The Metro Vancouver Retail Thread

[madog222]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

I wonder how practical it would be to add new doors along Granville considering you would have the same elevation problem that they have at the West Georgia entrance.

That doesn't look feasible, the ceiling would be far too low.

I can't picture how it would work splitting the space up into "three to five" separate stores with the multiple levels and central escalators.

[supercanuck]

According to a comment on her Instagram page, Tina Lee says Hydro work has been stalling the opening of the new Coquitlam T&T location. It was supposed to open late 2022. I wonder what the issue is?

"
Verified
@yapcandice seriously. I know that 🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵. Let’s ask BC Hydro. Holdin up economic development ! They are trying their best."

[mcj]

Originally Posted by supercanuck

According to a comment on her Instagram page, Tina Lee says Hydro work has been stalling the opening of the new Coquitlam T&T location. It was supposed to open late 2022. I wonder what the issue is?

"
Verified
@yapcandice seriously. I know that 🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵. Let’s ask BC Hydro. Holdin up economic development ! They are trying their best."

They needed a hydro upgrade from the Home Outfitters that was there before? Why?

I wouldn't exactly call a grocery store that's owned by the same company that owns another store literally across the highway that's sandwiched between two highways the pinnacle of "economic development", perhaps transition that area back to proper industrial development that would provide actual economic development before crying about Loblaws not being able to monopolize the retail landspace in that specific area even harder.

[Conrad Yablonski]

Rarely have I been in a store that smelled worse than the T&T that's there now-and sad/angry looks on staff faces tell the tale.

Can't imagine circumstances that would cause me to ever darken their door again.

[jollyburger]

Originally Posted by mcj

They needed a hydro upgrade from the Home Outfitters that was there before? Why?

I wouldn't exactly call a grocery store that's owned by the same company that owns another store literally across the highway that's sandwiched between two highways the pinnacle of "economic development", perhaps transition that area back to proper industrial development that would provide actual economic development before crying about Loblaws not being able to monopolize the retail landspace in that specific area even harder.

There's a 500 kilovolt line across the street, just tap into that and they're all set.

On Google Maps someone said they called a week ago and they were trying to open at the end of this month.

[CanSpice]

Originally Posted by mcj

They needed a hydro upgrade from the Home Outfitters that was there before? Why?

Home Outfitters doesn't need freezers and other equipment to keep perishable food at proper temperatures?

[SpongeG]

Urban Outfitters is opening at Richmond Centre, down near the bay, quite a large space, I think it was previously at least two stores.

A few other stores have closed down, and a new JD Sports is opening.

Also at the Outlet Mall a few stores have closed down, Brooks Brothers is gone now and the windows are covered in Moose Knuckles signage, so I assume they are moving there which is a better spot for them. Mountain Warehouse has moved to a bigger space and looks much better, the old location has the signs for whats taking the spot but I forget and it looks like Oak + Fort will be moving up next to The North Face. It also seems like the Harry Rosen outlet is gone and one or two that was in that area are also gone.

[officedweller]

The Outlet Mall being which?
McArthur Glen or Tsawwassen Mills?

[SpongeG]

McArthur Glen. Matt & Nat also closed down there. Was surprised to see so many stores gone.

Three or four spaces are empty at Metrotown, the former Browns and the Children's Place and two others are empty now, Browns moved a few stores to the east. It's a pretty big space, Has anyone heard of anything that is moving into the mall? I was wondering if Arc'teryx might want to move over since their current space is so small and is always crowded, they could really do with a much bigger store there.

[officedweller]

Brooks Bros. also had a store at Tsawwassen Mills - wonder if it's still there.
Ditto for Harry Rosen.

[officedweller]

Starbucks Canada In Expansion Mode After Closing Hundreds Of Locations
https://retail-insider.com/retail-inside...closing-hundreds-of-locations-interview/

[SpongeG]

their recently renovated ones are much more mobile order friendly and less crowded with tables. In the suburbs anyway, they are usually packed with pre-teens and teens drinking colourful drinks.

[WarrenC12]

Originally Posted by officedweller

Starbucks Canada In Expansion Mode After Closing Hundreds Of Locations
https://retail-insider.com/retail-inside...closing-hundreds-of-locations-interview/

Don't tell Vin!

[whatnext]

Originally Posted by officedweller

Starbucks Canada In Expansion Mode After Closing Hundreds Of Locations
https://retail-insider.com/retail-inside...closing-hundreds-of-locations-interview/

All fine and dandy but they're naive to think that people in many areas haven't moved on from Sbux. Independent shops scooped up a lot of that businesses and customers like what they tasted.

[jollyburger]

Originally Posted by whatnext

All fine and dandy but they're naive to think that people in many areas haven't moved on from Sbux. Independent shops scooped up a lot of that businesses and customers like what they tasted.

Starbucks is more than happy to sell frappuccinos all day. You're dreaming if you think anything has changed in the past three years.

[Vin]

Originally Posted by officedweller

Starbucks Canada In Expansion Mode After Closing Hundreds Of Locations
https://retail-insider.com/retail-inside...closing-hundreds-of-locations-interview/

The Americans and other local-coffee ignorant tourists must be back in town....big time!

Truth be told, I haven't noticed any "huge expansion" here in downtown Vancouver: still bleak for them, and let's keep it this way.

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

Starbucks is more than happy to sell frappuccinos all day. You're dreaming if you think anything has changed in the past three years.

Apparently Starbucks are full of teenagers drinking colourful drinks.

[RDW989]

I remember a small Swatch store on the 1000-block Robson 25 or so years ago … and now, on the 1100-block (I think it is the lower space where Milestone’s was a few years ago) …. my pix today …
[IMG][url=https://flic.kr/p/2ovkXCS]

[bluefox]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

Also at the Outlet Mall a few stores have closed down, Brooks Brothers is gone now and the windows are covered in Moose Knuckles signage, so I assume they are moving there which is a better spot for them.

One thing I've always noticed about McArthurGlen at the airport is that there is a huge disparity of foot traffic between stores, much more than in other outlets or other malls. Honestly not sure why that is. Layout maybe? The assortment of retail isn't any different, but for some reason every time I'm there I see the same stores constantly packed, while others (even some well-known brands) are almost always dead.

Brooks Brothers was a consistent example of the latter so I'm not surprised they threw in the towel.

[dreambrother808]

Originally Posted by officedweller

Apparently Starbucks are full of teenagers drinking colourful drinks.

Some, yes, but if you think that’s all there is then you’re saying that you don’t go to Starbucks often and don’t hold a valid opinion of their customer base. Teenagers are not the prime demographic. Frappuccinos are probably less popular than they used to be.

As a percentage of sales, cold drinks here are likely around a third but obviously that varies seasonally. Category-wise, it showed the highest growth over a number of years though, as per public statements.

Overall, Starbucks is just as healthy business-wise as it has always been, other than the rising costs of doing business that are impacting everyone. Anyone saying otherwise is just pulling opinions out of their 🞵🞵🞵.