Grocery stores key to condo boom

Condos and convenience go hand in hand, and no where is that more apparent than in Vancouver.

With the city's space at a premium, mixed-use, commercial developments make sense.

Take the Yaletown neighbourhood. The former industrial area has made way for young, urban professionals thanks in part to the presence of organic grocer Choices Markets. The grocer was approached by the developer as a tenant that would not only provide a service but also be a major selling point for the condo.

At the time the condo was being constructed, none of the major chains could comply with a format that could fit into the 11,500-square-foot space like Choices could.

Today, the chains are getting in on the urban action.

Sobeys in Toronto worked with developer Concord Adex on merchandising and store front for its 20,000-square-foot store near the Concord CityPlace development on Spadina Ave.

Meanwhile Loblaw has set up shop at the condo development near Queen and Portland in downtown Toronto.

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