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Update: Indigo Books to Expand via Indigo Branding, But Current Chapters Locations to Remain ‘Chapters’

By
Craig Patterson
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*We’re updating our article from earlier in the week, where we discussed Chapters Bookstores being rebranded as Indigo. We just spoke with a company representative, Janet Eger, who informs us that although all future stores company locations will be branded as Indigo, current Chapters stores won’t be rebranded at this time. Our previous article is below.*

Last Week, an article in Business in Vancouver confirmed that Chapters Bookstore locations will be re-branded as Indigo. The same article indicates that Indigo may open this summer in the heart of Vancouver’s retail ‘luxury zone’ at Alberni and Thurlow Streets, replacing a Robson Street flagship which will eventually be replaced by Sport Chek. 

Chapters Inc. was formed in 1995 with the merge of SmithBooks and Coles. It became Canada’s largest book retailer, operating bookstores in all provinces. In 1996, Indigo Books & Music was created. In 1997, Indigo opened its first location, called Indigo Books Music & more, in Burlington, Ontario. In 2001, Chapters and Indigo officially merged to form the largest book retailer in Canada under the corporate name Indigo Books & Music Inc.

In 2006, Indigo expanded its product listing to include toys and opened new in-store toy departments at Yorkdale Shopping Centre and Bayview Village locations in Toronto.

Headquartered in Toronto, Indigo employs over 6,500 people across Canada. Indigo is a public company, traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol IDG. The company operates about 90 superstores (averaging 24,000 square feet) under the banners Chapters and Indigo, as well as 130 small format stores under the banners Coles, Indigo, Indigospirit, SmithBooks, and The Book Company. The Company also operates indigo.ca, offering millions of products including books, eBooks, toys, stationery, home décor, gourmet confections, CDs, DVDs, and more.

In 2009, the company created and launched the global eReading service, Kobo. With one of the largest eReading catalogues in the world, Kobo has since driven its membership to over 6 million readers in 100 countries. In November 2011, Indigo sold Kobo to Rakuten Inc., one of the world’s leading internet service companies, for US$315 million. Indigo received US$146 million from the proceeds of the sale.

Indigo has expanded beyond carrying just books. Stores now carry a variety of categories for adults and children including toys, gifts, home goods, paper products, electronics and even American Girl doll boutiques in three of its stores. 

List of Retailers Opening and Expanding in Canada

By
Craig Patterson
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The following is a list of 22 retailers which are either new to Canada, or expanding their operations nationally. All of these retailers have been discussed in Retail Insider in 2015 thus far, and this list therefore can be used as a summary. 

The list is sponsored by Vancouver-based Peregrine, which custom designs and fabricates retail, display, furniture and architectural features for some of the country’s top retailers.  

STORE NAMELOCATIONS TO OPEN IN CANADANEW OR EXPANDING?ESTIMATED # OF LOCATIONS POST-EXPANSION
Alton GrayToronto, Vancouver, other cities TBAExpanding6
AritziaMontreal, Halifax, Oshawa, Saint Bruno, QCExpandingUnknown
DSW ShoesEdmonton, CalgaryExpandingUnknown (40+ expected)
Jaeger Le-CoultreVancouver, Toronto (TBA)New2+
Judith & CharlesTorontoExpandingUnknown
Kate SpadeOttawa, Toronto, VancouverExpandingUnknown
La Maison SimonsEdmonton (2nd location), Vancouver, Calgary, Mississauga, Toronto, Ottawa, Gatineau, more to be revealed shortly.Expanding20+
Lao Feng ZiangVancouverNewUnknown
LolëTBAExpanding30-40
Maison BirksEdmonton, Ottawa, MississaugaExpanding35
MCMFormally unknown, but sources indicate Toronto and Vancouver to start.NewUnknown
NordstromOttawa, Vancouver, Toronto, rumoured: Edmonton, WinnipegExpanding7-10
PradaVancouver (free-standing)Expanding2+ free-standing, 4+ concessions
RockportCalgary, Toronto, Vancouver, WinnipegExpandingUnknown
RudsakOntario, Quebec, AlbertaExpanding~50
Saks Off 5thOttawa, Edmonton, other locations TBANew20-25
Saje Natural WellnessAlberta, BC, Ontario, others TBAExpanding50+
SuitsupplyMontreal, Vancouver, CalgaryExpanding4+
Tiffany & Co.Ottawa, rumoured – downtown Calgary free-standingExpanding12+
Tory BurchToronto, rumoured: Edmonton, OttawaExpandingUnknown
UNIQLOToronto, Vancouver, other cities TBANewUnknown
Whole FoodsCalgary, Edmonton, VictoriaExpanding40

Rockport to Open 5 Stores as Part of Canadian Expansion

By
Craig Patterson
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Rockport (PHOTO: JADORETHIS.CA)

American footwear brand Rockport will open five Canadian locations this year, including two flagships and its first for British Columbia. We spoke with Rockport’s Retail Operations and Real Estate Manager, Shawn Kotania, to learn more. 

Founded in Massachusetts in 1972, Rockport is known for comfortable, well-made footwear. Last month, Boston-based athletic shoe maker New Balance and Berkshire Partners bought Rockport for U.S. $280 million. Aurora Realty Consultants represents Rockport across Canada, specifically represented by Jeffrey Berkowitz and Ashley Lebofsky. 

In April, Rockport will open stores at Polo Park in Winnipeg and Southcentre in Calgary. In June, it will open a Vancouver flagship — its first location in British Columbia — at Pacific Centre. In August, Rockport will open a flagship at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre and in September, it will open a location at Scarborough Town Centre. 

Rockport currently operates eight ‘concept stores’ in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Oshawa ON, Ottawa, Laval QC and Halifax. It also operates 15 outlets with locations in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island. 

According to Mr. Kotania, new locations will reflect the brand’s brighter interior aesthetic, as opposed to darker interiors characteristic of some Rockport stores. 

Rockport’s Vancouver flagship will locate in Pacific Centre’s new expansion below Nordstrom, joining new retailers such as Kate Spade, Microsoft, Hugo Boss, Tumi, Pandora, Weekend Max Mara, a popular British brand we’ll discuss next week, and an expanded Apple Store. 

Rockport plans to open roughly two or three Canadian locations a year, provided the brand’s new owners approve existing expansion plans. It seeks retail space in the 1,000 to 1,200 square foot range, typically within high-traffic enclosed shopping malls. We’ll update you when we learn more on Rockport’s Canadian expansion plans. 

Nordstrom Reveals Brands in New Ottawa Store

By
Craig Patterson
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Nordstrom has provided us the list of brands it will carry at its second Canadian location, opening at 9:30am on Friday, March 6th at Ottawa’s Rideau Centre. Prices vary widely, from costly luxury designers to the affordable. Some brands will be only available at Nordstrom in Ottawa, including the retailer’s popular private-label collections that we’ll also discuss below. 

The list of brands below is substantial, so we’ll break it down into categories. We’ll begin the list with footwear designers, since Nordstrom was founded in 1901 as a shoe retailer and continues to carry a substantial amount of footwear. We’ll then list brands for accessories, various women’s, men’s and children’s categories, and finish off by listing brands exclusive to Nordstrom in Canada, as well as a full list of Nordstrom’s private label brands. We’ll also briefly discuss which brands will be the priciest in each category.

If you’re looking to beat the opening day crowds, Nordstrom is hosting an early morning ‘Beauty Bash‘ beginning two hours prior to the store’s opening. Between 7:30 am and 9:30 am, Nordstrom will host an event profiling the expansive beauty department of its new Rideau Centre store. New products and trends from top names in beauty and fragrance will be featured, including instruction from the Nordstrom team of beauty experts. Complimentary consultations and demonstrations will be provided, and attendees can meet at Nordstrom’s main mall entrance. The event is complimentary.

As well, Nordstrom just announced the identity of its new Vancouver store manager. As well, it will hire about 1,000 people for the new Pacific Centre flagship, including 44 management positions. Applications for management positions will be accepted beginning next week, with further details at: www.careers.nordstrom.com.

And now, here’s a list of designers to be carried at Nordstrom’s Ottawa store: 

Women’s Shoes: Ottawa’s Nordstrom will feature three women’s shoe departments with footwear in sizes 4-13, with widths from ‘narrow’ to 2W. Its priciest women’s footwear brands will include Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, and Valentino. The complete list of footwear designers, provided by Nordstrom, include the following:

  • Jimmy Choo (exclusive to Nordstrom in Ottawa)
  • Manolo Blahnik (exclusive to Nordstrom in Ottawa)
  • Pedro Garcia (exclusive to Nordstrom in Ottawa)
  • Valentino (exclusive to Nordstrom in Ottawa)
  • Rudsak Shoes (exclusive to Nordstrom in Ottawa)
  • Aquatalia
  • Hunter
  • Kate Spade
  • Via Spiga
  • Charles by Charles David
  • Franco Sarto
  • Ivanka Trump
  • Louise Et Cie
  • Manitobah Mukluks
  • Frye
  • Steve Madden
  • TOMS
  • Sorel
  • Converse
  • Jessica Simpson
  • DV by Dolce Vita
  • Dr. Martens 

Men’s Footwear: Ottawa’s Nordstrom will carry men’s footwear in sizes 6-18, with widths ‘slim’ to 4E. Its priciest men’s footwear brands will include the likes of John Varvatos, Magnanni, and To Boot New York. The complete list of designers, provided by Nordstrom, include the following:

  • John Varvatos
  • Magnanni
  • To Boot New York
  • Nike
  • Converse
  • Swims
  • Santoni
  • Allen Edmonds
  • Cole Haan
  • Sperry Top-Sider

 Children’s Footwear: sizes will vary from ‘infant 1’ to ‘youth size 6’, with brands including: 

  • Peek (exclusive to Nordstrom in Ottawa)
  • UGG Australia
  • Hunter
  • Nike
  • TOMS
  • KEEN
  • Superfit
  • Stonz
  • Kamik
  • Robeez

Handbags: A variety of designers will be carried, including some luxury brands priced into the thousands. Burberry, Alexander Wang, Chloe, and Jimmy Choo will be among the most costly, and Nordstrom’s list of handbag designers for Ottawa include:

  • Alexander Wang (exclusive to Nordstrom in Ottawa)
  • Burberry (exclusive to Nordstrom in Ottawa)
  • Chloe (exclusive to Nordstrom in Ottawa)
  • Jimmy Choo (exclusive to Nordstrom in Ottawa)
  • Rag & Bone (exclusive to Nordstrom in Ottawa)
  • Kate Spade New York
  • Michael Michael Kors
  • Marc by Marc Jacobs
  • Tory  Burch
  • Mackage
  • Vince Camuto
  • MZ Wallace 

Fine Jewellery:

  • Bony Levy (exclusive to Nordstrom in Ottawa)
  • Lana
  • Dana Rebecca
  • ALOR
  • Anzie

Fashion Jewellery:

  • Anna Beck (exclusive to Nordstrom in Ottawa)
  • Argento Vivo (exclusive to Nordstrom in Ottawa)
  • udith Jack (exclusive to Nordstrom in Ottawa)
  • Lagos (exclusive to Nordstrom in Ottawa)
  • Melinda Maria (exclusive to Nordstrom in Ottawa)
  • Alexis Bittar
  • Freida Rothman 

Watches:

  • Michael Kors
  • Shinola
  • Michele
  • Burberry
  • Fossil
  • Skagen
  • Kate Spade
  • Movado

Women’s Lingerie & Legwear:

  • Chantelle
  • Betsey Johnson
  • Wacoal
  • Natori
  • Yummie by Heather Thomson
  • Spanx
  • Hanky Panky
  • Elomi
  • Freya
  • Fantasie
  • Hue
  • Wolford
  • Commando
  • Lysse

BeautyFragrance Brands: Nordstrom will carry several beauty brands commonly carried at Hudson’s Bay, as well as pricey Crème de la Mer. Remarkably, a 16.5 oz container of La Mer’s moisturizing cream can cost over $2,000. Here’s the list of Nordstrom’s Ottawa beauty brands: 

  • Burberry Beauty (exclusive to Nordstrom in Ottawa)
  • Chantecaille (exclusive to Nordstrom in Ottawa)
  • Anastasia Beverly Hills (brow services exclusive to Nordstrom in Ottawa)
  • MAC
  • Giorgio Armani
  • Laura Mercier
  • Dior
  • Chanel
  • YSL
  • Clinique
  • Guerlain
  • La Mer
  • Mereadesso
  • Nars
  • Shiseido
  • Tom Ford
  • Jo Malone
  • Diptyque
  • Tory Burch
  • Viktor & Rolf
  • Home fragrance Antica Farmacista

Women’s Designer Apparel: Ottawa’s Nordstrom will feature a number of pricey designers in its top-priced women’s department, Collectors, including the following: 

  • Akris Punto
  • Burberry
  • Escada
  • Max Mara
  • St John

Women’s Apparel: More moderately priced women’s apparel brands (although some are still pricey) will include the following: 

  • A.L.C.
  • Alexander Wang T
  • Alice + Oliva
  • Autumn Cashmere
  • Current/Elliot
  • Helmut Lang
  • IRO
  • M Missoni
  • Rag & Bone
  • Veda
  • Kate Spade New York
  • Vince
  • Rebecca Taylor
  • Joie
  • Diane von Furstenberg
  • Theory
  • Ted Baker London
  • Tory Burch
  • Equipment
  • Vince Camuto
  • Nic & Zoe
  • KUT from the Kloth
  • Kensie
  • Not Your Daughter’s jeans
  • Free People
  • Splendid
  • Maison Scotch
  • Paige Premium Denim
  • Hudson
  • AG
  • Eliza J
  • Adrianna Papell
  • Maggy London
  • French Connection
  • BB Dakota
  • Laundry by Shelli Segal
  • Tahari
  • Eileen Fisher
  • Burberry
  • Hugo Boss Woman
  • Lafayette 148 New York
  • Mackage

Men’s Apparel: Nordstrom’s pricier men’s apparel designers will include Canali, Burberry, Hugo Boss, John Varvatos, Ermenegilo Zegna and Pal Zileri. Nordstrom’s list of men’s apparel brands include:

  • David Donahue (exclusive to Nordstrom in Ottawa)
  • JZ Richards (exclusive to Nordstrom in Ottawa)
  • Billy Reid   
  • Burberry
  • Ted Baker London
  • Vince
  • James Perse
  • Zachary Prell
  • John Varvatos
  • Jack Spade
  • Diesel
  • Psycho Bunny
  • Zanerobe
  • G-Star
  • Lacoste
  • Obey
  • RVCA
  • Belstaff
  • Rag & Bone
  • Canali        
  • Hugo Boss    
  • Pal Zileri       
  • Peter Millar       
  • Nike
  • Ermenegildo Zegna

Nordstrom At Home: 

  • Etsy
  • Smitten Kitten
  • Second Nature by Hand
  • Crosley Record Players
  • Brooklyn Brew kit
  • Kate Spade New York

 
Ottawa’s 157,000 square foot Nordstrom store will feature beautiful, modern sunlit interiors. Its floors will be tiled instead of carpeted, allowing for flexibility to expand or shrink each department in response to local demand. 

Promising Picture for Most Canadian Retailers Heading Into 2015

By
Ed Strapagiel
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By Ed Strapagiel

Although the media headlines declared a large drop in Canadian retail sales in December, much of this has to do with plunging gas prices and Christmas shopping starting earlier. In fact, total December retail sales were still up a healthy 4.6% from a year ago on a not seasonally adjusted basis. The November plus December 2014 combination was up 3.5% from 2013, and Q4 2014 overall was up 4.1% year-over-year. 

For 2014 overall, total Canadian retail sales increased 4.7%, the highest annual growth since 2010, which was a bounce back year from the Great Recession. The 4.7% growth in 2014 was also a significant improvement over the 3.2% gain recorded in 2013. Total Canadian retail sales in 2014 were $505.6 billion (although this excludes unreported non-store retailers). 

The underlying 12 month trend for total Canadian retail sales (green line in the above chart) has been improving for almost two years. But the 3 month trend (orange line) has now ticked downward, indicating a plateau ahead, and this is mostly due to steep sales declines at gasoline stations. 

Fortunes vary by retail sector. Food & Drug had a recovery in December after a weak November. Store Merchandise is continuing its hot streak and had the highest sector growth in Q4 2014. While Automotive & Related weakened with lower gasoline prices, Canadian consumers must still have money in their pockets because they continue to buy new vehicles at a torrid pace. 

Food & Drug Stores

December 2014 was one of those months in which all Food & Drug sector store types had positive sales gains. In some cases, especially supermarkets and other grocery stores, this was rebound from a weak November. Even convenience stores were up 8.5%, their highest single month annual gain in seven years. As for Christmas spirits, beer, wine and liquor store sales were up 7.9% in December year-over-year, compared to a decline of 3.3% in 2013. 

Overall, the Food & Drug sector was up 2.9% for the year 2014. While this appears relatively modest, it was still the highest annual gain for Food & Drug in four years. 

Store Merchandise

he Store Merchandise sector ended 2014 on a positive note with retail sales up 4.3% for the year overall. This was the best year for Store Merchandise since 2007. For Q4 2014 alone, sales were up 5.2%. 

The trend lines indicate that the good news in the Store Merchandise sector is likely to continue into 2015, as the 3 month trend (orange line in the chart) remains ahead of the underlying 12 month trend (green line). Liquidation sales at Target Canada should also keep the numbers up, although other retailers may suffer somewhat. 

The Automotive & Related sector is a Jekyll and Hyde story. Automobile dealers’ sales were up a stunning 16.4% in December 2014 versus the same month a year ago. On the other hand, gasoline station retail sales declined an almost equally stunning and offsetting 12.4%. 

At up 6.5% in 2014, Automotive & Related still had the highest annual sales growth rate for the year overall versus the other major retail sectors. But this appears to be changing with Store Merchandise now emerging as the new leader. 

By The Numbers

For definitions of store types, see Statistics Canada.  

Womenswear Brand Judith & Charles to Open 4 Locations, Revamps Website

By
Craig Patterson
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Montreal-based women’s fashion brand Judith & Charles will open two Canadian locations and two international stores this year, adding to its current 12 boutiques. As well, the brand recently re-launched its website, featuring expanded e-commerce and enhanced usability. 

Founded in 1975 in Paris, the brand was originally named Teenflo. In 1990, Judith Richardson and Charles Le Pierrès bought the brand, moving its headquarters to Montreal. In 2008, Teenflo was renamed ‘Judith & Charles’. Priced as a ‘contemporary‘ brand, it is best known for its Italian yarns, exceptional fit and minimalistic styling, and locally-based craftsmanship.

This fall, Judith & Charles stores will open two Toronto locations:  one at Hazelton Lanes, soon to be rebranded as Yorkville Village, and a second at Sherway Gardens. This spring, Judith and Charles will open its third New York City store at Brookfield Place and in the spring, as well, it will open a boutique in Doha, Qatar. 

Judith & Charles currently has 12 free-standing brick-and-mortar locations in Canada and the United States. In Canada, the brand has two locations in Montreal, two in Calgary, two in Toronto, three in Vancouver, one in Ottawa, and two in New York City. 

Judith & Charles is represented in Canada by Jeffrey Berkowitz and Jeri Brodie of Aurora Realty Consultants. 

The brand’s website recently saw a revamp, featuring integrated browsing. Judith & Charles’ entire seasonable lookbook is integrated with its digital catalogue. Its checkout process is streamlined, and shipping and returns are made to be simple. The new website is mobile friendly and also features an ‘inspiration page’ with art, architecture, music and photos from the brand’s ‘creation process’. 

Prada to Open Vancouver Flagship

By
Craig Patterson
-

Sources at Prada confirm that the luxury Italian brand will open an 8,200 square foot flagship in Downtown Vancouver. It will be the second free-standing location in Canada for Prada, following its Toronto Bloor Street flagship which opened in 1997. 

Prada will locate in the corner retail space of The Carlyle, a luxury complex at the southeast corner of Alberni Street and Thurlow Street. Prada will locate next to upscale brands Tory Burch and De Beers, as well as a number of other luxury brands which will be revealed shortly. The immediate area features luxury stores such as Burberry, Escada, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Montblanc and others and this spring, a 12,000 square foot Dior flagship opens at the nearby Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Also joining the area this spring will be Canada’a first location for luxury Swiss watch brand Jaeger-LeCoultre, as well as Chinese jeweller Lao Feng Ziang. 

Sources at Prada inform us that the Vancouver store will feature men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, as well as footwear and accessories. The store will open towards the end of this year. Prada declined to provide official comment for this article, except to say that more information will be revealed closer to the Vancouver store’s opening date. A source at the New York City headquarters, speaking off the record, explained why Prada chose Vancouver. Prada’s Vancouver concessions, located within Holt Renfrew, continue to see robust sales. The city boasts a population of loyal Prada shoppers, as well as a growing number of affluent tourists. The Alberni Street retail space itself, being on a corner with high exposure, presented a desirable opportunity for Prada, at a rent substantially less than what is being paid for many of its flagships. 

Canada’s first Prada location opened in 1997 at 131 Bloor Street West in Toronto. The 2,500 square foot location was substantially expanded in March of 2009, bringing the store to an impressive 5,890 square feet. 

Prada also operates several concessions in Canada, all located within Holt Renfrew stores in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. Vancouver’s Holt’s boasts Canada’s only Prada men’s shop-in-store concession, and its new Yorkdale concession spans an impressive 3,000 square feet with its own mall entrance. Prada recently re-opened its Montreal Holt Renfrew concession, showcasing the brand’s bright new store design featuring black-and-white checkered flooring. 

We’ll update you with further details on Vancouver’s Prada flagship as they become available. 

MCM Looks to Open Canadian Stores

By
Craig Patterson
-

German luxury brand MCM is making a comeback and it’s looking to open free-standing Canadian locations, according to sources. MCM reportedly does robust wholesale business at Holt Renfrew, prompting a Canadian store expansion. 

Founded in Munich in 1976, MCM is known for its logo branded leathergoods, similar to Louis Vuitton‘s monogram canvas. MCM (which stands for Mode Creation Munich) was especially popular in the 1980’s for its flashy, logo-printed accessories. Its business eventually faltered as consumer preferences shifted towards less overt luxury branding, not to mention the brand flooded the market and became subject to counterfeiters. At the height of its popularity in 1993, it boasted 250 stores worldwide with sales in excess of $250 million. 

MCM accessories are available in Canada at Holt Renfrew locations in Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto Bloor Street, and Toronto Yorkdale Shopping Centre.  

Patrick Valeo III, MCM’s president, told Women’s Wear Daily: “America is crucial this year. We’re planning aggressive growth for the future. We’re going to roll out more U.S. stores in the spring. We do great business in Canada at Holt Renfrew and we’ll open our own stores there.”

MCM recently opened its first U.S. flagship, spanning 4,000 square feet in New York City’s SoHo area. On February 10, the company’s first e-commerce site launched, as a precursor to its global rollout. Mr. Valeo says that MCM is close to signing leases at three Las Vegas properties (Wynn, Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace, CityCenter) and is seeking sites in Los Angeles/Beverly Hills, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Honolulu, and southern Florida (Miami and Bal Harbour Shops). MCM has operated a small shop at New York City’s Fairmont Plaza Hotel for about six years.

MCM does over $500 million in global sales annually, mostly in Asia. MCM is the second-highest selling brand in Korean airports, for example, and it hopes to overtake Cartier to become number one. 

MCM had two free-standing Canadian boutiques in the early-to-mid 1990’s, both in the resort town of Banff, Alberta. One was located at the Banff Springs Hotel and the other was downtown at Cascade Plaza, alongside Polo Ralph Lauren and Louis Vuitton. All have since shuttered. 

Toronto Start-Ups Help Bridge Online and In-Store Transactions

By
Craig Patterson
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Sponsored: Within five years, an estimated 10% of all Canadian retail sales will be done online. Although Canadians were initially slow to adjust to the online retail realm, e-commerce now is playing an increasingly significant role for major retailers. Canadian retail disruptor changeRoom, along with tech innovator Nymi and MasterCard, might be the keys to further connecting online shoppers with physical retail.

At the Dx3 Conference on March 11 and 12, changeRoom technology will be on display at the Retail Collective. The Collective, curated by Doug Stephens, President of Retail Prophet and sponsored by MasterCard, brings together the newest retail applications that will allow consumers to cross the lines between virtual and physical shopping. MasterCard’s payment technology connects customers to the retail experience in new ways that make the retail experience seamless for the shopper.

Dx3 is Canada’s largest conference and trade show dedicated to digital marketing, digital advertising and digital retail. It brings agencies, brands, publishers and retailers together for two days of networking and education. Now in its fourth year, Dx3 will deliver the companies, people and ideas that clearly communicate how Canadian digital business needs to move forward. The Dx3 Sessions will deliver the best companies and brands in the world – including  MEC, Airbnb, Etsy, Buzzfeed, Reddit, Indigo – all focused on how digital is redefining the customer journey from beginning to end.

Today’s retail experts point to webrooming, an emerging retail trend combining online and in-store shopping, as an example of how the physical and online retail worlds collide. Webrooming allows customers to browse online, but visit a physical retail location to complete the transaction. Studies suggest that in 2015, between 54-71% of all physical retail sales will be driven through the act of webrooming.

“In many cases, online commerce is driving physical store foot traffic, but even more interesting are innovations that introduce bridges to help them complement each other,” said Cory Rosenfield, changeRoom Co-founder. “With changeRoom, we help retailers convert customers while saving Canadians time and frustration by solving the webrooming trend that is changing the Canadian consumer landscape.”

changeRoom is taking the process further by enabling customers to pre-select merchandise online from their favourite retailers for an appointment at the brick-and-mortar store. changeRoom customers then visit the physical location to try on, exchange and purchase, thus eliminating lines, saving time and enjoying a more satisfying retail experience.

Payment is made utilizing the Nymi band technology and MasterCard’s secure payment network. The Nymi band uses the electric activity of the wearer’s heart to authenticate their identity and confirm credit card information. MasterCard’s MasterPass digital payment solution will be used in tandem with the Nymi band to provide a secure and seamless checkout experience.

“ChangeRoom participated in the MasterCard NEXT hackathon in 2014 and impressed us with their vision for a smartly connected retail shopping experience — and our MasterPass digital payment solution is a natural fit with their application,” said Jason Davies, Vice President, Emerging Payments, MasterCard. “Bringing the experience to life at the Retail Collective inside Dx3 will show people what the future of shopping looks like.”

About Dx3 Canada:

Dx3 is Canada’s largest conference and trade show focused on digital marketing, digital advertising and digital retailing. It brings agencies, brands, publishers and retailers together for two days of networking and education.

Dx3 2015 is March 11-12, 2015 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre featuring more than 40 educational sessions, 100 exhibitors and 4,100 attendees from Canada’s leading brands and agencies.

Aritzia to Open Largest Location in Montreal

By
Craig Patterson
-

Trendy Vancouver-based multi-brand women’s fashion retailer Aritzia will open its largest Canadian store in Montreal this spring. Aritzia will also open several Canadian locations this year, including a flagship in Halifax. 

Aritzia will occupy 9,800 square feet in the former Mexx location at 1125 St. Catherine Street West in Montreal. The store will join the world’s second-largest Victoria’s Secret location up the street, replacing a recently shuttered Chapters bookstore. Aritizia will also keep operating its location at nearby Montreal Eaton Centre. 

Montreal’s Artizia will be almost 2,000 square feet larger than its current largest store at West Edmonton Mall, spanning almost 7,900 square feet after a recent expansion.

Aritzia will open several other Canadian locations this year, including a flagship at Halifax Shopping Centre as well as stores in Oshawa (Oshawa Centre), and Promenades Saint-Bruno in suburban Montreal. 

Aritzia currently operates 49 Canadian locations, as well as 15 in the United States. 

Although it will be the largest in Canada (for now), Montreal’s Aritzia flagship won’t be the largest in the chain. That honour goes to two Manhattan locations, with one set to substantially expand further. Currently, Aritzia’s Fifth Avenue flagship (just south of Saks Fifth Avenue‘s iconic flagship) is the chain’s largest, spanning an impressive 13,500 square feet. Its 10,680 square foot SoHo unit will expand to 18,320 square feet this year, however, making it the largest in the company. 

Founded in 1984, Aritzia’s target market is women aged 14 to 30. Much of the clothing sold in its stores are its own exclusive brands, including TNA, Talula, Babaton, Wilfred, Wilfred Free, Community, Le Fou, La Notte, Sunday Best, Paradise Mine, The Castings, Six Eleven, and Auxiliary. Stores also carry clothing from brands such as Citizens of Humanity, Mackage, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Nike, Levi’s, Ebbetts Field, A Gold E, Havaianas, and J Brand Jeans.

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