Transformer Table x Marie Kondo collaboration! (CNW Group/Transformer Table)
Transformer Table, an industry leader in smart home furniture, is teaming up with Marie Kondo, bestselling author and renowned tidying expert, to showcase how multifunctional furniture can keep a home tidy and organized.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Marie Kondo as she has a unique understanding of the importance of saving space and making your home work for you, which has long been a part of our mission here at Transformer Table,” said Alex Doré, Co-Founder of Transformer Table. “We hope that together we can help people organize their homes and live the lives they want to live.”
“I am so excited to announce that I am teaming up with Transformer Table. One of my goals when organizing is to help clients make space for what matters most to them, regardless of the size of their home,” said Marie Kondo of KonMari Media.
“Many people today need their spaces to serve multiple purposes so they can easily live, work, dine and host. Transformer Table creatively supports each moment while keeping the home feeling calm and organized.”
This partnership will feature Marie Kondo as the face of Transformer Table and include collaboration across content, branding, and promotion. The partnership will continue until December 2024.
Founded in 2016, Transformer Table is an industry leader in smart home furniture, designing space-saving, modular furniture for homes around the world.
Business Improvement Areas of BC (BIABC), a coalition representing over 70 business districts across British Columbia, has released a startling new poll. The survey unveils the profound impact of street disorder and public safety issues on retailers and other businesses throughout the province.
The poll, conducted this summer, gathered responses from more than 500 small and medium-sized business owners across British Columbia. It aimed to gauge their perspectives on various issues, with a particular focus on public safety concerns and their effects on business viability.
The results paint a grim picture of the challenges faced by BC’s retailers and business community. A staggering 97% of businesses reported increased operational costs over the past five years. For 53% of respondents, these increases exceeded 20%, driven by factors such as rising insurance premiums and heightened security expenses.
Since 2023, businesses have witnessed a sharp uptick in various forms of street disorder. The poll reveals that 58% of respondents experienced increased violence and aggression, while 56% reported a surge in theft and shoplifting incidents. Graffiti also saw a significant rise, with 63% of businesses noting an increase, and 53% reported more frequent cases of broken windows.
The mental toll on business owners and employees is equally concerning. An overwhelming 82% of respondents admitted to experiencing increased fear, anxiety, and stress due to rising street disorder. This includes issues related to theft, violence, mental health crises, drug-related activities, vandalism, and homelessness.
In response to escalating property crime, 61% of business owners have been forced to invest in additional safety measures within the past two years. These include installing cameras, upgrading alarm systems, erecting gates, improving lighting, and reinforcing locks.
Perhaps most alarmingly, 39% of respondents expressed doubt about their ability to remain viable or continue operating successfully beyond two years if current conditions persist. This figure rises to 52% when the timeframe is extended to four years.
Jeff Bray, BIABC President and CEO of the Downtown Victoria Business Association, emphasized the severity of the situation. “Business owners have made it very clear that they and their staff are enduring circumstances that are placing a significant financial and emotional toll on them,” Bray stated. He added that many find the situation unbearable and expect decisive action from the next government.
As British Columbia prepares for upcoming elections, BIABC says it plans to appeal to candidates and political parties. They aim to garner support for a sector that is not only integral to provincial and local economies but also vital to the vibrancy of neighbourhoods and communities.
Jess Ketchum, Co-Founder of Save Our Streets (SOS), a coalition member of BIABC, emphasized the broader implications of these issues. “Of course, when businesses have to close their doors, employees lose their jobs, which further impacts families around the province,” Ketchum noted. He called for a coordinated approach to address street disorder and mental health crises, stressing the need for new ideas and proven effective practices.
In response to these challenges, Save Our Streets will host the Communities Driving Change Forum in Vancouver on January 23, 2025. The event will bring together experts and community leaders to explore solutions to issues related to mental health, addictions, and crime. Topics will include judicial reform, policing reform, addiction treatment, mental health care continuity, and housing.
Birks, one of Canada’s leading fine jewellery and bridal brands, said it designed a new concept store that captures the very essence of the brand, drawing inspiration from Canada’s rich natural landscapes and heritage.
“With this new store concept, our goal is to offer clients another opportunity to immerse themselves in the World of Birks, while highlighting the craftsmanship, design, beauty and value of our collections. This new store, entirely dedicated to Birks’ own jewellery collections, redefines and elevates the brand experience.“
The retailer said the store was designed by the French luxury retail architecture firm Landmark Architecture and the new store concept embraces Canada’s diverse landscapes throughout the seasons, blending luxury with modernity.
“The store’s ambiance is defined by three key themes—refinement, charm, and brilliance—expressed through soft curves, warm tones, state-of-the-art lighting design and signature blue hues that symbolize various aspects of Canadian beauty. Spanning approximately 500 square feet, the elegant space captures Birks’ rich history and evolution,” it said.
Photo Credit: Olivier Blouin – Interior of the Birks store at Royalmount. (CNW Group/Birks Group Inc.)
“Established in 1879, Birks celebrates its 145th anniversary this year. The new concept store at Royalmount is a fitting tribute to this remarkable milestone as this design honours over a century of craftsmanship and expertise. The innovative retail experience reflects Birks’ commitment to exceptional quality and timeless elegance, bridging its storied history with a forward-looking vision.”
Photo Credit: Olivier Blouin – The 500 sq. ft. Birks store interior. (CNW Group/Birks Group Inc.)
Discount retailer Dollarama Inc. reported Wednesday strong sales growth for its second quarter ended July 28, 2024.
Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Highlights Compared to Fiscal 2024 Second Quarter Results
Sales increased by 7.4 per cent to $1,563.4 million, compared to $1,455.9 million
Comparable store sales increased by 4.7 per cent, over and above 15.5 per cent growth in the corresponding period of the previous year
EBITDA increased by 14.7 per cent to $524.3 million, representing an EBITDA margin of 33.5 per cent, compared to 31.4 per cent
Operating income increased by 15.3 per cent to $422.9 million, representing an operating margin of 27.0 per cent, compared to 25.2 per cent
Diluted net earnings per common share increased by 18.6 per cent to $1.02, compared to $0.86
14 net new stores opened, compared to 18 net new stores
2,104,691 common shares repurchased for cancellation for $263.1 million
“For the second quarter of fiscal 2025, we generated strong results across the board as comparable store sales continue to normalize. Canadian consumers continue to recognize and rely on our compelling value as they deploy their discretionary spending prudently in a challenging economic environment. Our strong traffic trends quarter after quarter also confirm that the breadth of our product offering is allowing us to meet the needs of our consumers,” said Neil Rossy, President and CEO, in a news release.
“As Canadians continue to gravitate to value, Dollarama provides a safe harbour for savings on basics and consumables. I don’t see that changing anytime soon,” he said.
“Unlike US dollar stores, which are struggling, Dollarama caters to savers across numerous economic segments with at least some disposable income during these tough times.
“Dollarama is a brand that creates consumer value and will continue to grow,” he said.
“I have always admired this brand’s strategic and operational focus. Its success is based on consistency, reliability, variety, and convenience.
“This growth is driven by the recognition that a consumer shift has occurred over the last two decades – 60 per cent or more now wait for their next paycheque to balance their households.
“The old middle class is now the “Resilient Class,” always adapting to the economy, and Dollarama fills that need.”
Michael Kehoe
Michael Kehoe, Broker of Record with Fairfield Commercial Real Estate, said Dollarama is firing on all cylinders and the solid Q2 sales results and strong overall store traffic and sales performance quarter after quarter are a good news story in a challenging Canadian retail environment.
“Canadian consumers are spending cautiously, focusing on the basics with limited disposable income and continue to gravitate to value and the Dollarama retail juggernaut is leading the way,” he said.
“I have noted that the firm has added 58 new stores over that past year, 14 in Q2 alone and the profile and quality of the new locations is textbook commercial real estate leasing impressive.
“The appeal of Dollarama is broadening to more consumer segments across the land led by its diverse retail offerings and extensive store network at almost 1583 stores at the end of July 2024. The company is definitely taking a larger bite out of national market and is the quintessential Canadian success story.”
The company said sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 increased by 7.4 per cent to $1,563.4 million, compared to $1,455.9 million in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. This increase was driven by growth in the total number of stores over the past 12 months (from 1,525 stores on July 30, 2023, to 1,583 stores on July 28, 2024) and increased comparable store sales.
“Comparable store sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 increased by 4.7 per cent, consisting of a 7.0 per cent increase in the number of transactions and a 2.2 per cent decrease in average transaction size, over and above comparable store sales growth of 15.5 per cent in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. The increase in comparable store sales reflects sustained customer demand for consumables offset by softer demand for spring-summer assortment, compared to the same period last year,” it said.
“Gross margin reached 45.2 per cent of sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2025, compared to 43.9 per cent of sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2024. The increase is mainly due to the positive impact of lower contractual rates with carriers and lower logistics costs.
“Net earnings increased by 16.3 per cent to $285.9 million, compared to $245.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2024. Diluted net earnings per common share increased by 18.6 per cent from $0.86 per diluted common share to $1.02 per diluted common share, in the second quarter of fiscal 2025.
During its second quarter ended June 30, 2024, Dollarcity opened 23 net new stores, compared to 10 net new stores in the same period last year. As at June 30, 2024, Dollarcity had 570 stores with 338 locations in Colombia, 101 in Guatemala, 74 in El Salvador and 57 in Peru. This compares to 532 stores as at December 31, 2023.
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 past 24 hours.
Loblaw-owned discount grocer No Frills is opening a new small-format store in Toronto’s entertainment district this week. The store, named Bo’s No Frills, creates 50 new jobs. It’s part of a trend being observed as Loblaw opens more smaller-format discount grocery stores in dense urban areas.
Opening Marks Expansion in Urban Core
Located at 261 Richmond Street West, Bo’s No Frills occupies 10,000 square feet in the heart of Toronto’s bustling entertainment area. The store replaces a Linen Chest location and will serve thousands of residents who live in highrises nearby.
Store owner Bo Obradovic, who started his career with the company in 2003 as a produce clerk, expressed enthusiasm about the opening. “I’m thrilled to give back to the local community by creating new jobs and making a positive lasting impact,” Obradovic said.
Toronto No Frills Opening
Despite its compact size, Bo’s No Frills offers a wide selection of products. Shoppers will find organic options, fresh produce, meats, sushi, and in-store baked goods. The store maintains No Frills’ trademark low prices across its entire inventory.
To celebrate the launch, the first 100 daily customers through Sunday, September 15, will receive a complimentary No Frills gift bag. This promotion aims to introduce the store to the community and build customer loyalty from the outset.
The new No Frills location operates daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Its extended hours cater to the diverse schedules of area residents and visitors, ensuring convenient access to affordable groceries throughout the day.
This Toronto No Frills opening represents a step in the company’s urban expansion strategy. The company also recently opened a smaller-format No Frills store in Toronto’s Liberty Village area, and others are said to be in development. Other grocers such as Empire and Federated Co-op are also expanding their own respective discount banners in Canada as consumers seek value while struggling to afford groceries.
7-Eleven Hiring Sign on Bay Street in Toronto (Photo: Dustin Fuhs)
Convenience store chain 7-Eleven Canada has been ordered to pay a substantial sum in damages following a customer accident. The incident occurred in Smithers, British Columbia, in the spring of 2018.
Crystal Tommy, then 35, stopped at a 7-Eleven store in Smithers, a small town approximately 670 kilometers north of Vancouver. What began as a routine coffee run ended in a life-altering accident when Tommy tripped on a pothole in the store’s parking lot.
The fall resulted in a broken ankle in three places, leading to years of health complications for Tommy. Previously an active individual employed at a plant nursery, she found herself unable to return to her physically demanding job, which involved handling 20 to 50 pounds of seedling trees for reforestation projects.
In a recent ruling, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Emily Burke found 7-Eleven Canada liable for Tommy’s injuries and their consequences. The court ordered the retailer to pay approximately $907,000 in damages.
While 7-Eleven Canada denied liability for the incident and disputed Tommy’s claims, the court’s decision was based on a thorough examination of the evidence. Justice Burke noted that 7-Eleven failed to demonstrate a “reasonable system of inspection and maintenance” for its premises.
The ruling revealed that 7-Eleven’s safety procedures, which included an online safety course for employees, lacked enforcement mechanisms. This oversight in safety protocols played a crucial role in the court’s decision, emphasizing the need for retailers to implement and strictly adhere to comprehensive safety measures.
The damages awarded to Tommy cover various aspects of her post-accident life, including $494,000 for future loss of income and $175,000 for pain and suffering. The figures reflect the long-term impact of the incident on Tommy’s professional and personal life.
Oliver Peoples, the esteemed luxury eyewear brand from Los Angeles, has opened its first boutique in Montreal at the new Royalmount shopping centre, marking a significant milestone as its inaugural presence in Québec. It’s also the third location for the brand in Canada.
Rocco Basilico. Photographed by Matthew Brookes
“We are thrilled to be opening our third boutique in Canada and notably, our first within the Québec province. The Montreal store beautifully combines the signature, gallery-like setting of an Oliver Peoples flagship with a modern, architectural ode to the city. It’s the perfect pairing of local inspiration and Southern California design,” said Rocco Basilico, Oliver Peoples President.
Oliver Peoples first began on Sunset Blvd in 1987 with a vintage-inspired approach to eyewear paired with exceptional craftsmanship.
“Today, Oliver Peoples continues to find inspiration in the Southern California lifestyle. Known for a deliberate lack of a logo, the brand instead focuses on exceptional design details made for the wearer and paired with the finest quality materials. Oliver Peoples strives to be the most prestigious and culturally distinctive eyewear in the world,” said the company in a news release.
Photo courtesy of Oliver Peoples
“The brand brings the same level of intention and inspiration to the Montreal boutique. The space features OP signature midcentury modern design elements combined with local influence. The quintessential OP interior details are seen in every angle. Whether it’s the front window featuring a custom orb design or the individual shelving that lines the main interiors, each angle is reminiscent of a gallery – creating light and space for each unique piece to be on display. In addition, signature OP colorways, including the frequent usage of gold metals and teal hues, fill the space.”
It said the influence of Montreal is distinct with the space drawing heavily from the 1960s modern Brutalist movement, especially paying homage to the iconic Habitat 67 by Moshe Safdie.
“With each individual shelving serving as a study in modular design. To pair, the interiors features exquisite light fixtures by renowned French designers, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, with textured glass lamps adding a touch of artistry and sophistication. These elements harmoniously complement the evergreen Oliver Peoples details,” it said.
“Throughout the walls of custom shelving, the Fall 2024 collection is on full display. This season is especially a testament to unparalleled craftsmanship. Each frame in the mainline collection, whether crafted from acetate or titanium, is meticulously made in Japan. Notably, the offerings include a reimagined archival feminine frame from the 90s, Art Deco-inspired shapes, and a stunning optical addition to the best-selling 0nly collection. Additionally, the Montreal boutique will feature the brand’s best-selling collaboration with New York-based womenswear brand KHAITE, as well as the newly launched Roger Federer collaboration, which perfectly pairs high-performance functionality with luxurious design.”
Oliver Peoples currently has distribution in more than 60 countries and operates 41 retail stores with new openings in Amsterdam, Aspen, Milan, and more.
The retailer’s first Canadian location opened at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre in the fall of 2018, and soon after a second Canadian storefront opened in Vancouver at 1061 Alberni Street. Royalmount is the first new Canadian location to open for Oliver Peoples in six years.
Lee's Donuts at YVR Airport. Photo: Vancouver Airport Authority.
Vancouver-based bakery Lee’s Donuts has landed at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). This expansion marks a milestone for the family-owned business and enhances the airport’s commitment to showcasing local flavours.
A Sweet Take-off
The new Lee’s Donuts location, situated in YVR’s domestic departures terminal, opened its doors on September 5, 2024. This partnership with WH Smith North America (WHSNA) brings the bakery’s handcrafted treats to travellers. The store also features an assortment of confections from LICK Candy.
Alan and Betty-Ann Lee founded Lee’s Donuts in 1979 at Granville Island Public Market. Over the years, the business has grown to six locations across Metro Vancouver. The YVR shop represents their latest expansion, offering a taste of local culture to both residents and visitors.
Celebrating Lee’s Donuts YVR Opening with Fanfare
YVR hosted a grand opening celebration for Lee’s Donuts. The event featured appearances by Johnny Glaze, the bakery’s mascot, and owners Allan and Celine Bacani. Representatives from WHSNA and YVR also attended, highlighting the importance of this collaboration.
The opening of Lee’s Donuts at YVR reflects a broader trend in airport retail. Many hubs now focus on incorporating local brands to create a sense of place for travelers. The strategy not only supports local businesses but also enhances the overall airport experience.
For Lee’s Donuts, this expansion offers an opportunity to introduce their products to a wider audience. Travelers can now enjoy the bakery’s fresh, handmade donuts before boarding their flights.
The new Lee’s Donuts location joins WHSNA’s growing portfolio at YVR. The company now operates seven stores within the airport, including brands like Flight Stop, LICK, and Tentree.
