Walmart to replace no-showing Target?

Shape Properties has done an amazing job of keeping details of future Brentwood retail and entertainment tenants from not only the public, but from its current Brentwood Mall tenants as well.  Despite such well-kept secrecy, rumours have begun circulating that Walmart may become a major anchor tenant in the new Brentwood Mall instead of the recently-failed Target which had plans to take up shop in the new development.  Such an entry by Walmart would most likely involve the relocation of the Grandview Hwy location to Brentwood.

Target rumours continue

Well, this will be the last mention of Target in Brentwood until it has been definitively confirmed what will become of Zellers.  Here goes:

It appears that Target may not come to Brentwood after all because it will be too close to it's Target store slated to open in Metrotown.  It's been said that Walmart and Canadian Tire have declined to replace the outgoing Zellers after it closes its doors and although staff at other Zellers locations have been given notices, the staff at Brentwood have not.  However, unionized workers have signed an agreement that ends March 2013. (article below)  This most likely means that Zellers will be closing by March 2013.

Rumour has it that a large grocery store is eyeing the space left behind by Zellers.  A grocery store would definitely be a welcome addition to the area.  Sobeys has been the grocery store rumoured to be interested in Brentwood.

(http://www.ufcw1518.com/node/4158)

Zellers members accept new deal

March 27, 2012

UFCW 1518 members employed at Zellers Brentwood Mall store have voted 89% in favour of terms for a new contract.

Members at this store have been in a difficult situation regarding their future job security with the impending takeover of the company by Target. Highlights of the agreement include signing bonuses, and a store closure agreement. The term of the agreement is retroactive to April 1, 2011 through March 31, 2013.

The Union Negotiating Committee is Caroline Lacroix and Germaine Rion, assisted by Donna Tremblay (UFCW 1518 Staff Negotiator).

What will become of Zellers?

Since Zellers Brentwood did not make the first cut in Target's plans to convert its newly acquired Zellers sites into a Target Stores, it is possible that another US retailer will purchase the lease for the store space.  Recently, it was announced by Walmart that it is working out an agreement to expand into some of Target's newly acquired space in Canada.  However, it is highly unlikely that Walmart will be coming to Brentwood as it already has a presence nearby on Grandview Hwy between Boundary Rd and Rupert St in Vancouver along with a store in Lougheed Mall.