urbanizer
New Member
they should have relocated like hmv or athletes sports world there so that they could expand the lower food court even further
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News on retail chains (was: New Mall Retail)
- Thread starter Dane
- Start date
Student99
Active Member
HMV is relocating near there. The new one isn't open yet, but the old one is closed. Athlete's world is set to close as well, in mid-June.
urbanizer
New Member
o okey then thats good ahah 
how about the gap still staying?
how about the gap still staying?
Northern Light
Superstar
This plan seems fine as far as it goes.
We can all agree the washrooms were largely on ick side, particularly those not renovated in the last several years, and many were also over capacity (in need of expansion).
I think we can also agree that there was not enough seating in the food courts, particularly the south one; so something has to be done about that.
***
That said, I think the Eaton Centre has lost alot of its wow factor. Part of that is SEARS fault, shrinking their store to an over-grown suburban store from a true flagship of retail.
Part of that is also that as various stores have enlarged, the store count and variety has declined, the Eaton Centre used to advertise as over 300 stores & services; today its down in the 260 range; while other malls have grown from 200 to over 300 in the burbs.
No Cinema, No LCBO would be 2 notable missing offers, along with several retail concepts.
The Tire and Best Buy should have added heft of a sort; but the connection to the rest of the complex is limited, dull and poor and so they tend to feel like stand-alone stores rather than part of the complex.
****
My thoughts on what they should do:
1) Tear down the old Woolworth/Tower Records, Coast Mountain Sports Building., it relates very poorly the whole complex. Replace with Proper Eaton Centre expansion, new mall entrance, wider sidewalk, flagship retail.
2) Tear town the Bell Trinity Centre, extend the TEC to Bay Street with the full atrium reaching out; bring retail life to Albert st (like the renewed Yonge stores should face in and out
3) Replace the Indigo with a new World's Biggest Bookstore that is really that, (or about 2.5 times the # of titles WBB carries)
4) Replace the Sears with a flagship U.S or international dept store; assuming reviving Eaton's is out of the question, but that is not CF's problem. Bloomingdales might be a nice fit, or perhaps Harrod's Toronto?
5)Build a flagship LCBO into the mall
5)Squeeze an IKEA in.
7)Make the Dundas Mall real; by working it around the elevator bank for the tower, and adding 30 more stores.
8)Bring a top quality cinema chain in to the market that is currently not here; say the U.S. Landmark chain.
Done.
We can all agree the washrooms were largely on ick side, particularly those not renovated in the last several years, and many were also over capacity (in need of expansion).
I think we can also agree that there was not enough seating in the food courts, particularly the south one; so something has to be done about that.
***
That said, I think the Eaton Centre has lost alot of its wow factor. Part of that is SEARS fault, shrinking their store to an over-grown suburban store from a true flagship of retail.
Part of that is also that as various stores have enlarged, the store count and variety has declined, the Eaton Centre used to advertise as over 300 stores & services; today its down in the 260 range; while other malls have grown from 200 to over 300 in the burbs.
No Cinema, No LCBO would be 2 notable missing offers, along with several retail concepts.
The Tire and Best Buy should have added heft of a sort; but the connection to the rest of the complex is limited, dull and poor and so they tend to feel like stand-alone stores rather than part of the complex.
****
My thoughts on what they should do:
1) Tear down the old Woolworth/Tower Records, Coast Mountain Sports Building., it relates very poorly the whole complex. Replace with Proper Eaton Centre expansion, new mall entrance, wider sidewalk, flagship retail.
2) Tear town the Bell Trinity Centre, extend the TEC to Bay Street with the full atrium reaching out; bring retail life to Albert st (like the renewed Yonge stores should face in and out
3) Replace the Indigo with a new World's Biggest Bookstore that is really that, (or about 2.5 times the # of titles WBB carries)
4) Replace the Sears with a flagship U.S or international dept store; assuming reviving Eaton's is out of the question, but that is not CF's problem. Bloomingdales might be a nice fit, or perhaps Harrod's Toronto?
5)Build a flagship LCBO into the mall
5)Squeeze an IKEA in.
7)Make the Dundas Mall real; by working it around the elevator bank for the tower, and adding 30 more stores.
8)Bring a top quality cinema chain in to the market that is currently not here; say the U.S. Landmark chain.
Done.
urbanizer
New Member
theres already a movie theatre across the street so no need for that and an lcbo directly inside the mall could go bad unless it had a connection outdoors like i think u said??? too lazy to read again lol
and why are the food courts so small even on the less busy days there no room to sit anywhere...
i hope there making the north food court expansion to take up that entire floor for maximum seating...
and why are the food courts so small even on the less busy days there no room to sit anywhere...
i hope there making the north food court expansion to take up that entire floor for maximum seating...
adma
Superstar
I think there's some kind of longstanding covenant that explains why they couldn't tear it down in the first place--and now on top of that, heritage status to grapple with. (Though it didn't stop them from tearing down Parkin's Salvation Army; but, still...)
...and here, I reckon that the scale and usage (lotsa high-tech/high-secure flotsam) of Bell Trinity would render a teardown frightfully uneconomic. That is, unless you force the issue a la Oklahoma City's Murrah Building or the former WTC7...
samsonyuen
Active Member
Kohl’s casts its eyes northward; Latest American chain to explore Canadian market, but ‘still very early days’
The Globe and Mail - MARIA STRAUSS - 5/27/2010
U.S.-based Kohl’s (KSS-N50.75----%) is scouting out locations in Canada in a preliminary look at bringing its mid-priced department stores to this country, industry sources say.
In an era of challenged department stores, Kohl’s draws customers with low-cost stylish private labels and exclusive mid-priced designer lines from the likes of Vera Wang.
U.S. retailers, grappling with economically fragile consumers at home, are increasingly turning to Canada for more fertile ground. Some of them, including Kohl’s, had counted on adding new stores in states such as California, Florida and Arizona but those markets were ravaged in the recession. Now clothier J. Crew, discounter Target Corp. and lingerie retailer Victoria’s Secret are among U.S. merchants preparing to take the leap across the border.
Still, the retailers wrestle with the costs of a foray into Canada, including new warehouses, vast distances between cities and bilingual labelling. And they have to find appropriate sites.
“It’s not always an easy market to enter,†said Wendy Evans of retail specialist Evans & Co. Consultants in Toronto.
Kohl’s spokeswoman Vicki Shamion said late Wednesday that the retailer reviews sites in communities nationwide on an ongoing basis, and hasn’t announced plans to open a new store in Canada. “We do not comment on real estate speculation.â€
Ms. Evans said the challenges of coming to Canada haven’t stopped Kohl’s – of Menomonee Falls, Wis. – from exploring this market. Canadian retailers have fared better in the downturn than their U.S. counterparts. And they face fewer competitors: Canada has roughly 14 square feet of shopping centre space per capita, compared with about 23 in the United States, according to the International Council of Shopping Centres.
“Why wouldn’t Kohl’s want to be up there?†asked retail analyst John Collory at Briggs-Ficks Securities LLC in Milwaukee, Wis.
Canadian real estate specialists say that Kohl’s is getting a feel of the Canadian landscape.
“They are going to come but it could easily be another couple of years,†said Edward Sonshine, chief executive officer of RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust, whose open-air suburban “power centre†shopping centres would be prime spots for Kohl’s. “It’s still very early days.â€
Kohl’s has grown by attracting younger customers with exclusive and private labels, including names such as Dana Buchman and Sonoma. As well, it bulks up on lower-priced lines of well known brands, such as Chaps from Polo Ralph Lauren.
Sales of private and exclusive brands, which make up almost half of Kohl’s sales, grew by double-digit percentages in the first quarter of this year. “The strength in these brands is responsible for the continued market share gains,†said retail analyst Wayne Hood at BMO Capital Markets in Atlanta, Ga.
Kohl’s also led the way in revamping stores to appeal to women, including enlarged fitting rooms, the addition of three-way mirrors and less clutter in the aisles.
With more than 1,000 stores in 49 U.S. states, the company beat analysts’ first-quarter profit estimates with a healthy sales gain of 7.4 per cent at outlets open a year or more. Private labels contributed to better margins; they tend to carry lower marketing and other costs.
But finding the right Canadian real estate can be tricky for American retailers, Mr. Hood said. Existing retailers have strong relationships with their landlords, and breaking into prominent spaces is a challenge – although less so in a weaker economy.
For many U.S. retailers, expanding into Canada is a test for further international expansion. Millard Drexler, chief executive officer of J. Crew, confirmed earlier this year that the company sees the potential for 10 to 15 stores in Canada. Still he’s moving slowly on the file, envisioning potential pitfalls.
Limited Brands Inc. is moving faster in adding Victoria’s Secret and Pink lingerie stores to its current La Senza outlets here. As well, it plans to double its Bath & Body Works stores in Canada by year’s end.
If Kohl’s gives the nod to entering Canada, the retailer would probably map out a significant expansion, Mr. Collory predicted. “It won’t be just one store,†he said. “They’ll want multiple locations.â€
______
Kohl’s notes
No. of stores as of May 1: 1,067 in 49 U.S. states
Kohl’s sales in 2009: $17.2-billion (U.S.)
Profit in 2009: $991-million
Kohl’s private and exclusive labels:
2004: 25 per cent of sales
2010: 47 per cent of sales
Examples of exclusive brands:
LC Lauren Conrad, Simply Vera Vera Wang, Dana Buchman
1st-quarter sales:
At Kohl’s outlets open a year or more: Up 7.4 per cent
At Target outlets open a year or more: Up 2.8 per cent
At Sears Canada outlets open a year or more: Down 2 per cent
Staff
The Globe and Mail - MARIA STRAUSS - 5/27/2010
U.S.-based Kohl’s (KSS-N50.75----%) is scouting out locations in Canada in a preliminary look at bringing its mid-priced department stores to this country, industry sources say.
In an era of challenged department stores, Kohl’s draws customers with low-cost stylish private labels and exclusive mid-priced designer lines from the likes of Vera Wang.
U.S. retailers, grappling with economically fragile consumers at home, are increasingly turning to Canada for more fertile ground. Some of them, including Kohl’s, had counted on adding new stores in states such as California, Florida and Arizona but those markets were ravaged in the recession. Now clothier J. Crew, discounter Target Corp. and lingerie retailer Victoria’s Secret are among U.S. merchants preparing to take the leap across the border.
Still, the retailers wrestle with the costs of a foray into Canada, including new warehouses, vast distances between cities and bilingual labelling. And they have to find appropriate sites.
“It’s not always an easy market to enter,†said Wendy Evans of retail specialist Evans & Co. Consultants in Toronto.
Kohl’s spokeswoman Vicki Shamion said late Wednesday that the retailer reviews sites in communities nationwide on an ongoing basis, and hasn’t announced plans to open a new store in Canada. “We do not comment on real estate speculation.â€
Ms. Evans said the challenges of coming to Canada haven’t stopped Kohl’s – of Menomonee Falls, Wis. – from exploring this market. Canadian retailers have fared better in the downturn than their U.S. counterparts. And they face fewer competitors: Canada has roughly 14 square feet of shopping centre space per capita, compared with about 23 in the United States, according to the International Council of Shopping Centres.
“Why wouldn’t Kohl’s want to be up there?†asked retail analyst John Collory at Briggs-Ficks Securities LLC in Milwaukee, Wis.
Canadian real estate specialists say that Kohl’s is getting a feel of the Canadian landscape.
“They are going to come but it could easily be another couple of years,†said Edward Sonshine, chief executive officer of RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust, whose open-air suburban “power centre†shopping centres would be prime spots for Kohl’s. “It’s still very early days.â€
Kohl’s has grown by attracting younger customers with exclusive and private labels, including names such as Dana Buchman and Sonoma. As well, it bulks up on lower-priced lines of well known brands, such as Chaps from Polo Ralph Lauren.
Sales of private and exclusive brands, which make up almost half of Kohl’s sales, grew by double-digit percentages in the first quarter of this year. “The strength in these brands is responsible for the continued market share gains,†said retail analyst Wayne Hood at BMO Capital Markets in Atlanta, Ga.
Kohl’s also led the way in revamping stores to appeal to women, including enlarged fitting rooms, the addition of three-way mirrors and less clutter in the aisles.
With more than 1,000 stores in 49 U.S. states, the company beat analysts’ first-quarter profit estimates with a healthy sales gain of 7.4 per cent at outlets open a year or more. Private labels contributed to better margins; they tend to carry lower marketing and other costs.
But finding the right Canadian real estate can be tricky for American retailers, Mr. Hood said. Existing retailers have strong relationships with their landlords, and breaking into prominent spaces is a challenge – although less so in a weaker economy.
For many U.S. retailers, expanding into Canada is a test for further international expansion. Millard Drexler, chief executive officer of J. Crew, confirmed earlier this year that the company sees the potential for 10 to 15 stores in Canada. Still he’s moving slowly on the file, envisioning potential pitfalls.
Limited Brands Inc. is moving faster in adding Victoria’s Secret and Pink lingerie stores to its current La Senza outlets here. As well, it plans to double its Bath & Body Works stores in Canada by year’s end.
If Kohl’s gives the nod to entering Canada, the retailer would probably map out a significant expansion, Mr. Collory predicted. “It won’t be just one store,†he said. “They’ll want multiple locations.â€
______
Kohl’s notes
No. of stores as of May 1: 1,067 in 49 U.S. states
Kohl’s sales in 2009: $17.2-billion (U.S.)
Profit in 2009: $991-million
Kohl’s private and exclusive labels:
2004: 25 per cent of sales
2010: 47 per cent of sales
Examples of exclusive brands:
LC Lauren Conrad, Simply Vera Vera Wang, Dana Buchman
1st-quarter sales:
At Kohl’s outlets open a year or more: Up 7.4 per cent
At Target outlets open a year or more: Up 2.8 per cent
At Sears Canada outlets open a year or more: Down 2 per cent
Staff
prosperegal
Senior Member
Does a mall really need an LCBO to be a "proper" mall? And as for a movie theatre, it's unlikely they'd ever put one in, considering the AMC is right across the street at Dundas Square.
That wouldn't be too, hard, would it? They're owned by the same people. The WBB is kind of run-down looking, so it's really a name change.
Good idea. Anything but the current Sears. The difference between Sears' offers and the Bay on the other side of the mall is very evident. I'm getting married this summer and the fiance and I did not register at Sears because there just wasn't that much choice.
Is it really that necessary? There's a small LCBO nearby, at the Atrium.
I don't know if IKEA has its place downtown.
The AMC is across the street. No need for another theatre.
If the Top Shop "Store within a store" succeeds, I'd love to see it at TEC. Would also like to see J.Crew open its first Canadian store at TEC. Oh, and a few more restaurants at TEC, proper. Right now, there's just Mr. Greenjeans!
Speaking of The Eaton Centre: I was there yesterday and it looks like Thyme Maternity is no more (at least not on the third floor). Strange, because I was pretty sure I saw them open when I was there on Friday. I guess that's where Stuart Weitzman is going in August, then, huh?
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Bayer
Senior Member
My wish for the Eaton Centre would be more men's clothing stores for customers who are no longer teenagers.
khris
Senior Member
I'd love to see an IKEA in Eaton Centre, and I think many people downtown would as well.
taal
Senior Member
I second this, although it doesn't need to be in the eaton center per say, anywhere accessible downtown would b great.
prosperegal
Senior Member
The problem with having an IKEA downtown is that there just isn't enough space. Not only do you need a lot of room, you need ample parking, too.
khris
Senior Member
I think there's enough parking in the area. The problem is loading your car or truck if you have large items, or many items, as big boxes are not easy to walk to your car, even with a cart.
taal
Senior Member
Yes and no, I think their best bet would be to make their delivery options more attractive, and that should cut down on the need for parking. No argument that some parking would be needed.
DavidJamesTO
Active Member
And for customers who can't quite afford Harry Rosen or Brooks Brothers. A little steep for me.