Growing up in Rexdale the early '90's, going to the Woodbine centre used to be something to look forward to
on the weekend. Now, the mall is in a very sad state.
The Cineplex Odeon became Rainbow Cinemas in the mid 2000's which is now "Imagine Cinemas".
Next to Imagine Cinemas (the bottom portion of Zellers) is now a liquidation outlet called "Shop 4 Less"
- which is selling off the last bit of Zeller's inventory. If you ever wanted to see what a nearly empty Zellers
looks like (in which you can walk around in) from the inside, I would suggest taking a visit. I don't think the
liquidation will last much longer.
Other stores that have come and gone (or just relocated) from the Woodbine:
Abacus (Chinese food restaurant) - was replaced by Sport Chek and now an Italian Restaurant (which just opened).
E.B. Games (which moved and became a Gamestop)
Party Hut (novelty gifts, gag items, costumes and adult toys)
H & K Smokeshop (a kiosk next to the front entrance near the Ferris wheel that sold counterfeit goods)
Music World (which is now a mini Wal-Mart knockoff)
Sunrise Records
Boss Sound (which was once located near Music World - now relocated to a smaller location)
Doggoneit (a really cool pet store that was located across from the TD Bank)
The Rock Co. (sold rock music t-shirts and apparel)
The General Store (crafts, collectibles and other knickknacks)
McDonald's (which was cleverly located within the Fantasy Fair)
Skyline Games (next to Imagine Cinemas - Which became a Softron Tax and then an Arcade again)
- Up until the mid 2000's, there were a series of Televisions stacked next to the right entrance of this arcade.
The games were Tekken, Mortal Kombat and WWF Wrestlemania - The Arcade Game.
I also remember seeing Tekken 4, Soul Calibur II, Ms. Pac-Man and Time Crisis at certain points.
Update: This arcade is now an empty lot again awaiting it's next makeover.
The Fantasy Fair arcade (which is still standing) used to have plenty of arcade cabinets of games such as
WWF Wrestlefest, Tekken 2 , X-Men & The Simpsons Arcade Game among others.
Garage Clothing (which I think is a Gamestop now)
The Bay - A liquidation now
Sears - Also a liquidation
Let's hope half of the proposed renovation ideas get approved. I don't see major stores making a comeback
at this mall any time soon.