“These three new retailers achieve this goal and reinforce Southcentre’s reputation as a major local shopping center with strong community ties. ”
Dollarama is slated for completion in the fall, while PetSmart and Winners are slated to open next spring. The upper floor could accommodate up to five retailers to open in 2022.
A retail analyst says dividing the space into smaller pieces makes sense today.
“They can probably charge more rent per square foot, but it will cost money to reuse that space for these small retailers,” Retail Insider’s Craig Patterson told CBC News.
“They are great retailers in their own right, but at the same time these retailers can be found elsewhere. I wouldn’t consider them unique.
Customers have lined up for stores like Winners, even during a global pandemic.
Southcentre Sears closed in January 2018 after the parent company filed for creditors protection.
“Maybe they got a good deal because this space was vacant for over two years,” Patterson said.
It is expected that around 150 jobs will be created with the three stores and 200 positions during the construction phase.
Southcentre opened in 1974.
