BRZ Report

By: Jacqueline Drew

Hello again folks! By the time you read this, we'll have had our second seasonal sidewalk festival, "Sounds of Summer"... reinforcing the fact that Inglewood's business community is evolving and revitalizing itself with the ushering in of the summer season. Here are a few new stores/ changes to tell you about:

• New Fashion Boutique: Espy at 1217B 9 Avenue SE is a new boutique that offers both dressy and casual fashions from top Canadian designers, and its own line of makeup and skincare products. The store takes great pride in helping to create a distinct total "image" for its customers, and on its buying prowess - which enables it to nab top designs at significantly discounted prices. The store also offers alterations to ensure merchandise is properly fitted to look its best.
• * Major Tenant Found: 1601 - 9 Avenue SE: You may have noticed that the big "For Lease" signs up at the West Canadian building have now been removed. West Canadian has leased both of the two upper floors, and as of October 1st, there will be over 100 more people working in Inglewood. Details regarding the identity of the tenant will be released in the fall (allowing the tenant to make its own announcements.)
• New Photography Studio: 1218B - 9 Avenue SE: Perry Thompson Photography has set up a new studio here in Inglewood. Perry has photographed over 900 weddings and 20,000 portraits including portraits of the prime minister of Canada and members of the Royal Family. Nice to have his talent come to the neighbourhood!
• New "Must try" Lunch stop: 1212 9 Avenue SE: Bite Groceteria has opened its new patio, and is now serving a light lunch menu including sandwiches. The Groceteria is known for providing fine Italian foods to premium hotels and restaurants in Calgary, so you know that any "light lunch" fare they offer will be top caliber.
• Ironwood Stage & Grill moves to Garry Theatre: 1229 - 9 Avenue SE. While there are still parking relaxation issues to be addressed, the Ironwood is hoping to open in its new location in September. This gives the live music venue a bigger room and more central location. It will also mean excellent spin-off exposure for the surrounding businesses, as Ironwood brings in many major acts (and this will be even moreso with the larger venue), which will attract new people to Inglewood.
• Junktiques Renovation: 1226 9 Avenue SE. Junktiques is doing its first major renovation in 20 years. Owner David Kaufman says the store will be closed the entire month of August (starting after the Fringe/Sunfest Festival on the long weekend), and probably into September, to accommodate the upgrades.