The Metro Vancouver Retail Thread

[svlt]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

uniqlo should look at the old Leone space, maybe they could somehow take over the escada old space in the there as well.

these signs would be amazing on there lol

• Video Link

The Leone space is a dead zone. Just mostly government offices. It's strange how long it survived there. It is however flanked by some pretty upscale jewelry and watch shops. I don't think Uniqlo would really thrive or belong there. Same with the Escada space really on Alberni and Thurlow, it's much more happening for sure but you generally expect a higher end retailer there.

[teriyaki]

Agreed that neither would be ideal spaces. Think Uniqlo is the type of retailer than can pull in demand though despite location. They've waited so long for the ideal spot though, think they can wait some more

[SpongeG]

its connected to two skytrain lines, the west coast express, the seabus and the always popular gastown, with many new offices coming within blocks of it.

There are many big brands down there, BOSS, Hugo Boss, B&O (Bang & Olufsen), Deciem, Roche Bobois, Holt Renfrew is only two blocks away. etc.

We need to get out of this Robson or nothing mentality.

[Conrad Yablonski]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

.....We need to get out of this Robson or nothing mentality.

That's advanced age creeping in; I'm reminded of one old fellow I drove from Richmond Costco to UBC via Bridgeport Road-he was livid that I didn't use the Oak St Bridge.

[bc2mb]

Originally Posted by teriyaki

Agreed that neither would be ideal spaces. Think Uniqlo is the type of retailer than can pull in demand though despite location. They've waited so long for the ideal spot though, think they can wait some more

I think the ideal spot for Uniqlo would be the Victoria Secret at Robson and Burrard (surprised it's still open), or at Robson and Granville, in the new 800 Granville development (but that's a while away)

[Vin]

Originally Posted by bc2mb

I think the ideal spot for Uniqlo would be the Victoria Secret at Robson and Burrard (surprised it's still open), or at Robson and Granville, in the new 800 Granville development (but that's a while away)

You are right that Burrard and Robson would be an ideal spot. However if Victoria Secret can make it, let's look elsewhere. Would actually make sense to create newer retail spaces than continue to cannibalize existing ones. In the past, the loss or re-purpose of many downtown retail spaces had actually impacted other businesses due to a great reduction of foot traffic and synergy.

Hope 800 Granville Street comes to fruition, although I'm not a huge fan of heritage building destruction. If not, let's hope newer retail centres will be created, such as Holborn's block at the Bay Parkade.

Originally Posted by SpongeG

its connected to two skytrain lines, the west coast express, the seabus and the always popular gastown, with many new offices coming within blocks of it.

There are many big brands down there, BOSS, Hugo Boss, B&O (Bang & Olufsen), Deciem, Roche Bobois, Holt Renfrew is only two blocks away. etc.

We need to get out of this Robson or nothing mentality.

Yes! Great retail cities around the world have multiple retail neighbourhoods in their city centres. Vancouverites don't seem to realize that, and that the City does not seem interested to create another one, despite the demand.

[EastVanMark]

Originally Posted by Vin

Yes! Great retail cities around the world have multiple retail neighbourhoods in their city centres. Vancouverites don't seem to realize that, and that the City does not seem interested to create another one, despite the demand.

It’s not just retail but a number of other things too. Their entertainment district is just a few blocks long. Look what a night mare Granville has turned in to. Landlords in these chosen areas figure out pretty quick they’re the only game in town so they Jack up rents which causes a domino effect in the area and pretty soon you’re left with a pretty bleak, plain, repetitive gentrified streetscape with little to no room for creativity or anything new

[SpongeG]

The VS spot I think is too small for a good size flagship Uniqlo. A complete new rebuild to replace the earls/London Drugs or the space across the street where the always dead restaurants go above the Breka bakery. A good 3 or 4 storey new build would be a dream.

[Changing City]

I guess this is 'not retail' news, but the vacant space underneath Onni's office on Main St, Central, (occupied by the CBSA) has new paintwork and carpet. It looks like after seven years of trying to find tenants, (after the initial leasing to a coffee shop fell through) it will be used as office space. I had wondered if there would be any move to the area as a result of the MEC relocation nearby, but it appears that the other outdoor stores are staying up on Broadway, at least for now. The former Dubh Linn Gate pub next door is also vacant and available.

[NewfBC]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

The VS spot I think is too small for a good size flagship Uniqlo. A complete new rebuild to replace the earls/London Drugs or the space across the street where the always dead restaurants go above the Breka bakery. A good 3 or 4 storey new build would be a dream.

London Drugs just completed a massive renovation on that location (it's so much better!).. I doubt this building is going anywhere soon.

Ron.

[Conrad Yablonski]

Originally Posted by NewfBC

London Drugs just completed a massive renovation on that location (it's so much better!).. I doubt this building is going anywhere soon.....

Thanks for that maybe I'll be moved to stop in sometime I've avoided that store for ages since it was so 70's.

[WarrenC12]

Originally Posted by Changing City

I guess this is 'not retail' news, but the vacant space underneath Onni's office on Main St, Central, (occupied by the CBSA) has new paintwork and carpet. It looks like after seven years of trying to find tenants, (after the initial leasing to a coffee shop fell through) it will be used as office space. I had wondered if there would be any move to the area as a result of the MEC relocation nearby, but it appears that the other outdoor stores are staying up on Broadway, at least for now. The former Dubh Linn Gate pub next door is also vacant and available.

Yeah Dubh Linn closed and Railtown cafe close by closed too. Railtown always had weird hours, closed early (6pm), and not open weekend mornings for breakfast/brunch. It's like they were trying to cater to business customers in a residential area.

Not sure what happened with the Irish bar though, they were packed on weekends. Maybe stretch financially with other things and COVID was the last straw? They had patio space to limp along... who knows.

[jollyburger]

Originally Posted by WarrenC12

Yeah Dubh Linn closed and Railtown cafe close by closed too. Railtown always had weird hours, closed early (6pm), and not open weekend mornings for breakfast/brunch. It's like they were trying to cater to business customers in a residential area.

Not sure what happened with the Irish bar though, they were packed on weekends. Maybe stretch financially with other things and COVID was the last straw? They had patio space to limp along... who knows.

They ran up $3.8 million in operating losses since they opened and couldn't roll over their debt/get new funding with Covid. They still (?) have a pub in Whistler since 1997. Why would you take a concept that worked in a high traffic ski resort village and open up on the worst block for a restaurant in the city? They owed $1.7 million to the Whistler pub. Their $1.8 of book assets is worth about $20K now

https://documentcentre.ey.com/api/Document/download?docId=33542&language=EN

[WarrenC12]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

They ran up $3.8 million in operating losses since they opened and couldn't roll over their debt/get new funding with Covid. They still (?) have a pub in Whistler since 1997. Why would you take a concept that worked in a high traffic ski resort village and open up on the worst block for a restaurant in the city? They owed $1.7 million to the Whistler pub. Their $1.8 of book assets is worth about $20K now

https://documentcentre.ey.com/api/Document/download?docId=33542&language=EN

Yikes. I would agree the location is questionable, but it appeared busy at the right times, with big screens inside for the Canucks and NFL. Oh well... running a restaurant/bar profitably is tough.

I have to wonder what the lease rates were too, given the other space not filled until now.

[vanman]

I'm shocked to see that Lucid Motors is building a showroom on Granville and Georgia. I had no idea they were even planning on selling EVs in Canada yet.

https://retail-insider.com/retail-inside...wroom-that-will-feature-virtual-reality/

[officedweller]

Maybe eventually filling the spaces [to be] vacated by Top Shop Top Man?

Forever 21 returns to Canada with collections in Hudson's Bay stores
https://toronto.citynews.ca/2021/06/11/forever-21-hudsons-bay/

[SpongeG]

They are just carrying the brand most likely. Hudsons Bay also carries Anthropologie and is found in various departments throughout the store.

[twoNeurons]

Originally Posted by officedweller

[SIZE="3"]
B.C. furniture retailers reeling from new tariff of almost 300 per cent on sofas from China and Vietnam
https://vancouversun.com/business/furnit...per-cent-on-sofas-from-china-and-vietnam

"I won't be undersold! Dodd's Furniture!" 🎶

[jollyburger]

Aritzia bought Reigning Champ, 75% for $63 million

https://retail-insider.com/retail-inside...ition-of-vancouver-based-reigning-champ/

[theKB]

Originally Posted by vanman

I'm shocked to see that Lucid Motors is building a showroom on Granville and Georgia. I had no idea they were even planning on selling EVs in Canada yet.

https://retail-insider.com/retail-inside...wroom-that-will-feature-virtual-reality/

It should be interesting how this plays out with lucid. Early reviews are very strong and their potential range sounds impressive (800km) but they are expensive competing with the Mercedes, Audi and Porsche offerings.

Polestar on the other hand awarded their agency's to their existing (volvo) dealer network. The Vancouver location is owned by GAIN which operates a number of franchises on the island but has no locations in Vancouver.

They temporarily took over the old Mini Vancouver space Yaletown and had their signage up for a permanent location on Seymore but that signage has since been removed and a realtors sign with "sold" has been put there. They also have a somewhat odd location at Park Royal. I am wondering if they have leased the old Tesla location on robson as that has been leased recently but that really would be an issue given they have multiple models in development and that space really can only fit one car.

I would expect Rivian locations will be popping up soon as they have offices being established here as well.