Home Blog Page 12

World Cup Drives 35% Increase in International Card Spending in Canada: Visa

By
Lee Rivett
-
Photo: OneSoccer

Toronto and Vancouver’s role as Canada’s host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup helped drive a sharp increase in international visitor spending, according to new payment data released by Visa.

The company said inbound cross-border card-present volume in Canada increased by more than 35% year-over-year between June 11 and June 30, when the two cities hosted tournament matches.

The figure captures in-person purchases made in Canada using Visa cards issued outside the country. It provides an early indication of spending generated by international visitors during the tournament, although Visa did not disclose a dollar value or release separate results for Toronto and Vancouver.

As Canada’s only World Cup host markets, the two cities were at the centre of the country’s tournament-related tourism and commercial activity.

Visitors attending matches would have generated spending across hotels, restaurants, bars, transportation, entertainment and retail. Visa did not provide a Canadian breakdown by category, making it difficult to determine where the gains were concentrated or how spending differed between the two cities.

The national figure may also include purchases made outside Toronto and Vancouver, as international travellers could have extended their trips to other parts of Ontario, British Columbia or elsewhere in Canada.

Visa’s results therefore provide a broad measure of increased international payment activity during the tournament, but not a complete assessment of its economic impact.

Host Cities See Increased Spending

Visa released more detailed tournament spending data for the United States, where it tracked activity in individual host and destination cities.

From the tournament’s opening on June 11 through the Round of 32 matches on June 30, inbound cross-border card-present spending in U.S. host cities increased by nearly 25% year-over-year.

Card-present transactions rose by as much as 20% in certain host cities on match days, while entertainment and restaurants recorded the strongest growth in cross-border spending.

Some cities experienced particularly large match-day increases. Kansas City recorded cross-border card-present transaction growth of as much as 1,000% year-over-year on certain match days, while Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas saw increased spending ahead of knockout matches.

Visa also reported stronger use of contactless payments and public transit systems. Weekly tap-to-pay transit transactions in U.S. host cities reached a peak growth rate of nearly 40%, while Boston recorded an increase of more than 50% during the June tournament period.

The U.S. findings provide context for the types of businesses and services that can benefit from a major international sporting event. Visa did not provide comparable category or transit data for Toronto and Vancouver, and the American results should not be interpreted as a direct reflection of the Canadian market.

Mexico recorded an even larger increase in inbound cross-border card-present volume, rising by more than 70% year-over-year during the same period.

Together, the figures indicate that all three World Cup host countries experienced heightened international payment activity during the tournament, although the scale and distribution varied by market.

Cross-Border Commerce Remains Strong

The increase in Canadian visitor spending came during a strong quarter for cross-border payments more broadly.

Visa reported that total cross-border volume, excluding transactions within Europe, increased by 12% year-over-year during its fiscal third quarter.

Cross-border e-commerce volume rose 16%, while travel-related cross-border volume increased 10%.

The company said retail activity, including the timing of major promotional shopping events, contributed to the strength in online cross-border spending.

Through July 21, cross-border e-commerce volume was running 18% above the previous year, while travel-related volume was up 12%.

Visa cautioned that June and July were unusually strong periods for cross-border e-commerce. Management said growth would likely return to a more typical relationship with travel spending as the effects of promotional events and calendar timing eased.

Visa’s overall payments volume increased 10% in constant currency during the quarter, surpassing $4 trillion for the first time in the company’s history.

The number of transactions processed by Visa also rose 10% to 72 billion.

Visa described consumer spending as resilient, with continued growth across discretionary and non-discretionary categories. Its most detailed comments about consumer spending patterns, however, related primarily to the United States.

Digital Payments Continue to Expand

Visa’s results also highlighted the growing role of digital payment services across retail, e-commerce and delivery platforms.

Visa Direct transactions increased 21% year-over-year during the quarter. The service enables funds to be transferred directly to eligible cards and accounts.

DoorDash continues to use Visa Direct to provide payouts to delivery workers in Canada, the United States and Australia. The delivery platform also uses Visa virtual commercial cards that allow Dashers to pay for customer orders at physical retail locations.

Visa said tokenized credentials were nearing 60% of its global e-commerce transactions. Tokenization replaces sensitive payment information with a secure digital identifier, reducing the need for merchants to handle a customer’s actual card number.

The company is also expanding payment infrastructure for artificial intelligence-enabled shopping, digital checkout systems and other emerging forms of commerce.

The developments are part of Visa’s broader effort to expand its role as a technology and payment infrastructure provider serving retailers, financial institutions, platforms and consumers.

While additional city-level and category-specific data would be needed to fully measure the tournament’s retail impact, Visa’s payment network offers one of the earliest indicators that international visitors generated a meaningful increase in in-person spending during Canada’s portion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

More from Retail Insider:

Samsung Canada Reinforces Role of Physical Retail as Technology Evolves

By
Craig Patterson
-
New Samsung store opening at CF Richmond Centre in Richmond, BC

Samsung Electronics Canada is expanding its national retail presence as it takes a deliberate approach to the role of physical stores in an increasingly connected shopping environment.

The company recently added Samsung Experience Stores at CF Market Mall in Calgary, CF Carrefour Laval in Laval, Quebec, and CF Richmond Centre in Richmond, British Columbia. The openings build on Samsung’s existing network, which includes locations at Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga, Yorkdale Shopping Centre, CF Sherway Gardens, Scarborough Town Centre, Montreal Eaton Centre and Metropolis at Metrotown.

Krista Collinson, Head of Direct-to-Consumer at Samsung Electronics Canada

Together, the new stores reflect Samsung’s view that physical retail remains an important part of how consumers discover and engage with technology. The locations serve several purposes, including product exploration, education and support before and after a purchase.

“Physical retail in Canada is approached with discipline and intention,” said Krista Collinson, Head of Direct-to-Consumer at Samsung Electronics Canada. “Our focus is not on expansion for its own sake, but on creating meaningful, experience-led destinations where customers can interact directly with our technology.”

Physical Retail as an Experience Destination

Samsung’s recent openings extend its branded retail presence into several major Canadian markets. The CF Market Mall store is the company’s first Samsung Experience Store in Alberta, while the Richmond location expands its presence in Metro Vancouver and the Carrefour Laval store strengthens its retail network in Quebec.

The three shopping centres were also among the country’s highest-performing malls in ICSC’s 2024 Canadian Mall Property Performance rankings. CF Richmond Centre ranked fourth nationally, CF Carrefour Laval ranked tenth in Canada and first in Quebec, and CF Market Mall ranked fourteenth nationally among the participating properties.

Their selection reflects Samsung’s focus on prominent shopping destinations where customers are already browsing, purchasing and spending time. Mall quality, placement within the centre, store size and neighbouring brands all form part of the company’s evaluation process when considering a location.

Samsung’s retail strategy comes as shoppers move between online research, mobile apps, social platforms and in-store visits. This has expanded the role of physical retail for technology brands, particularly where products benefit from hands-on demonstrations and expert guidance.

Across its Experience Store and Express formats, Samsung uses physical retail to demonstrate how mobile devices, connected technologies and its wider ecosystem can fit into daily life. Customers can test products, compare features, ask questions and receive guidance from trained store teams.

Visitors can explore Galaxy AI features and see how smartphones, wearables, tablets, PCs and other connected devices work together within the Samsung ecosystem. At its stores, Samsung also uses cross-merchandising and interactive product demonstrations to present devices as part of a connected experience.

“An intentional opening means the space exists to deepen understanding, provide service access, and foster meaningful interaction, not simply to expand footprint,” Collinson said.

New Samsung store opening at CF Richmond Centre in Richmond, BC

Helping Customers Understand Connected Experiences

Education sits at the centre of Samsung’s retail strategy.

As consumers adopt more connected devices and AI-powered features, Samsung sees its stores as places where customers can understand how new technologies work and how they may apply to their own routines. That includes Galaxy AI features such as Live Translate, Now Brief, photo editing and video creation, along with SmartThings experiences connecting mobile devices, televisions, audio products and home appliances.

Samsung’s approach is part of its wider ambition to become a “companion to AI living,” a vision shared by TM Roh, CEO and Head of Samsung Electronics’ Device eXperience Division, during the company’s CES 2026 remarks.

The vision centres on embedding AI across Samsung’s products, services and connected experiences in a way that feels natural, personal and dependable. Physical stores support that objective by giving customers an opportunity to experience the technology firsthand and understand how individual features may be relevant to their lives.

Samsung’s position is that artificial intelligence should feel approachable and practical. In-store demonstrations allow customers to experience those capabilities directly, with staff explaining features based on individual needs and interests.

“Our stores are designed to make technology approachable through interactive displays, hands-on experiences, and personalized guidance,” Collinson said. “That personalized approach helps simplify AI, build confidence, and show customers how Samsung technology can add value to their everyday lives.”

That educational role becomes increasingly important as Samsung’s product ecosystem expands. A customer may visit a store to explore a smartphone and discover how it connects with wearables, tablets, PCs, televisions and home appliances.

The value of physical retail is especially clear when several products are demonstrated together. AI-powered features and cross-device continuity can be easier to understand when customers can see and test how the devices interact.

Service, Support and Customer Confidence

The role of Samsung’s stores continues after a purchase is complete.

Store teams support customers with device trade-ins, Samsung Care+, data transfers, product setup and SmartThings integration. For many consumers, setting up a new device can be one of the most important parts of the ownership experience, particularly when moving from an older device or connecting several products across the Samsung ecosystem.

The company says in-store expertise is central to its Experience Store model. Store teams receive product training, leadership development, coaching and ongoing learning support so they can provide technical guidance and personalized recommendations.

“In-store expertise is foundational to the Samsung Experience Store model,” Collinson said. “Our store teams do much more than help customers make a purchase. They provide technical guidance, troubleshooting support, and personalized recommendations that help customers get the most from their Samsung products and connected experiences.”

This service-oriented approach recognizes that the customer relationship extends well beyond the sale. Samsung also measures success through trust, loyalty, retention and continued engagement with the brand.

A return visit for technical support, interest in another product category or a recommendation to another customer can all indicate that a store is creating value over time.

The Omnichannel Experience

Samsung’s physical locations are designed to complement the company’s digital ecosystem.

A customer may first encounter a product through digital advertising, creator content, social media, Samsung Members, Samsung.com or the Samsung Shop App before visiting a store. Others may research online and use a physical location for product comparison, pickup, returns or post-purchase support.

Samsung’s retail network supports buy online, pick up in store, in-store returns, trade-in programs, financing and direct-to-home delivery for products such as televisions, monitors and appliances. Store teams can also assist with “endless aisle” purchases, allowing customers to select products in a store and have them shipped directly to their homes.

The new locations in Calgary, Laval and Richmond also provide access to Samsung Care+, technical support, device troubleshooting and online pickup capabilities.

“Ultimately, it comes back to One Samsung: creating a connected experience across every channel so customers can engage with us in the way that works best for them,” Collinson said.

The path to purchase may involve several interactions before a decision is made. Customers can also return to the brand through service, support, upgrades or exploration of additional product categories after the sale.

New Samsung store opening at CF Richmond Centre in Richmond, BC

An Intentional Approach to Canadian Expansion

Samsung says its Canadian store growth is guided by long-term strategy and the value a physical location can provide within its market.

When evaluating new locations, the company considers the local customer base, population growth, brand affinity, trade-area reach and how consumers engage with Samsung products and services. Its goal is to open stores where hands-on product experiences, expert support and personalized service can strengthen the company’s relationship with the surrounding community.

The stores at CF Market Mall, CF Carrefour Laval and CF Richmond Centre demonstrate that national approach. Their openings broaden Samsung’s direct retail presence across Alberta, Quebec and British Columbia, while the Square One store strengthens the company’s network in the Greater Toronto Area.

Over the long term, Samsung aims to make its branded store experience accessible to 90 per cent of Canadians. The objective reflects its belief that in-person experiences remain valuable as consumers discover products and learn how emerging technologies work.

Each store maintains a consistent Samsung brand experience while responding to the community it serves. That can include language support, cultural understanding, local activations and outreach to students, new Canadians and small businesses.

“While we maintain a consistent Samsung experience across our store network, it’s equally important that each location reflects the community it serves,” Collinson said.

Community demographics and local demand can also shape the store experience. In some markets, small-business needs may lead to dedicated business-to-business sections or enterprise showcases. Other locations may place greater emphasis on hands-on discovery, personalized guidance or connected-home education.

The Future of Branded Technology Retail

Samsung expects branded technology stores to keep developing as immersive destinations where customers can experience AI-powered devices and connected ecosystems firsthand.

That development comes as consumers expect their devices to work together across different aspects of daily life. Physical retail gives Samsung an opportunity to make those connections tangible and to demonstrate how its products, services and AI features operate within a wider ecosystem.

“Customers are not just looking for a place to transact,” Collinson said. “They want support, education, convenience, and experiences that help them understand how products can fit into their lives.”

Samsung’s latest openings across Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec show how the company is putting that strategy into practice across Canada. Its stores provide places where customers can ask questions, try new technologies and learn how connected devices may fit into their lives.

As Samsung advances its vision of becoming a companion to AI living, physical retail will remain one of the places where that ambition becomes visible, practical and accessible to Canadian consumers.

More from Retail Insider:

Daily Synopsis: July 29, 2026

By
Retail Insider
-

Welcome to the Daily Synopsis by Retail Insider. We hope you enjoy the 10 articles we published covering key developments in Canadian retail.

GUESS will expand product categories in Canada with new licensing in home goods, children’s apparel, and more by spring 2027. Pop Mart is also growing by relocating into a much larger CF Toronto Eaton Centre store to enhance its retail experience.

Costco is planning a new warehouse in Belleville, expanding its presence along Highway 401 with an opening expected in fall 2027. BodyMods will open its first Alberta studios in Calgary as part of broader growth. Longines will open its first Canadian boutique in downtown Vancouver’s luxury zone. Retail Insider also published updates on Tim Hortons’ Harry Potter-themed campaign and Walmart Connect’s new retail media platform.

🗞️ The Day’s Retail Insider Article List

🌐 Canadian Retail News From Around the Web

GUESS to Expand Product Categories in Canada Through New Licensing Network

By
Craig Patterson
-
GUESS at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. Photo: Ryan Santos

GUESS is preparing to expand its product offering in Canada, with new licensed categories expected to begin reaching consumers later this year and a broader rollout planned by spring 2027.

Authentic Brands Group confirmed to Retail Insider that all five companies appointed to oversee new GUESS product categories across North America have Canada included within their territories. The partnerships are expected to bring expanded assortments and several new categories to Canadian consumers.

Some products could enter the market during the fourth quarter of 2026, although the partners are still determining launch schedules and individual assortments. Authentic said all of the newly announced categories are expected to be available by spring 2027.

The initiative will extend GUESS further into children’s apparel and footwear, men’s and women’s sleepwear, intimates, accessories and home products. The expansion is focused on licensed merchandise and does not represent a change to the fashion brand’s Canadian store strategy.

Five Partners Take on New GUESS Categories

Authentic announced the North American partner network following its acquisition of a controlling interest in substantially all of the GUESS intellectual property earlier this year.

Centric Brands has been appointed to oversee the largest group of categories, including children’s apparel and accessories, men’s underwear and sleepwear, belts, small leather goods and cold-weather accessories.

Authentic described Centric as one of its core operating partners, citing the company’s category expertise and relationships with leading retailers across multiple channels.

Centric manages a broad portfolio of licensed and owned consumer brands and works across design, sourcing, wholesale distribution and direct-to-consumer operations. Its scale could support the introduction of the new GUESS categories through a range of retail channels once assortments and distribution plans are finalized.

Vandale Industries will oversee women’s intimates and sleepwear. The company specializes in intimate apparel, foundations, sleepwear, activewear and shapewear, with experience producing national brands and private-label merchandise.

Orly Shoe Corporation has been assigned GUESS socks and slippers, while E.S. Originals will handle children’s footwear. Combined with Centric’s children’s apparel mandate, the E.S. Originals agreement could help GUESS develop a more complete offering for younger consumers.

No Canadian retail accounts have been identified for the new collections.

GUESS at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. Photo: Ryan Santos

Centric Expands Its Role in Canada

Centric’s appointment comes as the company takes on a growing role in Canada’s apparel market, including through a developing relationship with Walmart Canada.

Earlier this year, Centric worked with Walmart and KnitWell Group to introduce Lane Bryant to the Canadian market. The plus-size women’s assortment launched online and in 320 Walmart stores, giving the U.S. brand its first major Canadian retail presence.

Centric was also involved in the recent return of Esprit to Canada through an exclusive Walmart collection. The initial assortment, available at select stores and through Walmart’s digital channels, includes knitwear, denim, layering pieces and everyday basics.

The two launches show how Centric can use its licensing, product-development and sourcing capabilities alongside the national distribution platform of a major retailer. Centric has previously indicated to Retail Insider that additional brands are expected to enter Walmart Canada, although the companies and launch timing have not been disclosed.

No similar distribution arrangement has been announced for the new GUESS categories. Authentic’s decision to give Centric several GUESS product lines does, however, place those categories with a partner that is already developing and distributing licensed apparel for the Canadian market.

GUESS Home Products Planned for Canada

One of the most significant additions will come through Creative Home Ideas/YMF, which will develop an extensive GUESS home and lifestyle collection.

The agreement covers bedding, bath products, home décor, rugs, lighting, kitchenware, outdoor accessories, hydration products, stationery and pet products.

Authentic confirmed that the home collection is planned for Canada and said Canadian consumers can expect a broad assortment. The range will take GUESS into areas of the market where the brand currently has a much smaller presence than it does in apparel and accessories.

The size of the Creative Home Ideas/YMF mandate also creates several potential avenues for distribution. Home merchandise could be suited to department stores, specialty retailers, e-commerce platforms and other wholesale channels, depending on the assortments developed and the accounts secured by the partner.

Authentic has not disclosed which Canadian retailers may carry the collection or whether all of the home categories will launch at the same time.

Canadian Rollout Begins Later This Year

The exact launch sequence remains under development. Authentic said certain categories are expected to enter the Canadian market during the fourth quarter of 2026, followed by the remaining categories by spring 2027. The company did not identify which products will arrive first.

The new merchandise could reach consumers through several channels. Authentic said the GUESS operating company may purchase selected products from the licensees for sale through GUESS stores and Guess.com.

That does not mean every new category will automatically appear in the company’s stores. The operating company will determine which licensed products fit its retail and online assortments.

The partners may also distribute the merchandise through their wholesale relationships, although no Canadian department stores, specialty chains, mass merchants or off-price retailers have been confirmed.

Licensing Strategy Separate from Retail Operations

The partner network reflects the ownership structure created when Authentic and a group of existing GUESS shareholders completed the company’s privatization.

Authentic acquired a 51 per cent interest in substantially all of the GUESS intellectual property, while continuing GUESS shareholders retained the remaining 49 per cent. GUESS management owns the operating company responsible for the brand’s stores and other operating activities.

The structure separates the ownership and licensing of the GUESS brand from the day-to-day operation of its retail business.

Authentic can appoint category specialists to design, source and distribute GUESS products, while the operating company continues to make decisions concerning stores, e-commerce and its merchandise mix.

Authentic confirmed that the newly announced partner network has no direct implications for GUESS’s Canadian store strategy. Its effect on the physical network will depend in part on whether the operating company chooses to carry products made by the new licensees.

The model gives the GUESS brand access to companies with established product-development capabilities and retailer relationships. It also allows GUESS to enter additional categories without requiring the operating company to develop each product division internally.

GUESS Maintains Broad Canadian Store Presence

GUESS continues to operate a sizeable Canadian retail network, although its physical presence is now weighted more heavily toward factory and outlet locations than conventional full-price stores.

The company’s official directories currently identify roughly 14 conventional GUESS stores in Canada, along with more than 30 GUESS Factory and factory-accessories locations. The precise total can vary because some accessories concepts are listed separately from nearby factory stores.

Ontario has the largest GUESS presence, followed by Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta. The brand also operates in Manitoba and maintains a factory location in Nova Scotia.

The conventional network includes locations at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto, Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga, Bramalea City Centre in Brampton, Scarborough Town Centre, CF Lime Ridge in Hamilton and Oshawa Centre.

In Quebec, full-price locations are listed in Anjou, Laval, Quebec City and Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville. The brand also has conventional stores in Surrey and Kelowna in British Columbia, West Edmonton Mall in Alberta and CF Polo Park in Winnipeg.

Its factory business reaches a broader range of outlet and enclosed-mall properties, giving GUESS a substantial Canadian physical platform even as its conventional network has become more selective.

The newly licensed categories could add depth to that platform if the operating company elects to carry them. They could also reach consumers through channels outside the GUESS store network.

GUESS at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. Photo: Ryan Santos

Toronto Locations Have Been Adjusted

GUESS has made several changes to its Toronto footprint in recent years. Its GUESS by Marciano store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre closed at the end of January 2024. The 5,474-square-foot location had operated on the mall’s third level.

The company’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre store also relocated and downsized in 2023, moving into the former Victoria’s Secret location beside Mango. Aritzia subsequently expanded into GUESS’s previous area as part of a larger store project at the shopping centre.

Yorkdale is now the only conventional GUESS store within the City of Toronto, according to the company’s official directory. Additional GUESS stores operate elsewhere in the Greater Toronto Area, including Brampton and Mississauga, while factory locations are found at several outlet properties.

The Toronto changes came amid a broader effort by GUESS to improve the productivity of its North American full-price portfolio before the privatization transaction.

The company had indicated that it planned to exit certain non-strategic or unprofitable locations as leases expired. GUESS reported 12 store closures across the Americas during its 2025 fiscal year, although it did not provide a Canada-specific breakdown.

The licensing expansion should not be characterized as a response to those closures. It does, however, create additional opportunities for the GUESS brand to grow in Canada without requiring a corresponding increase in company-operated stores.

Wholesale Provides Another Route to Market

GUESS also has an established wholesale business in Canada. Before becoming privately held, the company reported that its products were sold through approximately 1,600 major wholesale doors across the Americas, including hundreds of department-store shop-in-shops. Its wholesale organization included representatives in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.

That infrastructure could become relevant as the new partners begin placing licensed products, particularly in categories that may not be carried widely across the GUESS store network.

Centric’s retail relationships were among the reasons cited by Authentic for selecting the company to oversee several of the new categories. The other partners bring specialized experience in home goods, intimates, footwear and accessories.

The appointment of multiple category specialists could allow GUESS products to appear in a wider range of retail environments, with assortments developed for different channels and customers.

The eventual Canadian distribution strategy will depend on decisions now being made by each partner, the GUESS operating company and prospective retail accounts.

Authentic said the partners are currently developing their assortments and rollout schedules. The first Canadian products are expected later in 2026, with the full group of newly announced categories scheduled to enter the market by spring 2027.

More from Retail Insider:

Pop Mart to Relocate into Larger CF Toronto Eaton Centre Store

By
Craig Patterson
-
Pop Mart at CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Image: Craig Patterson

Pop Mart is preparing a much larger presence at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, shortly after opening its first downtown Toronto location at the property.

Retail Insider has confirmed that the global character-based entertainment retailer will relocate from its current Level 1 pop-up into a significantly larger nearby space formerly occupied by Foot Locker Kids. Construction on the new store is expected to begin soon.

The move will nearly triple Pop Mart’s footprint at the downtown Toronto shopping centre. Lease plans reviewed by Retail Insider show the current pop-up in space A036B, the former Call It Spring location, at 1,728 square feet. The future location, space A049A, formerly occupied by Foot Locker Kids, is listed at 5,028 square feet.

Pop Mart opened its current CF Toronto Eaton Centre pop-up on Friday, July 3. Retail Insider visited the following day and observed customers lined up along the mall corridor waiting to enter the compact space, an early sign of the strong demand the brand has generated since entering the Canadian market.

The pop-up features the brand’s colourful character-led merchandising, including Labubu, MEGA SPACE MOLLY and The Monsters. During Retail Insider’s visit, the store included a central The Monsters FIFA World Cup 26 installation, illuminated perimeter displays, digital screens and branded queue stanchions used to manage customer entry.

Foot Locker Kids as the store closed earlier this month at CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Pop Mart will open after a renovation. Photo: Dustin Fuhs/6ix Retail

Larger Store Planned Nearby

The larger future store will remain on Level 1, giving Pop Mart a more substantial platform within one of Canada’s busiest retail properties.

The move from 1,728 square feet to 5,028 square feet will give the retailer more room for merchandising, customer flow and experiential store design. It also suggests that CF Toronto Eaton Centre is being positioned as an important location within Pop Mart’s Canadian network.

The timing is notable. Pop Mart’s current pop-up had only just opened when the larger relocation was confirmed, underscoring how quickly the brand is scaling its physical retail presence in Canada.

Earlier in July Valen Tam, Head of Real Estate for Pop Mart in North America, told Retail Insider that demand at Pop Mart’s early Canadian stores has exceeded expectations.

“Canadian consumers have really shown out for Pop Mart, and we are truly humbled by their support,” Tam said in the earlier Retail Insider interview. “It is not easy to enter a new national market, but we have seen performance exceeding initial expectations at our physical stores, to the point of causing early allocation issues.”

Tam also confirmed in that interview that Pop Mart has 10 Canadian leases signed or committed as part of its expansion strategy.

Premium Mall Strategy

Pop Mart’s growth in Canada is being shaped around premium shopping centres where the company can execute its store design standards and experiential retail approach.

Cadillac Fairview has played a significant role in the brand’s early Canadian rollout. Pop Mart opened its first Canadian store at CF Richmond Centre in Metro Vancouver, and CF Toronto Eaton Centre now gives the retailer a prominent downtown Toronto location.

Tam previously described Cadillac Fairview as an important early partner for Pop Mart in Canada.

“The people there are what has made them a pleasure to partner with,” said Tam. “They have excellent leadership top-down who have been nothing but communicative, supportive and understanding.”

He added that Cadillac Fairview was one of the first Canadian landlords to proactively partner with Pop Mart.

“We opened our very first Canadian store at CF Richmond Centre,” Tam said. “As our landlord partner there, Cadillac Fairview was one of the first Canadian landlords to proactively partner with us, which is something we will always appreciate and hold dear.”

Pop Mart’s Canadian real estate rollout is being supported by Aurora Retail Group, whose Co-CEO Jeff Berkowitz has been involved in representing the brand as it expands into major Canadian shopping centres.

Current Pop Mart, CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Photo: Craig Patterson

Store Design and Customer Flow

The larger CF Toronto Eaton Centre space will give Pop Mart more room to execute the type of store environment it is known for globally.

The company follows strict global design standards across its physical retail network, with particular attention to lighting, millwork, visual merchandising and customer movement through the store.

“We uphold a very strict global design standard at Pop Mart,” Tam said in a previous interview. “We are meticulous with our store design, lighting, millwork and visual merchandising. Therefore, premium shopping centres, where this is expected of retailers, are natural homes for us.”

He said Pop Mart evaluates new locations based on whether the space can meet those standards and support the type of unobstructed customer journey the company wants to create.

The current CF Toronto Eaton Centre pop-up already demonstrates that approach in a compact footprint. During Retail Insider’s visit, product presentations were organized around different character worlds, with digital content and branded displays reinforcing the company’s broader positioning as a pop culture entertainment brand. A 5,028-square-foot store will allow for a more expansive execution at the same property, particularly as Pop Mart continues to build awareness around Labubu and its broader roster of character IP.

Former Foot Locker Kids as at CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Pop Mart will open after a renovation. Photo: Dustin Fuhs/6ix Retail

CF Toronto Eaton Centre Sees Leasing Momentum

The larger Pop Mart store is emerging during a period of leasing activity and retail change at CF Toronto Eaton Centre.

Browns Shoes is building a new flagship at the property in a combined Level 2 space between Apple and Alo Yoga. Club Monaco is also returning to the shopping centre, with signage installed in its former Level 3 space, while LEGO construction hoarding has appeared for a downtown Toronto store. Retail Insider has also reported on RW&CO’s reimagined store concept at the centre, part of a broader effort by the Canadian apparel retailer to update its physical store experience.

The activity reinforces the ongoing importance of CF Toronto Eaton Centre as a high-profile retail platform in downtown Toronto, particularly for brands seeking national visibility.

Part of a Broader Canadian Expansion

The planned move at CF Toronto Eaton Centre comes as Pop Mart continues to scale in Canada.

In a recent Retail Insider interview, Tam said Canada has become a strong fit for the brand because of both consumer response and the country’s cultural diversity.

“By its very essence, Canada is a perfect home for Pop Mart,” Tam said. “It is a melting pot of cultures and its societal composition mirrors the many different characters in the Pop Mart collection who have come together under one umbrella, despite each having very distinct appearances, backgrounds, aspirations and stories.”

The company is looking at opportunities across the country, including Quebec, the Greater Toronto Area and Greater Vancouver. Tam said Quebec is a critical market for Pop Mart, while the GTA and Vancouver both have room for additional growth.

More from Retail Insider:

Belleville Costco Warehouse Planned as Canadian Expansion Continues

By
Lee Rivett
-
Photo: Costco

Plans for a long-awaited Costco warehouse in Belleville, Ontario, have moved a significant step closer to reality after Mayor Neil Ellis announced the project during a July 27 city council meeting.

Ellis said he had spoken with Louie Loberti, Director of Real Estate Development for Costco Wholesale Canada, regarding the development. Plans call for a warehouse measuring more than 167,000 square feet on Bell Boulevard, west of the Shorelines Casino and nearby hotel properties.

The development will also include an approximately 8,000-square-foot gas bar with 12 double-sided fuel pumps capable of serving 24 vehicles simultaneously. Construction of the warehouse and gas bar is valued at just over $37 million.

Site preparation is expected to begin this fall, followed by major construction in spring 2027. Completion is targeted for fall 2027.

The project adds Belleville to Costco’s growing Canadian development pipeline while bringing greater certainty to an initiative that has been anticipated locally for years.

A Long-Awaited Project Moves Forward

Plans for a Costco in Belleville first emerged publicly in 2019, when city council approved zoning changes for a Costco-anchored commercial development on Bell Boulevard.

The original proposal included a warehouse, gas bar and several additional commercial buildings. The city subsequently undertook infrastructure improvements along Bell Boulevard, including road widening and intersection upgrades intended to accommodate future growth and increased traffic.

The project later appeared to stall. By 2023, the proposed development lands had returned to the market, raising questions about whether Costco’s anticipated arrival in Belleville would proceed.

The plans now call for a larger warehouse than originally proposed. At more than 167,000 square feet, the Belleville location would exceed the size of Costco’s existing warehouses in Kingston and Peterborough, signalling renewed momentum for a project that had appeared uncertain only a few years ago.

The city has indicated that Costco has received a draft site-plan agreement for execution. Once that process is completed, the building permit can be finalized and issued.

Belleville Serves a Much Larger Regional Market

Although Belleville itself had a population of approximately 55,000 at the time of the 2021 census, the city functions as the commercial hub for a much broader regional market.

Located along the Highway 401 corridor, Belleville draws shoppers from Quinte West, Prince Edward County, Hastings County, Brighton, Greater Napanee and surrounding communities. The Belleville–Quinte West census metropolitan area has continued to grow, while the wider Bay of Quinte trade area extends well beyond the city’s municipal boundaries.

Costco’s site selection strategy is based on regional trade areas rather than municipal populations, making Belleville’s broader catchment area far more significant than the city’s population alone.

For many residents of the Bay of Quinte region, shopping at Costco has traditionally meant driving to Kingston or Peterborough. A Belleville warehouse would significantly shorten that trip for many members while providing the retailer with access to an established regional customer base.

The location also fills an important geographic gap between Costco’s existing eastern Ontario warehouses, strengthening the company’s presence along one of Canada’s busiest transportation corridors.

Canada Has Become One of Costco’s Strongest Markets

The Belleville project is also notable because Costco already has an exceptionally strong presence in Canada. The retailer currently operates 115 warehouses across the country, equating to approximately one location for every 360,000 residents. By comparison, Costco operates roughly one warehouse for every 540,000 people across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Few international markets have embraced Costco as enthusiastically as Canada. Relative to population, the company operates substantially more warehouses here than in its home market — a reflection of strong consumer demand, consistently high membership renewal rates and the warehouse chain’s enduring appeal to Canadian shoppers.

Many Canadian Costco locations serve expansive regional trade areas and rank among the busiest in the company’s global network. The Belleville development suggests Costco continues to see opportunities to deepen its Canadian footprint, particularly in regional markets that can support high-volume warehouse retailing.

Part of a Broader Canadian Growth Strategy

The Belleville project follows a series of warehouse developments that point to one of the busiest expansion periods in Costco Canada’s history.

Retail Insider recently reported that the company had at least 10 traditional warehouse projects planned, under construction or in development across the country. The pipeline includes communities such as Wasaga Beach, Thunder Bay and Lloydminster, alongside projects intended to increase capacity in rapidly growing suburban markets.

Belleville fits the regional-expansion side of that strategy. Its location along Highway 401, growing population and position between Kingston and Peterborough provide Costco with an opportunity to serve an established customer base from a more convenient location.

The company’s continued investment is particularly noteworthy given the maturity of its Canadian network. Rather than slowing expansion, Costco continues to identify regional markets where population growth, transportation access and consumer demand support additional long-term investment.

Potential Impact on the Local Retail Market

The arrival of Costco is expected to reinforce Belleville’s position as a regional shopping destination. The warehouse will introduce additional competition across grocery, pharmacy, fuel, electronics, furniture, household goods and numerous other merchandise categories. Its gas bar, designed to accommodate up to 24 vehicles simultaneously, could also influence fuel pricing and competition within the local market.

Costco warehouses frequently become anchors for surrounding commercial development, attracting restaurants, service businesses and complementary retailers while increasing traffic throughout nearby commercial districts.

The project may also reduce the need for Bay of Quinte residents to travel to Kingston or Peterborough for Costco shopping, keeping more consumer spending within the region.

Updated employment projections and broader economic-impact estimates have not yet been released for the current proposal. Earlier figures associated with the original 2019 development related to a substantially larger commercial project and should not be interpreted as forecasts for the newly announced warehouse.

With site preparation expected to begin later this year, the Belleville project has progressed well beyond the speculation that surrounded it for years. Beyond bringing a Costco warehouse to the Bay of Quinte region, the development illustrates how the retailer continues to expand one of the world’s most extensive warehouse networks on a per-capita basis.

More from Retail Insider:

Tim Hortons to launch Harry Potter-themed menu, merchandise and promotions Aug. 12

By
Mario Toneguzzi
-
Tim Hortons photo
Tim Hortons photo

Tim Hortons says it will introduce a Harry Potter-themed lineup of menu items, merchandise, packaging and promotional events across Canada beginning Aug. 12 as the restaurant chain marks the annual Back to Hogwarts celebration alongside the franchise’s 25th anniversary.

The limited-time campaign will add themed food and beverages, collectible merchandise, special packaging, an in-store trivia event and a national contest, expanding the company’s seasonal promotional offerings through collaborations tied to a major entertainment brand.

“Harry Potter has been a beloved part of so many of our guests’ lives for decades and we couldn’t be more excited for Canadians to discover the wizarding world at Tims restaurants,” said Hope Bagozzi, Chief Marketing Officer for Tim Hortons. “We’re exclusively bringing the magic of Harry Potter to QSR in Canada in true Tims fashion – from donuts inspired by each Hogwarts House, to a Golden Snitch Timbit and Timbit holder, spellbinding Patronus and Forbidden Forest inspired drinks, and limited-edition merch that guests will want to collect and share.”

Hope Bagozzi
Hope Bagozzi
Tim Hortons photo
Tim Hortons photo

The menu will feature four Hogwarts House-inspired doughnuts: a Gryffindor Strawberry Cheesecake Donut, Slytherin Chocolate Pistachio Donut, Ravenclaw Blueberry Donut and Hufflepuff Lemon Meringue Donut. The chain will also offer Golden Snitch Caramel Timbits, which can be purchased in a limited-edition Golden Snitch Timbits Holder.

Tim Hortons will also introduce two themed cold beverages. Patronus Sparkling Quenchers will be served in temperature-activated cups that reveal Patronus images when filled with a cold drink. Customers will also be able to order Forbidden Forest Iced Tea Quenchers at participating restaurants that serve fountain beverages. The sparkling beverages can be customized with lemonade, a protein dairy beverage or ordered frozen.

The promotion also includes a range of Harry Potter-themed merchandise. Participating restaurants will offer a colour-changing Stir Wand that changes colour in cold beverages and limited-edition Harry Potter “25 Years of Magic” gift cards, alongside the Golden Snitch Timbits Holder.

The company said participating restaurants will host a Harry Potter Trivia Night on Aug. 28 to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the first Harry Potter film and the annual Back to Hogwarts celebration. A list of participating restaurants and additional details will be released in the coming weeks.

Tim Hortons photo
Tim Hortons photo

Tim Hortons is also using the promotion to support its loyalty program. From Aug. 17 through Sept. 6, customers who place an order at a Tim Hortons restaurant, through the Tim Hortons app or on TimShop.ca and scan for Tims Rewards will be entered into a contest for a chance to win one of two grand prizes. Each prize includes a Harry Potter VIP experience for two in London, England.

The campaign will also extend to the chain’s packaging. While supplies last, participating restaurants will serve select products in limited-edition Harry Potter-themed single-doughnut boxes, multi-pack doughnut boxes, 10-pack and 20-pack Timbits boxes and cold beverage cups.

More from Retail Insider:

Tim Hortons photo
Tim Hortons photo

Walmart Connect launches self-serve onsite display platform to expand retail media capabilities

By
Mario Toneguzzi
-
Walmart Canada photo
Walmart Canada photo

Walmart Connect is expanding its retail media capabilities with the launch of a new self-serve onsite display platform, giving advertisers greater control and flexibility in reaching high-intent shoppers.

Powered by Walmart’s global retail technology, the platform introduces an auction-based buying model, enabling advertisers to set bids dynamically and align spend to real-time demand. Unlike traditional managed-service display, advertisers can now build and launch campaigns end-to-end within a single platform, accelerating speed to market while maintaining access to managed-service options.

Key capabilities include:

  • AI-powered optimization
  • Advanced targeting
  • Real-time forecasting and inventory visibility
  • On-demand reporting and conversion insights

To support adoption, Walmart Connect has also launched a new Onsite Display learning module within Walmart Connect Academy, available in English, French, and Mandarin. 

This launch underscores Walmart Connect’s continued investment in expanding access to retail media, bringing greater control, transparency, and measurable performance to advertisers of all sizes. 

Lesley Conway
Lesley Conway
Walmart Canada photo
Walmart Canada photo

“As retail media continues to evolve, advertisers are looking for more transparency in how they manage campaigns. Our Self-Serve Onsite Display Platform gives brands the flexibility to manage campaigns directly while continuing to benefit from Walmart’s trusted shopping environment and first-party insight,” said Lesley Conway, Head of Walmart Connect Canada, VP Walmart Media Group.

“This launch is part of our ongoing commitment to making Walmart Connect’s advertising ecosystem more accessible, scalable and performance driven. By leveraging Walmart’s retail technology, we’re providing advertisers with the insights and tools to better understand campaign performance throughout the shopping journey.”

Conway said the introduction of an auction-based buying model gives advertisers greater flexibility and control by allowing them to build, launch, and optimize campaigns directly within a single platform. 

“Advertisers can adjust bids in real time based on campaign goals and market demand, while leveraging forecasting, inventory visibility, and on-demand reporting to monitor performance throughout the campaign lifecycle,” she said. 

“For advertisers who prefer additional support, Walmart Connect’s managed-service offering remains available, giving advertisers the flexibility to choose the approach that best fits their needs.” 

Conway said the platform is designed to support advertisers at every stage of their retail media journey.

“Larger brands can efficiently manage complex campaigns, while the intuitive self-serve experience lowers the barrier to entry for smaller advertisers looking to leverage Walmart Connect’s Onsite Display capabilities,” she said.

“To help advertisers get started, Walmart Connect Canada Academy offers a dedicated Onsite Display learning module in English, French and Mandarin, making it easier for brands of all sizes to build confidence and maximize platform value.”

Walmart Canada photo
Walmart Canada photo

Conway said these capabilities help advertisers maximize performance by providing greater visibility, insights, and control throughout the campaign lifecycle.  

“AI-powered optimization automatically adjusts delivery toward campaign objectives, while advanced targeting helps brands connect with relevant audiences at key moments in the shopping journey,” she said.

“Combined with real-time forecasting, inventory visibility, and on-demand reporting, advertisers can monitor performance as it happens, adjust, and better evaluate the impact of their investment.”

At Walmart Connect, the focus is on helping advertisers reach shoppers when purchasing intent is high through solutions that are easy to use, measurable, and backed by Walmart’s retail expertise, added Conway.

“Our self-serve display platform gives advertisers greater choice and flexibility, supported by Walmart’s first-party insights and capabilities such as AI-powered optimization, advanced targeting, real-time forecasting, and transparent reporting – all within a single platform.”

More from Retail Insider:

BodyMods to open first Alberta studios with two Calgary locations

By
Mario Toneguzzi
-
CF Chinook Centre photo
CF Chinook Centre photo

BodyMods will expand into Alberta for the first time this year with the opening of two studios in Calgary, marking the Canadian company’s latest step in its Western Canadian growth strategy.

The company said its first Alberta location will open at CF Chinook Centre on Aug. 15, followed by a second studio at CF Market Mall on Oct. 1. The openings will bring BodyMods’ network to 12 locations and represent its first move beyond British Columbia.

On the company website it also said a studio is coming soon to Edmonton’s Southgate Mall.

Founded in 2002 by Sarah Bolton and Nathan Arnold, BodyMods said the Alberta expansion is part of a broader growth plan that includes establishing 12 additional studios by 2028. The company said it currently operates 10 locations across British Columbia specializing in body jewellery retail, professional piercing services and tattooing.

The Calgary studios will offer the company’s full range of body jewellery as well as professional piercing and tattoo services. Customers will also be able to receive jewellery styling advice and consult on custom tattoo work.

Arnold said the company’s growth reflects changes in public acceptance of body piercing and tattooing since it launched more than two decades ago.

“When we started BodyMods, body piercing and tattooing simply weren’t as widely accepted as they are today. We spent a lot of time convincing people that this industry could be professional, welcoming, and a natural fit for shopping centres,” said Arnold. “We believed in its potential long before it became part of the mainstream, and we set out to build a company that would help redefine what people could expect from body modifications. Bringing BodyMods to Alberta is another step in that journey, and we’re excited for what’s still to come.”

Nathan Arnold and Sarah Bolton
Nathan Arnold and Sarah Bolton
BodyMods photo
BodyMods photo

The company said it was established after Bolton and Arnold identified what they saw as a gap in the market for a business focused on professional body piercing and tattoo services in what they described as a safe and inclusive environment.

According to the company, its expansion has coincided with broader acceptance of body piercing and tattooing as forms of personal expression among Canadians of different ages and backgrounds.

Bolton described the Calgary openings as a significant milestone for the business and its long-term growth.

“Opening in Calgary is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of. It’s an opportunity to introduce more Canadians to BodyMods and everything we’ve spent more than two decades building,” said Bolton. “Opening in two of Calgary’s premier shopping centres is a reminder of how far our industry has come. Over the past 20 years, BodyMods has helped shape the industry we see today, and we’re excited to be part of where it goes next.”

The Chinook Centre studio, identified by the company as Studio 9, will be located at 6455 Macleod Trail S.W. The Market Mall location, identified as Studio 10, will open at 3625 Shaganappi Trail N.W.

More from Retail Insider:

Longines to Open First Canadian Boutique in Downtown Vancouver

By
Craig Patterson
-
Longines construction site at 765 Burrard Street in Vancouver. Photo: Marcus & Millichap

Swiss watchmaker Longines will open its first Canadian boutique in downtown Vancouver, joining the city’s growing concentration of luxury watch and jewellery stores.

Construction is underway at 765 Burrard Street, where Longines-branded hoarding now covers the storefront. The corporately operated boutique will span just over 1,000 square feet within the commercial building commonly identified as 755 Burrard Street, at the intersection of Burrard and Alberni streets.

Trevor Thomas of JLL represented Longines in the lease transaction. Mario Negris and Martin Moriarty of Marcus & Millichap represented the landlord.

An opening date has not been announced.

Longines is already distributed nationally through authorized watch and jewellery retailers, with dozens of points of sale across Canada. The Vancouver store will be the brand’s first dedicated boutique in the country.

A Strategic Downtown Location

Longines has selected one of Vancouver’s most prominent luxury retail settings for its Canadian debut.

Cartier occupies the corner storefront in the same building, while Tiffany & Co. operates a large flagship across Alberni Street. Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Gucci are nearby, and Alberni Street extends west from the intersection through a dense collection of luxury fashion, watch and jewellery boutiques.

The location is immediately north of Robson Street, one of downtown Vancouver’s busiest and best-known shopping corridors. It gives Longines proximity to established luxury brands, along with the pedestrian traffic, hotels, offices and tourism activity concentrated around Burrard and Robson streets.

Retail Insider has long referred to the area surrounding Burrard, Alberni and Thurlow streets as Vancouver’s Luxury Zone. Longines will be positioned near its eastern entrance, where the broader downtown shopping district transitions into a concentrated collection of international luxury storefronts.

The setting places the boutique among some of the best-known names in jewellery and watchmaking while keeping it highly visible to shoppers moving between Robson, Burrard and Alberni streets.

Alberni Street at Burrard Street in Downtown Vancouver. Photo: Lee Rivett.

Joining a Growing Watch and Jewellery Cluster

The opening will add Longines to an increasingly significant cluster of dedicated watch boutiques in downtown Vancouver.

Rolex currently operates a boutique at 1119 Alberni Street, while Tudor and Chopard have neighbouring locations at 1106 and 1108 Alberni Street. The Tudor and Chopard boutiques were opened by local operator Global Watch Company as luxury retail activity expanded westward along Alberni.

Other watch houses on the same block as Longines include IWC Schaffhausen, Panerai, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Vacheron Constantin, forming one of Canada’s most concentrated collections of mono-brand watch boutiques.

Many of those brands are part of Swiss luxury group Richemont. Cartier, which occupies the corner of the 755 Burrard building, also belongs to Richemont in an owned space.

Longines is part of Swatch Group, whose portfolio includes Omega, Tissot, Blancpain, Breguet and Harry Winston. Its arrival will further diversify the ownership and pricing mix represented in the district.

The brand generally occupies a more accessible segment of the luxury watch market than some of the haute-horlogerie houses located farther west on Alberni. Its assortment spans dress watches, sports models, aviation-inspired timepieces and diving watches, giving the boutique broad appeal across the luxury market.

Its arrival expands the range of dedicated Swiss watch retail available downtown and strengthens the district’s appeal as a destination for watch shoppers.

A Swiss Watchmaker Dating to 1832

Longines was founded in 1832 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, where the company remains based. It is recognized by its winged-hourglass emblem, described by Swatch Group as the oldest registered trademark still used in its original form.

The company built its reputation through precision timekeeping, technical innovation and longstanding associations with aviation, equestrian sport, alpine skiing and other timed competitions. Its current collections include Conquest, HydroConquest, Longines Spirit, the Master Collection, DolceVita and La Grande Classique.

Longines combines nearly two centuries of Swiss watchmaking history with pricing that is generally more attainable than that of many luxury watch houses operating nearby.

The brand appeals to mechanical-watch enthusiasts as well as customers seeking an established Swiss name for milestone purchases, gifts and formal occasions.

A dedicated boutique gives Longines greater control over the presentation of its history, collections and visual identity. It can also display a broader assortment than is typically available through an authorized multi-brand retailer and provide a customer experience centred entirely on the brand.

The Vancouver boutique will be corporately operated, representing a direct investment in the Canadian market.

Cartier store at 755 Burrard Street in downtown Vancouver. Photo: Lee Rivett

A Building With Deep Luxury-Retail Roots

The Longines boutique will become part of the history of 755 Burrard Street, a building that helped establish Vancouver’s modern luxury retail district in the early 1990s.

Chanel opened a roughly 1,300-square-foot boutique in the building in 1991. A Celine boutique operated next door through luxury retailer Collections International. The two stores helped establish Burrard Street as a destination for international luxury shopping before Alberni Street developed the concentration it has today.

Over the following decades, the building housed a changing collection of upscale retailers. Chanel and Celine were followed by tenants including Hermès, Coach and Wolford, while Cartier eventually established its current presence at the corner.

The former Chanel and Celine premises were later combined to accommodate Coach, which operated in the building for years before closing.

The former Coach space, immediately next to the future Longines boutique, is expected to welcome another upscale fashion tenant. The incoming brand has not been publicly announced.

Along with Cartier at the corner and Longines under construction, the latest leasing activity will strengthen the building’s luxury positioning.

The property’s longevity carries an architectural irony: the low-rise commercial building was originally conceived as a temporary development. More than three decades later, it remains at one of Vancouver’s most valuable and recognizable luxury retail intersections.

The building has adapted repeatedly as Vancouver’s luxury market has matured. Longines marks the beginning of its latest chapter.

Rolex and David Yurman at Oakridge Park in Vancouver. Photo: Craig Patterson

Downtown and Oakridge Develop Distinct Luxury Identities

The opening comes as Vancouver’s luxury retail market increasingly operates across two major destinations.

Downtown Vancouver’s Luxury Zone remains centred on Burrard, Alberni and Thurlow streets. It is characterized by street-facing boutiques, nearby luxury hotels and office towers, and a strong concentration of watch, jewellery and fashion brands.

Oakridge Park, located outside downtown on Vancouver’s west side, opened in May 2026 as a large mixed-use luxury shopping destination. Its retail offering includes international fashion houses, watch and jewellery brands, restaurants and extensive new residential development.

The two districts have developed different tenant mixes. Oakridge has attracted brands including Louis Vuitton, Bvlgari, Brunello Cucinelli and other global luxury names. Several major stores were still under construction when the project opened, including a large Chanel flagship.

Downtown retains a particularly strong concentration of brands belonging to Richemont and Kering. Richemont’s downtown presence includes Cartier and several specialist watch and jewellery houses. Kering brands also maintain a significant presence in the district. Neither group currently operates a comparable collection of open boutiques at Oakridge Park.

Vancouver now has two substantial luxury destinations with increasingly distinct identities.

Oakridge offers a purpose-built, enclosed shopping environment connected to a major residential redevelopment. Downtown offers an established street-retail ecosystem with a deeper concentration of mono-brand watch boutiques, luxury hotels and international tourism.

Longines’ decision to establish its first Canadian boutique downtown reinforces the continuing strength of the older district as investment and attention also flow toward Oakridge.

More from Retail Insider:

1...111213...1,374Page 12 of 1,374