Southland Mall in Regina is marking its 50th anniversary with an evolving mix of tenants, strategic upgrades, and a renewed focus on community engagement. The centre, owned and managed by Toronto-based Salthill Capital, has emerged as one of the strongest retail destinations in the city, outpacing many of its competitors with a strategy that blends national anchors, local entrepreneurs, and family-friendly amenities.
Opened on March 19, 1975, the fully enclosed shopping centre has grown into a hub for residents in Regina’s south end, drawing visitors with over 75 retailers, restaurants, and services. Anchored by Canadian Tire, Safeway, Indigo, SportChek, and Cineplex Odeon, the shopping centre continues to attract a wide demographic, supported by convenient access to highways and proximity to the University of Regina.
“Having the right anchors and retail mix has been essential,” said Petr Kafka, Principal, Leasing at Salthill Capital. “We don’t pretend to have cracked the code, but we see a pattern and have merchandised strategically. Canadian Tire, Safeway, Indigo, Dollar Tree, and Cineplex all contribute to a diverse mix, and they help drive steady traffic throughout the day and into the evening.”
Building on Anchor Strengths
In Regina, shopping centres live and die by their anchor tenants. Southland Mall has managed to retain stability despite the exit of Walmart years ago, shifting its mix toward mid-size anchors and specialized retailers. Cineplex Odeon brings evening foot traffic that helps sustain food and beverage tenants, while banks and national restaurants on the centre’s pads add further strength.
Salthill Capital, which owns and manages the property, has also invested in the success of its tenants. “We’ve worked on creating the right environment,” Kafka explained. “Part of that is making sure the shopping centre feels safe, well maintained, and accessible.”
Suburban Regina malls such as Northgate and Victoria Square have struggled with high vacancy rates, while Cornwall Centre downtown faces challenges tied to safety perceptions. By comparison, Southland has leveraged its location and a strong tenant mix to remain competitive.
“The goal has always been to offer a wide variety of options for the community, encouraging our visitors to spend more time at the shopping centre.” said Shawn Pharasi, Vice President of Asset Management at Salthill Capital.
A Platform for Local Entrepreneurs
One of the defining features of Southland Mall’s recent strategy has been its commitment to local businesses. Salthill created “The Spot,” a dedicated platform for entrepreneurs and community organizations to showcase products and services through pop-ups and activations, and host local-focused events.
“Our strategy has really paid off,” Pharasi said. “We’ve worked hard to identify the main players in Regina across different categories, and we’ve successfully relocated several popular local businesses into Southland.”
These include Nico Lady + Baby, a higher-end children’s clothing and equipment store with a loyal social media following, as well as Dots Fashion, which has a strong digital presence and devoted customer base. Specialty retailers like Cutting Edge that relocated from Victoria Square have also seen strong performance in their new Southland location.
“Having tenants who are plugged into Facebook groups, Instagram, and the active online community creates a ripple effect,” Kafka explained. “It builds on their loyal following, drives events, and creates a sense of belonging. That grassroots energy often attracts attention from national brands.”
Family-Friendly Amenities
Recognizing the realities of Regina’s climate, Southland Mall has invested in family-oriented amenities. A new play area, combined with a branch of the Regina Public Library inside the centre, provides valuable year-round spaces for families.
“In Regina, temperatures swing from plus 40 to minus 40,” Kafka said. “We wanted to provide a safe enclosed space where families could come together all year round. The library, the play area, and The Spot all serve that purpose. They create an environment where parents and children feel welcome and safe, which in turn drives more visits and dwell time.”
Salthill views these investments as part of a long-term strategy to make Southland more than just a retail centre. “If we can create reasons for families to come and spend time here, then our tenants benefit from higher sales and more consistent traffic,” Pharasi added.
New Tenants and Redevelopment
The property has also benefited from reinvestment by national tenants. Chop Steakhouse & Bar has undertaken a relaunch, with a grand opening set for this fall, while Montana’s has completed a renovation. A new Shoppers Drug Mart is currently under construction, signalling confidence from one of Canada’s largest pharmacy chains.
“Whenever you see national brands doubling down, it’s a sign of strength,” Kafka noted. “At the same time, we continue to curate our tenant mix by handpicking operators who are innovative and community-minded.”
Pharasi highlighted the strong performance of the shopping centre’s restaurant pads and suggested more announcements are forthcoming. “We’re in discussions with another national brand for a pad site. While I can’t share details yet, we’re optimistic about continuing to diversify our offering.”
Competing with Downtown
For decades, downtown Regina’s Cornwall Centre has been regarded as the city’s dominant shopping destination, drawing higher-end fashion and national brands that favoured its central location. Retailers such as Sephora and Lululemon have gravitated to the downtown mall, cementing its position as the go-to for elevated categories. Cornwall also historically benefitted from housing Regina’s Hudson’s Bay department store, a once traditional retail anchor for downtowns across the country. That space is now expected to be occupied by an unconfirmed new tenant.
However, shifting habits and concerns about downtown safety are altering the competitive landscape. “If it’s going to be higher-end fashion, those brands still gravitate toward Cornwall,” Pharasi acknowledged. “But in recent years, the safety, accessibility and parking in downtown has become an issue.”
Looking Ahead
Southland Mall’s leadership sees continued opportunity in blending retail, entertainment, and services. Fitness is one category under active consideration, and Salthill’s strategy will continue to prioritize community activation and tenant diversity.
“We’re seeing shoppers who are purposeful,” Kafka said. “They come in knowing what they want, often after researching online, and they make purchases quickly. That’s why it’s so important for us to curate the right mix of retailers, provide engaging events, and ensure a safe and welcoming environment.”
As Southland Mall celebrates 50 years in Regina, its formula of strong anchors, community partnerships, and consistent reinvestment positions it well for the future. While other centres in the city face vacancy and reinvention challenges, Southland Mall has remained steady by adapting to local needs and fostering a tenant mix that reflects both national strength and grassroots energy.
“Our focus is simple,” Pharasi concluded. “Provide options, support our tenants, and keep improving the experience. That’s how Southland Mall will continue to thrive.”
