Downtown Vancouver Updates

[cjohnny4]

I was in the new IGA store this afternoon. What an absolute fire hazard! I can't believe it meets code. The aisles are VERY narrow (only one cart fits so if you run into someone pushing a cart the other way, you'd have to back up out of the aisle to let them through!). Admittedly, most people carry baskets, but even so, meeting another person in the aisle who is also carrying a basket would not be comfortable. It was utterly claustrophobic in there! Also, the check-out lanes completely block the entrance so in order to get in or out of the store, you'd have to literally squeeze past the people in line. Finally, there was only room for about four check-outs. The place felt very crowded today, and there weren't even that many people in the store. I think IGA should have thought twice before renting the space. I for one will certainly avoid it in the future.

[hollywoodnorth]

Originally Posted by cjohnny4

I was in the new IGA store this afternoon. What an absolute fire hazard! I can't believe it meets code. The aisles are VERY narrow (only one cart fits so if you run into someone pushing a cart the other way, you'd have to back up out of the aisle to let them through!). Admittedly, most people carry baskets, but even so, meeting another person in the aisle who is also carrying a basket would not be comfortable. It was utterly claustrophobic in there! Also, the check-out lanes completely block the entrance so in order to get in or out of the store, you'd have to literally squeeze past the people in line. Finally, there was only room for about four check-outs. The place felt very crowded today, and there weren't even that many people in the store. I think IGA should have thought twice before renting the space. I for one will certainly avoid it in the future.

sounds like the new URBAN FARE......its fucking uber tight also......and poorly laid out.

I will scope out the new IGA and report back for everyone soon with my thoughts

[agrant]

There's also a new half sized IGA at Broadway and Vine, which has been open for a couple months or so. I've shopped there a few times and find it quite nice. Definately not made for a lot of carts, but I don't see too many people using them so it's no big deal. It's like going to a liquor store, but with a few less people.

[deasine]

Originally Posted by agrant

There's also a new half sized IGA at Broadway and Vine, which has been open for a couple months or so. I've shopped there a few times and find it quite nice. Definately not made for a lot of carts, but I don't see too many people using them so it's no big deal. It's like going to a liquor store, but with a few less people.

maybe they should use asian sized carts, or diaso ones (where it's basically a white cart shell and u can place two baskets on it)


(beside the white sign)

[agrant]

Actually, I think the carts are much smaller than the standard ones you see at the bigger grocery stores. Not as small as those though.

[Canadian Mind]

look like the mini-versions of Superstore carts.

[djh]

Originally Posted by hollywoodnorth

I think Homesense is waiting to open both their new Vancouver Metro Core stores at the same times........do a big hiring fare along with Winners, etc

1 at Robson/Richards + 2 at Cambie @ 8th.

if anyone needs any Retail consulting work done you know who to ask

I can't see that being right. No business would keep their doors closed over the Christmas period if they could open before it. Retail businesses make about 40% of their annual revenue in December. So if the store was ready now, why would they wait until March to open?

Like you said, if I need any retail consulting work done... jk

[johnjimbc]

I'm sure you know better than I, but I figured the timing of homesense opening before Christmas would be someone dependent on if they could really enjoy the benefits of the season. It is one thing to open on Nov 1, benefitting from both a grand opening and by entering the holiday season.

Whereas, if they couldn't be ready to open by Dec 15, they've really missed a bulk of the season, and shoppers may not come in immediately because it takes some bit of time before it would be generally known that the store is open. And if they miss - or misjudge - that first Christmas then they would immediately go into the slowest time of the year.

From that perspective, I figured there decision was that if they could open by early Nov they would but if not, they might as well plan on opening in the early spring (especially being a home store). For a grocery store, the dynamic is probably much different.

As I said my rationale might be totally off and is based on some assumptions, but it would explain one rationale for opening in March.

[hollywoodnorth]

Originally Posted by djh

I can't see that being right. No business would keep their doors closed over the Christmas period if they could open before it. Retail businesses make about 40% of their annual revenue in December. So if the store was ready now, why would they wait until March to open?

Like you said, if I need any retail consulting work done... jk

you know how hard it is to find employees during the Holiday Season?

Let alone to launch a new store?

The IGA simply split up thier core employes from the BURRARD store and moved over some of the managers and cashiers, etc to the NEW store............

Try filling out a whole new store in December with employees downtown.........not very easy.

[SpongeG]

they must be be pretty pissed though that they are missing out

but the average joe - just from people i know at least - had no idea there was a new IGA downtown or that there was going to be a homesense there

i told my friend yesterday that the IGA had opened and he was like huh? where?

[djh]

@HollywoodNorth: According to your theory, they (Homesense) would be paying rent on a recently-finished building that they had occupied, but you're saying they would *deliberately* keep it closed? Hmmm...wouldn't be a very good business move.
As you suggested (HWN) they could move staff over from any of their other stores for a temporary period if they were having problems hiring new staff.

@johnjimbc: Good points re. missing the bulk of the season and possibly delaying the opening, but if a store is popular enough and the PR machine has been put into place properly, there will always be customers on opening day. Just recently, you can find local examples. Think H&M, Tiffanys, Best Buy, and no doubt Apple. When a company is as big as those, having a quiet month in January in one store out of a chain is bearable. They could use it as a settling-in period for ironing-out all the bugs in the new store, so I doubt they would deliberately want to miss Christmas just because the next month or 2 might be quiet.

[hollywoodnorth]

Originally Posted by djh

@HollywoodNorth: According to your theory, they (Homesense) would be paying rent on a recently-finished building that they had occupied, but you're saying they would *deliberately* keep it closed? Hmmm...wouldn't be a very good business move.
As you suggested (HWN) they could move staff over from any of their other stores for a temporary period if they were having problems hiring new staff.

Ya March 08 does seem very long out......

[officedweller]

Will have to check out the IGA.
I remember back when Eatons was renovated and the renovations finished in November or December - there was a huge sale of unsold merchandise after Christmas that year.

[jlousa]

Don't know how is the architect for either E 62 Cordova or Murray Hotel, don't even know what they will look like, only that they go on sale in the spring. I'm sure the details will come out shortly. I'll keep you posted.

[jlousa]

3 Harbour Green is now in pre-bid, still a ways off though but details are coming out, 34 storeys with 4 levels of u/g parking and will house 95 units. Expected to see the development board in late spring/08.

[officedweller]

Hopefully they are preserving the facade of the Murray Hotel - nice big stone arches on that building.

[Powell]

Hi everyone.. Ive been a long time reader, but Ive never posted.

If I remember correctly a while back someone posted that Emery Barnes Park would eventually be extended across the alley and use that entire block as park space. Is this true or is that land going to be developed?

[officedweller]

True - as of the summer, the City was expropriating the final parcels of land.

[SpongeG]

its true

they plan to make the park larger - the park there now is phase 1

[officedweller]

BTW - thought I saw some equipment demolishing the west building at the Plaza of Nations. The one that held the McDonalds during Expo as well as the Unicorn Pub, etc.