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JYSK set to open renovated store in Coquitlam, B.C. (Photos)

Photo courtesy of JYSK

JYSK, the international retailer of Scandinavian home furnishings and one of the world’s fastest growing retailers with more than 3,500 stores in 48 countries, has renovated its store in Coquitlam, B.C., at 15 King Edward Street at United Boulevard.

The company said customers will have a brand-new shopping experience with the new JYSK 3.0 store.

The grand re-opening event is set for September 7.

“In this new look store you get easy shopping for home furnishing décor with Scandinavian design and great offers every week,” it said.

Thomas Sagmoen

“We’ve been working hard to offer a unique shopping experience,” said District Manager Thomas Sagmoen. “While providing excellent service and reliable quality, we enjoy helping customers with our product knowledge and expertise. This new store offers our customers a great new layout with JYSK products set up and displayed, as you would like to see them in your own home. “

The retailer said customers can discover stylish furniture, cozy bedding, and home accessories—everything you need to elevate your home!

“JYSK is set apart by its Scandinavian-inspired designs that are appealing for their modern simplicity and the low prices. A full range of products is also available at JYSK.ca and picked up at your local store or shipped to most addresses in Canada,” it said.

Ludvik G Kristjansson

In 1996, JYSK opened its first Canadian store in Coquitlam, BC, and today there are over 68 stores across the country.

“We are excited to be celebrating 28 years in Canada and bringing Scandinavian influence to the Canadian market,” added CEO Ludvik G Kristjansson.

Photo courtesy of JYSK
Photo courtesy of JYSK
Photo courtesy of JYSK

Diptyque Expanding in Canada with Stores

Diptyque at CF Pacific Centre in Vancouver. Photo: Lee Rivett

Upscale French fragrance and candle brand Diptyque launched a store expansion in Canada over the summer, after entering the country with its first location in Toronto in 2022. The brand opened a location in Vancouver last month and this week will open a shop-in-shop at Rennaï in Montreal as well. 

Diptyque began its Canadian expansion when it opened its first store at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre in the fall of 2022. A second opened last summer at 101 Yorkville Avenue in downtown Toronto’s Yorkville area. 

The brand expanded outside of Toronto for the first time last month, when it opened a store at CF Pacific Centre in Vancouver. A Diptyque shop-in-store will open this week in Montreal at Royalmount, in partnership with multibrand retailer Rennaï. 

Diptyque at CF Pacific Centre in Vancouver. Photo: Lee Rivett
Diptyque at CF Pacific Centre in Vancouver. Photo: Lee Rivett

A fourth Canadian Diptyque store is currently under construction at CF Sherway Gardens in Toronto, and it is scheduled to open in October of this year. A fifth will open next year at Oakridge Park in Vancouver, according to the brand. Stores for Montreal and Calgary are also planned in 2025-2026, along with further expansion in the Vancouver and Toronto markets.

The CF Pacific Centre Diptyque spans 935 square feet and is located in a retail space formerly occupied by defunct retailer Siba Jewellers. Vancouver-based Cutler was the architect and project manager for the store, which included producing the required architecture drawings, managing mechanical and electrical engineering, managing landlord reviews, managing the building permit process, managing the general contractor tender process, and provided construction administration services. The store’s interior design was executed internally by Diptyque. 

Jeff Berkowitz of Aurora Realty Consultants negotiated leases on behalf of Diptyque. Ideal Diptyque retail spaces could be in malls and on streets with locations ideally being in the 600-1,000 square foot range.

Diptyque at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto, September 1, 2024. Photo: Craig Patterson
Diptyque at 101 Yorkville Avenue in Toronto. Photo: Diptyque

Diptyque was founded in 1961 by interior designer Christiane Gautrot, theatre set designer Yves Coueslant, and Desmond Knox-Leet, a painter. The brand, which sells fragrances, candles & home, skincare, and home decor, has stores globally as well as distribution in upscale retailers. 

Candles are typically priced in the $50-$100 range depending on size, with some more expensive ones exceeding $500. Diptyque fragrances are typically well over $100 and a room spray was priced at $80 on a Canadian retailer’s website.

Diptyque shop-in-store at Royalmount, under construction — photo from a construction worker on-site.

In the United States, Diptyque has 30 stores in major markets with a mix of street and mall stores in upscale locations. Some stores are on luxury streets while others are located a bit off the beaten path in trendy places close to affluent population areas. 

The Diptyque brand was introduced to Canada via wholesale channels, with retailers such as Holt Renfrew and Saks Fifth Avenue carrying the brand in Canadian stores. The multi-brand retailers are expected to retain distribution despite the direct-to-consumer brick-and-mortar expansion.

Fenty Hair Debuts at Sephora Canada

Photo: Fenty Hair

Sephora Canada introduced Fenty Hair by Rihanna to its stores and online platform on September 3. The launch brings together all Fenty beauty categories under one roof for the first time in North America with US stores also carrying the line. 

The Fenty Hair line features nine innovative hair care and styling products, each infused with Replenicore-5, a proprietary blend of amino acids, proteins, and antioxidants. This unique formulation aims to repair, strengthen, hydrate, smooth, and protect hair, catering to a diverse range of hair types and textures.

Rihanna, the multifaceted artist and entrepreneur behind the Fenty brand, said in a statement, “Hair is one of the most fun parts of beauty – I’ve had every hair color, style, cut. I love to switch it up. But to do that, you need to make sure your hair is healthy.” 

Rihanna showing off the latest from Fenty Hair. Photo: Fenty Hair

The product range includes a variety of offerings, from the travel-friendly Mini Maintenance Crew Start’r Kit to specialized treatments like The Comeback Kid Instant Damage Repair Treatment. Styling products such as The Protective Type 5-in-1 Heat Protectant Styler and The Homecurl Curl-Defining Cream cater to different styling needs while maintaining the brand’s focus on hair health.

Jennifer Lucchese, VP Haircare Merchandising at Sephora, highlighted the significance of this launch: “Fenty Hair represents another game-changing launch from the brand, offering high-powered, innovative formulas that support hair health and styling for all hair types.” This aligns with Sephora’s commitment to providing diverse, inclusive beauty options to its clientele, the company says.

The introduction of Fenty Hair at Sephora builds upon the brand’s existing relationship with the retailer, which began with the launch of Fenty Beauty in 2017. This expansion reinforces Sephora’s position as a destination for innovative, inclusive beauty products in the North American market.

Sephora Canada, which has been operating in the country since 2004, now boasts 114 stores across the country. The retailer’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is exemplified by its “We Belong to Something Beautiful” platform, launched in 2019 to foster belonging among clients and employees.

The Fenty Hair line, which is clinically tested, vegan, sulfate-free, and silicone-free, will be available at all Sephora Canada locations and on Sephora.com starting September 3. 

Related: Kulfi Beauty expands to all Sephora stores in Canada

University of Waterloo Unveils New Indigenous Art Collection

Photo: University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo is set to launch its second Indigenous art collection at the W Store, building on the success of its inaugural collaboration two years ago.

The initiative, a collaborative effort between the Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR) and Print and Retail Solutions, showcases the work of Tehatsistahawi (Tsista) Kennedy, an Anishinaabe Onyota’a:ka artist from Beausoleil First Nation and Oneida Nation of the Thames.

Kennedy, a self-taught artist with roots in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, brings a unique perspective to this project. His artwork, characterized by a distinctive variation of woodland style, features semi-bold black lines, intricate patterns, and vibrant colours that create an elegant flow across various mediums. 

Tehatsistahawi (Tsista) Kennedy, Anishinaabe Onyota’a:ka artist, who designed the new Indigenous collection at the W Store.

The artist’s connection to the region adds a personal touch to the collection, which prominently features Canada geese – an unofficial mascot of the university.

The collection, set to launch on September 5th at the W Store located in South Campus Hall, will offer a diverse range of items including apparel, drinkware, and gift products. The official launch ceremony will mark the beginning of this exciting new chapter in the university’s commitment to Indigenous representation and support.

The previous collection, featuring the work of local artist Alanah Astehtsi Otsistohkwa (Morningstar) Jewell, generated over $40,000 for the Indigenous Student Development Fund. This fund provides crucial financial assistance to Indigenous students facing economic hardships that might otherwise jeopardize their education.

The university invites the public to join in celebrating this new collection at the launch ceremony on Thursday, September 5th, at 8:45 a.m. at the W Store in South Campus Hall. Light refreshments will be served, offering attendees an opportunity to immerse themselves in the artistry of the latest Indigenous collaboration.

Related: Giant Tiger and Indspire launch third-year collaboration with new shirt design to support Indigenous post-secondary students

Toronto’s hip Ossington Avenue using events to attract visitors

Ossington Avenue in Toronto is quickly emerging as one of the city’s most vibrant and sought-after neighbourhoods. TIME OUT magazine recognized Ossington in 2022 as one of the “coolest streets in the world.” The area has been booming ever since and has plans to continue to grow.

To increase foot traffic and encourage businesses to stay open later, Meg Marshall, the manager of the Ossington BIA, says they are having an event this week: the Raccoon pop-up shop where everyone who participates wins a prize. 

“Ossington has gone through some transformations and is starting to see a lot more destination retail and more destination hospitality popping up. We don’t have a lot of vacancies and any of the vacancies that were available are now being renovated into different spaces. We have seen a lot of West Coast brands open their first Toronto brick-and-mortar store on Ossington, and Ossington is a first for a lot of national brands, luxury national brands,” says Meg Marshall.

Ossington Avenue in Toronto. Photo: Ossington BIA

Raccoon pop-up shop – happening this week! 

Taking place on Ossington is the Raccoon pop-up shop which will be open only on September 5th and 6th. The event aims to increase foot traffic, boost brand awareness, and support local retailers.

The event invites visitors into a mini convenience store, complete with raccoon-themed decorations and interactive activities: “It is a mystery shop, you have to come to find out what we have.”

The pop-up will feature white-labelled products, all branded with raccoon imagery, which visitors can purchase. The event donates the food items to the Allan Gardens Food Bank, and each transaction results in a prize. Participants can win gift cards or small products from local shops.

“We have thousands of dollars in prizes we have purchased: gift cards, food products, small little products from our member businesses. So everyone’s a winner, and it all goes back to supporting our hyper local economy and encouraging people to go into the shops and restaurants.” 

Grassroots Initiatives

Due to a grant from Toronto’s main street innovation fund, the event was possible. Marshall says local volunteers and family members, such as her mom, helped with wrapping and branding.  

“We have wrapped close to 300 products with craft paper and then we are branding it, so this is a very grassroots initiative. We are not working with a marketing agency, we are doing it all ourselves and it has been really fun.” 

The main goal of this pop-up shop is to increase foot traffic on Ossington and aims to extend retail hours in the area as the shop will be open until 10 P.M. 

We want to drive more people to the retail shops, bring more people to Ossington, and extend retail evening hours as lot of retailers close at around seven or eight. The Raccoon retailer pop-up shop is staying open until 10PM, so it kind of leans into the night economy of Toronto,” says Marshall. “If everyone is staying open later, then it becomes a hub for customers to want to come to Ossington and creates it as a destination.

Community impact and future outlook

Marshall says the Ossington BIA is looking to continue to grow and bring more events to the neighbourhood.

The OSS Festival is another event happening yearly. The event takes place on the last Saturday of July every year and continues to grow.

OSS Street Festival on Ossington Avenue in Toronto. Photo: Ossington BIA

“We have been running this street festival for eight years, and it has evolved naturally as the retail mix and hospitality mix in Ossington has also changed. It originally started off as a bike race, and then we just found that it was cost prohibitive and also didn’t exactly support our member businesses, so we transitioned it into a street festival, and year over year – it keeps growing.” 

As Ossington moves forward, the BIA’s approach will likely involve a mix of small-scale, community driven projectors and larger events.

“We just hope that people continue to come out and support these initiatives because Ossington is really about community. We are small, but we are mighty. Everything we do is about bringing people together and celebrating what makes this neighbourhood so special. It is not just about the businesses; it is about the people, the culture, and the energy that makes Ossington what it is.”

RENNAÏ announces Canadian retail exclusive with Victoria Beckham Beauty

Rennaï announces Canadian retail exclusive with Victoria Beckham Beauty, as seen in new flagship store at Royalmount, opening Sept, 5, 2024 (CNW Group/Rennaï)

Rennaï, a new beauty and self-care shopping destination announced Tuesday its exclusive Canadian retail partnership with Victoria Beckham Beauty. Opening on September 5 in Montreal’s Royalmount project, Rennaï’s 36,000-square-foot flagship store is a one-stop-shop for beauty products and services. The first in a series of North American store openings, Rennaï will feature best-in-class national, global and domestic beauty and self-care brand offerings, it said.

Launched in September 2019 by Victoria Beckham, Victoria Beckham Beauty is a fashion-led clean luxury beauty and skincare brand. Born from obsession and designed beyond reason, Victoria Beckham Beauty is the result of Victoria’s personal commitment to the pursuit of excellence in every way. With a product range including make-up, skincare and fragrance, the coveted collection features signature items including its Satin Kajal Liner, Vast Lash Mascara, Posh Lipstick, and skincare co-developed with Augustinus Bader.

Rennaï announces Canadian retail exclusive with Victoria Beckham Beauty, as seen in new flagship store at Royalmount, opening Sept, 5, 2024 (CNW Group/Rennaï)
Christopher Novak

“Through our exclusive partnership with Victoria Beckham Beauty in Canada, Rennaï establishes a new era of beauty and self-care. This collaboration embodies the shared values and vision of both Rennaï and Victoria Beckham Beauty, empowering customers to feel uniquely confident and beautiful. Together, we are committed to educating and inspiring our customers, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and tools to enhance their self-care rituals,” said Christopher Novak, President & CCC, Rennaï.

With an instant beauty cult following, the Victoria Beckham Beauty line is currently available in US and European outlets, making Rennaï the first and only Canadian retail partner for this highly coveted brand.

Katia Beauchamp

“As Victoria Beckham Beauty plans to expand its retail footprint globally, and as we saw incredible traction with Canadian sales via our own e-commerce business, the natural next step was to provide our Canadian customer with a brand experience closer to home. We chose Rennaï as our first Canadian retail partner and are thrilled about the opportunity to be part of such a unique and innovative retail experience”, said Katia Beauchamp, Victoria Beckham Beauty CEO.

Situated in Rennaï’s Re-imagine realm, dedicated to beauty, the Victoria Beckham Beauty counter will be staffed by highly trained specialists. These experts enhance the customer experience with specialized techniques and personalized applications, embodying Rennaï’s commitment to responsible education and inspiration.

Rennaï at Royalmount (Rendering: Rennaï)
Rennaï announces Canadian retail exclusive with Victoria Beckham Beauty, as seen in new flagship store at Royalmount, opening Sept, 5, 2024 (CNW Group/Rennaï)

Royalmount is Montreal’s newest shopping, dining & entertainment destination, where connectivity, creativity, and sustainability meet and thrive. The world-class district located in the midtown features 170 stores including 60 restaurants and cafes. The retail offer includes 50 per cent new to market concepts and the largest concentration of luxury flagship stores in the province of Quebec. In addition to an exciting programming offer, Royalmount is home to a 77,000 square foot urban park and public art trail, featuring more than 60 art installations from local and international artists.

Conceived by real estate development and management company Carbonleo, Royalmount will soon be the largest LEED Gold retail project in Canada. One of the highlights of its sustainability promise is its climate-controlled enclosed skybridge linking the project directly to Montreal’s metro and public transit, facilitating eco-conscious access to this one-of-a-kind destination.

Clare Waight Keller appointed UNIQLO Creative Director

Clare Waight Keller

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO has announced the appointment of Clare Waight Keller as Creative Director.

The retailer said Keller has had an exceptional career with a number of leading fashion houses, and in September 2023 took on the role of designer for the UNIQLO : C womenswear project. While continuing in this capacity with UNIQLO : C, she will also lead the UNIQLO mainline collection, including menswear, from 2024 Fall/Winter.

Keller is a renowned British designer known for bringing a highly original sense to modern elegance and taking high fashion houses around the world to critical acclaim under her leadership. She was named one of the most influential people in the world by TIME 100 in 2019.

Tadashi Yanai, Fast Retailing Chairman, President and CEO, said: “We are proud to welcome Ms. Clare Waight Keller as the Creative Director of UNIQLO. Along with her exceptional originality and wide-ranging experience, I have been impressed by her excellent sense of balance, which never forgets the perspective of the consumer. I believe that with her, we will be able to evolve LifeWear, the ultimate everyday wear, into something even richer and create clothes that will make our customers even happier.”

Yukihiro Katsuta, Fast Retailing Group Senior Executive Officer and Head of R&D for UNIQLO, said: “Clare Waight Keller’s work with UNIQLO : C has convinced me that she is one of the few creators in the world able to achieve a high level of balance between creation and merchandising. I believe that the experience, knowledge, and skills that she has amassed, based on a keen aesthetic sense and intellect, will greatly expand the world of UNIQLO LifeWear.”

Clare Waight Keller, UNIQLO Creative Director, said: “Working with UNIQLO over these past two years, I have been hugely impressed by their innovation and ability to create exceptional products. Working with the team, I became deeply immersed in the brand and the future they are creating. It is very exciting and an honor for me to be involved in the evolution of LifeWear.”

Uniqlo at CF Chinook Centre (Image: Mario Toneguzzi)

UNIQLO is a brand of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese retail holding company with global headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. UNIQLO is the largest of eight brands in the Fast Retailing Group, the others being GU, Theory, PLST, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse tam.tam, J Brand and Helmut Lang. With global sales of approximately 2.77 trillion yen for the 2023 fiscal year ending August 31, 2023 (US $18.92 billion, calculated in yen using the end of August 2023 rate of $1 = 146.2 yen), Fast Retailing is one of the world’s largest apparel retail companies, and UNIQLO is Japan’s leading specialty retailer.

UNIQLO has a total of more than 2,400 UNIQLO stores across the world, including Japan, Asia, Europe and North America. The total number of stores across Fast Retailing’s brands is now close to 3,600.

A previous Retail Insider story said the Japanese fashion retailer is continuing with its Canadian store expansion with four locations announced for fall 2024, and an additional fifth store confirmed. It’s part of a bigger growth plan for the company which entered Canada with its first stores in 2016. 

Recently, it announced that it would open three stores in Ontario, as well as one in British Columbia. The three Ontario stores will be either in or close to Toronto, and will include locations at CF Sherway Gardens in Toronto, Heartland Town Centre in Mississauga, and Bramalea City Centre in Brampton. UNIQLO also announced that it would open another store in the BC Lower Mainland at the Willowbrook Shopping Centre in Langley. 

The CF Sherway Gardens Uniqlo store will move into a retail space vacated by retailer Laura, according to sources, as well as adjacent spaces to create a store spanning about 15,000 square feet or so. It’s a size that appears to be a sweet spot for the retailer for its non-flagship locations in Canada. 

Heartland Town Centre will be UNIQLO’s first Canadian store to open in a power centre, making it rather unique. Heartland Town Centre is considered to be one of the country’s top big-box power centres in terms of retail offerings and consumer spending dollars. Uniqlo is taking a retail space formerly occupied by Designer Depot, according to lease plans. 

Bramalea City Centre is an enclosed super regional shopping centre in Brampton, and Uniqlo’s location in the mall will be 12,167 square feet according to a lease plan. 

UNIQLO will also be opening a fifth Canadian store in September. Its website states that it will open a store at Royalmount in Montreal.

In the fall of 2016, it opened two stores in Toronto at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre and at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre, kicking off a national expansion that has seen Uniqlo become an important player in the fast-fashion space in Canada. The company currently operates 23 stores in Canada, a number that will increase to 28 by the end of the year. 

UNIQLO at CF Rideau Centre (Image: Dustin Fuhs)

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For September 3, 2024

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 several days.

Rising rates of shoplifting, much of which is organised crime, are costing Canadian retail businesses billions (The Hub)

Thrifting, bargain hunting hot as inflation puts squeeze on back-to-school shopping (Castanet)

What is happening to Canada’s retail landscape? (Global)

Lululemon’s weakened sales may present ‘buying opportunity’ for investors: analyst (BNN)

Montreal store brings urban farming indoors (CTV)

Come on Barbie, let’s go shopping: Barbie pop-up opens in West Edmonton Mall (CTV)

Over 4,000 Ontario convenience stores approved for alcohol sales on September 5th (Retail Insider)

St. Albert Centre mall makes post-COVID rebound (St. Albert Gazette)

Only grocery store in Whale Cove, Nunavut, burns (CBC)

Cash-strapped parents seek back-to-school deals as years of inflation take a toll (CFJC)

Long lineup at job fairs for new Longo’s grocery store in Kitchener (CTV)

As another cannabis retailer tries to save itself, is the industry going up in smoke? (CBC)

Three-storey restaurant with a sports bar and rooftop patio is opening in Calgary | Dished

Barrie donut shop endures break-in amid already challenging road construction (CTV)

How the Bank of Canada Could Ease Back-to-School Lunch Costs [Op-Ed]

Due to mixed economic spending data released by Statistics Canada over the summer, the Bank of Canada is expected to reduce its overnight rate by 25 basis points for the third consecutive meeting on Wednesday, with further cuts anticipated in October and December. If the overnight rate decreases by 0.5% by October, a family with a $500,000 mortgage with a variable rate amortized over 25 years could see their payments decrease by up to $1,800 over 12 months. This reduction could equate to the purchase of 246 to 345 school lunches, making a significant difference for parents.

As the back-to-school season approaches, parents across the country are once again faced with the challenge of preparing daily lunches for their children. Fortunately, this year’s grocery landscape offers some relief compared to the financial pressures felt last year. While certain items have experienced price increases, others have become more affordable, allowing families to pack nutritious and varied lunches without breaking the bank.

With a bit of planning, navigating this school year’s lunch needs can be a smoother process.

Protein Choices: The Mixed Bag of Meat and Dairy

Protein remains a cornerstone of a balanced lunch, and the meat aisle presents a varied picture. While beef products, such as stewing cuts and ground beef, have seen price hikes, prices are expected to drop this fall. Poultry, including chicken breasts, thighs, and drumsticks, has become more affordable in recent months, making them an excellent option for cost-effective, protein-rich sandwiches, wraps, or salads. However, turkey may be a different story as supplies might be lower this year.

In the dairy section, prices for milk and yogurt have risen modestly but remain within reach for most households. Adding a small container of yogurt or a cheese stick to a lunchbox is still a nutritious and economical choice, ensuring that children receive necessary calcium and protein throughout the day.

Fresh Produce: Balancing Costs and Nutrition

The produce aisle, often a source of both nutrients and financial strain, presents both challenges and opportunities this year. While staple fruits like apples and oranges have seen modest price increases, other popular options, such as grapes and strawberries, are more affordable. The increased domestic production of these fruits and a strong Canadian dollar, supported by a weaker American dollar, are expected to help keep prices lower in the produce section. This trend allows parents to pack a variety of fruits in their children’s lunches, keeping them both nutritious and budget-friendly.

Vegetable prices also vary. Items like lettuce and cucumbers have become less expensive, making them ideal for sandwiches or as healthy sides. However, the price of certain vegetables, including onions and sweet potatoes, has risen. Parents can strike a balance by mixing more affordable produce with smaller portions of the pricier items, ensuring a variety of nutrients without overspending.

Pantry Staples: Reliable Foundations for School Lunches

Pantry staples are essential for school lunches, and this year, they offer some stability compared to the volatility experienced last year. While some items have seen price increases, others, such as canned beans, pasta sauce, and cooking oils, have remained stable or even decreased in cost. Canned tuna and salmon are also expected to be more affordable, making them excellent choices for sandwiches.

Frozen foods provide convenience and flexibility for busy mornings. Prices for some frozen vegetables and fruits, such as strawberries, have decreased, making them an attractive option for quick and nutritious additions to lunchboxes. The stronger Canadian dollar will likely continue to benefit consumers this fall. These frozen items can be used in smoothies or packed directly into lunchboxes, where they can double as a cooling element.

While the back-to-school season always brings some level of adjustment, the grocery landscape this year is more favorable. Depending on your location, prices may vary, but these nationwide trends suggest that with a bit of foresight, families can manage their lunch preparations more effectively, making this school year a little easier on both wallets and minds.

Methodology: The sample included over 10,000 price points for various food items, capturing the most affordable options across different regions of the country. This data was integrated into a forecasting model using machine learning to predict prices over the next three months. The food categories are based on Statistics Canada’s list of reference food products; however, some categories were not included due to a lack of data.

Michel’s Bakery Café relocates at Yorkdale after 40 years 

Michel's Bakery Café at Toronto's Yorkdale Shopping Centre on August 30, 2024. Photo supplied

The popular Michel’s Bakery Café at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre has relocated after operating in the same location for 40 years. The new storefront opened Friday in the mall’s north wing next to a Crate & Barrel store. 

The new Yorkdale Michel’s Bakery Café spans more than 3,000 square feet in a space formerly occupied by retailer Tristan. The elevated design of Michel’s, created in partnership with branding consultancy Jump, reflects that of the original location, which was known for its sandwiches, coffee and fresh pastries baked daily on-site. 

Alexandra Grudkin, Franchise Development Director for parent company Groupe Le Duff, said that the overall concept for Michel’s is that of a small french neighbourhood café, where passers-by may be drawn in by the smell of the product. The restaurant’s baker comes in at 5am daily and items are also baked on-site throughout the day. 

Michel’s Bakery Café at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre on August 30, 2024. Photo supplied
Michel’s Bakery Café at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre on August 30, 2024. Photo supplied

The new space replaces Michel’s former location that was in what is now Yorkdale’s ‘centre’ run. Michel’s opened there on August 8, 1984, and became a popular destination for shoppers seeking food and/or drink during a visit to the mall. The former location became so busy that seating was placed in the hallway outside. Given the high foot traffic in the north wing, Grudkin noted that the new Michel’s lacks such ‘patio’ seating. 

The Yorkdale location is one of two for Michel’s, which earlier in the summer also opened a storefront in Toronto’s Financial District at the Exchange Tower. Grudkin said that even though Michel’s is a franchised business, there are no immediate plans for further expansion. 

Michel’s Bakery Café at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre on August 30, 2024. Photo supplied
The former Michel’s Bakery Café at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. This photo is several years old. Image via cambriadesign.ca
Yorkdale luxury wing under construction on September 1, 2024. Photo: Craig Patterson

Michel’s relocated after 40 years as Yorkdale creates a new luxury wing, which has seen several new tenants open. That includes Loewe that opened earlier in the summer, and Brunello Cucinelli which opened last week. Other new luxury brands confirmed to be opening in the new luxury wing include Loro Piana, Versace, Jimmy Choo and Rimowa, and others will also be announced. 

Yorkdale is Canada’s top shopping centre in terms of sales per square foot. In 2023, the mall saw sales exceeding $2,400 a square foot, made possible by high productivity in stores which include a mix of luxury brands and other big names with productive retailers such as Apple and Tesla. La Maison Simons will open in the mall’s former Nordstrom space next year. Yorkdale has been adding to its food and beverage options which includes several full-service restaurants and a recently renovated food court.  

Related articles:

Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto Blows Other Canadian Malls Out of the Water in ICSC Productivity Rankings 

Michel’s Bakery and Café at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre on September 1, 2024. Photo: Craig Patterson