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Tiffany & Co. Overhauls Yorkdale Flagship with Stunning Redesign

By
Craig Patterson
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Tiffany & Co. at Toronto's Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Image: Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co., the legendary New York City-based jeweller renowned for its timeless luxury and craftsmanship, has unveiled its newly reimagined flagship store at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. The redesigned location blends architectural brilliance, artistic integration, and an expanded footprint. Tiffany & Co. has declared the Yorkdale store to be its Canadian flagship. 

The Yorkdale store, which first opened in 2009, was the mall’s first mono-brand luxury boutique. It set the stage for Yorkdale’s transformation into Canada’s most comprehensive luxury retail hub. The latest renovation and expansion underline Tiffany’s significant commitment to its Canadian clientele.

Tiffany & Co. at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Image: Tiffany & Co.
Inside Tiffany & Co. at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Image: Tiffany & Co.

Architectural Brilliance Meets Artistic Elegance

The revamped flagship was designed by acclaimed architectural firm SANAA and features an exterior that dazzles with 32,000 glass bricks framed in polished aluminum panels. This stunning façade pays homage to Tiffany’s craftsmanship, symbolizing the transformation of raw diamonds into timeless jewellery.

Inside, the store’s design continues to impress. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a custom-made maple-leaf-inspired light sculpture by architect Hugh Dutton, celebrating Canada’s national symbol. The store’s arched interiors, inspired by Toronto’s architectural heritage, guide visitors through intricately designed spaces featuring woven metal display cases with mother-of-pearl inlays.

The Yorkdale flagship elevates the shopping experience by integrating fine art into its design. Visitors can admire works by globally acclaimed artists, including Damien Hirst’s Tiffany Incredible, Vik Muniz’s Repro: Musée d’Orsay (Rochefort’s Escape, after Manet), and Sho Shibuya’s Sunrise From a Small Window series.

Inside Tiffany & Co. at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Image: Tiffany & Co.

The Yorkdale flagship features a High Jewellery Salon, which houses Tiffany’s most exclusive and comprehensive collection in Canada. 

This luxurious space also includes the Jean Schlumberger gallery, named after the legendary Tiffany designer celebrated for his intricate and artistic creations. It features a custom-designed Apollo chandelier by Aggio, suspended from a champagne gold-leaf ceiling. Inspired by celestial themes, the chandelier embodies the elegance and sophistication of Tiffany’s jewellery creations.

High jewellery salon inside Tiffany & Co. at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Image: Tiffany & Co.

The Evolution of Yorkdale’s Luxury Offerings

Tiffany & Co.’s 2009 arrival at Yorkdale marked a transformative moment for the shopping centre, as it became the first mono-brand luxury retailer to open within the mall. Over the years, Yorkdale has cultivated the country’s most extensive luxury brand cluster, now home to iconic names.

Tiffany’s latest investment at Yorkdale—an expansion from 6,085 square feet to 8,325 square feet—is a testament to the brand’s enduring role in Yorkdale’s luxury legacy. The expansion annexed the adjacent space previously occupied by Jimmy Choo, allowing Tiffany to introduce new retail experiences to its clientele. Jimmy Choo recently relocated in Yorkdale to a new flagship space.

Inside Tiffany & Co. at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Image: Tiffany & Co.

Expanding Tiffany & Co.’s Canadian Presence

The Yorkdale flagship is only one part of Tiffany & Co.’s ambitious plans for Canada. The jeweller is investing heavily in new locations, including a two-storey flagship at the northwest corner of Bloor and Bay Streets in downtown Toronto. This new store, set to feature 24-foot ceilings on its second level, will allow Tiffany to rebrand the entire building, further strengthening its presence in Toronto’s luxury retail corridor.

Looking beyond Toronto, Tiffany & Co. is also preparing to open new stores at Royalmount in Montreal in 2025 and Oakridge Park in Vancouver, further cementing its presence in key urban markets across the country.

Inside Tiffany & Co. at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Image: Tiffany & Co.

A Pioneering History of Tiffany & Co. in Canada

Tiffany & Co. established its Canadian presence in 1991 with the opening of its first store at 85 Bloor Street West in Toronto. The four-level, 13,450-square-foot location marked the brand’s initial foray into the Canadian market and operated for approximately 22 years before relocating to 150 Bloor Street West in 2013.

In 1993, Tiffany expanded into Vancouver by opening a 700-square-foot boutique within Holt Renfrew, marking its second Canadian city presence. The brand continued its growth by establishing shop-in-stores within Holt Renfrew locations in Montreal and Calgary during the 1990s.

Over the years, Tiffany & Co. has significantly expanded its footprint across Canada. The brand operates standalone stores in Vancouver at 723 Burrard Street, West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, CF Chinook Centre in Calgary, CF Sherway Gardens in Toronto, CF Rideau Centre in Ottawa, and at the Ritz Carlton Hotel on Sherbrooke Street West in downtown Montreal. Additionally, Tiffany maintains concessions within Holt Renfrew stores in Vancouver, Calgary, Mississauga, and at Holt Renfrew Ogilvy in Montreal.

Inside Tiffany & Co. at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Image: Tiffany & Co.

LVMH’s Influence on Tiffany & Co.: A New Era of Innovation and Growth

The acquisition of Tiffany & Co. by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton in early 2021 for USD $15.8 billion marked a transformative chapter for the storied jeweller. As part of the world’s largest luxury conglomerate, Tiffany & Co. has been able to leverage LVMH’s extensive expertise in brand positioning, global market penetration, and luxury retail innovation. This new relationship has catalyzed significant changes within the company, including a sharper focus on modernity, customer engagement, and strategic expansion.

Since joining LVMH’s esteemed portfolio, which includes brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Bulgari, Tiffany & Co. has embraced a refreshed brand vision while retaining its heritage of elegance and craftsmanship. LVMH has encouraged Tiffany to rethink its approach to flagship stores and customer experiences, evident in the striking redesign of its Yorkdale flagship and other planned openings in Canada.

Dave’s Hot Chicken Expanding Across Canada

By
Craig Patterson
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Dave's Hot Chicken in Toronto's Parkdale area. Photo: Dave's Hot Chicken

Dave’s Hot Chicken is turning up the heat in Canada with an ambitious expansion strategy that brings its signature Nashville-style hot chicken to communities across the country. Canadian franchisee Blair Bitove, under Bite Brands, is leading the charge, blending unique flavours, strategic growth, and a commitment to quality.

Ontario and Western Canada Expansion

Dave’s Hot Chicken is set to add four new locations in Ontario next year, including Kitchener, Pickering, London, and Brampton. “We’re really excited to bring our signature flavours to even more communities,” said Blair Bitove. “Each of these cities has shown great enthusiasm for our brand, and we’re thrilled to be growing in Ontario.”

Blair Bitove

Two of the Ontario locations are already under construction, with two more slated to begin in the spring. “It’s all about finding the right spaces and ensuring that we maintain our high standards,” Bitove added. “We want every customer to have the same amazing experience, no matter which location they visit.”

Western Canada is also on the map, with an Edmonton location currently under construction and lease negotiations underway in Calgary. “We’re excited to establish a stronger presence in Western Canada,” Bitove said. “These cities are ready for something new, and we’re confident our hot chicken will make a lasting impression.”

All Canadian locations are corporately owned and operated by Bite Brands, a strategic decision that ensures consistency and quality. “Keeping operations under one umbrella allows us to maintain our high standards across the board,” explained Bitove.

Photo: Dave’s Hot Chicken

Standing Out in a Crowded Market

Since opening its first Canadian location in January 2021, Dave’s Hot Chicken has rapidly gained a following, with six Ontario locations now in operation. The brand faces stiff competition from established players such as KFC, Popeye’s, and Mary Brown’s, but Bitove believes Dave’s has a unique edge. “Our chicken isn’t just another fried option,” she said. “It’s freshly prepared for every order, with a proprietary blend of spices that sets us apart.”

The brand’s origins in California add to its distinctive appeal. Founded in 2017 by four childhood friends, including trained chef Dave Kopushyan, Dave’s Hot Chicken quickly grew from a parking lot pop-up in East Hollywood to a sensation with long lines and rave reviews. “That authenticity and passion are at the core of every bite we serve,” said Bitove. “People can taste the difference, and that’s why they keep coming back.”

Building Brand Awareness Through Events

Raising brand awareness has been a critical component of Dave’s Hot Chicken’s Canadian growth strategy. The ICSC Toronto conference played a pivotal role in introducing the brand to landlords and potential partners. “It was tough at first,” Bitove admitted. “Landlords hadn’t heard of us, and it was hard to ask them to try our product when we had so few locations.”

The ICSC event provided a turning point, allowing landlords and others to experience the brand firsthand. “We had landlords, even staff from other chicken brands, lining up to try our food,” Bitove recalled. “It was our chance to show them we’re more than just another chicken joint. The feedback was phenomenal, and it helped open a lot of doors.”

Toronto-based musician Drake is among the owners of Dave’s Hot Chicken corporately. Photo: Dave’s Hot Chicken

Site Selection and Real Estate Strategy

Dave’s Hot Chicken typically seeks out standalone locations ranging from 2,000 to 2,500 square feet, with a preference for end-cap locations that offer high visibility. “We want to provide a full dining experience, so standalone sites with patios are ideal,” Bitove explained. “Our product is made-to-order, which makes it less suited for traditional food courts.”

The Shops at Pickering City Centre location, currently under construction, exemplifies this approach. Situated with exterior mall access, it offers both convenience and a dedicated dining space. “We’re focused on creating an environment that matches the quality of our food,” Bitove said.

Customer Loyalty and Menu Innovations

Dave’s Hot Chicken’s ability to turn first-time visitors into loyal customers is a key strength. “Once people try our food, they come back,” Bitove said, referencing strong repeat business from third-party delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and SkipTheDishes. “It shows we’re doing something right.”

Menu innovation is another part of Dave’s success. While the brand’s core offering of tenders and sliders remains its focus, new items like Dave’s Hot Chicken Bites have broadened its appeal. “The bites have been a great addition,” Bitove said. “They’re perfect for kids and anyone looking for a smaller portion.”

In January, Dave’s will reintroduce its limited-time offering, “Dave’s Not Chicken,” a cauliflower-based option. “It’s great for vegetarians or anyone looking to try something different,” Bitove noted. “It has the same bold flavors our fans love.”

Strategic Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Dave’s Hot Chicken plans to open 25 to 30 locations across Canada within the next three years, with a focus on Ontario and Western Canada before expanding further east. “It’s about building strong operations and making sure we deliver the same great experience everywhere,” said Bitove. The team is also considering an eventual expansion into Quebec. “Once we’re established in Western Canada and Ontario, Quebec will be a natural next step.”

Reflecting on the brand’s rapid growth and future potential, Bitove said, “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far, but we’re just getting started. Canadians have really embraced Dave’s Hot Chicken, and we’re excited to see where we can take it next.”

More from Retail Insider:

Trump’s Tariff Threats Signal Crisis for Canada’s Agri-Food Exports

By
Sylvain Charlebois
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President-elect Donald Trump attends a campaign event, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Oct. 29, 2024. Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters

Few political figures can wield as much influence over global markets as President-Elect Donald Trump. This week, his threats to impose sweeping new tariffs—25% on Canadian and Mexican agricultural products and an additional 10% on Chinese goods—sent shockwaves through currency markets, sinking the Canadian dollar by at least a cent within seconds.

These tariffs, framed as leverage to secure tighter borders and reduce immigration and drug trafficking, represent more than just bluster; they signal a tactical shift in U.S. economic policy that could have devastating consequences for Canada’s agri-food sector.

Canada’s Agri-Food Exports: A $40 Billion Industry at Risk

In 2023, Canada exported over $40 billion worth of agri-food products to the United States, accounting for nearly 60% of its total agri-food exports. These exports span a diverse array of goods, including grains like wheat, canola, and barley; livestock such as beef and pork; seafood like lobster and snow crab; and fresh produce such as greenhouse-grown vegetables and berries.

Iconic Canadian products like maple syrup and whisky, along with processed foods and pulses, further underscore Canada’s vital role in supplying high-quality agricultural goods to its largest trading partner.

How Tariffs Could Devastate Canada’s Agri-Food Sector

A 25% tariff on these goods would be catastrophic, eroding the slim margins that underpin food production and trade. Food is a business of tight profit margins, and even a 5% tariff could disrupt supply chains, discourage U.S. importers, and upend decades of economic integration between the two countries. For Canadian producers, the stakes are especially high; we’ve never been so reliant on the American market since the early 2000s under George W. Bush, and Trump’s team knows it.

However, this is more about tactics than policy. President-Elect Trump is unlikely to enact measures that would harm American consumers. A tariff on $40 billion worth of Canadian food imports would undoubtedly inflate prices at U.S. grocery stores—a political risk Trump is keen to avoid. Instead, he’s betting Canada will yield under pressure, given our limited leverage and ongoing diplomatic tensions with other key markets, including India and China.

For Canada, this is a wake-up call. Ottawa must move beyond short-term measures like $250 rebate cheques or temporary GST holidays to address the structural vulnerabilities in our agri-food economy. Trump is simply doing what he promised: leveraging U.S. economic power to extract concessions.

Impact of Carbon Tax on Canada’s Agri-Food Competitiveness

Adding to Canada’s woes is the carbon tax, which has further weakened our agri-food sector’s competitiveness. A new peer-reviewed study from Dalhousie University shows that this policy has placed Canadian producers at a disadvantage relative to their U.S. counterparts. With the United States poised to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, American producers are free from similar constraints, giving them an edge in pricing and market access. Coupled with a weaker Canadian dollar, this could push food importers and retailers to favor U.S. products, leaving Canadian consumers to shoulder higher food costs.

If Canada continues to prioritize retail politics over meaningful economic strategy, the cost will be borne by every household at the grocery checkout. Trump’s tariff threats should not be dismissed as mere theatrics—they are a stark reminder of the fragile balance of power in North American trade. Ottawa must respond with a cohesive strategy to safeguard our agri-food sector and ensure it remains competitive in an increasingly hostile economic landscape.

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NEXE Innovations partners with Bridgehead Coffee

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo- NEXE
Photo- NEXE

NEXE Innovations Inc., a compostable and innovative materials company, is partnering with Bridgehead Coffee, a Canadian-owned and operated business of over 40 years.

Previously, Bridgehead offered compostable soft-bottom coffee pods to its customers but has decided to transition to NEXE’s BPI-certified compostable coffee pods. The initial delivery includes two SKUs from their coffee line (Centro House and Bytown Boom), which they also sell in bag versions, said a news release.

Bridgehead was one of the first coffeehouses in Canada to serve Fairtrade coffee. Bridgehead operates 17 coffeehouses in Ontario and is a wholesale partner with retail and grocery chains, including Costco, Whole Foods Market, Sobey’s, and Farm Boy. Bridgehead also sells its products through its website, it said.

Ash Guglani
Ash Guglani

“NEXE is excited to partner with Bridgehead, not only to provide what we believe is a superior compostable coffee pod solution but also to leverage their well-established customer distribution channels, expanding the reach of our innovative products to a broader audience, said Ash Guglani, President of NEXE Innovations. “The teams are working closely to build a successful long-term partnership and create a more sustainable future in the North American coffee industry.”

Bridgehead was previously owned by a publicly traded company, Aegis Brands Inc., and generated $16.4 million in sales for the 2023 year-end. In early 2024, Bridgehead was sold to Pilot Coffee Group of Companies.

NEXE Innovations said it is focused on providing innovative compostable material solutions and packaging to the B2B segment to help businesses achieve their sustainability goals.

“NEXE Innovations has developed a proprietary and patented compostable material that can withstand heat, pressure, and water. Our flagship product, the NEXE Pod, a BPI-certified compostable coffee pod, showcases our material’s durability and is an ideal substitute for plastic.  The NEXE pod is compatible with major coffee brewing machines and is manufactured at NEXE’s vertically integrated facility based in North America,” it said.

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Happy Belly Food Group partners with Cadillac Fairview at CF Shops at Don Mills

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Heal is part of the Happy Belly Food Group (Photo credit: Heal website)
Heal is part of the Happy Belly Food Group (Photo credit: Heal website)

Happy Belly Food Group Inc., a leading consolidator of emerging food brands, is partnering with Cadillac Fairview to open three of its portfolio brands at CF Shops at Don Mills.

IQ Foods, Heal Wellness and Rosie’s Burgers are all set to open at the centre in 2025.

Sean Black, CEO, Happy Belly
Sean Black

“Our partnership with Cadillac Fairview reflects our commitment to expand in key urban markets with best in market real estate,” said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. “CF Shops at Don Mills is a premier GTA dining destination, and we’re excited to extend our reach to serve new diners and those who already love our brands.”

Ilene Klein
Ilene Klein

“We are thrilled to partner with Happy Belly Food Group to amplify the fast casual dining options we have at the centre,” added Ilene Klein, General Manager, CF Shops at Don Mills. “Dining continues to be a focal point of our retail mix, and I know the local community will respond positively to these new additions.”

In a news release, Happy Belly said this marks the second net new store location for IQ Foods since acquisition on September 18, bringing the brand’s store count to six. IQ Foods is a flagship brand in Canada’s premium healthy eating market serving a variety of delicious and wholesome food options such as healthy bowls, smoothies, sandwiches, soups, and salads, along with other flavorful clean-eating dishes that the whole family can enjoy. IQ caters to thousands of health-conscious customers fostering strong brand recognition and a loyal customer base driven by word-of-mouth and most importantly, satisfied customers, said the company.

“This marks the forty-seventh location for Heal Wellness, a QSR founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more,” it said.

Happy Belly said IQ Foods and Heal Wellness will open in a shared 1,500-square-foot store, making this particular combination the first of its kind. 

Shared space combinations a key differentiator

“Happy Belly’s real-estate playbook is routed in shared space combinations, allowing us to strategically acquire premium locations of almost any size and brand combination, a key differentiator in today’s market,” said the company.

“CF will be home to Rosie’s ninth retail location. Rosie’s Burgers is a nod to the enduring tradition of genuine hospitality serving quality smashed burgers, sides and milkshakes. Inspired by the simplicity of the classic diner, the menu is uncomplicated and effortlessly delicious. Rosie’s is your neighbourhood burger shop serving up nostalgic flavours you know, love, and crave. From our Smashburger’s and French fries to strawberry shakes and onion rings-we’re all about keeping things simple and perfecting tradition. Because the classics were made classic for a reason, right?”

IQ Foods, Heal Wellness and Rosie’s Burgers will join an established roster of restaurant and food operators at the centre including Eataly, Joey, The Good Son, Taylor’s Landing, Scaddabush, Anejo, MADO, Starbucks, Chipotle and many more.

“We currently have 421 contractually committed retail locations from area developers across all emerging brands in the Happy Belly Portfolio-whether in development, under construction, or already open. As we open new stores, the Happy Belly footprint continues to grow. Our team is committed to sourcing and evaluating real estate, reviewing franchisee applications, and collaborating closely with area developers to support our asset-light franchising model. At present, five of our restaurant brands are simultaneously under construction, and we are excited to announce multiple brand openings throughout 2024-2025. By focusing on securing high-quality franchisees and prime real estate locations across Canada, we will further strengthen our expansion efforts,” said Black.

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Groupe Dynamite completes initial public offering

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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EXTERIOR OF DYNAMITE LOCATION. PHOTO: GROUPE DYNAMITE

Groupe Dynamite Inc. announced Tuesday the successful closing of its previously announced initial public offering which was oversubscribed with significant support from institutional investors from both Canada and the US.

“As we embark on this exciting new volume of Groupe Dynamite’s story, I am incredibly proud to lead an entrepreneurial and inclusive organization guided by strong values which transcend all of our actions and where everyone is rowing in the same direction. Together, we are united in our passion for building meaningful, emotional connections with our customers and we are more aligned than ever as owners in our commitment to driving Groupe Dynamite’s long-term growth and creating value for all our stakeholders,” said Andrew Lutfy, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman of Groupe Dynamite, in a news release.

“With a luxury-inspired mindset and a dedication to innovation and excellence, we are shaping a future where our brands remain inspiring and impactful. By harnessing our distinct brand identities, profound customer insights, disciplined execution, and adaptability, we are well-positioned to achieve enduring success.”

Pursuant to the offering, selling shareholders controlled by Andrew Lutfy sold an aggregate of 14,285,715 subordinate voting shares at an offering price of $21 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $300 million. The underwriters have also been granted an over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 2,142,857 subordinate voting shares at a price of $21 per share for additional gross proceeds of approximately $45 million if the over-allotment option is exercised in full. The over-allotment option can be exercised for a period of 30 days from the closing date of the offering, according to the news release.

The offering was made through a syndicate of underwriters led by Goldman Sachs Canada Inc., BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc. and TD Securities Inc., as joint lead bookrunners, and Barclays Capital Canada Inc., Desjardins Securities Inc., National Bank Financial Inc. and Scotia Capital Inc., as bookrunners, and including Canaccord Genuity Corp., CIBC World Markets Inc. and Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc., explained the company.

Groupe Dynamite operates retail stores and digital experiences under two complementary banners and .

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Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For November 26, 2024

By
Retail Insider
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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.

What a shorter holiday shopping season means for consumers and retailers (Global)

CN Rail mechanics, clerks vote overwhelmingly to approve strike mandate on January 1 (CBC)

Rieker Shoe Canada putting best foot forward in Bradford (Bradford Today)

Freeland says the two-month GST holiday is meant to tackle the ‘vibecession’ (CTV)

Court docs show what sparked Competition Bureau probe into Leon’s, The Brick (CTV)

Levi’s hits 50-store milestone in Canada (Chain Store Age)

Mastercard Testing Special Shopping Experience in Canada Before Rollout (Fintech.ca)

Clothing brands make and sell clothes. Should they pay to deal with the old ones? (CBC)

Ontario investigating recruiter in Alberta who helps supply low-wage foreign workers to Canadian Tire stores (Globe & Mail)

Calgarians shopping locally at International Christmas Market amid Canada Post strike (CityNews)

Alberta economists predict Canadian consumers will be ‘cautious’ with holiday spending (CTV)

Halifax Walmart death: Store will not reopen for ‘weeks’ as remodelling continues (Global)

Chipotle opens 50th Canadian store in Markham: 3 key rights for employees (Global)

Shop the Boro: Find Canadian-made home and garden decor at downtown Peterborough’s The Avant-Garden Shop (KawarthaNOW)

Passerby stabbed by shoplifting suspect at Vancouver liquor store: police (CBC)

Understance Launches Multi-Location Store Expansion

By
Shelby Hautala
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New Understance store at 2334 Bloor St W. in Toronto. Image supplied

Vancouver-based inclusive lingerie brand Understance plans to open four new locations soon, including a Toronto store that opened this month, with a goal of reaching 30 stores within five years. As half of women are currently wearing the wrong bra size, the brand’s goal is to provide professional bra fitting, a large amount of sizing options, and a comfortable fit.

Launched in 2021, the brand was designed to offer the largest ranges of bra sizes, starting at a 28 band and going up to 48 with cup sizes up to N. Currently, the brand only has one location in Vancouver, a new store in Toronto while offering nationwide shipping. 

“We got our start in 2021, so we are still a young company. Our primary focus is comfort and support. We are not a fashion forward glitz and glam kind of bra brand as we specialize in your everyday workhorse bras. We currently carry the largest size range by a single brand in North America and things have been going well for us,” says Jiayi Lyu, the director of Understance. 

New Understance store at 2334 Bloor St W. in Toronto. Image supplied

New location in Toronto opened this month

The new location in Toronto opened November 19th at 2334 Bloor St. W. in Bloor West Village. The store is around 1,400 square feet and offers its full collection along with professional fittings from trained sales associates. 

“I visited Toronto and was looking for leasing opportunities in the downtown core and then expanded from there. Bloor West Village was just vibrant! The shops had very considered product offerings and were not the glitz and glam kind of shopping – it was the kind with an eye on quality and it was where we belonged.” 

New Understance store at 2334 Bloor St W. in Toronto. Image supplied

Professional fittings – “half of women are wearing wrong sizes” 

Lyu says Understance trains its staff for two weeks on fittings. The bootcamp teaches associates on sizing, shape and product offerings, and how to help customers find the right match. 

“You can also expect non-pushy services from us. So typically, lingerie stores are more self-serve types, which is what you can expect from your average mall store and then there is a more staff service kind of model – we offer both. If you want a professional fitting, that is an option,” says Lyu. “You can expect honesty from our staff as we would never try to sell a product that we know is not a good enough fit for you.” 

The main complaint for bras is underwire discomfort: “The shape of the underwire and your shape has to match each other for that underwire to not make itself known throughout the day. Underwire poking – usually at the centre core, on the side, under your arms, or at the bottom of the wire – is usually the number one complaint we get.” Lyu says this can be fixed with professional fitting sessions. 

Understance offers professional fitting services in-store, and online though a quiz or zoom chat with a team member. 

New Understance store at 2334 Bloor St W. in Toronto. Image supplied

30 stores within five years 

Understance will be opening its third store in Calgary and its fourth store in the Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby B.C. 

The Calgary location will be opening December this year and Metrotown is set to open in January 2025. “After these expansions, we would monitor for the performance of the stores, see if we have landed the right size and type of locations, and evaluate before expanding further.” 

Within the next five years, Lyu says the brand is aiming for 30 locations within Canada and the United States. 

New Understance store at 2334 Bloor St W. in Toronto. Image supplied

Bra innovation 

Lyu says the brand’s innovation is focusing on updating bras to make a better fit and to listen to consumers. 

“I think we tend to think of innovation as something scientific, something that comes out of a lab. But innovation is often a lot simpler than that. So innovation for us starts at our consumer pain points. So our designers spend three days a week in the fitting rooms with our customers and with our fitting models and ask what they like and don’t like about the bra.” 

Lyu says a lot of consumers are uncomfortable in their bras and don’t like them which is “surprising to hear.” Lyu says Understance is known for its FlexWire, which provides more flexibility and comfort and is always looking for new ways to improve. 

“We are looking for ways to make bra padding that doesn’t feel bulky or heavy, but offers you just as much coverage. We are always looking to make things that are breathable, soft, and gentle on the skin as possible, while being very lifting and firm. So innovation is a lot of boring work and a lot of experimentation. As long as the company is still around, we will continue to innovate every day.” 

Canadian Retail Sales Decline in September Amid Regional Disparities

By
Retail Insider
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Forest Hill Village in Toronto. Photo: Craig Patterson


By J.C. Williams Group

Canadian retail sales experienced decreases in most categories in September, with All Stores experiencing a decline of -2.2% YOY and discretionary spending (All Stores Less Automotive, Food, and Pharmacies) down -1.3% YOY, This may be the result of a pause as we approach the holidays, with consumers waiting for bigger discounts on Black Friday, Prime Day, etc..

The regional retail landscape in Canada continues to evolve, with significant variations across provinces and territories. Toronto’s retail market is experiencing a downward trend, with sales now down -1.2% YTD. This decline in Canada’s largest city is likely a reflection of the high cost of living and housing pressures, which are constraining consumer spending. Similarly, British Columbia is facing challenges, with retail sales down -0.6% YTD.

In contrast, the Prairies, Maritimes, and Territories are showing more resilience, with growth rates closer to inflation levels. This regional disparity can be attributed to several factors:

  • Population growth: These regions have experienced significant net population growth, which is driving increased retail spending.
  • Smaller population base: The impact of migration is more pronounced in these areas, as even small population increases can result in substantial spending growth.
  • Lower cost of living: Compared to major urban centers, these regions may offer more affordable living conditions, allowing for greater discretionary spending.

The grocery sector is facing headwinds, with all grocery categories experiencing declines. Total Food and Beverage Stores were down -2.9% YOY in September, a concerning figure considering food inflation rates. This trend suggests that consumers are actively seeking ways to reduce their food expenditures.

Convenience stores have been particularly hard hit, with sales plummeting -8.3% YOY. This significant decline is surprising, especially considering that September marked the first month of alcohol sales in Ontario convenience stores. The underwhelming performance suggests that:

  • The introduction of alcohol sales may not be the “money printing machine” that many anticipated.
  • Consumers might be prioritizing larger, less frequent shopping trips to save money, rather than making convenience purchases.
  • The shift towards healthier lifestyles and reduced alcohol consumption could be impacting impulse buys typically associated with convenience stores.

The housing market’s influence on retail sales remains pronounced, with several key categories showing notable declines:

  • Furniture Stores: Down -7.8% YOY, and
  • Building Material and Garden Equipment: Down -3.3% YOY.

Interestingly, Home Furnishings Stores bucked the trend, showing growth of 4.9% YOY. This could indicate a shift towards smaller, more affordable home updates rather than major renovations or furniture purchases.

As we move into the final months of 2024, JCWG is closely monitoring several key factors that could shape the retail landscape:

  1. How will the recently announced GST holiday affect Canadian retail sales, particularly in the lead-up to the holiday shopping season?
  2. Will major events, such as the Taylor Swift concerts in Toronto and Vancouver, provide a significant bump to local retail sales?
  3. How will ongoing challenges, such as the Canada Post strike and port shutdowns, impact retail inventory and sales?
  4. With the Canadian dollar weakening after the U.S. election, how will this affect import costs and cross-border shopping trends?
  5. How are YOU preparing to start 2025 with strong sales?

Canadian Retail Sales by Product Category, Same Month Comparison

Sales for the Month of SeptemberSep-24Sep-23YOY
All Stores65,727,72567,179,240-2.16%
Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers18,302,35518,286,5490.09%
Gasoline Stations6,180,5637,013,343-11.87%
All Stores Less Automotive41,244,80741,879,348-1.52%
Food and Beverage Stores12,543,74812,914,129-2.87%
Supermarkets and Other Grocery Stores*8,877,1939,044,947-1.85%
Convenience Stores728,582794,495-8.30%
Specialty Food Stores888,849899,492-1.18%
Beer, Wine and Liquor Stores2,049,1252,175,195-5.80%
Health and Personal Care Stores5,358,6945,316,5140.79%
All Stores Less Automotive, Food, and Pharmacies23,342,36523,648,705-1.30%
General Merchandise Stores8,643,3598,495,3141.74%
Furniture, Home Furnishings, Electronic and Appliance Stores3,526,6803,714,001-5.04%
Furniture Stores1,198,4691,300,458-7.84%
Home Furnishings Stores722,152688,3734.91%
Electronics and Appliance Stores1,606,0591,725,170-6.90%
Clothing and Accessories Stores3,422,4973,453,087-0.89%
Clothing Stores2,667,3842,702,293-1.29%
Shoe Stores392,197411,459-4.68%
Jewellery, Luggage and Leather Goods Stores362,916339,3356.95%
Sporting Goods, Hobby, Book and Music Stores3,712,7973,810,763-2.57%
Building Material and Garden Equipment4,037,0314,175,542-3.32%
Miscellaneous Store Retailers2,425,6552,477,660-2.10%
Cannabis Retailers443,935449,683-1.28%

Canadian E-commerce Sales

Ecommerce SalesSep-24Sep-23Percent Change
Year-to-Date33,590,59431,657,4776.11%
Year-Over-Year4,114,141  3,762,7709.34%

Canadian Retail Sales by Store Category, Year to Date Comparison

Year-to-Date, Ending SeptemberSep-24Sep-23YTD
All Stores589,782,807586,341,1880.59%
Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers163,170,097161,646,2390.94%
Gasoline Stations58,161,98159,454,597-2.17%
All Stores Less Automotive368,450,729365,240,3520.88%
Food and Beverage Stores114,193,611113,470,7460.64%
Supermarkets and Other Grocery Stores*81,218,07879,916,7941.63%
Convenience Stores6,509,1226,775,235-3.93%
Specialty Food Stores7,851,2097,549,2224.00%
Beer, Wine and Liquor Stores18,615,20419,229,492-3.19%
Health and Personal Care Stores49,187,35946,985,7744.69%
All Stores Less Automotive, Food, and Pharmacies205,069,759204,783,8320.14%
General Merchandise Stores78,209,97875,006,9934.27%
Furniture, Home Furnishings, Electronic and Appliance Stores30,656,09931,244,795-1.88%
Furniture Stores10,218,25610,584,819-3.46%
Home Furnishings Stores6,029,6816,205,851-2.84%
Electronics and Appliance Stores14,408,16314,454,122-0.32%
Clothing and Accessories Stores28,902,79429,025,788-0.42%
Clothing Stores22,355,06422,376,071-0.09%
Shoe Stores3,420,3243,496,682-2.18%
Jewellery, Luggage and Leather Goods Stores3,127,4063,153,034-0.81%
Sporting Goods, Hobby, Book and Music Stores32,428,66833,777,095-3.99%
Building Material and Garden Equipment34,872,21735,729,165-2.40%
Miscellaneous Store Retailers21,141,17522,105,781-4.36%
Cannabis Retailers3,796,0443,835,715-1.03%

Retail Trade, Canada, All Stores, by Geographic Regions

RegionYear-to-Date 2024Year-to-Date 2023YTD
British Columbia79,388,83879,888,340-0.63%
Vancouver39,607,96139,289,1960.81%
Alberta76,284,17076,036,2800.33%
Prairies*39,274,94838,619,3281.70%
Ontario219,233,785218,964,2540.12%
Toronto98,225,19199,427,784-1.21%
Québec132,698,758131,252,6301.10%
Montréal65,902,24165,360,0820.83%
Atlantic Canada40,780,71639,568,9803.06%
Territories2,121,5932,011,3755.48%

More from Retail Insider:

50% of Canadians to spend same as last year this holiday season: Field Agent (Graphics)

By
Mario Toneguzzi
-

A new report by Field Agent suggests half of Canadians will be spending the same amount during Christmas as they did a year ago.

Jeff Doucette
Jeff Doucette

Jeff Doucette, General Manager of Field Agent Canada said what stood out for him in the survey is that only 31% of consumers plan to spend less this holiday season.

“Typically we see numbers higher than that. Everybody at least over promises in their budget that they’re going to spend less than they had in the previous year,” he said.

“But for me the number that’s even more surprising is that 50% say they will spend the same amount. When you look at inflation and its impact on all those items, spending the same versus last year is less items under the Christmas tree at the end of the day.”

The survey was conducted prior to the recent announcement by the federal government that Canadians would be getting a break from the GST during this season. Doucette said another survey this week by Field Agent will try to determine the impact of that announcement.

Graphic: Field Agent
Graphic: Field Agent
Graphic: Field Agent
Graphic: Field Agent

“The reality is there’s not a lot of extra money this year in the retail pipeline this year versus last year. If prices are higher than they were last year then it’s less items going out the door for retailers at the end of the day,” added Doucette.

Walmart and Amazon Dominate the Landscape

The survey also shed light on retailer preferences, with a notable rise in the popularity of value-focused stores. 

“ topped the list with 56%, followed closely by Amazon at 62%. That’s two-thirds of Canadians putting Amazon in their top three retailers for holiday shopping,” Doucette explained.

Discount retailers like Winners, HomeSense, Marshalls and Dollarama are also gaining traction. 

“If people don’t have more dollars to spend, they’re going to gravitate to where maybe they can get a better discount. The really interesting number among all those retailers is Winners, Marshalls, HomeSense. That whole group of companies. For 12% of respondents to put that retailer in their top three for spending is a pretty significant amount,” said Doucette.

“I remember the first time I got a Christmas present from Winners. I was kind of like ‘what’? I was a bit put off. But now it’s very commonplace. Ten years ago, it was what do you mean Winners? Now it’s one of the top retailers that people are gravitating too for Christmas. That’s a pretty good indicator of how consumers have shifted.”

Graphic: Field Agent
Graphic: Field Agent

Black Friday’s Shifting Role

With Black Friday just days away, Doucette highlighted a critical challenge for retailers this year. 

“Because of the calendar, there are fewer shopping days between Black Friday and Christmas, which is compressing the season,” he said. 

This trend has pushed many shoppers to begin earlier, with events like October’s Amazon Prime Day seeing increased participation.

“This is now the go-time for Christmas. The after Black Friday spending, there’s still quite a bit of it to be done but it’s shrinking every year. So much of Christmas is starting to be pulled forward into November and even into October by the actions of the retailers.”

At a recent conference, Doucette had heard that many Canadian retailers had spent their advertising and promotional budgets leading up to Black Friday with little left for the period after. That’s where U.S. and international retailers jumped in.

Graphic: Field Agent
Graphic: Field Agent

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