Do the Retail Shuffle

Seems  just a couple of short years back there was a flurry of new businesses opening on the westside. The Kent store aside, it's been quiet lately.  Maybe that will change.

I've heard recently that the site of the former Blockbuster Video at the Lancaster Mall will house a Second Cup coffee shop and a Little Caesar's Pizza. I wonder if this is rumour or reality? The site has been empty for quite  a while - it would be nice to have something in there.

And, I was told that Better Buy Sports in Lancaster Mall is not going out of business, but it's relocating to the site of the former NBLC store in Westwind Mall on Fairville Blvd.  Apparently it's a better fit for them.    

Could be.

The Kent Countdown

The Kent store west is set to open in about a week. I took this pic the other day before the countdown had begun.  As of today it's at 6 days, I think.

The Undawning of the Age of Aquarius

News today that longtime westside business the "AQ" is closing.  It's been a long time since I went to the Aquarius but I recall it was a booming business for many years. Another hole in the Golden Mile - no doubt to make room for a big box store.

Coles bookstore closing

Kind of bummed to hear that Coles bookstore in Lancaster mall is closing in a few weeks. Not hard to see though, with big competitors always selling at discount.   It's too bad for Westsiders.

Construction on Kent Store West

The Westside Kent store will be open in no time - construction is really moving along quickly.

New Kent Store & Unfinished Townhouses

The Kent Store construction on Fairville Blvd. is making quick progress and there is now a sign announcing the development.  

Meanwhile on Lancaster Ave. the "luxury" townhouse development that never got off the ground is up for sale, again. This site had great potential and it's too bad the plan didn't come to fruition. I walk by the site occasionally and it's in bad shape.  This development had been in the works since Norm MacFarlane was Mayor. Oh well, as they say in Saint John, "They should never have torn down  (insert whatever landmark you can think of) the  DVA."

Kent Store West

Not a great shot here, but the ground is broken and it looks like work has begun on the Kent Store at the corner of Catherwood Street and Fairville Blvd.

Walmart opening soon

My neighbours have heard that Walmart-west will be opening this weekend.  It sure looks ready.

The Golden Mile - Going in Circles

The Golden Mile Corridor Study (Fairville Boulevard) and open house is happening Sept. 6, 5-7pm at the Wilson Street Legion.   I wonder if this event will be the same as the one I attended in May 2009 at the same location. 

Enterprise Saint John, in cooperation with the City of Saint John and the Saint John West Business Association would like to invite you to an Informative Workshop for Residents and the West Saint John Retail Community. Learn More about the Exciting New Retail Developments in West Saint John
This FREE workshop will bring together residents, developers, existing retailers and land owners to learn more about West Saint John’s vibrant, progressive and sustainable retail sector.

Let's see, Lancaster Mall was renovated, as was Zellers,  Zellers closed, Blockbuster Video closed, Coop closed, Walmart is moving in, a top request from that evenings session - a family restaurant- hasn't happened.  Of course the Sobey's Plaza / Canadian Tire area is a great addition...I wonder how long it be for this latest study is shelved then dusted off again.

Walmat West - getting closer

Shopping cart caves for Walmart have been installed in the parking lot of Lancaster Mall. Apparently mid September is the anticipated opening date for the store.

Even more places to eat on the Westside

So Boaz West - Korean / Japanese cuisine - opened a couple of weeks ago by the Reversing Falls restaurent; and now the Bear's Den has opened on Lancaster Ave., next to Olsen's Store, across from T4G. Today is the opening day, and the fast food spot looks ready and willing to serve. There have nice, clean decor, a kitchen where you can see the food being prepared, good prices, and lots of space to sit. The menu is all about burgers, fish & chips, platters, etc. Breakfast will be served everyday starting at 8am.

This business is in the location of Thai Hut, hopefully they'll make a go of it. Nice to see a local business opening.

Korean / Japanese restaurant on the westside?

Not soon enough.
This sign was posted at the empty restaurant overlooking Reversing Falls.

Shredding metal at 12:30am?

Enjoying the beautiful weather this weekend can mean sleeping with the window open. Saturday night was an exception, the noise from the metal shredding facility on the westside port was loud and clear at 12:30am.
I don't live on the lower westside, yet I could clearly hear the metal grinding.  I spoke to folks who live lower west - they had to shut their windows Saturday night because of the noise from the equipment at work.

I don't think it was supposed to work this way.

Site of New Kent Store

So the rumor mill that's been grinding the story about a Kent's Store on the westside has been put to rest; local media reported recently that indeed a Kent Store is going to be built on the corner of Catherwood and Fairville Blvd. This is along  the "retail corridor" of the westside.

And it doesn't take long for JD Irving to act  ... last evening I noticed the demolition had begun on the old garages on the site, and tonight the demolition is complete.

Demolition work last evening

Demolition almost complete this morning

Large selection of imported foods at Sobeys

I was pleasantly surprised to see a newly expanded imported food section at Sobeys on the West side. This is a new addition - there must be 40 feet of a wide variety of food from around the world.

Get in line for ice cream

The Pumpkin Patch on Manawagonish Road opened today  -  that's a sure-sign of summer around the corner.

CO-OP site update

This is a picture I took today of the site of the former Co-op on Fairville Blvd., across from Sobey's.
The Co-op building disappeared fast. Apparently there has been a buyer for the property, let's hope they have plans for an interesting addition to the westside retail corridor.

 April 17: Just reading on CHSJ news feed that Princess Auto will be moving into the Co-op site.

AIM's facility at the port

I thought I should check out the happenings at American Iron and Metal's lower westside facility as they have again been in the news; this time it's not about sources of electricity but the noise reducing practices they are using. It's definitely quite an impressive operation. I spoke to a neighbour of the facility this weekend and he said the noise level was quite high as testing was going on.  If what I have been told is correct, the company's plan is to spread out to encompass more space than they currently use.

New Retail Activity

More retail activity talk on the Westside.  Chit chat (again) says a Kent’s is preparing to build on the corner of Catherwood & Fairville Blvd.  In the Lancaster Mall the Coco Beach Salon closed its doors abruptly last week; I believe they had many customers who will be unhappy at this turn of events.Too bad for a local individual who tried to make it in the small business world.  (I imagine the rent is substantial in the mall). Also in Lancaster Mall, Zeller’s is winding down operations in preparation for closing in early June to make way for Wal-Mart.  I recently spoke to a woman who has worked there for 35 years (K-Mart / Zellers), there would be plenty of stories to tell.   The store’s fixtures are for sale as is the restaurant equipment.  I have not heard when the Wal-Mart will open.

Sad Start to the New Year

This was no way to start the New Year. The Inn on the Cove, a great local business, and a wonderful historic site, was destroyed by fire yesterday afternoon.  I had been by the site just hours before after a walk in the Irving Nature Park.  The location and the surrounding area has always been a perfect site for outdoor activities, and the owners have been gracious and welcoming Westsiders.   Here's hoping the owners will rebuild and continue their excellent contribution to the West Side.