[caption id="attachment_9415" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="A new look and use for the rear of Junction retail buildings, the image above glimpses how buildings rear facades can be reconfigured to become ''fronts''"]
[/caption]More retailers in the Toronto area are opting for Junction locations. The ongoing decades of recovery is sustaining, primarily from the influx of new residents and the higher density buildings being built. Moving this renewal along are new and exciting stores have cropped up in various sectors such as the furniture trade and an excellent range of full service restaurants and coffee houses.
Amid a tight supply of adequate retail space, new retailers and building owners are going to have to seek alternative locations such as expanding the strip to the east and west, areas that at one time were just as busy as what is now considered the core retail area. Building density uses and converting some buildings to both front and back retail uses, with a shop fronting on the street and another fronting the lane-ways.
Despite carrying greater growth now, however, Junction high-street retail must adapt to demand while facing competition from the new mall at St Clair and Weston Rd. which will offer multiple shopping options, more accessibility and easier car parking.
Recent retail studies have stated that high streets such as the Junction strip are increasing their power of attraction and more and more retail chains and well-known national and international brands are choosing this format. Starbucks is one in the Junction, but where are the others that have appeared in areas such as Leaside and Bloor West Village. A strong Junction for the residents needs both independent retailers with a few nationals throw in can complete the shopping destination for non Junction residents and local residents.
