Originally Posted by zahav
I'm sure someone's mentioned this before, but Cartier opening what it looks like a 2-storey flagship on Alberni and Burrard, in the old Hermes spot I believe? And possibly the 2nd floor was Salaam Bombay? Fact checkers call me out on this if it's inaccurate, I'm too tired to search. But anyways, it's a nice add to the 'hood, for keeping the luxury row thriving. I should have taken a picture because I think it also said something like "Relocating from 456 Howe St.", their current location in that north part of Howe St. near Canada Place. I know some stores have banked on that area, but it doesn't actually seem good for this kind of retail. Luxury retail likes to be around luxury retail, it just works. It's not like McDonalds finding a spot far away from other competitors, luxury retail seems to love the high-end hubs with "competitors" close by, it must be a proven sales-generator for luxury stores to exist in the same area if they do this all over the world. Luxury specific zones exist throughout the world and it appears to be a good strategy for these companies. Very rarely do you see Louis Vuitton or Gucci open in a far away location without any competitors around. They always gravitate to the streets that house their rivals.
Althought I never do (or could) shop at these high end stores myself, it kind of feels good to see these stores flourishing. Whether it is primarily locals or tourists, it doesn't really mattter at this point, either/or is a big sign of confidence. If these stores weren't performing they would be good by now, let alone undergoing big renos. In the last couple of years, Hermes and Tiffany had expansions; new stores for Jimmy Choo, Van Cleef & Arepels, IWC Schaffhausen, and then in the last 5 years you can include Prada, Saint Laurent, Mocler, Brunello Cucinelli, Stefano Ricci. And Gucci is in the old Escada space (which was a loss) temporarily until their Hotel Georgia location reno is completed. The old Escada space is kind of strange, it is very stand-off-ish from the street, it feels like 'effort' to go inside. I know it's subtle and maybe I'm out to lunch, but something about the stairs to go up into this office-lobby space, seems like a no-go for luxury. I think their are smart for keeping their Hotel Vancouver space. But makes me wonder what will go in next when Gucci returns to their old space? Bets anyone?
I have such a geek response to luxury stores. It's like I have no interest in the products, or the image, or the prestige at all, I have no desire for luxury goods. But I am a total urban landscape enthusiast first and foremost, so seeing these areas flourish makes me happy. It adds to the layers of the city, even if most Vancouverites can't afford to shop there, it is a hallmark of major cities to have a thriving international fashion scene. All major metropolioses have international luxury shopping as a mainstay, it's like in human DNA to assign the most prestigious categories for the ones with major stores. Somehow the "online" craze hasn't killed this yet, let's hope it doesn't. I have to tell you, the last few weeks I've taken long walks around the City, especially downtown. There is a noticeable vibrancy that's returned, especially compared to 6+ months ago. It's like night and day, and it makes me soooo happy to see it, it's an odd sense of eurphoria just seeing people out and enjoying themselves again, even if something frivolous. I feel like people are more comfortable spoling themselves now more than ever (even if they can't afford it). Interesting times, I feel hints of what it must have been like in the post-1945 euphoria in countries like America, when it was a fresh start after years of suffering (obviously The Depression and two years of COVID are not direct similiarities, the mood in the aftermath feels similiar
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