[_urbanite]

Well thinking of it from the side of the retailer I think they think that there isn't a market for any type of hardware store in the core and also they don't know how to get enough product floor space. Funny thing is the best way to have more floor space is to open multi level retail spaces. Or have micro stores with a customer counter and larger back room.

I think it could possibly work, but maybe not as a pure hardware store. A store with more diversified product mix that includes a good selection hardware essentials + some everyday items + office supplies. Ideally located closer to 124 street so it can draw in some homeowners from the Westmount area. But as you stated, finding an appropriate sized space for this would be challenging. Any spaces in that area that I can think of that would be ideal for this are already leased up. It would need to be south of 111 Ave as well IMO

 

[David A]

Well thinking of it from the side of the retailer I think they think that there isn't a market for any type of hardware store in the core and also they don't know how to get enough product floor space. Funny thing is the best way to have more floor space is to open multi level retail spaces. Or have micro stores with a customer counter and larger back room.

Just because something does not currently exist does not mean there isn't a market for it. Only that someone hasn't realized the market there or figured out how to make it work.

 

[David A]

I've always wanted a Home Hardware or a Canadian Tire in the downtown neighborhood, preferably in ECC (in the old Bay space) although Unity Square would be acceptable.

Or here's a spitball idea: how about a resurrection of the historic WW Arcade hardware store near The Quarters?

A Canadian Tire in the old Bay space would be a great idea.

 

[Tropical]

I think it could possibly work, but maybe not as a pure hardware store. A store with more diversified product mix that includes a good selection hardware essentials + some everyday items + office supplies. Ideally located closer to 124 street so it can draw in some homeowners from the Westmount area. But as you stated, finding an appropriate sized space for this would be challenging. Any spaces in that area that I can think of that would be ideal for this are already leased up. It would need to be south of 111 Ave as well IMO

Aren't we basically describing London Drugs in Unity Square?

 

[crisp]

A Canadian Tire might work, has a great variety from fixing things to cleaning things and also great for seasonal decor. I often went to the urban format Cdn Tire in Beltline Calgary when I was living in Beltline. One thing I would say though is that the store was never busy from my perspective.

A hardware store though? Absolutely would not work. There just wouldn't be enough DIY people living downtown, at least not yet. If we're talking major renos, well then it's safe to say such projects have people willing to drive out further with a truck to pick up stuff.

Let's not forget Sobey's failed attempt at a grocery store downtown Edmonton. We juuuuust finally got enough people in the area for grocery stores to work now. A grocery store, not a hardware store. And that's mostly due to new buildings and a lot of rentals, none of these new bodies downtown need much use of a hardware store.

 

[IanO]

Sobeys closed due to a poor understanding of the area/downtown market and the merger with Safeway.

 

[crisp]

Well, opening a hardware store is a poor understanding of the area/downtown market imo.

 

[buildings]

when the fences go up for the 15 minute communities you'll regret not being able to get some screws..

 

[northlands]

Makin’ it crane

 

[Seamusmuldrew]

BRING BACK BIG BOX DOWNTOWN STAPLES

 

[Markyeg]

I miss the days where you could buy a bottle of water at that Staples so they could validate your parking while you went elsewhere.

 

[Stevey_G]

I miss the days where you could buy a bottle of water at that Staples so they could validate your parking while you went elsewhere.

I'd park at the Baccarat Casino for days and never get tickets because I went drinking and responsibly left my car downtown in Uni lol.

 

[MattPT]

I worked in Sutton place hotel as a valet many many years ago. There was an NHL player who drove a hummer that didn’t fit in our underground parking, so I’d have to drive it to this Staples lot and park there. He never tipped me once the week he stayed there lol. Can’t remember who it was though…must not have been anyone memorable.

 

[IanO]

 

[Offworld]

A Canadian Tire in the old Bay space would be a great idea.

Made-in-China Tire??? That's nothing better than a dollar store these days.