NOTE: David Ian Gray’s name and Dig360 are listed incorrectly in the video above, has been corrected in the copy below.
The retail landscape of downtown Vancouver turned a new page today.
After 17 years, Sunday was the last day for the Chapter location at Howe and Robson.
They announced the closure in January, saying a large rent increase made the location unprofitable. For the last two weeks, all inventory at the store was at least 50 per cent off.
Dig360 consulting retail strategist David Ian Gray says the recent nostalgia over the store’s demise is expected, but will likely fade.
“It’s a little wistful moment for the people downtown. Much like when the Virgin Megastore closed, and now we kind of forget it was there. I think we’ll move on,” he said.
Gray said the shifts in Vancouver’s retail landscape could also be seen just across the street, where Nordstrom will become the flagship anchor of a rebuilt southern end of Pacific Centre this fall.
“We’re seeing stores closing, we’re seeing stores opening. There’s a lot of flux and change, some would even say chaos.”
As for those still wanting to shop with Chapters? Their older location at Broadway and Granville remains open, although it will rebrand to become an Indigo location. The company also says they’re hoping to find a new, more affordable space downtown.