Dollarama, the Canadian small goods dollar store, is reporting a big increase in revenue this morning, along with its first dividend since going public in 2009. The retailer of low-cost items puts net earnings in its fiscal first quarter ended May 1 at $30.4 million, or 40 cents per share, compared with $22.5 million, or 30 cents per share, in the same year-earlier period. Sales rose 11 per cent. Dollarama says the growth was driven by the opening of 56 new stores in the preceding year and by comparable store sales growth. A news release says: “Our growth plans remain on track. We continue to open stores in markets across Canada, and launched 15 new stores during the quarter. We feel strongly that the market remains underpenetrated and we are confident that we will achieve our store opening target of 50 net new stores during the current fiscal year.” Company report.
Bayview TG Mart a Hasty Market again
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After many years as a TG Mart, the convenience store at the corner of Bayivew Ave and Moore Ave has once again hung up the Hasty Market sign. It appears that Coffee Time continues to share the premises. TG Mart started out with the apparent goal of seeing certain business functions being sold in the store, The rest of the name was C Stores and Biz Centres. It appears to have been an idea not much understood. Google pic of former TG Mart at Bayview and Moore. Rent forces Tea Emporium to close
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The Tea Emporium at 1592 South Bayview will close shortly because it cannot pay the rent increase required by the landlord. In a sad statement posted on the window of the shop, the owners say they have made the decision with “heavy heart and great difficulty.” They say, “Unfortunately, our rent has been increased to the point where it is no longer sustainable.” The Tea Emporium invites customers to visit the branch location at the corner of Eglinton Ave. W. and Braemar Avenue. (Not too far from Homefront on Eglinton West incidentally).
New home revealed in Moore Park
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A magnificent home which has been hidden behind hoardings while under construction is now visible on a fine lot in Moore Park. The gracious two-storey home has a two car garage.Marmalade Skies Children’s Boutique
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The sign is up at the former Emma Z at 1695 South Bayview for a new shop which, according to the freshly-installed sign, will be called Marmalade Skies. The Beatles inspired name is from the famous Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds and is much loved by several generations. Let’s hope there are diamonds in this shop for the owner. Much good luck. Lyrics The parasols of South Bayview
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It’s going to be 33 degrees Wednesday on South Bayview. Do we need to say more? Take all precautions including, for the ladies, breaking out that charming, slightly oriental fashion accessory, the parasol. Here (top) we see South Bayview regulars Margaret and Bert, with Margaret looking like a perfect lady of style (lucky Bert). Below a few other parasol images to give you an idea of how to use it. Harper family cat named Stanley
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Polticians can seldom go wrong with cats, but it appears Prime Minister Harper comes honestly by his adoption of a family pet. The Harper family’s new cat has been named Stanley. The flash was sent out today on the Harper Facebook page (where else) after an online oll was held to choose a name for the tabby kitten. “Thank you to those who voted,” the site says. “Stanley was adopted from the Ottawa Humane Society. We encourage everyone to adopt their animals from the many wonderful animal shelters across the country.” Here are the names offered up for the cat. Stanley garnered more than 4,400 votes, beating out Smokie, Gandalf, Griffin, Earl Grey and Vingt-Quatre (24 in French). Harper is a well-known cat lover. Don’t forget the barbecue on Thursday
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Nice little reminder story here from InsideToronto.com about the Family Barbecue on Thursday in aid of the Leaside arena expansion.
American Eagle to close, renovate stores
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American Eagle Outfitters, a funky harbour for 15 to 20-year-olds, is struggling with overhead in the U.S and as a result is planning to close as many as 100 stores. At the same time, there is word that AE will renovate more successful stores in the U.S. and Canada. One of these successful stores is thought to be the Yorkdale outlet.
Mugging near Bayview and Eglinton
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From the TPS major news reports — A 15 year old male and a 16 year old male, report that on June 4, 2011 at approximately 2350 hours, they were in the area of Bayview Avenue and Eglinton Avenue East when two male suspects approached them from behind. One suspect produced a broken beer bottle, pointed it to one of the victim’s throat. The suspects made a demand for the victims’ property, then removed ball caps and cellular telephones from the victims’ person. The suspects fled the scene in an unknown direction. No injuries were sustained by the victims. Police are requesting the assistance of the public in identifying the following described persons in connection with this offence. Description of Suspect #1: Male, white, 16 to 18 years, 5’8” to 5’10”, 150 to 169 pounds, medium build. Suspect #2: Male, black, 16 to 18 years, 5’8” to 5’10”, 180 pounds, stocky build, curly black hair
Tremor shakes the “Cat’s Eye” bridge
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Brent and Frances were among residents out for a Sunday walk when they felt a very noticeable tremor on the Heath Street Bridge — known to locals as the Cat’s Eye Bridge. The Cat’s Eye is a pedestrian connection across the ravine between Moore Park and Bennington Heights. Brent and Frances, of Moore Park, said there were maybe six or seven people on the bridge at about 12.30 pm when the tremor began to move the bridge and shake the lamp posts on it. “It was kind of scary,” Frances said. “We didn’t know what was happening.” Brent said he wondered if he was dizzy because he hadn’t had lunch. Fortunately, they, and everyone else survived and Brent and Frances had an enjoyable lunch at Chai on Bayview after their Sunday adventure. Police ask for help with night directory
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Officers from 53 Division were going door to door on South Bayview today to ask for merchants assistance in updating the “Night Directory Information Listing.” Here they are at the Mad Italian. It’s fairly obvious that certain information about a premises will be helpful not only in notifying an owner or tenant if there’s a problem, but also in keeping it safer. 