Before the onset of COVID-19, mass mall retail was already in trouble. However, with the temporary shutdowns coming to an end, it became more obvious in the last couple weeks.
Since things started opening, we have begun to see the liquidation and forthcoming closures of the Reitman’s-owned Addition-Elle and Thyme Maternity brands. Nygard International has begun the closure of all its stores. It operates 13 in Nova Scotia under the Alia & Tan Jay, Jay Set and Nygard banners.
Kitchen retailer Stokes has said it will be closing 40 of its 147 stores, though locations have not been announced. Pier 1 had already started the closure of stores but is not returning to finish liquidation, while Newfoundland Chocolate has shut its three Halifax-area locations.
While some stores have simply not reopened yet, signs on the La Senza in Mic Mac Mall indicate it won’t be returning. In Sunnyside Mall, People's Jewellers closed at the beginning of the month.
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth saw the recent opening of a new Winner’s location, while sister brand HomeSense spun off into a separate store in Dartmouth Crossing. Work has begun on international sports retailer Decathlon, which is also coming to Mic Mac.
Here are some more recent retail happenings:
- New Brunswick produce store Tomavo, which entered the market last year with a store in Bedford Common, will be adding a location in Bayer’s Lake beside Sport Chek.
So.......cats outta the bag 😆 We just put up our banner, can you guess where our second Tomavo HRM location is? 😍 We...
Posted by Tomavo Fruits Bedford on Sunday, June 14, 2020 - The Fairview location of Lemon Tree won’t be reopening, but the Bedford Highway outlet has opened with an expanded patio.
- Freshly Squeezed and bubble tea shop PrestoTea have opened on Spring Garden Road in Halifax.
- Habitat for Humanity is permanently closing its Bayers Lake ReStore. The location in Burnside will reopen at a later date.
- The Former Thai Ivory Express in Sunnyside Mall is now Always A Pleasure (Thai and Indian food).
Are you interested in tasting some of the best Indian culinary in town? If so drop in here and have a taste of some of...
Posted by Always A Pleasure on Sunday, January 19, 2020 - A slight change to the look of Portland Street in downtown Dartmouth with the retirement of Angela’s Tailor Shop. Two blocks away, longtime staple Radical Concepts has moved from 116 to 137 Portland St.
- Some tenders went out for a new Atlantic Superstore on Hogan Court in Bedford West. The store will be located directly across the highway from the Larry Uteck Sobeys.
- The Spare Room Public House, which replaced the British Bulldog last year, has closed but is expected to be back soon with a new concept.
The Spare Room Public House is a comfortable venue with great service and an excellent variety of classic contemporary dining favourites.
Posted by The Spare Room on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 - Creative Cup Cafe has opened on the corner of Gottingen and Almon streets in Halifax. It offers coffee and light eats.
I just flipped a switch, morning coffee boom delicious iced latte 🙃 perfect for these muggy warm days! #icecoffee #summer #northendhalifax #chillin
Posted by Creative Cup Cafe on Friday, May 29, 2020 - Kebab Kitchen is open at 600 Windmill Rd. in Dartmouth, offering wraps, kebabs and Middle Eastern appetizers.
We are now fully open! Take out and dine in Attached is our NEW full menu 600 Windmill road in Burnside (next to Nova...
Posted by kebabkitchenburnside on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 - The folks who brought us Unchained Kitchen on Agricola Street and Julep Kitchen & Cocktails on Barrington Street have a new spot coming to the Alexander on Bishop Street later this year.
- Also in the Alexander, Quebec-based Copper Branch is opening a location of its plant-based quick-serve restaurant on Lower Water Street.
- HUB 214 Coffee House has opened at 2069 Hammonds Plains Rd. and is operated by the Canada Atlantic District Church of the Nazarene. The cafe offers espresso-based drinks, baked goods and sandwiches.
☕️ Ready for social-distancing coffee dates! ☕️ . . . . #hammondsplains #localcoffee #supportlocal #coffeedate @ HUB 214 Coffee House
Posted by HUB 214 Coffee House on Friday, June 5, 2020 - The former Mondo Take Out on Montebello Road will soon come back as Mun’Cheez Pizza Mart and convenience store.
- A fixture in the Fall River area, Burgess Service has closed and construction has begun on a new service station, convenience and takeout. There are conflicting rumours on the branding and occupants.
- A new pet store and groomer, Puchh Puchh, is open in the strip mall on Kearney Lake Road near Highway 102.
- Dartmouth Crossing is renovating the former Wicker Emporium to be public washrooms and a breastfeeding area, conveniently located near the playground.
