-insider.com/retail-insider/2018/10/llbean-announces-expansion-into-canada

Joop! is also expanding into Canada

German Fashion Brand ‘JOOP!’ Expands into Canada

https://www.retail-insider.com/retail-insider/2018/11/german-fashion-brand-joop-expands-into-canada

[Loco101]

Lowe's closing 31 locations in Canada, mainly Rona stores

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/lowes-rona-closures-1.4892055

Really bad for Sault Ste Marie, ON because the city is losing both its Lowe's and RONA stores! You think the company would have closed the RONA first.

[Martin Mtl]

Canada Goose Opens Large Montreal Flagship Amid Protests [Photos] (https://www.retail-insider.com/retail-insider/2018/11/canada-goose-opens-large-montreal-flagship-amid-protests)

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/529fc0c0e4b088b079c3fb6d/t/5bf201030ebbe8ffeac23378/1542586653322/46450890_10157038055762755_7592648807980990464_n.jpg?format=1500w

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/529fc0c0e4b088b079c3fb6d/t/5bf204baaa4a996c65bdc169/1542587583788/46388937_10157038056642755_722845744695869440_n.jpg?format=750w

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/529fc0c0e4b088b079c3fb6d/t/5bf203aa758d46dbf17c04ad/1542587314898/46486341_10157038056177755_4103980446923096064_n.jpg?format=750w

Retail Insider

By Craig Patterson

Toronto-based fashion brand Canada Goose, known particularly for its outerwear, has opened its largest store in Canada to date in downtown Montreal. The standalone 8,000 square foot store, located at 1020 Ste-Catherine Street West, saw protests over the weekend from animal rights activists.

The store is Canada Goose’s largest to date in this country, and is located in a former HMV location at the southeast corner of Ste-Catherine West and Peel Street. It features a ‘cold room’ where visitors can test parkas in temperatures as low as -25 degrees Celsius.

The beautiful looking store features curated artwork throughout, including polar bear sculptures from Canadian artist Jason Carter. The overall feel is contemporary and luxurious — white marble is used throughout including a solid stone cash desk, contrasting with dark accents and wood trim. A glass display case in the store contains the brands first coat design, the ‘Langford parka’ in a VIP seating area.

The new Montreal store is the company’s 11th globally, and its fourth in Canada. Canada Goose’s first store in the world opened at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre in October of 2016, spanning about 4,500 square feet. A second Canadian store opened in Calgary, measuring about 4,000 square feet, in the fall of 2017. Earlier this month, Canada Goose opened a 4,018 square foot store at CF Pacific Centre in Vancouver.

Canada Goose also operates international stores in New York City, Chicago, Boston, London UK, Tokyo, Short Hills NJ, and most recently in Hong Kong. The goal is to operate 20 locations internationally by the year 2020.

[SpongeG]

Crabtree & Evelyn Canada is filling and closing all its stores

Retailer Crabtree & Evelyn files for bankruptcy

Home and beauty products maker to close 19 stores, sell off inventory

The Canadian Press · Posted: Dec 03, 2018

Beauty and home products retailer Crabtree & Evelyn Canada Inc. is closing its stores and has filed for bankruptcy protection.

In Quebec court filings under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, the company says it plans to begin liquidating inventory, so it can distribute the proceeds to creditors.

The company employs 123 full- and part-time employees in Canada and operates 19 stores, including 11 in Ontario, six in B.C. and one each in Alberta and Quebec.

The company says it has experienced "significant losses," which it attributed to changing consumer demand, the rise of e-commerce and long-term declines in traditional retail traffic.

...

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/crabtree-evelyn-1.4930786

[MonctonRad]

Breaking news on Retail Insider.

Apparently Miniso (Canada) has just filed for bankruptcy. :eek:

A sudden fall from grace for a retailer planning 500 locations in the country within the next decade.

Apparently corporate malfeasance is alleged, although there may be overtones of the Huawei debacle as well........

Miniso just opened their second Halifax location at the Halifax Shopping Centre on the weekend........

[whatnext]

Breaking news on Retail Insider.

Apparently Miniso (Canada) has just filed for bankruptcy. :eek:

A sudden fall from grace for a retailer planning 500 locations in the country within the next decade.

Apparently corporate malfeasance is alleged, although there may be overtones of the Huawei debacle as well........

Miniso just opened their second Halifax location at the Halifax Shopping Centre on the weekend........

Dear God is their no justice in the world! Now the Chinese are taking away our cherished Faux Japonais peddlers of cheap crap in retaliation!:hell::haha:

[mintzilla]

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/low-cost-data-crtc-1.4949421

Good news. Canada will finally be at where other civilized countries were at 15 years ago.
Those prices though...

[osirisboy]

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/low-cost-data-crtc-1.4949421

Good news. Canada will finally be at where other civilized countries were at 15 years ago.
Those prices though...

How is this cheaper? 30$ for 1 gb. I'm paying 30 for 6gb and I got that almost a decade ago

[someone123]

It's actually getting much worse because websites and services are using more and more data since they're designed for other countries with functional mobile industries. You can easily blow through your data cap in minutes with present-day technology.

It would be like if we had a monopoly on wired internet service and they were selling dialup plans in cities for $30/month. Or imagine if we had a monopoly on car manufacturing and cars cost $250,000 each, and there were a bunch of articles about how cars are just super expensive luxuries and the car companies are doing their best...

[osirisboy]

^yes totally. And the newer the phone the more data you blow through. I used to use my iphone to create a hotspot for my iPad and still be under my data. If I did that now I'd be over 20 gb a month lol

[esquire]

^yes totally. And the newer the phone the more data you blow through. I used to use my iphone to create a hotspot for my iPad and still be under my data. If I did that now I'd be over 20 gb a month lol

That's why these asinine 250 MB "data lite" plans referenced in the news articles are downright insulting. You simply turn your mobile data on and you'll hit 250 MB in no time.

All that 250 MB a month is good for is checking your e-mail a few times a day.

[someone123]

Breaking news on Retail Insider.

Apparently Miniso (Canada) has just filed for bankruptcy. :eek:

A sudden fall from grace for a retailer planning 500 locations in the country within the next decade.

Apparently corporate malfeasance is alleged, although there may be overtones of the Huawei debacle as well........

Miniso just opened their second Halifax location at the Halifax Shopping Centre on the weekend........

Fake News I guess

Don't believe Chinese propaganda. :pinocchio: They are pissed Canada has a legal system separate from politics.

https://i.postimg.cc/xjyB7Ych/47583764-2205763509641299-8502208145517445120-n-1.jpg

https://www.instagram.com/p/Brg10R6hFi8/?utm_source=ig_web_options_share_sheet

[manny_santos]

It's actually getting much worse because websites and services are using more and more data since they're designed for other countries with functional mobile industries. You can easily blow through your data cap in minutes with present-day technology.

It would be like if we had a monopoly on wired internet service and they were selling dialup plans in cities for $30/month. Or imagine if we had a monopoly on car manufacturing and cars cost $250,000 each, and there were a bunch of articles about how cars are just super expensive luxuries and the car companies are doing their best...

Bingo. I uninstalled the Reddit app because I was blowing through 1 GB of data almost instantly just by opening the app. I still access Reddit using a browser on my phone, but that uses only a fraction of data. It's annoying because the website keeps pestering me to install the app.

[casper]

Fake News I guess

What? They plan on selling "Quality Goods" to Canadians.

[someone123]

What? They plan on selling "Quality Goods" to Canadians.

I don't even want to think of what the death toll would be if we lost this affordable yet more hipster version of Wal-Mart. Not everybody can get to Daiso or afford MUJI prices. :)

[SpongeG]

When I was in Australia I got a sim card for my time there, it was 35 GB plus a bonus amount for $30 and the dollar was at par. It was only slightly more if I wanted a phone number. It also included 50 texts to 100+ countries.

All the phone plans down there are much cheaper. You can get 80 GB plans for under $100.

I got that deal of $10 GB for $60 last December with Telus that the phone companies were offering in the "cell phone" war of 2017 , but after everything is factored in it's costing me $95.20 per month.

[SpongeG]

I don't even want to think of what the death toll would be if we lost this affordable yet more hipster version of Wal-Mart. Not everybody can get to Daiso or afford MUJI prices. :)

I bought some containers at Miniso for 2.99 they had the same ones or exact copies as ones from Miju that sell there for 7.50, i went back to get some more but they were all sold out but I found the exact ones at Daiso for $4 ea.

With miniso you gotta pay attention, for example if you buy one pen it is $2.99 but there is a sign, sometimes visible, that says you can get 3 for $2.99, depending on the sales person they will say to you these are 3 for 2.99 go get 2 more otherwise you pay 2.99 for one.

[SaskScraper]

Boxing Day originated in the UK and this year in particular is expected to be a record breaking shopping day for the bank holiday. I wonder how Boxing Day sales in Canada will be.

Retailers are expecting the biggest ever Boxing Day spend on Wednesday as savvy consumers wait until after Christmas to buy their presents at discounted prices.

Analysts have predicted a record £4.75 billion of transactions amid price cuts of up to 90 per cent.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7906/46418024692_c85def1995_o.png
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/12/25/record-boxing-day-spend-expected-consumers-wait-till-christmas/

[esquire]

Boxing Day originated in the UK and this year in particular is expected to be a record breaking shopping day for the bank holiday. I wonder how Boxing Day sales in Canada will be.

I'd be curious to hear the numbers too.

Culturally it does seem as though Boxing Day has slipped significantly in Canada over the last decade or so, more or less in direct response to the growing hype for Black Friday.

[SpongeG]

I did all my boxing day shopping online. Some of the sites had a better deal on black friday.

Dependng on the source and the spin some say the sales were lower than years ago, others say it was "madness" with packed malls

----

'We’ll never do it again': Some shoppers unimpressed with Boxing Day in Winnipeg

Jason Gaidola, CTV Winnipeg

CF Polo Park was home to heavy traffic and long lines on Boxing Day.

Winnipeg’s largest mall opened its doors and stores like EB Games had a lineup of people that lasted for hours.

“I arrived here at 7:30 (a.m.), I waited outside,” said Darien Valentine, who was attempting to purchase an Xbox for his partner.


Winnipeg’s largest mall opened its doors and stores like EB Games had a line-up of people that lasted for hours.

“It’s like 1:15pm…It’s heartbreaking.”

Valentine said he typically purchases his video games and consoles online, but wanted to take his chance at the mall for a possibly better deal, and to get the Xbox right away.

...

https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/we-ll-never-do-it-again-some-shoppers-unimpressed-with-boxing-day-in-winnipeg-1.4231785

Boxing Day shopping was madness across Canada this year (PHOTOS)

Canadian bargain-hunters didn’t let the cold weather, fatigue or long lineups stop them from hitting the streets and shopping for the latest sales this Boxing Day.

In fact, many Canadian malls saw massive lineups and crowds with shoppers patiently waiting to get their hands on the biggest electronics, apparel and jewellery deals.

Here’s what went down from coast to coast.


Vancouver
Vancouverites braved the rain as shoppers flooded McArthurGlen mall in a heavy and constant flow of traffic.

Both the Richmond Centre and Tsawwassen Mills were happening all day.

...

http://dailyhive.com/toronto/boxing-day-canada-photos-2018

-----

More Alberta shoppers searching for Boxing Day deals online

By Michael King
Digital Journalist Global News

Big ticket items like TVs, laptops, and vacuums flew off Calgary shelves Boxing Day, even as Canadians do more of their shopping online.

A recent survey from RetailMeNot showed that while Canadians still think Boxing Day offers some of the best deals of the year, fewer shoppers are willing to drive to the mall.

...

https://globalnews.ca/news/4795266/alberta-boxing-day-2018-online-shopping/

[osirisboy]

Unless I'm missing something it seems like these sales happen all week. Every time I've gone to check out Boxing Day sales (or Black Friday) it's spread out. Or just go online. Also I noticed with Black Friday some stores had better sales AFTER Black Friday.

[SpongeG]

Yes the sales last a long time. You can see online that the price is good until Jan 9 on some things I looked at. Clothing gets better once the winter sales/clearance get going in January.

Boxing day is good if you like christmas stuff, walmart puts its fairly cheap christmas stuff on sale at 50% including chocolate, gift sets like perfume/cologne, bath stuff, those weird gifts you get like all in one flashlight, etc. so they can get really cheap and sell out in the first day.

If anyone likes clinique they have 50% off gift sets, so one of the happy colognes with a face a scrub and a body wash is like $44. The cologne (100ml) sells regularly for $80 on its own. So thats a good deal. The bay has the same set on sale for $67.

[isaidso]

I thought I'd try Boxing Day shopping for the first time and left with mixed feelings about the whole thing. To keep the day tolerable I limited myself to Best Buy only. It was busy but not packed with crazed people like I expected. The discounts were proper discounts and the guy helping me was calm, friendly, and polite.

I bought a television that was $1000 off. After that the experience took a nose dive. I was handed off to some Geek Squad guy who didn't give a shit what I wanted. He wanted to unload as many 'extras' on me as possible and looked annoyed that I wasn't saying yes.... and doing it quickly. He was going 100 mph and told us we had to hurry up because his manager was waiting for us. Complete lie as when we got there to be rung in we had to wait. The bad vibes continued. The girl checking my receipt on the way out had no social graces to speak of. She wouldn't make eye contact and got pissed off that my mother asked her a question.

I got a good deal but ....

[casper]

I thought I'd try Boxing Day shopping for the first time and left with mixed feelings about the whole thing. To keep the day tolerable I limited myself to Best Buy only. It was busy but not packed with crazed people like I expected. The discounts were proper discounts and the guy helping me was calm, friendly, and polite.

I bought a television that was $1000 off. After that the experience took a nose dive. I was handed off to some Geek Squad guy who didn't give a shit what I wanted. He wanted to unload as many 'extras' on me as possible and looked annoyed that I wasn't saying yes.... and doing it quickly. He was going 100 mph and told us we had to hurry up because his manager was waiting for us. Complete lie as when we got there to be rung in we had to wait. The bad vibes continued. The girl checking my receipt on the way out had no social graces to speak of. She wouldn't make eye contact and got pissed off that my mother asked her a question.

I got a good deal but ....

The best BestBuy Experience possible is online. In store is a pain.

[SpongeG]

They make a commission when they sell you the extended warranties etc.

[osirisboy]

They make a commission when they sell you the extended warranties etc.

I feel like that should be something they have to deisclose.

[isaidso]

The best BestBuy Experience possible is online. In store is a pain.

I suppose although I needed to ask a lot of questions + I don't use plastic.

[isaidso]

They make a commission when they sell you the extended warranties etc.

That's what I suspected. I think he was on commission for anything he unloaded on me. I took the wall mount service and calibration but said no to the extended warranty. I'm canceling everything on Saturday.

I feel like that should be something they have to deisclose.

Agree. I've never had a good experience with Geek Squad or other people on commission. They're never up front/unbiased and always use pressure tactics to sell sell sell. I avoided Future Shop (before they were bought by BestBuy) specifically because they were on commission. They'd flat out lie to my face.

[rousseau]

For years now I've only ever shopped at Best Buy, with few exceptions. The good enough selection, the two-week no-questions-asked return policy and the 12-month no-interest plan for major purchases (I've used it a couple times for purchases over $2,000--granted, the "financing fee" costs more than the interest would ever accrue to, but still...) are winning concepts.

Especially the way returns are done. I think approximately every third purchase I've made there has resulted in a return where I either subsequently purchased a different brand or product that better suited me, or I didn't follow-up with another purchase at all, having realized after using it for a few days that I didn't want or need the thing after all.

They're not stupid. I wouldn't describe myself as "loyal" to Best Buy so much as thinking of them as the least painless option there is. I've bought a few things from Amazon, but I'd never get anything really expensive through them, as it seems like a free-for-all. You never really know who you're dealing with.

[manny_santos]

I did all my boxing day shopping online. Some of the sites had a better deal on black friday.

Dependng on the source and the spin some say the sales were lower than years ago, others say it was "madness" with packed malls

----

'We’ll never do it again': Some shoppers unimpressed with Boxing Day in Winnipeg

Jason Gaidola, CTV Winnipeg

CF Polo Park was home to heavy traffic and long lines on Boxing Day.

Winnipeg’s largest mall opened its doors and stores like EB Games had a lineup of people that lasted for hours.

“I arrived here at 7:30 (a.m.), I waited outside,” said Darien Valentine, who was attempting to purchase an Xbox for his partner.


Winnipeg’s largest mall opened its doors and stores like EB Games had a line-up of people that lasted for hours.

“It’s like 1:15pm…It’s heartbreaking.”

Valentine said he typically purchases his video games and consoles online, but wanted to take his chance at the mall for a possibly better deal, and to get the Xbox right away.

...

https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/we-ll-never-do-it-again-some-shoppers-unimpressed-with-boxing-day-in-winnipeg-1.4231785

Boxing Day shopping was madness across Canada this year (PHOTOS)

Canadian bargain-hunters didn’t let the cold weather, fatigue or long lineups stop them from hitting the streets and shopping for the latest sales this Boxing Day.

In fact, many Canadian malls saw massive lineups and crowds with shoppers patiently waiting to get their hands on the biggest electronics, apparel and jewellery deals.

Here’s what went down from coast to coast.


Vancouver
Vancouverites braved the rain as shoppers flooded McArthurGlen mall in a heavy and constant flow of traffic.

Both the Richmond Centre and Tsawwassen Mills were happening all day.

...

http://dailyhive.com/toronto/boxing-day-canada-photos-2018

-----

More Alberta shoppers searching for Boxing Day deals online

By Michael King
Digital Journalist Global News

Big ticket items like TVs, laptops, and vacuums flew off Calgary shelves Boxing Day, even as Canadians do more of their shopping online.

A recent survey from RetailMeNot showed that while Canadians still think Boxing Day offers some of the best deals of the year, fewer shoppers are willing to drive to the mall.

...

https://globalnews.ca/news/4795266/alberta-boxing-day-2018-online-shopping/

I went to (CF) Masonville Place in London. From my observation it appeared to be less busy than last year; last year it took me a long time to find parking but this year there was lots of parking. This was despite the fact the abandoned Target has since been replaced by Homesense and Marshall’s.

[SpongeG]

I went to metropolis at metrotown today, parking was packed, a few stores had lineups outside to get in. The line up to pay at Uniqlo snaked around the store and I think they were saying a 30 minute wait.

[SpongeG]

seems like all of a sudden a lot of Gap stores have closed down in the last few weeks. Now I see why.

Gap looking to close hundreds of stores at malls ‘quickly and aggressively’
PUBLISHED WED, NOV 21 2018

The retailer said Tuesday evening that it still has 775 Gap-branded stores globally, in addition to those under the Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta banners. Gap Inc. has more than 3,000 stores around the world. The namesake brand, however, has been the weakest unit of the company of late. In the fiscal third quarter, sales at Gap stores open for at least 12 months fell 7 percent, while those at Old Navy and Banana Republic were positive.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/21/gap-to-close-hundreds-of-stores-at-malls-quickly-and-aggressively.html

[osirisboy]

Finally! I don't have anything against gap but I think it's smart to get rid of it. Focus on the other two brands instead. Not to mention gap stores literally haven't changed at all in 20 plus years.

[osirisboy]

I went to metropolis at metrotown today, parking was packed, a few stores had lineups outside to get in. The line up to pay at Uniqlo snaked around the store and I think they were saying a 30 minute wait.

That's ridiculous and those people are idiots

[SpongeG]

they had some good deals on their jackets though. I bought one today at the Coqutilam store, was 99.90 on sale for 59.90. The sale is over now.

I got home and noticed the security thing was on it lol so I can't wear it till I take it back and get it removed.

The store wasn't crazy busy like Metrotown, but was much busier than the Old Navy ever was in that location.

[osirisboy]

You can usually cut those security things off. I've had to do that before.

That is a good sale. But can't you get that online?

[SpongeG]

they didn't have any sizes online that would fit, most of them were sold out, they only had small in every colour I looked at. There was still a large selection in store.

[casper]

I suppose although I needed to ask a lot of questions + I don't use plastic.

If that is the case then you want to go talk to a local independent. The successful independents are in buying groups that let them offer similar prices to companies like Best Buy.

Millenium Micro is the largest of these networks of independents:
https://www.milleniummicro.ca/

[SpongeG]

I don't think we had these in BC, but I remember shopping there when I lived in Ontario in the early 90's.

BiWay is set to be resurrected in 2019 with new store

CTVNews.ca Staff

Last Updated Saturday, December 8, 2018 2:59PM EST

https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.4210365.1544298923!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_620/image.jpg
A bag for BiWay can be seen in this undated photo. (Toronto Mike/ Twitter)

Defunct discount chain BiWay is set to make a comeback of sorts in 2019.

BiWay had around 250 shops across the country and operated for more than 30 years before shutting down in 2001.

Retail veteran Mal Coven, 89, who helped build the brand, hopes to resurrect the name with a new 7,500 square feet "BiWay $10 Store" scheduled to open in August in Toronto.

...

https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/biway-is-set-to-be-resurrected-in-2019-with-new-store-1.4210236

[SpongeG]

We just got an Oomomo at my local mall, it's just an edited Daiso and its great

Asian lifestyle, household goods stores have big Canadian expansion plans

By Tara Deschamps The Canadian Press January 24, 2019

https://shawglobalnews.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/oomomo.jpg?quality=70&strip=all&w=720

When discount store Oomomo flung open the doors to its first Toronto location in early December, customers lined up well in advance to scoop up everything from low-cost origami paper and shrimp-flavoured chips to vegetable peelers and toothbrushes.

Oomomo’s president Andy Cheng expects the scene will repeat dozens of times as the Vancouver-based purveyor of Japanese goods expands beyond its current four stores in Canada to open about 30 in the country over the next three years.

“We have customers asking us if we can open as many as possible and make it as huge and giant as possible,” he said of the brand that sells mostly Diaso and Seria products for $2, but prices some up to $15.

...

Miniso — a Chinese discount brand masquerading as a Japanese company — has the most ambitious goal in mind: 500 stores by the end of 2020.

Despite a recent court case threatening to force the Canadian operators into bankruptcy over allegations that they fraudulently transferred registered trademark rights to third-party corporations and disposed of inventory, Miniso has already opened 50 stores in Canada since its December 2017 launch in the country.

...

Muji, whose stores are more fashion-centric and expensive than Miniso but still marketed as affordable, has more pared down expectations.
Vice-president Shogo Okazeri said Muji hopes to grow the eight stores it has opened in B.C. and Ontario to 30 by 2025. Okazeri named Alberta and Quebec as target markets for the expansion.

...

https://globalnews.ca/news/4883881/asian-lifestyle-stores-canada-oomomo-muji-miniso/?fbclid=IwAR3ASjm78qlNDq-1K74KVpe_Hi8inaT3ahBKUQ_3zjozdGkuWkx_6mdsTgs

[SpongeG]

Church's chicken is so good

Church's Chicken® Adds Four New Franchisees to Further Expand Brand in Canada

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Church's Chicken
Jan 24, 2019,

"The growing chicken market in Canada has been a key component of our expansion strategy in the western hemisphere," said Eduardo Garcia, Senior Director of Americas Business for Church's Chicken. "The fact that we've been able to successfully initiate not just one, but four new franchise relationships, is a testament to the brand's reputation of having a quality product and strong business model."

Mian Nadeem will be leading their new franchise operations in Southwest Ontario to include York, Hamilton, Niagara, Waterloo, and Wellington-Peel as well as the municipalities of Oakville and Burlington, where the team also owns a real estate brokerage – The Empire Realty Point, a real estate development company under the same Empire umbrella, and a master franchise agreement with Freedom mobile throughout Ontario.

In Alberta, Fays Enterprises Ltd, under the leadership of CEO Mian Ahmad and operating partner Yasir Saeed, bring a combined 20+ years in the food and retail industry, and are looking forward to extending the Church's Chicken quality food and genuine hospitality experience to the people of Edmonton. "We take great pride in upholding the top-notch industry standards and guest satisfaction people associate with Church's products," said Mian.

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/church-s-chicken-r-adds-four-new-franchisees-to-further-expand-brand-in-canada-861368506.html

[zahav]

I've always loved that there's a Church's Chicken in YVR terminal, it's such a random choice to be in an airport food court, but so smart, people love it

[SpongeG]

the Church's near me is 24 hours and it stays busy at night, been in around midnight a few times and the tables are full.

[north 42]

Ha ha, I’ve been eating Church’s Chicken over in Detroit for decades, they’re everywhere over there.

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

Since we're talking restaurant news, IHOP has just announced they are coming to Moncton NB. This will be their first location in Atlantic Canada and, as far as I can tell, their first location east of Niagara Falls.

[Me&You]

:previous:

Since we're talking restaurant news, IHOP has just announced they are coming to Moncton NB. This will be their first location in Atlantic Canada and, as far as I can tell, their first location east of Niagara Falls.

I'm sorry to hear.

[SpongeG]

haha, they are pretty awful, dried up little crunchy sausages. Seniors love it though.

[WhipperSnapper]

It's not poutine but, fried chicken and waffles is a good meal to lessen the impact of an upcoming hangover.

[Loco101]

Church's chicken is so good

Church's Chicken® Adds Four New Franchisees to Further Expand Brand in Canada

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Church's Chicken
Jan 24, 2019,





https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/church-s-chicken-r-adds-four-new-franchisees-to-further-expand-brand-in-canada-861368506.html

Back in the 1990s many Harvey's locations in Southwestern Ontario used to serve Church's chicken. So it's not really new to Canada.

I can't see the chain becoming a huge success here with so much competition but I can see it doing well in areas with high population growth (immigration). The chicken chains do very well where there are lots of people from various Asian backgrounds. Often the franchise owners will be immigrants from India, China, Philippines, Pakistan, etc..

[Loco101]

:previous:

Since we're talking restaurant news, IHOP has just announced they are coming to Moncton NB. This will be their first location in Atlantic Canada and, as far as I can tell, their first location east of Niagara Falls.

Now that's haute-cuisine for Moncton!:D

[SpongeG]

Back in the 1990s many Harvey's locations in Southwestern Ontario used to serve Church's chicken. So it's not really new to Canada.

I can't see the chain becoming a huge success here with so much competition but I can see it doing well in areas with high population growth (immigration). The chicken chains do very well where there are lots of people from various Asian backgrounds. Often the franchise owners will be immigrants from India, China, Philippines, Pakistan, etc..

yea, we have had them forever in Vancouver, the most locations in Canada, a lot of them are 24 hours. It's mostly an Asian clientele, in my area it's very popular with the Koreans. Filipinos like them a lot too, until Jollibee arrives...

We just got Popeyes back here, they had two locations about 10 years ago I think and the franchise or whoever ran it ran into troubles and they closed down. One just opened in far out Port Coquitlam and people will drive all the way out there for it.

6hT4aNKFX9Q

Fried Chicken places are popping up a lot lately, there is one called high five that is also 24 hours. We don't have any Mary Browns in BC that I know of, I tried them in Alberta they are ok. I would like to see Nene chicken come to Vancouver, they were popular in Australia and the chain is from Korea.

[zahav]

There are Mary Browns in BC now, check the website. 3 in the Lower Mainland alone. But it is relatively new so yes you are right, BC did not have Mary Brown's for the longest time

[Loco101]

I also have to add that the chicken fast food restaurants are popular with people with Jamaican background. Big with many other minority ethnicities too. I guess chicken is consumed in almost every culture and is okay to eat with major religions.

[red-paladin]

Lasts time I ate at Church's chicken was about 3 am at North Road in Coquitlam. I promptly got 'very ill' in public, and haven't been back since. That and the fact that the place was so messy it's unbelievable.

[kwoldtimer]

Anybody know why Pull & Bear has not come to Canada? I was in one of their stores today and quite liked their merchandise, even though I’m not their demographic.

[SpongeG]

Its part of the Zara family isn't it?

[kwoldtimer]

Its part of the Zara family isn't it?

I believe so. Merch more casual was my impression.

[SpongeG]

I know they had Zara Home in Ontario but looking at the malls they were in they don't seem to be listed anymore. They have some nice stuff and would be a nice addition to the retail scene in Canada. Ditto for H&M home.

[youngregina]

I know they had Zara Home in Ontario but looking at the malls they were in they don't seem to be listed anymore. They have some nice stuff and would be a nice addition to the retail scene in Canada. Ditto for H&M home.

H&M Home is open in West Edmonton Mall. It’s a little pricier than I had expected.

[giallo]

We used to eat at a sketchy Church's Chicken on Kingsway way back in the day. As WhipperSnapper mentioned, decent hangover food.

[SpongeG]

H&M Home is open in West Edmonton Mall. It’s a little pricier than I had expected.

I've been to that one, its nice. The ones in Australia were really good. I order online from them once in a while.

[MolsonExport]

for Montreal old-timers
LyWSYkvA6C09ymLcMyuVaM

yes, this was regularly broadcast (for years) on network TV in the Montreal Area:

2P7FwfD-b0k

[SpongeG]

have seen a few gap stores close in the Vancouver area in December/January

Retailers from Gap to Ralph Lauren are giving up on their flagship stores — and experts say others will have to make big changes to keep the store model from dying

Mary Hanbury Business Insider

The flagship store as we know it is changing.

Retailers from Gap to Ralph Lauren are closing their flagship stores in desirable shopping areas.

Experts say that large flagship stores that do not offer exciting and engaging experiences are no longer effective marketing tools for brands.

At the same time, digitally native brands and innovative legacy retailers such as Nordstrom and Nike are reinventing the flagship store and proving that it still has a place in retail.

At the end of 2018, Gap Inc. CEO Art Peck said the company would be closing hundreds of Gap stores this year, including flagship locations.

"This is the piece of the business that we are firmly committed to addressing with urgency," Peck said, adding that the stores that had been selected were were either unprofitable, had low traffic, or didn't offer a good customer experience.

In December, Gap's Fifth Avenue location and former flagship store in New York shuttered its doors. Ralph Lauren also closed its Fifth Avenue flagship in 2017, and Calvin Klein plans to shutter its nearby Madison Avenue flagship this spring. Lord & Taylor also closed its flagship store on Fifth Avenue in January after more than 100 years in business.

Peck's comments were evidence that, in many cases, flagships stores have become indistinguishable from a retailer's typical store. This means that having a large store in the most expensive part of town, offering the same experience as any other store, might no longer make sense.

...

https://www.businessinsider.com/gap-lord-and-taylor-flagship-stores-close-while-others-must-adapt-2019-2

[Acajack]

for Montreal old-timers
LyWSYkvA6C09ymLcMyuVaM

yes, this was regularly broadcast (for years) on network TV in the Montreal Area:

2P7FwfD-b0k

Ha ha good old Ralph Lockwood. I used to watch Hi! Noon with him on CFCF.

I had no idea until well after his career ended that he was actually from the U.S. (At least I think I heard that.)

[Proof Sheet]

Ha ha good old Ralph Lockwood. I used to watch Hi! Noon with him on CFCF.

I had no idea until well after his career ended that he was actually from the U.S. (At least I think I heard that.)

Well that Bar-B-Barn ad could run on french and english channels. Any ads for Orange Julus or Buffet Marahaj

[SpongeG]

Sunrise Records buys failing HMV in deal that will save 100 stores and 1,487 jobs

HMV, Britain's best known record store chain, has been hit by competition from online rivals and music streaming services

Reuters
February 5, 2019

HMV, the British music retailer that collapsed after Christmas, has been sold to the owner of Canada’s Sunrise Records in a deal that will save 100 stores and 1,487 jobs, its joint administrators said on Tuesday.

Sunrise Records CEO Doug Putman said he was delighted to acquire “the most iconic music and entertainment business in the UK,” and would aim to replicate his company’s success in Canada.

...

https://business.financialpost.com/news/retail-marketing/update-1-uk-music-retailer-hmv-sold-to-canadas-sunrise-records

[dreambrother808]

Vancouver finally getting a flagship Apple Store?

The revised version of the Rotunda replacement is now on the City of Vancouver website. Moved around, and even more open than the first version. From the Changing City blog (https://changingcitybook.wordpress.com/2019/02/04/701-west-georgia-street/).

https://changingcitybook.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/701-w-georgia-render.jpg

[youngregina]

Scotch & Soda has shuttered their two Alberta locations, Chinook Centre and WestEd. I am devastated, because it is my favourite clothing store, and was initially hoping they were just renovating the stores, but it doesn't look like that :(

[osirisboy]

Scotch & Soda has shuttered their two Alberta locations, Chinook Centre and WestEd. I am devastated, because it is my favourite clothing store, and was initially hoping they were just renovating the stores, but it doesn't look like that :(

Really? It looks ridiculous. 200-300 for a hoodie? No thx!

Edit: checking their website and some of their sale item prices are ok.

[SpongeG]

its not that bad for that level, its not a cheap brand.

[osirisboy]

its not that bad for that level, its not a cheap brand.

What level? A sweatshirt is a sweatshirt. So you're justifying the price for a label? That's just dumb

[SpongeG]

Payless shut down a bunch of shoes in 2017. There is no mention of Canada in this announcement, but do we still have payless in Canada?

Payless ShoeSource to close remaining 2,100 stores in U.S.
ASSOCIATED PRESS Updated: February 15, 2019

NEW YORK — Payless ShoeSource is shuttering all of its 2,100 remaining stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, joining a list of iconic names like Toys R Us and Bon-Ton that have closed down in the last year.

The Topeka, Kansas-based chain said Friday it will hold liquidation sales starting Sunday and wind down its e-commerce operations. All of the stores will remain open until at least the end of March and the majority will remain open until May.

The debt-burdened chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in April 2017, closing hundreds of stores as part of its reorganization.

...

https://montrealgazette.com/business/money-news/payless-shoesource-to-close-remaining-2100-u-s-stores/wcm/e5f14617-125c-4dd7-a016-733b9205455e

[casper]

Payless shut down a bunch of shoes in 2017. There is no mention of Canada in this announcement, but do we still have payless in Canada?

Payless ShoeSource to close remaining 2,100 stores in U.S.
ASSOCIATED PRESS Updated: February 15, 2019

NEW YORK — Payless ShoeSource is shuttering all of its 2,100 remaining stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, joining a list of iconic names like Toys R Us and Bon-Ton that have closed down in the last year.

The Topeka, Kansas-based chain said Friday it will hold liquidation sales starting Sunday and wind down its e-commerce operations. All of the stores will remain open until at least the end of March and the majority will remain open until May.

The debt-burdened chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in April 2017, closing hundreds of stores as part of its reorganization.

...

https://montrealgazette.com/business/money-news/payless-shoesource-to-close-remaining-2100-u-s-stores/wcm/e5f14617-125c-4dd7-a016-733b9205455e

Yes. There is one in Brentwood mall. (Likely others in other parts of the country). It sounded like the Canadian operations were not impacted.

[softee]

I noticed work has started on a new retail store at the former HMV flagship location at Yonge and Dundas. Anyone know what it is?

[SpongeG]

looks like Canadian stores will close as well

Payless seeks creditor protection, plans to close stores in U.S. and Canada

Chain has 2,500 locations across North America, including 248 in Canada
Pete Evans · CBC News · Posted: Feb 19, 2019 1:19 PM ET

The company has 248 locations across Canada, employing 2,400 , and court documents suggest they collectively lost $12 million US last year.

The stores "are insolvent and are unable to meet their liabilities as they become due," court documents suggest.

...

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/payless-shoe-stores-1.5024739?fbclid=IwAR3se_4A3etaXDq3H0GHfvQu_PYMRBvcAoFYwRbSKGGvY_lJ6t8ho1FVWqQ

[Airboy]

looks like Canadian stores will close as well

Payless seeks creditor protection, plans to close stores in U.S. and Canada

Chain has 2,500 locations across North America, including 248 in Canada
Pete Evans · CBC News · Posted: Feb 19, 2019 1:19 PM ET



...

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/payless-shoe-stores-1.5024739?fbclid=IwAR3se_4A3etaXDq3H0GHfvQu_PYMRBvcAoFYwRbSKGGvY_lJ6t8ho1FVWqQ

The one at the Target infill in St Albert Mall is only a couple of years old.

[Airboy]

Family Firm London Drugs Buys Edmonton Based McBain Camera.

Talking with Staff, LD is going to keep it as a separate store. But use their distribution system. They were also given the option of becoming LD employees or stay with the new company. Happy they are not going to change to much. I pretty much have always used McBains. Will be picking up a new camera next week from them.

[trebor204]

HBC shutting down Home Outfitters, while closing about 20 Sask Offs 5th in the States.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/hbc-home-outfitters-1.5028740

[J.OT13]

HBC have done some absolutely terrible purchasing decisions over the last decade. Lord & Taylor and Saks were dumb moves.

[Loco101]

It's too bad that it's Americans running HBC. They are driving it into the ground.

[SpongeG]

What level? A sweatshirt is a sweatshirt. So you're justifying the price for a label? That's just dumb

that's how fashion works.

A Marc by Marc Jacobs hoodie will sell for $300. It will be 100% cotton made in China. A Marc Jacobs Hoodie will be $3000, 100% cotton made in Italy. I remember this comparison from a few years ago in San Francisco. The $3000 one felt really soft but they looked the same, both were navy. One was a secondary line one was the mainline brand.

[niwell]

When you get to the higher end you certainly are paying for the label, but the quality is much higher. Not enough to justify the price tag for the average consumer, of course. At the lower end a $300 sweater from a good label will probably be of much higher quality than whatever you can find for $50 or less.

That being said I buy the majority of my clothes from Frank & Oak or random one-offs I see at local stores. The single most expensive piece of clothing I own is likely some dress shoes I impulse bought at a local designer's store. My winter coat was technically priced higher but I got it at the closing sale of another local designer who moved to online / wholesale only. Both were far shy of anything in the 4 digits.

[isaidso]

that's how fashion works.

A Marc by Marc Jacobs hoodie will sell for $300. It will be 100% cotton made in China. A Marc Jacobs Hoodie will be $3000, 100% cotton made in Italy. I remember this comparison from a few years ago in San Francisco. The $3000 one felt really soft but they looked the same, both were navy. One was a secondary line one was the mainline brand.

They're for people who never look at the price tag. If they like it they buy it. I do appreciate quality/cut but Reigning Champ hoodies are about as pricey as I'll go. I like their austere stores but think they need to make them more inviting. They don't exactly say 'come inside' to a passerby.

Boxing inspired clothing from Vancouver based Reigning Champ
http://urbanretailtoronto.com/code/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/RC-4.jpg
Courtesy of urbanretailtoronto