The Metro Vancouver Retail Thread

[Joat]

I feel like they might've done better with a slower start and maybe starting with city targets in all the big cities. And of course lower prices and stocked shelves.

I guess some of it mightve been their own hubris thinking that they were the shit and Canadians would just flock there despite higher prices and shitty selections.

[st7860]

Originally Posted by whatnext

I went to Target in Lansdowne for the first time over Christmas and my first reaction was, "what's the big deal?". Harsh lighting, bargain bin layout and crappy clothes.

I wonder if Nordstrom is also in for a nasty shock. Canadians are primarily a cheap people (witness long border line-ups to save a few bucks on gas and cheese). Are there enough Chinese astronauts to keep a store the size of their downtown location in business?

Guess where (for 2013 anyway) the top BMW saleswoman in the world is based

[LeftCoaster]

Originally Posted by s211

In BC, unfortunately yes. AB? Another matter.

I think you might want to check your tax calculator again. Most BC residents pay less income tax than someone living in Alberta. Only at the very high end (~1% of earners) does Alberta offer a more favourable income tax regime.

[s211]

Originally Posted by LeftCoaster

I think you might want to check your tax calculator again. Most BC residents pay less income tax than someone living in Alberta. Only at the very high end (~1% of earners) does Alberta offer a more favourable income tax regime.

Income tax is only one of the many taxes to take into account, and disposable incomes are vastly higher in Alberta.

I pay far more taxes (of all stripes) in BC than I ever paid in Alberta.

[LeftCoaster]

Hmm well OD was talking about take home pay, thereby income tax, so I think my point is still quite valid.

Other than sales taxes I can't think of any major taxes in BC that are meaningfully higher than Alberta. Corporate tax rates are nearly identical and income tax and Capital gains taxes vary depending on income level.

Mostly this is a product of competitive forces, with BC forced to match Alberta's rates since they compete for a very similar labour pool.

[daveraver]

Originally Posted by whatnext

I went to Target in Lansdowne for the first time over Christmas and my first reaction was, "what's the big deal?". Harsh lighting, bargain bin layout and crappy clothes.

I wonder if Nordstrom is also in for a nasty shock. Canadians are primarily a cheap people (witness long border line-ups to save a few bucks on gas and cheese). Are there enough Chinese astronauts to keep a store the size of their downtown location in business?

The Nordstrom in Calgary is doing quite well. In fact, it's doing better than the company expectations. Nordstrom in Canada will be fine. Their approach to entering Canada is gradual and they are meeting a retail need that no store in Canada provides.

[daveraver]

Originally Posted by WarrenC12

I side with Target on that one.

People were screaming for it to come to Canada, and then they were surprised when prices were higher? What kind of an idiot are you if you think prices will be the same as the US. Check Costco, Walmart, and so on.

I like Target in Canada. Great alternative to Walmart IMO. I'm not sure why they are failing TBH.

Completely agree with the above statement and opinion. Now that the exchange rate is 20% (give or take), is it REALLY that much cheaper to shop at Target in the US? We need Target in Canada as that encourages competition. They also have some exclusive merchandise that very few retailers in Canada sells so that provides us with some choice. I don't see how Target in Canada is a bad thing...

[theKB]

Originally Posted by st7860

Guess where (for 2013 anyway) the top BMW saleswoman in the world is based

Honestly that person's success does not rest on the shoulders of chinese buyers alone. Along the same sentiments Canada houses at least FOUR of the top automotive sales people globally.

[st7860]

Originally Posted by theKB

Honestly that person's success does not rest on the shoulders of chinese buyers alone. Along the same sentiments Canada houses at least FOUR of the top automotive sales people globally.

I made a mistake it was in 2008 not 2013 lol

http://www.autos.ca/general-news/canadian-is-bmws-top-salesperson-worldwide/

Whitby, Ontario – Ludia Li, a sales consultant at Auto West BMW in Richmond, British Columbia, has been named the BMW World Ambassador as the top sales consultant for BMW worldwide for 2008. She was honoured at the 2008 Excellence in Sales Awards in Munich, Germany.

“Ludia Li’s ability to incorporate the successful traits of the BMW brand ambassador with the global village of Greater Vancouver’s ethnic diversity has made her one of the most successful sales consultants I have ever had the privilege of knowing,” said Joachim Neumann, retailer principal at Auto West BMW. “She represents the BMW image well through humanitarian acts and is a leader for all women wanting to enter the industry. This hard work has enabled her to consistently meet her sales objectives every year.”

Nominated by the retailer principal, those eligible for the award must achieve outstanding sales and also portray the role of a BMW Brand Ambassador through their personal behaviour. Li was one of fifteen international top finalists, representing Australia, Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Portugal, Switzerland, Spain, U.K., the U.S.A. and the U.A.E. Her award includes a prize of approximately $24,000 and an award designed by BMW Head Designer Adrian van Hooydonk.

[SpongeG]

I went to target in metrotown last friday and target in seattle on saturday. i didn't notice any differences in pricing. the clearance items i looked at in metrotown were priced the same in seattle and with the exchange the bargains were better in canada.

the same for anthropolgie, all the sale items were priced the same both sides of the border and some of the stuff that i bought on sale on boxing day at the south granville store wasn't even on sale in the states.

As for selection thats not targets fault, if the brand doesn't offer that product in canada Target can't do anything about it, my friend was looking for a neutrogena product that is available only in the states and not in canada. I bought some deodorant from old spice that is only available in the states and not in canada.

I don't get the hate on for target in canada - judging by facebook comments. where are all the negative comments for costco? costco has much better variety and different products in the states compared to canada

I hope they bring nordstrom rack to Canada, I know they delayed the possible opening of it etc. They have some good stuff and the stores are well organized.

Also having an Alberta driver's license saved me some money shopping in washington state, just show em your license and you don't pay tax, some stores make you fill out paper work but most just did something through their till.

[whatnext]

Originally Posted by st7860

Guess where (for 2013 anyway) the top BMW saleswoman in the world is based

You can't lease clothes from Nordstrom.

[SpongeG]

when i was at the bellevue square nordstrom, there were a number of canadians shopping, one of them was getting their purchases shipped to canada to avoid the border hassle

The salepeople are nice, not pushy, like you say i am just looking they will leave you alone unlike i find here where they just keep hounding you

[daveraver]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

I went to target in metrotown last friday and target in seattle on saturday. i didn't notice any differences in pricing. the clearance items i looked at in metrotown were priced the same in seattle and with the exchange the bargains were better in canada.

the same for anthropolgie, all the sale items were priced the same both sides of the border and some of the stuff that i bought on sale on boxing day at the south granville store wasn't even on sale in the states.

As for selection thats not targets fault, if the brand doesn't offer that product in canada Target can't do anything about it, my friend was looking for a neutrogena product that is available only in the states and not in canada. I bought some deodorant from old spice that is only available in the states and not in canada.

I don't get the hate on for target in canada - judging by facebook comments. where are all the negative comments for costco? costco has much better variety and different products in the states compared to canada

I hope they bring nordstrom rack to Canada, I know they delayed the possible opening of it etc. They have some good stuff and the stores are well organized.

Also having an Alberta driver's license saved me some money shopping in washington state, just show em your license and you don't pay tax, some stores make you fill out paper work but most just did something through their till.

Completely agree with you. The argument that Target is 'more expensive' than the US is for the most part, not true. In fact, you could extend this 'argument' to any US retailer that does business in Canada.
I'm curious to know how Walmart did when they first entered Canada in the 90's. Did they start off with huge profits or did they,like Target, start off losing money only to profit in the end anyways.

[daveraver]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

when i was at the bellevue square nordstrom, there were a number of canadians shopping, one of them was getting their purchases shipped to canada to avoid the border hassle

The salepeople are nice, not pushy, like you say i am just looking they will leave you alone unlike i find here where they just keep hounding you

Nordstrom is going to bring a level of customer service that retailers here don't provide. It'll be interesting to see how they react and if they change their customer service strategy.

[memememe76]

Well, this is gonna help local businesses, I suppose.

http://www.news1130.com/2015/01/09/canada-bans-poultry-products-from-oregon-and-wa-states/

Due to the avian flu outbreak in Oregon and Washington, raw poultry products sourced or shipped from those states are not allowed into Canada.

Just south of the border, Guy Occhiogrosso with the Bellingham Chamber of Commerce says the polutry and egg ban likely won’t be a big hit to businesses where Canadians shop.

I always buy eggs when I cross the border (which I was planning to do this weekend). Not happy.

[cairnstone]

Originally Posted by NewfBC

Hollister is closed in Pacific Centre.

Photo - Me

Ron.

not closed just doing window display

[Conrad Yablonski]

Originally Posted by whatnext

You can't lease clothes from Nordstrom.

Ah well.....

Originally Posted by daveraver

Nordstrom is going to bring a level of customer service that retailers here don't provide. It'll be interesting to see how they react and if they change their customer service strategy.

I've said it before-they're drawing from the same labour pool and paying the same shitty wages-what do you think they'll end up with?

A few bright well performing people who will move on first chance they get and a bunch of uncaring impoverished clones who shuffle through life waiting for the axe to fall.

[Joat]

So do they offer free valet parking and free massages? Do you have to tip them? I've actually only been to a Nordstrom rack so I guess I havent witnessed this next level service. Honestly I prefer to be left alone and do things my own when shopping.

[Pinion]

Nordstrom in Bellevue isn't a completely unique experience for a Vancouver shopper. I'd put in the same league as Holt Renfew.

They aren't competing with Walmart and Target or Sears, but it's not so hoity toity that you feel uncomfortale. I prefer it to Holts and my wife loves it.

[daveraver]

Originally Posted by Pinion

Nordstrom in Bellevue isn't a completely unique experience for a Vancouver shopper. I'd put in the same league as Holt Renfew.

They aren't competing with Walmart and Target or Sears, but it's not so hoity toity that you feel uncomfortale. I prefer it to Holts and my wife loves it.

Holt Renfrew wishes they were known for customer service the way Nordstrom is. I do agree in that I prefer it to Holt's as well. Also agree with the 'hoity-toity' comment too