KINTON RAMEN opens first location in Windsor

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October 9, 2024

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.

“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

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Mario Toneguzzi

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October 9, 2024

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.

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

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Mario Toneguzzi

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October 9, 2024

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.

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

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

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)

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VIDEO: The state of small business in Canada

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Mario Toneguzzi

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October 9, 2024

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.”

St-Hubert rethinks its offering and adjusts prices

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Mario Toneguzzi

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October 9, 2024

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.

“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)

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Mario Toneguzzi

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October 9, 2024

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.

“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.

“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:

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

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Retail Insider

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October 9, 2024

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

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October 8, 2024

EastLink-Eastlink partners with Atlantic Canada-s home improveme — Eastlink's new store-in-store at KENT (CNW Group/EastLink)

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.”

Eastlink Brings Connectivity to KENT’s Customers

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)

Eastlink’s First Store-in-Store Strengthens its Atlantic Canada Presence

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

Burberry Opens New Flagship on Toronto’s Bloor Street

By

Craig Patterson

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October 8, 2024

Burberry, the iconic British luxury brand, has opened its new flagship store at 100 Bloor Street West in Toronto. The relocation comes after almost 15 years at its previous space at 144 Bloor Street West, marking a strategic move for the brand as it seeks to further elevate its presence in one of Canada’s top luxury shopping destinations.

The new Burberry store spans approximately 6,125 square feet on the main floor of the historic former Pottery Barn space. The unique heritage-protected facade, originally a movie theatre, posed leasing challenges for years, but Burberry has now transformed the space into a sleek, contemporary store. The design features soaring ceilings and an impressive front that aligns with the brand’s evolving global store concept.

New Burberry store at 100 Bloor St W in Toronto. Photo: Craig Patterson

Luxury Appeal Strengthened with Burberry Bloor Street Relocation

The relocation to 100 Bloor places Burberry alongside other prominent luxury retailers, including Van Cleef & Arpels and Hermès. With Van Cleef & Arpels having opened its stunning 2,500-square-foot store next door a year ago, this stretch of Bloor Street is seeing increased luxury activity. Furthermore, Holt Renfrew will relocate its men’s store from 100 Bloor back to its main building at 50 Bloor Street West before the end of the year.

JLL represented the landlord in the lease deal. Meanwhile, CBRE is currently listing Burberry’s former space at 144 Bloor Street West. The 144 Bloor building offers seven floors, with Arlin Markowitz of CBRE noting that its exterior can be fully branded by a new tenant, creating a rare opportunity for a global retailer to make its mark on this prestigious shopping street.

Burberry’s former space at 144 Bloor Street West is for lease, with Burberry now at 100 Bloor Street West in space formerly occupied by Pottery Barn. Photo: Craig Patterson

Burberry’s Canadian Strategy Focuses on Flagship and Concessions

Burberry’s new flagship aligns with the brand’s broader strategy of reducing wholesale distribution and focusing on flagship stores and concessions within multi-brand retailers like Holt Renfrew. In recent years, Burberry has closed boutique spaces at Nordstrom (prior to its Canadian exit) and Saks Fifth Avenue in Canada, pivoting towards operating concessions instead.

In addition to the Burberry Bloor Street flagship in Toronto, Burberry has established a notable presence across Canada with standalone stores in key luxury markets. The brand opened its first Canadian store in 2006 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Vancouver, occupying a 3,200-square-foot space on Alberni Street, a prime luxury retail corridor. This was followed by the opening of a Burberry store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto in 2009, as well as a third location at CF Chinook Centre in Calgary. These locations, combined with concessions at Holt Renfrew stores in Vancouver, Calgary, Mississauga, Toronto, and Montreal, demonstrate Burberry’s long-term commitment to the Canadian market.

As Bloor Street continues to evolve, Burberry’s move is part of a larger trend of luxury brands upgrading their presence in the area. With substantial construction and leasing activity ongoing, Toronto’s Bloor Street is cementing its status as a global destination for high-end retail. Retail Insider will follow up this month with an article update on the street and what’s happening.

See below for more photos inside Burberry at Bloor Street in Toronto.

Windows outside the new Burberry store at 100 Bloor St W in Toronto. Photo: Craig Patterson

Luke O’Hare: Why I’m Heading to Retail West

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Retail Insider

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October 8, 2024

By Luke O’Hare, President, JAK’s Beer, Wine & Spirits

As a retail leader rooted in Western Canada, I know firsthand how essential it is to stay connected with the unique dynamics of our region. That’s why attending Retail Council of Canada’s Retail West Conference on November 6, 2024 is a must. This event offers insights and inspiration tailored specifically for the challenges and opportunities we face. Whether you’re running a local shop or a growing chain in Western Canada, Retail West delivers practical takeaways that can truly make a difference in how we approach our businesses.

Take the session “Best Buy Express on Embracing a Bold, Growth Mindset.” Jennifer Barr from Best Buy Express Canada and Ivano Pirro from Bell, Virgin Plus & Best Buy Express will share how they achieved the remarkable feat of joining two distinct cultures and opening 167 Best Buy Express stores in just five months. Their story of agility and adaptation highlights how even the boldest strategies can come to life when you’re open to unconventional opportunities. For small and medium-sized businesses, this session offers practical insights on applying a growth mindset to scale up while inspiring your team.

In “Winning the West: SMB Multi-Channel Success Strategies,” Dr. Lana Porter from Leger will dive into new research on shopping trends and media habits unique to Western Canada. This session will give small-medium businesses a clear path to making the most of in-store and digital channels. Sessions like this provide real, actionable strategies you can implement right away to enhance your business.

One of the most important challenges Western retailers face is the increase in organized crime and business interruption. The session “Collaborating on Retail Crime” with Sgt. Craig Reynolds of the Vancouver Police Department takes an in-depth look at how retailers can partner with law enforcement to combat retail crime. Practical advice and case studies make this session particularly valuable, providing retailers with real-world strategies to protect their businesses.

And for those of us looking to optimize our productivity with cutting-edge learning, the session “Demystifying AI with Practical Applications for Retail” with IBM Consulting’ Rob Dunlop offers a look at how AI is transforming retail. From predictive inventory management to personalized customer experiences, this session covers how even smaller businesses can start leveraging AI to improve efficiency and profitability.

Beyond the sessions, what I love most about Retail West is the sense of community. You’re surrounded by people who understand the unique challenges of doing business in Western Canada. You’ll walk away not only with new strategies but also with a renewed sense of energy, inspired by peers and innovators in the field.

Retail West is the event where grit, innovation, and community come together to shape the future of retail in Western Canada. If you want to grow your business and stay ahead of the curve, this is the place to be. Make sure you don’t miss it!

$100 Early Bird Saving ends Wednesday October 9, 2024. For more information on tickets, visit the Retail West website.

Luke O’Hare, President, JAK’s Beer, Wine & Spirits

Luke joined JAK’s in January of 2024. Previously to that, Luke spent the last 10+ years with Urban Barn as the leader of Retail and then Supply Chain.

Luke currently sits on the advisory boards with the Retail Council of Canada and has most recently completed his term as Chair of the Canadian Retail Shippers Association.

Away from work, Luke lives in Burnaby and has been married to his wife Lenka for 8 years and has 2 children – Milan (Milo) and Olivia.

Past Retail Council of Canada Events: 2024’s Must-Attend RCC Retail Events: Learn, Grow, Connect and Thrive

Retail InsiderCanada's Most-Read Online Retail Industry Publication.

KINTON RAMEN opens first location in Windsor

Tahini’s expanding with new Chatham location

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

What is a Small-Format Store?

Advantages and Disadvantages of Small-Format Stores

Pros of Small-Format Stores

Cons of Small-Format Stores

Tips to Help Small-Scale Retailers Succeed

Consider Your Location

Choose a User-Friendly POS

Make the Most of the Small Space

Maintain Brand Identity

Is a Small-Format Store Right for You?

VIDEO: The state of small business in Canada

St-Hubert rethinks its offering and adjusts prices

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

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

News at a Glance

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

Eastlink Brings Connectivity to KENT’s Customers

Eastlink’s First Store-in-Store Strengthens its Atlantic Canada Presence

Burberry Opens New Flagship on Toronto’s Bloor Street

Luxury Appeal Strengthened with Burberry Bloor Street Relocation

Burberry’s Canadian Strategy Focuses on Flagship and Concessions

Luke O’Hare: Why I’m Heading to Retail West

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