CF Pacific Centre Developments

[TwoFace]

Originally Posted by theKB

One brand manager I have spoken with (high end boutique line that is very specialty) is actually pulling their line from the bay because the staff don't take the time to properly sell the product.

Not sure how that would work, as you would assume that since he's leasing the space, his employees are his responsibility.

But it does appear that the new model for the large retailers is to minimize all risk to themselves.

From Forbes ...

"If one walks into most any big-name retailer – Macy’s, Nordstrom, etc. – you will typically find the beauty products on the entry level. Whether it is Chanel or Lancome or some other brand, each product maker is “showcased” at its own counter. It turns out that the retailer sub-lets the space to the product maker and the counter is actually staffed by an employee of the product maker, not the retailer. In essence, each of these beauty product counters is a store within a store."

[TwoFace]

Originally Posted by connect2source

Overall Hudson's Bay is well postioned to take on Nordstrom IMO and will likely always be slightly edgier and innovative and have of more cosmopolitan and trendy feel.

It could also be said that The Bay or Nordstom is mainly providing lease space for other companies under their brand name umbrella, similar to Cadillac Fairview providing mall space.

[spm2013]

...

[daveraver]

Originally Posted by TwoFace

Nordstroms should be sweating a bit. Target's Canadian expansion has been a total financial disaster thus far.
The figures for Q3 have posted a loss of $238 Million.

The main reason for Target's Q3 loss was due to the Canadian expansion (which was expected by the company and the market). It was the profit $ that was less than expected. I really don't see Target's expansion in Canada as a bad decision...it will likely improve dramatically now that all (or most) of the Zellers locations have been converted.
Also, like others have said, comparing this to the Nordstrom expansion into Canada is not the same. They have a different demographic to that of Target. In either case, I think we'll see both do well in the end.

[daveraver]

Originally Posted by officedweller

What should be more worrying to Nordstrom (in the Vancouver market) is that 2 past department stores who tried to move upscale both failed - first Woodward's, then Eaton's (and that doesn't count Sears' attempt to maintain eatons as a higher end division). On top of that, since then, Husdon's Bay has moved upscale and Holt Renfrew has expanded.

The difference is that they aren't 'trying' to move upscale, they are already there (for the most part). They have built a reputation that has been around for over 100 years. They are well known in the industry. Their customer service is world-renowned. I'm sure they also did their homework (i.e. Sears attempt to re-market Eatons into a high end store). I can't imagine a company of this size NOT taking these things into consideration and NOT doing their due diligence.

[jlousa]

Okay that's enough guys, take it to the retail thread.

[204]

Originally Posted by theKB

I think people will be the biggest struggle that Nordstrom, Saks and any other large american entrant into the Vancouver market will face. Neimans, Saks, Nordstrom etc all seem to groom people who are passionate and helpful salespeople that are there to serve the consumer and build a relationship with them.

Very good point. Current retail service leaves MUCH to be desired in Vancouver. Just getting a "thank you" from a retail clerk nowadays in this city is hard to come by. Lots of work to do.

[officedweller]

Pics by me today:

Granville St side - more glass on top level:
EDIT: First canopy steel has been installed, but it's too dark to take a pic now.


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Howe St side:


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Howe & Robson: Steel for the protruding restaurant space:


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Robson St side:


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Howe St streetwall:


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[theKB]

Originally Posted by TwoFace

Not sure how that would work, as you would assume that since he's leasing the space, his employees are his responsibility.

he is not leasing space from the bay in this case, the bay ordered and placed that product in "the room". There is a good mix and you can usually tell which sections are leased space vs. product the bay orders.

To get it back on topic, sharing a pic of the view from 725 Granville courtesy of a friend's instagram account

[officedweller]

Nice.
Looks like curtain wall will be installed soon on the Howe side.

[rsxstock]

Originally Posted by officedweller

Howe St side:


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why are the corner floor sections hollow? is it a new addition?

[phesto]

Interesting angle from Flickr:


IMG_0059 by blazzzinred [vancityhotshots], on Flickr

[Denscity]

Sweet last pic!!

[SpongeG]

Originally Posted by daveraver

The main reason for Target's Q3 loss was due to the Canadian expansion (which was expected by the company and the market). It was the profit $ that was less than expected. I really don't see Target's expansion in Canada as a bad decision...it will likely improve dramatically now that all (or most) of the Zellers locations have been converted.
Also, like others have said, comparing this to the Nordstrom expansion into Canada is not the same. They have a different demographic to that of Target. In either case, I think we'll see both do well in the end.

sorry to go off topic again - nordstorm has already publicly said they cannot carry a lot of the clothing brands they carry in the states due to other Canadian retailers have exclusive rights over the brands and because of that they will have less selection and will concentrate on service and offering a better shoe department

will be interesting to see what they offer and how they pan out

anyway the space is looking good - can't wait to see it in person next month

[Klazu]

Ho, ho, ho! The crane has received christmas lights.

[subdude]

Thanks, cool shot.

I really need to take some pics while this sunny weather lasts...

[trofirhen]

I think this building, when the exterior is finished up, will give downtown more than it thought, in the positive sense.
The reflective glass is pale, muted, and an almost iridescent mix of pale bronze, green, and blue-grey tones.
This will visually amplify the Howe Street side especially during the day, and the Art Gallery, its grounds and Robson square
greenery will seem extended, along with the other buildings and the sky.
At night, the bright white lights next to the Future Shop in the photo, will be reflected, lighting up further that block of Granville.
This building, when complete on the exterior, may generate more positive response than originally imagined.

[officedweller]

Great shots.
The one posted by Phesto geoves a good view of the roofdeck at the setback.

2 sections of canopy steel (one looks crooked, so not permenantly placed yet)
are up on the Granville roofdeck setbacks. Pic by me today:



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[officedweller]

The canopy steel is being shifted out to the ends of the I-beams.
Pic by me today:


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[officedweller]

Canopy steel on Granville.

Pic by me today:


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