Bed Bath & Beyond coming to Winnipeg

Another American retail giant has set its sights on Winnipeg.

Bed Bath & Beyond has been reported to be the next popular U.S. store setting up shop in our city. But with all the American retailers coming to us, it’s giving Canadians less of a reason to shop south of the border.

It’s expected to take up residence in Polo Park North, near clothing store Marshall’s, which is opening next week.

“Polo Park remains a growth center for retail activity in Winnipeg,” said Jino Distasio, an urban studies professor at the University of Winnipeg. “Once that stadium site is cleared you’re going to see even more activity.”

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It’s the latest in a string of strategic moves into the Winnipeg market by international retailers, and it’s not just Polo Park that is feeling the impact.

The opening of furniture mega store IKEA has spawned a beehive of activity in Fort Whyte, including a new Cabela’s, and will soon see a Lowe’s home improvement store.

“I think it’s more to boost the American economy than the Canadian but they do create jobs in Canada too,” one shopper told Global News.

Experts believe international retail giants view Winnipeg as an underserved market.

With a growing population nearing 750,000 people, coupled with a tepid U.S. economy, big brands see big opportunity in the suburban marketplace, but a struggling downtown retail sector is preventing every company from seeing dollar signs in Winnipeg.

“We’re not quite at the level to attract the Louis Vuitton or the Gucci stores, but you know, maybe that’s kind of the next step if we can push some incomes up. We may start to see some of those brands as well, but I think we’re far from that,” said Distasio.

Still, Winnipeggers who normally head south of the border for a particular store are finding they have to do less driving.

“We used to drive to Grand Forks and Fargo as an outing for something to do but now there’s no reason to go there because everything is here,” said one woman.

Retailers are hoping fewer road trips will mean more local shopping trips.