Douglas Todd examines Vancouver's newly opened Oakridge Park mall, a colossal retail and housing development that markets itself as a 'global shopping destination.' The complex, located just 15 minutes from Vancouver International Airport, features high-end stores, grand pianos, and live orchids, evoking the atmosphere of a luxury airport terminal.
An Airport-Like Experience
Visitors have noted the mall's resemblance to upscale airport shopping zones. Tom Long, an international student from Vietnam, commented, 'It feels like being inside the airports at Singapore and Hong Kong.' He praised the modern aesthetics but criticized the high prices, noting a plastic bottle of water costs $4.45 in the food court.
Luxury Retail and High-End Condos
The mall boasts 50 retailers, including Rolex, Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, and Chanel, alongside a Time Out Market food court. The development, co-owned by Quadreal Property Group and Westbank Corp., will eventually house over 6,000 residents in more than 10 highrises, with condos marketed globally, especially in East Asia.
Despite its grandeur, the mall has drawn mixed reactions. Some appreciate the cleanliness and aesthetics, while others find it 'snobby' and exclusive. The project, conceived 15 years ago, opened its shopping center one year behind schedule, with residential towers still under construction.
