The Retail Thread

[Policy Wonk]

Originally Posted by Retail-Insider

The Downtown Calgary Bay will be getting further renovations, but unfortunately nothing close to what Vancouver is getting. Calgary will not be getting the women's luxury floor 'The Room', according to its creative director Nicholas Mellamphy, for example. The downtown store could possibly be getting a Bloomingdale's concession, though that still hasn't been finalized. Fortunately Calgary's Bay is about 500,000 sq ft, providing enough room for some creativity. TopShop/TopMan is also a possibility, though I haven't yet heard it confirmed.

There are some tremendous challenges presented by the building in terms of interior modernization resulting from the fact it is three different structures built over a span of forty years and the original building was ridiculously over-built to provide for four additional floors of warehousing that were never completed. The first expansion extended it to 8th Ave and the second expansion completed in 1956 expanded it to its present size. Prior to this final expansion a new store was likely to be built on the present site of the parkade and the original store demolished.

[5seconds]

Originally Posted by mrcccondor

Is this criticism of the architecture of a casino on a reserve? Seriously? There is a time and a place to step it up - this isn't one of them.

I think when it's visible from a residential neighbourhood, design is still important (especially on a facility that is rarely approved adjacent to residential communities)

[Retail-Insider]

Henri Bendel is actively seeking space at Chinook Centre. We'll announce when a lease is signed. Bendel's first Canadian location will be at Toronto's Sherway Gardens: http://www.retail-insider.com/2012/09/henri-bendel-coming-to-canada-first.html

"NYC-based Henri Bendel will open a 3212 square foot store at Toronto's Sherway Gardens shopping centre. Several other Canadian locations in the works. The store will be located in a new north-end mall expansion..."

[DizzyEdge]

People were complaining that Sherway Gardens was barely in Toronto, but it seems like CF are perfectly positioning it as a high end mall right between Mississauga and TO.

[Plus15]

Just an interesting thing I learned about Tiffany & Co., the small boutique space inside Holt Renfrew Calgary, which was previously operated by Holts as an authorized Tiffany reseller, has been taken over by the parent company. Tiffany also has taken over the shops in the Holt Renfrew in Vancouver, Ottawa and Montreal. Appears that Holts will remain the operator of the Edmonton counter for the time being.

There are now about a dozen Tiffany & Co. stores in Canada - quite the increase considering a few years ago there were so few.

[Calgarian]

Originally Posted by Policy Wonk

There are some tremendous challenges presented by the building in terms of interior modernization resulting from the fact it is three different structures built over a span of forty years and the original building was ridiculously over-built to provide for four additional floors of warehousing that were never completed. The first expansion extended it to 8th Ave and the second expansion completed in 1956 expanded it to its present size. Prior to this final expansion a new store was likely to be built on the present site of the parkade and the original store demolished.

Glad they decided to keep the Bay store, one of my favourite heritage buildings in the city. Definitely needs a renovation though, that store is showing its age.

[Plus15]

Originally Posted by Calgarian

Glad they decided to keep the Bay store, one of my favourite heritage buildings in the city. Definitely needs a renovation though, that store is showing its age.

I agree - it would have been a tragedy to lose the iconic Bay building and its arcades. Inside, the ground, 2nd and 3rd floors are fitted out decently, albeit in the suburban style. But the 4th (ladies and children),5th (furniture) and to a lesser extent the basement, are an absolute disgrace. And all the escalators need replacing...

Does anyone know what the plans are for updating the food services at the Bay downtown? Having them in the basement where they are now seems a bit off as there is little foot traffic. Probably the best placement would be on the main level next to the arcade facing Stephen Ave.

[Wigs]

Originally Posted by DizzyEdge

People were complaining that Sherway Gardens was barely in Toronto, but it seems like CF are perfectly positioning it as a high end mall right between Mississauga and TO.

agreed. It used to be considered pretty decent, anyway. I'll never forget this quote from my friend in HS in the late 90s. "Wigmore, this mall is pimp. They have expensive leather couches all over the common areas". and compared to our regional mall, The Pen Centre and especially our local Seaway Mall it was

[Rusty van Reddick]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned (forgive me if I'm wrong here) the street-level transformation at High Street House on 17th Ave SW just west of Hansen's Square. I thought it was just landscaping but it's much more than that.

[DizzyEdge]

That is really awesome. There are a LOT of buildings on highstreets which would be great to do similar modifications to.

Such as both of these:

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=calgary&h...BA32qIA8mYTxfLl4A&cbp=12,358.35,,0,-4.02

and this

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=calgary&h...iOOyLnBTG3ZISZe0Jw&cbp=12,199.33,,0,3.31

[fusili]

Originally Posted by Rusty van Reddick

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned (forgive me if I'm wrong here) the street-level transformation at High Street House on 17th Ave SW just west of Hansen's Square. I thought it was just landscaping but it's much more than that.

Yeah, they are pretty much building out to property line on the north side and I believe on the west as well. The material change is great.

[mrcccondor]

I was hugely disappointed to see Wind Mobile has taken the retail space on 1 St SW and Stephen Ave (Fashion Central). I was really hoping to see something with a bit more character in that location.

[Plus15]

Originally Posted by mrcccondor

I was hugely disappointed to see Wind Mobile has taken the retail space on 1 St SW and Stephen Ave (Fashion Central). I was really hoping to see something with a bit more character in that location.

I agree...seems like a step backwards - why not put Subway back in there while at it?

[Ramsayfarian]

Despite swearing that I'd never go to CIM, I've recently heard that Hugo Boss has opened a store there. Has anyone been yet and is it worth the trip?

[Wigs]

edited for lame-ity

[tsumetai]

Originally Posted by Ramsayfarian

Despite swearing that I'd never go to CIM, I've recently heard that Hugo Boss has opened a store there. Has anyone been yet and is it worth the trip?

Heard the suits there were good and decently priced (avg $600-$1000 iirc). Similar to what you'd find at a Boss store @ Premium Outlet in the States. A couple friends already bought suits. I have yet to go personally though.

[Ramsayfarian]

Originally Posted by tsumetai

Heard the suits there were good and decently priced (avg $600-$1000 iirc). Similar to what you'd find at a Boss store @ Premium Outlet in the States. A couple friends already bought suits. I have yet to go personally though.

Thanks.. I'll try to muster the courage for a visit.

[DizzyEdge]

Question: Can anyone comment on which Winners in town would be best for mens wear, such as 'business wear', casual, and shoes? I'm assuming not just one location would be the best for all three of those, but I could be wrong.

[eggbert]

Originally Posted by DizzyEdge

Question: Can anyone comment on which Winners in town would be best for mens wear, such as 'business wear', casual, and shoes? I'm assuming not just one location would be the best for all three of those, but I could be wrong.

The Westhills one has a men's designer section. I've always found this one to offer the best selection for men, although it is hit and miss.

[DizzyEdge]

Thanks, i haven't been to that one, I'll have to check it out.