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Amazon Accelerate Independent Seller Conference – Key Takeaways

By
Bruce Winder
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I attended the Amazon Accelerate seller conference this week in Seattle. The conference is designed to engage Amazon independent sellers in person, showcase new capabilities and gather feedback from the community. As a retail analyst, I found this event fascinating. Therefore, I thought I would summarize some of my key takeaways from the show for readers who may be interested.

The conference is massive, and I can see why. Amazon sellers have sold $2.5 trillion worth of merchandise over the last 25 years and about 55,000 sellers have reached the $1 million annual sales threshold in Amazon’s store in 2024. In the US alone, the seller community employed about 2 million people in 2024. Over 60% of sales in Amazon’s store are from independent sellers.

Bruce Winder

Overall, the key takeaway for myself is that small & medium sized sellers now have the tools to compete with big companies without the massive overhead investment required. Why? Two letters: AI.

Agentic AI

Amazon uses agentic AI in many of its seller tools. For those of you who are not familiar with agentic AI, it can think & plan, work independently, reach out to other environments, and adapt and learn. Unlike generative AI, agentic AI focusses on a goal, its proactive, is context aware and works autonomously. Agentic AI will then ask for final confirmation from the user, before actioning a recommended task.

Using agentic AI, Amazon allows sellers to delegate mundane but important tasks. This saves sellers hours of work so they can focus on more value-added things like product development. Sellers can also use AI to analyze and make recommendations on how to improve a seller’s business. Sort of like hiring a team of big-name consultants without the time and cost.

Amazon Seller Assistant

Using the Amazon Seller Assistant, merchants use agentic AI to list their products in a fraction of the time it would take to do so manually. About 1.3 million merchants are using Amazon’s generative AI listings tools now. Sellers can simply upload a picture and the tool can create detailed listings quickly. Inventory levels are monitored and new orders recommended. If a product is moving slowly, a markdown may be suggested. The other interesting component of the Amazon Seller Assistant is that you can ask further questions and go back and forth, like a manager would with an employee presenting a solution in a meeting. The tool is iterative.

Creative Studio

Amazon sellers can also use AI to get creative. Like having your own creative director at no cost, producing insight-based ads in almost real-time. Just provide the target audience, some inputs or references you like and presto! you have a choice of storyboards to review. It can also generate videos, music and more.

Supply Chain

Another enhancement involves supply chain and Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). Currently about 80 billion products have shipped through FBA since it launched in 2006. With the use of AI, Amazon is now able to reduce shipping time from 1 day to same day in many cases. On average, when a seller makes this change, they see a + 20% increase in sales. FBA offers sellers improved speed, reliability, agility and scalability as they grow.

Amazon has also increased their global warehousing capabilities. The retailer will hold a seller’s inventory near where it is produced around the world. Stock is then shipped to end users, wherever they may be. Often these warehouses are in low-cost countries where supply chain and warehousing costs may be lower. AI is also used to reduce shipping errors and lower the time for sellers to classify a product for customs purposes. It also helps with navigating local country laws to ensure product compliance. By 2026, Amazon will have direct arcs (direct delivery routes from warehouse to end user) for over 95% of seller counties of origin.

One of the services Amazon offers sellers, is Amazon Multi-Channel fulfillment (MCF). With this solution, merchants can have Amazon pick, pack, and ship their orders for channels beyond Amazon.com. About 300,000 sellers currently use MCF worldwide. When a seller uses both MCF and FBA, out-of-stock rates drop 19% and inventory turnover improves by 12% on average. The big change now is that sellers can use Amazon MCF to fulfill orders on Walmart, with new capabilities for Shopify as well as SHEIN, by year-end. This allows sellers to utilize Amazon’s logistics network to reach far more customers efficiently. Amazon has changed from competitor to collaborator with this capability.

Summary

Times have changed. It used to be running a small business meant not having the tools or budget to manage your business with the sophistication of a Fortune 500 company. Entrepreneurs would often spend 16-hour days muddling through spreadsheets or shipping boxes from their garage. No more. While at the conference, I listened to countless sellers who were able to take a farmers market level business to something huge by getting the customer reach that Amazon offers. And now, they can use agentic AI to take their companies to another level with limited expense and significantly reduced effort.

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Mandarina Duck Launching Canadian E-Commerce Platform

By
Craig Patterson
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Mandarina Duck Website

Italian handbag and luggage brand Mandarina Duck is making its official online entry into the Canadian market this year as part of its ongoing global expansion strategy. The brand confirmed that its revamped e-commerce platform will soon support direct orders and shipping to Canada, enabling Canadian consumers to purchase Mandarina Duck’s colourful bags and travel accessories directly from its official online store.

This strategic move comes amid a period of steady international growth for Mandarina Duck, which is owned by South Korea’s E-Land Group. The company is forecasting €33.5 million in revenue for fiscal 2025, with e-commerce expected to represent approximately 5% of total sales. By extending its online reach to Canada, the brand is seeking to capture a growing audience of travel-inspired, style-conscious shoppers who value convenience and direct-to-consumer access.

Mandarina Duck’s new Canadian e-commerce site will mirror the brand’s latest global digital experience, designed to provide a seamless and immersive shopping journey. Orders placed by Canadian customers will be processed through the brand’s central online store, with regional shipping and secure payment processing now part of its international offer.

The company’s strategy emphasizes creating digital environments that are consistent with its physical store concept. This means Canadian customers can expect an experience that reflects Mandarina Duck’s core values of movement, innovation, and discovery. The brand has stated that both its physical stores and online channels are evolving into places of inspiration and engagement, rather than simply points of purchase.

Strategic Growth Focus on Digital Channels

Mandarina Duck’s Canadian e-commerce launch underscores a broader strategic pivot towards digital channels. While no new physical market openings are planned for 2025, online sales outside of Italy already account for roughly 60% of the brand’s total e-tail revenue. The company’s strong performance in both EU and non-EU markets has provided the confidence to move forward with the Canadian rollout, which is expected to further diversify its revenue base.

In 2025, Mandarina Duck anticipates that its monobrand stores will generate about 30% of total revenue, wholesale operations will contribute 60%, and e-tail will account for 5%. Although the e-commerce channel remains a smaller portion of the overall business, its share is growing and is seen as a key area for future international expansion.

Brand Identity and Global Presence

Founded in Bologna in 1977 by Paolo Trento and Pietro Mannato, Mandarina Duck quickly became known for its colourful and innovative leather goods at a time when much of the luggage and accessories market favoured conservative, monochrome designs. Its name and logo are inspired by the mandarin duck, a bird symbolizing travel, curiosity, and companionship.

Today, Mandarina Duck operates around 10 monobrand stores in Italy, maintains two corners within Spain’s El Corte Inglés department stores, and is present at key outlet destinations including La Roca Village and Fidenza Village. Globally, the brand is carried by about 600 wholesale retailers and is visible in international airports and duty-free locations. Its stores in cities such as Barcelona, Berlin, Milan, Seoul, Shanghai, and Paris showcase a standardized design concept first introduced at Bergamo Airport, which has since been rolled out to locations in Venice, Florence, and Verona.

Fall/Winter 2025–26 Collection and Campaign

Coinciding with its e-commerce expansion, Mandarina Duck has launched its Fall/Winter 2025–26 campaign, which celebrates Rotterdam’s distinctive architecture. The campaign pays tribute to Piet Blom’s famous Cube Houses and the Erasmusbrug bridge, highlighting themes of discovery and smart travel. The MVRDV-designed Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum also features as a symbol of innovation and artistic curation.

The collection introduces several key pieces, including the Hunter Velvet line, which adds a sophisticated touch to the brand’s urban-oriented Hunter range, and the Y-Lite series, designed with ultra-light materials ideal for city breaks. Additional highlights include the Smartduck collection, which offers pared-down functional shapes for modern travel, and the Skyduck line, built to be durable yet lightweight. The popular Eco Coated series has also been updated, using 100% recycled polyester fabrics as part of the brand’s commitment to sustainability.

Sustainability and Innovation

Mandarina Duck has made sustainability a cornerstone of its product strategy in recent years. The brand’s ECO COATED collection reflects its focus on responsible manufacturing by using recycled PET polyester and other environmentally conscious materials. This approach aligns with the growing consumer demand for products that combine style with sustainability, a trend that has been particularly strong among younger shoppers in Canada.

The company’s decision to invest in an enhanced e-commerce presence in Canada also reflects a recognition of changing shopping behaviours, with Canadian consumers increasingly favouring online channels for fashion and lifestyle purchases. The move positions Mandarina Duck to engage directly with this audience, offering exclusive collections, storytelling campaigns, and a consistent brand experience across digital and physical touchpoints.

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IDC Dermo Expands Nationwide with Shoppers Drug Mart

By
Lee Rivett
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Shoppers Drug Mart on Lower Level at SouthCentre Mall in Calgary
Shoppers Drug Mart on Lower Level at SouthCentre Mall in Calgary. Photo: Jessica Finch.

IDC Dermo, the Québec-based skincare company known for its science-driven approach to anti-aging, has announced a major national expansion through Shoppers Drug Mart. The move brings the brand’s award-winning, Canadian-made products to hundreds of stores across the country, making its research-led solutions accessible to a far larger audience.

The rollout marks a defining moment for the brand, which has sold over one million units since its founding. “Expanding across Canada with Shoppers Drug Mart marks the next chapter in our mission to make high-performance, science-backed skincare more accessible, without compromising on quality, integrity, or performance,” said Derek Pickford, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at IDC Dermo.

Photo: IDC Dermo

IDC Dermo was founded by brothers Luc and Éric Dupont, who drew on more than two decades of pharmaceutical research and a track record of supplying active ingredients to global beauty brands. Their vision was to create products that targeted the root causes of skin aging, rather than masking symptoms.

Central to the company’s innovation is the patented ReGen16 Skin Formulation Protocol, a comprehensive approach that simultaneously addresses 16 distinct biological mechanisms tied to skin aging, including oxidation, inflammation, glycation, and dehydration. This multi-mechanism protocol positions IDC Dermo as a leader in advanced dermocosmetics.

“Our goal from the beginning was to offer skincare that could achieve visible, measurable results,” Pickford said. “ReGen16 allows us to take a systemic approach to skin health, supporting it as a whole, rather than treating individual concerns in isolation.”

Photo: IDC Dermo

Nationwide Reach Through Shoppers Drug Mart

For IDC Dermo, the partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart represents a strategic move to grow beyond its strong Québec customer base. The national rollout ensures that Canadians coast-to-coast can access its dermatologist-tested products both in-store and online at Shoppersdrugmart.ca.

“At Shoppers Drug Mart, we are proud to support the growth of homegrown Canadian brands,” said Sandy Santucci, Category Director. “Our exclusive partnership with IDC Dermo reflects our confidence in the brand’s innovation and commitment to results. In today’s economic climate, it’s more important than ever to champion Canadian and Québec-based brands that bring value and performance to our customers.”

The launch features a curated selection of IDC Dermo’s best-selling products, including the newly reformulated Express Multi-Action Cream. It is offered in three targeted versions: a fragrance-free option for sensitive skin, a lightweight formula for combination to oily skin, and an SPF 30 version that provides daily protection. Each is designed to suit a variety of skincare needs.

Complementing the cream is the Express Multi-Action Cream-to-Foam Cleanser, which delivers seven benefits in a single step. Together, these products provide consumers with a streamlined regimen focused on measurable results.

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Landmark Cinemas marks 60 Years with innovation and expansion in Canada

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Landmark Cinemas. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi
Landmark Cinemas. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi

Landmark Cinemas is celebrating its 60th anniversary with bold growth plans, next-level movie experiences, and a renewed push into underserved markets across Canada.

The Canadian theatre chain, founded by Brian McIntosh, began in small towns before expanding into larger multiplexes over the years. The company experienced a major shift in 2013 when it acquired some Empire Theatres. 

David Cohen
David Cohen

“That really gave us like our big theatre like Country Hills, Shaughnessy, all those kinds,” said David Cohen, COO of Landmark Cinemas. “We bought all their theatres from B.C. out to Ontario basically.”

Cineplex took over Empire’s locations in Atlantic Canada, but for Landmark, the deal brought its largest sites under the brand. Today, Landmark operates 36 theatres and 300 screens across the country from Vancouver Island to Ottawa.

“Our biggest presence is probably Alberta in terms of market share,” noted Cohen. “But I’d say most of our visitors come from Ontario. We’ve got two really big (theatres) in Ontario.”

The company’s most recent theatre opened in Windsor in November 2024, continuing a format that has become a Landmark standard. “Our typical site is an eight-screen complex with about 900 seats, but all recliner seats,” Cohen said. “We include all the latest bells and whistles.”

Among those is the Laser Ultra concept, which features 4K laser projection and Dolby Atmos sound. But Landmark has taken things further with the introduction of Premier Seats, a new innovation in comfort.

“It’s a set of recliner seats, but then we added heating to the seat, we added an adjustable headrest, we’ve got side tables on either side and it’s got a privacy enclosure around the whole thing,” explained Cohen. “So you’re not disturbed if someone else was on their phone or they’re talking or whatever. That’s all kind of blocked away from you.”

Landmark Cinemas. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi
Landmark Cinemas. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi

Premier Seats were launched at the Edmonton Tamarack location in 2021 and have since been rolled out at multiple sites including Shaughnessy and Country Hills in Calgary. “We’ve put them in basically across the circuit anywhere we already have recliners,” he added.

As for new theatres, Cohen remained tight-lipped. “Nothing I can talk about,” he said. “But we are eyeing locations. We’re looking for just communities that are underserved from a screen count perspective.”

Industry Recovery and Rebound

The pandemic dealt a blow to the cinema industry, and Landmark was no exception. “We were forced to close for a total of like 18 months cumulatively,” said Cohen. “Ontario was the worst for the restrictions.”

Even after reopening, recovery was slow, largely due to Hollywood delays. “During the pandemic they couldn’t make movies. Sets were all shut down,” he said. “Then all the writers and actors went on strike so they stopped making movies again for six months.”

But with new releases hitting theatres, attendance has rebounded. “Whenever we have films, we’re selling out,” Cohen said. “We’re having a fantastic year. Q1 was still a little bit quiet but starting from Minecraft, which opened the first week of April, it’s been lights out.”

“Minecraft did really well. Sinners did really well. F1 was a phenomenal movie. Superman—just an incredible run of films and our visitors are back better than ever.”

Theatrical Experience Still Resonates

Cohen believes the moviegoing experience continues to offer something unique. “No matter what you say, you buy a 65-inch Sony TV and an ammo setup and everything at home, it just does not replicate an 80-foot screen in an auditorium,” he said.

He emphasized the social aspect, too. “You feel part of this community of like everybody’s watching the film at the same time and they really love it,” said Cohen. “Whereas if it’s you or you and your partner at home on the couch, it’s just not quite the same.”

Affordability plays a role in drawing audiences back as well. “We’re still like the cheapest form of entertainment around,” he said. “We offer lots of different kinds of discounts and family packages to make it affordable for families.”

And of course, there’s the classic draw: “Movie theatre popcorn is better than anywhere,” Cohen said. “And we think we have the best.”

Evolving Technology and Seating

From film reels to laser projection, Landmark’s evolution reflects the broader changes in cinema technology.

“When it first started it was a reel, like a film reel,” said Cohen. “Eventually we went to digital projectors. Now we can send you a hard drive, way higher quality image resolution.”

Today, Landmark is investing in laser projectors, aiming for 100% conversion across its circuit by the end of 2027. 

In terms of seating, the company has been at the forefront of innovation in Canada. “We launched the first recliner theatre. I think it was our London location,” said Cohen. “Overnight, visitors went way, way up like doubled overnight.”

“Now you come in, you’ve got this really nice recliner seat, lots of space. It just makes it a way more enjoyable experience. People spoke with their wallet.”

Landmark Cinemas. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi
Landmark Cinemas. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi

Concession Innovation and What’s Next

Landmark is also transforming the concession experience. “We’ve increased our product array. You can get pizza, hot dogs not just popcorn,” Cohen said.

Self-serve kiosks, introduced in Fall 2024, are now in place at three locations: Windsor, Waterloo, and Shaughnessy. “You come to one of these screens, you do your entire order there. We just call your number when it’s ready,” he said.

And the next evolution? “To-your-seat service,” Cohen revealed. “You’ll be able to order it at that kiosk, and then you just go sit in your seat. We’re just going to bring it right to you.”

Cohen says the early feedback has been excellent. “Guests say it’s just easier for me to select items. I get to go through the menu and take more time to choose.”

With six to eight more locations planned for kiosks in the next year and more innovation on the horizon, Landmark is clearly looking to the future—even as it celebrates a storied past.

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Landmark Cinemas. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi
Landmark Cinemas. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi
Landmark Cinemas. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi
Landmark Cinemas. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi
Landmark Cinemas. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi
Landmark Cinemas. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi
Landmark Cinemas. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi
Landmark Cinemas. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi
Landmark Cinemas. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi
Landmark Cinemas. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi

Canadian Tire Centre partners with Keurig Dr Pepper Canada in beverage deal

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo: CTV News Ottawa
Photo: CTV News Ottawa

Keurig Dr Pepper Canada has announced a new partnership with Capital Sports & Entertainment, owner of the Ottawa Senators and Canadian Tire Centre, that will bring its lineup of soft drink brands to Ottawa’s largest sports and entertainment venue.

Beginning this season, guests attending hockey games, concerts and other live events at the Canadian Tire Centre will be able to purchase beverages from Keurig Dr Pepper Canada’s portfolio, including Dr Pepper, Canada Dry, Nestea and Crush.

Cyril Leeder
Cyril Leeder

“As Ottawa’s largest sports and entertainment venue, Canadian Tire Centre is always looking for ways to elevate the experience for the more than 1.5 million guests we welcome each year,” said Cyril Leeder, president and CEO of the Ottawa Senators. “By introducing a lineup of some of Canada’s most popular and highest-ranking brands, we’re ensuring that every visit… is paired with an exceptional food and beverage experience.”

The agreement also includes a new visual identity for the venue, with Dr Pepper branding featured prominently on in-arena signage, merchandising, and digital displays. This marks the first time Dr Pepper branding will take “centre stage” at a Canadian sports venue.

Chris McMahon
Chris McMahon

Chris McMahon, vice-president of away-from-home and ready-to-drink at Keurig Dr Pepper Canada, said the deal represents several milestones for the company.

“It also marks a number of important firsts for our business: our first Dr Pepper Centre, the introduction of Dr Pepper Zero on fountain in Canada, the first time Dr Pepper and Canada Dry are featured together on a fountain platform, and our first commercial entertainment distribution for… Nestea,” McMahon said.

Canadian Tire Centre will continue to offer existing cola and lemon-lime beverages alongside the new lineup, giving fans an expanded selection.

The launch will be celebrated during the start of the NHL season in October, with fans treated to a special surprise to mark the arrival of the new beverage program.

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Political Optics Are Hurting Canada’s Food Policy

By
Sylvain Charlebois
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Photo: Doug Ford via Twitter

In recent weeks, we have witnessed politicians lean on powerful visuals to make their case on food and trade. But these staged moments rarely serve the public interest. Worse, they often deepen food illiteracy in a country where understanding how our system works is already fragile.

Take Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s stunt. Upset with Diageo’s decision to close its bottling plant in Ontario, he theatrically dumped a bottle of Crown Royal and urged Ontarians to boycott the brand. What he didn’t mention is that the bottle in question was made in Manitoba and bottled in Quebec by unionized Canadian workers — jobs unaffected by the Ontario closure. The Windsor facility mainly serviced the U.S. market, and Diageo’s decision was years in the making. Ironically, the boycott risks punishing Canadian workers who will continue producing Crown Royal for Canadians. And for future investors, the message is chilling: why put capital into Ontario if a government will trash your brand on television for a corporate restructuring decision?

The federal stage brought us another head-scratcher. During a trade visit to Mexico, Prime Minister Mark Carney posed with bags of Canadian wheat stamped with a maple leaf. The problem? Canada doesn’t export wheat in bags. We are among the most efficient bulk grain exporters in the world, shipping millions of tonnes through rail networks and ocean vessels designed for efficiency, safety, and traceability. Bagged wheat is a relic of less mechanized economies. For Canada to present itself this way trivializes our status as a modern agri-food powerhouse. Beyond being misleading, the image suggests to global partners that our system is less advanced than it truly is — a dangerous misrepresentation for a nation that depends on reputation as much as price.

This matters because perception influences policy. Just this week, polls show Canadians support cutting tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to protect canola growers facing retaliatory barriers in China. Yet many of the same respondents prefer defending supply management in dairy — a policy widely seen as one of Canada’s most anti-competitive and least efficient. Both tariffs and supply management undermine farming, yet Canadians cling to both. The contradiction highlights just how confused the public has become about agricultural policy.

Politicians are partly to blame. By reducing complex issues to simplistic theatrics, they are not educating but obscuring. Media outlets, for their part, too often amplify these stunts rather than scrutinize them. Canada’s agri-food sector thrives on scale, efficiency, and credibility. Cheap political optics — whether a dumped bottle or a staged wheat bag — do nothing to support that reality.

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Alia Bhatt named global brand ambassador for Levi’s

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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ALIA BHATT JOINS LEVI’S® AS GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADOR, USHERING IN A NEW ERA OF FIT AND FASHION

Levi’s has announced Bollywood actor and fashion icon Alia Bhatt as its new global brand ambassador, marking a collaboration aimed at shaping the future of denim worldwide.

The partnership brings together the legacy denim brand and Bhatt, whose influence spans both film and fashion, to drive a new chapter for the retailer, particularly in women’s fashion, where relaxed fits and looser silhouettes are gaining momentum.

Ali Bhatt
Ali Bhatt

“Levi’s, long known for defining what denim means, is at the forefront of this evolution,” the company said in a statement. “With Alia leading the way, that shift is about to go mainstream.”

Bhatt joins the company as the brand embraces a shift toward more style-driven and trend-forward offerings. The company says it is moving beyond its classic fits to reflect how a new generation wants to dress, citing Bhatt as the ideal figure to represent this transformation.

“Whether it’s loose fits, wide leg, or reinvented classics, Levi’s women’s portfolio is evolving, and Alia is the perfect catalyst for this next chapter,” the company said.

Despite these changes, Levi’s emphasized it will continue to deliver what it’s known for: timeless denim “made for now.”

Levi’s products are sold in more than 110 countries, and its parent company, Levi Strauss & Co., reported 2023 net revenues of $6.2 billion.

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Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For September 22, 2025

By
Retail Insider
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Canadian Retail News From Around The Web

News at a Glance

Retail Insider is streamlining its Canadian retail news from around the web to include a handful of top news stories that can be viewed quickly during the day. Here are the top stories from the the weekend.

Hudson’s Bay seeks approval to auction off 1670 charter, court filings show (The Canadian Press/BNN)

Some independent grocers may not take empties as of January 1, citing concerns over ‘dirty’ beer bottles (Toronto Star)

Here’s how much you might get from the Loblaw bread price-fixing settlement (Globe & Mail)

Retail returns to Saanich’s University Heights with 196K square-foot rebuild (Vancouver Island Free Daily)

How can the owner of three B.C. malls and a mansion not be ‘a resident of Canada for tax purposes’? (Vancouver Sun)

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Finally Opening Its First Vancouver Location (Noms Magazine)

How prices have changed throughout Alberta (CBC)

Rising to new heights: Little Brooklyn adds to development boom in Dartmouth but has its detractors (PNI Atlantic News)

8 B.C. skincare brands redefining clean and natural beauty (BC Business)

New Kelowna Canadian Tire on track to open in early October (Kelowna Now)

Charles Repair celebrates 50 years of family owned business (Sask Now)

Calgary unveils Radio Park with sports demos, mascots and food trucks (Calgary Herald)

Lethbridge police track alleged Edmonton jewelry thieves to Saskatchewan (CTV)

UNIQLO reopens renovated flagship store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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photographer Alex UA
photographer Alex UA

Japanese apparel retailer UNIQLO has reopened its flagship Canadian store at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre following extensive renovations.

The store, which first opened in 2016 as UNIQLO’s inaugural Canadian location, has undergone a comprehensive refresh aimed at enhancing the customer experience and showcasing its LifeWear clothing line.

According to UNIQLO, the updates include upgraded change rooms, new floors and ceilings, updated mannequins, lightboxes, and digital screens. The renovations are part of the brand’s ongoing efforts to elevate its in-store environment while aligning with the LifeWear philosophy — clothing designed with simplicity, quality and longevity in mind.

To mark the reopening, the retailer planned a weekend of community-focused events, special in-store offers, and giveaways. The celebration began on Friday, Sept. 19, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and opening speeches. The first 300 customers in line received complimentary madeleines from Japanese bakery Uncle Tetsu and coffee from local roaster De Mello. The first 100 shoppers were also given a $10 UNIQLO gift card.

photographer Alex UA
photographer Alex UA

Throughout the weekend, customers will be invited to participate in a “Maple Tree” prize draw. Each purchase grants an opportunity to pull a ribbon revealing a guaranteed prize, which may include gift cards, branded water bottles, snacks, and beverages.

“Through the lens of innovation, LifeWear is designed to make everyone’s life better,” the company said in a release.

The store continues to offer its full range of LifeWear apparel for men, women, children, and babies, along with seasonal collaborations and its UT line of graphic T-shirts. The location also integrates UNIQLO’s online store for a combined in-store and digital shopping experience.

UNIQLO currently operates 33 stores across Canada and more than 2,500 worldwide. The brand is part of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., a Japanese retail group with global sales of approximately ¥3.1 trillion for the 2024 fiscal year.

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photographer Alex UA
photographer Alex UA
photographer Alex UA
photographer Alex UA

Southland Mall Marks 50 Years with New Tenants in Regina

By
Craig Patterson
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Southland Mall in Regina. Photo: Salthill Capital

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.”

Petr Kafka, Principal of Leasing at Salthill Capital

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.

Aerial view of Southland Mall in Regina. Photo: Salthill Capital

“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

Shawn Pharasi, Vice President of Asset Management at Salthill Capital

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.”

Southland Mall in Regina. Photo: Salthill Capital

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.”

Southland Mall in Regina. Photo: Salthill Capital

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.”

Southland Mall in Regina. Photo: Salthill Capital

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.”

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