A new concept is helping malls adjust to the changing retail landscape by connecting landlords with short-term retailers.
The pop-up go initiative has been launched in the Bramalea City Centre in the heart of Brampton, Ontario.
Linda Farha, founder and ‘Chief Connector’ at pop-up go, said the concept is a response to a changing retail world where shopping centres are now looking to pop-up retail to offer different retailers opportunities to do business and therefore to grow traffic in those malls.
“I realized that there was no real website where people could actually find inventory of available space for pop-up. So that’s how pop-up go started. So in essence what the website offers is an inventory of available space but beyond that – I call that the reactive zone – and the proactive zone is really us seeking out ways to help create traction whether it’s a new concept that needs to kind of get traction to their pop-up or a landlord who has available space and needs traction to get pop-ups to look at their space,” said Farha.
“When it comes to the retailer, or the pop-up, we provide a turn key solution.”
Farha started the Toronto-based company about two and a half years ago.
Christina Mossa, Specialty Leasing Manager at Bramalea City Centre, said the goal is to bring creative and innovative opportunities to the shopping centre and this initiative is a perfect way to do that.
Bramalea City Centre is the fourth largest enclosed shopping centre in Ontario, and the seventh in Canada. The newly-expanded, two-level shopping centre offers 1.5 million square feet of retail shopping space, showcasing a tenant mix of over 350 stores and services including Saks Off 5th, Forever 21, Aritzia, Sephora, and Browns Shoes.
It will offer convertible retail merchandising units and common area spaces in a range of sizes with various features to suit a variety of pop-up events.
“We’re always looking for new things to help invigorate the shopping experience for our customers. pop-up go aligns perfectly with our expectations in that they can help facilitate securing new and different retailers. The short-term duration of the lease allows us to cycle in different concepts that our customers will find interesting,” said Mossa, adding that Bramalea City Centre is looking at gaining two to three pop-up stores working collaboratively with pop-up go.
“Bramalea City Centre is focusing on bringing some new innovative and unique stores as pop-up experiences. Bramalea City Centre would like to focus primarily on storefronts however, kiosks would be welcomed based on availability and use.”
Farha said pop-up go will be working with landlords across the country to roll out this initiative nationally, as well as expanding the concept into the United States.
“We have people coming to us and they’re like ‘oh I’ve got a retail concept or I’ve got a brand I want to promote and I’m looking for a location’ and we kind of review what exactly they’re looking for in terms of the profile they’re looking for and then we basically give them a whole bunch of opportunities of different spaces that could be of interest to them,” said Farha.
The concept is a growing trend in the retail world.
“It’s a trend that’s been around for some time. Probably more so in the U.S. Even now big retailers are doing it like Macy’s and Nordstrom. A lot of these retailers are doing the same thing. Of course, these large department stores are almost like malls in themselves. They’re taking the same approach as well within their stores,” added Farha.
The pop-up space can be either a permanent physical space or a kiosk type setting.
“It depends on where it is and the needs of the particular property,” she said. “It could be anything. Sometimes we do parking lots. It’s all over the board.”
Bentall Kennedy (Canada) LP Brokerage is marketing for lease a 14,275 square foot retail pad site (divisible) in a high traffic location with great signage opportunity onto Vaughan Mills Circle, available immediately.
The Village at Vaughan Mills is a unique lifestyle power centre located at 255 Bass Pro Mills Drive in Vaughan, directly adjacent to super-regional mall Vaughan Mills. The centre benefits from its immediate proximity to Vaughan Mills, which averages 14 million visitors annually, as well as its excellent access and exposure to Highway 400.
Anchored by renowned banners, Leon’s, La-Z Boy, Prima Lighting, and Kimmberly Capone Interiors, the Village at Vaughan Mills is home to several other premium designer shops, specialty services and showrooms, as well as popular restaurants, Canyon Creek Chophouse and 255 By Alta Rossa Ristorante.
Situated in the affluent and rapidly growing community of North Vaughan, approximately 40 minutes north of downtown Toronto, there are more than 42,000 households within a five kilometre radius of the shopping centre, with an average household income in excess of $146,000.
For more information, please contact Paul Ceresne (Sales Representative) of Bentall Kennedy (Canada) LP Brokerage at 1 (866) 681-2715 or pceresne@bentallkennedy.com.
Bentall Kennedy (Canada) LP Brokerage, 65 Port Street, Unit 110, Mississauga, Ontario, L5G 4V3 www.bentallkennedy.com
MOUNT ROYAL VILLAGE IN CALGARY. PHOTO: KIT AND ACE
Vancouver-based ‘technical cashmere’ brand Kit and Ace has announced new ownership and a new direction, as it finally sees profitability after more than four years in operation.
CEO George Tsogas, who had led Kit and Ace since April of 2017, tells Retail Insider that he bought the company from Chip Wilson’s company Hold It All Inc. for an undisclosed sum with the deal having closed on August 31 of this year.
GEORGE TSOGAS. PHOTO SUPPLIED
Kit and Ace, which was founded in 2014 as a luxury-focused ‘technical cashmere’ brand, became profitable for the first time in July of 2018, according to Mr. Tsogas. The company expects to further grow with a focus on the ‘modern commuter’ who might travel by bike, foot or on transit in large cities. The company’s ‘Navigator Collection’, which launched in the spring of this year, is geared towards the urban commuter by providing ‘office-ready clothing options’ as Kit and Ace renews its focus towards technical apparel.
The Navigator Collection, which launched for men in April with a range of trousers, joggers, shorts, blazers and jackets, introduced women’s trousers in August of this year, with more categories on the way. The Navigator Collection features venting, secure pockets, and reflectivity for cyclists that is made from a technical fabric that is said to be water-repellant, durable, easy-care and comfortable. The new line is the first step in transitioning Kit and Ace’s product line to technical commuter wear, according to the company.
SCREEN SHOT FROM KIT AND ACE WEBSITE
In order to ensure that its products perform, Kit and Ace has introduced the ‘bike test’ into its design process to make sure clothing holds up to increased movement, outside elements, and moisture, while maintaining an office-appropriate look upon arrival. “If it works on a bike, it will work for any commute,” according to Kit and Ace.
“With the world’s urban population surging, we are seeing a new segment of commuters that are riding their bikes to work and want to be office-ready but haven’t had apparel options to do so,” said Mr. Tsogas. “The commuter way of life is technical and functional, yet allows you to show up to the office looking put-together and professional, without needing to change into something new. This is what we’re bringing to our apparel.”
Chip Wilson, best known for having founded Lululemon, will remain as a mentor to Kit and Ace as the brand continues to transform under Mr. Tsogas’ leadership.
SCREEN SHOT FROM KIT AND ACE WEBSITE
Kit and Ace launched in July of 2014 and was initially led by Chip Wilson’s wife Shannon Wilson and son J.J. Wilson, though sources confirm that Chip Wilson was quietly involved with activities such as lease negotiations for some of the company’s first retail stores.
The company expanded its base of stores quickly after its summer of 2014 launch, which began with pop-up stores in various Canadian and, soon, international centres. Longer-term leases were eventually signed as Kit and Ace grew to more than 60 stores globally and 700 employees in early 2016.
By March of 2017, Kit and Ace’s store count was reduced to 41 stores, prior to an April 2017 announcement that all but nine Canadian stores would remain open. Since then, three more stores closed and at the moment, Kit and Ace operates six locations with two of those in Vancouver, two in Toronto, and one store each in Calgary and Oakville, Ontario. The Vancouver Gastown flagship recently relocated to 151 Water Street from 165 Water Street due to a redevelopment.
The other Vancouver store is in the Kitsilano area at 2235 W. 4th avenue. The Toronto stores are both street-front spaces on popular streets — a ‘Mink Mile’ store is located at 102 Bloor Street West, which also houses a coffee concept called ‘Sorry Coffee’. The other Toronto store is at 779 Queen Street West on trendy ‘West Queen West’. The Oakville location is at 171 Lakeshore Road East and the Calgary location is at Mount Royal Village, a First Capital Realty-owned property just south of the downtown core.
‘SORRY COFFEE’ AT KIT AND ACE AT 102 BLOOR ST. W. IN TORONTO. PHOTO: KIT AND ACE
More Kit and Ace store locations are planned, according to Mr. Tsogas, though not nearly at the rapid rate seen in 2014 and 2015. Two pop-up locations will be used to test the market, which could become a strategy moving forward as the brand looks to new markets. This month, the company launches temporary locations at Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby as well as at CF Chinook Centre in Calgary, both of which will operate through to February of 2019.
To serve the urban commuter, more in-store coffee shops could be in the works, according to Mr. Tsogas.
In order to move the brand forward, Mr. Tsogas revealed that staff will be offered an equity stake in the company as incentive. Canada will be the focus as will the United States before Kit and Ace relaunches an international store expansion. Kit and Ace’s new strategy is to be a ‘problem solver’ according to Mr. Tsogas, offering a unique product that is also practical to the modern urban dweller looking to look good while commuting in the city.
Toronto and Chicago share many similarities. Both cities have millions of residents and are located on the Great Lakes, and share similar climates and geography. What’s interesting is to analyze how luxury retail has clustered in both cities — Chicago is more centralized with luxury retail being in one street-front urban area, while Toronto’s luxury offerings are more spread out and in many instances, in enclosed shopping malls. The United States is known for malls being the place to go for luxury stores and therefore, Toronto could be said to be ‘more American’ than Chicago in that respect.
For the tourist seeking out luxury retail, Chicago is something of an easier choice in terms of clustering and general proximity of luxury stores. Chicago’s North Michigan Avenue, aka ‘The Magnificent Mile’, anchors the north side of the downtown core leading up to the city’s affluent Gold Coast neighbourhood. North Michigan Avenue is a mix of retailers that range from luxury brands such as Chanel and Rolex to big-box retailers such as Best Buy. Over the past decade, there’s been a noticeable shift in luxury brands moving onto and adjacent to Oak Street, which occupies the top-end of the Magnificent Mile stretch of retail which ends at the Drake Hotel and Lake Michigan. As of late, brands have been choosing Rush Street and Walton Street — Dior and Versace recently opened at that corner, for example, and in 2015, Giorgio Armani relocated the city’s standalone store from Michigan Avenue to Oak Street (in the former Emporio Armani space).
Chicago’s upscale department stores are also generally clustered in the area surrounding the ‘Magnificent Mile’. Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue anchor the street’s intersection with Chicago Avenue, while Barneys New York and Bloomingdale’s are located further up near the Oak Street section of the Gold Coast. Nordstrom, which challenges the Vancouver location as the chain’s top producer, is located closer to The Loop (Chicago’s grand answer to Toronto’s Financial District) as part of the Shops at North Bridge complex.
Several suburban malls in the Chicago area feature a handful of luxury retailers and luxury department stores, though to a lesser extent than in years prior. Neiman Marcus operates stores at the Oakbrook Center west of the city as well as at the Shops at Northbrook in the north, while Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom are anchors at the Old Orchard shopping centre in Skokie. All three malls feature a handful of standalone luxury brand boutiques (Tiffany & Co. is at all three, while Louis Vuitton operates standalone units at Oakbrook and Northbrook), though nothing in these malls compares to the selection of luxury stores found at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre.
Toronto, as a comparison, has a surprising number of ‘luxury nodes’ for a city of its size. These operate with varying degrees of success, with Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville and Yorkdale dominating, while others attempt to also cash-in on high-spending locals and tourists.
The Bloor-Yorkville area in downtown Toronto has been, for decades, the heart of the city’s luxury retail scene. Bloor Street West, the former Hazleton Lanes (now called ‘Yorkville Village’), and the Manulife Centre were three important addresses earlier on and more recently, Yorkville Avenue is being positioned to be Canada’s answer to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. More luxury brands will move in as the area continues with a remarkable transformation.
When Tiffany & Co. opened at the Holt Renfrew-anchored Yorkdale Shopping Centre in 2012, it was the beginning of a movement that would see more than two-dozen luxury brands open standalone units and concessions in the centre. Many brands are now choosing to open at Yorkdale instead of in Bloor-Yorkville. It’s hard to blame them — Yorkdale has ‘proven numbers’ according to those in the industry, recognizing that the centre is Canada’s most productive shopping centre in terms of annual sales per square foot. The clustering is working. More wealthy shoppers are frequenting Yorkdale, and more luxury brands want to move into the centre to sell to them.
What’s resulted is a ‘split situation’ in Toronto where luxury stores such as Bulgari, David Yurman, Longchamp and even Ladurée can only be found at Yorkdale, at least for now. Some luxury stores are selling considerably more than initially anticipated and in many instances, brands are paying a percentage rent in addition to a base rent that is significantly enriching the landlord. Speculation persists that some of these stores might open downtown locations in order to offset these rents and split sales, though to date Yorkdale continues to have many stores not found elsewhere in the region.
The Greater Toronto Area has added several other ‘luxury nodes’ to the mix. The CF Toronto Eaton Centre has been courting wealthy shoppers as Cadillac Fairview continues to take the downtown mall more upscale, adding flagship Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom stores to the mix (both opened in 2016). CF Toronto Eaton Centre also houses standalone locations for upscale brands such as Links of London, Hugo Boss, Sandro and Maje, going after some of the dollars that might otherwise head north to Bloor Street. Some speculate that the addition of higher-end brands at CF Toronto Eaton Centre has resulted in reduced foot traffic on Bloor Street, though that’s more anecdotal.
Square One in Mississauga, not to be outdone, debuted an impressive looking luxury wing in the summer of 2016 which is anchored by a dramatic marble-clad 140,000-square foot Holt Renfrew store, housing concessions for brands such as Tiffany & Co. and Gucci. Salvatore Ferragamo (the largest in Canada), Rolex and Links of London all operate nearby. Landlord Oxford Properties is said to be courting other luxury brands to the centre, though some brokers are saying that the Greater Toronto Area is seeing “too many” luxury nodes for a market of its size, and are now focusing primarily on the ‘two Yorks’ — Yorkville and Yorkdale, with the latter winning out in many cases as brands bet on Yorkdale being more of a ‘sure thing’ in terms of foot traffic, not to mention year-round climate control.
As a result, Toronto is a harder city to shop for luxury consumers. For luxury consumers visiting from markets such as China, the Toronto market proves to be somewhat confusing in terms of having so many different luxury nodes. Most visitors are unlikely to visit all five ‘nodes’, and may instead spend their time either in the downtown core or up at Yorkdale. Given that both areas have stores that the other one doesn’t, visiting just one means missing out on other brands — something that isn’t an issue in a city such as Chicago, where almost all luxury stores can be found in the core.
In Europe, the high-end districts in most major cities are located in the downtown core, on highly manicured streets as well as in small urban plazas. Luxury nodes in Paris, London, Milan and Zurich are all overwhelmingly in their respective downtown cores, as with cities such as Chicago and Boston, for the most part.
In some respects, Toronto could be compared to Melbourne, Australia, which features two primary luxury shopping areas. Central Melbourne houses several key retail streets such as Collins Street, which houses some very impressive luxury flagships for some of the world’s top brands — some of which don’t even have stores in Canada yet. The city’s luxury department store, David Jones, is also in the core, a short walk away.
Melbourne’s Chadstone Shopping Centre is comparable to Toronto’s Yorkdale, with the Melbourne mall housing several first-to-Australia luxury stores for brands such as Valentino, Balenciaga and Givenchy. The stunning suburban shopping centre boasts sales well in excess of $1-billion annually, as does Yorkdale, and the mall also houses upscale anchors such as David Jones. One might look at the retail mix at Chadstone to get an idea of what might be opening at Yorkdale over the next couple of years — luxury brands that are expanding into malls often do so in a pattern, as is evident closer to home in markets such as the King of Prussia Centre near Philadelphia, and the Houston Galleria as examples.
The United States has many examples of luxury retail in suburban shopping malls and in some cities, the only substantial luxury retail offering is in a shopping centre that isn’t downtown. Houston is home to the Houston Galleria and nearby River Oaks District as an example — both boast a vast number of luxury stores, some of which aren’t even in Canada yet. Atlanta, Denver, Charlotte also feature high-end malls where most of their luxury retailers are contained.
In some respects, competition is good and back at home here in Canada, Toronto’s five ‘luxury nodes’ will all continue to compete to attract limited luxury shopping dollars. It will be interesting to watch over the next several years how the market plays out — some retailers are doing better in some locations than others, and there could be store closures and relocations if the GTA luxury market continues to polarize with its dominant centres. Toronto, as a city, might be best served to also invest further into its infrastructure and overall aesthetics — an international visitor we spoke with, who is very observant and well travelled, provided some negative feedback about Toronto, saying they’re unlikely to return. That means that there’s not only competition within the Toronto market for luxury retail nodes, but the city is now competing with attractive global cities for luxury tourist dollars. It’s something for civic leaders to consider moving forward, though the messaging often falls on deaf ears.
More business owners and retailers are finding the charm of setting up shop these days in the City of Kawartha Lakes, which is becoming a popular destination for entrepreneurs.
And the municipality in Central Ontario, a short drive from Toronto, is doing everything it can to make it an attractive place to do business.
Graeme Barrie, owner of cyber-security company Netmechanics, is a perfect example of seeing the value of doing business in Kawartha Lakes, specifically in Lindsay where he moved to in the past year from Bruce County.
Graeme Barrie
“I saw the opportunity with the services that were being offered from the City to help build a business,” he said. “There’s so much here in terms of smaller communities and Lindsay proper. It’s called ‘Kawartha Lakes’ for a reason. It’s all water. It’s all lakes. Really the big thing is the work-life balance. Being able to enjoy outdoor activities. Snowmobile in the winter. Fish in the summer.”
“But we’re still close enough to larger urban centres. It’s a 40-minute drive to Oshawa or 30-minutes to Peterborough. An hour and 20 and I’m in downtown Toronto. I’ve got close proximity to those markets but still have my piece of paradise. The business side of things has been great. The last two months it’s just been booming in the sense of all the attention I’m getting, the support from the City.”
Barrie was aided by the City’s Starter Company PLUS Program which helps new entrepreneurs. Since 2017, the program has been providing opportunities for entrepreneurs to acquire small business training, mentoring and grant money to help them start or expand their businesses.
“The first barrier is access to high speed wireless and cell networks which is critical for doing their business. We’re very excited that as part of the Eastern Ontario Regional Network, we’ve been able to move forward on a $200-million project to increase cell phone coverage in our region,” she said. “So improvements are being made and it’s really opening up WiFi and cell access to businesses so that they can be working at their cottage with full access to the global economy.
“The other concern that entrepreneurs mentioned in the recent study by the Federation of Ontario Cottager’s Associations is that they wouldn’t necessarily have a peer group or a networking community of like-minded entrepreneurs that they would have in Toronto, the GTA, Ottawa or other big cities. What we are being told is that there is a vibrant community of entrepreneurs in Kawartha Lakes. As long as you’re willing to put yourself out there and join the Chamber or join the BIA (Business Improvement Association), and do the things that any successful business person would do, there are those networks.”
The City of Kawartha Lakes has a year-round population of 75,000 people which swells by a significant amount during the summer months.
One of the city’s initiatives to drive business to the area is its Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre, a well-integrated resource for the business community, giving new owners the resources needed to succeed and help them make connections.
“It’s a vital part of our economic development and it’s there to help people like Graeme Barrie and others who are looking to either relocate into the Kawartha Lakes area or people who are already here who are looking to start or expand their current business,” said Davidson. “It’s an amazing resource – they have a set of mentors, they have access to grants and other funding opportunities, they have excellent training sessions for businesses to really lock in on the fundamentals. They will make sure that their business model is sound and then most importantly, connect those people to the right mentors, to the right business people, to the right suppliers in our community so they can really get started and have a good foundation.”
Davidson said the city has also been removing red tape and helping Kawartha Lakes “be truly open for new business.” She added that there is a thriving retail industry in the downtown communities such as Lindsay, Bobcaygeon and Fenelon Falls.
Sarah Fournier moved from Toronto to Kawartha Lakes a few years ago and started a business making a reusable food wrap that is made from beeswax.
“We moved here from downtown Toronto because we were ready to ditch the crazy city lifestyle and settle in a place that would be good to start a family,” said Sarah Fournier, owner of Sweet Green Studios. “You forget that the stars exist when you live in Toronto. House prices ultimately drove us out. We’ve never regretted our decision to move here.”
Fournier also was a recipient of a grant from the Starter Company PLUS Program.
“It’s been a reality check for me about how to set up a business properly. I have a long way to go, but this program has given me the tools and answers to do it properly,” she said.
The City is also in the final stages of developing its Community Improvement Plan, which is intended to trigger investment in its communities and support the efforts of business and property owners through loans, grants and rebate programs.
Retail Council of Canada’s annual Retail West Conference will be held in Vancouver on November 6, and tickets are still available. This year’s conference will take place at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in downtown Vancouver, featuring spectacular harbour views only a stone’s throw from beautiful Stanley Park [Buy Tickets Here]
Some of Canada’s most innovative retailers will meet at Retail West to share their perspectives and learnings on the latest trends and developments, and discuss what it takes to create outstanding customer experiences in modern retail.
The day will begin with an overview on USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) and what it means for retailers in Canada, presented by Retail Council of Canada’s President and CEO Diane J. Brisebois. Canadian retailers are expected to feel the effects of USMCA as the duty-free de minimis level is raised from $20 to $150.
The impact of legal cannabis will also be a hot topic at this year’s Retail West conference, which will include several sessions that will bring together licensed cannabis producers, wholesalers, retailers and legal experts to inform you and to open doors in this new market.
Outland Denim, the sustainable Australian fashion brand with a mandate to combat human trafficking, has expanded its wholesale operations in Canada through high-profile retailers such as Harry Rosen, Holt Renfrew and now Sporting Life.
Outland Denim was started in 2011 with a mandate to combat human trafficking (and the sex trade) in Asia. James Bartle, a former Australian motocross racer, wanted to create a fair, conscious and sustainable fashion brand – and a new model for doing business. The brand started with pop up sales at music festivals in Australia. Today it is a Certified B Corporation global brand, having launched in Canada in 2018 with Holt Renfrew and Harry Rosen.
The company rescues people from the sex trade in Cambodia and gives them a living wage and way out of the poverty cycle.
The company is also 100 per cent sustainable using vegetable dyes, recycled zippers and rivets, ethically sourced cotton.
The company manufactures its jeans in Cambodia employing about 100 people.
“We know that true sustainability is only ever going to be achieved if we’ve very strategic about the way we scale,” said Bartle.
“We started selling (in Canada) in the spring 2018 with a very, very soft sell to test the market . . . We’re brand new in Canada. We’re selling men’s with Harry Rosen and women’s with Holt Renfrew. And we have Sporting Life and a range of different independent stores as well as online.”
Bartle said the company is hoping to grow its brand in Canada.
“Canadians have been early adopters of the brand. Your biggest retailers have seen what this brand can offer,” said Bartle, adding that the advantage those retailers get with the unique brand is bringing new customers to those locations.
“As they start to learn that we’re sold in those stores, we’re bringing the kind of customer that’s looking for that ethical purchase.”
The genesis of Outland Denim really began when Bartle encountered an anti-trafficking group at a music festival and then traveled to Asia to see how human traffickers prey on vulnerable young girls to service the sex industry.
According to the company website, after learning that once a girl has been rescued and supported through her recovery, a sustainable career path is vital for securing her future, Bartle created the “Denim Project,” which would enable those girls who demonstrated an interest in sewing to put their new skills to use.
“I’ve always lived in jeans. If you were going to produce anything, why wouldn’t you produce the most staple part of a person’s wardrobe? Jeans aren’t a throw-away item, but something you keep for years,” he said.
The company says it is committed to sourcing the most ethically and environmentally sound raw materials, from organic denim and pocket lining to recycled packaging.
As a Certified B Corporation, Outland Denim is part of a group of businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
The company is based in the little town of Tamborine Mountain, about an hour’s drive from Brisbane, Australia, which is where its flagship store and office is located. Its manufacturing operation – The Sewing Room – is based in Kampong Cham, Cambodia, about three hours from the capital, Phnom Penh.
Toronto-based small-format grocery chain Rabba Fine Foods has opened a prototype store in Etobicoke with plans to replicate it in other existing and new locations as the retailer expands its operations.
The newly opened store is ‘European-inspired’, according to Rabba, featuring updated lighting, wider aisles, an expanded assortment of fresh produce, deli options and hot-and-ready home meal replacements.
“Our customers have been telling us they appreciate selection, space and décor, as well as smaller packages for urban living and quality food options that are ready to enjoy,” said Peter Lombardi, category manager at Rabba Fine Foods. “We’ve gathered a strong team of passionate grocers, both inside and outside of the company, to work together to adjust our store layout, selection and décor, and we’re very pleased with the results.”
PHOTO: RABBA FINE FOODS
MPP ETOBICOKE CENTRE KINGA SURMA AND WARD 5 COUNCILLOR JUSTIN DI CIANO, PRESENTED A CONGRATULATORY SCROLL TO RABBA FINE FOODS FOUNDER JACK RABBA, DURING THE GRAND RE-OPENING AT THE 4869 DUNDAS ST W LOCATION.
The prototype store is located at 4869 Dundas Street West in Etobicoke and is already seeing positive feedback from customers. As a result, Rabba says that it is planing to roll-out the design into all 34 of its stores in the Greater Toronto Area in the future.
The 6,000 square foot Etobicoke store, considered to be the chain’s ‘ideal size’, was chosen as the test location because of its popularity, high sales performance, and a pre-existing Tim Hortons location. In an article in Retail Insider last month, the company said that it plans to expand its partnership with Tim Hortons to other locations in order to further drive traffic to its stores. Eight of Rabba’s locations currently house Tim Hortons.
As with other Rabba stores, the Etobicoke location operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which differentiates it from most other grocery chains that operate with limited hours.
PHOTO: RABBA FINE FOODS
Rabba Fine Foods was founded in 1967 as a small grocery store called ‘Variety Food Fair’ on Charles Street West near the corner of Balmuto Street, and the first Rabba-branded store opened in the 1980’s on Queen’s Quay in Toronto’s Harbourfront area.
As Toronto’s downtown core continues to add new residents in condominium towers, other grocery retailers are eyeing the market which boasts a highly-educated population and above-average incomes. Many downtown residents choose to walk to local stores to buy necessities and as a result, the already crowded market will be seeing more grocery retailers seeking space to cater to locals.
PHOTO: RABBA FINE FOODS
Large chains such as Loblaw and Sobeys already operate grocery stores in Toronto’s downtown core, and smaller chains such as Hasty Market have opened stores to cater to locals. Rabba’s new concept will help it maintain market share as competition increases for customers, not to mention retail space at the base of newly-built mixed-use projects being eyed by other chains.
Rabba Fine Foods also plans to open more stores in the Greater Toronto Area, including in Toronto’s downtown core. Last month, the company said that there was no upper limit as to the number of stores that it could open, and its new format could help facilitate that growth as competition also looks to expand in the area.
Davids Footwear at CF Rideau Centre (PHOTO: DAVIDS FOOTWEAR)
Toronto-based Davids Footwear has opened its first store outside of Toronto at Ottawa’s CF Rideau Centre, and the company plans on eventually operating about 15 stores across the country. Davids carries some of the world’s top luxury brands in its stores, and it is expanding its brand matrix as well as operations following a strategic partnership with luxury menswear retailer Harry Rosen.
The Harry Rosen partnership was announced in November of 2017 and as part of the deal, Harry Rosen’s CEO Larry Rosen was named as CEO of the Davids Footwear chain as well. Richard Markowitz, grandson of the founders of Davids, is the COO of Davids and is leading the strategy of the footwear retailer’s national expansion.
The CF Rideau Centre store in Ottawa is strategically located adjacent to Harry Rosen’s store in the mall. In fact, Davids new retail space was created by carving out about 2,100 square feet from the Harry Rosen store, in what most recently housed a separated men’s shoe department. The clustering of the two luxury stores makes sense as it draws in customers from the area, and that clustering is further enhanced by nearby retailers such as Tiffany & Co., Kate Spade and Birks.
Davids Footwear at CF Rideau Centre (PHOTO: DAVIDS FOOTWEAR)
Davids Footwear was established by Louis and Julia Markowitz in Toronto in 1951 with a standalone store location on College Street near Euclid Avenue, located between Kensington Market and Little Italy. Recognizing an opportunity to bring premium brands to the Canadian market, the Markowitz’s set out to buy prestige brands and as a result, they became the fist footwear retailer in Canada to work directly with some of Europe’s finest fashion houses.
In 1971, Davids Footwear was a trailblazer when it opened a store at 66 Bloor Street West in an area that had yet to become established as a high-end retail area, now known as the ‘Mink Mile’. Davids replaced a Toronto Dominion Bank branch that had occupied the base of the 1200 Bay Street mixed-use building, and it was a bit of a risky move — the street was known to be home to several large banks, though it was beginning to attract the attention of retailers looking to cater to affluent residents in nearby Rosedale and Forest Hill.
Opening of the 66 Bloor St. W. flagship in Toronto in 1971. Photo supplied Louis Markowtiz, Photo supplied
Davids Footwear remains at 66 Bloor Street West to this day, in an impressive 6,000 square foot flagship retail space that was designed by award-winning Toronto-based design firm Burdifilek. The Bloor Street store was recently expanded by taking over an adjacent space formerly housing sister retail brand Capezio — the Capezio nameplate was discontinued as part of Davids strategy to become Canada’s pre-eminent luxury footwear chain.
As part of the consolidation, Davids Footwear now carries several new ‘contemporary’-priced lines such as AGL, Golden Goose, and Vagabond, and the company continues to expand its own private label Davids line which has gained a considerable following of its own. The goal was to broaden the retailer’s appeal to a wider range of clients, and it continues to also focus on some of the world’s top brands such as Christian Louboutin, Valentino, Manolo Blahnik, Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino and Jimmy Choo, among others. Stores also carry an assortment of designer handbags and accessories to compliment the footwear assortment.
Davids Footwear Bloor Street Flagship (Image: Davids Footwear)Davids Footwear Bloor Street Flagship (Image: Davids Footwear)Davids Footwear Bloor Street Flagship (Image: Davids Footwear)Davids Footwear Yorkdale Shopping CentreDavids Footwear Yorkdale Shopping Centre
Besides the Bloor Street flagship and the new Ottawa store, Davids Footwear operates three other standalone units in major shopping centres in Toronto. The Bayview Village store opened in the year 2000, followed by a store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in 2005 and then, in 2015, at CF Sherway Gardens in a new expansion wing across from Harry Rosen. All four Toronto stores were designed by Burdifilek, and all three mall stores are said to be the top-performing footwear retailers at each centre.
As part of the Harry Rosen partnership, Davids Footwear is gaining access to some new luxury brands not previously carried in its stores, which will be announced at a later date.
As part of Davids expansion this fall, the company has launched a billboard campaign for the first time to promote its new Ottawa store. A national print campaign also seeks to further create consumer awareness as the company expands. Davids has introduced a new POS system, new warehousing and, this month, will be introducing a new loyalty program to further strengthen its brand.
As well, Davids’ enhanced e-commerce platform showcases styles carried in its stores and by request, customers may also receive personalized messages between store visits on events, sales, new designer arrivals and curated ideas designed to match an upcoming event or milestone. It’s a similar level of customer service that has made Harry Rosen one of the most respected menswear retailers in the world.
In terms of brick-and-mortar expansion, Richard Markowitz said that the company is anticipating opening approximately 10 more locations in Canada, bringing its total store count to about 15. Stores will ideally be in the 2,000 to 3,000 square foot range, either in AAA malls or on urban street fronts and, as part of its strategy, sometimes near existing Harry Rosen stores.
Markets such as Vancouver are targets for Davids Footwear chain as it expands and solidifies itself as a leading national chain similar to that of Harry Rosen for menswear in Canada.
The goal, as well, is to offer a curated assortment of footwear and accessories that distinguishes Davids from department store retailers as well as a handful of multi-brand footwear competitors. It’s an edited assortment of the finest brands that continues to see Davids growing customer loyalty with affluent shoppers, particularly at a time of unprecedented competition in the Canadian footwear market.
We’ll continue following Davids Footwear as it expands its product assortment as well as its operations into new markets in Canada.
Next August, CrossIron Mills will celebrate its 10th anniversary as it has defied many initial doubters who thought the shopping centre concept would struggle with its location just outside of Calgary’s city limits.
But the 1.1 million-square-foot mall, on one level with about 220 stores, has authored a huge success story since it opened its doors in August 2009 in the Balzac area of Rocky View County along the Queen Elizabeth II Highway.
“CrossIron Mills has evolved into a retail powerhouse in 10 short years and is one of the top tier shopping centres in Western Canada,” said Michael Kehoe, an Alberta-based retail specialist with Fairfield Commercial Real Estate in Calgary. “Mall owner Ivanhoe Cambridge has successfully adapted the American-style ‘Mills’ concept to several markets across Canada and CrossIron Mills stands out as a major success story.
“The shopping centre is a true regional draw with its unique tenant mix and Bass Pro Shops that attracts shoppers from as far away as Saskatchewan and eastern British Columbia. The Calgary Ring Road highway system makes the centre accessible to the majority of Calgarians. The entire Balzac commercial node in Rocky View County with CrossIron Mills as the centrepiece is experiencing a robust development phase with new large format retailers and amenity projects such as hotels and new restaurants under construction or in the final planning stages.”
James Moller, general manager of CrossIron, said the mall is 98.4 per cent occupied and at the end of the year it will be at 99.1 per cent occupied.
“That’s the highest ever,” he said.
As an example of the mall’s growing popularity, Moller cites an interesting number. The traffic in August was higher than last December. August had close to 1.1 million visits to the mall while December 2017 was just over one million.
“It was a combination of a few things. July traffic was a bit soft. We all remember July. The weather was fantastic. We didn’t have the smoke (from the B.C. wildfires). I think everybody was really enjoying being outside,” said Moller. “August we had the smoke roll in over Alberta and I think people were looking for getting out of the heat and out of the smoke. That was a good portion of that. We had some new stores open up.
“August traffic was up almost 12 per cent. Sales were up 11.4 per cent from a year ago.”
New stores recently opened include the Sketchers superstore turning into an anchor store for the mall at about 20,000 square feet. Asics shoes opened in September. Kate Spade New York is also a fairly new store in the mall. Earlier in the year Aritizia, Vintage Caffeine, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels and the Miniso Japanese dollar store were also new additions to the mall.
Moller said Aldo has relocated in the mall as it built a brand new store.
“As part of the 10-year anniversary next year we have lots of people doing renovations. We have Van’s Shoes doing renovations to its store. We have Kernels Popcorn doing their store. La Vie En Rose is renovating their store and adding Bikini Village to that. We’re excited about that,” said Moller.
Across the street from the mall, McDonald’s is opening a new location and drive-thru which will open in the spring of 2019.
CrossIron Mills will also be installing a centre-wide new Christmas decor program in mid-November.
“It’s a new theme. There’s installations everywhere. We’re adding more than we’ve ever had. Some of the areas and the wings in the shopping centre didn’t have Christmas decor in previous years. So that is happening.”
For the holiday season, CrossIron will have its shopping shuttle system in place to bring shoppers out to the centre from four locations in Calgary – the Brentwood LRT Station, the Southland LRT Station, the Calgary Tower and the Calgary International Airport.
While CrossIron Mills is busy preparing for the busy holiday season, thoughts of next August and its 10-year anniversary are also dancing in the heads of the mall administrators.
“It’s a big year. We’re already in the planning stages for the anniversary. We’re working through that marketing and planning for a spectacular event to mark the 10th anniversary on August 19, 2019. So it’s a little less than a year away and we’re excited about that,” said Moller.
