Edmonton Retail Thread

[SHOFEAR]

Originally Posted by Hallsy's Toupee

Oil & Vinegar is closing in Commerce Place. And I am still not comprehending why the foodieratti now need 50 flavors of olive oil.

I was the same way when that place opened on 104 street. It's a fantastic gift idea (well it was, until one of those shops opened up just about everywhere). For stuff like oil and vinegar bread dips....having different flavours to change it up is awesome.

[240glt]

Kinda went the way of the cupcake craze

It's an interesting idea, and we love different types of EVOO and vinegar, but I've never had any shortage of sections for that type of stuff at the Italian Centre. Plus that's a business I'd rather support

[GreenSPACE]

^Both places work for me personally. But I just didn't see there being enough foot traffic for the one in Commerce, nor was it as good concept-wise as Evoolution.

[rapid_business]

Indeed. Have been to both. Actually bought some xmas gifts at the one in Commerce this year. My vote lies with Evoolution and will be going back.

[McBoo]

Evoolution.

The only problem being, to get home I have to walk by Jacek and Cavern; making it a satisfying but really expensive outing, for very little nutritional gain.

And then there's Devine Wine, but don't get me started ...

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Hey Cold - I just saw you at the ECC food court with that Olympia lady who manages the place. Any tidbits to share re: ECC future plans?

[Coldrsx]

Some great work being done, exciting future

[Hallsy's Toupee]

With a vague statement like that, I am foreseeing a future in politics for you, young man!

[240glt]

^ I'm sure Oly was just as vague.. they don't go around telling just anyone what their grand plans are

[ExcaliburKid]

Originally Posted by 240glt

I don't think so, I'm pretty sure it's staying just on level 2, but things may have changed since I was involved. The bank has some infrastructure that I'd be surprised to see abandoned

H&M will be taking both main and 2nd level at that corner, looks like ATB is out according to what I've seen

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Wanted: commerce at Commerce Place
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmont...tail-1.3966373

Is there enough space there for a department store?

[ue]

^ If the entirety (or near entirety) of the 1st/2nd levels were converted to one department store, I could see it. If Holts weren't already in Manulife or if that fell through, Commerce would work. Same could be said for the Bay; it'd actually be nice to have it back on Jasper Ave. Could also see Simons, Saks, Nordstrom fitting in there.

[MalcolmTucker]

The Boardroom was nice there. Would rather have some moderately successful mall type space in ECC, with less active space in Commerce Place. Might need some renos to orient more to the street? Or will have to rent at pretty low rates to generate traffic.

[s211]

Originally Posted by Hallsy's Toupee

Wanted: commerce at Commerce Place
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmont...tail-1.3966373

Is there enough space there for a department store?

Not an easy nut to crack.

[BretttheRiderFan]

Originally Posted by ibz

Will it? Or will they just get off the train and Southgate and shop there. Or conversely will downtown residents be more inclined to jump the train to Southgate rather then stay on Jasper or ECC?

Im not trying to be a downer on DT, while I dont live in Edm anymore, I lived, worked and played in the core the past couple of years. Its certainly become a destination for people to eat and go out, but shopping has a ways to go. The core certainly has more going for it then the Bonnie Doons and Londonderry's of the world, but as of April 2010 its a B class retail destination in the city a long ways back of WEM, Southgate, SEC and Kingsway. Whyte wasnt always such a nice place, in time with the right moves, there is no reason Jasper couldnt be the same.

Seven years later, what's the verdict on this?

Are more people shopping downtown because of that LRT extension, or are more people going the other direction for Southgate?

[McBoo]

Train to Southgate pretty much every time, sorry.

But, more independents now on 104 and on Jasper - checking some of them out. I'd have, say, cautious optimism my habits could be changed.

[noodlenoodle]

I certainly shopped more at Southgate thanks to the LRT, though now I'm more of a Kingsway person since it's on my car-based commute daily.

I have some serious concerns about the viability of "destination" retail Downtown once the Valley Line to WEM is working in concert with the Capital Line to Southgate & Metro Line to Kingsway to ferry Edmontonians to superior/thriving retail destinations.

[Black Star]

I'm more of a Kingsway guy. I like the vibe of the mall more so than Southgate. Plus I get my fix of good ukarainian food from kingsways food court.

Sadly downtown shopping hasent been on my radar for many years. As I call the mall now. The Mad max of Edmonton shopping malls!

[240glt]

Originally Posted by s211

Not an easy nut to crack.

Yes, filling all that space is not going to be easy. Even harder if they do demise it out into retail bays

[240glt]

Originally Posted by Black Star

. The Mad max of Edmonton shopping malls!

heh.. Working down there it often feels like it.. It is unfortunately the fourth mall in a three mall market

The food court reno and closing the concourse has helped, but simply shifted issues to Commerce and Telus so I have heard