The new store, on the first and second levels of the mall, will cover 20,000 square feet and is expected to open this summer, but the centre did not provide a specific date.
It is the third Winners store in the Greater Victoria region and sixth on Vancouver Island.
The addition of Winners is part of a change to the mix at the shopping centre that is designed to reflect the increase in residential units in the downtown core.
“Victoria is growing up as a city, and it shows,” said Darlene Hollstein, general manager of the Bay Centre. “We continue to see more and more people choosing to live downtown and seeking out services, shopping, and restaurants that make an urban environment vibrant and welcoming. The opening of Winners supports this growth and demand within the marketplace.”
Other changes at Bay Centre include new locations for Bentley, Purdys Chocolatier, Rogers Plus and SoftMoc.
Ardene has also relocated from level one to a 12,235-square-foot concept store on Level 3, joining Sport Chek and Urban Planet.
Other new tenants include OptiCanada, Freedom Mobile, Mr. Pretzels (opening soon) and most recently, locally owned Puerto Vallarta Amigos.
REIT acquires View Royal property
Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust has acquired a 65-unit multi-family building and seven townhomes in View Royal for $26.5 million.
The development, which is a new purpose-built rental project, features one-, two- and three-bedroom units and is 97 per cent leased.
“We continue to add brand new, modern properties to our portfolio with the aim of modernizing and further diversifying our asset base while providing the suites, features and amenities that attract the best quality residents,” said chief executive Mark Kenney.
Tourism supports women in need
Destination Greater Victoria’s business events division has named the Wear2Start Society as its charity of choice.
The non-profit, which provides a professional wardrobe to women in need, will see Destination Victoria promote W2S during events and meetings.
W2S’s goal is to offer a work wardrobe to women preparing for a job interview or new job.
This year, W2S has expanded its mandate to include more women who require professional clothing for other reasons, like meeting with a potential landlord, a social worker, a teacher, a lawyer or other professional.
Newport honoured for ad work
Christie’s International Real Estate has named Newport Realty as the winner of the Affiliate of the Year Award (small market). Newport was lauded for its television series featuring Newport real estate agents introducing luxury real estate in 13 international markets, from France and Thailand to Mexico and its video advertising at Victoria International Airport, featuring luxury listings.
On the move
Open Space Arts Society has appointed Namgis artist and elder Gerry Ambers as its elder in residence, and Doug Jarvis as guest curator of the artist-run centre. The program that allows the gallery to uphold Indigenous values and incorporate Indigenous governance principles.
