Thought of the Day - May 26 - The End of a Department Store Legacy
- Cliff Fraser
- May 26, 2020
- 1 min read
Updated: Jul 30, 2021
Growing up in Canada I soon learned that every "city" had iconic department stores. While there may have been national chains like Zellers or Woolcos around, Saint John NB had its MRAs, Kingston Ontario had its S&R and Vancouver had its Woodard's - all long gone.
But Vancouver also has another icon, it is the home of the Army & Navy Store (armyandnavy.ca). While this discount chain had been under attack from Dollar Stores and the like, it was sad to see they announced earlier this month they will be closing, permanently, after 101 years, indirectly another victim of the coronavirus.
I have climbed many a peak, and signed on for numerous sailing adventures sporting their "value-priced" backpack. And I hear their shoe sales were "legendary". They will be missed.
Their going out of business sales start next week - something not to be missed.
Cheers
Cliff
Attended their going out of business sale today (now in its second day, will probably run for six weeks). About an hour wait outside and an hour and a half at the cash (understandably they have not added any additional capacity) at the New West store (the downtown store is closed). Still plenty of stock, most items 25% off, women's fashions 40%.
Cheers
Cliff
Oh that's so sad.
I echo Vanda's sentiment about shoe sales. My coworkers got me addicted in 2004. I worked at the premiers Canada Place office and A+N boutique (I like this name) was a lunch time treat on W. Cordova.
And I must admit I went and bought some brand name economically priced pregnancy work clothes and felt so good to be able to use it twice :)
Closing sale is enticing... hope they have CoVid regulations in place :)
Happy Tuesday
Cheers
Shilpi
Hi,
I only went to their opening shoe sale once. It is an experience I'll never forget.
My friend and I watched as shoes were dumped into bins and women descended on them like pouncing tigers. Shoes flew through the air and under the bins.
I was flabbergasted and did not know where to turn. Next thing I know my friend is handing me shoes and we were both in the midst of it.
I'll never forget it but I would never go back during the first few days of a shoe sale.
As a child, Army and Navy or A+N Boutique as we called it, carried all the well known clothing brands and had an amazing selection. However i…