Whyte Ave/Old Strathcona Retail Discussion

[x183]

The Orange Market 24/7 on the corner of Whyte and 104th Street seems to have been dark every time I walked passed the last week or so. There are no notices posted. It does seem ominous for a 24/7 convenience store.

On a happier note, I see that the former Gallaghers Pub location east of Mill Creek has reopened under the Brick and Whiskey brand. I have not yet popped in to have a look. I wish these sorts of places would put out a sandwich sign or set up a web site or something. I don't feel I should have to physically check them all out.

I don't think there is anything really new happening on Whyte. By that I mean there has always been lots of businesses closing down and lots of others opening up. I can always remember a good inventory of empty spaces waiting for new tenants to try their luck. Others may remember things differently.

[Gord Lacey]

My wife and I saw Orange Market looked dark, but she said the day before she walked past and it was open. I just did a search on Google for their number, and Google has it permanently closed. I thought it had good promise, but the execution was really just a convenience store with a few additions. They did have excellent pecan pie, though.

[etownboarder]

I bought the most amazing piece of cake there when they first opened... went in 5-6 times walking past hoping to find some amazing cake but each time the display case was empty and I left empty handed. Execution was the problem. They just didn't deliver. Sad cause I really LOVED the piece of chocolate cake I had... but if they don't have any cake for me to buy, what can I do?

[Sonic Death Monkey]

That space has turned into a retailer black hole! I'm amazed that nobody can get anything going on a such prominent corner.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

New bakery, La Boule Patisserie, opening just south of East Whyte
https://twitter.com/EEDC_BRAD/status/805189939310641154

Brad Ferguson @EEDC_BRAD
Impeccable design and taste. Congratulations to @laboulebakery on a delicious opening this Tuesday. 8020-100 Street

[etownboarder]

With the bakery on 99 street a few blocks up, this seems like an odd location.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Pawn shop opening in the strip mall at Whyte Ave/107 St. Personally I think that entire strip mall should be bulldozed
http://edmontonjournal.com/news/loca...shop-approvals

[Edmcowboy11]

It would be nice to see the strip mall transformed to something else that would be directly along the avenue. As for the Cash Canada, yes it is a pawn shop but I actually don't mind them, they have some great deals at their 34 ave location.

[Gord Lacey]

With the bakery on 99 street a few blocks up, this seems like an odd location.

You can never have too many bakeries! Also, this one is open on Sundays, which is very rare. Hong Kong bakery and Duchess are the only ones I can think of open on Sundays.

[Top_Dawg]

It would be nice to see the strip mall transformed to something else that would be directly along the avenue. As for the Cash Canada, yes it is a pawn shop but I actually don't mind them, they have some great deals at their 34 ave location.

Top_Dawg agrees.

For pawn shops Cash Canada is as good as it gets.

Although Top_Dawg figgers only a frog would kiss the Cash Canada Pawn Princess.

Definitely last call material.

[Gord Lacey]

I went to La Boule Patisserie, and it's delicious! Best almond croissant I've had. My son devoured his chocolate croissant, and the loaf of country bread (a cultured sourdough) I bought is about half gone already. Worth walking in -31 (with windchill) to check out.

They didn't have a whole lot out just after 9, but there still a decent selection. The country loaf came out a bit later, and they plan on having baguettes around 4 so they're fresh to have at dinner. They're going to have some other breads as well (a rye was mentioned), but they're still working on perfecting them.

Oh, it's also 8020 101 st, not 100 st. Brad was off a block, which normally isn't a big deal, but becomes one when it's freaking cold out and you're dragging a 5-year-old around behind you.

[Chmilz]

It would be nice to see the strip mall transformed to something else that would be directly along the avenue. As for the Cash Canada, yes it is a pawn shop but I actually don't mind them, they have some great deals at their 34 ave location.

Top_Dawg agrees.

For pawn shops Cash Canada is as good as it gets.

Although Top_Dawg figgers only a frog would kiss the Cash Canada Pawn Princess.

Definitely last call material.

She's got her own page on their website. C'mon Dawg, you'd smash that poodle after a few too many Canadians. Cheaper than the jack shack!

[Sonic Death Monkey]

http://www.metronews.ca/news/edmonto...=1481154872456

A beloved Whyte Avenue music venue that sat vacant for 18 months is back with a fresh look.

The Forge has taken over the 250-person capacity, second-floor facility previously occupied by Pawn Shop Live on 105 Street and 82 Avenue.

Two shows are booked this weekend and a grand opening is slated for mid-January.

[North Guy66]

On a happier note, I see that the former Gallaghers Pub location east of Mill Creek has reopened under the Brick and Whiskey brand. I have not yet popped in to have a look. I wish these sorts of places would put out a sandwich sign or set up a web site or something. I don't feel I should have to physically check them all out.

I don't think there is anything really new happening on Whyte. By that I mean there has always been lots of businesses closing down and lots of others opening up. I can always remember a good inventory of empty spaces waiting for new tenants to try their luck. Others may remember things differently.

Gallagher's Pub was a dump. The nail in the coffin was when a man died from a fight outside the bar a year ago. Hopefully the Brick and Whiskey can bring back life to that location similar to the Honest Mur's days.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

More on La Boule
http://www.metronews.ca/news/edmonto...form=hootsuite

[Gord Lacey]

Ah, the photographer was snapping that photo when I was there yesterday... for the second time (I got in trouble for not getting something for my wife on the first visit). The country loaf I bought in the morning was devoured by noon, so I picked up a baguette (around 2), which was finished earlier today. They also had a bunch more stuff out later that wasn't there in the morning, and apparently today they had a couple of personal-sized cakes that weren't there yesterday.

[Corina5070]

Ah, the photographer was snapping that photo when I was there yesterday... for the second time (I got in trouble for not getting something for my wife on the first visit). The country loaf I bought in the morning was devoured by noon, so I picked up a baguette (around 2), which was finished earlier today. They also had a bunch more stuff out later that wasn't there in the morning, and apparently today they had a couple of personal-sized cakes that weren't there yesterday.

So excited that La Boule has opened in the neighborhood. Bought 2 Spiced Apple Eclairs to share with the family. Had a bit and then decided I wanted to eat them all to myself.

[Chmilz]

More on La Boule
http://www.metronews.ca/news/edmonto...form=hootsuite

Heh, the article doesn't even include the address. Great journalism.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

For Lease signs are up on the Orange Market space. It's disappointing that such a prominent corner has turned into a retail black hole.

[IanO]

Very odd indeed... would love a place like Leva there.

[Spudly]

For Lease signs are up on the Orange Market space. It's disappointing that such a prominent corner has turned into a retail black hole.

Isn't that market the only retail that's ever been there? It's always been bars/pubs since it was a bank, I thought.

[etownboarder]

Whyte ave was like 20% vacant when I walked through before Christmas. A lot of empty space available.

[Chmilz]

I get the feeling that landlords are out to lunch with asking rates for leases. They want South Common chains with deep pockets, except units are small and the people that go to Whyte want eclectic independent shops. Seems there's a mismatch going on there right now.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

^ I suspect this is a likely reason:
http://www.connect2edmonton.ca/showt...ning-Your-City

[Top_Dawg]

Gallagher's Pub was a dump. The nail in the coffin was when a man died from a fight outside the bar a year ago. Hopefully the Brick and Whiskey can bring back life to that location similar to the Honest Mur's days.

Top_Dawg knows that the owner of Gallagher's had really good intentions but got bogged down by a protracted legal issue shortly after she moved in when she tried to sever ties with her business partner.

After that she was sapped of both energy and resources to do any substantial improvements to the place.

It was a great relief for her when she was finally able to find a buyer who had the wherewithal to close the deal.

Top_Dawg empathizes with her because the original Gallagher's Pub she had at Westmount Village was nothing like the dump on Whyte - it was a pretty nice place.

But as a condition of Rexall agreeing to open a store at Westmount Village, the owner did not renew her lease.

So far, Top_Dawg is impressed with what the owner of the Brick and Whiskey has done.

Traffic does appear to be down but that is only because the crackhead element from Gallagher's and previously Mur's has been cleaned out.

Should be able to build up a good steady client base if it continues.

Whyte ave was like 20% vacant when I walked through before Christmas. A lot of empty space available.

Yeah, tons of empty spaces on Whyte and probably more coming very soon.

Also Top_Dawg knows of a few businesses that have recently changed ownership with previous owners being just happy to have found buyers - Pourhouse being one of them.

[Drumbones]

The oil patch paychecks loved Whyte. With that element missing it's hurting.

[Top_Dawg]

You are absolutely right Drumbones.

The poodles at O2's told Top_Dawg that the traffic on their rooftop patio this summer was down almost 40% and the fall and winter have been brutal.

In fact many of them have either quit outright to look for greener pastures or tried to pick up extra shifts elsewhere.

The Keg lounge is pretty much empty after 7:30 P.M. when in 2015 it was hard to find a seat even at 9.

[Edmcowboy11]

I get the feeling that landlords are out to lunch with asking rates for leases. They want South Common chains with deep pockets, except units are small and the people that go to Whyte want eclectic independent shops. Seems there's a mismatch going on there right now.

Landlords are definitely ignoring the marketplace and market conditions. My shop for example has decided to move because even though we only had moderate sales we were informed that our lease rate will be increased. The fact that there is no anchor other than Safeway now and the next couple years of construction in front of the mall doesn't help, but the rate is still going to go up.

[Top_Dawg]

Yeah, now with both the former Sears and Target locations sitting empty it will be very interesting what the future of Bonnie Doon Mall will hold.


On a side note, Top_Dawg recently spotted a Yelp review posted by sylvain h. for Bonnie's Lounge.

It is one of the funniest things Top_Dawg has read in a very long time.

Only because it is so spot on.



https://www.yelp.ca/biz/bonnie-doon-...s-bar-edmonton

[IanO]

You are absolutely right Drumbones.

The poodles at O2's told Top_Dawg that the traffic on their rooftop patio this summer was down almost 40% and the fall and winter have been brutal.

In fact many of them have either quit outright to look for greener pastures or tried to pick up extra shifts elsewhere.

The Keg lounge is pretty much empty after 7:30 P.M. when in 2015 it was hard to find a seat even at 9.

While it does seem slower, many other factors in play here:

1. O2's leaving its main floor meant FAR less walk-by 'hey let's go in'.
2. There are many more interesting options around whyte for drinks and certainly for food.
3. Oil boys are down
4. Downtown has been drawing more post-secondary to its options
5. Keg is a bit tired it seems from folks I know who used to be regulars; better options.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

I get the feeling that landlords are out to lunch with asking rates for leases. They want South Common chains with deep pockets, except units are small and the people that go to Whyte want eclectic independent shops. Seems there's a mismatch going on there right now.

Landlords are definitely ignoring the marketplace and market conditions. My shop for example has decided to move because even though we only had moderate sales we were informed that our lease rate will be increased. The fact that there is no anchor other than Safeway now and the next couple years of construction in front of the mall doesn't help, but the rate is still going to go up.

Where are you moving All Star to? The Dr Who fans of my acquaintance wanna know!

[DanC]

This thread gets top marks for the mentions of Bonnie's and Honest Muir's. Five stars.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Did anyone know there's a relatively new live venue on Whyte and 96 St named The Sewing Machine Factory? I believe it's in the basement below the Mill Creek Cafe.
https://www.facebook.com/TheSewingMachineFactory/

[Gord Lacey]

I had no idea. Interesting stuff.

[Spudly]

It took over the used bookstore space?

[GenWhy?]

Yeah the show space has been there for a few months and there have been some really good and interesting shows there when they opened.

[GenWhy?]

I think Fluevlog Shoes is moving to Whyte Ave in the Beljan Block?

[GenWhy?]

Also, is it correct that a separate space is for lease with primary alley access?

[maclac]

a

I think Fluevlog Shoes is moving to Whyte Ave in the Beljan Block?

Moving from where? Don't have one yet

[IanO]

They are leasing that space, correct.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

El Cortez owners to open another restaurant this summer
http://ow.ly/mnCc308nQSc

[GenWhy?]

All awesome news, thanks! Fluevlog will be a great addition to the diversity and destination retail on Whyte.

[Spudly]

Fluevog wanted the owner of Gravity Pope to open a store in WEM. I don't know if that ever happened. This could be the same idea?

[GenWhy?]

Same idea?

[Spudly]

GP Doing a Fluevog store, but on Whyte.

[etownboarder]

Fluevog is a great addition. Can't wait to see what they have.

[Spudly]

Probably what they've had for decades, but more of it.

https://www.gravitypope.com/collections/fluevog

[maclac]

Probably what they've had for decades, but more of it.

https://www.gravitypope.com/collections/fluevog

What are you getting at? Gravity Pope is a middle man...who sells many brands- Fluevog being one of them. A Fluevog branded store would ONLY sell Fluevog's. So do you know if we are getting a Fluvog branded store on Whyte?

[Sonic Death Monkey]

^ The more trusted sources are saying as such.

I think Fluevlog Shoes is moving to Whyte Ave in the Beljan Block?

They are leasing that space, correct.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Also looks like a new Remedy is coming to Whyte Ave
http://www.metronews.ca/news/edmonto...in-future.html

Personally I think the current Whyte Ave location near 103 St is too small, so I hope this is a relocation.

[IanO]

Expect a MUCH larger one

[etownboarder]

Assuming they are closing the smaller location and moving to one of the bigger empty retail spaces on Whyte? Makes sense. I can't imagine a 3rd cafe in the neighbourhood.

[WhyteAveCam]

I wonder if they'll move into the space beside malt and mortar, it is just a stones throw away from their current whyte ave location and plenty big.

[etownboarder]

^its a nice space and quite big so that fits with them wanting a larger space. It may even be too big.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

I think it's a right size. The original Remedy in Garneau is huge now, ever since they expanded into the old video rental shop space.

[GenWhy?]

Spudly, Fluevlog is it's own store, like in Van or Montreal. I just wanted to know if it was pending or actually solid. Glad it's solid. Agree Remedy could use another space as big as Garneau. I know the 103st one on Jasper was regularily packed. I think more people are going for food than just a drink.

[Spudly]

Spudly, Fluevlog is it's own store, like in Van or Montreal. I just wanted to know if it was pending or actually solid.

Errr yup. Got my first pair in Montreal 30ish years ago. And it's Fluevog (only one "l").

[noodle]

I love my 'vogs, even if the quality isn't what it once was. Even got married in a pair last summer.

[Top_Dawg]

Top_Dawg never heard of them.

After checking the web, they look to Top_Dawg like prancer shoes for royal gaylords.



But to each their own.

[Spudly]

Top_Dawg you seem to know a lot about gay stuff. Are you in denial or something?

[Top_Dawg]

Nope.

Just Top_Dawg's casual observations.

[Spudly]

Nope.

Just Top_Dawg's casual observations.

They do seem to be anti-gay-centric though. I thought we'd all left that behind in grammar school.

[Marcel Petrin]

The new Remedy on Whyte is going in to a new development, not an existing space.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Innovative Portuguese footwear brand galibelle (spelled with a lowercase ‘g’) has opened its first Canadian boutique on Whyte Ave
http://www.retail-insider.com/retail...17/2/galibelle

[SpongeG]

Once me and my friend were at the fluevog store in Vancouver when there was only the one on granville street. So my friend picks up a shoe and goes what was he thinking this is so ugly, or something to that affect, and i go um and point, standing behind him in the doorway of the backroom was mr fluevog himself. I kinda laughed my friend cringed.

[SpongeG]

Innovative Portuguese footwear brand galibelle (spelled with a lowercase ‘g’) has opened its first Canadian boutique on Whyte Ave
http://www.retail-insider.com/retail...17/2/galibelle

The concept seems interesting, but i wonder if the constant changing of choice would weaken them and make them slip off a lot. That would get annoying.

[realkevbo]

Looks like FC Edmonton is opening a fan shop in the old American Apparel location. This is a huge acquisition for the club.

[IanO]

That's awesome...include a small pub for catching the games too!

[Gord Lacey]

I don't think they could open a pub there, could they? Isn't there a moratorium on liquor licenses in the area?

[Dave]

Looks like FC Edmonton is opening a fan shop in the old American Apparel location. This is a huge acquisition for the club.

I noticed that too when I went by there earlier today. I think that is a great idea and nice to see something local on Whyte Ave rather than an international chain.

I think Whyte Ave needs to get back to its roots a bit and all the vacant space may be an opportunity for more local businesses an organizations. I suspect the landlords in the area must be getting to the point where they realize too much greed is not the way to go in this economy.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

^ I'll just repost this:

Blame the Banks for All Those Boring Chain Stores Ruining Your City

http://www.connect2edmonton.ca/showt...ning-Your-City

[noodle]

I don't think they could open a pub there, could they? Isn't there a moratorium on liquor licenses in the area?

Thank goodness. The last thing we need is more places for people to get drunk in public.

[IanO]

LOL

[noodle]

A snapshot of alcohol's impacts on Canadians:

• In 2002, 4,258 deaths in Canada were related to alcohol abuse, representing 1.9% of all deaths.
• Costs related to alcohol in Canada equalled approximately $14.6 billion in 2002.
• From April 2013 to March 2014, $20.5 billion worth of alcohol was sold in Canada.
• In 2008, impaired driving was the leading cause of criminal death in Canada.
• Among psychoactive drugs, alcohol-related disorders were the top cause of hospitalizations in Canada in 2011.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-heal...on-canada.html

Yeah, we need to encourage more drinking.

[IanO]

On the eve of the 17th, blasphemy!

[noodle]

Completely slipped my mind. As a non-Irish, non-Catholic, non-drinker it's just another Friday for me. And given your proclivity to booze it up I'm sure it'll be a regular Friday for you too, more or less.

[IanO]

Enjoy!

[Hilman]

Wow, I bet he is a blast at parties

[Spudly]

good for watching the coat room

[maclac]

Completely slipped my mind. As a non-Irish, non-Catholic, non-drinker it's just another Friday for me. And given your proclivity to booze it up I'm sure it'll be a regular Friday for you too, more or less.

So new drinkers are bad? Wow - what a tea-toteling mormon you are. Enjoy your Root beer. I spend your annual salary on single malt scotch in a month......

[Dave]

Completely slipped my mind. As a non-Irish, non-Catholic, non-drinker it's just another Friday for me. And given your proclivity to booze it up I'm sure it'll be a regular Friday for you too, more or less.

So new drinkers are bad? Wow - what a tea-toteling mormon you are. Enjoy your Root beer. I spend your annual salary on single malt scotch in a month......

As someone who lives in the area I would prefer new businesses that were not bars too. Sometimes Whyte Ave can feel like a mile long frat house, which might be fun if you are visiting but not so much if you live in the area. I don't mind some bars, but too much of anything is no good.

[Admin]

Do we seriously have to devolve every thread into personal griping? Come on people

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't noodle on the Yay side during the Great 4th St Mega-Bar Debate?

[SP59]

Wow, I bet he is a blast at parties

Buzz looks a bit like Brian Mulroney

[Top_Dawg]

Completely slipped my mind. As a non-Irish, non-Catholic, non-drinker it's just another Friday for me. And given your proclivity to booze it up I'm sure it'll be a regular Friday for you too, more or less.

So new drinkers are bad? Wow - what a tea-toteling mormon you are. Enjoy your Root beer. I spend your annual salary on single malt scotch in a month......

So-o-o.....

Who's the moronski ?

[noodle]

So new drinkers are bad? Wow - what a tea-toteling mormon you are. Enjoy your Root beer. I spend your annual salary on single malt scotch in a month......

Hahaha. Congrats, you've got a drinking problem severe enough it's seemed to have had some detrimental effects on your logic & math centres of your brain! WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER!!! Unless you're really putting back a million+ a year on hooch.

Thanks for being a textbook example of how alcohol affects people

[noodle]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't noodle on the Yay side during the Great 4th St Mega-Bar Debate?

I was on the "anti-NIMBYs" side, which happened to align with the "pro-bar" side.

Ian was himself very concerned about the proliferation of easy access to booze when it suited his rhetoric & classist urbanism (see the discussions about a liquor store in Cromdale on SSP).

[KC]

So new drinkers are bad? Wow - what a tea-toteling mormon you are. Enjoy your Root beer. I spend your annual salary on single malt scotch in a month......

Hahaha. Congrats, you've got a drinking problem severe enough it's seemed to have had some detrimental effects on your logic & math centres of your brain! WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER!!! Unless you're really putting back a million+ a year on hooch.

Thanks for being a textbook example of how alcohol affects people

Noodle, your income is pretty good. Or is that in another currency?

[KC]

Do we seriously have to devolve every thread into personal griping? Come on people

Yes.

[Highlander II]

^$1m per year = salary per month. Before/ after tax not specified, benefits and investment income not included. That's what I read.

A lot of people spend stupid amounts on alcohol. Really stupid, sometimes.

[noodle]

^ It's my annual gross salary, including bonus but not benefits, multiplied by 12.

[KC]

^ It's my annual gross salary, including bonus but not benefits, multiplied by 12.

You have a 12 yr contract or something?

[noodle]

You have a 12 yr contract or something?

What have I said that would lead you to make such a bizarre assumption/inference?

Maclac made a poor attempt (pun intended) at trying to insult me (yet again) by attempting to insinuate I'm some sort of pauper making a fallacious comparison to his monthly alcohol consumption and my annual salary. I responded utilizing his own comparison extrapolated to an annual period of alcohol consumption, as it led to a nice, relatively round number that illustrated just how terrible his initial attempt at a schoolyard-level insult truly was.

[Gord Lacey]

Sooooooo.... back to the thread about Vacant Spaces on Whyte...

I'm guessing that medical building slated for the old Shell station on 100 st is dead? There's been absolutely no movement on the site for awhile, and they're still using it as a dumping group for soil from elsewhere.

[sonicboom]

Job No 243463903-001
Description: To change the Use of a General Retail Store to a Restaurant and to construct interior alterations
Location: 10403 - 83 AVENUE NW
Plan 0822029 Unit 3
10403 - 83 AVENUE NW
Condo Common Area (Plan 0822029)
Applicant: RETROFIT DESIGN LTD
Status: New
Create Date: 3/16/2017 10:50:48 AM

[GenWhy?]

That corner could sure use another awesome patio, overlooking Gazebo Park. Very wide sidewalks for patio (three continuous patios) or even taking over a parking space on the street. If Southside Memorial Chapel was a mixed-use building 83ave and Gavebo park would be a great node.

[Gord Lacey]

There's a place called "Snowy Desserts" opening up beside the Japanese restaurant across from the Roots building. It's taking the other corner unit that faces Whyte (and the old train tracks). The sign just says "Opening Soon"

[GenWhy?]

The thread on future of former Kit&Ace building at 10428 82 Avenue: http://www.connect2edmonton.ca/showt...593#post818593

What did that development put beside its long fence along the sidewalk? Is it bare or treed? Interesting to see how businesses and that segment of street does.

[Sonic Death Monkey]

Edmonton's first permanent cat cafe opening up
The storefront at Whyte Ave and 101 Street launches March 30, with six resident kittens and locally roasted ACE coffee.

http://www.metronews.ca/news/edmonto...=1490329023020

Vivian Deng and Fei Xie are opening Cat Café on Whyte, Edmonton’s first permanent opportunity to pet a cat while you sip a latte, next week. The storefront at Whyte Ave and 101 Street launches March 30, with six resident kittens and locally roasted ACE coffee.

[Gord Lacey]

The thing that jumped out at me was this:

The entry fee will be $15, which includes one hot or cold drink. Edmontonians will be able to enjoy hour-long visits from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and potentially even later on weekends.

So... $15 and you get to spend an hour in there with a hot/cold drink? That seems extremely expensive, and makes an outing there into something that would happen once every 6-12 months, just for the novelty. I wish them well, but I don't think that's going to be very viable. How do cat cafes work in other parts of the world?