Computer/Software Store and Electronics/Appliance Store Top List of Businesses Consumers Vote for in Cranberry Mews Survey

COLLINGWOOD, ON, CANADA, May 19, 2013 (Press-News.org) The results from the Cranberry Mews' public survey, in which participants were asked what businesses they would like to have fill the remaining three vacancies in the retail centre in Collingwood's west end community are in, and topping the list are a computer/software store and an electronics/appliance store. Also scoring high on the survey 'wish list' are a specialty supermarket, a fabric or clothing store, a medical facility, a drycleaner, additional restaurants... and interestingly enough... a microbrewery.

Just over 200 participants responded to the combined online and in-store survey, representing approximately 10 percent of the surrounding Cranberry neighbourhood. Of these, 80 percent frequent Cranberry Mews regularly and 35 percent visit the retail centre on a monthly basis.

"I think in many respects the survey results reflect both what people want in terms of essential needs as well as the times we live in," notes Andres Paara, broker for Royal Lepage Locations North, the company responsible for helping Cranberry Mews find tenants for those last three spots. "For instance most people these days are tech savvy and use multiple computer products and software apps. The same goes for other electronics and appliances. As for the supermarket and clothing store, goodness knows people value convenient access to such essentials as food and clothing - especially if they are easy easily accessible - which Cranberry Mews is by virtue of its location right on Highway #26, but also backing on to the Cranberry neighborhood. As for the restaurants and a microbrewery, from our perspective this is a community that continues to grow, with a steady influx of empty nesters moving up from the city - many of whom are choosing to live in homes and condos in and around the Cranberry community. And for that demographic, food and drink and leisure time are especially important."

With the results now in, Paara says Royal Lepage Locations North in tandem with Cranberry Mews, will use this data both in support of current discussions with prospective tenants and as a way to attract other businesses offering products and services that are in demand.

Prior to contacting the general public, the current tenants of Cranberry Mews were also asked the same questions. Not surprisingly, their responses were similar. They noted the need for more foot traffic type businesses like varied retail stores (crafts, specialty products, a pharmacy), more medical services and topping their list, more dining and entertainment options.

Draw Winners

As a participation incentive, the names of three survey contributors were randomly drawn for gift certificates of $500, $250 and $100 respectively to be applied toward the purchase of a broad range of products and services currently offered by existing Cranberry Mews stores and businesses. The winners of this draw (made by members of the local media) are as follows: Paul Gatt, $500; Chris Callahan, $250; and Darren Laberge, $100.

Only three retail spaces remain, ranging from 1,502 to 1,652 square feet and feature all the modern conveniences of a newly constructed building. Available units are priced from $13 to $14 per square foot and come with paint-ready walls, concrete floors and a wheelchair accessible washroom, in addition to the cost savings associated with a brand new building featuring the latest in heating and cooling systems.

Foremost Cranberry Mews Limited Partnership, the landlord for Cranberry Mews, is offering new tenants a $15,000 incentive that can be used to offset expenses from construction to refurbishment/leasehold improvement costs.

About Cranberry Mews

Cranberry Mews is operated by Foremost Financial Corporation, a Toronto-based real estate lender and financier with over 20 years of operating experience. Businesses interested in leasing space in Cranberry Mews should contact Andres Paara at Royal Lepage Locations North, Brokerage in Collingwood at (877/705) 445-5520 or visit to http://www.cranberrymews.com and click on Business Opportunities. Cranberry Mews serves 2,000 people from Collingwood and the surrounding satellite communities as well as 5,000+ weekenders who visit this popular four-season resort throughout the year.

Media Contact: Mark Wessel

Bullpen PR (705) 445-2733 mwessel@bullpenpr.com