The Metro Vancouver Retail Thread

[C3YVR]

Ferragamo (Robson still has original signage Salvatore Ferragamo but the company has dropped the Salvatore and has a new logo) has been in Vancouver for a long time at Robson and Hornby, but is likely living on borrowed time as Reliance bought the property several years ago with plans for redevelopment, likely a luxury hotel. I could see it moving to Alberni or Oakridge or even both. The fact that it is a luxury brand on Robson shows how long it has been around, it was one of the first to open even before there was a "luxury zone". I do wonder if Reliance go ahead with the luxury hotel if Ferragamo would want to return?

[SpongeG]

I don't think they would close anything downtown or at HR. Vancouver is maybe hitting the point where it can house multiple locations. For instance, Melbourne has 4 LV stores plus a concession in a David Jones.

LV in Vegas has 6 stores or so, some are women-only, men-only bags only etc.

I wonder if Apple will return to Oakridge with a store. Perhaps flagship Uniqlo finally in the city.

[theKB]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

I don't think they would close anything downtown or at HR. Vancouver is maybe hitting the point where it can house multiple locations. For instance, Melbourne has 4 LV stores plus a concession in a David Jones.

LV in Vegas has 6 stores or so, some are women-only, men-only bags only etc.

I wonder if Apple will return to Oakridge with a store. Perhaps flagship Uniqlo finally in the city.

Apple I believe is already confirmed to return.

LV technically has 4 stores in Vancouver. Three separate concessions in Holt (mens, womans, leather goods) plus the location @ Hotel Vancouver. It wouldn't be a stretch adding in a larger store at oakridge. This city definitely can handle that.

Looks like JD Sports is taking over the Club Monaco space on Robson.

I will be very interested to see who takes over the brooks brothers space now that its leased and if its the whole space including michaels or just the brooks brothers space.

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by theKB

Looks like JD Sports is taking over the Club Monaco space on Robson.

Thanks.
Had to look them up.
Lots of sports retailers going to be in the area now.

Established in 1981 with a single store in the North West of England, the JD Group is a leading global omnichannel retailer of Sports Fashion and Outdoor brands. The Group now has over 3,400 stores across 38 territories with a strong presence in the UK, Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.

https://www.jdplc.com/

[C3YVR]

Posted Sep 10, 2020, 7:48 AM


The Oakridge Apple store closes Sept 26, exactly 11 years after opening. It is also only the eighth Apple store to have ever closed, although Oakridge will be replaced by a flagship eventually.

I posted this back in 2020 that I saw Apple (on a now dead link) were planning on coming back as a flagship.

JDs Canadian HQ is now in Vancouver, and they have a sister brand Size? just a couple blocks away at 833 Bute and Robson.

https://biv.com/article/2023/03/jd-sports-canada-hiring-boom-opens-vancouver-head-office

[connect2source]

Originally Posted by theKB

Looks like JD Sports is taking over the Club Monaco space on Robson.

JD will be a great addition to Robson, nice to see another retailer with no overlap to Pacific Centre, gives more reason to head to Robson. JD still gives me Oxford Street vibes.

[dreambrother808]

Originally Posted by C3YVR

Posted Sep 10, 2020, 7:48 AM

The Oakridge Apple store closes Sept 26, exactly 11 years after opening. It is also only the eighth Apple store to have ever closed, although Oakridge will be replaced by a flagship eventually.

I posted this back in 2020 that I saw Apple (on a now dead link) were planning on coming back as a flagship.

It makes sense considering Oakridge's sales per square foot pre-redevelopment. I imagine they will be even stronger after reopening.

I'm pretty sure every major retailer would clamour for a space there.

The offerings all seem very high end so far but it's good to hear the lux will only be 20% of the mall. There are still many people in the area or who go through there who aren't wealthy.

[theKB]

Originally Posted by dreambrother808

It makes sense considering Oakridge's sales per square foot pre-redevelopment. I imagine they will be even stronger after reopening.

I'm pretty sure every major retailer would clamour for a space there.

The offerings all seem very high end so far but it's good to hear the lux will only be 20% of the mall. There are still many people in the area or who go through there who aren't wealthy.

What I am most, lets say surprised by is the notion that the Bay will return, especially when they can't even keep their other stores maintained let alone properly staffed and shelves stocked. The other one is safeway. I would make the assumption that they would have some sort of first right on the new mall, with that said, a whole foods would be a more appropriate offering given the nature of the mall, although it truly seems like Amazon will not expand that footprint and even though the Vancouver stores perform very well. Would not be shocked if that was another brand that pulled out of Canada given the limitations that prevent full integration that you see with amazon in the USA as well as the private label offerings given our protectionist laws on many food products.

[connect2source]

Hoarding and signs are up for JD Sports on Robson, former Club Monaco.
Photos By Me :

[officedweller]

Thanks.
I guess Cafe Crepe is now Inspired Cannabis?

Originally Posted by theKB

What I am most, lets say surprised by is the notion that the Bay will return, especially when they can't even keep their other stores maintained let alone properly staffed and shelves stocked. The other one is safeway. I would make the assumption that they would have some sort of first right on the new mall, with that said, a whole foods would be a more appropriate offering given the nature of the mall, although it truly seems like Amazon will not expand that footprint and even though the Vancouver stores perform very well. Would not be shocked if that was another brand that pulled out of Canada given the limitations that prevent full integration that you see with amazon in the USA as well as the private label offerings given our protectionist laws on many food products.

The Bay must have negotiated a sweetheart deal.
If I recall correctly, initially it refused to cooperate and the redevelopment had to occur around the existing store (because it had a nominal lease rate assigned down from Woodward's which was an original developer of the mall).
I would assume that incentives to cause The Bay to relocate would have included a big chunk for leasehold improvements together with a continuing nominal or less than market lease rate.
I would then assume that that package is worth it to The Bay (and would be an asset in a bankruptcy, sale or restructuring).

The adjacent 2 storey space that in previous plans was allocated to another anchor store is now small shops at grade and office space on level 2.

Safeway were also probably incentivized to exit their lease early.
Safeways have upped their game and would have a very loyal customer base in that neighbourhood.

[connect2source]

Originally Posted by officedweller

Thanks.
I guess Cafe Crepe is now Inspired Cannabis?

For about a year or two now. Makes the parklet a bit redundant.

[C3YVR]

Originally Posted by dreambrother808

It makes sense considering Oakridge's sales per square foot pre-redevelopment. I imagine they will be even stronger after reopening.

I'm pretty sure every major retailer would clamour for a space there.

The offerings all seem very high end so far but it's good to hear the lux will only be 20% of the mall. There are still many people in the area or who go through there who aren't wealthy.

IF Apple do return as a flagship like I'm guessing, I would expect it to be in 2028 on the outside "high street" where they will likely have more design freedom. Hopefully they can break away from the PC era design and come up with something more unique.

[whatnext]

Originally Posted by theKB

What I am most, lets say surprised by is the notion that the Bay will return, especially when they can't even keep their other stores maintained let alone properly staffed and shelves stocked. The other one is safeway. I would make the assumption that they would have some sort of first right on the new mall, with that said, a whole foods would be a more appropriate offering given the nature of the mall, although it truly seems like Amazon will not expand that footprint and even though the Vancouver stores perform very well. Would not be shocked if that was another brand that pulled out of Canada given the limitations that prevent full integration that you see with amazon in the USA as well as the private label offerings given our protectionist laws on many food products.

I expect the Bay was thinking Oakridge would be their flagship store while the redevelopment of the downtown location was taking place. Now that isn’t happening, who knows? It would be interesting to know the sales per sq/ft of the Bay stores in Metro Vancouver.

[RDW989]

The new Swatch store on the 1100-block Robson looks as if it is getting close to opening the doors, some digital displays can be seen inside. My pix today, Feb 12
[IMG][url=https://flic.kr/p/2pxSzBp]

[connect2source]

Nice, love the bold facade treatment for Swatch, hope more new Robson retailers go big and bold. Wish Muji had done something far more exciting.

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by RDW989

The new Swatch store on the 1100-block Robson looks as if it is getting close to opening the doors, some digital displays can be seen inside. My pix today, Feb 12
[IMG][url=https://flic.kr/p/2pxSzBp]

I wonder if Swatch also has the 2nd floor space that used to be Milestones?

[SpongeG]

some changes for Metropolis Metrotown, Michael Kors is moving two stores to the east, which will be between Arteryx and Indochine. The old Michael Kors will be Max Mara Weekend, so they must be moving from upstairs, that section where they currently are seems so devoid of foot traffic, the whole upper level feels less busy since you can no longer get to Skytrain like before, the ground floor can be hard to walk through since its always so packed. Bath & Body Works is now open in their new spot, psycho bunny is still not open, I wonder what will become of their old space, the mall doesn't have a JD sports yet, and perhaps they join the concentration of sports apparel section of the mall.

[svlt]

Originally Posted by connect2source

Nice, love the bold facade treatment for Swatch, hope more new Robson retailers go big and bold. Wish Muji had done something far more exciting.

Swatch itself is a brand that is on the ascent of late, so it's a great add to Robson. This isn't the Swatch of the 90s

[dreambrother808]

Originally Posted by svlt

Swatch itself is a brand that is on the ascent of late, so it's a great add to Robson. This isn't the Swatch of the 90s

Remember the scented watches?

[theKB]

Originally Posted by svlt

Swatch itself is a brand that is on the ascent of late, so it's a great add to Robson. This isn't the Swatch of the 90s

The "collaborations" with Omega and Blancpain has really elevated the parent swatch brand' stature.