Official Retail thread

**VicHockeyFan** · #1 Oct 27, 2006, 02:28 PM

Mods, sorry if this is in the wrong spot, feel free to move. I'm not sure if we have a thread like this already, could't find one.

Anyway, the luggage shop on 1300-blk Douglas downtown is closing out.

Savannah · #2 Oct 27, 2006, 05:24 PM

Lincoln Luggage?

**G-Man** · #3 Oct 27, 2006, 06:16 PM

That is one more hole in that block...

We need a major retailer to come in and consolidate some spots and bring this block back to life. Also coule they please paint the building Macs is in it is half the reason no one wants to come here.

Holden West · #4 Oct 27, 2006, 06:30 PM

Yep, it could use a freshening up.

Hope the replacement for the luggage store is a step up and not some no-name dollar store or some crap. This block has to get it together.

**G-Man** · #5 Oct 27, 2006, 07:19 PM

buck a slice maybe?

Holden West · #6 Oct 27, 2006, 07:29 PM

^Only if it shares space with a cheque cashing outlet.

m0nkyman · #7 Oct 27, 2006, 07:40 PM

Well, they could put a needle exchange in above the cheque cashing outlet.

Holden West · #8 Oct 28, 2006, 09:36 AM

^Excellent! Call it "Despair 'R' Us".

I noticed that Neptune Seafoods is closed--a long time fixture of Fort Street's Antique Row near Blanshard. I don't know if they retired or what but rents in that strip must be at least $2500 a month based a figure quoted in an article in the T.C. on the neighbouring art gallery. I don't think there's any place in downtown now that sells specialty seafood.

m0nkyman · #9 Oct 28, 2006, 10:33 AM

Re: Neptune -The original operators sold it, and it kind of didn't work out after that... Apparently you need to work your butt off to make a profit. Who knew. :roll:

Galvanized · #10 Oct 28, 2006, 10:43 AM

That's too bad, they were able to get rather large sized Lobster.

Savannah · #11 Oct 28, 2006, 02:52 PM

What's happening with the redevelopment of the Mayfair Lanes?

m0nkyman · #12 Oct 28, 2006, 03:01 PM

Bigger WalMart going in there right?

renthefinn · #13 Oct 28, 2006, 03:34 PM

Superstore.

**G-Man** · #14 Oct 28, 2006, 03:35 PM

They are taking their own sweet time building it though.

Walter Moar · #15 Oct 30, 2006, 10:11 AM

What's the name of the building across Douglas from The Mint? I always call it... "the building across Douglas from The Mint", but I imagine it has a real name.

Anyway, in the slightly below street level retail, the record shop has closed down, and the swimsuit shop has had "Retirement Sale" signs up for awhile. The restaurant in the level above is once again closed down, but it looks like they're working in there again. That restaurant spot seems to be a doomed location, but the retail in the floor below seems to do OK.

**G-Man** · #16 Oct 30, 2006, 10:14 AM

They need to blast the floor away and have it as one large space. Also they need to bring the retail forward towards the street. That alone would save the building owners the 40 thousand plus they pay on security.

Number Six · #17 Oct 30, 2006, 10:36 AM

If you mean the building with the Flower Shop on the corner, it's called "City Centre Plaza". Not one of my personal favourites.

**VicHockeyFan** · #18 Oct 30, 2006, 11:13 AM

Hopefully Garden of Eden expands. This town needs more sex shops.

Seriously though, there used to be maybe one or two, now there must be 8 or 10.

Holden West · #19 Oct 30, 2006, 02:59 PM

Can I tell you my Garden of Eden story? Here's how I remember it. At one time, a couple of decades ago, it was located in Nootka Court, right across from the Vic Theatre entrance. The large display windows were papered over so us kiddies wouldn't be corrupted by viewing the sinister goings on. Fast forward several years--Garden of Eden has relocated to their present location and several new "adult" shops have opened downtown--none with covered windows, in fact, the windows are full with "soft core" clothing and novelties in full public view. An enraged Garden of Eden owner demands to know from City Hall why these new shops are allowed to display adult items openly when he's been forbidden to for so many years. The reply--there never was an official bylaw against displaying adult items in a store window. He'd been had.

**G-Man** · #20 Nov 01, 2006, 02:05 PM

We have lost another corner store in Victoria. Cook Street Grocery has closed. That is the second one in that area in 5 years.

**VicHockeyFan** · #21 Nov 01, 2006, 02:16 PM

^ Yes, both North Park (at Quadra) grocery closed, and the one on Quadra opposite the Crystal pool a few years back.

Is the one at Princess and Chambers still open?

**VicHockeyFan** · #22 Nov 01, 2006, 02:17 PM

The funky glass sculpture shop that was formerly the school uniform store is closed. So is Edwards Welding. Edwards equipment goes on auction tomorrow.