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Retail Opportunities Abound in Ambitious Clairmont Heights Development

By
Craig Patterson
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A groundbreaking multi-billion-dollar development project in the County of Grande Prairie, Alberta, will see the construction of a new community with an estimated 22,000 new residents. The ambitious new Clairmont Heights project is the only one of its kind in North America, and there are ample retail opportunities available for both small and large retailers. 

The County of Grande Prairie laid the foundations for Clairmont Heights several years ago, and the project is now nearing the end of the planning phase. Clairmont Heights will consist of a 1,200-acre community that will cost an estimated $2.3 to $2.4 billion to build. At its heart will be a new greenfield town-core of 58 acres (excluding roads, sidewalks, and parking lots), which will comprise of approximately 1.4 million square feet of high-density apartment/condominium residential space, a blend of high and low-rise buildings, with up to a maximum of 10 storeys. Serving the community will be about 550,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. The town centre alone will cost close to $400 million to construct, and retailers are being sought to join the exciting new community. 

Clairmont Heights boasts a beautiful waterfront location, and ample views. The four-square mile Clairmont Lake is visible from a gentle south slope on the site, and picturesque views of the Rocky Mountains and the night lights of the City of Grande Prairie can be seen beyond. The blend of high and low-rise buildings will be situated to optimize the site lines and views towards Clairmont Lake. 

Clairmont Heights will feature a Parkway with spacious sidewalks, and a boulevard that can accommodate seasonal activities, food trucks, and a central gathering point for all residents and visitors. This location, along with the character and form design guidelines, is intended to create a resort-like destination look and feel — not often found in the province of Alberta. 

The development is the result of long-term planning with engagement and input from both community and industry. The importance of place-making, community spirit and connections were all focal points during the planning stages. All necessary aspects including the interactive use of roads, trails, parks and green space were key elements necessary to create a sustainable and vibrant community — differentiating Clairmont Heights from resource boom-towns that were built in the past. 

Clairmont Heights is remarkably well connected, with Highway 2 and 43 being minutes from the town core, connecting to the larger cities within Alberta including the City of Grande Prairie, Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Cache, Peace River, Valleyview, and, in the B.C. Peace River region, Dawson Creek and Fort St. John. Additionally, the Airport of Grande Prairie, currently with nearly a half a million annual passengers, and the existing amenities in Clairmont and the City of Grande Prairie, are just a 20 minute drive away. 

The region’s economy is diverse, with industries including agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, transportation, and service. Unlike many other regions in the Province of Alberta, Oil and Gas represent a relatively small portion of Clairmont’s overall employment income, accounting for only about 18% of its total — making Clairmont and the County of Grande Prairie less susceptible to resource market fluctuations.  

The labour force is also young and affluent – its median age is just 36.8 years old, with Clairmont’s median annual family income being 128,380, and a median income for couples with children being $124,723. Cost of living is reasonable, so households have strong discretionary incomes. 

The Trade Area includes approximately 280,000 people within the 200 kilometre radius. As a part of the greater trade area population, Northern Alberta’s population represents over 230,000 people, with approximately 9,400 registered companies employing over 115,000 employees and annually generating over $9.3 billion into the economy. In addition to this, Ironstone Mines has formally announced that they are now permitted to begin the operations of their mine, construction of their steel mill and manufacturing center located in Clear Hills — about 60 minutes north of Clairmont. Ironstone anticipates hiring upwards of 1,000 skilled workers, with operations in full production by 2021. 

It should be noted that the daily businesses of government, for all nine Districts within the County of Grande Prairie, is conducted under one streamlined, centrally located, administrative building. Development and Building Permits can be processed and issued to applicants within 45 business days. As an added bonus, the County of Grande Prairie and Clairmont have no Development Cost Charges and furthermore, Alberta is the only remaining province in Canada, that does not charge provincial sales tax. 

For more information on Clairmont Heights, contact Chris King, Economic Development Manager, at 780-513-3956 or by email: cking@countygp.ab.ca. 

Henry’s Cameras Launches New Brick-and-Mortar Strategy

By
Craig Patterson
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Image: Henry's

Toronto-based camera retailer Henry’s has launched an innovative new store format that it plans to implement in its existing locations, as well as with new stores as it launches a retail expansion. Built in partnership with design/build firm BUILD IT, the company’s new brick and mortar strategy is decidedly experiential, and consumer feedback of its newly renovated Oakville Store has been overwhelmingly positive. 

Family-owned Henry’s, which was founded in Toronto in 1909, is now Canada’s largest independent photographic and digital retailer. It carries 8,500 products in its 27 stores (and online) and boasts over 500 in-house ‘Imaging Experts’ (employees), many of which have been with the company for over a decade. To maintain its positioning as an industry leader, the company set out to create a new store format that is both consumer friendly as well as experiential. Henry’s chose its Oakville ON location to test out the new concept, which it describes as being “a departure from the traditional camera store”. 

Henry’s Oakville (Image: Henry’s)
Henry’s Oakville (Image: Henry’s)

Jeff Tate, Vice President, Marketing and eCommerce at Henry’s, described how the Oakville store’s bright open feel was created by eliminating counters typically found in most camera specialty stores. The result is a more hands-on and experimental space, where customers are better able to move around and look at product with ease while not relying on staff to show behind-the-counter product. 

The updated store includes massive backlit images that showcase snapshots from various Canadian photographers. As well, the store’s back wall has a nine-panel TV wall to display various types of photography, as well as videos. Henry’s enthusiastic staff, most of whom are product experts, are also able to utilize these screens for customer instructional purposes. 

Henry’s Oakville (Image: Henry’s)
Henry’s Oakville (Image: Henry’s)

When searching for a company to build the new Oakville store, Henry’s evaluated previous projects and turned to construction firm BUILD IT. Mr. Tate explained “we looked at various vendors to do the space, and they came across as being highly professional. They’d also worked with design firms in the past, with great success,” he said. 

Simon Shahin, President and CEO at BUILD IT, explained how his company helped coordinate construction of the Oakville Henry’s store from start-to-finish, which began by working with a professional design firm, Jump Branding and Design Inc., to strategize the store’s layout.  “The design concept and layout included a lot of glass and wood, including a number of seamless floating glass shelves. Figuring out how to make that work from a construction standpoint was a challenge, but we were able to engineer the shelves to be strong enough to hold and display Henry’s products to customers in an innovative way”. BUILD IT also worked with an LED supplier on the under-lit display cases that Mr. Shahin described as “giving the store an incredibly welcoming feel, while highlighting feature products”. 

Henry’s Oakville (Image: Henry’s)

Henry’s customers are praising the new layout, which features cameras and related hardware that is displayed in the BUILD IT engineered glass cases that are bottom-lit by a series of LED panels. “The new store design takes into account that we understand that innovation and new technology in this space is constantly improving and can find different ways to capture photo and video. Drones have been a good example of this but also 360 degree capture and VR capture is becoming much more common – not as a replacement but as another way to capture,” Mr. Tait said. “Working with BUILD IT was a collaboration from start to finish and a great experience,” said Mr. Tate, praising the BUILT IT team. 

Henry’s Oakville (Image: Henry’s)
Henry’s Oakville (Image: Henry’s)

Mr. Tate also explained how the store’s layout helps customers to shop by both function and category, even boasting a virtual reality (VR) system setup for customers to experience. “We know that to truly grasp the difference in this new way of capture is to experience it first hand, and that’s why we have a dedicated innovation section in the back of the store slated for just that – where we have an actual VR system set up so people can put on the goggles and really experience a true 360 degree image without using their phone (taken with a camera we sell of course)”. He went on to say, “it’s an experience and a form of retailtainment.”

Existing Henry’s locations will see renovations to bring them in line with the overhauled Oakville unit, and Mr. Tate said that Henry’s is “just getting started”. He also noted that the company is in a growth phase, and that more locations will follow as Henry’s continues to dominate the market in Ontario, as well as nationally. Henry’s has stores in Ontario, Nova Scotia and Manitoba, and more provinces could see Henry’s locations in the future. 

For more information on Henry’s new look visit: www.henrys.com
For more information on BUILD IT: www.buildit.ca
 

Belstaff to Open 1st Canadian Pop-Up

By
Craig Patterson
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Tokyo Belstaff location, via GINZA SIX.

British heritage luxury brand Belstaff will open its first freestanding Canadian boutique this fall. The 1,100-square foot location will be on the upper level of Toronto’s Yorkville Village shopping centre, and it will be operated in partnership with a retail group that has operated in the former ‘Hazelton Lanes’ for over a quarter of a century. 

Belstaff, which was founded in 1924 in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, was the first company to use wax cotton in the manufacturing of waterproof apparel for motorcycling. The brand now sells ready-to-wear fashions for both men and women, as well as footwear, leather goods and accessories. Belstaff was acquired by Harry Slatkin and The Labelux Group in 2011, and it operates several boutiques globally. In the United States, Belstaff’s only freestanding store is at 814 Madison Avenue in New York City — the 4,000 square foot flagship opened in 2012. Belstaff also wholesales to upscale multi-brand retailers around the world. 

Toronto’s Belstaff will launch this fall with men’s ready-to-wear collections, along with outerwear, leather goods, accessories and footwear. The boutique will open in partnership with the Zappacosta family, who also operate upscale multi-brand retailers philip and Nanni. The family launched the Nanni concept store in the former Hazelton Lanes in 1991, and they’ve had a retail presence in the mall ever since. Last summer, Philip Zappacosta opened his eponymous men’s luxury boutique, philip, on the mall’s upper level. 

Belstaff
Image: Belstaff
Image: Belstaff

Mr. Zappacosta explained how Belstaff’s exceptional sales at his philip store led to the freestanding Belstaff boutique partnership, and how a number of other premium brands have approached him about also opening freestanding mono-brand locations. As a result, he’s in talks with several of them to open partner boutiques nearby. He said that he’s particularly interested in luxury Italian, French and British menswear brands, though he’s also considering jewellery and other product categories. “Yorkville is the luxury epicentre for Toronto,” Mr. Zappacosta said, “and we’re looking to grow with the neighbourhood as it continues to find its place as a world class retail destination.”

Yorkville Village, formerly Hazelton Lanes, was rebranded in early 2015 as part of a mall overhaul under the direction of landlord First Capital Realty. Yorkville Village continues to renovate and add new retailers and as part of the renovations, the Zappacosta family’s Nanni retail concept will open next to the new Belstaff store on the mall’s upper level. 

Prior to a recession in the early 1990’s, Hazelton Lanes was considered to be one of the world’s top luxury retail centres, featuring an impressive roster of top brands in a series of intimate designer boutiques. All have since closed, and the centre is in the process of completing a renovation that is costing the landlord more than $100 million to complete. Belstaff marks the first mono-brand luxury announcement for the ‘new’ Yorkville Village, and more retailers will be announced as the centre’s overhaul nears completion later this year. 

Canada Continues to Attract International Retailers

By
Craig Patterson
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Canada continues to be one of the world’s top markets for international brands seeking to open freestanding stores. A substantial number of retailers opened their first stores in Canada last year, and the trend will continue into 2017 and beyond. 

In the most recent edition of Retail Council of Canada’s Canadian Retailer magazine, 21 international brands were identified as having opened their first freestanding stores in Canada in 2016. The diverse list of retailers include large format stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, boutiques such as Ladurée and Christian Louboutin, and even eyewear retailers such as Warby Parker. The entire article and list can be viewed here, and it was compiled by Retail Insider’s Craig Patterson, who is now also writing selected articles in Canadian Retailer. 

All first-to-market openings last year were in Canada’s three largest metropolitan regions (Toronto/ Montreal/ Vancouver). Of the 21 international brands identified as having opened their first freestanding stores in Canada last year, 12 were in the Greater Toronto Area, five were in the Vancouver area, and four were in Montreal. 

As well, CBRE has just released its 10th annual study (PDF download) of international retail expansion, ranking Toronto as North America’s top city for international brands entering the market. CBRE’s study says that it identified 30 new international retailers that opened stores in Toronto last year — coffee shops and restaurants were included in the study. Toronto was the only city in North America to make the study’s top 10 list and according to CBRE, 43% of the retailers that entered the city were from the United States. The study surveyed 166 cities across 51 countries to determine how many international retailers had debuted in their markets in 2016.

In the CBRE study, only eight global cities saw more new international entrants than Toronto. These can be viewed in the graphics below. 

The CBRE study also noted that “with a multicultural and affluent population, Toronto often welcomes some of the newest brands in the Americas and continues to be a popular city for the expansion of Luxury brands,” while also noting how “Toronto has consistently been a popular first destination for U.S. brands’ international expansion due to the similarities in culture and consumer preferences.”

Despite recent reports that some retailers are struggling in Canada, there’s no end in sight for international brands entering Canada with new stores. We have a list of new retailers confirmed to be opening their first stores in Canada in 2017, which is longer than our published 2016 list (we’ll reveal more in the coming months). What’s evident is that Toronto will continue to be the country’s leader for international brands opening their first stores in Canada, and that Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre will be a launch point for a considerable number of them. 

Another interesting phenomenon is when brands open freestanding stores, as has been the case in Canada as of late. Notable brands opening freestanding stores include Canada Goose, Urban Decay, Strellson (our article on Strellson in Canadian Retailer), among others. It will be a topic of discussion at this year’s Retail Council of Canada STORE Conference, taking place next week (May 30 and 31) in Toronto. Retail Insider’s Craig Patterson will be hosting ’The Merchant’s Roundtable’ on the topic of brands opening stores on Tuesday, May 30 at 10:50 am. Panelists will include representatives from Hallmark, HUBBA and luxury watch brand Breitling — the latter recently announced that it would be opening its first Canadian boutique this summer at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. 

La Maison Valmont Opens 4th Global Location — in Vancouver [Photos]

By
Craig Patterson
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Pricey Swiss cellular skincare brand Valmont has opened its fourth La Maison Valmont in the world, at Vancouver’s upscale Oakridge Centre. More Canadian locations could follow, though growth will be slow as the company tests out the new format in various global markets. 

Valmont was founded in Switzerland in 1985 by husband-wife team Didier and Sophie Guillon, and the brand is known for its high-performing anti-aging product range, with substantial price tags. Some creams cost in excess of $600 each. The brand is distributed globally in upscale retailers, including at Holt Renfrew and Saks Fifth Avenue in Canada. 

The new Oakridge Centre La Maison Valmont retail space spans 1145 square feet on one level, and is located between Montecristo Jewellers and Shoppers Drug Mart beauty concept Murale. La Maison Valmont features two treatment rooms, a lounge area, and a retail space selling the brand’s skincare along with products by brand By Terry, as well as a selection of jewellery made in Murano, Italy.

Oakridge’s La Maison Valmont’s spa services will actually be a first for the Vancouver mall, which currently lacks a professional spa treatment provider. 

Valmont has been a success in Canada, according to a representative, prompting the company to launch its La Maison Valmont concept in Vancouver. It could be the first of several locations in Canada for La Maison Valmont. Toronto and Montreal could eventually see locations, though likely not for at least three more years — Valmont is working on a five year plan and will test and perfect the concept and in the mean time, growth will be focused. 

Valmont’s first two La Maison Valmont locations opened in early 2016 — in Berlin, Germany and in Hong Kong. A Tokyo boutique opened in a new retail plaza in the city’s popular Ginza district last month, on April 20.

Valmont negotiated the Vancouver Oakridge deal directly with the mall’s previous landlord, Ivanhoé Cambridge. In January of this year, Ivanhoé Cambridge sold Oakridge Centre to QuadReal Property Group for an undisclosed sum. The mall was recently ranked the second most productive in Canada in terms of sales per square foot by Retail Council of Canada’s Shopping Centre Study. Oakridge boasts several other luxury retailers, including Max Mara, Hugo Boss, Tiffany & Co. and Harry Rosen. 

*Photos: PATRYK WIDEJKO

Square One Reaches $1 Billion Milestone

By
Craig Patterson
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Square One Shopping Centre (Image: Square One)

Mississauga’s Square One shopping centre has achieved $1 billion in annual retail sales for the first time, and it’s only the second Canadian mall to reach such a milestone. The mall has recently seen renovations to its common areas as well as the addition of new retailers, not to mention a recent expansion that added a luxury wing that is anchored by a 130,000 square foot Holt Renfrew. 

The 2.2 million square foot Square One is one of the largest malls in Canada, and also one of the highest selling per square foot, according to Retail Council of Canada’s Shopping Centre Study. Square One now boasts sales in excess of $1,000 per square foot annually, which isn’t surprising — the mall is also one of the country’s busiest, with over 24 million annual visitors. 

“This incredible sales milestone echoes our mission to create a connected and thriving city centre that inspires our community, maximizes the infinite opportunities of our city and resonates beyond our boundaries,” says Greg Taylor, Director and General Manager, Square One. “With unprecedented redevelopment, along with the arrival of highly coveted brands to Square One, we will continue to be a passionate and genuine partner in creating and driving positive growth and development in Mississauga’s downtown core. This milestone heralds a new era for Square One as a world-class destination for fashion, lifestyle and entertainment.”

Square One Shopping Centre

Shoppers are attracted by the vast assortment of stores in the mall, which continues to grow as the mall continues its transformation. Mr. Taylor noted that landlords Oxford Properties Group and Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) have invested over $500 million into the centre over the past several years. Common areas have been renovated, including enhanced lighting and limestone flooring that is consistent throughout the centre. The elevated ‘Food Central’ food hall debuted in August of 2013, and a north expansion of the mall opened September of 2014. In November of 2015, Sport Chek opened a 75,000 square foot flagship in part of the mall’s former Sears space, while preparations were underway for the opening of a new major anchor tenant. 

In the spring of 2016, Quebec-based fashion retailer La Maison Simons opened a beautiful figure3 designed 113,000 square foot location in the mall, which is a first for the retailer in the Greater Toronto Area, as well as for Ontario. Simons occupies much of the mall’s former Sears location, with Sport Chek occupying the rest. 

In July of 2016, the mall unveiled its impressive luxury wing, featuring soaring ceilings, ample natural light, and a roster of leading retailers that include Salvatore Ferragamo, Harry Rosen, Kate Spade, Rolex and Wolford. Holt Renfrew anchors the new wing in with its 130,000 square foot store — the impressive space features soaring ceilings, ample use of marble, and a roster of luxury brands that were never before available in Mississauga (including concessions for Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Moncler, Links of London and others).

Luxury Wing at Square One Shopping Centre
Luxury Wing at Square One Shopping Centre
TIFFANY & CO. CONCESSION AT HOLT RENFREW SQUARE ONE
Rolex at Square One

Mr. Taylor explained how Mississauga is booming, and how Square One is shaping up to be the heart of the city’s expanding downtown. Mississauga’s population continues to grow rapidly — now with over 750,000 residents, the city is projected to grow to 812,000 by the year 2031. Square One’s catchment area extends beyond the city of Mississauga to include affluent communities such as Oakville and Burlington, and even some shoppers from western parts of Toronto. 

Retailers continue to see success in the mall, noted Mr. Taylor, including large format retailers such as Zara and Urban Outfitters, as well as popular brands such as MUJI and Marc Cain. A number of brands not typically found in Canadian malls can be found at Square One, including Ben Sherman and Urban Decay. 

Mr. Taylor indicated that there will be a number of exciting announcements to be made for the mall in the next while, as the landlord continues to invest in the centre. Aritzia’s current location is expanding to become a flagship for the brand, and Lululemon is also seeing renovations. This week, as well, The Rec Room announced that it would be opening a 44,000 square foot entertainment centre in part of the mall’s former Target space. More announcements will be made for Square One in the coming months, as the centre continues to solidify its presence as the most prominent mall in Mississauga and the surrounding area. 

Square One Shopping Centre
Ben Sherman at Square One
Massimo Dutti at Square One
lululemon at Square One
Wilfred at Square One

Canada’s first shopping centre to officially surpass the billion dollar mark was also an Oxford mall — in July of 2013, Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre announced that it was the first in Canada to achieve retail sales in excess of $1 billion. With a recent expansion and another on the way, Yorkdale could eventually see $2 billion in sales, making it one of the world’s top performers. It’s clear that Canadian shopping malls are not dead, and that those that continue to innovate will also continue to see success. 

*Photos were supplied. 

Mastermind Toys Announces Largest Expansion in 33 Year History

By
Craig Patterson
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Toronto-based Mastermind Toys has announced that it will open at least 11 stores in 2017, which is the most in the retailer’s 33 year history. The company is now Canada’s largest specialty toy and children’s books retailer, and it continues to seek out new markets as it sees tremendous success with its strategy of selling products that are also educational. Mastermind Toys also recently launched its new eCommerce site: www.mastermindtoys.com. 

The company is booming and last month, it reached a milestone when it opened its 50th store location in Peterborough, Ontario. “It’s an exciting time for Mastermind as we celebrate the opening of our 50th Canadian store, a significant achievement for our business,” said Jon Levy, Chief Toy Merchant, CEO and Co-Founder, Mastermind Toys. “Growing our brand and increasing our store count in underserved communities is a top priority for Mastermind in 2017.”

Humphrey Kadaner, President and COO at Mastermind Toys, explained that even though the company is only announcing 11 stores this year, there could be more if sites are found and deals are done. The expansion will be particularly Atlantic Canada-heavy as well — the retailer will open a total of five stores in the Maritimes, where it currently has no stores. Mastermind currently operates in five provinces: Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The 11 confirmed locations for 2017 (two are already open) include the following: 

  • Lethbridge, AB (opened January 2017)
  • Peterborough, ON (50th store, opened April 2017)
  • Saint John, NB (Summer 2017) 
  • Winnipeg, MB (Summer 2017)
  • Dartmouth, NS (Fall 2017)
  • Halifax, NS (Fall 2017)
  • Moncton, NB (Fall 2017)
  • Greater Edmonton Area, AB (St. Albert) (Fall 2017)
  • Ottawa, ON (Orleans) (Fall 2017)
  • Toronto, ON (Rosedale/Summerhill) (Fall 2017)
  • Fredericton, NB (Late Fall 2017) 

“The demographic indicators and retail market potential in Atlantic Canada are very strong, and represent a major growth opportunity for our company,” said Mr. Levy. “We are confident consumers will embrace the Mastermind concept – a fun and engaging shopping destination offering the very best in specialty toys and children’s books, free-gift wrapping and a team of experienced in-store product experts.”

When we last interviewed Mr. Kadaner about two years ago, Mastermind Toy’s real estate strategy involved opening stores in highly educated, high income parts of the country. He explained that since then, the company has found tremendous success in various different markets and hence, Mastermind has expanded on its original goal store count — 75 was the target two years ago, and that’s now been amended to a projected 80+ locations nationwide by the year 2019. By the end of this year, Mastermind will operate at least 60 stores, with 1,100 employees and over 50,000 square feet added to its retail footprint. 

Mr. Kadaner noted that in the fall of 2017, Mastermind Toys will open a location in one of the country’s wealthiest areas — Rosedale/Summerhill. Located at 1133 Yonge Street, the new store will serve adjacent neighbourhoods that also include affluent South Hill, Forest Hill and Deer Park, and it will also be steps away from the Summerhill TTC subway station. 

Various other markets are expected to see Mastermind Toy stores, including Vancouver Island, the BC Interior, Northern Ontario, as well as more stores in existing markets in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The Vancouver area could also see more, though retail real estate can be challenging to secure in the expensive, densely populated region. 

Mastermind Toys also just completed a revamp of its website www.mastermindtoys.com, featuring a fresh new look with bigger images, brighter colours, and simpler navigation, as well as an expanded product selection and a faster checkout. New features make it easier to search the product selection and find out about the latest store news and events. There’s also a convenient new Gift Finder tool to curate gift lists that can be saved and shared with family and friends. Customers can also buy gift cards (both physical and digital) in any denomination, redeem them, and check balances while on the site. This fall, the web initiative will be expanded further with the added capability of being able to search in-store inventory online in real time. 

Mastermind Toys was founded in Toronto 1984 by brothers Andy and Jon Levy, who wanted to offer shoppers a classic toy store experience. Its first location measured only 300 square feet, selling children’s software and home computers. It carries thousands of educational toys, books, games, arts and crafts, puzzles and science kits. The Levy brothers partnered with Birch Hill Equity Partners in 2010, facilitating the company’s national expansion.

*Photos were supplied by Mastermind Toys. 

Yorkdale’s CONCEPT Launches Unique 2nd Rotation

By
Craig Patterson
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Yorkdale Shopping Centre‘s unique in-mall multi-vendor rotating temporary retailer initiative, called CONCEPT, has re-launched as a fashion destination. When it debuted in April of this year, CONCEPT’s six initial tenants were all food-related. The second rotation features a mix of local fashion as well as a unique milkshake concept, and even tattoos.  

Landlord Oxford Properties partnered with Toronto-based design firm figure3 on the new 3,600 square foot space, which was created with the intention of offering retailers a temporary place to showcase their wares. Retailers in CONCEPT change at regular intervals, providing brands exposure to consumers in Canada’s most productive mall. 

Several of CONCEPT’s new tenants can be found on/near Toronto’s trendy Queen Street West, and their Yorkdale pop-ups will gain an expanded brand awareness to shoppers that might not otherwise frequent their street-front flagships. At the same time, Yorkdale is expanding its retail reach with brands that otherwise might not locate in ‘mainstream’ malls. 

The new space is fun and worth a visit — a new paint job has the area taking on a whole new character, with new retail tenants that include Toronto-based Peace Collective, Bather, MARY YOUNG, HAYLEY ELSAESSER, HEIRKid, inkbox temporary tattoos, along with Peace Collective’s Peace Treats milkshakes and Lola’s Cloud organic gourmet cotton candy. Here’s a more in-depth description of each: 

Peace Collective + Peace Treats: The Peace Collective brand is recognizable for its “Toronto vs. Everybody” clothing. The Yorkdale pop-up includes its new Blue Jays line, and every garment sold provides two healthy meals to a Canadian child in need through its Peace Foundation. Alongside its fashions is Peace Collective’s signature gourmet treat/milkshake bar called ‘Peace Treats’, which we expect will see lineups when it opens to the general public. Peace Collective’s freestanding store is on hip Ossington Street, north of Queen Street West. 

Bather: The Toronto-based streetwear-inspired beachwear for men has released a range of exclusive pieces at CONCEPT. Bather works with various charities including 1% for the Planet (which aims to clean and protect the world’s oceans) and the Jays Care Foundation.

 
inkbox: The Toronto-based brand behind the world’s first ‘2-week tattoo’ provides the look & feel of traditional tattoos without the commitment, while using 100% organic ink. Approximately 100 of their top designs and signature freehand ink are available, and the tattoos can be applied by an inkbox expert or at home with their standard inkbox kit. A percentage of every sale goes to the Darién Initiative in Darién Gap, Panama which is home to the fruit source of the ink and ensures sustainability in harvesting the fruit while giving back to the Darién community. 

HAYLEY ELSAESSER: The Toronto-based designer is recognized around the world for her colourful, pop-art inspired prints. Since launching in Australia in 2013, Ms. Elsaesser’s fashions have appeared on runways at Sydney, Melbourne, Toronto and New York fashion weeks, and have been worn by celebrities including Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry and Kat Von D. Her Yorkdale capsule features pieces from her spring/summer 2017 collection, inspired by the ‘90s version of Romeo & Juliet, as well as new unisex streetwear and accessories in her trademark vibrant prints. The company also has a freestanding store at 695 Queen Street West. 

HEIRKid: The children’s brand was founded by Get Fresh Company Toronto (G.F.C) owners William Nguyen and Jebril Jalloh, who created a brand that would help fashionable parents dress their children in a similar fashion. Each garment has a fresh take on fit, feel and details with pieces designed, milled and manufactured locally. There are also some beautifully designed and high quality Canadian-made items from Get Fresh Company’s adult-sized line. 

Lola’s Cloud: The organic cotton candy company uses organic cane sugar and natural extracts that are free of synthetic dyes and sucrose. They’re creating an exclusive Yorkdale flavour, featuring lemon and lavender with hints of edible gold. A Canada 150 maple flavour is also available to celebrate the sesquicentennial. Other unique cotton candy flavours include mimosa, hot peppers and dill pickle.

MARY YOUNG: The lifestyle lingerie and loungewear brand is ethically produced in Montreal, Quebec with garments designed to embrace the natural woman’s shape. The company is donating $3 dollars from every item sold at CONCEPT to Raw Beauty Talks, a non-profit society promoting the mental and physical health of girls and young women by increasing their self-confidence and cultivating positive body image.

Yorkdale Shopping Centre recently ranked as Canada’s most productive shopping centre in Retail Council of Canada’s first annual Canadian Shopping Centre Study. Yorkdale saw average annual sales of just over $1,650 per square foot for reporting retailers, excluding anchors. Luxury retailers play a key role in the mall’s productivity, with a significant percentage of the mall’s sales being at those stores. 

Yorkdale continues to expand and add new retailers. In October of 2016, the mall unveiled its 300,000 square foot Nordstrom anchored expansion wing, which includes over 20 new retailers in a dramatic space boasting natural light and soaring ceiling heights. This year, Yorkdale will open a new westward expansion wing that will be anchored by RH (Restoration Hardware) and Sporting Life, and there will be a number of other exciting first-to-market retailers/concepts that will be announced for Yorkdale in the coming weeks. 

APM Monaco to Open 1st Canadian Store

By
Craig Patterson
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Upscale Monaco-based jeweller APM Monaco will open its first Canadian boutique this summer, in Toronto. More locations are expected to follow, with Vancouver being on the brand’s radar as it reportedly seeks out more Canadian retail space. 

Construction signage went up last week for the new APM Monaco Toronto store, which will be located at 89 Bloor Street West, across from Harry Rosen and Holt Renfrew Men. The narrow 1,700 square foot 89 Bloor retail space, which was most recently occupied by Roots Kids, sat vacant for a time between 2011 and 2013. Jordan Karp and Ryan Morein of Paracom Realty represented APM Monaco (for the Bloor deal as well as for its national rollout), and  CBRE Downtown Toronto’s Arlin Markowitz, Alex Edmison and Jackson Turner acted on behalf of the landlord in a sublease deal involving Roots. 

APM Monaco was founded in 1982 by Ariane Prette as a jewellery brand specializing in creating traditional gold, diamond and precious stone pieces for other jewellers. In 2011, the Prette family launched the new APM line (standing for Ariane Prette Monaco) that is made from 925 silver, 18-karat plated yellow and pink gold and cultured pearls from freshwater lakes, among other materials. Its products are handmade with their own manufacturer, to ensure consistency. Prices for pieces reportedly average about US $130, ranging between US $60 up to several thousand dollars for premium designs in gold. 

Designs are “influenced by Monaco and the South of France,” according to the company, “with a touch of Monegasque flair”. Creative director Kika Prette (daughter-in- law of Ariane Prette) introduces a new collection each week, and produces 12 look books a year. 

The company has over 130 stores worldwide, with 75 of those being in Asia (China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau) and Australia. The remainder are in Europe (France x 16, UK x 3 and one each in Monaco, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and Italy), and it recently launched its US expansion with a location at Miami’s Brickell City Center. APM reportedly plans to open about 40 stores this year, with other north American locations that will include: 

. Seattle: The Shops at The Bravern (July)
. Las Vegas: The Shoppes at The Palazzo (July)
. New York: 155 Spring St. (July)
. Toronto: 89 Bloor St. W. (July)
. Los Angeles: Beverly Center (October)
. Holonlulu: International Market Place (October)
. Boston: Copley Place (October/November)
. San Francisco – tbd
. Vancouver – tbd

Women’s Wear Daily recently reported that APM Monaco is looking for more store locations in North America, and that Vancouver is on its radar. Given that about 3/4 of APM Monaco’s stores are in Asia, brand recognition would make Vancouver a logical choice, given its current resident population and tourist patterns. APM Monaco also appears to seek out premium addresses for its stores — finding a location around Vancouver’s Alberni Street ‘Luxury Zone’ could end up being a challenge, given lack of available space and intense interest from various other brands looking to set up shop in the area. 

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web: May 17, 2017

The Rec Room to Open in Former Target Space at Square One

By
Craig Patterson
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Cineplex-owned “eats & entertainment destination” The Rec Room has announced that it will open a 44,000 square foot two-level location at Mississauga’s Square One, in part of the mall’s retail space that was formerly occupied by Target. It’s addressing the trend of adding attractions to retail centres, and will be a welcome addition to burgeoning downtown Mississauga. 

The Rec Room brings together multiple dining environments, amusement gaming, technology and live entertainment experiences in an auditorium-style space, all under one roof. Cineplex plans to open between 10-15 new Rec Room locations, each between 40,000 and 60,000 square feet, customized to the individual community. About half of the space is dedicated to dining and live entertainment, and half for amusement games and feature attractions.  

The Rec Room at Square One will include:

  • Three10: an upscale casual restaurant, playfully named after Canada’s three territories and 10 provinces, featuring wood-fired pizza and Canadian-inspired cuisine,
  • The Shed: A quick service destination that includes a poutinerie with elevated toppings like porchetta, smoked brisket, lobster and wild mushrooms.  It will also feature a custom donut bar, called ‘The Pumps’,
  • A bar area with large HD screens — Cineplex says there will also be multiple bars throughout the space serving draught wines and over 20 draught beers, including several local craft beers,
  • The Yard: A large attractions area with over 100 amusement games. Credits earned are tracked on RFID wristbands and can be redeemed at The Trophy Case redemption store for a wide variety of prizes, and top earners will be profiled on The Rec Room’s legendary leaderboard,
  • Feature attractions including virtual reality and race car simulators, as well as bowling lanes, air hockey, pool and ping pong,
  • Multiple performance spaces, including a state-of-the-art auditorium, and
  • Multiple private dining rooms.

“We are a passionate and genuine partner in creating and driving positive growth and development at Square One and in the Mississauga downtown core, which is why we are so pleased to be partnering with Cineplex on this exciting new venture that I know our guests will love,” said Greg Taylor, Director and General Manager at Square One. The Rec Room will occupy a portion of Square One’s former 164,000 square foot Target space, as per renderings in this article. Mr. Taylor described how downtown Mississauga is booming, and how Square One is at the heart of the burgeoning city. The Rec Room will also see traffic from nearby Sheridan College, not to mention thousands of new residential units that will be added to the immediate area in the coming years. 

The Rec Room is also in line with landlord Oxford Properties’ initiative to roughly double the square footage of the food and beverage offerings in its centres. The Rec Room takes that to a whole new level, with an entertainment focus reminiscent of that offered at West Edmonton Mall. 

Canada’s top shopping centres are now in the ‘entertainment industry’, adding non-retail amenities to attract and keep shoppers on site. It’s a trend discussed in Retail Council of Canada’s Shopping Centre Study which was released earlier this year. Square One ranked as one of Canada’s most productive malls in the study, with annual sales per square foot surpassing the $1,000 benchmark. 

The Rec Room opened its very first location at Edmonton’s South Edmonton Common in the fall of 2016. It has announced that it will open future locations in downtown Toronto at Roundhouse Park, at West Edmonton Mall, at Deerfoot City in Calgary, and at CF Masonville Place in London. Yesterday, as well, Cineplex announced that it would open its first Rec Room in the BC Lower Mainland, at The Amazing Brentwood in Burnaby, east of Vancouver. 

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