9418 replies to this topic

[m3m]

It’s an odd spot though. Sort of half underground. Massive. Snakes along the interior. Doesn’t have much parking. It’s probably expensive.
It would make an interesting spot for a restaurant though

[Mike K.]

Yes, indeed it would.

[Victoria Watcher]

Doug Robinson, who helped to build Robinson’s Outdoor Store into a local retail institution, was a passionate hunter and fisherman who tested everything he sold and passed his knowledge to consumers, says his daughter.

 

“He really loved the outdoors, and he loved interactions with people,” said Gayle Robinson. “He was a big part of the store and its changes over the years.”

 

Robinson, who died on Wednesday at age 98, started working at Robinson’s in his 20s with his father, George, who founded the store, brother Gordon Robinson and brother-in-law Hank Bird.

 

He stayed until his retirement at age 65 and saw the business evolve from bicycles to sporting, camping and fishing and hunting gear.

 

Robinson’s Outdoor Store on Broad Street remains one of the city’s longest continually operated retail outlets, marking its 96th anniversary this year.

 

“He lived a good and full life,” said Gayle. “He loved the sales part of it and dealing with people, and he loved the products he sold them, too, taking fishing and camping trips — sometimes by horseback, to different parts of the Island.”

 

 

https://www.timescol...-store-11588663

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 08 December 2025 - 11:24 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

 

 

$228,000

 

 

 

A longstanding establishment in the heart of Oak Bay, one of Victoria’s most soughtafter neighbourhoods known for its charm and strong community support. This vibrant two-story retail space offers 1,658 sq. ft. of diverse product displays, abundant natural light, and an inviting atmosphere. Oak Bay Flower Shop is well regarded for its high quality bouquets, gift baskets, excellent service, and beautiful flowers. It has a loyal customer base both locally and internationally. Half of the business comes from outside Victoria, as many rely on it to deliver flowers and gift baskets to friends and family in the area. Situated on Oak Bay Avenue with excellent visibility and high foot traffic, the location attracts both locals and visitors year round, an ideal location for a thriving business. Come make it your destined flower shop! Please do not approach staff or owner regarding the sale of the business.*

 

 

https://www.realtor....y-south-oak-bay

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 10 December 2025 - 04:35 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Lululemon Athletica Inc, said Thursday that its CEO Calvin McDonald is stepping down effective Jan. 31 as the athletic wear maker wrestles with a year of disappointing sales.

The company, based in Vancouver, Canada, said that McDonald and the board are working together to manage a “smooth transition,” and he will serve as a senior advisor to the company through March 31, 2026.

[...]

Lululemon has been wrestling with a host of problems such as higher costs from President Donald Trump’s tariffs to stiffer competition from the likes of Alo Yoga. The brand is known for its simple workout sets worn by Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber. Meanwhile, Lululemon’s founder Chip Wilson has been an outspoken critic of the company’s direction.

[...]

Saunders noted that Lululemon faces three problems: The market for athleisure is weaker than it was, while the competition is “more intense and of a higher caliber.” He also said that against this backdrop Lululemon’s execution has faltered.

He noted that Wilson’s criticism of the company made it difficult for McDonald, and he believes that is one of the reasons for his exit.

 

https://cheknews.ca/...the-us-1294407/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roll Out The Red Carpet: ALO-Wearing Celebs Coming In Hot Iconic looks on iconic people

 

These celebrities just took ALO’s “studio-to-street" mantra and tacked “to-the-red-carpet" at the end — and we're here to serve as the paparazzi plug on all of the A-list looks.

From world-renowned supermodels, American Music Award winners, and iconic television personalities, ALO is honored to be the go-to brand. We always say that our collections intersect fashion and performance, and thanks to Hailey Bieber and Shawn Mendes below for proving just that.

https://www.aloyoga....ZoE7Ldx9iC5h1ck

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 12 December 2025 - 03:05 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Cashier: “That'll be $19.94.”

 

Me: *pulls out a $50 bill*

 

Cashier: “I’m so sorry, but we've had a problem with counterfeit bills. Do you have anything smaller?”

 

Me: *pulls out a $25 bill*

[Victoria Watcher]

‘From book town to weed town’: Proposed cannabis shop sparks debate in Sidney

Read more at: https://vicnews.com/...bate-in-sidney/



A third cannabis store proposed for Sidney’s main commercial strip has sparked concern from existing operators, who say the downtown may be reaching its limit for cannabis shops. Truth + Alibi Cannabis Co., located at 2410 Beacon Ave., said the proximity of a proposed new store, Seaside Cannabis at 2310 Beacon Ave., raises questions about policy, public awareness, and the character of the town. “We had a customer who reached out to us and said, ‘Were you aware there is another cannabis retailer opening up or trying to open up at 2310 Beacon?’” co-founder Zach Pendergast said. “Well, we’re at 2410 Beacon, so it was a grave concern to us.”

Read more at: https://vicnews.com/...bate-in-sidney/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 15 December 2025 - 12:44 PM.

[Blair M.]

‘From book town to weed town’: Proposed cannabis shop sparks debate in Sidney

I can't recall reading anything recently that was so full of crap, and such twisted B.S. as the comments made by the "current" weed shop owners.

What a load.

 

If these folks are worried about the "optics" of pot shops, they're most definitely in the wrong business. Publicly whining about a pot shop close enough to their own that people can actually take two minutes to compare prices on product is what's distasteful - when in fact most potential customers will totally appreciate the convenience.

 

I despise whiners trying to convince the public that their obnoxious public whining has some sort of validation as an "important news story".

Edited by Blair M., 15 December 2025 - 07:25 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

 

 

 

 

$3,900,000

 

 

 

153 Menzies St
Victoria, British Columbia V8V2G4

 

https://www.realtor....toria-james-bay

 

 

Historic Mixed-Use Investment in James Bay 153 Menzies Street, Victoria, BC – $3,900,000 (Cap Rate: 5.00%) Originally built in 1912 by renowned architect Thomas Hooper, this 7,738 SF is a prominent landmark property in James Bay. Strategically located at the prominent five-way intersection of Menzies and Simcoe Streets, steps from Dallas Road waterfront, Inner Harbour, and downtown Victoria. The main floor offers four boutique commercial units with long-term tenancies, while the second floor features four spacious one-bedroom suites with high ceilings, bay windows, and period detailing. Upside potential on both residential and commercial income. For more information, please see the sales brochure under attachments.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 18 December 2025 - 03:13 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Munro’s Books in Victoria starts a new chapter in ownership

 

Read more at: https://vicnews.com/...r-in-ownership/

[Victoria Watcher]

After more than 40 years of serving Victoria homeowners, builders and families at their current location, West Coast Appliance is preparing for an exciting new chapter.   

 

This locally owned and operated appliance retailer will be moving into the Capital Iron building at 1900 Store St. by the end of January, bringing two trusted Island businesses together under one roof.  To prepare for the move, West Coast Appliance is holding a major Moving Sale combined with its Boxing Week Sale, with floor display appliances discounted by up to 50 per cent off at their current location 3090 Nanaimo St.   While many premium and luxury display models have already sold, customers will still find select high-end appliances, along with a large selection of dependable, everyday appliances at excellent prices.  “There’s been a lot of interest in our higher-end displays,” says owner Fred Aram.

 

“Many of those have sold quickly, but we still have a good mix left. We also have many every-day appliances, where some of the best deals can be found.”  The sale includes gas and electric ranges, refrigerators, washers, dryers and laundry products, as well as a strong selection of built-in and condo-size appliances – an area where West Coast Appliance has long specialized. 

 

Read more at: https://vicnews.com/...r-new-location/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 27 December 2025 - 04:24 AM.

[spanky123]

Fred already owns West Coast Appliances. More of a consolidation sounds like.

[Victoria Watcher]

Yes. It’s been known for some time they were moving. But until very recently we did not know where to.

[Mike K.]

It looks like the largest nail salon on the Island is coming to Hillside. More details at https://www.instagra...zlweXlmN29uMmcx

[Victoria Watcher]

Lululemon Athletica's founder Chip Wilson said on Monday he had launched a proxy fight by nominating three independent directors to the company's board, just over two weeks after the Canadian apparel maker announced the exit of CEO Calvin McDonald without a clear successor.

 

Lululemon has struggled to find its footing with younger and affluent shoppers amid stiff competition from fast-growing newer rivals like Alo Yoga and Vuori, as well as pressure from activist investor Elliott Management. The company's shares have shed nearly half their value this year.

 

Wilson has nominated three director candidates to Lululemon's board, including former On Running co-CEO Marc Maurer, former ESPN chief marketing officer Laura Gentile and former Activision CEO Eric Hirshberg.

 

https://www.cbc.ca/n...anges-9.7029060

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activist investor Elliott Management has built a stake of more than US$1 billion in Lululemon Athletica Inc. and is pushing for the struggling retailer to name former Ralph Lauren executive Jane Nielsen as its next chief executive.

A source familiar with the situation confirmed media reports that Elliott has been working with Nielsen, a former chief financial officer and chief operating officer at Ralph Lauren, for the past few months to support her candidacy.

https://ca.finance.y...-160554860.html

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 31 December 2025 - 01:15 AM.

[Mike K.]

Spank clothing on Government is closing its location and moving to another spot by spring. They have not revealed their new location.

If we recall, there was a high profile assault at Spank last fall, that led to a fight on the sidewalk involving a staff member.

[Citified.ca]

A rendering of the upcoming Parhar Centre, a 150,000 square foot commercial plaza at Highway 1 and Highway 18 (and Herd Road) in the Cowichan Valley, north of Duncan's town centre. The project is currently in the early stages of construction.

 

150,000 sq. ft. retail centre coming to North Cowichan near Duncan’s new Quw’utsun Valley Hospital

https://victoria.cit...alley-hospital/

[Victoria Watcher]

 

 

A turnkey retail opportunity in Harris Green. Located at 1033 Fort Street, this 930-square-foot space features an open-concept floor plan with storage space, a private washroom, and an office. Surrounded by a wealth of established businesses and amenities, including Routine Coffee & Supply, Luna Collective, Fort Street Cycle, and Mona Consignment. While this space is ideally suited for retail, the Harris Green District zoning allows for a variety of business uses. 

 

https://www.realtor....ctoria-downtown

 

 

 

Fort Street Vintage.

 

 

https://www.mercuryshoes.ca/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 09 January 2026 - 11:45 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

    520 Herald St
Victoria, British Columbia V8T0C8

 

https://www.realtor....ctoria-downtown

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 16 January 2026 - 09:20 PM.