The socks and throws make sense as an add-on product, especially as gifts. If you are buying books for an avid reader, those are related, yet not related, products and can make a nice gift.
I was at Fairview a couple of weeks after the opening, there was a lineup outside the mall for the grocery. I would expect that on opening day, but not weeks later.
I do not think that is Eglinton in the foreground, probably Vanderhoof. It aligns better with the railway bridge than Eglinton does. Eglington is just off to the bottom left out of frame.
Yes, they used to spend a nickel now to save a quarter later. Now.....the councils of the 80's and 90's should be ashamed of themselves for not building transit, but hey, no property tax increases!