The Metro Vancouver Retail Thread - Page 384

connect2source · #**7661** Posted **Jun 26, 2014, 8:19 PM**

If these landlords ( 1100 block Robson ) were smart and could organize, they'd benefit enormously from redeveloping to accommodate large format international retailers looking to set-up shop in Vancouver but unable to find adequate or suitable space, stores such as Uniqlo, Mango, Zara Home, All Saints and the like I'm certain would be receptive. It seems to be what the landlords and owners are doing on the 1000 block and it's working very well.

Vin · #**7662** Posted **Jun 27, 2014, 8:39 AM**

These owners are resting on their laurels due to a lack of serious competition. Build a new mall at the eastern Robson area and I'm pretty sure these owners at the 1100 block will scramble to organize for a redevelopment.

theKB · #**7663** Posted **Jun 27, 2014, 4:13 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vin

These owners are resting on their laurels due to a lack of serious competition. Build a new mall at the eastern Robson area and I'm pretty sure these owners at the 1100 block will scramble to organize for a redevelopment.

That isn't just a robson problem. That is a vancouver problem as a whole. Too many property owners that just don't care to keep their properties up to date or invest in improving them because they sit and wait to buy the next guy so they can build or develop or just sit and wait to cash in.

bjan · #**7664** Posted **Jun 27, 2014, 4:44 PM**

Vin,

Give the new downtown mall thing a rest already. We've talked about it to death! It's not happening so let's move on shall we?

connect2source · #**7665** Posted **Jun 27, 2014, 7:30 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vin

These owners are resting on their laurels due to a lack of serious competition. Build a new mall at the eastern Robson area and I'm pretty sure these owners at the 1100 block will scramble to organize for a redevelopment.

It won't take a new mall, the heat is already being turned up on these landlords by the development going on the 1000 block ( Sephora, Roots re-do and the recent Forever 21 building ) and all the new Alberni developments. I predict they'll eventually be keen to catch up and attract all the new large format international retails looking for suitable space in high traffic areas.

LotusLand · #**7666** Posted **Jun 27, 2014, 8:44 PM**

Uniqlo to open on Robson, perhaps pacific centre as well. Corner of Alberni and Thurlow would make a good spot for Uniqlo.

http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2014/06/uniqlo-vancouver-stores-negotiating/

Didn't know Retail Insider wrote for these guys.

spm2013 · #**7667** Posted **Jun 27, 2014, 9:32 PM**

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Prometheus · #**7668** Posted **Jun 27, 2014, 11:23 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by LotusLand

Uniqlo to open on Robson, perhaps pacific centre as well.

http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2014/06/uniqlo-vancouver-stores-negotiating/

Didn't know Retail Insider wrote for these guys.

The vancitybuzz article is a smaller version of a larger story published on Retail Insider three weeks ago. And, to be precise, it doesn't say Uniqlo is opening a store on Robson. It says that Uniqlo wants and is in talks to open a store on Robson, according to sources.

Retail-Insider · #**7669** Posted **Jun 27, 2014, 11:40 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prometheus

The vancitybuzz article is a smaller version of a larger story published on Retail Insider three weeks ago. And it actually doesn't say Uniqlo is opening a store on Robson. It says that Uniqlo wants and is in talks to open a store on Robson, according to sources:

http://www.retail-insider.com/retail-insider/2014/6/uniqlo

We've received new information since publishing that last article. Uniqlo is on the hunt and it's not so much "if" but "when" they open here.

We'll be periodically reporting Vancouver retail news on Vancity Buzz, and today was our first post.

Prometheus · #**7670** Posted **Jun 27, 2014, 11:56 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retail-Insider

We've received new information since publishing that last article. Uniqlo is on the hunt and it's not so much "if" but "when" they open here.

Yes, you made that clear in your original article. But unless you are now reporting a deal has been done (which you haven't yet), that's not really new information.

Joat · #**7671** Posted **Jun 28, 2014, 2:23 AM**

Now that Uniqlo looks like a sure thing, the next one id like to see come is Pull & Bear. Though I dont even think they've entered the US yet so It could be some time before that happens.

Metro-One · #**7672** Posted **Jun 28, 2014, 2:24 AM**

I love Uniqlo, haha, nearly half my wardrobe is from Uniqlo...

Joat · #**7673** Posted **Jun 28, 2014, 2:41 AM**

Yeah yeah we get it you're a Japanophile. Jesus Christ give it a rest.

Metro-One · #**7674** Posted **Jun 28, 2014, 2:43 AM**

Hehehehe

Do you think anyone on here has figured out we are cousins yet?

Joat · #**7675** Posted **Jun 28, 2014, 2:55 AM**

I don't think its ever been explicitly stated and I'm a pretty elusive poster so I don't see how anyone would know.

Anyway I'm glad its likely to be on Robson. What are some good candidate buildings for it?

connect2source · #**7676** Posted **Jun 28, 2014, 3:38 PM**

Uniqlo tends to do 'flagship' style stores when they open 'non-mall' locations. There are no structures on Robson suitable, I could only see them developing their own structure on Robson similar to what Sephora is currently doing on the 1000 block. There are many buildings on the 1100 block long-overdue for redevelopment such as the London Drugs complex or most of the Robson Fashion Park ( where Gap is and Below the Belt just vacated ). I could also see them do a 'flagship' on Granville perhaps part of the Granville-7 Theatre redevelopment. Regardless, I hope they do a high-impact street location rather than a mall location.

spm2013 · #**7677** Posted **Jun 28, 2014, 4:10 PM**

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connect2source · #**7678** Posted **Jun 28, 2014, 7:03 PM**

Agreed, the signage at Robson Centre Place reflects the old 'awning based' signage concept which payed homage to Robsonstrasse in some ways but it's no longer current. We have some very high profile international players there like Zara, A/X, J Crew and you can barely read the titles on the awnings. They should revise it all to bold high-impact signage which would make the block exciting. I have, however, noticed that the new 'Browns' opted out of the awning-signage and went for a much more bold sign which works a million times better.

spm2013 · #**7679** Posted **Jun 28, 2014, 8:05 PM**

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Vin · #**7680** Posted **Jun 29, 2014, 5:13 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by theKB

That isn't just a robson problem. That is a vancouver problem as a whole. Too many property owners that just don't care to keep their properties up to date or invest in improving them because they sit and wait to buy the next guy so they can build or develop or just sit and wait to cash in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by connect2source

It won't take a new mall, the heat is already being turned up on these landlords by the development going on the 1000 block ( Sephora, Roots re-do and the recent Forever 21 building ) and all the new Alberni developments. I predict they'll eventually be keen to catch up and attract all the new large format international retails looking for suitable space in high traffic areas.

Whatever it takes. They do need a push factor, and I'm glad it's happening.