High-End Fashion Boutique MC2520 Opens in Laval [Photos]

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June 2, 2017

A new fashion boutique in Laval, Quebec aims to provide a high-end shopping experience for young men and women, with merchandise straight from the world’s premiere fashion destinations.

The new store, called Fashion House, MC2520, launched in mid-April. It’s the latest venture from fashion entrepreneurs Mary Bitzilou and Chris Paras, who also own MC2520’s neighbouring shops: Boutique Rococo, a women’s fashion boutique; and children’s retailer Kid Biz. All of the shops cater to affluent customers seeking premium brands.

Having been in the children’s fashion business for 25 years, Bitzilou and Paras saw an opportunity to cater to a slightly older demographic.

“We realized that our clientele was getting older,” Bitzilou says. “They couldn’t find what they were looking for in the commercial market, therefore we decided to expand and make a big store called MC2520, which caters to a young women’s and young men’s market.”

MC2520 is geared to customers between the ages of 13 and 35 seeking the latest fashion trends. That adds a large new demographic to the customer base that Bitzilou and Paras have previously served.

Since all three of their boutiques are located within the same 17,000-square-foot complex in Laval, the new retail outlet creates a convenient shopping experience for families, Paras says.

“Now, we are pretty much catering to the whole family,” he says, “from kids all the way up to adult women.”

Compared to Bitzilou and Paras’ other boutiques, MC2520 offers a slightly lower price point, which reflects the trendiness of the styles in store. Many customers, Bitzilou says, are looking for new items to wear each week.

“It’s more affordable fashion, because it’s faster fashion,” she says.

The merchandise is selected and curated by Bitzilou and Paras, with an emphasis on styles from international trend centres such as Los Angels and Australia. Some of the brands available in the store include LVL XIII (an exclusive to MC2520), Blank-NYC, E7- Armani, Nana Judy (Australia) and Eleven Paris.

In a competitive retail environment, Bitzilou says offering the latest styles that customers are seeking is key to success.

“Product mix is very important,” she says. “When customers come to our shops and they see that what they just saw in Milan is hanging on our racks, they’re very impressed.”

Also critically important, she adds, is customer service. Bitzilou and Paras have high standards for the staff they hire, and expect their sales representatives to maintain a close rapport with their clientele.

“Customer service is key here,” Bitzilou says. “It comes down to knowing your client, knowing what they want, and being able to always come through for them.”

The design of the new retail space aims to reflect the trendy and high-end labels within it. The store boasts a contemporary look that combines bold marble with rustic wood, dramatic custom-made chandeliers and a variety of other eccentric accents.

Bitzilou and Paras have no immediate plans to expand their boutiques outside of Quebec, however branching into new markets is something they intend to explore in the future.

Genesis Motors Launches Canadian Retail Expansion [Photos]

By

Craig Patterson

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June 1, 2017

Genesis Motors at 630 Queen Street East (Image: Genesis Motors)

Hyundai-owned Genesis Motors is launching its Canadian brick-and-mortar expansion this week with a location in Toronto. It will be the first of several locations to open in Canada this year for the South Korean luxury automobile brand.

Hyundai launched Genesis as a standalone marque in November of 2015 and in November of 2016, the company launched its Canadian eCommerce site.

“Genesis goes beyond offering exceptional vehicles by providing a human-centred purchase and ownership experience,” said Brand Director Michael Ricciutto. “Genesis delivers personalized service every step of the way with the Genesis-at-Home concierge service and now, with the first retail store in Genesis Downtown, luxury boutiques.”

Genesis Motors at 630 Queen Street East (Image: Genesis Motors)

The company’s new stores address consumer feedback. “Genesis Downtown is another touchpoint for our customers. Since launch, our customers have expressed a desire to experience the brand in a more traditional automotive setting,” said Shahin Alizadeh, Distributor Principal of Genesis Downtown.

This week, Genesis opened its first Canadian store, at 630 Queen Street East in Toronto, at the base of a recently completed condominium building, Sync Lofts. The 4,000 square foot retail space is the first of several set to open in Canada this year.

On October 1 of this year, Genesis is scheduled to open a 4,000 square foot showroom at Square One in Mississauga, followed by an October 15 opening of a 2,800 square foot location at CF Carrefour Laval, near Montreal. On October 15, as well, Genesis will open a 4,200 square foot store at 81 Rue Wellington in Montreal (corner of Duke Street), which will also have an adjacent 2,000 square foot service centre/garage area. Mr Ricciutto noted that consumers will be able to test drive vehicles at each of these locations.

Genesis will also be available in several ‘traditional’ automobile retailers, including locations in Vancouver and Quebec City. The brand also operates an ‘experience centre’ at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, which has helped further enhance brand awareness.

By 2021, Genesis Motors anticipates operating 32 Canadian locations, according to Mr. Ricciutto. These will include freestanding stores (both mall and street-front) as well as showrooms in other dealerships. Genesis plans to have six new vehicle models by 2021, which the company expects to be a hit with its all-inclusive pricing, Genesis at Home concierge for sales and service, complimentary scheduled maintenance, and comprehensive warranty.

Drake’s OVO ‘October’s Very Own’ to Open at Yorkdale

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Craig Patterson

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June 1, 2017

Musical performer Drake’s retail concept October’s Very Own (OVO) will open this summer at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. It will be only the fourth location for the brand globally, as well as the second in Toronto and the first to be located in a major shopping centre.

*Update from August 2, 2017: Drake has announced that this store will open Saturday, August 5. According to a press release, it will feature “luxury apparel, capsule collections and exclusive drops from OVO.” The store opens in time for his OVO Fest, also happening the August long weekend (coinciding with Caribana Toronto).

A must watch, see video below: Cadillac Escalade and crew rolls through Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre while Drake performs “Gyalchester” — instantly turning Yorkdale it into an international tourist attraction.

OVO’s first location opened in December of 2014 at 899 Dundas Street West in Toronto. The small boutique was the brainchild of OVO’s co-founder Oliver El-Khatib, and it followed a summer of 2014 pop-up that was held in the same retail space.

In December of 2015, OVO opened its second store location at 130 N. La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles, spanning about 2,400 square feet. In December of 2016, OVO’s third store location opened at 54 Bond Street in New York City. All three of Drake’s stores feature simple white interiors, and carry a range of exclusive OVO-branded products as well as some designer collaboration pieces.

According to construction signage that went up this week, Yorkdale’s OVO store will be opening this summer in a retail space between Strellson and Oak + Fort. Mall lease plans indicate that unit CRU-521 has more than 1,600 square feet of space. The new store will be located in Yorkdale’s new 300,000 square foot Nordstrom-anchored expansion wing that opened in October of 2016.

Drake, who’s actual name is Aubrey Drake Graham, is known to collaborate with various designers for limited edition product roll-outs. We might expect the Yorkdale store to see lineups for new and exclusive product releases when the store opens this summer.

Toronto is a focal point for Drake’s music, and in April of 2016 he released his award winning fourth studio album ‘Views‘, which included a photoshopped image of Drake sitting on the edge of the CN Tower. Drake has had a number of hits (‘Hotline Bling‘ was a 2015 favourite), and the performer will maintain a Toronto residential presence with the completion of his under-construction 40,000 square foot mansion in the wealthy ‘Bridle Path‘ area — about a 20 minute drive from Yorkdale.

OVO will provide an extra element of interest for Yorkdale, which is already one of the most dynamic shopping centres in North America. Yorkdale recently unveiled its permanent multi-retailer pop-up space called CONCEPT, and a number of other exciting first-to-market retailers will be announced for the mall in the coming months. Yorkdale, which was ranked Canada’s most productive shopping centre in terms of sales per square foot by Retail Council of Canada’s Shopping Centre Study, will see a westward expansion wing open this fall, anchored by RH/Restoration Hardware and Sporting Life. Upon completion of the new wing, Yorkdale will become the country’s second largest mall in terms of size, with only West Edmonton Mall being larger.

Lightspeed Launches ‘Lightspeed Analytics’ for Independent Retailers

By

Craig Patterson

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June 1, 2017

Montreal-based cloud-based point-of-sale platform Lightspeed has introduced Lightspeed Analytics to its roster of products geared towards independent retailers. Lightspeed Analytics is designed to provide retailers with insights and recommendations into their sales, inventory, employee performance and customer behaviours, with an aim of providing retailers a competitive edge in their industry.

Lightspeed Analytics simplifies the gathering of data by making it accessible, understandable and actionable for business owners and store managers, and it provides insights into the following three aspects of a retail business:

Inventory management — by eliminating guesswork while offering insight into which products are selling fast,
Customer insights — by targeting customers based on their individual shopping history with relevant communications about new inventory, promotions and business updates, and
Employee optimization — understanding your staffing needs and share data-driven feedback with employees to help improve their performance.

Lightspeed is levelling the playing field by offering solutions addressing areas that have typically been optimized for larger businesses. Technology centred around customers is imperative in today’s world and allows for a better experience for both retailers and consumers. The most important aspects of successful retail involve consistent in-store and online traffic, managing inventory and having the insights to know what decisions to make to drive profit.

“Access to complete analytics and business insights will empower independents with the tools they need to effectively grow, allowing our customers to dream bigger about the future of their business,” said Lightspeed Founder and CEO Dax Dasilva. “Lightspeed Analytics is simple to navigate and makes the value of data easy to understand, which will give our customers the time and ability to make smarter business decisions.”

Acting as a store-side data consultant, Lightspeed Analytics also acts as something of a ‘store-side data consultant’, allowing business owners to answer day-to-day management questions such as:

Which items should I order more of, and which ones should I discontinue?
Which items have I had too long and need to be marked down?
What item am I out of stock in most often?
How often do my best customers shop? and
Do I have the right number of employees working on weekends?

“Analytics is going to save me a day a week of work,” said Jenifer Burnett, of Punchy’s. Mike Simmons of Bicycle Warehouse noted, “With Analytics, I now have the tools to successfully compete against the big box stores,” and “Lightspeed Analytics helps us see the overall health of our business,” added Mitsuko Osugi of Cook Culture.

Other notable Canadian Lightspeed customers who have recently adopted the Lightspeed Analytics tool include Skiis and Biikes (Collingwood, Mississauga, Toronto, Vancouver) and ETIKET (Montréal)

The cost is reasonable — Lightspeed Analytics costs US $150 per month, per location, and pricing varies based on number of stores. Devin Montgomery of Skiis and Biikes notes, “Once we saw how much time our buyers saved with Lightspeed Analytics, we were hooked. There was no way we weren’t going to invest in the solution.”

The company has also just announced a new chief marketing officer — Laith Murad. Mr. Murad has more than 20 years of experience in the industry and most recently, he was the CMO at PIRCH — a luxury retailer with 10 locations in the United States. During his time at PIRCH, Mr. Murad’s work on the brand won several awards, including Retailer of the Year, the Davey Award for best branding, and others. Prior to PIRCH, he served as Vice President, Marketing at Yahoo, where he was focused on growth strategies, as well as customer acquisition and retention.

“We are thrilled to welcome Laith to the Lightspeed team as a leader for our marketing and communications divisions, and a champion of our customer-centric approach,” said Lightspeed’s Dax Dasilva, “Laith’s vast marketing experience in the retail and technology sectors, make him an exceptional asset to the team as we expand our current marketing strategy and continue to engage thousands of new customers, on a global scale.”

Lightspeed offers users a powerful cloud-based point of sale system. It’s designed for retailers to sell anywhere – in-store, online or both, with the help of Lightspeed’s omnichannel platform. Lightspeed powers more than 45,000 retailers and manages $15 billion in transactions across 100 countries. In 2016, Lightspeed launched its omnichannel product, seamlessly merging in-store POS, eCommerce and mobile, allowing its customers to sell anywhere, at any time. In addition to retail solutions, Lightspeed Restaurant provides simple and efficient cloud-based software for cafés, bars, and full-service dining. Most recently, the company celebrated its 12th anniversary.

The company was founded in 2005 by Mr. Dasilva, beginning with four employees working out of a Montreal apartment. It now boasts over 500 staff in eight offices around the world. Lightspeed has quickly expanded its offering with a POS for restaurants, an eCommerce platform and an omnichannel selling solution, helping businesses streamline their operations and improve customer service by bringing together inventory, customer management, sales and analytics into a single platform.

Study Reveals Importance of In-Store Tech and Social Media ‘Likes’ for GenZ/Millennials

By

Craig Patterson

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June 1, 2017

A new study conducted by HRC Retail Advisory shows that more than 90% of Canadian Generation Z say that a strong wi-fi signal is important to them and their overall shopping experience and furthermore, emerging in-store technologies and positive social media feedback are among the top priorities for both Generation Z and Millennial consumers.

The survey also revealed a generational shift in how these consumers shop for beauty products, and it represents the first in a series centred around Generation Z and Millennials’ attitudes, behaviours, and shopping preferences.

To obtain the findings, HRC Retail Advisory surveyed a targeted sample of two distinct demographics: Millennials (ages 18-41) and Generation Z (children ages 10-17). The sample size was 675 per group and the survey was fielded from March 9 – 21, 2017.

“Millennial and Generation Z’s use of technology in-store, their need to stay connected to friends via social media while they shop, and how they’re shopping beauty trends is changing consumer spending patterns. While the latter generation was born with a smartphone in hand, it doesn’t keep them from shopping – and even preferring to shop – in brick and mortar stores, as long as they have access to their ever-important social network,” said Farla Efros, President of HRC Retail Advisory.

Ms. Efros went on to say, “Generation Z is not only powerful on their own, but they are the ones dragging their Millennial parents (who prefer to shop online), back into the mall as well. Understanding these consumer segments and how they apply to a retailer’s business will be essential, as both of these generations will be crucial to retail strategies going forward.”

Significant findings of the HRC survey include:

Magic Mirrors & Retail Apps Enhance In-Store Experiences:

• Magic Mirrors Keep Consumers Connected. When asked if they would use a “Magic Mirror” in dressing rooms to send images through social media, 66% of Millennials aged 18 to 34 said they would be at least somewhat likely to use the technology, which is 50% more than those aged 35 to 41. Generation Z and Younger Millennials were found to embrace emerging technologies, particularly if they enhanced a connection with their social network or streamlined the shopping experience.

• Retail Apps Favored Over Traditional In-store Payments. 68% of Millennials, and 64% of Generation Z state that they would likely use a retailer’s app to make an in-store payment. The number of consumers favoring apps over traditional payment methods climbs to 78% among Millennials aged 25 to 34.

Social Networks Drive Purchase Decisions

• Facebook and YouTube Dominate Social Media. Nearly 60% of respondents (both Millennials and Generation Z) use Facebook daily, with as high as 72% of Millennials age 25 to 34. YouTube ranks second amongst both demographics, with over 55% using the platform daily.

• Social Media is Essential for Feedback. More than half of respondents (both Millennials and Generation Z) said they use social media to solicit opinions while shopping, and more than 40% of respondents said they have made a decision based on feedback from their network, which consists primarily of their peers. Additionally, 25% of Millennials say they have returned items based on feedback from social media sites, and Generation Z’s return rate is as high as 62%.

Discounts & Influencers Are Key to Shopping Beauty

• Amazon & Discount Stores Top Traditional Beauty Stores. With new beauty trends constantly emerging, both Generation Z and Millennials look to Amazon and Discount Stores (e.g. Walmart) to shop for products over traditional beauty stores (e.g. Sephora, Department Stores, etc.). In fact, when asked where Generation Z has purchased beauty products in the last 6 months, 55% said Discount Stores and 35% said Amazon. For Millennials, 49% said they shop Discount Stores and 45% on Amazon.

• Friends & YouTubers Influence Gen Z Beauty Buys. While Millennials are primarily influenced by the store experience when shopping for beauty (34%), Generation Z cites Friends and YouTube Beauty Gurus as their primary influence when shopping (54%). Store experience is significantly less important to Generation Z in Beauty purchasing (11%).

WANT Apothecary Focuses on Tasteful ‘Neighbourhood Retail’

By

Craig Patterson

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May 31, 2017

Montreal-based multi-brand retail concept WANT Apothecary is selectively choosing neighbourhoods for its highly curated, tasteful retail stores. The company recently opened stores in Toronto and New York City, and more are expected to open as its founders seek out appropriate “community” locations.

WANT Apothecary is the brainchild of WANT Les Essentiels co-founders, brothers Byron and Dexter Peart, Mark Wiltzer and Jacqueline Gelber. The concept is unique in how it mirrors the style of a classic apothecary, while also mixing a selection of fashion items from some of the world’s leading designers. Products include women’s and men’s ready-to-wear as well as accessories, leather goods, footwear, and various gift items, not to mention an assortment of beauty products (hence the apothecary name).

The Peart brothers, along with their partners, launched the first WANT Apothecary location in Montreal in 2011, in the city’s affluent Westmount area (4960 Sherbrooke Street West). The store was a hit, buoyed by the existing brand recognition of the WANT Les Essentiels lifestyle brand that they launched five years earlier. After testing and perfecting the Montreal store, the business partners set out to open a second location in Toronto’s upscale Rosedale retail area (1070 Yonge Street) in 2013, followed by a Vancouver store, located in the tony South Granville shopping area (2956 Granville Street) which debuted in 2014.

Most recently, WANT Apothecary has opened two stores — a Toronto location at 2579 Yonge Street, as well as a store in New York City at The NoMad Hotel. The Toronto store is in the Lawrence Park retail area, which continues to see interesting upscale retailers open along the strip.

Co-founder Dexter Peart explained that, rather than locating in malls or on popular retail streets such as Bloor Street West or Robson Street, WANT Apothecary’s locations seek to create a “curated experience within close proximity to the consumer” that is the “antithesis to a large shopping experience”. Collections in the stores are highly curated to reflect the retailer’s aesthetic, and each store is typically between 1,700 and 2,000 square feet to ensure a more intimate experience.

(Photos below are of the Toronto ‘Lawrence Park’ store)

WANT Apothecary Toronto ‘Lawrence Park’ store

Being “local” has its advantages, including attracting consumers who might otherwise shy away from frequenting busier and more popular retail locations. CF Toronto Eaton Centre, for example, sees about 50 million annual visitors (according to Retail Council of Canada’s Shopping Centre Study) and for some, a quieter shopping experience is specifically sought-out. At the same time, some neighbourhoods are now seeing popular mall brands move in — Toronto’s Lawrence Park, for example, features locations for retailers such as The Gap, Club Monaco, Kiehl’s and Lululemon.

That stretch of Yonge Street lacks the crowds of busier malls and streets, while attracting a shopper seeking out a localized experience. All four of WANT Apothecary’s Canadian locations are adjacent to affluent residential areas — Westmount is home to some of Canada’s wealthiest families, as is Rosedale in Toronto, and Shaughnessy in Vancouver.

Mr. Peart explained that their team continues to examine neighbourhoods throughout Canada for potential new store locations, though he wouldn’t reveal where the next store might open. He explained how Toronto’s Lawrence Park area is “on its way to becoming a dynamic retail area,” with interesting new retailers being added, as well as residential intensification to add further residents. It’s the neighbourhood connection that’s key, he explained, and that he hopes that WANT Apothecary will be able to play an active role in helping shape the community as it matures.

KandJu Announces Significant Retail Expansion

By

Maxime Frechette

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May 31, 2017

St-Césaire, Quebec-based candy retailer KandJu is launching an aggressive retail expansion. The company has seen success with its first six locations in the Montreal area, and it will continue to open locations into 2018 with an expansion within the province of Quebec, followed by a national expansion.

KandJu was founded in 2013 by Marie-Ève Gladu and François St-Laurent, and it quickly gained brand awareness for its candy skewers and cones sold under the brand name Marie & Franky. In addition to offering a wide selection of self-service confectionery with about 250 choices, KandJu also offers unique gift sets. The retailer currently operates six retail stores in the Montreal region, with its most recent store having opened in March of this year at Centropolis Laval.

KandJu is a division of candy company Ludik, which was founded by KandJu’s owners in 2006. Ludik Candy Designer’s products are now distributed in more than 2,000 points of sale across Canada.

Three more KandJu locations are confirmed to be opening this year. One will be at the Guy-Concordia metro station in Montreal, which will no doubt become a popular destination for students and office workers seeking a sugar fix. A second location is confirmed for the Les Avenues Vaudreuil retail complex outside of Montreal — a groundbreaking project that continues to announce new tenants. A third boutique will open this year in Granby — a community located between Montreal and Sherbrooke.

For 2018, KandJu is targeting more communities in Quebec to open locations, including Québec City, Sherbrooke, Drummondville and Victoriaville. KandJu seeks retail spaces in the 1,000 to 1,150 square foot range with a minimum 20 foot linear frontage in regional shopping centres, lifestyle centres, as well as urban street-front locations.

Co-founder Marie-Ève Gladu confirms that each of these stores will cost close to $200,000 to construct.

KandJu is working with broker Manon Parisien of Aurora Realty Consultants for its Canadian expansion. Marie-Ève Gladu says that Ontario would be her first target for stores outside of Quebec, and that other provinces could follow.

Ambitious ICE District Development Aims to Transform Downtown Edmonton

By

Craig Patterson

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May 30, 2017

Downtown Edmonton is seeing a groundbreaking transformation with the development of ICE District, being developed by ICE District Joint Venture — a partnership between Katz Group and ONE Properties.

When completed, the 25+ acre ICE District will feature a world-class retail component that will be joined by towers housing offices, luxury residences, a prestigious hotel, casino, as well as recreation offerings anchored by the massive Rogers Place entertainment facility — home to the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers.

Centred around a large Public Plaza that will become a regional destination, ICE District will become Canada’s largest mixed-use sports and entertainment district, with an anticipated 10 million annual visitors.

Spectacular new towers within ICE District will transform the Edmonton skyline. Towers will include residential components above offices and hotels, while the ground levels will include retail, restaurants and lobbies for the towers above.

The project will be interconnected through public pedways and ground level walkways with Rogers Place anchoring its North end, and a massive parkade beneath. Its retail component will cater to both locals and visitors alike, and will be opened in two phases.

The first phase of retail offerings, scheduled to open in 2018, will feature 85,000 square feet of retail space. Retail will include a variety of uses, including multiple restaurant options, boasting exceptional exposure to the new Public Plaza as well as adjacent busy streets. A flagship Rexall drugstore will be part of the mix. Much of the new retail in the first phase will be located within Stantec Tower, which will become the tallest building in Western Canada when completed and the location of Edmonton’s highest restaurant.

Located on the second level of the 2-storey retail podium will be a 700 seat, 28,000 square foot Food Hall with 14 unique food vendors. The Food Hall will be open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even late into the evening. Food Hall patrons will have the option of dining in a sun-filled atrium, or outdoors in the second-floor terrace overlooking the bustling Public Plaza. Above the expansive retail space will be 28 floors of office space, and above those, 38 floors of residential with 481 luxury condominium units.

An adjacent luxury JW Marriott Hotel will add 346 rooms and above the hotel will be 249 luxury condominium units, in the prestigious new The Legends Private Residences.

ICE District’s 50,000 square foot Public Plaza will also open to the public next year, featuring year-round events for all ages, ranging from concerts to festivals to holiday skating. The adjacent 103 Street, now privately-owned, provides an opportunity to expand the public realm through temporary closures.

A second phase, featuring 170,000 square feet of retail space over three floors, will open in 2019. Included will be a national grocery store anchor and a 35,000 square foot Cineplex UltraAVX and VIP Cinemas, downtown Edmonton’s first premium movie theatre that will attract as many as 300,000 moviegoers per year. Another residential tower with an estimated 550 units will be located above the new retail podium.

ICE District boasts an incredible amount of entertainment offerings. Rogers Place, Edmonton’s newest and most advanced sports and entertainment venue, can house between 18,500 and 20,000 fans for events that range from NHL Edmonton Oilers games to some of the world’s best live acts. Ford Hall, a 24,000 square foot grand atrium entrance of Rogers Place, is a gathering place for Rogers Place visitors and will play host to signature events.

The adjacent $32-million Grand Villa Casino features 60,000 square feet of world-class gaming, dining and live entertainment.

There’s also the recently opened Edmonton Downtown Community Arena, a public skating rink, which adds animation to the increasingly vibrant area.

Given the entertainment focus and expected crowds, food and beverage will be key to ICE District’s retail offerings. More than 12 full-service on-site restaurants will serve an assortment of international fare, ranging from intimate cafés to full service restaurants.

Downtown Edmonton will see thousands of more people both during the daytime as well as in the evenings. An estimated 7,200 office tower workers will join about 1,000 hospitality workers and 600 hotel workers within ICE District alone, with a nearby daytime population estimated to be 75,000 people.

With over 1,300 multi-family residential units planned, ICE District will become home to over 1,950 residents in its first three towers.

ICE District benefits from exceptional access, which will only become better with time. Edmonton’s 13 kilometre network of indoor walkways connecting more than 40 buildings, provides the downtown workforce with easy, year-round access to ICE District and its retail tenants.

ICE District is also near multiple bus routes as well as the new MacEwan Light Rail Transit (LRT) Station that is connected directly to Rogers Place and the pedway system. Four other LRT stations are located within a five minute walk and once the Valley Line LRT is completed in 2020, another stop will open nearby, making ICE District an easy access point for a ridership that is expected to exceed 100,000 people daily.

When completed, ICE District will also boast an estimated 3,000 parking stalls in its underground parkades, with a further 6,000 stalls within a five minute walk, and 13,500 stalls within a 10 minute walk of ICE District. Parking will be key to the area, which sees an estimated 86,000 vehicles daily pass by on busy 104 Avenue and 101 Street.

ICE District is transforming downtown Edmonton, creating excitement in a development unlike anything the city has seen. Day-to-night, thousands of people will increasingly be frequenting the area, creating opportunities for retailers and restaurants seeking to be part of one of Canada’s greatest urban renewal projects. For retailers that are interested in locating in the area, contact:

Robert Mulvale, Vice President – Leasing
ONE Properties
P: 647.256.1017
E: rmulvale@oneproperties.com

Lora Sloan, Leasing Manager
ONE Properties
P: 647.256.1021
E: lsloan@oneproperties.com

Hilary Lumme, Vice President, Property Management, Operations, Leasing
Katz Group Real Estate Inc.
P: 780.229.1654
E: hlumme@katzgrouprealestate.ca

ICE DISTRICT RETAIL RESOURCES:

–ICE District Location, and Phasing Maps (PDF)

–ICE District Lease Plans (PDF)

Partner content. To work with Retail Insider, contact: craig@retail-insider.com

Design Studio Burdifilek Wins 7 Retail Design Institute Awards [Photos]

By

Megan Harman

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May 29, 2017

Mackage at Yorkdale Shopping Centre (Image: Mackage)

Toronto-based interior design studio Burdifilek received seven awards at the Retail Design Institute’s Gala Awards and Fundraiser in New York City on Wednesday, May 24, including the International Store of the Year Award for its design of the Mackage store at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre.

Burdifilek, founded in 1993 by Diego Burdi and Paul Filek, works with retailers and other companies around the world to create unique brand concepts and experiences.

In addition to Mackage, two of the studio’s other recent projects were honoured at Wednesday’s gala: the Indigo store at CF Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke; and Masseria, an Italian restaurant located on King St. West in Toronto.

“We’re very honoured and we’re very flattered that the work is being recognized, and that the work is being recognized on an international level,” says Filek, managing partner of Burdifilek.

The Mackage project earned four awards in total:

International Store of the Year
Speciality Fashion category award
Innovation Award for Concept
Innovation Award for Lighting

The Indigo store received two awards:

Specialty Hardline category award
Innovation Award for Store Planning

Masseria received an award in the Casual Dining and Entertainment Category.

Mackage

Montreal-based outerwear company Mackage opened two Toronto stores last year, located at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre and Yorkdale Shopping Centre. In designing these stores, Burdifilek sought to help the company create a retail experience that reflects its Canadian roots, while also resonating beyond Canadian borders.

“We wanted to create a Canadiana lifestyle experience, but we didn’t want it to be so cliché, and we wanted to add an element of sophistication to the brand narrative and experience,” says Filek. “We were designing a luxury ski chalet for the current decade.”

The stores were designed around the concept of compartmentalization, with collections displayed within boxed vignettes that aim to create a sense of intimacy within the large space. Other design features include dramatic dark marble floors, splashes of white marble and oversized mirrors.

Montreal-based Axxys Construction, also a sponsor of Retail Insider, built the award-winning Yorkdale Mackage space.

(photos directly below are of the beautiful Yorkdale Mackage store)

Indigo

The Indigo store, which opened in May 2016, was part of an initiative by that retailer to draw customers into the store in spite of the growing volume of books being purchased online.

“In the last five years, more bookstores have closed than actually opened around the world, and that’s a result of people shopping online,” Filek says. “So, the opportunity with Indigo was to look at a new customer experience.”

With the new store, Burdifilek helped Indigo CEO Heather Reisman execute her vision of creating a “cultural department store for book-lovers.” Although books continue to be core to Indigo’s identity, the new store incorporates a variety of other complementary merchandise, divided into sections such as Room Of Her Own, Joy of the Table, Paper Shop, and Art and Photography. Each department was designed with a distinct look and feel, similar to the different rooms within someone’s home.

“Indigo is still a bookstore, but it’s now positioned itself as a cultural department store, where you may go in thinking about books, but ultimately, you are enticed by all of the new product and experience,” Filek says. “It’s a very dramatic evolution of the brand.”

Indigo at CF Sherway Gardens (Image: Ben Rahn of A-Frame Studio)

Masseria

Masseria, a casual new Toronto pizzeria, opened in summer 2016. Burdifilek helped the owners create a space that combines contemporary design with some historical Italian influence.

The restaurant’s design elements include large harvest tables that encourage communal seating, custom light fixtures resembling hanging pot racks in an Italian home kitchen, and a prominent marble mosaic floor.

“We wanted to make that experience welcoming and inviting, and celebrate the fresh, healthy, wholesome ingredients that go into the product,” says Filek. “But, we also wanted to make it feel somewhat chic, and make it feel a little bit more upscale. But it’s still pizza at the end of the day.”

A common thread in all three of the projects that likely stood out to the Retail Design Institute, Filek says, is the international influence of the designs.

“We constantly reference the global stage for our inspiration, because we are trying to appeal to a global audience,” he says. “Even though these are ‘Canadian brands’, we never look at it from that kind of regional point of view, or national point of view; we’re always looking at it from an international point of view.”

Masseria’s King St. W (Image: Ben Rahn of A-Frame Studio)

Editor’s Note: All photos are by Ben Rahn of A-Frame Studio.

The Truth About Online Consumers in Canada

By

Craig Patterson

-

May 29, 2017

Online retail sales in Canada have been steadily gaining ground year over year, and are forecasted to reach 9 per cent of the country’s overall retail market by 2019. However, this growing shift in shopping behaviour is more than just another outlet to buy products and services. Our connected lifestyle is also transforming the way Canadian consumers are approaching their purchasing decisions. Social media and other online channels are driving consumer awareness, delivering promotional messages, influencing decision-making, and sharing experiences.

KPMG International’s Consumer Markets practice recently released a study, The truth about online consumers, which surveyed more than 18,000 consumers in over 50 countries – including over 500 in Canada. The study shares consumer insights on their latest online shopping experiences and expectations. It also discusses the techniques retailers can use to earn their business and loyalty. In a follow-up study, Canadian consumers are ready. Are you? more than 1,000 Canadian consumers discuss what they love about shopping online in their favourite categories and reinforced the message that Canadian retailers need to respond to changing expectations and desired experience.

Very attractive growth possibility

Canadian consumers continue to show lower rates of online adoption than global consumers across nearly every product category. However, when surveyed, over 80 per cent of Canadians confirmed that they bought something online in the previous three months with almost half (42%) say that they are shopping online more than they have in the past.

As retailers push for growth, this makes the online channel very attractive and this presents an opportunity for retailers (and/or brands) willing to make the online investment. It also represents a threat from global competitors who see opportunity in the Canadian market.

As both local retailers and global competitors improve their online offerings, we are starting to see Canadians explore new categories. In 13 of the 27 categories surveyed, Canadian respondents’ intent to purchase in the next 12 months increased by more than 10 per cent. The categories with the highest anticipated online growth rates in Canada are liquor (56%), wine (44%) and food/groceries (37%). These categories are traditionally underpenetrated compared to the strongest historical online performers: books and music, electronics, and women’s apparel.

All generations are gravitating to online shopping

While online shopping in this country still lags in-store shopping by a wide margin, the imbalance could even out much more quickly as Millennials come into their prime spending years. Data shows that only 23 per cent of online consumers also visit stores for the shopping experience, pointing to lots of room for online sales growth. And there seems to be a little Millennial in all of us! The Gen X-ers (born between 1966 and 1981) is actually the most active for online shopping, transacting 20 per cent more than online than Millennials. Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1965) also shopped online as often as Millennials and, on average, spent more per transaction.

Segments of all generations are gravitating to online shopping for perceptions of convenience, value and options. More than ever, retailers need to make the best strategic choices about where to invest precious capital in the customer experience journey. The ‘right’ strategy depends on a retailer’s target customer and the need for that customer’s peak experience to cross over from in-store merchandising to online presentation.

Customers deliver important messages

How can retail companies anticipate shopping preferences and behaviours? Here are some more insights from the surveys:

Online channels are key to building awareness: Three of the top five sources of information leading to purchase were online, with 24 per cent logging into online shops directly – which is more than twice as many as those who gathered information in-store. More Canadians now go directly to an e-commerce website (89%) than start with a search engine (69%). Popular platforms like Apple, Google, Facebook and Amazon are increasingly influencing consumers’ paths to purchase.

Price continues to be the first consideration: Price was the primary consideration for an online purchase cited by 37 per cent of Canadians, more than twice as important as brand attributes and product features (both 18%). Almost half of Canadians (44%) also see free shipping as a major benefit, and nearly 70 per cent of Canadians paid no shipping on their last purchase. One in two Canadians also wants returns to be just as easy.

Growth in online conversion is expected across categories: For Canadians who purchased online in the past year, 56 per cent did so for 24/7 access to products, 48% took advantage of better pricing, 37 per cent appreciated the convenience, and 27 per cent perceived better selection.

Post purchase evaluations are becoming the norm: Not only do 14 per cent of Canadian consumers rely on online reviews to help make online purchase decisions, but 25 per cent also post online reviews after purchase. Social media outlets Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram are the top three sources for post-purchase feedback. For example, almost a fifth of Canadian consumers say Facebook plays a role in their online purchase decisions.

Consumers have many options, so expectations are high and competition is strong. Fortunately, target customers also have preferences they are very willing to share. Can retailers handle the truth? By listening to customers and really understanding what they want, Canadian retailers can win their loyalty.

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The Truth About Online Consumers in Canada

Very attractive growth possibility

All generations are gravitating to online shopping

Customers deliver important messages

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