The retail environment changes very rapidly. The last wave of development saw a shift from traditional malls to big box retail in the early 1990’s. This includes big boxes such as: Walmart, Home Depot, Staples/Business Depot, Chapters, Future Shop, etc. These stores are looking for established locations with easy access to regional transportation systems and close proximity to good demographic neighbourhoods. Due to the stagnant nature of the CBRM economy, retailers have not been seeking out opportunities in Sydney. This may change as the local economy begins to show signs of growth, no longer dragged down by job losses in the coal and steel industries. However, if this activity were to occur in Sydney, the most likely locations are the Sydney River Plaza and Mayflower Mall. Both have Walmart stores, which are typically considered as anchors; have close access to Highway 125; and have additional space available to expand.

The next wave of retail innovation is in the entertainment area, which tends to blend cultural and entertainment venues with retailing environments. Again, the status of the local economy may delay this type of activity in Sydney, but if it does occur, it is most likely to happen in the downtown/waterfront area as part of a downtown revitalization scenario.

Although no primary research is available, it would appear that the Prince/Welton and Kings Road corridors are saturated with traditional strip mall development. Empire Theatres (the Sobey’s Group) have recently expanded the number of screens at their facility on Prince Street, however the adjacent Sydney Shopping Centre has several vacancies and has been slowly losing market share, which it never recovered after the opening of Mayflower Mall.

There are limited opportunities for light industrial/retail style showrooms on the front portion of the SYSCO property, however this is predicated on the reconfiguration of the road network around the site. If new road infrastructure brings a significant number of cars through the SYSCO property, and the economy maintains an even keel, then the right conditions will exist for new retail development on the property. This will be limited to key intersections and road frontage on high traffic roadways. Lot depths should be set to approximately 200 to 250 deep.