[Moncton] Retail Thread

[Norshorer]

I think the biggest issue in today's retail market is that the malls in Moncton/Dieppe are becoming too female-focussed.

Take a look at new tenants when they move into Mapleton or Champlain... 90% of the time, it's a women's fashion/accessory/shoe/beauty store. There's SO many male-oriented tenants which could be here instead, but the excuses for not setting up shop are always the same such as population/demand/economy/market, etc. So you mean there's more female demand for female-only stores than there is male demand for male-only stores? I have a hard time believing that.

I often travel to the "outlet malls" around New England and it annoys the hell out of me when I see what they have and how easy it would be to setup the same stores here if only the retailers would be willing to take a chance on us.

The one thing we're missing is factory outlet stores... sure, there's a few here and there around town, but nothing the likes of what they have in small communities dotted around NH, ME & MA... and when I say small, I mean "less population than Moncton/Dieppe/Riverview" small. If they can have it, why can't we?

Where's the MENS shoe stores like Nike, Reebok, New Balance factory outlets? What about more electronics stores? (I've resigned to the fact that we're never getting a Best Buy, but there's others out there that could come to Moncton). What about MENS clothing stores that cater to Big & Tall (we've got what? 1 store in all of Moncton/Dieppe/Riverview?), LL Bean, etc. Where's the photography shops? (Sorry, haven't gone to Ivan's in years since they never have anything in-stock).

It's just infuriating when I have to do all my clothing/shoe shopping in USA vs. being able to do it here due to lack of choices, higher prices/markup, and lack of retailers. There were rumors floating around the forums a while back that Tanger Outlets were thinking of coming here. Like every other rumor, I'll believe it when I see it.

Sure, Cabella's/Bass Pro Shops will be a major score for the hunting/fishing crowd and who knows? Maybe they might carry the same things as a MEC which will finally fill that void? But we need more stuff for MEN!!

Call me what you will, but I think women have more than enough choices/sizes/retailers around the area already and can do without anything else for the next few years. I mean, seriously... did we REALLY need a Victoria's Secret? The only thing they sell is women's underwear and they're taking up a massive chunk of retail space which could have been better used by something else.

Come on... what the hell is next? A women's hair beads store? A store that sells Faberge'd tampon cases? A store that sells exotic organic lipsticks? Enough already... I'd just like to see something that caters to men vs. store after store after store which caters only to women. The only reason I bother going to Champlain anymore is HMV & Jump+... that's it. If those 2 stores ever close, then I'll likely never set foot inside the mall again.

I know a lot of forum members like compiling lists/graphics/charts... I'd like (if someone is so inclined) to see a list of all the women-only stores in Moncton/Dieppe/Riverview vs all the men-only stores and I'm sure that the final results would prove my point that the retail market is over-saturated with female-only stores.

[end rant]

[L'homard]

It's worse than you think.
I highly doubt BPS is actually coming. Have they done anything other than put out a news release?

[MonctonRad]

Cabela's is a definite go.

Bass Pro Shop is less certain. There has been nothing official beyond that initial press release. I did find a short item on a construction industry website indicating the project would be on the order of about $15M, and there have been job adverts out there for an assistant manager and an HR manager for the store, but that's it......

I still think that BPS wants to come, but that they are packaged with a larger development that isn't quite ready to be announced. BPS usually teams up with larger regional power centres or factory outlet centres, which is why I have been speculating on a Tanger Factory Outlet mall.

If there is something critical out there which might put the kibosh to this "mythical" larger development, then BPS certainly could back out. There is no certainty here.......

[NBNYer]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Cabela's is a definite go.

Bass Pro Shop is less certain. There has been nothing official beyond that initial press release. I did find a short item on a construction industry website indicating the project would be on the order of about $15M, and there have been job adverts out there for an assistant manager and an HR manager for the store, but that's it......

I still think that BPS wants to come, but that they are packaged with a larger development that isn't quite ready to be announced. BPS usually teams up with larger regional power centres or factory outlet centres, which is why I have been speculating on a Tanger Factory Outlet mall.

If there is something critical out there which might put the kibosh to this "mythical" larger development, then BPS certainly could back out. There is no certainty here.......

Although not a confirmation, that's enough evidence for me to push it past rumor stage for sure, I'm a bit more optimistic than L'homard. Tanger Factory Outlets though... I'd be very surprised to see them make an announcement for New-Brunswick. These are super-regional retail establishments and with a declining, or stagnant at best, provincial population, and a sluggish economy, I doubt we are the most attractive development location for an entire outlet mall's worth of new higher-end retailers.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by NBNYer

Tanger Factory Outlets though... I'd be very surprised to see them make an announcement for New-Brunswick. These are super-regional retail establishments and with a declining, or stagnant at best, provincial population, and a sluggish economy, I doubt we are the most attractive development location for an entire outlet mall's worth of new higher-end retailers.

NB's population growth may be sluggish or non-existent, but the same comment can be made for both NS and PEI too.

Meanwhile, Moncton itself remains one of the fastest growing CMA's in the country and Moncton is the most centrally located major city in the entire region. Tanger wants to build 12-15 factory outlet malls in Canada. It would seem reasonable that one of them might be in Atlantic Canada. The most obvious choices for such a development in our region would be Moncton or Halifax.

It would not be inconceivable to see such a development in our city, especially if it were paired up with a Bass Pro Shop.......

[Taeolas]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

NB's population growth may be sluggish or non-existent, but the same comment can be made for both NS and PEI too.

Meanwhile, Moncton itself remains one of the fastest growing CMA's in the country and Moncton is the most centrally located major city in the entire region. Tanger wants to build 12-15 factory outlet malls in Canada. It would seem reasonable that one of them might be in Atlantic Canada. The most obvious choices for such a development in our region would be Moncton or Halifax.

It would not be inconceivable to see such a development in our city, especially if it were paired up with a Bass Pro Shop.......

Could it be they're fishing for perks (Tanger's more than BSP) before making the final announcement. Seems to me that they'd want to set up in the hub region somewhere; which basically would boil down to Moncton or Amherst. They may be politicing to see who can give the better deal before announcing. (Though BSP may have tipped their hand a bit, since BSP seems to be trying to steal/share some of Cabela's announcement thunder)

[NBNYer]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

NB's population growth may be sluggish or non-existent, but the same comment can be made for both NS and PEI too.

Meanwhile, Moncton itself remains one of the fastest growing CMA's in the country and Moncton is the most centrally located major city in the entire region. Tanger wants to build 12-15 factory outlet malls in Canada. It would seem reasonable that one of them might be in Atlantic Canada. The most obvious choices for such a development in our region would be Moncton or Halifax.

It would not be inconceivable to see such a development in our city, especially if it were paired up with a Bass Pro Shop.......

It's not inconceivable. My point was that these retailers rely more-so on the draw from larger geographical areas than just the immediate areas they're located in, hence super-regional. They would most likely be looking at regional population numbers and disposable income rather than just the local ones. Moncton might be doing well, but the provincial and maritime picture as a whole is not as rosy. Some of these outlet mall developments in New-England may be located in similar sized, or even smaller cities than Moncton, but they tend to be in closer proximity to large population centres in Southern NE.

I agree with you that, if they are to come to the maritimes, then Halifax or Moncton are the only 2 real options. Also, having an anchor like BPS would be a definite draw for other smaller retailers as it pretty much guarantees retail traffic. You never know, but I still call it a long shot.

[MonctonRad]

Regarding Bass Pro Shops - this is the advert for the HR Manager for the Moncton location. It would make sense that one of the first people they would hire would be an HR manager in order to look after all hiring for the new location. I'm sure they would want to fill this position at least a year before the new store opening.

Human Resources Manager CANADA NEW BRUNSWICK (Moncton)
JOB SUMMARY

Bass Pro Shops is seeking an experienced HR Manager to support our store location. The successful candidate will build strong partnerships with Store Management and Bass Pro Associates. The HR Manager will be responsible for delivering HR programs and processes to enable the success of the business. Responsibilities include training, employment practices, recognition and reward programs, staffing, performance management, compliance and creating and maintaining a positive associate relations environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Supports a strong commitment to world class customer service and ensures a pleasant and productive shopping experience for all customers
Execute all HR related policies, practices and direction from the Company
Provides leadership and support for Store Management team
Assists with development and implementation of HR programs to source, recruit, hire, develop and train Management associates to fill vacancies and to provide candidates for the future growth of the Company.
Assists Management to staff the Store with “service” oriented associates; participates in interviewing and selection, coordinates training, prepares / approves performance appraisals, recommends merit / promotional increases, prepares weekly work schedules, coaches and motivates associates to promote positive customer relations and a productive team-oriented work environment
Meets all retention goals set by the Company.
Maintains open door policy in the store.
Administers all recognition programs.
Supervises the Focus Group program and follows up on all issues.
Establishes a store level communication program to include: Newsletter, handouts, meetings, check stuffers, etc.
Resolves associate issues
Facilitates training for all levels in the store. Ensures compliance with all training programs.
Other duties as assigned

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

3-5 years HR experience in a Generalist role (preferably in Retail)
2 years Management experience

[benvui]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Regarding Bass Pro Shops - this is the advert for the HR Manager for the Moncton location. It would make sense that one of the first people they would hire would be an HR manager in order to look after all hiring for the new location. I'm sure they would want to fill this position at least a year before the new store opening.

Here is the Job Advert for the General Manager

General Manager CANADA NEW BRUNSWICK (Moncton)
Bass Pro Shops is one of the nation's leading merchants of outdoor recreational products with sixty-four retail stores as well as a robust internet, catalog and wholesale business. The Springfield, MO store is approximately 300,000 square feet in size and ranks as the state's number one tourist attraction.

We are currently accepting applications for the General Manager position in our Moncton, New Brunswick store scheduled to open in 2014. Qualified candidates will have at least 10 years multi store or big box retail management experience.

I think it is interesting to note that the posting says the store is scheduled to open in 2014. I took this posting from their corporate website here

[NBNYer]

Originally Posted by benvui

I think it is interesting to note that the posting says the store is scheduled to open in 2014. I took this posting from their corporate website here

That sure would be a tight schedule if they're still planning for 2014.

[MonctonRad]

I saw that general manager job advertisment too, and I assumed that this was a typo. There were similar job adverts (with identical wording) for general managers for a couple of their other planned Canadian locations on their website, and these notices were all clones of each other. In other words, the job ads were not individualized for each location. As such, I take the 2014 date with a huge grain of salt.

Unless they break ground in the next few weeks, I think even a fall 2015 opening would be generous. I would not be surprised if BPS doesn't open in Moncton until 2016, and as I have said before, it is still early enough in the game for them to change their mind and back out entirely (like Best Buy did).

I am certain they fully intend to open in Moncton, but will remain nervous until I see a formal announcement of where in the metro area they plan to build........

[josh_cat_eyes]

I think they could get a building built and open by Christmas. They are pushing it pretty close tho! Maybe it won't be opening in 2014, but the manager would be needed to start work in 2014.

[MonctonRad]

There is now a new "coming soon" sign at the Mapleton Centre for the Ashley Furniture Home Store.

[Stirsnack]

Slow news week. No posts for 12 days, thought i might spark something up.

How about a small debate ?

Does Metro Moncton need / could use a 3rd Walmart. If So can Riverview support one ?

and....................go

[josh_cat_eyes]

Yes. Riverview has a pretty big population of it a own, and Albert County has a population of almost 29,000 people. I think it's a decent sized market and could sustain a Walmart.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by Stirsnack

Does Metro Moncton need / could use a 3rd Walmart. If So can Riverview support one ?

and....................go

Not much response so far, so I will put in my $.02 from far off San Diego.

I shall paraphrase the Bene Gesserit Litany from Frank Herbert's sci-fi classic "Dune".

"Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration."

WalMart is the retail killer, WalMart is the little-death that brings total obliteration..........

Greater Moncton has two WalMart Supercentres now, with the store on Plaza Blvd supposedly the largest one in the Maritimes. Do we need another one in Riverview? I would say emphatically no!. Would it be more convenient to the denizens on the other side of the river? I would imagine that it would be; and with close to 30,000 people in Albert County, there probably is the population base to support a store, but WalMart is such a predator on the existing retail base in a community that I think that it would be far too deleterious to the retail sector in greater Moncton to actually be advocating for another one.

We would be far better off expanding the retail base with new and different retialers, not another WalMart.........

[Hogie75]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Not much response so far, so I will put in my $.02 from far off San Diego.

I shall paraphrase the Bene Gesserit Litany from Frank Herbert's sci-fi classic "Dune".

"Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration."

WalMart is the retail killer, WalMart is the little-death that brings total obliteration..........

Greater Moncton has two WalMart Supercentres now, with the store on Plaza Blvd supposedly the largest one in the Maritimes. Do we need another one in Riverview? I would say emphatically no!. Would it be more convenient to the denizens on the other side of the river? I would imagine that it would be; and with close to 30,000 people in Albert County, there probably is the population base to support a store, but WalMart is such a predator on the existing retail base in a community that I think that it would be far too deleterious to the retail sector in greater Moncton to actually be advocating for another one.

We would be far better off expanding the retail base with new and different retialers, not another WalMart.........

Truthfully I am shocked and amazed that a smaller chain such as Rossy or something like that has not moved into Riverview. There is definitely a population for it.

[NBNYer]

Oh no! Please no more Walmarts in Moncton. Not sure how true this still is but I've read that St-John's is currently the smallest city in Canada with 3 Walmarts in its metro (Fredericton is the smallest with two, btw). Moncton does not need this distinction, it only duplicates existing retail and limits variety.

[Taeolas]

Originally Posted by NBNYer

Oh no! Please no more Walmarts in Moncton. Not sure how true this still is but I've read that St-John's is currently the smallest city in Canada with 3 Walmarts in its metro (Fredericton is the smallest with two, btw). Moncton does not need this distinction, it only duplicates existing retail and limits variety.

Actually, didn't Moncton pass Saint John as NB's biggest city? So even with 3, Saint John would still be the smallest.

[NBNYer]

Originally Posted by Taeolas

Actually, didn't Moncton pass Saint John as NB's biggest city? So even with 3, Saint John would still be the smallest.

St-John's NFL, not Saint John NB. As far as I know, Saint John NB has 2 Walmarts.