How Eagle Eye’s Technology is Helping Canadian Retailers Understand, Engage & Retain Customers

July 11, 2018

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In a market that’s increasingly crowded with loyalty programs all vying for the same share of wallet, what opportunities – and options – do retailers across Canada have when it comes to offering customers more flexibility and choice in how they redeem their well-earned rewards?

Many major Canadian retailers are looking for ways they can achieve this, says Tim Mason, chief executive officer of Eagle Eye, a global loyalty technology and digital marketing company that enables retailers to create an intelligent, real-time connection with customers.

Loblaw, for example, recently merged two of Canada’s most-loved loyalty programs – PC Plus and Shoppers Optimum – to gain more insights into their customers and their behavior across multiple brands and locations. The consolidated PC Optimum program, powered by Eagle Eye’s AIR platform, allows Loblaw to personalize the offering based on individual shopper behaviours, then give customers the choice to earn and redeem through their preferred channel and location.

Eagle Eye, which works with many leading retail and grocery companies in the UK (most notably Tesco and Sainsbury’s), has expanded into both Canada and Australia this past year. The company specializes in loyalty and digital marketing solutions that deliver individualized rewards and messaging in real time, and help brands establish a deeper connection with their customers. Eagle Eye is one of the few companies with the capability to support an initiative on the scale of Loblaw’s PC Optimum program, which serves millions of members in 2,500 locations (soon to be 4,500).

The platform also provides secure, real-time issuance, management and redemption of digital promotions and rewards across all online and in-store purchases. With its sophisticated rules engine, the Eagle Eye AIR platform enables Loblaw to vary the proposition, points, or offer to the customer by division and product category. This in turn allows Loblaw to create truly personalized experiences for its customers.

“Loyalty programs are successful when they deliver the right offer to the right consumer at the right time. Personalization is key for driving customer value and long-term loyalty, and by leveraging the Eagle Eye AIR platform to connect their customer data into one view, Loblaw can do just that,” said Mason.

Canadian Tire Shifts Gears

Mason also mentioned that Canadian Tire is the latest major retailer to expand its loyalty program across its various brands to provide a better loyalty redemption experience for its customers. Interestingly, Canadian Tire was one of the forerunners of the loyalty program concept, introducing Canadian Tire “money” in the 1950s.

But it wasn’t until the 1990s that retailers could capture customer data from a loyalty program and begin building a better connection with the customer. That process is still being perfected today, and according to Mason it’s more important now than it’s ever been.

“Providing a better redemption experience is obviously important. But for Canadian Tire’s program to grow in popularity, it will need to meet customer expectations of ongoing communication and lasting value,” continues Mason. “And that starts with connecting their data across all banners and channels in order to gain insights into shopper behaviours, which then enables greater personalization and ultimately relevancy.”

Shifting Canadian Loyalties

In the “Shifting Loyalties in Canada” survey and report Eagle Eye conducted with Ipsos late last year, it found that 87 percent of Canadians belong to an average of five loyalty programs or less — fewer than the average of 13 memberships per household reported in older surveys.

“The finding illustrates consumers’ unwillingness to participate in programs they no longer find valuable, relevant, or easy-to-use,” explains Mason. “Programs that aren’t tailored to customers’ individual needs and habits will have a hard time staying in that ‘top 5’.”

Changes in the Canadian loyalty marketplace may be driven by consumer preferences, but they are not limited to consumers’ attitudes and behaviors. Major corporations that have relied on traditional approaches to loyalty for decades are changing their strategies to meet new customer expectations.

“The Canadian loyalty market is undergoing a sizable shift, particularly in the recent evolution of legacy loyalty programs. Air Canada announced the creation of its own loyalty program by 2020, Loblaw brought together two major programs to form the PC Optimum program and Canadian Tire has expanded its loyalty program across its various brands,” says Mason. “What’s consistent across these companies is the decision to merge, consolidate and bring their loyalty programs in-house. This is a trend we expect to continue across the retail landscape and different categories.”

Data, Insights, and Personalization

As companies bring their loyalty programs under their own roofs, they will be better equipped to track and analyze consumer behaviors across banners, channels and touchpoints. Retailers can use this data to inform marketing strategies and customer outreach. Mason believes this will be a significant competitive advantage for retailers that can execute these strategies well.

“The most successful retailers will connect their data and leverage the insights to create personalized offers based on each loyalty member’s individual shopping habits, preferences, and even in their preferred channels,” he said. “Gone are the days of generic offers and mass communications. Consumers expect greater value from the data they share, and retailers need to connect that data into one single customer view to engage with consumers wherever they are on their shopping journey, in real time.”

Loyalty, a Rewarding Experience

Loyalty programs are pivotal gateways for this customer data, according to Mason. Not only are they effective sources of data, they are also ideal vectors for delivering communications, offers and rewards that are personalized according to that data.

“And by personalizing it, brands make that communication more relevant and therefore make it more attractive,” he added.

If a brand is committed to personalizing offers and rewards, it should also expand its concept of rewards beyond the transaction. Eagle Eye’s “Shifting Loyalties in Canada” report found that Canadian consumers are interested in rewards for activities that do not necessarily require a purchase or financial outlay. This means retailers will need to extend rewards beyond the traditional cash transactions, enabling program members to earn non-transactional rewards—the kinds of experiences that create emotional loyalty for their favourite brands, such as:

Meeting consumers’ expectations is crucial to the success of a loyalty program, including understanding which customers will be motivated by non-transactional rewards. But to achieve this level of understanding, Canadian brands must have access to their customer data across all consumer touchpoints, and a technology partner that can connect all this data into one single customer view. Only then can today’s brands action their data effectively. This is where Mason sees Eagle Eye’s potential for growth in the market.

For more information about Eagle Eye, visit: www.eagleeye.com

Oxford Properties Announces First-to-Canada Food Market Concept in Former Target Space

Craig Patterson

July 10, 2018

‘Market & Co' at Upper Canada Mall (Image: Oxford)

The Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket, just north of Toronto, will become home to a unique food market in September when it unveils ‘Market & Co.’ in a 40,000 square foot space in part of the mall’s former Target store. When open, a demonstration kitchen as well as 18 best-in-class local merchants and first-to-market eateries will enhance the overall shopping centre experience.

“With the growing popularity and prominence of urban food markets worldwide, we saw an opportunity to pioneer this concept within a shopping centre. Market & Co. at Upper Canada is a first of its kind food market that features a highly sought-after collection of first-to-market and local merchants and brands,” said Bradley Jones, Head of Retail, Oxford Properties. “We have designed the market so guests can purchase quality groceries and specialty items to take home, enjoy food experiences at the market and take part in special events at the state-of-the-art, built-in demonstration kitchen.”

Market & Co. will occupy about 40,000 square feet on the ground floor of the mall’s former Target space, with visibility to busy Yonge Street to the east. Sport Chek will relocate its Upper Canada store into a 65,000 square foot space adjacent to the new Market & Co., making it one of Sport Chek’s largest stores in Canada when it opens.

‘Market & Co’ at Upper Canada Mall (Image: Oxford)

A diverse culinary experience will characterize Market & Co., which will include a mix of food vendors and eateries, including full-service restaurants. The idea is that local vendors will be part of the mix and to that end, some of them will be opening their very first retail locations at Market & Co.

The list of vendors will include: Bake Three Fifty, FloralEscence, Humble Roots Organic, Ma’s Best Quality Soups, Newmarket Olive Oil, Our Farm Organic Bakery, Pier 87 Fish Market & Grill, Ray Woodey’s Craft Chippery, Seed to Sausage Meatery, Sweet Jesus ice cream, and Village Juicery.

Several of York Region’s favourite brands will also have a presence at Market & Co., including Vince’s Market and Amadeus Patisserie as well as well-known brands including Starbucks and Sugar King Factory.

Furthermore, Market & Co. will house three full-service restaurants, including Canada’s first MidiCi The Neapolitan Pizza Company (based in Los Angeles), Union Chicken (Chef Michael Angeloni’s celebrated Toronto, spit-fired, rotisserie chicken eatery), and Amano Kitchen (a seasonally inspired Italian restaurant also developed by Chef Michael Angeloni).

A highlight at Market & Co. will be ‘Kitchen & Co.’, a built-in demonstration kitchen that will host regular events, pop-ups and workshops that will educate visitors as well as help them get to know their local market merchants.

On July 28, Upper Canada is hosting a career fair to fill approximately 250 full-time and part-time positions. The one-day career fair will take place at Upper Canada in Yonge Court (near Entrance 3) from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm — there’s more information on Market & Co.’s new website: shopmarketandco.com. Oxford Properties has also already set up social media accounts for Market & Co. on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

“We are thrilled to introduce Market & Co. to the community, foodies and guests at Upper Canada. Upper Canada has invested $60 million to bring exciting new food experiences and 18 premium food brands and merchants to the centre,” said Bri-Ann Stuart, General Manager, Upper Canada Mall. “We look forward to celebrating our opening this September with special activities and promotions.”

Ms. Stuart explained that one of the goals of the new food market is to enhance Upper Canada’s food offerings, which also include a recently renovated traditional food court area. “Food builds community,” she said, and Upper Canada is further looking to engage with the local community — York Region is the fastest-growing region in the Greater Toronto Area, and it’s also remarkably affluent, and is home to a diverse range of households.

The food market will also lend itself to authenticity with the addition of many local vendors, some of which have never had a permanent retail space. Others, such as Bake Three Fifty, got started operating as a food truck.

Upper Canada Mall is one of the most important regional shopping centres in the Greater Toronto Area, housing more than 200 stores in an enclosed centre which spans nearly a million square feet. Many popular national and international brands can be found in the mall, which is anchored by Hudson’s Bay. The centre boasts nearly 5,000 parking spaces and sees more than eight million visitors annually, and is one of the country’s most productive shopping centres in terms of annual sales per square foot, according to Retail Council of Canada.

Market & Co. is the third food market announcement that Oxford Properties has made over the past four months. In March, it announced that Les Galeries de la Capitale in Quebec City would be adding an innovative food marketplace that will also feature the second location for RICARDO Boutique + Café. As well last month, Oxford Properties announced that it would be creating a ‘Food District’ at its massive Square One property in Mississauga. Both will open in 2019, which means that the Upper Canada Market & Co. will technically be a first in the company’s Canadian portfolio — and more food markets are said to be in the works. Other landlords such as Ivanhoé Cambridge are also adding food markets to their properties, with a recent announcement that a Time Out Marketplace would be opening as part of an overhauled Montreal Eaton Centre.

KNOWSHOW Lifestyle Trade Show Launches KNOWHOW Conference

Mario Toneguzzi

July 10, 2018

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By Mario Toneguzzi

The KNOWHOW Conference is a tactically focused learning event for brands and retailers aimed at developing the essential marketing skills needed to reach customers in today’s climate. The event will be a key component of KNOWSHOW – Canada’s premiere lifestyle trade show in Vancouver.

[Receive 10% off KNOWHOW registration here]

Perry Pugh, General Manager and one of the founders of KNOWSHOW, said the goal of KNOWHOW is to provide inspiring ideas and actionable strategies to help organizations find, engage, convert, and build solid relationships with key customers.

“We created a space for retailers and brands to connect and in the time that we’ve had the show so much about the retail world has changed. Technology and different formats of communication, along with the stresses and strains these small business owners face, from when they started their business, makes it a much different world today,” said Pugh. “At the pace, things are changing, we wanted to create a learning opportunity for these entrepreneurs to be able to sharpen their tools and stay on top of trends and best practices with a tactical focus . . . It’s about the x’s and o’s of how a small business person can take advantage of the technology.”

The conference takes place Monday, July 16, kicking off the summer KNOWSHOW which is an engaging B2B marketplace where leading lifestyle fashion brands unveil their seasonal products to Canadian retailers.

The bi-annual show, produced by Cube Business Media, takes place July 17-18 at the Vancouver Convention Centre, and it connects hundreds of unique retailers and the brands that they buy from in a concentrated showcase of upcoming trends, styles and products. The trade show began in 2006 and annually draws about 600 unique retailers throughout mainly Canada but some American retailers too.

The keynote speaker at the KNOWHOW Conference is Michelle Gault, Head of Product with Vancouver-based Herschel Supply, whose topic is Marketing, Today and In the Next 5 Years.

Michelle Gault. Photo:  MISSBISH — Michelle Gault. Photo: MISSBISH

Since its inception in 2010, Herschel Supply Co. has followed a meteoric rise to prominence in the streetwear scene and continues to grow today through rapid expansion into new categories. As Head of Product, Michelle Gault has had a hand in the design, development, and manufacturing of an ever-expanding line of goods. In her keynote presentation, she will discuss how as an industry leader, Herschel Supply Co., is bridging the gap between product and brand, and how it is building impactful marketing programs that will speak to consumers today, tomorrow and in the future, say the conference organizers.

Gault is responsible for the entirety of the product at Herschel.

“The biggest things I’m going to focus in on is giving them the tools to understand their goals,” said Gault of her upcoming presentation. “Everything that you do in your business should work towards this.

“I think the biggest thing that’s missing with a lot of these retailers nowadays is the goal. And once they can figure that out the rest is really easy . . . Right now, especially with smaller retailers . . . they’re doing what they’ve always done. Those days are gone.”

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Conference workshops also include: Cracking The Instagram Algorithm; 7 Facebook Advertising Tactics Everyone Needs To Know; and Digital Marketing: Where To Start.

There is also a panel discussion on Marketing Success Through Customer Service.

For more information about KNOWHOW, visit www.knowshow.ca/knowhow

KNOWSHOW runs two seasonally-focused events each year with a winter show in January and a summer show in July. Also, new this year at KNOWSHOW is the expanded the TableTop Market with a curated selection of local and international accessory brands. Organizers say the Market aims to create a more functional sales space for accessory and gift brands that are complementary to Lifestyle Fashion Retail. Categories at the Market include: Jewelry; Fashion Accessories; Craft Pantry Items; Home Goods; Men’s Grooming Products; and Bath and Body Products.

For more information about KNOWSHOW, visit www.knowshow.ca

Conference organizers have offered a special discount for Retail Insider subscribers, receive 10% off your KNOWHOW registration with this link: https://knowhow2018.eventbrite.com?discount=retailer-insider.

*Partner Content. To work with Retail Insider, contact Craig Patterson at: craig@retail-insider.com.

Versace to Open 2-Level Canadian Flagship in Yorkville [Renderings]

Craig Patterson

July 10, 2018

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Italian luxury brand Versace will open its Canadian flagship store in early 2019 in a purpose-built retail complex on Yorkville Avenue in Toronto. It will be Versace’s second store in Toronto and its third in Canada, and will be the latest addition to Yorkville Avenue, which is finding its place as one of Canada’s leading luxury retail addresses.

The two-level Versace store will span 3,000 square feet over two levels at 106 Yorkville Avenue, and will be located between new Brunello Cucinelli and Jimmy Choo stores in the 102-108 Yorkville Avenue building that is currently under construction. The Versace store is expected to carry its iconic fashion collections for both men and women when it opens and will also be LEED Certified.

Stan Vyriotes and David Wedemire of DWSV Remax Ultimate Realty Inc. represented Versace in the lease deal with landlord First Capital Realty.

First Capital Realty is developing the 102-108 Yorkville Avenue block, now fully leased, which will also feature a location for chic entertainment concept Her Majesty’s Pleasure on its top level. A high-end Japanese restaurant will also be announced for the lower level in the coming weeks. Brunello Cucinelli will span about 8,200 square feet over three levels at address 102-104 Yorkville, and Jimmy Choo will occupy 2,250 square feet at 108 Yorkville Avenue, which is across a laneway from luxury brand Chanel. Chanel opened its store at 98 Yorkville Avenue in November of 2017 and the beautiful 8,550 square foot store features a heritage facade that was once part of the Mount Sinai Hospital (First Capital Realty also owns that building, as well as several neighbouring properties).

“We are very pleased to welcome Versace’s Canadian Flagship to its home in Yorkville,” said Gregory Menzies, Executive Vice President, First Capital Reality. “Yorkville has long since been the city’s go-to for luxury fashion, and the neighbourhood’s ongoing revitalization makes it the perfect community for a globally-known brand like Versace. 102-108 Yorkville will be a destination to experience a growing list of iconic brands, restaurants and retail.”

Across the street from Versace and the other retailers is Canada’s only standalone store for French luxury brand Christian Louboutin, which opened at 99 Yorkville Avenue in the summer of 2016. The entire Yorkville Avenue is seeing an influx of luxury brands — pricey streetwear brand Off-White opened at 83 Yorkville Avenue in early 2017, joining the likes of Kiton and Richard Mille, which recently relocated to a stunning second-level space at 135 Yorkville Avenue.

Mr. Vyriotes and Mr. Wedemire of brokerage DWSV have been instrumental in transforming the area into a luxury retail destination. They represented Chanel in the deal that saw it move into 100 Yorkville Avenue, and they represented Jimmy Choo and Brunello Cucinelli to move into retail spaces next door. They also represented high-end streetwear brand CNTRBND when it relocated to 135 Yorkville Avenue last year.

Landlord First Capital Realty also owns and operates the Yorkville Village centre across from CNTRBND, which was formerly known as Hazleton Lanes. After an overhaul, the centre now boasts a roster of retailers and restaurants, including standalone locations for Canada’s first Belstaff store as well as North America’s first location for Italian luxury brand Eleventy.

Versace’s first standalone Canadian boutique, spanning 2,820 square feet, opened in the summer of 2014 at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, in the mall’s original ‘luxury run’ which is tenanted by the likes of Tiffany & Co., Moncler and Jimmy Choo. Versace’s second Canadian store, measuring 1,875 square feet, opened in December of 2015 at 747 Thurlow Street at the base of an office tower at the edge of the city’s Alberni Street ‘Luxury Zone’ that also houses Canada’s first standalone Brunello Cucinelli store. Mr. Vyriotes and Mr. Wedemire represented both Versace and Brunello Cucinelli in the Vancouver deals.

The Versace brand, which was founded by the late Gianni Versace in 1978, is seeing a resurgence globally that also includes an expansion of its home furnishings division. In the summer of 2014, Versace partnered with a local Vancouver group to open the world’s first Versace Home flagship store in Vancouver’s Gastown area at 310 Cordova Street. A licensed Versace shop-in-store has also operated at multi-brand luxury store Leone at the Sinclair Centre on West Hastings Street in Vancouver since 1987.

Founded in 1978, the Gianni Versace S.p.A. is one of the leading global fashion design houses. Under the Artistic Direction of Donatella Versace since 1997, the Gianni Versace S.p.A. designs, manufactures and distributes fashion and lifestyle products including haute couture, women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, jewelry, watches, accessories, fragrances and home collection.

Muji to Expand Metropolis at Metrotown Store into Flagship

Craig Patterson

July 10, 2018

Minimalist Japanese retailer Muji opened its first store in Western Canada at Metropolis at Metrotown in suburban Vancouver in August of 2017, and the store is said to be doing so well that it is already being expanded by more than 50%. When complete, the 7,770 square foot store will grow to an impressive 12,305 square feet.

That will make it the second-largest Muji store in North America, trailing the downtown Vancouver Robson Street flagship which opened in the fall, spanning more than 14,500 square feet on one level.

Muji is said to be so successful in the Vancouver market, that other store locations are said to be under consideration for expansion. Retail sales in British Columbia are among the highest in Canada, and locals have clearly embraced the Japanese brand.

CROWDS LINE UP FOR THE OPENING OF THE NEW METROTOWN MUJI ON THE MORNING OF SATURDAY, AUGUST 26. PHOTO: MUJI

The Metropolis at Metrotown Muji is located on the mall’s ground level, which is down the hall from anchor Hudson’s Bay. Three retail spaces were joined to create the large store, which features exterior windows as well as a mall-facing entrance.

The Metrotown Muji will be expanded further by annexing 4,535 square feet of retail space, which includes merging three separate spaces surrounding the existing store.

Muji says that it will reveal new services and products to be carried at the store at a later date, with an opening set for the fall of 2018. The goal is to replicate the flagship Robson Street store experience both in product selection and retail footprint.

Muji now operates three stores in the British Columbia Lower Mainland. Besides the Metrotown and Vancouver Robson Street flagships, Muji also operates a 6,355 square foot store at CF Richmond Centre, which is said could also be in line for an expansion, given its exceptional sales.

The three BC Muji lease deals were coordinated/negotiated by Martin Moriarty and Mario Negris of CBRE Vancouver, as well as Arlin Markowitz from CBRE Toronto.

Muji’s first Canadian store opened in Toronto in November of 2014 at the Atrium, which is a multi-use complex featuring retail at its base as well as retail above. The original 4,400 square foot MUJI store at the Atrium has temporarily relocated while the permanent space is expanded both outwards and upwards into an 18,000 square foot leased space which will become the largest Muji location outside of Asia when it reopens later this year.

MUJI’s second Canadian location, spanning 5,225 square feet, opened at Mississauga’s Square One in November of 2015, followed by the October 2016 opening at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre (6,375 square feet) and the Summer 2017 debut of a 6,000 square foot space at CF Markville, north of Toronto. Most recently, MUJI unveiled a a 6,800 square foot store at Scarborough Town Centre, which was its fifth in the Greater Toronto Area.

Last year, MUJI’s Canadian President, Toru Akita, said that he expected MUJI to operate between 15 and 20 stores in Canada by the year 2020, and a source working with the company says that the retailer has already mapped out many of the locations where it plans to expand, which may include malls as well as urban street front locations.

BRIEF: Safeway Closes 10 BC Stores, 256 Jobs Lost as UK Fashion Brand Closes Canadian Operations

Helen Siwak

July 10, 2018

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By Helen Siwak, Retail Insider Brief Editor

*Safeway at Lougheed mall is one of two Burnaby locations that will close for good on May 5. The other location is at Kingsway and Royal Oak Avenue. Photo: BurnabyNow*

10 Metro Vancouver Safeway Stores Close as Owners Look to Discount: Ten Safeway stores in Metro Vancouver are closing in July which will impact many communities and as many as 1,000 employees.

Affected are the Lougheed Town Centre and Royal Oak locations in Burnaby, Sunwood Square in Coquitlam, Point Grey and City Square Shopping Centre stores in Vancouver, which will close permanently. All but the City Square store closed on Thursday, July 5.

The other five stores that closed but could be relaunched as FreshCo stores, are Blundell and Broadmoor in Richmond, Newton Town Centre and Strawberry Hills in Surrey, and the Safeway in Mission.

There is speculation that these five stores may reopen under the FreshCo brand depending on whether the unions representing the grocery store workers (UFCW 1518, UFCW 247 and the bakers’ union), can negotiate a new collective agreement.

Sobeys owners Empire Company has been researching buying patterns in the Canadian west and finds that ‘small box’ discount and the Sobeys FreshCo discount supermarket chain are more in-line with shoppers wants.

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Enticing Sub-Lease Opportunity on St. Catherine’s Street for High Traffic Lover: Situated in the center of Montreal’s retail universe, the 2,406-square-foot location at 1253 St. Catherine Street presents an unprecedented opportunity to position your banner amongst the world’s top luxury boutique brands.

1253 St. Catherine’s is the strongest retail corner in downtown Montréal—at the intersection of renowned Rue Sainte Catherine and De La Montagne—1253 places you in the international spotlight and epicenter of activity and traffic. This location provides an unprecedented opportunity to be in the heart of luxury, and with lucrative flexibility on terms due to this unique sublease opportunity.

As part of a multi-story retail building located next to Forever 21, The North Face, Armani Exchange, Steve Madden, Guess, Anthropologie and many other boutique retailers and restaurants.

1253 St. Catherine Street’s availability is 30-60 days, with TMI (2018 Est) of $85.82/square-foot.

Nearby is the brand new Four Seasons Hotel (163 rooms alongside 18 “exclusive private residences,” 3 restaurants, 6,000-square-foot ballroom) and the re-development of the Ogilvy department store which includes a new Holt Renfrew (250,000-square-feet and includes iconic high fashion brands such as Chanel, Fendi, Dior, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Tiffany & Co). The location will also include a new beauty hall of 23,000-square-feet, women’s footwear department of 8,000-square-feet, and leather goods shop of 20,000-square-feet.

St Catherine Street is about to witness a game-changing retail facelift with this iconic destination and an immense surge in the numbers of visitors and shoppers in Montreal drawn to this specific location.

Current figures for the area include a population of 36,417 persons with a daytime population of 144,825 persons, 7M+ trade area metro traffic, 30,751 trade area vehicle traffic, an impressive 100 transit score, and 99 walk score.

To be in the centre of this thriving market, contact Caroline Bouillet of JLL (caroline.bouillet@am.jll.com) and Corey Bessner of CORE (corey@coreconsultantsreality.com).

Revlon to Host Weekend Pop-Up in Toronto: Another pop-up is happening at Toronto’s 202 Queen Street West, and this time beauty brand Revlon will be showcasing its wares over the weekend (Friday, July 13 4:00pm-8:00pm and Saturday, July 14, 12:00pm-6:00pm). Best of all, admission is free.

Revlon will showcase its latest product launches that will include entertaining activations and beauty tips from skilled beauty experts. Pop-up facilitator thisopenspace brokered the deal for the 202 Queen Street West activation.

Photo: Jillian Schecher — *Photo: Jillian Schecher*

Mother Daughter Duo Pamela and Jenna Do Design Right at Oliver Exchange: On July 6th, Edmonton mother-daughter business duo Pamela Freeman and Jenna Pryor celebrated the reopening of their home decor and design boutique, Plum Home + Design. It will be the first business to open inside the redeveloped Oliver Exchange building in the Oliver neighbourhood, and they will soon be joined on the main floor by Culina to Go, Brio Bakery, Odd Company Brewing, and Iconoclast Coffee Roasters.

The new location is more than double the size of Plum’s previous home on 124th Street, with nearly 2,000-square-feet of independent retail featuring home decor, furniture, baby clothing, fine jewellery, and more.

In designing both their retail space and upstairs design offices, Jenna and Pamela have preserved some of the heritage details of the building—originally built in 1913—by incorporating original windows, doors, and hardware salvaged from the historic building.

Ivan Beljan of Beljan Development has carefully brought together independent Edmonton businesses to ensure there will be community feeling within the Oliver Exchange Building.

ECCO Canada Defies the Death Knell of Retail Doomsday Prediction: Contrary to what you may be reading in the mainstream media, Canadian bricks and mortar retail is not on its deathbed! ECCO Canada is going strong in 2018 with the opening of its 35th Canadian location in the lower level of CF Pacific Centre in Vancouver.

This is the fifth ECCO Canada boutique to open in 2018 and one of the smallest at 842-square-feet, but it is the biggest in on-trend ‘hygge’ warmth, highly curated product offerings, and a design ethos which embraces simplicity, functionality, and elegance.

Fun Fact: ECCO owns and manages every aspect of the value chain from tanneries and shoe manufacturing to wholesale and retail activities. ECCO’s products are sold in 88 countries from over 2,000 ECCO shops and more than 14,000 sales points. ECCO is family-owned, founded in Denmark in 1963, and employs more than 20,000 people worldwide.

BC Hydro Electrifying BC, One Phase at a Time: BC Hydro has announced that it has completed the second phase of its electric vehicle fast-charging network, allowing drivers to travel across BC from the Alberta border to Tofino – and the next phase will connect drivers north. Which is fantastic news to the 9,000+ electric vehicle drivers currently occupying the roads in BC.

The second phase rolls out just in time for drivers to fully enjoy the summer in BC with 28 new stations, in addition to the 30 that were completed in 2016. There are 13 new stations in the Lower Mainland and two new stations at the Britton Creek rest area on the Coquihalla Highway, allowing drivers to quickly charge up before heading to the Southern Interior – or to the Kootenays. The stations also connect drivers from Horseshoe Bay to the west coast of Vancouver Island.

BC Hydro’s fast-charging network can charge an electric vehicle’s battery to 80 per cent in 30 minutes or less. The network is designed to provide drivers with charging options when they need them – helping reduce the ‘range anxiety’ many drivers feel about long road trips.

BC Hydro is planning its next phase, which will connect drivers to the north from Kamloops to Prince George – and eventually to Prince Rupert.

Hudson's BAy concession design. rendering via markaldridge.net — Hudson’s BAy concession design. rendering via markaldridge.net

256 Jobs Lost in Canada as Calverton Brands, parent company of Jacques Vert Folds: British womenswear maker Calvetron Brands, which is behind labels such as Précis, Eastex and Jacques Vert, is shutting its operations after filing for bankruptcy protection last May. The company failed to find a buyer, according to administrators Duff & Phelps.

As a result, about 256 jobs in Canada will be lost — Calverton operates concessions in Canada, including multiple Jacques Vert boutiques at Hudson’s Bay stores nationwide. Hudson’s Bay also carries the Précis Petit and Eastex lines of womenswear.

Employees have been told that their employment will end by September of this year. In all, about 1,400 jobs will be lost in the UK, Ireland, and Canada.

Helen Siwak is the publisher of EcoLuxLuv.com Magazine, a freelance content creator specializing in retail and luxury lifestyle. She is a regular content contributor to Boulevard Vancouver (English & Chinese), Retail-Insider, BLUSH Vancouver, and has lifestyle blogged for StyleDemocracy and Daily Hive. When not writing, she is attending fashion events, traveling, and advocating for animal/human rights. helensiwak@yahoo.com.

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Massive Mixed-Use Retail Development Proposed for Suburban Calgary

Mario Toneguzzi

July 10, 2018

MTA_Genesis_Omni_Dusk — PHOTO: OMNI CALGARY

A massive master-planned, multi-use project, just outside of Calgary city limits in Rocky View County, is being proposed by Genesis Land Development which would add about one million square feet of showcase retail and outlet centre space to the market.

Officials from Genesis could not be reached for comment but the development’s website says The Omni project being proposed would include 600,000 square feet of showcase retail space; 325,000 square feet of outlet centre space; 60,000 square feet of restaurants and cafes; a 27,000-square-foot children’s creativity zone; 250 senior active living units; 500,000 square feet of office campus space; and 4,000 parking stalls.

The proposal would be east of Calgary city limits along 100th Street just off of Stoney Trail and Highway 564.

“The Omni by Genesis is a master-planned multi use commercial destination strategically located adjacent to the burgeoning upper North East Sector of Calgary offering an unparalleled frontage for commercial profile and visibility to match the stringent locational needs of the top national, regional and local retailers and tenants,” says the company on the project’s website.

“The Omni is well positioned for a multiplicity of uses within this important family-oriented trade region. This comprehensive state-of-the-art development will uniquely integrate seven key pillars of offerings; House & Home District, Convenience Retail District, The OMNI Outlet Centre, The Village & Showcase District, The Legacy District, The Hospitality & Wellness District, and The OMNIWork District.

“Strategically, the adjacent Stoney Trail ring road offers an unparalleled frontage for commercial profile and visibility to match the stringent locational needs of the top national, regional and local retailers and tenants. This development, with its well-conceived category leading components, is expected to become the destination of choice for local and regional residents, business/leisure travelers, and area workforce. For the leading retailers and tenants, The Omni by Genesis represents a unique, timely and unmatched network expansion opportunity in Greater Calgary, the strongest market in Canada.”

Michael Kehoe, an Alberta-based retail specialist with Fairfield Commercial Real Estate in Calgary, said the Calgary-to-Airdrie corridor is experiencing a robust commercial development phase driven by demand for commercial space and a developer-friendly environment in Rocky View County.

“From the upper northeast sector of Calgary northward through Balzac up to the City of Airdrie, new industrial and retail development in the planning stages or under construction mostly in the County is proceeding at an impressive rate,” he said.

“One of the centerpieces of this momentum will be The Omni by Genesis with its master-planned multi-use phased commercial development. The unique focus of each development phase is sure to capture the attention of expansion-minded retailers and other commercial tenants and owners.”

Recent media reports said the project will be discussed at an upcoming provincial Municipal Government Board meeting as the City of Calgary is raising concerns about the area structure plan and the possible strain on emergency services and transportation.

Hani Abdelkader, a vice-president of retail with commercial real estate firm Avison Young in Calgary, said The Omni would come into an area where a lot of retail product is already coming online there and many anchor retailers have been spoken for.

“I would say demand just isn’t there. It’s a fine site but you’ve got to build something specific from an outlet perspective as well,” he said. “From the outlet tenants that we’ve spoken to that are in Balzac, they don’t want to be anywhere near there. The west side will be their focus.”

But Abdelkader said the retail market in Calgary from a leasing perspective is still very strong. It’s performing well. Leasing volume and leasing activity is definitely up across the board. But there is some caution still regarding the market.

“If you’re looking at it from a vacancy point of view, of course it makes sense to build some more retail,” he said. “We barely have any inventory in comparison to other larger markets. From the surface, it would look good but overall there’s still a lot of caution from a big box perspective.”

For more information about The Omni project visit http://theomnicalgary.com

Granville Street Strip to See Retail Resurgence

Craig Patterson

July 8, 2018

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*An earlier version of this story indicated that co-working company WeWork was no longer moving into the upper levels of downtown Vancouver’s Hudson’s Bay store. We have since learned that this information is incorrect, and we retract that part of this story. Our sincerest apologies, as we endeavour to report accurately and in this instance, our sources were unfortunately incorrect.

Downtown Vancouver’s Granville Street strip is in a state of transition that is adding a range of uses beyond the typical nightclubs that characterize it as the city’s ‘Entertainment District’. New and edgy retailers are said to be negotiating leases in the area, nightclubs are expanding service to include lunch and dinner, and new co-working spaces will add vibrancy to the area as Vancouver’s core continues to densify, and gentrify.

Charles Gauthier, President/CEO of the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, says that the wheels are in motion for further positive changes to the 800 and 900 blocks of Granville Street which are located immediately south of Robson Street. Change has been gradual since the year 2009, when the street saw a cosmetic overhaul in anticipation of the 2010 Winter Olympics. In September of 2015, Nordstrom opened a 230,000 square foot flagship at CF Pacific Centre on Granville Street’s 700-block, which has helped shift the city’s retail centre eastward from the Robson Street strip, which has dominated for decades. Nordstrom, as well as nearby Hudson’s Bay and Holt Renfrew are driving foot traffic to the area, not to mention money — designer-heavy Nordstrom is said to be one of the top locations in the chain with sales of well over $200-million annually, while Holt Renfrew on the 500-block is said to do about $400-million in sales annually.

Granville Street might be known for its boisterous nightclubs, though things are certainly changing. Mr. Gauthier noted that several of the street’s ‘liquor-primary’ establishments such as nightclubs, recognizing the value of time and real estate, have been expanding their hours to include lunch and dinner service during the day. Such food and beverage offerings will act to further add vibrancy to the street with a potential snowball effect that could see further improvements to the area, including new tenants.

Downtown Vancouver’s office vacancy rates are at record lows, and Mr. Gauthier explained that there won’t be any new office towers ready for occupancy in the area until around 2021 or 2022. Co-working space company Spaces has secured 68,000 square feet in the former Tom Lee Music Building at 929 Granville Street, and it’s expected to further add vibrancy to the area, supporting new businesses that area also expected to follow. “This will be a game changer that will transform the immediate area,” he said.

“It’s an ecosystem” said Mr. Gauthier in an interview, explaining how different elements will come together to make Granville Street a success. The street is also drawing attention from investors such as Bonnis Properties, who have invested in various properties in the area with the expectation to further add tenants to enhance the overall vibrancy of the area.

Some businesses are bullish about the street — Hungry Guys is an example, securing restaurant space in the former Tom Lee Music building (Tom Lee relocated nearby last year). Local retailer ‘8th & Main’ at 1105 Granville Street is said to be doing well.

Independent retailers have an opportunity to move onto the street, noted Mr. Gauthier, who went on to explain how rents on Granville Street are lower than many of downtown Vancouver’s commercial streets, while also enjoying footfall that is expected to only increase as new tenants of all types move in.

That sentiment is shared by Martin Moriarty, Vice President at CBRE in Vancouver. Mr. Moriarty has worked on many deals on the street and he says that he agrees with Mr. Gauthier’s sentiment that Granville Street is a great place for independent retailers, as well as retailers seeking an edgier address than that of some more popular commercial streets in the area.

“Traffic is stronger on Granville Street than it is in Gastown, and rents are comparable,” explained Mr. Moriarty in an interview. He referred to brands such as John Fluevog shoes, Urban Outfitters and Brandy Melville as examples, which cater to a more youthful demographic. Mr. Moriarty said he expects to see more in the way of edgier brands move onto Granville Street — one example is Quebec-based Exclucity, known for its popularity amongst ‘sneakerheads’, which recently secured its first Vancouver retail space at 850 Granville Street with plans to open a store later this year.

Other notable retailers opening soon on Granville Street include Shanghai Baixin (stationery), Lebanese restaurant chain Zaatar y Ziet — both of which will be first-to-North America locations. Montreal-based fashion retailer Judith & Charles recently left CF Pacific Centre for a space on the 600-block of Granville Street. Adidas also just opened a new store a few doors down from its Adidas Originals location which was renovated and re-opened in December. Value-priced Chinese retailer Miniso will open soon next to John Fluevog shoes on the 800 block. “There will be more of a retail continuity along the street for several blocks,” explained Mr. Moriarty, who went on to praise the area’s architectural ‘character’ which is something of a contrast to the more manicured streetscapes of nearby Yaletown.

Granville Street is expected to continue to gentrify as brands move onto the street, with the assistance of CBRE and other brokerages working in the area. The 637,000 square foot Hudson’s Bay flagship store at 674 Granville Street, as well, will be seeing some changes as its parent company looks to further monetize its real estate. Rumours that Saks Fifth Avenue could move into the store or nearby persist, though it’s unclear if and how the luxury retailer would be able to secure the required space (some say it could go into a development across Seymour Street from Hudson’s Bay). As well, internal changes in the Granville Street Hudson’s Bay will see menswear move from the sixth floor into the sub-basement, while the store’s upper levels are earmarked for WeWork office space.

As real estate prices continue to climb, more changes are expected for Granville Street in the coming years, spanning the entire stretch of Granville Street from Burrard Inlet to the North, to False Creek in the south. Office development continues on the northern portion of the street towards the Seabus Terminal and cruise ship berths at Canada Place, while the stretch of Granville towards the Granville Street bridge will also see major improvements. The ‘Vancouver House’ residential tower, now under construction, will be joined by another tall tower that Pinnacle International recently announced, both of which will include substantial commercial elements at their bases. High real estate prices will also dictate development at the heart of Granville Street, particularly along the 800 and 900 blocks and further southward, as landlords look to capitalize on an unprecedented real estate boom by investing in their properties to create maximum return.

Quebec Start-Up Berso Aims to Disrupt Baby Retail Market

Megan Harman

July 8, 2018

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A new Quebec-based start-up called Berso is striving to shake up the baby retail market with a new concept that combines e-commerce with brick and mortar retail.

Berso aims to be a one-stop shop for maternity and baby-related merchandise, catering to tech-savvy millennials who are starting families. The company designs and manufactures products, in addition to operating an e-commerce and retail division through which Berso sells its own brand of products as well as other major brands.

“I saw that no one in this market was catering to millennials, and I thought there was a good opportunity,” says Martin Lamarche, president and CEO of Berso.

Recognizing that millennials increasingly do their shopping online, Lamarche saw the importance of creating a user-friendly e-commerce platform. However, he also wanted to tap into the generation’s tendency to socialize and engage with their community on a regular basis. So, he designed a retail concept that combines the best of both worlds.

Specifically, Berso stores serve as not only a shopping destination, but also a gathering place for parents, with a coffee bar, yoga classes, and occasional speaking events.

“We want to build a community around our brand,” says Lamarche. “Moms can share their experiences together.”

In addition to browsing merchandise in store, customers can use tablets available within the stores to explore additional merchandise online, and can order items to be delivered directly to their homes. Customers can also make use of personal shoppers who will help them find what they’re looking for, within their specific budget.

“E-commerce will be part of our brick and mortar experience. We’ll have iPads everywhere,” Lamarche says. “The shopping experience is very important.”

Berso carries a wide variety of items for babies and expectant mothers, such as clothing, furniture, strollers, toys and accessories. Approximately 70% of the merchandise carried is comprised of Berso’s own brand, with the remaining 30% comprised of other major brands. The company focuses primarily on mid-to-high-end merchandise.

“It’s going to be a one-stop shop of maternity and apparel and accessories,” says Lamarche. “You’ll have everything you need.”

Berso plans to open five stores in Quebec over the next three years, before expanding to other provinces and countries. The first location is poised to open in Montreal’s South Shore in March or April 2019, coinciding with the launch of Berso’s e-commerce website.

Berso is working with Tony Flanz of brokerage Think Retail to explore additional locations, with a focus on spaces that are between 10,000 to 15,000 square feet in size, and which have ample parking.

Canada’s ‘ShoeRu’ Ron White Sees Success as Brand Embarks on International Expansion

Craig Patterson

July 6, 2018

RON WHITE ENTRANCE TO THE MANULIFE CENTRE FLAGSHIP. PHOTO: CRAIG PATTERSON

Canada’s leading shoe designer Ron White, aka ‘The ShoeRu’, continues to see considerable success with his business as the brand expands its wholesale operations globally. The company has hired a Vice President of Global Sales, Maxwell (Max) Harrell, to focus on expanding distribution in the United States as well as to lead the company’s global growth in European and Asian markets.

“It was time to take our US and global expansion to the next level and Max’s deep background in retail, wholesale and most importantly ‘better’ product is a perfect fit for Ron White,” said founder/CEO/Creative Director Ron White. “Max’s experience with Made-in-Italy brands makes him the ideal candidate to lead this next level of global growth in our company.”

The Ron White label is seeing considerable success both domestically and globally, as the company marks 25-years in operation this fall. Ron White might be best known for creating the world’s first All Day Heels®, which are a proven hit amongst those seeking comfortable footwear that is also stylish.

The company includes retail operations with five standalone stores in the Toronto area, as well as wholesale operations in notable major retailers. Standalone stores include Toronto locations at the Manulife Centre, Bayview Village, CF Sherway Gardens, 1553 Bayview Avenue (Leaside), as well as a unit in downtown Oakville at 189 Lakeshore Road East. Ron White’s Manulife Centre flagship recently saw a renovation that included a new interior and facade, as part of the Toronto centre’s overhaul that will include a new Eataly location set to open in early 2019.

RON WHITE WINDOW IN THE MANULIFE CENTRE FLAGSHIP. PHOTO: CRAIG PATTERSON

Ron White’s women’s collections are available at upscale stores in Canada and the United States — Nordstrom is a major distributor in Canada as well as at three of its US flagships, as is Jean-Paul Fortin, Saks Fifth Avenue, Von Maur and a range of smaller prestige retailers. Ron White’s men’s collection recently launched at Nordstrom, and is available at other selected prestige retailers. Ron White also recently partnered to create the ‘Rapisardi/Ron White’ collection — the line is inspired by the heritage and innovation of the legendary Rapisardi brand, and is available at retailers including Hudson’s Bay.

The Shopping Channel has also been a huge success for the Ron White brand, which is now one of the top-selling brands on the television network. Ron White’s shoes will also begin being showcased this fall in the United States on the Home Shopping Channel. Despite the rapid growth in e-commerce, these shopping channels continue to see remarkable success as well as sales gains.

The Ron White brand is looking to make further inroads into new markets via wholesale, and Mr. Harrell’s background will be an asset. He’s had leadership positions at major footwear brands and prior to joining Ron White, he served as Director of Sales for Summit at White Mountain Group and is past Founder and President of CC Corso Como, Ballasox and Ciao Bella. Mr. Harrell also held significant sales positions at Sketchers, Rocket Dog Footwear and Esprit.

“The Ron White brand is exploding at retail, and on the cusp of amazing growth worldwide. I am excited to be joining the team and putting a focus on further growing US and international distribution,” said Mr. Harrell. “Ron has built a strong and sustaining brand in Canada and this is a unique opportunity to take his coveted All Day Heels® technology, along with the brand’s momentous buzz, into leading US retailers in a category that is underserved, yet highly desired by women around the world.”

Ron White first opened a comfort-focused multi-brand store in Toronto, called The Foot Shoppe in 1993. It grew to several locations and in 2006, Mr. White rebranded the stores to his own name, targeting a younger, more fashion forward shopper as a result. Soon after, Mr. White decided to create his own namesake footwear brand, merging his vision of chic style mixed with comfort. Ron is recognized for creating the world’s first “All Day Heels®” bringing together striking design, luxurious materials and unique cutting-edge technology.

The brand has earned a loyal celebrity following that includes Hollywood’s A-list, heads of state and royal family members. From the red carpet at the Golden Globe Awards to backstage at the Primetime Emmy® Awards, Ron’s shoes have been a favourite for both presenters and performers. A few of the celebrities who have walked in his shoes include: Vanessa Williams, Kathy Griffin, Celine Dion, Katie Couric, The Duchess of York, Christina Hendricks, Paula Abdul, Megan Mullally, Rob Lowe, Kevin Spacey, Matt Damon and Dennis Quaid.

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