The sudden loss of a large retailer at a high-profile downtown-area intersection is a “huge opportunity” for a new landmark business to join the rapidly evolving core, one city politician says.
The sudden loss of a large retailer at a high-profile downtown-area intersection is a “huge opportunity” for a new landmark business to join the rapidly evolving core, one city politician says.
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Urban Outfitters, a two-storey clothing store on the southwest corner of Richmond and Oxford streets, abruptly closed just shy of its 11th anniversary at the location.
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Signs posted on the doors of the empty store at 743 Richmond St. said it closed Jan. 23 and referred shoppers to a location on Yonge Street in Toronto. No reason for the closing was given on the signage.
Request for comment from Urban Outfitters’ corporate office was unreturned Friday.
While it’s never nice to see a retailer bow out of the core, the vacancy at the high-traffic intersection is a tremendous opportunity for another business, Ward 13 Coun. David Ferreira said Sunday.
“This is a main entrance point for downtown. It’s a very high visibility place and it looks good, with the big windows so you can see right in,” said Ferreira, whose ward covers the retail spot.
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“A lot of things could operate out of there. I’d like to see something that fits and complements the area.”
The London store, which focused on trendy men’s and women’s clothing geared towards young adults, opened Jan. 31, 2013. At the time it was the first store the Philadelphia-based retailer had opened in Ontario, west of Toronto.
Urban Outfitters took over an approximately 930-square-meter space once occupied by a Blockbuster Video, renovating the brown brick building with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the busy intersection.
The building at 743 Richmond St. – which includes neighboring tenants including Wine Rack – is listed for sale for $6.3-million.
The Urban Outfitters closing comes as other businesses have opened their doors along Richmond Row in recent months.
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Drop Spot Vintage, a clothing store that began in Hamilton, opened near the corner of Richmond Street and Central Avenue in November. Jugaad Indian Express, a new eatery at 691 Richmond St., opened Dec. 5.
The Banquet – a bar, restaurant and entertainment hub – opened in the space once occupied by the Lone Star Texas Grill, immediately south of the CP rail tracks on Richmond Street, in early October. The location is the fifth for the Alberta-based chain and its first expansion into Ontario.
Par-Tee Putt – a nightclub and mini-golf course – opened at the end of August at 545 Richmond St. in the space formerly occupied by Revolution nightclub and the London Tap House.
House Craft Burgers, Beer and Video – a London pop-up that is transitioning to a brick-and-mortar restaurant – is planning to open at 640 Richmond St., the former location of Renato’s and the Toddle Inn, next month.
While the downtown business scene has its enduring staples, it’s also a place where evolution is the norm, Ferreira said. The pandemic and recovery may have sped up some of the movement of businesses in and out, he said.
“We’re seeing businesses come in, and there is this dynamic change,” Ferreira said. “I see it (the closing of Urban Outfitters) as just a change, not a loss.”
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