The continuing story of retail development on the Westbank First Nations land across the lake is impressive. Over one billion dollars of development so far and they’re just getting started. As the new Wal-Mart store was opened, Chief Robert Louie closed his remarks on the opening of the new Supercentre with the reminder that yet another mall will be built across the highway on land directly opposite the Governor’s Landing retail site. The new facilities have a working title as Fashion Centre. Anthem Properties of Burnaby and the current real estate management organization involved in Governor’s Landing is again working on the new project. Word has it, and I must say not confirmed, that a new Winners store will anchor the new mall, making it the fourth Winners outlet in the Valley if it happens. The rumour, and this one has been alive forever, has a new Costco outlet being built and a Best Buy store or one of the new formatted Future Shop stores. None of these have been confirmed. Just maybe shoppers will finally see an Old Navy store.

The Westside is fast becoming a destination shopping centre and that means more tourists and visitors. It will be interesting to see what the lineup will be for the new mall.

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Economy is Clearly the Most Pressing Concern for Canadians

Proportion of respondents who cite the economy as the top issue facing Canada has increased by 12-points since late August.

Most Important Issue Facing Canada: Economy 30%, Health Care 20%, Environment 15%, Poverty 9%

Concerns about the economy highest in Ontario (36%), Alberta (33%) and Atlantic Canada (33%)

Men pick economy as main concern (36%), women select health care (24%)

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You’re going to feel better in a moment because I am going to tell you how wealthy you really are as a Canadian. The national net worth rose 2.0% in the second quarter of 2008, as an increase in the value of non-financial assets was moderated by the rise in net foreign indebtedness. National net worth, total assets less financial liabilities, increased $111 billion in the second quarter of 2008, resulting in a per capita national net worth of $174,300, up from $171,500 in the previous quarter. There, I told you would feel a lot better knowing your net worth.

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Coca-Cola is again the world's most valuable brand, according to Interbrand's, the annual list of the Best 100 Global Brands.

While Coke held onto its top slot from last year, IBM, by expanding its services and transitioning out of production, moved up to No. 2, knocking Microsoft to third. GE was fourth, and Nokia fifth.

The brands with the biggest growth in the past 12 months were: Google, up 43% Apple, up 24% Amazon, up 19% retailer Zara, up 15% and Nintendo, up 13%.