What Should Replace Barrhaven’s Two Empty Big-Box Stores? Five Big Ideas for a Changing Retail Landscape
Barrhaven is growing at an unprecedented rate, yet two of its most prominent commercial spaces now sit empty. The former Best Buy location—vacated when the retailer downsized into a smaller footprint nearby—and the shuttered Bed Bath & Beyond, which left the community entirely after its local liquidation, have become highly visible reminders of a larger trend: traditional brick-and-mortar retail is struggling to keep pace with the rise of e-commerce.
Across North America, big-box chains are shrinking, relocating, or closing outright as more shoppers move online. Retailers simply don’t need cavernous floor plans to showcase products when consumers browse and buy on their phones. As a result, large-format commercial properties—once symbols of prosperity—are becoming harder to fill.
But for Barrhaven, these empty stores also represent opportunity. The community’s rapid expansion, diverse population, strong family demographics, and growing appetite for entertainment and local shopping mean these spaces could be transformed into something far more impactful than another generic retailer.
Here are five strong, community-focused ideas for breathing new life into these two vacant properties.
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1. Michaels: A Long-Requested Haven for Crafters, Makers, and DIY Creators
Of all the potential tenants that residents mention regularly, Michaels is at the top of the wish list. Barrhaven has a deep and passionate crafting community—knitters, scrapbookers, painters, teachers, party planners, small business creatives, and hobbyists of every variety.
Currently, residents must travel to Pinecrest shopping mall to access the wide variety of supplies that Michaels offers. For families, artists, and home-based makers who rely on convenient access to specialty crafting materials, having a location within Barrhaven would fill a long-standing gap.
Why Michaels Makes Sense Here
• Large population of families: Barrhaven’s family-oriented demographics translate into constant demand for children’s craft supplies, school project materials, and holiday décor.
• Growing small-business community: Local Etsy sellers, home event decorators, and DIY creators would benefit from having a convenient source for bulk or specialty supplies.
• High foot traffic: Both empty storefronts sit in high-visibility retail zones, offering strong potential for walk-in shoppers.
With its wide product range and steady customer base, Michaels would provide something Barrhaven has loudly and consistently asked for—while giving new purpose to one of the vacant buildings.
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2. A Modern Bowling Venue with Arcade, Billiards, and Licensed Evening Service
As Barrhaven expands, residents frequently express that the community needs more entertainment options—something fun, social, and family friendly that doesn’t involve a long drive downtown or to Orleans. A modern bowling venue, combined with an arcade, billiards, and a licensed bar for evening operations, would fill that void perfectly.
Think of something similar to The Alley, Splitsville, or Kingpin Bowl Lounge in other cities: a contemporary entertainment facility with a mix of activities, neon lighting, upbeat music, food service, and a comfortable environment suitable for kids, teens, adults, and mixed-age groups.
Why a Bowling & Entertainment Venue Works
• All-season activity: Bowling and indoor games are ideal for winter months when outdoor activities are limited.
• Family-friendly by day, social hub by night: The dual-purpose nature—an all-ages daytime space and an adults-friendly evening venue—maximizes revenue and community use.
• Complements nearby restaurants: Visitors often grab dinner before or after games, boosting sales for surrounding businesses.
• Appealing for birthday parties, leagues, and events: Such venues thrive on group bookings, a reliable revenue stream.
Barrhaven residents often complain there’s “not enough to do”—this would change that instantly.
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3. A Live Event Venue Similar to Meridian Theatre at Centrepointe
The success of the Meridian Theatre at Centrepointe demonstrates how powerful the arts can be in enriching a community. Barrhaven, with its growing population, could easily sustain a mid-sized live event venue offering a mix of concerts, comedy shows, theatre, cultural performances, speakers, school productions, and community events.
Transforming one of the vacant big-box spaces into a flexible performing arts centre would bring an arts & culture anchor to the heart of Barrhaven—a much-needed counterpart to its rapidly expanding residential neighbourhoods.
Benefits of a Barrhaven Live Event Venue
• Boosts local restaurants and cafés: Pre-show dining and post-show gatherings bring predictable evening foot traffic.
• Keeps entertainment local: Residents currently travel to Nepean, Kanata, or downtown for most live events.
• Supports local arts groups: Dance studios, school programs, choirs, and cultural organizations would gain a professional space for performances.
• Versatile space for community use: Beyond arts, the venue could host trade shows, holiday markets, corporate events, and speaker series.
A venue like this would give Barrhaven its own art & culture venue —something it is currently missing.
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4. An Upscale Movie Theatre with Recliners and a VR Gaming Arcade
Yes, cinemas have struggled in the streaming era—but upscale theatres with comfortable recliners, excellent sound systems, and added experiences are thriving. Many suburbs across North America are reopening theatres in premium formats because families, teens, and couples still want the excitement of a night out.
A revitalized Barrhaven theatre could feature:
• luxury recliner seating
• a VR gaming arcade
• upgraded concessions
• private screening rooms for events
• a modern lounge/bar area
Nearby theatres such as Landmark Kanata and Cineplex Barrhaven draw large crowds; adding another premium option could tap into an unmet demand for a higher-end experience closer to home.
Why a High-End Theatre Still Works
• Entertainment demand remains high: Families and young adults still value social outings that streaming doesn’t replace.
• VR arcades are booming: VR adds an interactive dimension, drawing in groups and repeat visitors.
• Anchors a retail plaza: The steady flow of moviegoers creates foot traffic that supports restaurants and nearby stores.
Given the size and layout of the former Best Buy and Bed Bath & Beyond spaces, an upscale theatre could be an excellent fit.
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5. Dividing the Space into Smaller Units for Local Entrepreneurial Retail
Finally, one of the most community-focused—and economically meaningful—ideas is to subdivide the large buildings into multiple smaller retail units designed for local, independent businesses.
As big-box retail becomes less dominant, the demand for smaller, affordable retail spaces is rising. Many aspiring entrepreneurs and niche boutique owners simply cannot afford the square footage or rent of large commercial units.
Examples of What a Multi-Unit Retail Hub Could Support
• specialty dessert shops
• boutique clothing stores
• local craft collectives
• eco-friendly home goods
• board game and hobby stores
• small fitness studios
• artisan bakeries
• gift shops and local maker markets
By carving the empty stores into smaller units—similar to a modern indoor marketplace—the mall could foster a vibrant community hub where residents discover new businesses and entrepreneurs test ideas without prohibitive start-up costs.
Benefits of This Approach
• Supports the growth of local entrepreneurs
• Lower vacancy risk—if one business closes, the entire space doesn’t go dark
• Creates variety and vibrancy instead of a single monolithic store
• Gives Barrhaven a “local main street” experience within a mall environment
This option may be the most flexible and future-proof of all.
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Conclusion: A Chance to Shape Barrhaven’s Future
The closures of Best Buy and Bed Bath & Beyond are part of a larger shift in retail economics—but they don’t have to be a loss for Barrhaven. Instead, these vacancies open the door to reimagining what community spaces can be.
Whether through a highly requested Michaels store, a modern bowling and entertainment centre, a vibrant live event venue, an upscale movie theatre with VR, or a flexible collection of smaller locally owned shops, Barrhaven has an opportunity to transform these empty buildings into destinations that reflect the needs and character of the community.
In a changing retail landscape, innovation—not another big box—will define the next chapter of local development. And Barrhaven, with its fast-growing population and appetite for new experiences, is ready for it.
Which stores do you feel would be a good fit for our local retail landscape? Let us know in the comment section.
