next year Vancouver will get its first Walmart Store as Costco is moving out.

[st7860]

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=de31498b-ccdc-4b99-b167-711856819aeb
Wal-Mart has finally found a home in the City of Vancouver.

The world's largest retailer is expected to announce today that it will open its first Vancouver store within a year on a 2.5-hectare east Vancouver site currently occupied by Costco.

McLean Group president Jason McLean, whose company owns the site at Grandview Highway and Skeena, said the switch to a new retail occupant doesn't require city council approval because it conforms with existing zoning.


Wal-Mart will build a new store off Grandview Hwy.

Costco has operated at the location for more than 15 years, but is leaving to open a new store in nearby Burnaby.

"It's a situation where one large-format retailer is replacing another," McLean said.

Wal-Mart lost a protracted and controversial battle in 2005 to open a new Vancouver store on Southeast Marine Drive when city council rejected the concept.

McLean said Costco will leave the Grandview and Skeena location by July 1 before Wal-Mart retrofits the 106,000-square-foot space for its unveiling by early 2009.

He said Wal-Mart has a long-term lease on the property, and believes they are an "excellent fit" for the area.

"I feel very good about it, and I think the community will respond well," McLean said. "[The company] really wants to be here, and I think Vancouver shoppers want them too."

Wal-Mart representative Kevin Groh said a "huge number" of local customers will be keen to shop in the new store rather than drive long distances to suburban Wal-Mart stores around Metro Vancouver.

"By finding an existing retail building and filling it with a retail operation, we know we have found a good fit," he said in an interview.

He said Wal-Mart stores can range from 75,000 to 215,000 square feet, so the new east Vancouver store will be a mid-sized outlet. B.C.'s first "super-centre" Wal-Mart store -- with a full line of grocery merchandise -- recently opened in Duncan with 175,000 square feet of retail space.

"Opening a modern-format operation in an existing retail building will require some creativity on our part," Groh said. "But there's a lot of excitement about being part of the Vancouver market, and we've demonstrated again our willingness to be creative."

He said Wal-Mart wants to open more Vancouver stores, but the Grandview project remains its focus right now.

"We still own the Southeast Marine site, and we still love it as a retail site and we still plan to develop it," Groh said. "We've made it clear that we would rather be right than fast on Southeast Marine Drive."

Vancouver retail consultant David Gray said the city can almost guarantee there will be a backlash against Wal-Mart's entry into the Vancouver market.

"They tend to be welcomed with open arms in smaller communities, but more affluent urban settings have been a challenge for them," he said. "Vancouver is a very politicized city, and a lot of people will feel a need to protect smaller retailers."

Gray said Costco doesn't have the same broad appeal as Wal-Mart, so the new East Vancouver Wal-Mart store could have a significant impact on local retailers.

"But that's not always a bad thing," he said. "We have this nostalgia for Mom-and-Pop retail, but a lot of it is pretty crappy retail and often it exists because of a lack of a convenient alternative."

bconstantineau@png.canwest.com

[LonesomeDove]

Let the protests begin. I wonder what they will complain about now. The protestors were angry about increase traffic in their neighbourhood. They can hardly use that excuse in this very heavy traffic area with few homes nearby.

[untaka]

Congrats! I'm surprised you guys didn't have a walmart sooner, guess your just not as lucky as we are :D

[dealguy2]

Just to clarify the situation here. Walmart DOES have stores in the greater Vancouver area but they just don't have any in the actual city of Vancouver. I for one applaud the fact that Walmart has figured out a way to get around all the commies who opposed them for so long.

[ephemera]

Only snobs who look down their noses at you complain about walmart. Not everyone can afford to shop at whole foods and boutiques.

[TCWeasel]

Only snobs who look down their noses at you complain about walmart. Not everyone can afford to shop at whole foods and boutiques.

Quite.

I know why I shop at Walmart. I do so because it's cheap and that is the only reason. Though while I was there the other day, I found myself wondering the why Walter Gretzky was shopping there.

[selpats]

I for one applaud the fact that Walmart has figured out a way to get around all the commies who opposed them for so long.

Seig heil, mein Führer! :twisted:

[dmyvr]

Anyone know when the new Costco will open? All I see is a sign at the old store saying "we are moving" - no date though ...

[GYR8]

Anyone know when the new Costco will open? All I see is a sign at the old store saying "we are moving" - no date though ...

Thursday, May 22nd is the opening date I believe ;)

GYR8

[Ninjai]

now we just need a Ikea in Vancouver and I'll be happy :D

[iamnotamerican.com]

Seig heil, mein Führer! :twisted:
Erm...Hitler wasn't communist. You knew that, right?

[dealguy2]

Erm...Hitler wasn't communist. You knew that, right?

Well he was a socialist so close enough I guess.

[KonaHeiHei]

I'm moving to Vanc next month. Is the Walmart going where Costco at the Chinatown Skytrain stop is? I rather liked the idea of having the Costco where it is, though not having a car can be a PITA when you have a 10 KG bag of frenchfries or a skid worth of soda cans to take back!

There's not a lot of discount retailers save for dollar stores it seems in the downtown. There's the London Drugs but as I've experienced no Zellers save in Burnaby. I much rather (on principle alone) not shop at Walmart and buy from Canadian retailers. And Walmart just sells a lot of crap, though I won't pretend I can afford to shop at boutique stores either.

[st7860]

the costco on grandview highway near the real canadian superstore is the one thats moving out, not the one in chinatown

[LonesomeDove]

I'm moving to Vanc next month. Is the Walmart going where Costco at the Chinatown Skytrain stop is? I rather liked the idea of having the Costco where it is, though not having a car can be a PITA when you have a 10 KG bag of frenchfries or a skid worth of soda cans to take back!

There's not a lot of discount retailers save for dollar stores it seems in the downtown. There's the London Drugs but as I've experienced no Zellers save in Burnaby. I much rather (on principle alone) not shop at Walmart and buy from Canadian retailers. And Walmart just sells a lot of crap, though I won't pretend I can afford to shop at boutique stores either.

Not the Costco at the Chinatown/Stadium Skytrain location, which is quite new, opening a year and a half ago. Costco is leaving the Grandview Highway location because it is moving into a new store in nearby Burnaby.

Actually, there are lot of stores going up in downtown Vancouver, especially in the Cambie/Broadway area. In that area, you have Best Buy, Canadian Tire, recently opened Home Depot and Save-On-Foods. Soon to be opened Winners and a new London Drugs.

[Asun]

This is barely Vancouver. It's already at Boundary Rd.

[ride365]

Only snobs who look down their noses at you complain about walmart. Not everyone can afford to shop at whole foods and boutiques.
I guess you've never seen the movie "Wal-Mart the high cost of low price" or had the "pleasure" of dealing with management from a retailers perspective.

[selpats]

Only snobs who look down their noses at you complain about walmart. Not everyone can afford to shop at whole foods and boutiques.

I'm a snob because I prefer to support people in my neighbourhood? I am a snob because I prefer quality products? I am a snob because because I can afford to shop at other stores? I am a snob because I don't like supporting Walmart and their business practices?

Wake up and educate yourself.

[M@rk]

I'm a snob because I prefer to support people in my neighbourhood? I am a snob because I prefer quality products? I am a snob because because I can afford to shop at other stores? I am a snob because I don't like supporting Walmart and their business practices?

Wake up and educate yourself.

No, you'd be a snob if you forced others to conform to the lifestyle you described. That's what those Walmart petitioners do and those are the people he's referring to. Build the damn Walmart and let the customers decide where to shop.

[selpats]

No, you'd be a snob if you forced others to conform to the lifestyle you described. That's what those Walmart petitioners do and those are the people he's referring to. Build the damn Walmart and let the customers decide where to shop.

You are right, people should be able to shop where they want and I totally have nothing wrong with that...

[Pavel]

Thursday, May 22nd is the opening date I believe ;)

GYR8

Where abouts in BBY is it opening?

I for one am happy that Wal-mart is coming to Vancouver, however I am disappointed it's not a supercentre. Too bad it's not relocated to the empty land that they own on Marine Drive. The local Wal-Mart haters didn't want a store to be put up that way. I guess it's too much competition for that flea-bag superstore?

[LonesomeDove]

Where abouts in BBY is it opening?

I for one am happy that Wal-mart is coming to Vancouver, however I am disappointed it's not a supercentre. Too bad it's not relocated to the empty land that they own on Marine Drive. The local Wal-Mart haters didn't want a store to be put up that way. I guess it's too much competition for that flea-bag superstore?

The new Costco is located on Still Creek near Willingdon in Burnaby. Halfway between Brentwood Mall and BCIT. Near MacDonalds headquarters.

Protestors can't do anything because the location is zoned for such businesses. That hasn't stop the leader of the opposition group from expressing her disapproval:

http://www.cknw.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocal/Story.aspx?ID=1007361

Louise Seto say Big Box Stores are "not sustainable". What an idiot, if so, none of the big boxes will survive for such a long time. You should see the long lineup at these places.

I don't know how Walmart will handle the parking situation at this location because the parking lot is very small compared to other places. It will be a madhouse.

[Pavel]

Thanks for the update.

Yeah, a lot of politically correct people will jump in the way of progress. Wait until (one day) a Wal-Mart supercentre will arrive in town. You'll see how many people will jump to shop there even though the prices will be about the same, I think, as Superstore, but it'll likely force the big chains to change their marketing and prices, at least initially. All the Wal-marts I have been to in Canada and USA are always busy.

Like the article in the Sun says about supporting ma and pop stores or local retailers: ". "We have this nostalgia for Mom-and-Pop retail, but a lot of it is pretty crappy retail and often it exists because of a lack of a convenient alternative."

The parking at the Grandview Costco, has always been bad. I dont think they will do anything about it.

[GVRtrader]

Not really a good location for Walmart. The location at marine would be a lot better since there are also 0 walmarts in Richmond with the closest one in Queens. Opening one where Costco was doesn't make a lot of difference. Its fairly close to the one @ lougheed and Queens (like 15 drive away) and if you're going from (or close to) Richmond, its probably still faster to goto Queens.

[Pavel]

Not really a good location for Walmart. The location at marine would be a lot better since there are also 0 walmarts in Richmond with the closest one in Queens. Opening one where Costco was doesn't make a lot of difference. Its fairly close to the one @ lougheed and Queens (like 15 drive away) and if you're going from (or close to) Richmond, its probably still faster to goto Queens.

+1. The Queensborough one is also newer and has a lot more to offer than just Wal-Mart. It has the outlet stores too.

It's really too bad (for the consumer) the local Marine Drive residents beached and complained about Wal-mart so they werent allowed to set up shop on Marine, yet they still own the land. Maybe they'll be a new Richmond nightmarket there next year? :D

[st7860]

the marine location wouldn't be near skytrain. the grandview highway location is near skytrain

[belowzeros]

good god 2.5 hectares lol


and you don't have to be a snob to hate wallmart that's just ignorant :cheesygri

[Pavel]

the marine location wouldn't be near skytrain. the grandview highway location is near skytrain

why would that make a difference? the queensborough location is not near the skytrain either?

[dmyvr]

The new Costco is located on Still Creek near Willingdon in Burnaby. Halfway between Brentwood Mall and BCIT. Near MacDonalds headquarters.



If you know where the Keg used to be, that's where the new Costco is. The Keg moved slightly south (about 1/2 block).

[honest thief]

Its gonna be competitive. There's already a Rona 3 blocks away, Superstore 2 blocks away and they are building a huge multi store complex another block away. I recall only Canadian Tire and Mark's Work Warehouse and Starbucks on the sign but I'm sure there was more.

[dmyvr]

Its gonna be competitive. There's already a Rona 3 blocks away, Superstore 2 blocks away and they are building a huge multi store complex another block away. I recall only Canadian Tire and Mark's Work Warehouse and Starbucks on the sign but I'm sure there was more.

I think there's gonna be a Save On or Price Smart foods there too.

[element88]

I'm moving to Vanc next month. Is the Walmart going where Costco at the Chinatown Skytrain stop is? I rather liked the idea of having the Costco where it is, though not having a car can be a PITA when you have a 10 KG bag of frenchfries or a skid worth of soda cans to take back!



No, the Costco in Chinatown is relatively new. It is the old one on Grandview that is moving.

I love the Chinatown location - I don't have a car but it is so easy to get to by skytrain. The Grandview one was a pain to get to without a car.

BTW - Why exactly are you returning french fries ? lol

[Narci]

Dang..now I can't make fun of Vancouver not having a Wal-Mart anymore...although it's at the edge..and i mean edge of vancouver crossing the street to burnaby.

CBC news reported while other companies is losing money this year in the US, wal-mart gained 7% because of slow economiv times that wal-mart is attracting customers looking to pinch pennies.

I can't wait for it to come. I hope it's a super wal-mart store, like the one beside the tulalip outlets.

[kitty]

It's really too bad (for the consumer) the local Marine Drive residents beached and complained about Wal-mart so they werent allowed to set up shop on Marine, yet they still own the land. Maybe they'll be a new Richmond nightmarket there next year? :D

Here's what I don't get about the Main & Marine location. While those anti-Walmart guys are blocking construction of the WalMart, the lot (owned by WalMart) is currently sitting there for the past 5 years with empty buildings filled with druggies, prostitutes and homeless people.

That's better than a Walmart?

[blakjak]

Here's what I don't get about the Main & Marine location. While those anti-Walmart guys are blocking construction of the WalMart, the lot (owned by WalMart) is currently sitting there for the past 5 years with empty buildings filled with druggies, prostitutes and homeless people.

That's better than a Walmart?

Maybe the Walmart haters you're talking about are the druggies, prostitutes and homeless living in these empty buildings and they don't want to have to relocate :twisted:

But seriously, people definitely have their priorities all wrong if this is the case in this neighborhood. They're just so brainwashed that Walmart is evil, that they chose to ignore the more serious issues plaguing their area (if they actually come from this area in the first place).

[blitz]

I think there's gonna be a Save On or Price Smart foods there too.
I think its a Price Smart Foods. Boy traffic is gonna suck there but maybe we'll be paying $2 per litre gas so less cars.

[whampoa]

I'm a snob because I prefer to support people in my neighbourhood? I am a snob because I prefer quality products? I am a snob because because I can afford to shop at other stores? I am a snob because I don't like supporting Walmart and their business practices?

Wake up and educate yourself.

I did, and don't kid yourself they are all Made In China. Like it or not.

Oh, did you just said you want your toy to be Made In Germany, I wish you all the luck.

You are right, people should be able to shop where they want and I totally have nothing wrong with that...

Except for the Central Committe of the Vancouver City Council politburo.

[1226]

Thursday, May 22nd is the opening date I believe ;)

GYR8

Is that still the case? I read somewhere it's going to be July 1.

[honest thief]

I personally don't like Walmart. There's nothing special about the place. I like to buy groceries at the supermarket, tools at Princess Auto, clothes at the mall.

Walmart feels like one notch above a dollar store.

[Pavel]

Here's what I don't get about the Main & Marine location. While those anti-Walmart guys are blocking construction of the WalMart, the lot (owned by WalMart) is currently sitting there for the past 5 years with empty buildings filled with druggies, prostitutes and homeless people.

That's better than a Walmart?
They don't see them...out of sight, out of mind.

[LonesomeDove]

To those that don't like Walmart, don't go there. People who want to go should have the opportunity to do so. It is called the freedom to choose. Vancouver is the only major city in Canada who does have a Walmart.

The left wing social activists who oppose Walmart are quite out of line.
The arguments they use are not supportable.

1. They drive out local small business. Possibly in small towns. But the protest against the Marine Drive location using this argument can not justified. There are no small businesses along Marine drive and the only place people can shop is Oakridge Mall. They cite small businesses along Fraser and Main Street but those are mainly ethnic stores that will be unaffected by Walmart. As well, small business can cater to a niche market not offered by Walmart.

2.Low wages and no benefits. But most retail pay low wages and are not unionized. And many small business are mom and pop operations where they do everything and do not hire anyone. If they do hire anyone, the small stores pay minimun wage with no benefits.

3.Walmart is a symbol of globalization. Jobs are shipped overseas to lower paid workers. True, and why are jobs shipped overseas? Because of high wage demand by North American Workers. Often driven by the Union movement. If everything is made in North America, how can anyone afford the goods? LCD Tvs will remain at $10,000. Computers sell for $5000. Even a calculator will cost $50, like they did when they first came out.
The Auto Industry is losing money because their wages are $20/hr more than overseas manufacturers.

4.Everything is Made in China where workers are abused. But everything is made in China because of the reason cited in point 3.

5. Opponents just don't like Big Box Stores. Yes, but even supermarkets like Safeway, Save-On-Foods, RCSS are big stores. You mean Walmart opponents never shop at these stores? Where do they buy their food from? Grow their own?

Bottom line is: Don't shop there if you don't want to. Let others have the freedom of choice.

[st7860]

in a popular list of jokes for a certain ethnic group there's a joke about how "your mom drives her mercedes to the costco"

[dmyvr]

My problem with people saying that they (or anyone employer) are low paying / wages is if you don't like working for their pay, why are you working there? It's not like you are forced at gun point to work there, go and work somewhere else that pays more.

[Hunter316]

I love how the social activists are upset with Walmarts wages and then use the argument that the small business will not be able to compete with them when small business either hire no workers or if they do then they pay them minimum wage anyway. Walmart will produce more jobs in their one store than all the small business in the surrounding area combined.

[Big Brother]

Isnt this how it works in small towns:

Walmart appears. Low prices attracts customers that would normally shop in small stores. Small stores die. Jobs lost, etc and half of the town eventually works in walmart. Walmart owns the town. Since walmart employees are not unionized, they get wage cuts.

I dont see how this can happen in large cities. To those people who live in large cities with walmarts, how did it affect your city?

[LonesomeDove]

Isnt this how it works in small towns:

Walmart appears. Low prices attracts customers that would normally shop in small stores. Small stores die. Jobs lost, etc and half of the town eventually works in walmart. Walmart owns the town. Since walmart employees are not unionized, they get wage cuts.

I dont see how this can happen in large cities. To those people who live in large cities with walmarts, how did it affect your city?

Yes, that is what said in my above post. Large cities have a lot of alternatives to choose from, whereas small towns may have only one supermarket and a few small hardware and clothing stores. Once a Walmart moves in, the smaller stores will not be able to compete price wise. But small businesses can succeed if they have a niche market, a specialization, or a service, ie. something Walmart that does not carry or do. For example, barber shops, beauty salon, restaurants, theatres will continue to operate and possibly benefit because of increased traffic from nearby towns.

The protests in Vancouver are arguing from a neighbourhood perspective. They claim their neighbourhood will be detrimentally affected. But how?
They said the Marine Location will draw more traffic. But that area is almost like a highway anyways with cars zooming past almost 24 hrs a day. It is not like it is a quiet residential street. If not a Walmart, what else, maybe a casino, social housing, drug injection site? The alternatives may be worst!

The fallacy of the protestor's arguments is proven with the Home Depot on Terminal Ave. Opponents of the Big Box stores like Home Depot said the it will kill local hardware stores like the Home Hardware on Commercial Drive.
Not at all, the Home Hardware is still there and doing great business because it served the needs of local residents. They don't have the selection of Home Depot but they have great service.

[gmark2000]

I remember less than a decade ago there were no Tim Hortons in Vancouver proper yet Robson Street had the largest concentration of Starbucks in the world.