Actually there is a hard move back to bricks and mortar retail (quite noticeable here in SoCal) -- so-called "smart retail" is learning to implement a 3-pronged advance to garner sales -- 1. a sophisticated internet presence, 2. an outreach to local businesses and residences combined with a cohered presence with other retailers, and 3. innovative approaches to display often using entertainment memes to attract shoppers. And this is already starting to be seen in Edmonton -- for example -- with the new H. Singer store which exemplifies these points -- the combined presence of Bar Henry and a classy barber shop working together with a sophisticated Men's Wear -- all elements that can't be achieved solely by internet sales. So "zero demand for decades" seems to be a little over the top and a tad back towards the Old 'O standard fear-mongering. Several notable Edmonton developers have caught on to the modern retail trends and are beginning to implement designs that in fact underscore the "change".