Canon launches its first Image Square “Experience Center” in... Calgary?

jrmy wrote in post #15499229
I've traveled extensively and hold citizenship in three countries; Canada being one of those countries. I stand by my assessment; Calgary is an overpriced, gray, backwater dump.

I lived there and would have to agree. It is a bit strange that Canon decided Calgary. I suppose because its an economic hub for western Canada? The arts scene is certainly smaller in comparison to many other Canadian cities. However, it gives me something to do when I am there for a visit.

jrmy wrote in post #15499229
I've traveled extensively and hold citizenship in three countries; Canada being one of those countries. I stand by my assessment; Calgary is an overpriced, gray, backwater dump.

Whats funny is you're in LA, calling Calgary an overpriced, gray, dump

thedge wrote in post #15504746
Whats funny is you're in LA, calling Calgary an overpriced, gray, dump

LA isn't perfect, but you can't compare the cities. Though I invite you to try.

Having spent nearly twenty-five years living in Canada, I feel comfortable with my assessment of Calgary.

The real reason why Canon launched in Calgary is...because this photographer lives there.

I think they are using Calgary as testing ground, if it works, next one will be in LA. For sure.
I'm more surprised 500px is still alive. For me this one is kind of dump.

jrmy wrote in post #15505248
LA isn't perfect, but you can't compare the cities. Though I invite you to try.

Having spent nearly twenty-five years living in Canada, I feel comfortable with my assessment of Calgary.

I've spent 40 years living in North America and as such can attest that Detroit is a terrible city. Sound's authoritative, no?

Calgary is consistently rated as one of the cleanest, lowest crime, and highest standard of living cities. Obviously you are free to your own opinion, however it would appear that this is all that it is, yours, and mostly yours alone. LA you ask? no where in sight.

As to Canon's choice, it's a test concept. How do we know that this was not a Canon Canada specific initiative? If so, Calgary makes a lot of sense.

cloose wrote in post #15512258
I've spent 40 years living in North America and as such can attest that Detroit is a terrible city. Sound's authoritative, no?

Calgary is consistently rated as one of the cleanest, lowest crime, and highest standard of living cities. Obviously you are free to your own opinion, however it would appear that this is all that it is, yours, and mostly yours alone. LA you ask? no where in sight.

As to Canon's choice, it's a test concept. How do we know that this was not a Canon Canada specific initiative? If so, Calgary makes a lot of sense.

Regardless of how livable a city Calgary is, does it really make sense for the world's foremost imaging companies to open their very first brand experience store in a city many people would fail to find on a map?

Perhaps it's something to do with the amount of disposable income available.

http://www.calgary-promote.com …/live/cost-of-living.html

jrmy wrote in post #15514571
Regardless of how livable a city Calgary is, does it really make sense for the world's foremost imaging companies to open their very first brand experience store in a city many people would fail to find on a map?

Its obviously a money thing... And we have the Rocky Mountains just an hour away so photography is popular here.

So there are lots of people with too much money that like camera's... why not use Calgary? It'd be ideal for a small scale test of concept (because the population around here is pretty small, so the shop could be pretty small).

Its certainly a better choice than my home town in England, where pretty much no-one can afford full frame camera's as 'toys'.

But more importantly ... you can try out the direct print button!

jrmy wrote in post #15514571
Regardless of how livable a city Calgary is, does it really make sense for the world's foremost imaging companies to open their very first brand experience store in a city many people would fail to find on a map?

...good grief: are you being serious? Are you 12? Did the city of Calgary beat you up when you were a kid?

You obviously have a problem with the city. But Calgary is a pretty famous city and I would bet about the same amount of people would find Calgary on a map of the world as they would find Washington DC. Seriously: get over it. If you really actually want to know why Canon chose Calgary I suggest you ask them. I would venture to guess that they spent quite a bit of time and money concluding that Calgary was the best place to open, but hey! You are a guy on the internet! I'm sure you are much better placed to make a calculated business decision than them! [/sarcasm.]

jrmy wrote in post #15514571
Regardless of how livable a city Calgary is, does it really make sense for the world's foremost imaging companies to open their very first brand experience store in a city many people would fail to find on a map?

We will leave my personal opinion out of this. I am good friends with the manager of the experience center and have know about it for around 6 months. There are a few reasons for them to open it in Calgary. First of as has been mentioned, there is a boat load of disposable income in this city. One of the highest in the world. Secondly Calgary has one of the highest concentrations of head offices in the business world. Because of this they have picked Calgary. Canon doesn't just sell cameras remember but also some of the most cutting edge business solutions.

I know that you all think that we are just a bunch of hicks up here but some of the most innovative business ideas for corporate thinking comes from right here in this little hick town. Canon is very excited about this opening and has been very pleased with it's choice to open in Calgary. Really, I think you are all just jealous that we got such a cool store and you all didn't.

Maybe it's because lenses won't fog up as much in such a cold place

photorider wrote in post #15537620
We will leave my personal opinion out of this. I am good friends with the manager of the experience center and have know about it for around 6 months. There are a few reasons for them to open it in Calgary. First of as has been mentioned, there is a boat load of disposable income in this city. One of the highest in the world. Secondly Calgary has one of the highest concentrations of head offices in the business world. Because of this they have picked Calgary. Canon doesn't just sell cameras remember but also some of the most cutting edge business solutions.

I know that you all think that we are just a bunch of hicks up here but some of the most innovative business ideas for corporate thinking comes from right here in this little hick town. Canon is very excited about this opening and has been very pleased with it's choice to open in Calgary. Really, I think you are all just jealous that we got such a cool store and you all didn't.

Thanks for the inside insight.

The decision still strikes me as a poor one, from a consumer's point of view. Opening a 6,600 square foot experience center simply because locals have money to throw around is a terrible idea. As a corporation, you want to reach as many potential customers as possible. You're not going to accomplish that in Calgary. As I said, you do that in Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver.

I'm more inclined to believe Canon chose to be close to potential corporate customers, as you suggest.

I'm sure the decision came down to available, cheap retail space; and I'm certain both municipal and Provincial governments sweetened the deal.

jrmy wrote in post #15541081
Thanks for the inside insight.

The decision still strikes me as a poor one, from a consumer's point of view. Opening a 6,600 square foot experience center simply because locals have money to throw around is a terrible idea. As a corporation, you want to reach as many potential customers as possible. You're not going to accomplish that in Calgary. As I said, you do that in Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver.

I'm more inclined to believe Canon chose to be close to potential corporate customers, as you suggest.

I'm sure the decision came down to available, cheap retail space; and I'm certain both municipal and Provincial governments sweetened the deal.

I highly doubt that there was any government involvement.

I appreciate that in your sole opinion this is not a good idea, however I am pretty confident that Canon knows what they are doing from a business perspective within their markets a lot more than your conjectures demonstrate.