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Primaris REIT Acquires Southgate and Oshawa Centres for $585M

By
Maya Johnson
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Southgate Centre in Edmonton. Image: Mapquest

Toronto-based Primaris Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) announced a $585 million transaction involving two prominent shopping centres. The deal is positioned as one of the largest retail real estate transactions of the year and marks a strategic expansion for Primaris REIT. The acquisitions include a 50% interest in Edmonton’s Southgate Centre and full ownership of Ontario’s Oshawa Centre.

The transaction, facilitated by advisors CBRE and TD Securities, is expected to close by January 31, 2025. Payment for the acquisitions will be a combination of $335 million in cash, $75 million in series A units of the REIT valued at $21.82 per unit, and $175 million in exchangeable preferred units in a newly created subsidiary partnership.

The assets were previously owned by Ivanhoé Cambridge, the real estate subsidiary of Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ). Both malls are currently managed by JLL.

Southgate Centre: A Key Asset in Edmonton

Located in Edmonton’s Malmo Plains neighbourhood, Southgate Centre spans 846,000 square feet of retail space on 39 acres, with a site coverage of approximately 66%. The mall features a tenant mix that includes Hudson’s Bay, Winners, Safeway, Uniqlo, Apple, Sephora, and Lululemon, among other tenants.

Southgate Centre recently underwent a $93 million redevelopment of 260,000 square feet, repurposing the former Sears space. This project, completed in 2022, introduced a modernized retail offering and enhanced the mall’s overall appeal. According to Primaris, Southgate has a long-term occupancy rate of 87.5%, a weighted average lease term (WALT) of 5.9 years, and generated $300 million in total retail sales for the 12 months ending August 31, 2024.

Edmonton’s growing population, forecasted to increase by 28.2% over the next decade, further strengthens Southgate Centre’s market potential. The city’s diverse economy, anchored by energy, government, and education sectors, positions the mall as a key retail hub for the region.

Oshawa Centre: Eastern Ontario’s Retail Landmark

Situated 40 minutes east of downtown Toronto, Oshawa Centre is one of Ontario’s largest malls. The property encompasses 1,215,200 square feet of retail space on 79 acres, with a lower site coverage of 47%, offering ample opportunities for future development.

The tenant roster at Oshawa Centre includes Hudson’s Bay, Marshalls, H&M, Uniqlo, Zara, Aritzia, and Sephora, as well as the Regional Municipality of Durham as an office tenant. A major $230 million redevelopment in 2016 added 375,000 square feet, expanding the food court and introducing more retail space.

Despite its size and tenant mix, Oshawa Centre’s long-term occupancy rate currently stands at 73.8%, with a WALT of 3.8 years. The mall reported $242 million in sales for the 12 months ending August 31, 2024. The Oshawa area is experiencing strong demographic growth, with a projected 22% population increase over the next decade, making it an attractive investment for Primaris.

Oshawa Centre, photo: Norman Katz

Primaris REIT: Building a Dominant Portfolio

Primaris REIT, known as Canada’s only enclosed shopping centre-focused REIT, has been actively executing a growth strategy centered on acquiring leading malls in mid-sized Canadian markets. Since its spin-off from H&R REIT in 2021, Primaris has acquired over $2.4 billion in assets, including prominent properties from several of Canada’s largest pension funds.

With these latest acquisitions, Primaris’ portfolio now totals 15 million square feet, valued at approximately $4.6 billion. The REIT’s same-store sales productivity is set to increase from $684 per square foot as of September 30, 2024, to $736 per square foot on a pro forma basis. The addition of Southgate Centre and Oshawa Centre further solidifies Primaris’ position in the market and provides opportunities for income growth through leasing vacant space, converting tenants to net lease agreements, and optimizing former department store areas.

“This transaction highlights the strategic advantages of our vertically integrated management platform and robust balance sheet,” said Rags Davloor, Chief Financial Officer at Primaris. Patrick Sullivan, President and COO, added, “Southgate and Oshawa Centre align perfectly with our growth strategy, offering strong sales volumes and significant potential for value creation.”

Divestitures and Future Outlook

In addition to the acquisitions, Primaris announced the sale of Sherwood Park Mall in Alberta for $107 million and Edinburgh Market Place in Guelph, Ontario, for $31.5 million. These dispositions, part of a broader capital recycling strategy, allow the REIT to focus on high-performing assets in growing markets.

Primaris’ proactive approach to managing tenant risk was also addressed in light of Comark Group filing for creditor protection under Canada’s Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act. Comark operates 36 stores in Primaris’ portfolio under the banners Bootlegger, Cleo, and Ricki’s. With most leases structured on a short-term basis, Primaris has been preparing to replace these tenants with stronger retail brands.

Positioning for Long-Term Growth

The acquisition of Southgate Centre and Oshawa Centre marks a pivotal step in Primaris’ strategy to dominate Canada’s enclosed shopping centre sector. By leveraging its scalable management platform and focusing on high-quality assets, the REIT is well-positioned to capitalize on evolving market opportunities.

“These acquisitions enhance our value proposition with retailers while providing significant growth opportunities for our unitholders,” said Alex Avery, Chief Executive Officer of Primaris. “We remain committed to maintaining industry-leading financial metrics and delivering consistent returns.”

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Chick-fil-A’s growth in Canada continues with new expansion plans for British Columbia

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo courtesy of Chick-fil-A
Photo courtesy of Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A plans to expand its Canadian footprint to British Columbia with five to seven new restaurants expected to open in the province by 2030. 

The brand in a news release said its growth in British Columbia follows its successful expansion into the province of Alberta in 2024, where three new restaurants opened in Calgary and Edmonton last year.  

Jessica Sisk Roehle
Jessica Sisk Roehle



“We are excited about the opportunity to bring an authentic Chick-fil-A experience to guests in British Columbia, where local Chick-fil-A Owner-Operators will create hundreds of new jobs, and invest in their teams and local communities,” said Jessica Sisk Roehle, director of restaurant development in Canada for Chick-fil-A.

“The incredible reception Chick-fil-A received when we expanded into Alberta this past year really energized us as we planned our next steps in Canada. British Columbia has a number of vibrant, thriving communities across the province that makes it such a great place for us to grow.” 

The company said it plans to open its first restaurant in British Columbia by late 2027 or early 2028. 

Additionally, it said it plans to open a record eight restaurants across Ontario and Alberta in 2025, marking the most openings in Canada in any year since the first restaurant opened in 2019. It has opened 22 restaurants in Canada over the past five years. 

“As part of the expansion in British Columbia, the entrepreneurs who will be local Chick-fil-A Owner-Operators are expected to hire approximately 80-120 employees at each new location, joining thousands of Chick-fil-A restaurant Team Members who work at Chick-fil-A restaurants in Ontario and Alberta,” it said.

Since Owner-Operators began welcoming guests in Canada in 2019, the communities served by their restaurants have benefitted in a variety of ways, the company outlined: 

  • Every time a restaurant opens, US$25,000 is donated by the company to Second Harvest, one of Canada’s largest food rescue organizations, to support local non-profit organizations in the area to help reduce hunger and food waste. So far, the company has donated over US$500,000 to local Canadian organizations in celebration of Restaurant openings. That tradition will continue in British Columbia.  
  • Since the beginning of 2020, the brand has donated more than US$1.65 million to support Second Harvest’s food rescue programs that have helped provide 4.95 million meals worth of surplus food for people in need and supported the national expansion of Second Harvest’s food rescue initiatives to communities across Canada. 
  • Participating Chick-fil-A restaurants donate surplus food to local shelters, soup kitchens and charities through the Chick-fil-A Shared TableTM program, which has resulted in ingredients for over 133,000 meals being donated by Chick-fil-A restaurants in Canada, with the number growing each day.  
  • Canadian non-profits like Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada, East York Meals on Wheels, Living Lakes Canada, Signal Hill Life Education Society, Toronto City Mission, Windsor Family Home and Community Partnerships and Yonge Street Mission, have collectively received US$660,000 from the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards, annual grants given to organizations that make an impact by Caring for People, Caring through Food, Caring for Our Communities and Caring for Our Planet – falling within Chick-fil-A corporate social responsibility pillars, which help guide overall giving efforts. 
  • Chick-fil-A has awarded nearly US$189,500 in scholarships since 2020 to 86 Team Members in Canada to support their goals of pursuing post-secondary education.  

Chick-fil-A, Inc. is the third largest quick-service restaurant in the United States, known for its freshly prepared food, signature hospitality and unique franchise model. More than 200,000 Team Members are employed by local Owner-Operators in more than 3,000 restaurants across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. In 2023, the company shared plans to expand into Europe and Asia. The family-owned and privately held company was founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy.

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RONA brings together its collaborators to launch 2025

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo courtesy of RONA
Photo courtesy of RONA

RONA inc., one of Canada’s leading home improvement retailers operating or servicing some 425 corporate and affiliated stores, brought together this week more than 300 people representing nearly 180 vendors, as well as 330 RONA leaders for the Vendor Forum and Store Manager Meeting.

As the entire home improvement industry prepares for its biggest season, spring, these events are a unique opportunity for participants to learn about RONA’s priorities and strategies for the coming year and to engage with members of RONA’s Executive Leadership and Merchandising teams, said the company in a news release.

This year, seven vendors were awarded Vendor of the Year in their respective categories. RONA recognizes their commitment to helping deliver the very best to its customers, whether through the value and quality of their products, collaboration, and their ability to adapt, it said.

“Our vendors played an important role in RONA’s success in 2024. Through the support and collaboration of our key partners, RONA continues to offer better value and improved assortments for our PRO and DIY customers,” said Doug Young, Chief Merchandising Officer, RONA inc. “It’s important for us to recognize the remarkable work of vendors over the past year through our Vendor of the Year awards. Our award winners are valuable partners helping us to continuously improve and meet customers’ needs.”

Here are the winning vendors by category:

  • Lumber and building materials: Doman
  • Projects: Monoserra
  • Home: Stanley Black & Decker
  • Value: S Boudrias Horticulture
  • Assortment: Old Castle
  • Innovation: TNA Doors
  • Pro: Henkel

About 70 vendors will also take part in the RONA Product Experience at the Store Manager Meeting. Leaders of RONA+ and RONA stores eagerly await this important exhibition, where they’ll have the chance to meet vendors, discover new products, try them out, and learn more about their features, said the retailer.

J.P. Towner
J.P. Towner

“Continuous training of our in-store teams is very important to us, since it helps us provide our customers with even better service. Knowing our products and what makes them different is key to providing sound advice to our customers and becoming the benchmark for customer experience in the construction and home improvement industry. I’d like to extend my warmest thanks to the vendors who are exhibiting at this year’s Store Manager Meeting. Their presence is a great added value for our leaders in the field who are thrilled to explore the exciting new product innovations and strengthen the partnerships with our vendor community,” said J.P. Towner, President and Chief Executive Officer at RONA inc.

RONA inc. is one of Canada’s leading home improvement retailers headquartered in Boucherville, Quebec. The RONA inc. network operates or services some 425 corporate and affiliated dealer stores under the RONA+, RONA, and Dick’s Lumber banners. With a long and rich history, RONA inc. has supported Canadians in their home improvement and construction projects since 1939.

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Amazon to Close Quebec Operations, Affecting 1,700 Employees

By
Craig Patterson
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IMAGE: AMAZON PRIME

Amazon has announced plans to cease operations at seven facilities in Quebec over the next two months. The closures include one fulfillment center, two sorting centers, three delivery stations, and one AMXL (extra-large) delivery station co-located with a sorting center. This decision will impact approximately 1,700 regular employees and 250 temporary seasonal workers in the province. 

Transition to Third-Party Delivery Model

The company stated that it will revert to a third-party delivery model supported by local small businesses, a system previously in place until 2020. Amazon spokesperson Barbara Agrait emphasized that this move aims to maintain high-quality service and offer greater savings to customers in the long term. She clarified that the decision was not influenced by the unionization of 200 employees at Amazon’s DXT4 warehouse in Laval, Quebec, which occurred in May 2024. 

Employee Compensation and Support

Affected regular employees will receive severance packages, including up to 14 weeks of pay following the closure of the facilities, along with transitional benefits such as job placement resources. Temporary seasonal workers will be compensated until the conclusion of their contracts. Amazon has expressed its commitment to assisting employees during this transition period. 

Government Response

Quebec Employment Minister Kateri Champagne Jourdain acknowledged the company’s decision as a corporate reorganization and assured support for the displaced workers. She stated, “We’ll be there for the employees; that’s what we do in the employment ministry, help workers find other work.” The provincial government is actively engaging in discussions to address the situation and provide necessary assistance to the affected workforce. 

Potential Role of Intelcom

In light of Amazon’s shift to a third-party delivery model, Intelcom, an existing subcontractor for Amazon’s delivery and sorting services, may assume a more prominent role. Numerous job postings were recently listed on Intelcom’s website, indicating potential opportunities for the displaced Amazon employees. This development suggests a possible avenue for continued employment within the logistics and delivery sector in Quebec.

Background on Unionization at DXT4 Warehouse

In May 2024, the Administrative Labour Tribunal certified the unionization of approximately 200 employees at Amazon’s DXT4 warehouse in Laval, marking the first instance of an Amazon warehouse unionizing in Canada. The Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN) led the unionization efforts, citing concerns over work pace, health and safety measures, and wages. Despite Amazon’s plans to appeal the decision, the unionization was upheld, and the company was legally required to engage in collective bargaining with the newly formed union. 

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Loblaw and Flashfood helped Canadians save over $50 million on groceries in 2024

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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A photo of a Real Canadian Superstore colleague holding food in her hand while standing in front of the Flashfood fridge. (CNW Group/Loblaw Companies Limited - Public Relations)

Loblaw shoppers coast-to-coast have saved more than $50 million in 2024 on groceries – and over $238 million in the past 5 years – simply by shopping on the Flashfood app, said the company in a news release on Wednesday.

Flashfood is a marketplace that connects customers to great deals on fresh groceries and is available in 850 Loblaw grocery stores across Canada.

“With the Flashfood app, shoppers save up to 50% off everyday essentials that are nearing their best-by date or where the store has excess inventory, including meats, dairy, seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables, prepared foods, and more. Purchases are made directly through the app and customers simply pick up their order from the Flashfood Zone located inside their participating Loblaw grocery store,” said Loblaw.

Since initiating their partnership with Flashfood in 2019, Loblaw has diverted nearly 86 million pounds of potential food waste from landfill through the program – a major milestone, as Loblaw aims to send zero food to landfill by 2030, it said.

Jonathan Carroll
Jonathan Carroll

“With the rising cost of living, Canadians are looking for more ways to save money. Last year alone, customers purchased more than 900,000 boxes of fresh produce at our stores through the Flashfood app,” explained Jonathan Carroll, SVP, Superstore Operations and head of Loblaw’s food waste reduction initiatives. “This partnership allows us to offer incredible value to our customers while taking meaningful action to reduce food waste. It’s a win-win for our customers, our business, and the environment.”

Nicholas Bertram
Nicholas Bertram

“Loblaw’s commitment to sustainability and its expansive network of stores have been instrumental in the success of our partnership and our impact on Loblaw’s communities,” said Nicholas Bertram, CEO of Flashfood. “Together, we continue to deliver on our mission to connect families with more affordable groceries in Canada and reduce the amount of food going to landfills.”

Launched at Maxi in 2019, Flashfood is now available in 850 Loblaw grocery stores and franchise locations across Canada, including select No Frills, Maxi, Real Canadian Superstore, Real Atlantic Superstore, Loblaws, Real Canadian Wholesale Club, Zehrs, Your Independent Grocer, Provigo and Dominion stores.

For all Loblaw and Flashfood partner locations, visit flashfood.com/locations/home.

To learn more about Loblaw’s food waste reduction, visit https://www.loblaw.ca/en/food-waste/.

Loblaw Companies Limited is Canada’s food and pharmacy leader, as well as its largest retailer and private sector employer. With over 1 billion transactions each year in its unmatched network of 2,500 stores and national e-commerce options, Loblaw brings food, pharmacy, beauty, apparel and financial services to customers through many brands: President’s Choice, No Name, Loblaws, Shoppers Drug Mart, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, T&T, Joe Fresh, PC Express and PC Financial. The Company’s loyalty program, PC Optimum, has more than 16 million active members and is one of Canada’s largest and best-loved reward programs.

Flashfood is on a mission to feed families, not landfills. The app marketplace connects shoppers with fresh produce, meat and other groceries at up to 50% off. By partnering with retailers across North America, Flashfood offers shoppers nutritious staples at affordable prices; reduces the amount of food going to landfills; and gives retailers a path to new shoppers and greater shopper loyalty. Flashfood is a remote-first B Corp Certified company currently partnered with more than 2,300 stores across 50 store banners, 31 states in the US and 10 provinces in Canada.

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OVO x Sherwood Launch Winter ’25 Hockey Collection

By
Craig Patterson
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OVO x Sherwood Hockey. Image: Canadian Tire

Two iconic Canadian brands, October’s Very Own (OVO) and Sherwood Hockey, have teamed up once again to deliver the Winter ’25 Shinny Collection. This latest collaboration, available as of January 17, celebrates hockey’s grassroots culture while showcasing OVO’s signature black-and-gold aesthetic. The collection features premium hockey gear and apparel that bridges the gap between sports and streetwear, with items designed for both on-ice performance and everyday wear.

Sherwood Hockey, a division of Canadian Tire since 2018, has established itself as a disruptor in the hockey industry. “We’ve always believed hockey is more than just a sport; it’s a culture,” said Brendon Arnold, Associate Vice President of Brand Management at Sherwood Hockey. “This collaboration reflects that belief by speaking to a new generation of athletes and fans who value self-expression and creativity.”

Brendon Arnold, Associate Vice President of Brand Management at Sherwood Hockey

A Collection Born from Collaboration

The Winter ‘25 Shinny Collection marks the second collaboration between OVO and Sherwood. Items include a hockey stick, gloves, a jersey, a rink suit, hoodies, a beanie, a bucket of pucks, and a custom hockey bag. Each piece integrates OVO’s luxurious design ethos with Sherwood’s expertise in hockey gear.

“The idea was to create something authentic to hockey culture while offering a premium, designer feel,” Arnold explained. “This collection isn’t just for players; it’s for anyone passionate about the sport.”

A standout feature of the collection is its focus on accessibility. Unlike many high-end collaborations, the price points remain reasonable. Arnold elaborated: “We could have gone with our high-performance gear that retails at over $300, but we wanted this collection to be more inclusive. It’s designed for shinny players, street hockey enthusiasts, and fans who just love the game.”

OVO x Sherwood Hockey. Image: Canadian Tire

Hockey Culture Meets Streetwear

Arnold reflected on how hockey has evolved since Sherwood re-invented itself and re-entered the market in 2020. “Back then, terms like self-expression and creativity were almost taboo in hockey circles,” he said. “But today, the sport is becoming more inclusive, and collaborations like this are helping redefine its culture.”

For Arnold, grassroots hockey serves as the soul of the game. “Growing up, we all remember those freezing winter mornings heading to the outdoor rink with friends. That’s where the passion for hockey is born,” he noted. The collection pays homage to this heritage, with pieces designed for shinny and street hockey.

The OVO x Sherwood hockey stick, for instance, is modeled after Sherwood’s Encrypt Stick, used by NHL stars like William Nylander and Matthew Tkachuk. Subtle binary code details, unique to the collection, carry hidden messages for fans to discover.

OVO x Sherwood Hockey. Image: Canadian Tire

Signature Items with a Canadian Twist

Highlights of the Winter ‘25 collection include:

  • Custom Hockey Jersey: Made in Canada, the jersey features Sherwood and OVO emblems, with the number 10—a nod to Drake’s October birthdate.
  • Hockey Bag: A stylish black-and-gold bag adorned with OVO’s Chrome Owl logo.
  • Bucket of Pucks: A playful homage to streetwear trends, turning a mundane hockey item into a collectible piece.
  • Rink Suit: A full tracksuit blending classic hockey aesthetic with contemporary street style.

Even the hoodies carry a story. One design riffs on a controversial Toronto bylaw sign prohibiting ball hockey, scratching out the word “prohibited” to reclaim the streets for young players.

Selling Out Fast

Demand for the collection has been overwhelming. Within days of the launch, Sherwood Hockey’s online inventory was sold out. The collection is carried on OVO’s website and flagship stores worldwide.

“This collaboration isn’t just about products—it’s about creating energy around hockey,” Arnold emphasized. “When you combine OVO’s cultural influence with Sherwood’s heritage, the result is something truly special.”

Canadian Tire’s Role in Sherwood’s Rebirth

Sherwood’s resurgence owes much to its acquisition by Canadian Tire in 2018. As the world’s largest hockey retailer, Canadian Tire saw potential in repositioning Sherwood as a premium yet accessible brand.

“The decision was to aim high,” Arnold said. “We wanted to give young athletes a brand they could be proud of—something that reflects their individuality.”

This ethos has driven Sherwood’s recent partnerships, including collaborations with OVO, Disney, and NHL teams.

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DUER brings art to Ossington storefront with denim installation for DesignTO (Photos)

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Canadian lifestyle apparel brand DUER is partnering with DesignTO, Canada’s largest design festival. 

From January 24 to February 2, DUER’s Ossington storefront in Toronto will feature an interactive window installation and exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Ruth Wickremesooriya. 

Toronto Artist Ruth Wickremesooriya to Unveil Salvaged Denim Creation at DUER Ossington
Toronto Artist Ruth Wickremesooriya to Unveil Salvaged Denim Creation at DUER Ossington

“I am personally very sensitive to aesthetics and design and this has led to a fascination for how good design enhances almost everything –from how we work to how we move through the world; our involvement with DesignTO complements this philosophy,” said Gary Lenett, CEO of DUER. 

Gary Lenett (Image: Britney Gill / DUER)

Wickremesooriya’s installation, titled Let’s Be Honest, features hundreds of denim “leaves” meticulously hand-woven from deconstructed DUER jeans. Suspended in a minimalist tree form, the piece invites viewers to choose a leaf, untie it, reflect on a disappointment, and release it to the ground. 

Let’s be Honest is part of Wickremesooriya’s multi-work exhibition called Winter Waiting, which will be on display at DUER Ossington throughout the festival. Each piece in the collection uses discarded denim as its primary medium, underscoring a commitment to sustainability and creative reuse.

“Collaborating with DUER was an obvious fit,” said Wickremesooriya. “We share common values: a love of denim and natural materials, and a desire to create something beautiful and lasting beyond trends and seasons.” 

“We’re thrilled to be collaborating with DUER, a brand that shares our passion for creativity,” said Jeremy Vandermeij, Executive Director of DesignTO.

Jeremy Vandermeij
Jeremy Vandermeij

DesignTo is a non-profit arts organization celebrating 15 years of designing a sustainable, just, and joyful future. From January 24-February 2 DesignTO Festival features 100+ free events across Toronto, showcasing hundreds of artists and designers. Known as Canada’s largest annual design festival, DesignTO has welcomed over 1 million attendees, reached 2.6 billion people through media, showcased 6,500+ artists, and generated $120 million in tourism impact. 

“The genesis of our connection to this initiative stems from our latest fabric program, Stretch Canvas. Many of our customers work in film and creative fields and have been looking for a softer, more flexible alternative to traditional canvas. This new fabric—designed with artists and craftspeople in mind, but not limited to them — combined with our goal of bringing energy into our stores through engaging installations, are what led us to partner with DesignTO,” said Lenett.

“It’s a mutually beneficial partnership in that an emerging artist can showcase their work to our customer base, while DUER has the chance to introduce new visitors to the brand. Someone might hear about the exhibition, step into our store for the first time, and walk away with a whole new understanding of our brand and product vision. Ideally the partnership will create a space where both things happen naturally. 

“As for location, Ossington was the obvious choice for this initiative—it’s one of Toronto’s most creative neighborhoods, packed with independent shops, galleries, and design studios. With DesignTO bringing the city’s creative scene together, it just made sense to create a window installation here for the festival and make our store part of the conversation.”

Lenett said this activation made perfect sense for Toronto and DesignTO, and that’s something the retailer always considers—the in-store experiences need to feel natural and relevant to the city. 

“We’ve done everything in the past year from hosting bike maintenance workshops in Vancouver ahead of the Whistler Gran Fondo to film screenings in Calgary tied to the Banff Film Festival and are always looking for ways to bring our stores to life through the right partnerships and events that will resonate with the local community,” he said.

DUER has 10 stores across North America, and Lenett said the brand has its sights set on expanding this store count in the US as early as May.

“In addition to opening up along the U.S. West Coast, we’re looking at secondary locations in key Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Beyond our dedicated storefronts, we’re continuing to grow our network of Wholesale partners across North America. We have also started to grow our brand awareness in Europe and the UK,” he said. 

“Beyond our dedicated storefronts, our network of wholesale partners across North America continues to grow dramatically. We also continue to grow our brand awareness in Europe and the UK.

“Elsewhere, we’re really excited about what’s ahead in product innovation. Our first spring drop has just launched, and we’re gearing up to introduce some brand-new denim lines in the coming months as we continue to push the boundaries of performance meets lifestyle apparel.” 

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Recommerce becoming a popular consumer trend: eBay

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo from eBay report
Photo from eBay report

In the midst of sweeping macroeconomic, climate, and sociopolitical challenges, we’re taking stock of what matters most. Many of us are reassessing life choices, reexamining career journeys, and reprioritizing what we do with our time. “Whether we’re reengaging with old passions, creating communities bound by shared interests, or recommitting to living our values, we’re reminded of who we are — and finding inspiration for who we want to be. As we’re reconnecting with our pasts and dreams, we’re reimagining the possibilities ahead, according to eBay’s 2024 Recommerce Report, 2024.

The report said almost two thirds of consumers surveyed agree: “I’m re-evaluating what’s important in my life.”

“While the news can often seem negative, 88% of consumers feel happy/optimistic about some area in their life, with the top three being hobbies and interests (53%), personal relationships (49%), and their identity, sense of purpose, values (38%),” said the report.

Recommerce — the buying and selling of pre-loved items — can be a positive path forward, providing inspiration, opportunities, and hope. The eBay report uncovers what’s important to people and how recommerce shapes who they are.

Alicia Silverstone
Alicia Silverstone

“It’s important that everything I do reflects my commitments to helping create a more sustainable future. Recommerce is so rewarding because I can find things that bring me joy while doing something to help minimize waste on our beautiful planet,” said Alicia Silverstone, Actor and sustainability advocate, in the report.

Garry Thaniel
Garry Thaniel

Garry Thaniel, General Manager of eBay Canada, said key points from the survey include:

  • 86% of consumers surveyed say they’ve bought or sold pre-loved goods in the last 12 months.
    • Millennials lead the pack, showing the highest frequency of purchasing pre-loved goods, with 9% buying weekly and 24% making pre-loved purchases monthly. 
    • 21% of Gen Z consumers surveyed say they shop for pre-loved items once a month.
  • The five main reasons people  buy pre-loved goods according to our research are:
    • To save money (62%)
    • Sustainability/environment benefits (26%)
    • Access to specific items they’re unable to source new (25%)
    • Branded pre-loved items at more affordable price points (24%)
    • Access to unique or collectible items (18%).

He said the 2024 Recommerce Report surveyed over 12,000 eBay sellers and over 16,000 general consumers, in markets across the world – including Canada.

“eBay has 133 million active buyers in more than 190 markets around the world – it’s truly a global marketplace that connects people all over the world, and I like to think of it as a cultural barometer that reflects global trends,” he said.

“The 2024 Recommerce Report shows that Canada is a top global market for “Accidental Entrepreneurs” – 42 per cent of Canadian sellers said their e-commerce activities on the platform evolved organically, and Canada actually led the way in eBay sellers who say they sell because it’s a fun hobby (31%).  

“We see the passion of enthusiast communities every day on eBay.ca – whether it’s demand for the latest overlanding gear for campers and offroaders who love the great outdoors, or the hottest trading cards and memorabilia for sports fans. 

“74 per cent of surveyed consumers in the 2024 Recommerce Report were looking to reconnect with hobbies and interests. We have an incredible community who buy and sell on eBay.” 

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RCCSTORE25: First Look at Game-Changing Speakers!

By
Retail Insider
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RCC STORE Conference. Image: RCC

RCCSTORE25, Canada’s biggest retail event of the year, is back on June 3-4, 2025, in Toronto, bringing together the brightest minds to inspire, connect, and strategize for the future.

Just Announced: Key Speakers

  • Brian Burke – NHL Legend & Leadership Guru: Unlock strategies for building resilient, high-performing teams.
  • Sharon Gai – AI Innovator: Explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping retail for growth and profitability.
  • Ira Kalish – Chief Global Economist, Deloitte: Gain clarity on economic trends and shifting consumer behaviors.
  • Eric Morris – Head of Retail, Google Canada: Decode consumer behavior to elevate customer engagement.

Key Content Focus Areas

  • Leadership Success: Inspiring teams and driving results.
  • AI & Innovation: Leveraging tech to gain a competitive edge.
  • Economic Trends: Preparing for what’s ahead.
  • Consumer Insights: Adapting to evolving demographics.
  • Supply Chain Resilience: Optimizing for efficiency and growth.

Get Your Tickets Now and Save

  • Save $200 per ticket with Early Bird Pricing until Feb 28, 2025.
  • Groups of 5+ enjoy an extra 20% off.

More speakers and sessions will be revealed soon. Don’t miss this chance to connect with Canada’s retail leaders, spark innovation, and gain actionable strategies to stay ahead in 2025.

Reserve your ticket today at storeconference.ca. Let’s shape the future of retail—together.

*Partner content. To work with Retail Insider, email Craig Patterson at craig@retail-insider.com

Store-closing sales underway across Canada at all cleo, Ricki’s, Bootlegger clothing stores

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Ricki's Flagship in Langley, BC (Image: Ricki's)

Discounts of up to 40 per cent off are available on all merchandise at 217 Ricki’s Fashions, cleo Fashions and Bootlegger clothing stores across Canada in a major store-closing and inventory sell-off sale conducted by Tiger Group.

The sale event comes as specialty fashion retailer Comark Holdings, Inc. explores go-forward possibilities for all three brands. Comark, together with its Ricki’s, cleo and Bootlegger banners, commenced proceedings under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (“CCAA”) on January 7, according to a news release.

Bradley Snyder
Bradley Snyder

“Bootlegger, Ricki’s and cleo offer highly sought-after, dynamic fashionwear at a great value,” said Tiger Group Executive Managing Director Bradley W. Snyder. “This sale represents a rare opportunity for shoppers. Come early for the best selections. These sales will last for a limited time only.”

Goods are still in transit to these stores, Snyder added.

“We have plenty of new merchandise arriving daily,” he said, “so shoppers will see a constantly evolving selection of dynamic fashions.”

Initial discounts on all merchandise run from 25 to 40 per cent off the original ticketed price. The 221 stores, some of which are cobranded, are located in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador, said the news release.

Founded in 1939, Ricki’s carries brands such as Pieces, Only and Vera Moda, with categories that include:

  • Shirts, blouses, tees, tanks, sweaters, cardigans, blazers, coats, jackets
  • Pants, jeans, leggings, crops, capris, skirts, shorts
  • Jumpsuits, rompers, dresses (maxi, midi, short, mini)
  • Sleepwear
  • Shapewear
  • Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, scarves, hats, beanies, gloves, mittens, sunglasses, socks, tights, bags, purses and other accessories

cleo, which launched in 1979, offers a similarly wide array of fashions and accessories. The specialty retailer is known for its focus on work wear for women, with a comprehensive offering of sizes and one of the largest petite selections in Canada, said the release.

Bootlegger was founded in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1971 and has sold millions of pairs of men’s and women’s jeans and items of elevated, everyday clothing. The brand is known for its “devotion to innovation in design, fabric and washes and to providing everything that goes with jeans,” added the release.

At all three brands, points, gift cards, returns and exchanges will not be accepted starting Friday, January 17. Ricki’s Fashions store locations can be found here, cleo Fashions locations can be found here, and Bootlegger Clothing locations can be found here.

Related Retail Insider stories:

Johnston & Murphy to Close Canadian Stores and Website
Comark to Close Cleo and Ricki’s Chains Amid Challenges

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