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-   -   [St. John's] Retail Thread (https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=198935)

KAO79 Jan 14, 2016 10:15 PM

So there's a big rumor flying around Facebook that a Lululemon store is opening in the mall, and their source is a private contractor who will be doing the reno. They didn't say which mall, but I work in the Avalon and there's no empty space here except in the food court. The Village however, has tons of empty store space.

Has anyone else heard anything about it??

Malreynolds Jan 14, 2016 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KAO79 (Post 7299613)
So there's a big rumor flying around Facebook that a Lululemon store is opening in the mall, and their source is a private contractor who will be doing the reno. They didn't say which mall, but I work in the Avalon and there's no empty space here except in the food court. The Village however, has tons of empty store space.

Has anyone else heard anything about it??

so another expensive clothing store?

Offshore1 Jan 15, 2016 5:37 PM

I'm not sure the time is right to open a store for expensive yoga pants. With the way things are heading here right now I wouldn't open up a hotdog cart.

Sox Jan 18, 2016 1:59 PM

Now seems like the time, that many fringe retail stores who were barely surviving, to finally give up the ghost and call it a day. Case in point, BULK BARN. I noticed they have closed 2 of their stores in Mt Pearl and Topsail Road, not sure about Stavanger Drive. It must be scary operating these huge retail outlets, and everything in the news points to doom and gloom. The average person is going to be more frugal, spending less of their discretionary income. The next few months are going to be interesting

Malreynolds Jan 18, 2016 2:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sox (Post 7303146)
Now seems like the time, that many fringe retail stores who were barely surviving, to finally give up the ghost and call it a day. Case in point, BULK BARN. I noticed they have closed 2 of their stores in Mt Pearl and Topsail Road, not sure about Stavanger Drive. It must be scary operating these huge retail outlets, and everything in the news points to doom and gloom. The average person is going to be more frugal, spending less of their discretionary income. The next few months are going to be interesting

Topsail rd is differently closed but Mount Pearl one is suppose to be closed for renovations.

J_Murphy Jan 18, 2016 3:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malreynolds (Post 7303154)
Topsail rd is differently closed but Mount Pearl one is suppose to be closed for renovations.

I love Bulk Barn, but I did find that four locations seemed a bit much for them.

statbass Jan 18, 2016 4:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_Murphy (Post 7303225)
I love Bulk Barn, but I did find that four locations seemed a bit much for them.

Agreed. Four locations is way too many for a city this size, can definitely be cut in half - Halifax has four locations. Plus, IMO, the one on Topsail Rd. wasn't the greatest location to begin with. A needed correction accelerated by the current fiscal situation.

Sox Jan 18, 2016 4:26 PM

Well, if removing the signs from the building are part of the Renovation, then maybe it is under Renovation.
I got my doubts, but I have been wrong before ( Once I think ):>

PoscStudent Jan 18, 2016 10:12 PM

While the province's fiscal situation is bad I don't think a lot of businesses have to be overly worried. We aren't seeing mass layoffs - yet anyway - in the oil and gas industry like has been the case in Alberta. It's also not expected that governments will be laying off people.

KAO79 Jan 19, 2016 2:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KAO79 (Post 7299613)
So there's a big rumor flying around Facebook that a Lululemon store is opening in the mall, and their source is a private contractor who will be doing the reno. They didn't say which mall, but I work in the Avalon and there's no empty space here except in the food court. The Village however, has tons of empty store space.

Has anyone else heard anything about it??

I found out it was unfortunately just a rumour. Lululemon themselves have stated they have no plans yet for anything around here.

As much as you may think this isn't the place for expensive yoga pants... this is indeed the market for expensive yoga pants, and so much more. Their downtown popup store in the summer of 2014 did well, and they have a HUGE amount of people ordering online and re-selling their product if it doesn't fit, or wasn't what they thought it was. A store would do very well here, if it's put in the right mall ;-)

J_Murphy Jan 19, 2016 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PoscStudent (Post 7303832)
While the province's fiscal situation is bad I don't think a lot of businesses have to be overly worried. We aren't seeing mass layoffs - yet anyway - in the oil and gas industry like has been the case in Alberta. It's also not expected that governments will be laying off people.

I was speaking with a friend over the weekend and she said that a big company involved in the oil/gas sector she works with laid off 20 people last week...So it may be starting.

BigRedSpecial Jan 19, 2016 2:42 PM

It most certainly has started. My former employer has laid off dozens of people in the last year, myself included.

Marty_Mcfly Jan 19, 2016 7:55 PM

It started a while ago. I know people who've been laid off in the field. It's just been more subtle than what's happened in Alberta.

Arrakis Jan 22, 2016 2:47 PM

Anyone hear the rumor that The Village mall is being sold again and will be converted to a factory warehouse style mall? Just a rumor I heard floating around.

Sox Jan 27, 2016 6:04 PM

I see that the old Dominion on the corner of newfoundland drive / Torbay Road has now been Leased.

Seen recently on Facebook that a Trampoline Park, is scheduled to be coming to St.John's.

Could this be their operating location ? They are going to need a fairly large space to open such a facility.

J_Murphy Feb 3, 2016 12:01 PM

Lowe's buying Canadian rival Rona for $3.2B
 
Quote:



U.S. home improvement chain Lowe's is buying Canadian rival Rona in a friendly takeover valued at $3.2 billion Cdn.

The boards of both companies unanimously approved the transaction, they said in a news release early Wednesday.

The deal gives the U.S. chain more of a foothold in Canada's competitive home improvement and renovation retail market, especially in Quebec, where Rona dominates the market.

Lowe's has agreed its Canadian headquarters will be in Boucherville, Que., and said it will maintain Rona's multiple retail store banners.

Lowe's has also committed "to continue to employ the vast majority of its current employees and maintain key executives from Rona's strong leadership team," the release said

http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/lowe...over-1.3431463

Arrakis Feb 3, 2016 4:22 PM

This was bound to happen sooner or later as Lowe's attempted to buy RONA previously but unsuccessfully. Hopefully this won't turn out like the ill-fated Target/Zellers buyout.

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_Murphy (Post 7322876)


Larla77 Feb 7, 2016 11:10 PM

The former Dominion on the corner of Newfoundland Drive and Torbay Road has finally been leased by another owner. Have heard that it will be a Colemans which is exciting.

Also Ricki's is closing in the mall. Heard through a friend that the mall rent was too high and they are hoping to open a stand alone on Merchant or Kelsey (like the Stavanger area one I would say). Lululemon going in that spot. I saw a hiring ad for them already on linkedin.

Marty_Mcfly Feb 8, 2016 3:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larla77 (Post 7327714)
The former Dominion on the corner of Newfoundland Drive and Torbay Road has finally been leased by another owner. Have heard that it will be a Colemans which is exciting.

Also Ricki's is closing in the mall. Heard through a friend that the mall rent was too high and they are hoping to open a stand alone on Merchant or Kelsey (like the Stavanger area one I would say). Lululemon going in that spot. I saw a hiring ad for them already on linkedin.

I think we had heard about Ricki's leaving the mall a while back, right around when Sephora was taking over next to them. Not surprised, really.

IronMan Feb 9, 2016 2:39 AM

According to the job ads online the Lululemon store is a 'Pop-up-Store', which means that is is only a temporary location. Seen them around before, usually in the downtown.

J_Murphy Feb 9, 2016 11:40 AM

I was in Sears this weekend and noticed they don't sell electronics anymore. So if you are planning to go to Sears to look for a TV, don't waste your time.

Arrakis Feb 9, 2016 2:10 PM

Sears gave up selling electronics some time ago now. They are slowly bleeding to death.


Quote:

Originally Posted by J_Murphy (Post 7329146)
I was in Sears this weekend and noticed they don't sell electronics anymore. So if you are planning to go to Sears to look for a TV, don't waste your time.


wmemeadusjr Feb 11, 2016 7:50 PM

The Avalon Mall has been in the news again. Apparently, a proposal is forthcoming on the reconfigured intersection of Kenmount and Polina Roads to be done with the City of St. John's. It will be part of a bigger proposal for the area. My guess is that there will be at least a free standing restaurant or two included on each side of this new intersection. I also heard that there are big plans for the nearby Woodgate Plaza which is now owned by Crombie (the Avalon Mall's owners). I can speculate that the lots will be merged. The rumour of H&M has been swirling around again for the Avalon Mall. I know the Woodgate will soon have lots of free space when Leon's moves to their new location in the old Canadian Tire building on Elizabeth Avenue.

statbass Feb 12, 2016 1:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmemeadusjr (Post 7332576)
The Avalon Mall has been in the news again. Apparently, a proposal is forthcoming on the reconfigured intersection of Kenmount and Polina Roads to be done with the City of St. John's. It will be part of a bigger proposal for the area. My guess is that there will be at least a free standing restaurant or two included on each side of this new intersection. I also heard that there are big plans for the nearby Woodgate Plaza which is now owned by Crombie (the Avalon Mall's owners). I can speculate that the lots will be merged. The rumour of H&M has been swirling around again for the Avalon Mall. I know the Woodgate will soon have lots of free space when Leon's moves to their new location in the old Canadian Tire building on Elizabeth Avenue.

Hmm, funny you say that. I was driving by that part of the mall parking lot last week and noticed a guy taking pictures of the brook that separates the Avalon mall and Leon's/Toys R Us. At first I thought it was a little strange but after reading your post I'm thinking it could be the beginning of some geotechnical work. Interesting stuff....

Arrakis Feb 12, 2016 5:14 PM

I said this before and I say it again. Avalon Mall is so behind the times. It's old and so out of date with the modern mall/shopping centres everywhere else in the world. I mean, they still have that tacky stone facade on the front of Sears thats been there since 1967 when mall first opened.

They don't realize how good they have it here where the weather sucks most every day of the year (LOL) so its nice to be able to shop inside instead of going to a big box park. But the mall looks like 1980's when you walk inside there. Time for a major update.

On a side note, I wonder if they could somehow link the Woodgate plaza to the existing mall by going over the river. At least link the parking lots.


Quote:

Originally Posted by wmemeadusjr (Post 7332576)
The Avalon Mall has been in the news again. Apparently, a proposal is forthcoming on the reconfigured intersection of Kenmount and Polina Roads to be done with the City of St. John's. It will be part of a bigger proposal for the area. My guess is that there will be at least a free standing restaurant or two included on each side of this new intersection. I also heard that there are big plans for the nearby Woodgate Plaza which is now owned by Crombie (the Avalon Mall's owners). I can speculate that the lots will be merged. The rumour of H&M has been swirling around again for the Avalon Mall. I know the Woodgate will soon have lots of free space when Leon's moves to their new location in the old Canadian Tire building on Elizabeth Avenue.


wmemeadusjr Feb 12, 2016 7:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arrakis (Post 7333636)
I said this before and I say it again. Avalon Mall is so behind the times. It's old and so out of date with the modern mall/shopping centres everywhere else in the world. I mean, they still have that tacky stone facade on the front of Sears thats been there since 1967 when mall first opened.

They don't realize how good they have it here where the weather sucks most every day of the year (LOL) so its nice to be able to shop inside instead of going to a big box park. But the mall looks like 1980's when you walk inside there. Time for a major update.

On a side note, I wonder if they could somehow link the Woodgate plaza to the existing mall by going over the river. At least link the parking lots.

The Avalon Mall bears a striking resemblance to the Toronto underground PATH system. The Village actually looks more like the type of mall you would find anywhere else in the world. As for the stone facade on Sears, the mall must be hoping if they leave it like that long enough, it will come back in again.

Arrakis Feb 13, 2016 2:56 PM

You are so right, last time I was in Toronto underground PATH mall, that's what it totally reminded me of, the Avalon Mall. How can a mall like Avalon Mall be only mostly one floor and be so dull and dreary? They even have skylights in the newer 2-story section and you wouldn't know it. And let's not forget, the main entrance is through a food court. LOL. They should just bulldoze the whole thing and start from scratch. Lol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmemeadusjr (Post 7333831)
The Avalon Mall bears a striking resemblance to the Toronto underground PATH system. The Village actually looks more like the type of mall you would find anywhere else in the world. As for the stone facade on Sears, the mall must be hoping if they leave it like that long enough, it will come back in again.


PoscStudent Feb 13, 2016 10:49 PM

Inside the Avalon Mall has had a number of renovations over the last decade or so.

I also heard that H&M has a coming soon for St. John's on their website.

Marty_Mcfly Feb 13, 2016 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PoscStudent (Post 7335027)
Inside the Avalon Mall has had a number of renovations over the last decade or so.

I also heard that H&M has a coming soon for St. John's on their website.

Unfortunately, that's not true. H&M to St. John's rumors are as old as time itself, it'd be unnatural if they were to ever be true. What else would we have to look forward to? :haha:

J_Murphy Feb 15, 2016 3:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PoscStudent (Post 7335027)

I also heard that H&M has a coming soon for St. John's on their website.

I couldn't find any such information. I agree with Marty, this rumour is as old as time...LOL

wmemeadusjr Feb 17, 2016 3:43 PM

The new North Atlantic gas bar and Orange Store on the corner of Southland's Boulevard and Great Southern Drive is now open. The Orange Store is in the centre of the building with leasable space on each side. I have now heard that the smaller space to the right will be a pizza chain. I don't know which one. Likely another Domino's, although I would love to see a Papa John's, since they are in most provinces and it's time they set up shop here. The larger space on the left which also contains a drive thru will be a Dairy Queen.

Sox Mar 4, 2016 1:55 PM

Can anyone confirm these rumours ? Seems like a very small space to have a Dairy Queen ? And not much parking. Anyone with any info ?

KnightFury Mar 4, 2016 4:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmemeadusjr (Post 7332576)
The Avalon Mall has been in the news again. Apparently, a proposal is forthcoming on the reconfigured intersection of Kenmount and Polina Roads to be done with the City of St. John's. It will be part of a bigger proposal for the area. My guess is that there will be at least a free standing restaurant or two included on each side of this new intersection. I also heard that there are big plans for the nearby Woodgate Plaza which is now owned by Crombie (the Avalon Mall's owners). I can speculate that the lots will be merged. The rumour of H&M has been swirling around again for the Avalon Mall. I know the Woodgate will soon have lots of free space when Leon's moves to their new location in the old Canadian Tire building on Elizabeth Avenue.

Supposedly the Woodgate Plaza is going to be taken down, except for the Toys R Us section, and then rebuilt in a different configuration. This will be similar to what they did with the plaza that Golden Phoenix used to be attached to, and we now know as Globo, Roots, etc. As well (supposedly), a bridge will be built over the river connecting the parking lots. This would reinforce someone saying they saw pictures being taken of the river.

This is my first post - been reading the forum for years and didn't feel like I had anything to contribute so I never joined. Finally decided to make the plunge. :)
"Hello, everyone."

statbass Mar 4, 2016 4:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnightFury (Post 7358843)
Supposedly the Woodgate Plaza is going to be taken down, except for the Toys R Us section, and then rebuilt in a different configuration. This will be similar to what they did with the plaza that Golden Phoenix used to be attached to, and we now know as Globo, Roots, etc. As well (supposedly), a bridge will be built over the river connecting the parking lots. This would reinforce someone saying they saw pictures being taken of the river.

This is my first post - been reading the forum for years and didn't feel like I had anything to contribute so I never joined. Finally decided to make the plunge. :)
"Hello, everyone."

Hmm.. very interesting. Welcome to the forum!

Arrakis Mar 9, 2016 3:05 PM

Imperial Oil has sold Esso in Canada

Apparently the Newfoundland locations were sold to Wilson Oil of Nova Scotia. So I guess a rebranding is in the future for the Esso locations here in Newfoundland. Wilson's branding looks kinda dated and comes across as a small family gas stop based on the few photos i could find on Google.

Here is a link to the news story.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-s...tail-1.3482931

statbass Mar 9, 2016 3:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arrakis (Post 7364530)
Imperial Oil has sold Esso in Canada

Apparently the Newfoundland locations were sold to Wilson Oil of Nova Scotia. So I guess a rebranding is in the future for the Esso locations here in Newfoundland. Wilson's branding looks kinda dated and comes across as a small family gas stop based on the few photos i could find on Google.

Here is a link to the news story.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-s...tail-1.3482931

Kind of reminds me of the Western Petroleum stations located throughout the province. That reminds me, does anyone else find it ironic that a gas retailer owned and operated in Canada'a most easterly province is called "Western Petroleum"? Just read on their website the company was founded on the west coast... still a bit funny though.

Offshore1 Mar 9, 2016 7:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arrakis (Post 7364530)
Imperial Oil has sold Esso in Canada

Apparently the Newfoundland locations were sold to Wilson Oil of Nova Scotia. So I guess a rebranding is in the future for the Esso locations here in Newfoundland. Wilson's branding looks kinda dated and comes across as a small family gas stop based on the few photos i could find on Google.

Here is a link to the news story.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-s...tail-1.3482931

From what I can see it looks like they'll remain as Esso Stations. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-s...tail-1.3482931
I am familiar with Wilsons gas from travels to Nova Scotia. I didn't know they are already the Esso retailer ( as per article ) in Nova Scotia.

NewfBC Apr 8, 2016 2:14 AM

Downtown St. John's fixture Sportscraft moving west
 
After decades on Water Street, the store is relocating to Ropewalk Lane
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfou...lane-1.3525120

Ron.

Arrakis Apr 16, 2016 1:16 PM

I was driving downtown yesterday and was surprised to see that Fogtown Barbershop on Prescott St was gone...only to be pleasantly made aware that they are moving around the corner to Water Street from its Prescott St location into a larger space due to its popularity. Nice to see a local business prosper and grow.

J_Murphy Apr 16, 2016 1:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arrakis (Post 7410046)
I was driving downtown yesterday and was surprised to see that Fogtown Barbershop on Prescott St was gone...only to be pleasantly made aware that they are moving around the corner to Water Street from its Prescott St location into a larger space due to its popularity. Nice to see a local business prosper and grow.

Yeah that was actually announced a few months ago in the telegram I believe. I think they planned to move earlier but had to do some work on the new place. It is a very popular spot. I go there and they are always busy. Rock and punk music plays constantly, the barbers openly curse and you can even flip through a Playboy while you wait...I love it!

Arrakis Apr 19, 2016 8:54 PM

Heard a rumour recently that Loblaws has purchased the now bankrupted ACAN Windows building on McNamara Drive opposite the brand new Sobeys. Can anyone confirm this rumour? That wouldn't be surprising. Apparently that new Sobeys in Paradise has affected sales at Dominion in Mt Pearls Pearlgate location.

jthetzel Apr 24, 2016 4:39 PM

An interesting new business, From the Wharf, is aiming to create an online market place to allow individuals and restaurants to purchase seafood directly from local harvesters. Something like an Etsy for fish. The business model is made possible by the recent change in provincial legislation allowing direct sales from harvesters. If you live in the St. John's metro area, your order is delivered to your door for $5. The site is set to launch formally in May, but I just ordered some snow crab last night. Good to see St. John's at the forefront of local seafood e-commerce.

Website: https://www.fromthewharf.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/from_the_wharf
CBC article: http://www.cbc.ca/1.3545417

rad709 Apr 24, 2016 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jthetzel (Post 7419007)
An interesting new business, From the Wharf, is aiming to create an online market place to allow individuals and restaurants to purchase seafood directly from local harvesters. Something like an Etsy for fish. The business model is made possible by the recent change in provincial legislation allowing direct sales from harvesters. If you live in the St. John's metro area, your order is delivered to your door for $5. The site is set to launch formally in May, but I just ordered some snow crab last night. Good to see St. John's at the forefront of local seafood e-commerce.

Website: https://www.fromthewharf.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/from_the_wharf
CBC article: http://www.cbc.ca/1.3545417

Thanks for the link. How was the overall ordering process/ service? Just curious before I try it out. :tup:

jthetzel Apr 25, 2016 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rad709 (Post 7419279)
Thanks for the link. How was the overall ordering process/ service? Just curious before I try it out. :tup:

Presently in a crab coma. Will try to comment tomorrow.

jthetzel Apr 26, 2016 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rad709 (Post 7419279)
Thanks for the link. How was the overall ordering process/ service? Just curious before I try it out. :tup:

I found the service to be excellent.

Ordered via the website on Sunday morning and could pay with credit card or PayPal. Received by email an order confirmation right away. Because this was From the Wharf's first batch of orders, the owner, Blaine Edwards, sent an email to everyone discussing the delivery process Sunday night. On Monday late morning, the fisherman, Bay Bulls' Jason Sullivan ( https://twitter.com/meanysisland ), delivered a plastic-lined box containing four live snow crabs on ice to my apartment (he landed at St. John's wharf earlier that morning). About an hour later I received an email confirming delivery. That evening, to my delight, but the crabs' dismay, the crab were boiled for ten minutes and eaten with a bottle of white wine and a quantity of melted butter that will not be discussed further.

I look forward to ordering from From the Wharf again ( https://fromthewharf.com/ ). In addition to the convenience, I really enjoy how From the Wharf personally connects the local customer with the local fisherman.

http://googledrive.com/host/0B2MVLRT...bs_preview.jpg

rad709 Apr 26, 2016 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jthetzel (Post 7421668)
I found the service to be excellent.

Ordered via the website on Sunday morning and could pay with credit card or PayPal. Received by email an order confirmation right away. Because this was From the Wharf's first batch of orders, the owner, Blaine Edwards, sent an email to everyone discussing the delivery process Sunday night. On Monday late morning, the fisherman, Bay Bulls' Jason Sullivan ( https://twitter.com/meanysisland ), delivered a plastic-lined box containing four live snow crabs on ice to my apartment (he landed at St. John's wharf earlier that morning). About an hour later I received an email confirming delivery. That evening, to my delight, but the crabs' dismay, the crab were boiled for ten minutes and eaten with a bottle of white wine and a quantity of melted butter that will not be discussed further.

I look forward to ordering from From the Wharf again ( https://fromthewharf.com/ ). In addition to the convenience, I really enjoy how From the Wharf personally connects the local customer with the local fisherman.

http://googledrive.com/host/0B2MVLRT...bs_preview.jpg

Good stuff :tup: Thanks for the post.

Marty_Mcfly Apr 26, 2016 10:49 PM

Great review! Might have to check this out :cheers:

Engibeer May 5, 2016 10:40 AM

I noticed on the way to work this morning that signs are up in the old Water St Pharmacy (across from Shamrock) for a Marie's Minimart, coming Summer 2016.

Arrakis May 5, 2016 11:36 AM

Not good news for customers of Aeropostale.
http://www.marketingmag.ca/brands/ae...the-u-s-173840

Arrakis May 7, 2016 11:17 PM

The new Leon's Furniture Store on Elizabeth Ave. is now opened with grand opening coming later in June.


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