I missed that entire discourse on Canadian Tire because of my temporary absence from the site. Hate the large format stores all you want--they are the only reason the company has survived. Dundas and Victoria will go in time--as Aldershot did. If you want an array of store sizes and varied product selection you still have Home and Rona...Rona runs the gammut from big box stores like Clappisons--to tiny closet sized hardware stores in Quebec.
As for persuading big-box to locate in the HCC or JS--excellent idea. There would be serious challenges with HCC because of it's multi-level galleria design on the interior--however Jackson Square--which is a (mostly) one-level box has an almost completely flexible interior and could accomodate stores of greatly varying sizes. I noticed this trend in Montreal recently where the malls and underground retail spaces go on endlessly--there are increasing numbers of larger format stores taking up multiple spaces.
Paris still has a little Canadian Tire too, there are probably a few other scattered around Canada.
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Millstone--I actually like the Plaza Level of JS as it is--with the understanding that it needs to be enhanced--but I like it as open, public space.
Have a look at Canadian Tire's financials since they began rolling out the new format stores (I believe they call them Concept 20/20)--the sales figures for the redeveloped/rebuilt/relocated stores are substantially higher--the rollover process to the new concept has been accelerated over the past few years as a result.
The corner bldg that West Town owned (and was trying to expand w/ a patio) is turning into a shop called 'Amadius'. It looks like a sandiwch bar/deli... but who knows? we'll find out soon I guess.
The corner bldg that West Town owned (and was trying to expand w/ a patio) is turning into a shop called 'Amadius'. It looks like a sandiwch bar/deli... but who knows? we'll find out soon I guess.
actually that 'amadius' is already in the building on the 2nd floor. Their entrance is off Chatham.
Rumour has Lululemon going into the big space facing Locke, but who knows.
Ya... by the looks on the work going on inside the main floor, it doesn't look like a Lululemon set up... but we'll see.
It looks like they have a deli bar to set up. And the space across the street (old Trident Variety) is wayyy too small to be a Lululemon. Hmmm... such a mystery!
Had a good talk w/ the owner of LSB yesterday, and he's saying business is still booming... and ppl still come in for food, even with Starbucks coffees in hand haha Checked out Lulu Lavigne (so many LULU's on Locke) as well... great place.
yea, LSB, Bad Dog and Courtyard have all been extremely busy since Starbucks opened.
Another sign of a true healthy neighbourhood.
Spoke with a real estate agent friend yesterday and asked if Locke is now 'hotter' than Westdale.
They answered 'no question'. Locke is booming and only going up from here.
by the way, if anyone here knows of someone looking to open a diner/cafe in the old GP Grumpy's spot at King/Locke, let me know. This real estate agent is looking to connect the building owner with someone willing to do a great neighbourhood spot with patio along Locke St.
^^ That would be great! I think a Cafe would be better in this area since it'll be right across from a revamped Victoria Park.
GP Grumpy's needs LOTS of work to make it attractive. Big windows, outdoor patio, bright lights. It could help transform this area. There are so many great buildings along King between Queen/Dundurn that need some love. It's unfortunate that ppl are zooming by at 70 km/h and don't even notice these bldgs exist! Great graffiti work on the laundromat at King/Ray(?)... driver's would never notice it as it's on the West-facing wall.
There is some good news for those who'd rather not feed the meter.
City politicians, prior to giving the 2008 budget final approval, have voted not to increase parking meter rates to one dollar across the city this year.
They've also opted not to install meters in commercial areas which currently don't have them.
The issue is expected to come up for debate again prior to next year's budget process.
Not so good news for anyone living in a neighbourhood that isn't as 'equal' as Locke. Think I'll take a sledge hammer to the meters in Westdale and see what happens.
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I would expect Starbucks will roll out fairly quickly now--just a hunch. Local to me, in the Windsor area--they started with a single downtown location and then rolled out fairly rapidly and agressively over a 12-18 month period opening about a half-dozen or so locations--primarily stand-alone units with Drive-Thrus--exceptions being the original downtown spot and the location inside the Casino.
A good spot for a Drive Thru Starbucks would be at the corner of Longwood and Main St W. Get all the University/HHS employees and students as well residents of the area.
A good spot for a Drive Thru Starbucks would be at the corner of Longwood and Main St W. Get all the University/HHS employees and students as well residents of the area.
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