I agree but still problematic with malls like WEM, Southgate and Kingsway, also South Edmonton Common doesn't help either.Their main mall is Downtown, ours is not, but it is still telling. Downtown Edmonton MUST find a way to attract and retail more destination, independent and practical retail.
Reference ID: | Job No 444707468-002 |
Description: | Interior Alteration |
Location: | 9910 - 109 STREET NW Plan NB Blk 9 Lots 64-66 |
Applicant: | MALT AND MEADOW |
Status: | Intake - More Info Requested |
Create Date: | 8/19/2022 2:07:54 PM |
Neighbourhood: | DOWNTOWN |
Occurs to me that someone should take a page out of WEM's playbook - WEM had a practice of operating a bunch of stores and smaller scale attractions in spaces that otherwise would have been vacant. I think this kind of coordinated backfill would do wonders for downtown as a whole. Just need a benevolent multi-millionaire who wants to boost the downtown, or have a city agency take this on.I agree but still problematic with malls like WEM, Southgate and Kingsway, also South Edmonton Common doesn't help either.
I keep wondering what other services and/or retailer's will give the downtown a bigger boost?
That’s a compelling idea. What are some of your suggestions?Occurs to me that someone should take a page out of WEM's playbook - WEM had a practice of operating a bunch of stores and smaller scale attractions in spaces that otherwise would have been vacant. I think this kind of coordinated backfill would do wonders for downtown as a whole. Just need a benevolent multi-millionaire who wants to boost the downtown, or have a city agency take this on.
WEM did things like glow in the dark mini golf, souvenirs, go karts... the goal would be just to break even, you could do a bunch of specialty retail, hobby shops, t shirt shops, flag store, escape game, citadel theater ticket outlet, arts and crafts, local makers markets/pop ups, home knickknacks, candy, arcade, unique vending machines, laser tag etc.That’s a compelling idea. What are some of your suggestions?
WEM did things like glow in the dark mini golf, souvenirs, go karts... the goal would be just to break even, you could do a bunch of specialty retail, hobby shops, t shirt shops, flag store, escape game, citadel theater ticket outlet, arts and crafts, local makers markets/pop ups, home knickknacks, candy, arcade, unique vending machines, laser tag etc.
I remember when there were hay bales at 104 Ave +109th-ish in the mid-90s... so yes, it's come a long wayIt’s quite a conundrum, but I think we should feel accomplishment for the gains the city has made since the late 2000s in such a short time. It’s only fair considering how critical we are of the blunders we see.