Edmonton Retail Thread

[Harrison]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

A retailer that received a $212,000 grant to set up shop downtown for at least 18 months left after just six months, but the organization that provided the grant is not planning to sue to get the money back.
https://edmonton.skyrisecities.com/forum/threads/downtown.27768/page-243#post-2171875

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That's very disappointing and plain wrong in so many ways; let alone the small business owners who exist today that received nothing are not very happy.

Yeah, the fact they lasted only 1/3 of their required term under the grant should be grounds for litigation in my mind. Sure, they used 'some' of the funding to build-out the space for themselves but is that the best use of grant funding?

[Coldrsx]

It's down right criminal.

[Coldrsx]

Picked up a bunch of new stuff from Jaisel on Whyte today. Nice to see it sticking around and providing some variety for those of us who want to try stuff on and not be in a mall.

[Coldrsx]

Rediscovered Free Cloud the other day and forgot how much of a gem this place is; such a fun way to spend an house exploring their collection/offering and an important local business to consider retaining/supporting.

http://www.freecloud.ca

[Coldrsx]

112st is going to have quite the influx of new offerings soon.

INS Market, Chipotle, Deville, Ramen, burgers, etc....

[Coldrsx]

Not much to report here, but it's better than paper I suppose...

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Hudson’s Bay Facing Imminent Bankruptcy: Report

https://retail-insider.com/retail-insider/2025/03/hudsons-bay-facing-imminent-bankruptcy-report/

[Harrison]

Originally Posted by Hallsy's Toupee

Hudson’s Bay Facing Imminent Bankruptcy: Report

https://retail-insider.com/retail-insider/2025/03/hudsons-bay-facing-imminent-bankruptcy-report/

Not surprised.

[Slide]

If they were to close half their stores/underperforming stores, as is rumoured, which stores are likely to close here? Currently 5 left in Edmonton and area
- St. Albert
- WEM
- Kingsway
- Southgate
- Londonderry

I would guess Londonderry for sure based off of their 2023 plan to close it once before. St. Albert? Not sure how that one fairs. If left with one, I would guess Southgate would be the last man standing as I think that's their Edmonton flagship.

[Harrison]

Originally Posted by Slide

If they were to close half their stores/underperforming stores, as is rumoured, which stores are likely to close here? Currently 5 left in Edmonton and area
- St. Albert
- WEM
- Kingsway
- Southgate
- Londonderry

I would guess Londonderry for sure based off of their 2023 plan to close it once before. St. Albert? Not sure how that one fairs. If left with one, I would guess Southgate would be the last man standing as I think that's their Edmonton flagship.

Londonderry is operating as an HBC outlet store on only the first floor so that could stay open if it's not losing money. St. Albert I could see as it's a smaller market. WEM and Southgate I think would stay open for sure. Kingsway is a coin toss for me.

[s211]

Originally Posted by Harrison

Londonderry is operating as an HBC outlet store on only the first floor so that could stay open if it's not losing money. St. Albert I could see as it's a smaller market. WEM and Southgate I think would stay open for sure. Kingsway is a coin toss for me.

No slight against St. Albert, but at best I would think that it would be a coin toss between Kingsway and St. Albert. Realistically, I'm guessing that neither store will survive, and at best WEM and Southgate might survive. The Bay will be a much smaller operation by the time restructuring is done.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

It would suck if the Kingsway Bay is permanently closed, but on the other hand I'd be excited to see which shops, services and eateries would replace it.

[CMD UW]

Originally Posted by s211

No slight against St. Albert, but at best I would think that it would be a coin toss between Kingsway and St. Albert. Realistically, I'm guessing that neither store will survive, and at best WEM and Southgate might survive. The Bay will be a much smaller operation by the time restructuring is done.

Of the 5 HBC's in the Edmonton area I would say the Londonderry and St. Albert locations are likely gone, maybe Kingsway if three had to go. Pure speculation on my end.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Hudson's Bay says it will liquidate entire business if no financing can be secured

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/hudson-s-bay-liquidation-funding-1.7484691

[Airboy]

They've never done anything to St Albert store to make it appealing.

[Slide]

I always felt Southgate was in a prime position to really intensify its site with residential, more retail etc... and bolster the link to the LRT to create something like metrotown in burnaby. With Hudson's Bay on its way out i hope they have some ambitious plans for the mall and area.

[Coldrsx]

Logical and would make a TON of sense on their westside.

[Coldrsx]

[Rocket252]

Edmonton city center mall in receivership.

[Xelebes]

Originally Posted by Rocket252

Edmonton city center mall in receivership.

Sounds about right.