Alberni Mall

Alberni Mall is a retail property in Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada. It began as an enclosed shopping mall developed in response to local demand for a major indoor retail destination. The project was initiated after Port Alberni residents approached Royal Oak Holdings, a Vancouver-based developer associated with the Ironwood Mall in Campbell River. The proposal received support from municipal officials, the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District and prospective retailers. Construction began in 1978 on a wooded site at the southeast corner of Johnston Road and Cherry Creek Road, and the mall opened on May 30, 1979, with 42 stores and services. The original tenant mix included Safeway and Kmart as anchor stores, together with Fields, Boots Drug Mart, Peoples Jewellers and Orange Julius. A twin cinema and two banks had been considered during the planning stage but were removed before construction. During the 1980s and first half of the 1990s, Alberni Mall was a significant local shopping destination, reaching approximately 45 stores and services. Its tenant roster changed over time: Boots was replaced by People's Drug Mart and later Pharmasave, while Sears Canada operated a dealer store during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The property entered a period of decline after the Safeway store closed on November 14, 1996. Safeway retained its lease and subleased the space to Liquidation World rather than allowing another supermarket operator to occupy it. Kmart's Canadian operations were acquired by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1998, and the Alberni Mall location was one of the stores selected for closure. The Kmart building was demolished and replaced by a Canadian Tire store, which opened on November 1, 1998. Competition intensified when the Pacific Rim Shopping Centre opened across Johnston Road in early 2005, anchored by Wal-Mart and Extra Foods. Liquidation World's departure in May 2006 accelerated the loss of tenants. By the time the enclosed mall ceased normal operation, only a small group of businesses remained, including Canadian Tire, The Source, Mark's Work Wearhouse and Solda's Restaurant. Many other retailers moved to Pacific Rim Shopping Centre or other Port Alberni locations, while some closed. A major redevelopment began in 2006 under Shape Properties. The project converted the enclosed mall into an outdoor, power-centre-style property. Portions of the former east end were demolished to accommodate a relocated Mark's Work Wearhouse, while other sections were cleared for parking or renovated into smaller retail premises. The former Safeway and Liquidation World space was redesigned for subdivision into multiple units. The principal mall area closed on April 15, 2007, during demolition and renovation work. Mark's moved into its new premises on April 11, and The Source and Solda's temporarily relocated as part of the transition. The redevelopment introduced new food, discount, home-improvement, furniture and specialty retail uses. Dollar Giant opened in November 2007, followed by Boston Pizza on December 28 of that year. Renovation work later slowed or paused because of the economic downturn and uncertainty over prospective tenants. Boston Pizza temporarily closed on July 2, 2010, after the previous franchise operator accumulated approximately $106,000 in unpaid rent; a new franchise ownership group reopened the restaurant on April 30, 2011. Further tenant-driven expansion followed. Home Hardware moved into the former Safeway space and reopened as a larger Home Hardware Building Centre on November 29, 2012. Aaron's Furniture opened on December 1, 2012, while Paws 'n Jaws Pet Shop was announced for the same redevelopment period. The Brick relocated its Port Alberni operation to Alberni Mall on May 2, 2013. On October 24, 2013, it was announced that an investment syndicate led by Bayfield Realty Advisors had purchased the property from Shape Properties on October 16, with Canreal Management Corporation assuming m…

Alberni Mall was conceived in the late 1970s as an answer to Port Alberni's lack of an enclosed shopping centre. In 1977, local residents approached Royal Oak Holdings, a Vancouver company that had recently developed Ironwood Mall in Campbell River. The proposal attracted support from Mayor Jim Robertson, the municipal council, the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District and major prospective retailers. The original concept included a twin-screen cinema and two banks, but those components were removed before construction. The selected site was a wooded parcel at the southeast intersection of Johnston Road and Cherry Creek Road. Clearing took place in summer 1978, construction began in August, and the finished mall opened on May 30, 1979. It launched with 42 stores and services. Safeway and Kmart served as anchors, and the initial tenant group also included Fields, Boots Drug Mart, Peoples Jewellers and Orange Julius. The mall was designed as an enclosed community shopping destination serving Port Alberni and surrounding communities. Tenant changes occurred throughout the following decades. Boots withdrew from Canada during the 1980s, and its space was subsequently occupied by People's Drug Mart and later Pharmasave. Sears Canada also operated a dealer store at the mall during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The centre performed well through the 1980s and into the middle of the 1990s, but its position weakened after Safeway closed its store on November 14, 1996. Safeway retained control of the lease and subleased the former supermarket premises to Liquidation World, preventing the immediate arrival of another supermarket operator. The Kmart anchor was lost in 1998 after Hudson's Bay Company acquired Kmart's Canadian stores and selected the Port Alberni location for closure. The building was demolished and replaced by Canadian Tire, which opened on November 1 of that year. A larger structural challenge emerged when Pacific Rim Shopping Centre opened across Johnston Road in early 2005. With Wal-Mart and Extra Foods as anchors, the new power centre drew retailers and shoppers away from the older mall. Liquidation World's closure in May 2006 further reduced Alberni Mall's traffic and tenant base. By the end of its enclosed-mall phase, Alberni Mall had declined from roughly 45 stores and services to only four remaining businesses: Canadian Tire, The Source, Mark's Work Wearhouse and Solda's Restaurant. Many former tenants had moved to Pacific Rim Shopping Centre or elsewhere in Port Alberni, while others had closed. The property was approaching dead-mall conditions and required a fundamentally different format. Shape Properties began a comprehensive redevelopment in August 2006. The objective was to turn the property into an open-air power centre comparable to the nearby Pacific Rim complex. The former east-end Boots, Pharmasave and Peoples Jewellers area was demolished to make room for a relocated Mark's Work Wearhouse beside Canadian Tire. Much of the front section between the new Mark's store and the former Safeway/Liquidation World premises was removed and converted to parking. The rear section was retained for retail renovation, and the former supermarket space was divided into smaller units. The main enclosed portion shut on April 15, 2007. Mark's had already moved into its replacement store on April 11. The Source temporarily closed while preparing to move to Pacific Rim Shopping Centre, where its new location opened in early July, and Solda's temporarily closed while its owners arranged another restaurant site. Dollar Giant became one of the first new tenants, opening in November 2007, and Boston Pizza followed on December 28. Although further work was expected to continue into 2008, renovations were later put on hold amid the economic downturn and uncertainty regarding additional tenants. The property continued to be repositioned through tenant additions and changes. Shape Properties closed the Boston Pizza restaurant on July 2, 2010, after the previous franchise operator accumulated approximately $106,000 in overdue rent. A new franchise ownership group later reopened the restaurant on April 30, 2011. Shape also discussed subdividing parts of the remaining former mall for sale and raised the possibility of a multiplex cinema, echoing an entertainment component considered in the original development plans. Home Hardware became a major later addition. On May 10, 2012, local franchise owner Jon Lavertu announced an agreement to move the store to Alberni Mall. The former Safeway premises were renovated, including a new exterior entrance, and the expanded operation opened as a Home Hardware Building Centre on November 29, 2012. Aaron's Furniture opened on December 1, and Paws 'n Jaws Pet Shop was announced for the same period. The Brick subsequently relocated its Port Alberni store to the centre, opening on May 2, 2013. Ownership changed again in October 2013. Bayfield Realty Advisors announced that an investment syndicate it headed had purchased the property from Shape Properties on October 16. Canreal Management Corporation, based in Vancouver, assumed management of the centre. Alberni Mall's historical trajectory therefore reflects the changing retail geography of Port Alberni: it moved from an enclosed, anchor-led mall to a more flexible open-air centre emphasizing accessible parking, large-format practical retail, furniture, home improvement, food service and local convenience.

1. 2013Ownership transfers to Bayfield-led syndicate

   A Bayfield Realty Advisors-led investment syndicate purchased the mall from Shape Properties, with Canreal taking over management.

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2. 2012Home Hardware Building Centre opens

   The former Safeway space was redeveloped for an expanded Home Hardware Building Centre, which opened on November 29.

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3. 2007Enclosed mall closes for redevelopment

   The principal mall area closed on April 15 while demolition, relocation and renovation work proceeded.

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4. 2006Major redevelopment starts

   Shape Properties began converting the enclosed property into an open-air power-centre-style development.

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5. 2005Nearby Pacific Rim Shopping Centre opens

   The competing power centre opened across Johnston Road with Wal-Mart and Extra Foods.

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6. 1998Canadian Tire replaces Kmart

   The former Kmart building was demolished and replaced by a Canadian Tire store, opened on November 1.

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7. 1996Safeway departs

   Safeway closed its store, weakening the mall's original anchor configuration while retaining the lease.

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8. 1979Alberni Mall opens

   The enclosed mall opened on May 30 with 42 stores and services, anchored by Safeway and Kmart.

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9. 1978Construction begins

   The wooded site at Johnston Road and Cherry Creek Road was cleared and construction started in August.

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10. 1977Local proposal for an indoor shopping mall

    Port Alberni residents approached Royal Oak Holdings about developing the city's first major enclosed shopping mall.

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A community-serving, open-air shopping centre focused on practical retail, home improvement, furniture, general merchandise, food service and everyday local needs.

• Home Hardware Building CentreHome improvement retail2012

  The expanded Home Hardware operation occupies the former Safeway premises. Its move to Alberni Mall created a larger home-improvement and building-supply destination with an exterior customer entrance. The store represents the centre's post-redevelopment focus on practical, destination-oriented retail rather than the small-shop mix associated with its former enclosed format.

• The BrickFurniture retail2013

  The Brick relocated its Port Alberni operation to Alberni Mall in 2013. The large-format furniture retailer strengthened the centre's role as a destination for household goods and complemented Home Hardware Building Centre, Aaron's Furniture and other practical retail uses.

• Canadian TireGeneral merchandise and automotive retail1998

  Canadian Tire replaced the former Kmart anchor after the Kmart building was demolished. Opening in 1998, it became one of the long-standing large-format retailers associated with the property and remained during the transition from enclosed mall to open-air centre.

• Boston PizzaRestaurant2007

  Boston Pizza joined the redeveloped centre in December 2007. The restaurant later closed temporarily because of a franchise rent dispute and reopened under new ownership in April 2011, adding a food-service component to the property's tenant mix.

• Dollar GiantDiscount retail2007

  Dollar Giant was among the first new tenants introduced during the post-enclosed-mall redevelopment, opening in November 2007 and reinforcing the centre's orientation toward value-focused everyday shopping.

• Aaron's FurnitureFurniture retail2012

  Aaron's Furniture opened at Alberni Mall in December 2012 as part of the centre's later expansion in household and furniture retail.

• 2013Sale to Bayfield-led investment syndicateM&A

  After the redevelopment and tenant repositioning period, Shape Properties sold the shopping centre.

  What changed. A syndicate headed by Bayfield Realty Advisors acquired the property on October 16, and Canreal Management Corporation assumed management.

  Aftermath. Ownership and property management shifted away from Shape Properties while the centre continued operating under its established name.

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• 2010Temporary closure of Boston PizzaOther

  The previous franchise operator had fallen behind on rent payments.

  What changed. Shape Properties closed the restaurant on July 2 after reported arrears reached approximately $106,000.

  Aftermath. A new franchise ownership group acquired the location and reopened it on April 30, 2011.

  Reported rent arrears. 106000 (At the time of closure in July 2010)

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• 2006Conversion from enclosed mall to open-air power centreStrategy

  The mall had lost much of its tenant base after Safeway's departure, Liquidation World's closure and competition from the nearby Pacific Rim Shopping Centre.

  What changed. Shape Properties demolished selected portions, expanded parking, relocated tenants and divided former anchor space into smaller retail units.

  Aftermath. The property adopted a more flexible, large-format retail model and attracted tenants including Dollar Giant, Boston Pizza, Home Hardware Building Centre and The Brick.

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• 2013The Brick relocates to Alberni Mall

  The Brick moved its Port Alberni store to the centre and opened the new location on May 2.

  Product launch
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• 2013Bayfield-led investment syndicate purchases Alberni Mall

  An investment syndicate headed by Bayfield Realty Advisors acquired the mall from Shape Properties on October 16. Canreal Management Corporation became the property manager.

  M&ALeadership change
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• 2012Home Hardware Building Centre opens at Alberni Mall

  The former Safeway space was renovated for a larger Home Hardware operation, which opened as a Home Hardware Building Centre on November 29.

  Product launch
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• 2011Boston Pizza reopens under new franchise ownership

  A new ownership group acquired the franchise and reopened the restaurant on April 30.

  Leadership changeProduct launch
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• 2010Boston Pizza temporarily closes over unpaid rent

  Shape Properties closed the Boston Pizza location on July 2 after the former franchise operator reportedly fell behind on rent by approximately $106,000.

  Other
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• 2007Main mall closes during redevelopment

  The principal enclosed portion closed on April 15 for demolition and renovation work. New and relocated tenants were planned for the emerging open-air format.

  Other
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• 2007Dollar Giant and Boston Pizza join the redeveloped centre

  Dollar Giant opened in November, followed by Boston Pizza on December 28, adding discount retail and food service to the redevelopment.

  Product launch
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• 2006Alberni Mall begins conversion to an outdoor power centre

  Shape Properties began a comprehensive redevelopment that involved demolition, tenant relocation, parking expansion and subdivision of the former enclosed mall.

  Other
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• 2005Pacific Rim Shopping Centre opens nearby

  A competing power centre opened across Johnston Road with Wal-Mart and Extra Foods as anchors, increasing competitive pressure on Alberni Mall.

  Other
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• 1998Former Kmart site becomes Canadian Tire

  After Kmart's Canadian operations were acquired by Hudson's Bay Company, the Alberni Mall store was closed and demolished. Canadian Tire opened on the site on November 1.

  Product launchOther
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• 1996Safeway closes its Alberni Mall location

  Safeway closed its mall store on November 14 but retained the lease and later subleased the space to Liquidation World.

  Other
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• 1979Alberni Mall opens as an enclosed shopping centre

  Alberni Mall opened on May 30 with 42 stores and services, including Safeway and Kmart as its principal anchors.

  Other
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1. Alberni Mall
2. Shape Properties: Port Alberni Mall