To insiders, it's known as Store 1414, but to thousands of urbanites, it is one of the seals which, when broken, heralds the definitive passing of the old Queen West strip and the birth of a new sort of commercial concentration, built up to serve the area's increasing condo density.
Once a
Caban, the two-storey building at the northeast corner of Queen and Beverly will soon be a
Shoppers Drug Mart, and a rather large one at that. When added to the planned
Rio Can big-box development at the southwest corner of Queen and Portland, the new 16,000 square foot superstore will give this strip, held dearer in the hearts of 40- and 50-somethings than by today's hipsters, a whole new look.
"We need about 17,000 people to ensure the success of a Shoppers Drug Mart," says Shoppers spokeswoman Tammy Smitham. "It's a great opportunity for us; that area has undergone some, I think, growth, particularly in terms of condo buildings in that area."
The two-storey shop, owned by Stacey Kwan, will also add a new post office to the neighbourhood.
The store is due to open by the end of the month.
Writer: Bert Archer
Source: Tammy Smitham
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