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Eleventy to Open Store on Bloor Street in Toronto

By
Craig Patterson
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Future Eleventy storefront at 102 Bloor St. W. in Toronto. Kit and Ace most recently occupied the space. Photo: Craig Patterson

Italian luxury brand Eleventy will open its first standalone Canadian store this year at 102 Bloor Street West in Toronto. The location will serve as the brand’s only exclusive store in Canada, complementing its presence in upscale retailers across the country. 

Spanning over 3,200 square feet, the Eleventy retail space was formerly home to Canadian brand Kit and Ace, which operated there from 2015 until 2021. Prior to that, United Colors of Benetton occupied the space for years. 

Image above: Eleventy logo

102 Bloor Street West, soon to house Eleventy and formerly housing Kit and Ace. L’Occitane en Provence is the other retail tenant at 102 Bloor St. W. Burberry recently opened at 100 Bloor Street W and can be seen in this photo.

The lease deal for 102 Bloor Street West was negotiated by David Wedemire and Stan Vyriotes of DWSV Realty, who have been pivotal in brokering several high-profile deals in the area. Their work includes securing leases for the new Rolex store across the street and Loro Piana’s flagship store, set to open next month, further highlighting the growth of Bloor Street as a premier shopping destination.

Founded in 2007 by Marco Baldassari and Paolo Zuntini, Eleventy is renowned for its sophisticated Italian craftsmanship and timeless designs. The Milan-based brand offers a range of luxury goods, including men’s and women’s fashion, as well as a line for children and select home goods. Eleventy has established a global footprint with stores in key markets such as New York City, Beverly Hills, Palm Beach, and Greenwich, as well as partnerships with upscale retailers worldwide.

Eleventy advertisement. Image: Eleventy

In Canada, Eleventy’s products are currently available at Harry Rosen, Holt Renfrew, and other upscale retailers like Channers in London and Waterloo, and Henry Singer in Edmonton and Calgary.

This is not Eleventy’s first foray into Toronto. In 2017, an Eleventy boutique opened at Yorkville Village, operated by TNT The New Trend. The 2,200-square-foot boutique was attached to the TNT store but quietly closed after about three years. The upcoming standalone Bloor Street location marks the brand’s return to a dedicated retail space in Canada, signifying its ongoing commitment to the Canadian luxury market. Eleventy has also been beefing up its presence in Canada, including an expanded partnership with Holt Renfrew that included a dinner in September.

Former Kit and Ace at 102 Bloor St. W. in Toronto, December 12, 2020. Photo: Craig Patterson
Former Eleventy at Yorkville Village, August 2022, operated by TNT The New Trend (Image: Craig Patterson)

With the addition of Eleventy and other major luxury brands, Bloor-Yorkville continues to solidify its position as an important luxury node in Toronto. Retail Insider will follow up with an article on what’s happening on Bloor Street, which is seeing a remarkable transformation with an unprecedented number of luxury brands opening stores. 

Moose Knuckles secures strategic partnership with Bosideng

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Exterior of Moose Knuckles store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre
Exterior of Moose Knuckles store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre (Photo: Moose Knuckles)

Moose Knuckles, the Canadian luxury outerwear brand, has announced a strategic partnership with Bosideng, the leading Chinese down apparel company.

“With the financial backing and strategic support provided by Bosideng and the majority investor group led by international private equity firm Cathay Capital, Moose Knuckles is poised to accelerate its development as a major global outerwear brand, merging Canadian heritage and functionality with its youthful, culturally relevant fashion direction,” said the retailer in a news release.

“Headquartered in Montreal, Moose Knuckles is renowned for delivering unique consumer experiences in the outerwear market, blending exceptional Canadian craftsmanship, the highest quality materials, and ultimate function, with a youthful fashion direction. Currently, the brand is expanding its retail presence across 30 countries, with 36 stores in North America, Europe, and China, and distribution through prestigious retailers such as Harrods, Selfridges, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Holt Renfrew.”

Recognizing the brand’s distinct positioning and growth potential, Bosideng and the Cathay Capital-led investor group are committed to providing the financial resources and strategic support necessary to drive the brand’s continued expansion, said the news release. Bosideng will serve as a key investor alongside Cathay Capital, which remains the majority shareholder. This new phase also marks the exit of co-founders Ayal Twik and Noah Stern as shareholders, who launched the retailer in 2009 and successfully led the company’s first chapter of growth.

Moose Knuckles Montreal
Moose Knuckles Montreal (Image: Moose Knuckles)

Victor Luis, Executive Chairman of Moose Knuckles: “Our products are the culmination of our unwavering dedication to combining exceptional materials, meticulous construction, and a tailored fit that marries style with functional performance. We are embarking on a thrilling new chapter for Moose Knuckles, where we will continue to expand our collections and categories to meet the ever-evolving expectations of our consumers across the globe, ensuring they feel both comfortable and stylish in every season. Our collaboration with Bosideng will be a catalyst for our growth in Asia and will strengthen the multi-cultural, disruptive, and creative spirit that defines our brand and resonates with our global audience.”

Gao Dekang, Founder of the Bosideng brand, Chairman of the Board of Directors and President of the Group: “Bosideng will provide substantial strategic and financial support to Moose Knuckles.  This is a strategic cooperation with complementary advantages that will inject new momentum into the mid-to-long-term development of both Moose Knuckles and Bosideng.”

Mark Woods, Partner and Head of North America at Cathay Capital: “Cathay Capital has been a committed partner to Moose Knuckles since our initial investment in 2019, and we are thrilled to welcome Bosideng to this exciting journey. This strategic partnership is a testament to the power of our global platform and our ability to make highly impactful connections across borders for our portfolio companies. We look forward to leveraging Bosideng’s deeply relevant experience and resources, combined with Cathay’s continued backing, to support Moose Knuckles as it continues to expand globally and solidify its position as a leader in luxury outerwear.”

Related articles:

Popular Canadian Brand ‘Moose Knuckles’ Continues Aggressive Growth and Expansion Supported by Bold Strategic Moves [Feature]

Moose Knuckles Opens Impressive 2-Level Pop-Up in its Hometown of Montreal


KINTON RAMEN opens first location in Windsor

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Image: Kinton Ramen

KINTON RAMEN has opened its first location in Windsor, meeting what it says is a widespread demand for authentic Japanese experience across the country.

Located at 1475 Huron Church Road, the restaurant is currently in its soft opening phase, operating Monday to Sunday from 12 to 8 p.m. Locals are invited to preview the menu offerings before the grand opening celebration on November 9, said the company in a news release.

Karalyn White

“We’re thrilled to have soft launched our Windsor location and are eagerly anticipating a grand opening celebration in the near future,” said Karalyn White, Senior Director of Franchising at KINKA Family, the parent company of KINTON RAMEN. “We’re excited to establish a presence in this vibrant and bustling city, and its proximity to the United States border made it the perfect market for our latest expansion.”

With more than 40 locations across Canada and the United States, KINTON RAMEN said it has attained a loyal following in major cities, including Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, thanks to its innovative approach to ramen while honouring traditional recipes.

The brand also has a soft opening of its King St. East location in Toronto. Located at 40-351 King St. East, this is the first franchised KINTON RAMEN location in Toronto, now in its soft opening phase from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. This launch responds to the rising demand for authentic Japanese cuisine in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

“KINTON RAMEN began franchising in 2021 – nearly a decade after opening its first restaurant in downtown Toronto in 2012 – as part of its commitment to making its unique and exceptional dining experience accessible to everyone. This impressive growth reflects the increasing demand for genuine ramen experiences across North America, with the Windsor location as a testament to that demand,” said the brand.

Founded in 2009, KINKA FAMILY is a full-service international hospitality group. Since then, the company has come to be recognized as Canada’s largest Japanese restaurant group. KINKA FAMILY owns and operates a diverse portfolio of restaurants and cafés in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Chicago, and New York. Included are KINKA IZAKAYA, KINTON RAMEN and JaBistro.

Related articles:

Kinton Ramen to Launch ‘Kinton Express’ Concept, Rapid Expansion Planned [Interview]
Kinton Ramen Targets National Expansion in Canada [Interview]

Tahini’s expanding with new Chatham location

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Tahini's
Tahini's

Tahini’s Restaurants, renowned for its Mediterranean fusion cuisine, is holding a grand opening its newest restaurant in Chatham, ON, on October 18 for the now-open location.

Located at 849 St Clair St, Chatham, this expansion marks an exciting new chapter for the company, bringing its exceptional and authentic flavours and warm hospitality to the community, said the brand in a news release.

“We are excited to introduce Tahini’s to Chatham,” said Omar Hamam, Founder and CEO of Tahini’s “This new location represents our commitment to delivering innovative and delicious culinary experiences. We can’t wait to join the Chatham community and add our flavour to the city’s lively food scene.”

Tahini's in Chatham
Tahini’s in Chatham

The company said the Chatham restaurant features an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. The menu boasts a variety of dishes that highlight the fusion of Mediterranean flavours using the freshest ingredients. The expansion to Chatham not only signifies the brand’s growth but also celebrates the rich tapestry of Mediterranean cuisine at its best, offering a diverse and authentic culinary experience.

“We invite everyone to come on by and enjoy our unique flavours paired with the fast, friendly, and top-notch service that Tahini’s is known for,” added Hamam. 

With 49 robust franchise locations already in operation, it is expanding its reach across Canada with plans to expand globally. The total number of corporate and franchise locations is projected to exceed 60 storefronts by year end.

It also operates Tahini’s Kitchen within select FreshCo locations, a Sobey’s banner, and offers a selection of Tahini’s retail packaged products through select grocers.

Related article:

Mediterranean Fusion Cuisine Concept ‘Tahini’s’ Expanding Rapidly in Canada [Interview]

Tahini's in Chatham
Tahini’s in Chatham


The Benefits Of A Small-Format Store: 7 Tips For Small-Scale Retailers

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Former Scarborough Town Centre IKEA (Image: Craig Patterson)

Small-format stores have plenty of benefits in the retail industry. Yet, they can also pose unique challenges. If you’ve thought about opening a small-format business, keep reading to find out the pros and cons, along with some tips to help you get started.

What is a Small-Format Store?

Small-format stores usually refer to large retail chain locations that offer only part of their normal inventory. Macy’s, Best Buy, and Sephora are just a few examples of chains with small-format versions.

Small-format is very new to many companies, so retailers are still experimenting with it. Walmart tried opening 100 small-scale stores across the U.S. in 2011 but closed them by 2016. However, other companies, like Nordstrom and IKEA, have found success in smaller locations. 

Nordstrom is in the process of adding over 20 more small-format Nordstrom Rack locations to expand the chain’s reach. IKEA has been opening smaller stores with items customers can easily take home. Larger items can still be ordered and shipped. 

IKEA
IKEA

Advantages and Disadvantages of Small-Format Stores

In most cases, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of small-format stores, but it’s up to you to decide if it sounds like the right fit for you. The success of a small-format store varies based on how it’s run and what it’s selling.

Pros of Small-Format Stores

  • Lower rent and bills
  • Fewer employees needed
  • Easier to find products in the store
  • It is easy to adjust hours and products based on location
  • Shorter but more frequent customer visits

Cons of Small-Format Stores

  • Carries less variety than regular stores
  • Not a lot of storage space
Image: Best Buy Canada Ltd

Tips to Help Small-Scale Retailers Succeed

Since small-format stores are a fairly new concept, it can be tricky to set one up. Here are some tips for new small-scale business owners.

Consider Your Location

With small-format stores in various locations, each one can cater to the needs of certain locations. For example, if it’s located near a college campus, you may want to carry pens, notebooks, and other school-related supplies. If it’s somewhere that’s warm year-round, consider items like sunglasses, sunscreen, and swimsuits to match the weather.

Also, if people are more active at night in the area, you can have your store open later than normal. This could be because people work late shifts nearby or because young college students live in the area. If the demographic is families or seniors, it may make more sense to open earlier instead.

Choose a User-Friendly POS

Every store needs a POS (point-of-sale system) to make it easy to check out customers. A good POS for retailers should make payments quick and easy while also providing convenient ways to manage inventory. If the checkout process is seamless, customers are more likely to have a positive experience.

Make the Most of the Small Space

Even though small-format stores have less space, you should still follow general store layout and organizations tips for best success. Put the products you want to sell the most at eye level so they catch people’s attention better. Place the most popular items in the back of the store so people might put other things in their cart along the way. Little tricks like this can make a huge difference in sales.

However, with a small shop, you’ll want to maximize your space without it feeling too cluttered. Instead of putting tables in the middle of aisles, decorate vertically by adding more shelves and wall displays. Adding some mirrors in the store’s design could also make the space feel larger and more open.

Maintain Brand Identity

Even though small-format stores are different than big chain stores, they’re still part of the brand. 

Use similar colors, designs, and advertising techniques in your shop as you would in a bigger store. For example, a small-format Target store should still focus on the brand’s logo and the color red in designs. People are often more drawn to brands they recognize.

Rebecca Barnatt-Smith
Rebecca Barnatt-Smith

Is a Small-Format Store Right for You?

Small-format stores are a great way to create a location for a popular brand at a smaller scale.

Even though you won’t have as much variety, you can save money on rent, bills, and employees while making the store easier to navigate. If that sounds appealing to you, this might be the perfect business model.

(Content submitted by Rebecca Barnatt-Smith, Content Marketing Manager at Solvid Digital)

Related articles:

VIDEO: The state of small business in Canada

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Dan Kelly, President and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, discusses the state of small business in Canada today
Dan Kelly, President and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, discusses the state of small business in Canada today

It has been, and continues to be, a challenging time for small business owners in Canada today.

Dan Kelly, President and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, discusses the key issues entrepreneurs face today and how they compared to the challenging period during the pandemic.

Recently, the CFIB launched its Big Thank You Contest. The contest is a chance for Canadians to thank and celebrate the entrepreneurs who power our economy despite mounting challenges. 

One in four ventures are still reporting they are in poor health. 

In fact, more than half of owners (53 per cent) would not advise someone to start a business right now. Most cite difficulty keeping up with the cost of operating (89 per cent), the high tax burden (72%), stress about the economy (76 per cent), and excessive government paperwork (62 per cent) as the main reasons behind their belief that now is not a good time to start. 

“It’s getting harder and harder to run, let alone start, a business. From coast to coast, we’re seeing longtime, iconic places that have been in business for decades fold under the pressures of high costs and reduced demand,” said Ryan Mallough, CFIB’s vice-president of legislative affairs for Ontario. “Our communities are built on the success of these local businesses. It’s important to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and the people who take the risks to keep our communities thriving.”  

Related Articles:

St-Hubert rethinks its offering and adjusts prices 

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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St-Hubert
St-Hubert

Les Rôtisseries St-Hubert has unveiled a new menu, featuring more competitive and flexible pricing.

The iconic Quebec restaurant chain, renowned for its rotisserie chicken and ribs, said it introduced several new options aimed at helping customers navigate the current economic challenges.

“Indeed, the present economic situation has impacted life’s simple pleasures, such as dining out, and St-Hubert has created added-value offerings in that spirit,” it said in a news release.

Richard Schofield
Richard Scofield

“Inflation can hurts Quebecers, and many families are now forced to make tough decisions when it comes to spending on leisure and entertainment. At St-Hubert, we care deeply about our customers, which is why we’re rethinking our value proposition and adapting our packages to make them more flexible and accessible. It’s important that all our customers feel like they’re getting real value for their money. The entire St-Hubert network and its franchisees are joining forces to provide an affordable dining experience for families, colleagues and friends,” said Richard Scofield, President of Groupe St-Hubert.

WHAT CAN CUSTOMERS EXPECT?

  • Price freeze on all main courses on the St-Hubert menu.
  • Price reduction on over 100 menu items, such as appetizers, beverages and desserts (with an average 11% price cut on selected items), without reducing portions or compromising quality.
  • In dining rooms:
    • Four new lunch dishes starting at $12.
    • St-Hubert now offers an option to complement ALL main courses with two choices from a selection of appetizers, desserts, or hot/cold beverages for $4 at lunch and $8 for the evening table d’hôte. *
  • St-Hubert classics and current promotions will remain unchanged. The brand is committed to preserving what its customers love while enhancing the overall offering, without ever considering shrinkflation.

The company has also refreshed its brand image. In collaboration with the LG2 creative agency, the visual identity has been modernized while retaining key brand elements. The famous logo remains at the heart of the new brand identity.

The brand was founded in 1951 in Montreal with more than 120 rotisseries across Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick.

Related articles:

El Cafecito brews Mexican inspired coffee culture on Granville Island (Photos)

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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El Cafecito
El Cafecito

Alimentaria Mexicana has expanded its culinary family with the opening of El Cafecito, a new and lively fast-casual café bringing Latin American coffee culture and authentic Mexican flavours to Granville Island.

Known for upholding Mexican culinary traditions, Alimentaria Mexicana’s new quick-service café concept offers a convenient spot for locals and tourists to grab freshly brewed coffee and warm, hearty burritos, said the company in a news release.

Founded by the same team behind Vancouver’s premier destination for heirloom corn tortillas and artisanal Mexican products, El Cafecito continues to honour Latin American heritage. Nestled within Alimentaria Mexicana, the café debuted this September, transforming the restaurant’s retail space into a coffee haven, it said.

Ernesto Gomez
Ernesto Gomez

“We are thrilled to introduce El Cafecito to Granville Island,” said Ernesto Gomez, Co-founder of Alimentaria Mexicana and El Cafecito. “This concept was born from our desire to bring authentic Latin American coffee and cuisine to Vancouver in a way that fits the busy lifestyle of Granville Island’s workers and visitors. We want our café to feel like an extension of the island’s creative community, where people can stop in for a quick pick-me-up or stay for a while and soak in the atmosphere.”

“El Cafecito’s cozy 16-seat interior provides a welcoming refuge on Granville Island, plus an outdoor 16-seat patio for al fresco dining. Showcasing the talents of designer Scott Cohen, who “treats all his design spaces as pieces instead of spaces,” the bright mosaics on the exterior contrast with a lush, tropical-inspired interior, perfectly complementing the warm, inviting menu,” added the company.

Partnering with Agro Roasters, a Vancouver-based supplier of organic, sustainably sourced coffee beans, El Cafecito delivers a premium artisanal brew experience. Signature beverages like the Nitro Cafe De Olla and the Horchatte – a playful take on latte using horchata, Mexico’s classic rice and cinnamon drink – have quickly emerged as crowd favourites since El Cafecito quietly opened its doors. The beverage selection also includes drip coffee, espresso drinks, and comforting hot chocolate, it said.

Darragh McFeely
Darragh McFeely

“Granville Island is such a unique cultural hub, and we’re excited to contribute to its vibrant food scene,” added Darragh McFeely, Co-founder. “El Cafecito is a place where locals and tourists can come together over great food and coffee in an inviting, accessible space.”

El Cafecito said its food menu is anchored by its hearty, authentic Mexican burritos, inspired by flavours from northern Mexico and designed to accompany the coffee program. These grab-and-go delights, including options like Frijol Con Queso (beans and cheese), Huevo Con Chorizo (egg and chorizo), and Birria Con Frijol (beef and beans), wrapped in handmade 10-inch tortillas, are served warm and fresh all day, making them an ideal choice for a satisfying breakfast or lunch on the go. 

“We wanted to create a space that blends convenience with authenticity,” explained Co-founder andChef Martín Vargas. “We craft our burritos with care and respect for Mexican culinary traditions, and our coffee program was designed to offer the highest quality in every cup.”

Related articles:

El Cafecito
El Cafecito
El Cafecito
El Cafecito
El Cafecito
El Cafecito
El Cafecito
El Cafecito

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For October 9, 2024

By
Retail Insider
-
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 past 24 hours.

Couche-Tard Suggested Higher Price of $47 Billion for Seven & I (BNN)

Is it safe to buy from Temu and Shein? Here’s what Canada says it’s doing to try to protect consumers (CTV)

Stripe says it won’t reduce merchant fees despite Ottawa’s deals with credit-card firms (Globe & Mail / subscribers paywall)

Retail sector starting to turn around as interest rates drop (Postmedia/video)

You can now buy Mejuri jewelry at Holt Renfrew (Vancouver Sun)

Cooking up a Thanksgiving feast? Here’s where turkey prices stand (Global)

4 Winnipeg 7-Eleven stores permanently closing amid theft concerns (CTV)

Ontario to allow sales of fortified wines like port and sherry in convenience stores (CBC)

Quebec health-food chain Avril enhances e-comm platform, expands educational content (Grocery Business)

Eaton’s department store lives on in Winnipeg home (CBC)

Eastlink opens first store-in-store at KENT’s Dartmouth Crossing

By
Craig Patterson
-
Eastlink's new store-in-store at KENT (CNW Group/EastLink)
Jeff Gillham. Photo: LinkedIn.

Eastlink, a Canadian technology and communications company, has partnered with KENT to open its first store-in-store location at KENT’s Dartmouth Crossing in Nova Scotia. This marks a major step for both companies as they deepen their presence in Atlantic Canada.

“We’re really proud to partner with a company that’s as deeply rooted in Atlantic Canada as we are,” said Jeff Gillham, CEO of Eastlink. “Our team is excited to welcome customers to this new location with an enhanced experience that enables them to make the most of their time.”

Rannie MacDonald. Photo: LinkedIn.

The new store-in-store provides a convenient option for KENT customers, allowing them to access Eastlink’s services while shopping for home improvement products. Eastlink offers high-speed internet, mobile phones, TV, phone, and smart home solutions. As smart devices become a bigger part of modern homes, this partnership allows customers to find everything they need in one stop.

Rannie MacDonald, General Manager at KENT, highlighted how the partnership fits both companies’ goals. “Both KENT and Eastlink are committed to providing high-quality products and exceptional service. With the integration of smart home devices, customers can now get what they need for their home, including mobile phones and internet, in one location.”

Eastlink Now Open at KENT Dartmouth Crossing (CNW Group/EastLink)

This location in Dartmouth Crossing is Eastlink’s first venture into the store-in-store concept. Eastlink operates 24 standalone stores across Atlantic Canada, providing customers access to cutting-edge technology and communication solutions. Known for its entrepreneurial spirit, Eastlink has become a leader in delivering high-speed internet, mobile, TV, and security services.

Eastlink opens new store at KENT Dartmouth Crossing (CNW Group/EastLink)

Eastlink has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies and is committed to sharing local stories through its Community TV platform, further showcasing its strong ties to the region. KENT operates 48 retail locations across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island, reinforcing its leading position in home improvement retail.

This partnership showcases two Atlantic Canadian brands collaborating to meet customer needs, offering both home improvement products and advanced technology solutions under one roof.

Other Dartmouth Crossing Articles: adidas Launching ‘The Pulse’ Retail Concept in Canada with 4 Stores as it Expands

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