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.
Toronto’s Bloor Street luxury run is seeing an unprecedented number of luxury brands opening flagship stores. Last week, Kering-owned Saint Laurent opened a 10,400 square foot location at 110 Bloor Street West, featuring a brutalist facade and updated design concept.
The new store features the full range of Saint Laurent’s ready-to-wear for women and men as well as bags, footwear, accessories, jewellery and other categories. The store’s striking concrete brutalist facade is meant to be “raw and refined” according to Saint Laurent, featuring a corduroy imprint that was inspired by architecture from the 1970s. The overall design concept is new and was conceptualized by Saint Laurent’s creative director Anthony Vaccarello, who joined the brand in 2016.
The store’s interior is stunning — Saint Laurent provided photos for this article showcasing snippets of the space and materials used, though unfortunately the brand did not authorize or provide photos of the store showing product inside or its overall flow which consists of several rooms showcasing product, as well as art work.
Interior of Saint Laurent on Bloor Street in Downtown Toronto. Photo: Saint Laurent.
Interior of Saint Laurent on Bloor Street in Downtown Toronto. Photo: Saint Laurent.
Interior of Saint Laurent on Bloor Street in Downtown Toronto. Photo: Saint Laurent.
Interior of Saint Laurent on Bloor Street in Downtown Toronto. Photo: Saint Laurent.
Marble is used throughout the store — giallo siena and cipolino marbles were used for niches, while brown spider marble was used for benches. Black cosmic and golden spider marble was used on tables in the store. Other signature features in the new Bloor Street Saint Laurent include smoked glass counters, marble and glass display tables, black mirror finishes, floating shelves and concrete columns, and wool felt curtains and rugs that are meant to add a soft touch to the space.
Unique furniture pieces in the store include two tall sculptures by Canadian artist David Armstrong Six and a Rie & Yiouri Augousti chair, in addition to a Carlo Scarpa sofa, a pair of Carl Gustaf Hiort Af Ornas armchairs, and Osvaldo Borsani sidetables that are all located in the VIP room in the store.
The Bloor Street Saint Laurent flagship takes security seriously — customers have to be buzzed in by a security guard, which is something being seen more with luxury stores globally.
Interior of Saint Laurent on Bloor Street in Downtown Toronto. Photo: Saint Laurent.
Interior of Saint Laurent on Bloor Street in Downtown Toronto. Photo: Saint Laurent.
Arlin Markowitz of CBRE’s Urban Retail Team negotiated the lease deal on behalf of Saint Laurent and ProWinko. ProWinko Canada owns the retail podium of 110 Bloor Street West. Markowitz and the CBRE Urban Retail Team co-listed the space, as well as other retail spaces at 110 Bloor, with Philip Traikos and Carmen Siegel of Cushman & Wakefield.Concreteworks manufactured the concrete facade and interior (and will give a similar treatment to a new Saint Laurent opening at Royalmount in Montreal in August).
The flagship opening of Saint Laurent shows confidence in the Bloor Street luxury run which was once known as the Mink Mile. An unprecedented number of luxury brands have opened large storefronts along the street over the past couple of years, and even more will come.
Arlin Markowitz of CBRE said, “The opening of one of the largest Saint Laurant boutiques in North America in Toronto is an incredible vote of confidence in our market from Kering and the team at Saint Laurant. Bloor Street is trending like no time before in recent memory, and I am fortunate to have been a part of the transformation. The size of the store speaks volumes to the confidence in our country’s best luxury retail node.“
110 Bloor Street West — Alexander Wang opened in December, with Anne Fontaine and Paris Baguette to open this year. Photo: Craig Patterson
The 110 Bloor Street West retail podium has undergone an overhaul — Saint Laurent occupies space formerly tenanted by J.Crew and Brooks Brothers. In a few weeks, Montreal-based restaurant chain Mandy’s Gourmet Salads will open behind Saint Laurent facing Cumberland Street, next to a popular Starbucks that has operated there for years. On the Bloor Street side of the building, luxury brand Alexander Wang opened its first Canadian store in December. Coming up next are locations for French women’s brand Anne Fontaine and bakery concept Paris Baguette, both of which are under construction. Winners continues to occupy the second and third floor spaces of 110 Bloor, with home furnishings retail concept HomeSense occupying space directly above the new Saint Laurent flagship. In the basement, ice bath/sauna concept Othership recently opened, as did fitness concept Jaybird.
Saint Laurent operates a concession with its own street entrance at Holt Renfrew, 50 Bloor St. W. Photo: Craig Patterson Close up of the Saint Laurent concession with its own street entrance at Holt Renfrew, 50 Bloor St. W. Photo: Craig Patterson
Saint Laurent also operates a ‘world of’ concession at Holt Renfrew about 800 feet east of the new flagship — the main floor concession with its own street front door at 50 Bloor Street West opened in the spring of 2018, featuring ready-to-wear for women and men as well as bags, footwear, jewellery and accessories. The 3,000 square foot concession will remain open despite the Saint Laurent flagship being so close, according to staff in both stores when asked over the weekend.
In Toronto, Saint Laurent also operates a storefront at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre. The 3,000 square foot store opened in November of 2016. Sources told Retail Insider that Saint Laurent will be relocating its store at Yorkdale to a massive new 11,000 square foot space in the mall’s new luxury wing next year which will also house Loewe, Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana and other brands.
Gucci will be expanding its storefront at 130 Bloor St. W. by annexing a 2,500 square foot space formerly occupied by St. John Knits. Photo: Craig PattersonBulgari will join other luxury brands this year at The Colonnade at 131 Bloor St. W. in Toronto. Photo: Craig Patterson Bloor Street West in Toronto, showing Van Cleef & Arpels and a future Burberry store. The new Saint Laurent flagship can be seen in the distance. Photo: Craig Patterson
Saint Laurent operates an outlet store at Toronto Premium Outlets in Halton Hills that opened in the winter of 2018. The brand also operates concessions within the Holt Renfrew Ogilvy store in downtown Montreal for women and men.
Luxury retail at 150 Bloor Street West in Toronto. Photo: Craig PattersonRolex recently opened a store at 101 Bloor Street West in Toronto, in partnership with Royal de Versailles jewellers. Photo: Craig Patterson
Anthony Vaccarello is the designer for Saint Laurent, having replaced Hedi Slimani in 2016. Fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent founded the brand in 1961 and in the 1980s and 90s, Yves Saint Laurent was considered to be the pinnacle of fashion globally. The company had stores around the world including a substantial number of units in the United States. Department stores were an important part of the ‘Saint Laurent Rive Gauche’ expansion strategy. Department stores such as Marshall Field’s, Dayton’s, Wanamaker, Rich’s, L.S. Ayeres, Kaufman’s, Halle’s, Nan Duskin, I.Magnin, and others featured Rive Gauche shop-in-stores.
In Canada, Yves Saint Laurent boutiques once operated in Toronto at Hazelton Lanes (now Yorkville Village) as well as at 1330 Sherbrooke Street West in Montreal. Department stores such as Simpson’s (now the Hudson’s Bay Company) and Morgan’s also carried the brand in decades past.
Montreal-based Le Groupe Brande is in expansion mode these days and its ambitious plans are being fueled by Lightspeed Capital, a merchant cash advance system.
Tyan Parent
Tyan Parent, Founder and President of the retailer which offers the latest fashion trends, said the future is bright for the company as it looks to grow its store footprint in Quebec.
“A couple of years ago when they started their Lightspeed Capital process, they reached out to us saying you can have access to a certain amount of capital to go through your business, do whatever you want with it pretty much,” he said.
“At first, we were skeptical. We wanted to make sure that this was not something to be hard to manage. Easy to follow in terms of payment. And in all honesty, the process is very simple, very easy to maneuver, very easy to get information on the payments.
“Now, it’s been the fifth time we’re using Lightspeed Capital. The process is easy. It’s part of your cash flow model now. Every time we have access to extraordinary funds provided by Capital it helps us to buy more products ahead of time. Our model is to provide products at a discount. In order to do that, and get better margins, get better profits and products, we have to be able to pay in advance. Sometimes we don’t always have the cash laying around to buy products in advance. That’s why Lightspeed Capital became very handy for us to help grow the company.”
Image: Le Groupe Brande
Parent said the company has had access to between $60,000 and $70,000 over the last two years.
The retailer, which started in 2017, currently has three stores operating in Quebec – MODA 1987 at Carrefour De L’Estrie (Sherbrooke); MODA 1987 at DIX 30 (Brossard); and Magasin Entrepot Brande at Decarie (Montreal).
“We’re looking to expand in the spring of this year,” said Parent. “We’re looking to open in Bromont.”
Future growth plans are based on the success of that new Bromont store.
“If someone is willing to invest $10 million tomorrow, I could probably open a larger number of stores. But it’s a private company. We’re not going to banks. So, we have to be very careful with our cash flow,” said Parent.
“Having access to extra capital (through Lightspeed) is helping us to be ahead of the curve, ahead of the game, in terms of getting product . . . Because of Lightspeed Capital we have access to products faster and access to deals where we might have said no to in the past.”
Image: Le Groupe Brande
Unlike a loan, a cash advance, through Lightspeed Capital, has a fixed price and no set repayment schedule. The price doesn’t change regardless of how quickly the advance is repaid. It’s a huge benefit for small and medium size businesses who need superfast, stress-free funding.
Lightspeed is able to rely on its existing merchant relationship to make the merchant funding process seamless, including eligibility and underwriting, as well as risk mitigation. Because merchants use Lightspeed as their core operating system, Lightspeed has real-time visibility into a merchant’s performance.
Lightspeed sees an even greater opportunity today to double down on this offering given inflation and other economic challenges. Demand trends show an uptick during the summer months and holiday season for both retailers and restaurateurs. ‘Inventory/Purchasing’ is the most common reason merchants used their Lightspeed Capital funds.
In June 2023, Lightspeed expanded its international offering of Lightspeed Capital to the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Quebec.
“Businesses are the backbone of our communities, and Lightspeed’s goal is to make owning a successful business easier than ever,” said Asha Bakshani, Chief Financial Officer at Lightspeed.
Asha Bakshani
“Our goal is to help alleviate roadblocks that traditional funding channels may require so our merchants can continue to focus on what matters most: growing their business while providing the best customer experience.”
Lightspeed Capital empowers business owners with its unique approach to funding:
Simple Application: A quick, seamless and stress-free application process for merchants with no personal credit checks;
Flexible Funding: Working capital is available in as few as two business days and can be used for any business need, from inventory and equipment through to staffing;
Transparency & Stability: Flat-fee pricing, and no high or shifting rates, allows business owners visibility and peace of mind;
Empowering Growth: Merchants have access to the cash flow they need to expand and take their business to the next level
How does Lightspeed Capital work?
Cash Up-Front: The cash advance program provides working capital up-front to grow and support the merchant’s business;
Predictable Payments: Merchant payments are a percentage of their daily sales; they pay more when their business is doing well, and less if things are slow;
Secure Fees: Flat fees mean merchants don’t have to worry about fluctuating rates;
Clear Communication: Merchants receive notification, in app or by email, that outlines how much they’re eligible for as a cash advance and the flat fee;
No Deadline, No Interest: Merchants remit at the speed of their business. With no strict deadline, merchants can gradually pay the advance as a percentage of their daily transactions.
Lightspeed has created new teams dedicated to Lightspeed Capital adoption. Recently, Lightspeed made it so products now show a prompt in the product back office that will display if a merchant is eligible for a Capital offer. These prompts can be displayed in the different areas of the product, ideally in context to where they might be more apt to accept an offer (e.g. if a merchant sees a Capital offer when they go to manage orders with their suppliers). Merchants can then apply for that offer directly in the back office of Lightspeed – no need for an external application or a third party.
Le Groupe Brande has cut operational costs in half thanks to Lightspeed products and services. The company has experienced a 66 per cent reduction in training time as well as 60-to-70-man hours saved per week.
In 2020, Le Groupe Brande felt their old retail management system was holding it back, costing it time and money. Based on a business model that relies on high efficiency and low operational costs, the old system was not working for them.
The company found a solution with Lightspeed – a one-stop commerce platform that helps merchants streamline their operations and run their businesses more smoothly and efficiently.
“Since day one, the system has been pretty much self-explanatory. You look at the icons in the cash (register) and you can navigate easily through all the reports from a staff point of view, seamless operation. We saved time, and efficiency as well,” said Parent.
*Partner content. To work with Retail Insider, email Craig Patterson at: craig@retail-insider.com
As Canadians sit down to their dining tables, the financial burden of what lies on their plates extends beyond mere calories. Recent data from Statistics Canada paints a stark picture of household disposable income being consumed by food retail across the provinces, with a noteworthy correlation to the tax rates levied upon their earnings.
The bar chart representing the percentage of disposable income spent on food retail in 2022 and 2023 shows Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) leading the charge, with 11% of household income dedicated to sustenance (up +1.1% from 2022). This is closely followed by Quebec (QC) (Up +0.6% from 2022), Nova Scotia (NS) (UP +0.2% from 2022), and New Brunswick (NB) (Up +0.3% from 2022), all hovering around the 10% mark. In stark contrast, Alberta (AB) expends only 8.1%, the lowest among the provinces.
Simultaneously, a table detailing the income tax rates reveals a story in parallel. Quebec, despite its renowned culinary culture, imposes a notable tax burden on its residents, with rates climbing to 19% on income just shy of $100,000. This is the province where citizens dedicate a significant portion of their income to food, second only to NL, which also features higher tax rates compared to the national average.
Is it a mere coincidence that provinces with higher tax rates see a greater share of income going towards food? Or is this an indicator of a larger economic narrative where the tax burden intersects with the cost of living, amplifying the impact on disposable income and, consequently, on food affordability?
Consider this: taxes affect disposable income, which in turn influences purchasing power. The interplay is especially evident in the realm of food, a necessity that consumes more of the household budget in regions with higher taxes. The situation begs a question of policy and priorities: Are we taxing our way into tighter kitchen budgets?
Provinces like Alberta, with its lower tax rates, see a lesser percentage of income spent on food. This leaves room for investment in quality, nutrition, and diversity. It might also create a wider economic space for citizens to engage in other sectors, bolster savings, and stimulate local economies beyond the grocery store aisles.
Furthermore, there’s an element that transcends the raw numbers. These figures do not only represent economic data; they reflect the lived realities of Canadian families. The percentage points translate into decisions about whether to buy fresh fruit or canned, organic or non-organic, local or imported. They influence lifestyle choices, dietary health, and, in broader terms, the wellbeing of communities.
Provinces and the Canadian government and policy makers must heed these statistics as more than fodder for fiscal debates. They are a call to action to balance the scales between taxation and affordability. With food prices continuing to escalate worldwide, there’s a pressing need to ensure that tax policies don’t inadvertently tighten the financial belts of Canadians around their dinner tables.
A policy reevaluation seems prudent, one that considers the cost of living, particularly food, in its formulation. It could be a step towards ensuring that families in Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, and indeed across all provinces, are not disproportionately burdened by a basic human need.
As we navigate the complex web of economic policies and their social consequences, Canada stands at a crossroads. Will the country adjust its fiscal policies to nurture not just a healthy economy, but also a healthy populace? The data is on the table, and it’s time for a national conversation about the recipe for a balanced, affordable, and nutritious food environment for all Canadians.
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.
The Royalmount development in Montreal has announced new retailers ahead of its August 15 grand opening date, as well as an exciting new food hall concept. Earlier this month, developer Carbonleo also installed a skybridge linking Royalmount to the De la Savane metro station.
The $7 billion development, set to open in August of 2024, will be the largest such project of its kind in Canadian history according to Carbonleo. The project has been under construction since before the pandemic and in the spring of 2019 Retail Insider attended the ground-breaking of Royalmount which at the time was a former industrial site with construction equipment ready to dig.
Carbonleo just released details of Royalmount’s new food hall, Le Fou Fou, which will span about 35,000 square feet and be run by MTB Collective. The European-style food hall will have 12 distinct culinary offerings including catering plus four bars with indoor/outdoor dining that seats over 900 guests. It’s described as being Montreal’s first food hall to combine top-tier talent, hi-touch technology and programming all year round.
Rendering of Le Fou Fou by LemayMichaud (CNW Group/Le Fou Fou)
In anticipation of the August 15 opening, Royalmount has been announcing new tenants periodically since November of 2022. Announcements began with a roster of luxury brands opening in the retail component of Royalmount, and this week Carbonleo is releasing the names of more retailers offering a broad range of price-points for shoppers.
“Building on our prior announcements regarding luxury brands that will be opening at Royalmount, I am excited to unveil an expanded tenant roster, encompassing additional high-end names as well as many of the best more accessibly priced brands in the world,” said Michael Stroll, Senior Vice President of Leasing at Carbonleo.
Newly announced retail tenants for Royalmount include Zara, Nike, Moncler, Longchamp, Veronica Beard, Anine Bing, Mango, H&M, Alo Yoga, Canada Goose, Sephora and Roche Bobois.
Rendering of the luxury wing at Royalmount — Tiffany & Co. will be in the unit with the light blue facade, with Louis Vuitton across from it. Rendering: CarbonleoConstruction progress as of March 14, 2024 at Royalmount. Photo: Carbonleo via Facebook
Zara, H&M and Mango will offer affordable fashions to shoppers — Royalmount is targeting all shoppers according to Stroll. Sephora will be one of the beauty options in the centre and will attract crowds.
“The inclusion of these brands is pivotal to Royalmount’s success. Royalmount is a project for everybody, for all Montrealer’s and visitors alike to celebrate.”
“Our mission for the first phase has always been to establish Royalmount as the number one destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment in the city. To achieve that, you need volume and a broad audience. With this latest announcement and the commitment by these brands, we are one step closer to realizing on our mission,” Stroll said.
Construction progress as of March 14, 2024 at Royalmount. Photo: Carbonleo via FacebookRendering of Le Fou Fou by LemayMichaud (CNW Group/Le Fou Fou)
Mango’s storefront at Royalmount will be the first for the brand in Quebec, after entering the Canadian market via Toronto in early 2023. Both Zara and H&M operate several storefronts in the Montreal region.
Nike and Alo Yoga are both athletic-focused brands, and will be a welcome addition to Royalmount. Nike, operated in Canada by Israel-based Fox Group, has been opening stores across the country. Alo Yoga has also been expanding rapidly in the Canadian market, having recently opened a store at CF Carrefour Laval near Montreal while building another flagship location on Ste-Catherine Street in downtown Montreal.
Newly announced brands at Royalmount including Moncler, Longchamp, Veronica Beard, Anine Bing, Roche Bobois and Canada Goose skew towards the high-end, and will further strengthen the clustering of luxury brands that have been secured for the shopping centre. Moncler’s Royalmount location with the the first standalone location in Quebec for the Italian luxury brand. France-based Longchamp, known for its popular bags, is opening its second store in Canada at Royalmount following the 2015 opening of a store at Yorkdale in Toronto. Upscale US-based women’s fashion brand Veronica Beard’s second Canadian store will also be at Royalmount, after opening in Toronto’s Yorkville area last year. US-based women’s fashion brand Anine Bing will open its first Quebec storefront at Royalmount, after opening two in Toronto over the past 12 months. Upscale French home furnishings retailer Roche Bobois will attract moneyed shoppers, while Canada Goose has been expanding distribution via its own stores, with Royalmount being the second for the brand in Quebec.
Construction progress as of March 14, 2024 at Royalmount. Photo: Carbonleo via FacebookRendering of the skybridge from De la Savane metro station to Royalmount — the bridge was installed earlier this month. Rendering supplied.
“We are now well over 90% leased, featuring a tenant composition that includes the best brands in the world,” said Carbonleo’s Michael Stroll. “Notably, approximately half of these tenants do not yet have stand-alone mono brand stores in Montreal.”
In November of 2022, Royalmount announced a roster of luxury brands secured for the retail centre that include Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Gucci, as well as French contemporary brands Sandro and Maje. In June of 2023, Royalmount announced further luxury brands including Saint Laurent, Versace, Jimmy Choo, David Yurman and TAG Heuer — all of which will be the first standalone locations for the Montreal market.
In June of 2023, several Montreal-based brands were announced to be opening stores at Royalmount. They include Acuité Visuelle, Aldo, Arc’teryx, Bikini Village, Browns Shoes, Dynamite, Garage, Influenceu, Judith & Charles, La Canadienne, La Vie en Rose, Mackage, Moose Knuckles and Rudsak.
Rendering of the new sky bridge at Royalmount, image: CarbonleoLouis Vuitton and other retailers at Royalmount. Image: Carbonleo (screen shot from a video)
Other brands released by Carbonleo for publication include US-based Michael Kors — owned by the same parent company as Versace and Jimmy Choo. Previous larger-format retailer announcements include home furnishings retailer RH (occupying about 46,000 square feet) and Rennaï, a beauty hall concept spanning about 36,000 square feet housing a retail presence for various leading brands.
Rendering of the new Rennai beauty hall at Royalmount. Image supplied.
“The addition of these leading global brands to Royalmount’s already rich roster of iconic names speaks to the power of the vision behind the project,” said Andrew Lutfy, CEO of Carbonleo. “We’re satisfying Montrealers’ untapped desire for luxury goods and a unique lifestyle experience, and elevating the moment with world-class shopping, dining, art and entertainment. This is how we’ve always envisioned Royalmount, as a gathering destination for everyone, a shared space for people to connect and make memories. We cannot wait to welcome visitors to Royalmount in August.”
Michael Stroll said that he’s excited about the opening of the centre, which is about four months away. A skybridge over a freeway, linking Royalmount to the De la Savane metro station, was recently installed to help attract more shoppers via public transit. It’s the first private structure built over a public highway in the province.
Royalmount’s first phase will include an 824,000 square foot two-level retail and lifestyle complex. Royalmount will be the first 100% carbon-neutral mixed-use development in the Americas and the largest LEED Gold retail project in Canada. Previously announced components include an aquarium and Cineplex, which will bring premium cinemas and The Rec Room entertainment concept to Royalmount.
The privately-funded Royalmount project will become a state-of-the-art lifestyle hub for the region, with L Catterton, an investment arm of LVMH, being a key investor. The development will include a mix of experiences and will also be home to a three-kilometre linear park called Le Champ Libre, along with an outdoor public plaza.
Carbonleo is a privately owned, Quebec-based real estate development and management company. Founded in 2012, the company has more than 170 employees and counts several major projects to its credit, including Quartier DIX30 and the Four Seasons Montreal Hotel and Private Residences.
Home Société Toronto Downtown (Image: Dustin Fuhs)
Leveraging over 50 years of expertise in the home furnishing industry, Home Société Group, parent company of furniture brands Maison Corbeil, MUST, La Galerie du Meuble, Jardin de Ville and Home Société, is expanding its footprint in Ontario with the launch of its first standalone MUST stores in the province.
The newly-opened Mississauga and downtown Toronto stores will serve as design destinations that answer the need for more modern and cutting-edge furniture and accessories at accessible price points.
MUST MISSISSAUGA (Image: Home Société)MUST MISSISSAUGA (Image: Home Société)MUST MISSISSAUGA (Image: Home Société)
“As MUST enters the GTA with two new locations and a fully operational e-commerce site, we’re thrilled to offer our quality designs at accessible prices to more customers. This expansion highlights our dedication to providing exceptional service and meeting the demands of modern-day consumers across Ontario,” said Éric Corbeil, Co-President at Home Société Group, in a statement.
Émilie Corbeil
“Our commitment to staying current with the latest trends shines through in every detail, ensuring our stores remain inviting spaces of inspiration. Drawing from the latest architectural and color trends, we’ve crafted spaces that resonate with our customers’ evolving tastes,” added Émilie Corbeil, Product Director at MUST, in a statement.
Walid Laaraba
Walid Laaraba, Chief Merchandising, Marketing, and Digital Officer with the company, said MUST has four standalone stores in Montreal, one in Quebec City and the two in Toronto. As well, the MUST brand is present in all the other company stores.
There are also two Home Société stores in Toronto and Ottawa.
MUST Home Société Toronto Downtown
(Image: Home Société)
Founded in 1973 by Collette and Raymond Corbeil, Maison Corbeil introduced Canadians to contemporary and modern furniture. Today, there are three Maison Corbeil stores in the Montreal area.
Laaraba said MUST was launched in 2005, offering modern and accessible furniture options.
“The idea was offering to consumers a diverse selection of styles combining design quality but also affordability,” he said. “At the beginning, the MUST brand was only a collection within the Maison Corbeil store. At that time, the owners wanted to build a new fresh brand that has the affordability variable with keeping the design and quality. It was a big success and we started opening stores since then.”
He said the focus of the brand is giving the customer the best experience and best in-class product.
MUST Home Société Toronto Downtown
(Image: Home Société)
Besides focusing on the new locations, the brand also has been focusing on growing its online business, added Laaraba.
He said the plan is to continue expansion online across the country. There are plans in the future to potentially open stores in other provinces.
“Located in Heartland Town Centre Mississauga, the first standalone MUST store in Ontario boasts the largest square footage, along with the widest range of on-trend furniture and accessories in the province, including the exclusive MUST outdoor collection. Inside, shoppers can explore stylish home furnishings in a welcoming ambiance, punctuated with graceful arches, rich walnut and vibrant green accents,” said the company.
MUST Home Société Toronto Downtown
(Image: Home Société)
“Situated on Parliament Street, the downtown Toronto store will serve as the ultimate one-stop shop for home essentials. Offering a diverse assortment of furniture and accessories, including cozy bedroom pieces, functional kitchen items, and chic outdoor furniture, MUST Toronto will offer complete collections in a setting inspired by the heart of the city. This location will also proudly introduce the first Ontario outpost of the renowned Quebec-based flower shop, Prune Les Fleurs, enhancing the shopping experience with exquisite floral arrangements and botanical delights.
“Conveniently situated right next door to the MUST Downtown Toronto store, the new Home Société two-storey space will invite customers to continue their shopping journey with iconic designs. Here, they can explore higher-end pieces and indulge in a more luxurious aesthetic, all while experiencing the seamless blending of styles and brands in the store’s presentation. The furniture selection boasts renowned designers and European brands like Ligne Roset, Cattelan Italia, Kartell and new Italian labels. Home Société’s contemporary furniture adheres to timeless designs while providing extensive customization options.”
Home Société Toronto Downtown (Image: Dustin Fuhs)Home Société Toronto Downtown (Image: Dustin Fuhs)Home Société Toronto Downtown (Image: Dustin Fuhs)Home Société Toronto Downtown (Image: Dustin Fuhs)Home Société Toronto Downtown (Image: Dustin Fuhs)Home Société Toronto Downtown (Image: Dustin Fuhs)Home Société Toronto Downtown (Image: Dustin Fuhs)Home Société Toronto Downtown (Image: Dustin Fuhs)Home Société Toronto Downtown (Image: Dustin Fuhs)Home Société Toronto Downtown (Image: Dustin Fuhs)Home Société Toronto Downtown (Image: Dustin Fuhs)Home Société Toronto Downtown (Image: Dustin Fuhs)Home Société Toronto Downtown (Image: Dustin Fuhs)Home Société Toronto Downtown (Image: Dustin Fuhs)
There are numerous metrics to gauge a nation’s wealth, and one revealing measure is how much its citizens spend on food relative to their disposable income. The Trudeau government has expressed a commitment to aid the impoverished and disadvantaged. However, new data from Statistics Canada indicates that, since the onset of the pandemic four years ago, their plight has worsened rather than improved.
A vivid illustration of Canada’s economic disparities can be found in the kitchen pantries across the nation, with the divide deepening over time. A longitudinal analysis comparing household disposable income to the percentage of income spent on food highlights an alarming trend of increasing disparity.
For the lowest income quintile, a concerning pattern emerges. In 2001, this group allocated 21.2% of their disposable income to food purchases, not including dining out. This figure peaked at 23.9% in 2005, dipped to 21.3% in 2012, and rose again to 23.5% in 2016. Initially, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) provided temporary relief during the pandemic, but it was short-lived. By 2020, this figure dropped to 19.1%, only to climb back to 21.3% by 2023, with no indication of a forthcoming decline.
In stark contrast, the highest income quintile shows a dramatically different economic trajectory. Their disposable income has surged, yet the proportion spent on food remains remarkably stable and low. In 2023, this group spent merely 5.0% of their income on food—less than a quarter of the expenditure by the lowest quintile.
This contrast is even more stark against the national average of 9.2%, underscoring a grim reality: the poorest Canadians spend more than twice the national average of their income on food. The issue isn’t just food inflation; stagnant wages also play a crucial role, evidenced by the growing reliance on food banks.
These statistics are not merely numbers; they represent a clarion call for a revaluation of our national policies on food affordability. They challenge the effectiveness of current social programs and question the fairness of our tax system, pointing to a systemic issue where the economically disadvantaged allocate an inordinate share of their limited resources to basic sustenance. Despite years of expansive government spending under the Trudeau administration, food affordability continues to trend in the wrong direction.
There is a dire need for policy interventions that tackle the root causes of this inequality. A reexamination of the guaranteed minimum income concept could ensure that incomes keep pace with the rising cost of living. While the CERB offered insights from a policy perspective, it also highlighted the limited financial flexibility for households, emphasizing food as a primary expense.
Subsidies and tax incentives should be better structured to aid those most in need, rather than applying broad measures that often miss the mark. At a broader level, these disparities should prompt us to reflect on the effectiveness of our country’s food programs and the urgency to develop a comprehensive national food policy that prioritizes affordability and access for all Canadians. Sadly, recent federal budgets have fallen short of addressing these crucial issues.
The data from Statistics Canada reveal a tale of two Canadas: one where food security remains accessible and another where it is a constant struggle. This division highlights systemic issues within our society and demands a multifaceted approach to ensure food security for every Canadian. While the government’s role is pivotal, relying solely on national programs isn’t the only solution. Many NGOs and community groups, which work miracles daily, could make a significant impact with enhanced support.
As we move forward, it’s crucial for Canada to chart a new course—one that measures the prosperity of its food economy not just by GDP, but by the well-being and food security of every citizen.
Future Apple flagship store at 1255 Ste-Catherine St. W. in Montreal. Photo: Craig Patterson
Big changes are coming to the corner of Ste-Catherine Street West and Rue De la Montagne in downtown Montreal, with Apple and Alo Yoga both building flagship stores at the intersection. Both additions to the downtown core signal confidence in Montreal as the suburban Royalmount development prepares to open in August.
Apple is under construction at 1255 Ste-Catherine Street West according to a French language article in Montreal-based publication La Press this week. Retail Insider was able to confirm this information with sources along with the opening of Alo Yoga, which is under construction across the street at 1256 Ste-Catherine St. West.
The Apple store will replace a smaller location nearby at 1321 Ste-Catherine St. West that opened in 2008. The current Apple store spans about 9,000 square feet over two levels, and the new store will be considerably larger. Retail Insider was in Montreal last week and noted that construction firm SAJO is building the new Apple flagship store, which will be the first in Canada to be in a heritage building. The new Apple store will occupy a building built in 1895 for department store retailer Ogilvy, which relocated to its current building at 1307 Ste-Catherine St. West in 1906 and was expanded to create Holt Renfrew Ogilvy and a Four Seasons Hotel prior to the pandemic.
Current Apple store at 1321 Ste-Catherine St. West in Montreal, and the new store under construction on the other side of Holt Renfrew Ogilvy. Photo: Craig Patterson Future Alo Yoga store at 1256 Ste-Catherine St. West in downtown Montreal. Swatch occupied the main floor of the building until last year. Photo: Craig Patterson
Alo Yoga is also building its two-level store across the street from Apple in a retail space vacated last year by Swatch (now at the Montreal Eaton Centre). Jeff Berkowitz of Aurora Realty Consultants confirmed with Retail Insider after publication of this article that he represented Alo Yoga in the lease deal. This will be Alo Yoga’s second store in the Montreal market, following the opening of a location at CF Carrefour Laval last year. Alo Yoga has also confirmed that it will be opening at the Royalmount development in Montreal in August.
Christopher Rundle of CBRE was the source of information for the article in La Presse which disclosed that Apple and Alo Yoga are on the way — he revealed what the industry has known for a while that both retailers are coming to the important intersection. The massive Holt Renfrew Ogilvy store occupies the northwest corner of the intersection of Ste-Catherine and De la Montagne, with Louis Vuitton occupying a concession presence at the corner. Montreal-based outerwear brand Mackage occupies the southwest corner of the intersection, creating a strong retail clustering for the area.
The La Presse article notes that the Gindi family from New York City owns 1255 Ste-Catherine Street West where Apple will be relocating — the family has various real estate holdings and also own the Century 21 discount department store chain. Cogir owns the current building where Apple is located on Ste-Catherine Street.
Another view of the future Apple flagship store at 1255 Ste-Catherine St. W. in downtown Montreal. Photo: Craig Patterson
Alo Yoga’s move to a two-level space on the corner is part of a bigger expansion plan for the brand to take market share from Lululemon. Vancouver-based Lululemon currently has two small stores on Ste-Catherine Street including a pop-up at the Montreal Eaton Centre.
Apple and Alo Yoga’s move into downtown Montreal spells confidence in the area as landlord Carbonleo prepares to open the massive Royalmount project in the Town of Mount Royal — the retail centre could take market share from the downtown core with its mix of high-end and big-name retailers, as well as foodservice businesses and entertainment. Next week Carbonleo will be announcing more retail tenants for Royalmount which is scheduled to open on August 15 of this year.
Anatomy of a Leader: Shashi Behl, Founder of Joydrop
A passionate entrepreneur and strong advocate for women in business, Shashi Behl has founded, partnered, and operated various businesses.
When she’s not sourcing the world for the best products, you will find her traveling with her family, road biking, practicing yoga, reading and hearing about other peoples’ stories.
The Founder of jewelry brand Joydrop has a passion for retail.
“At the end of the day, I love seeing people happy. When someone purchases something for themselves or for someone and they know that it’s perfect, there is a bit of joy that just emanates from them. And I love watching that. And I don’t get to see it as much anymore now that I’m not in the stores,” said Behl.
“But I know I get it from the team. Our stylists when they’re talking about the joy that it brings, especially jewelry it brings to people when they buy it. Joydrop, too, was fundamentally different from most jewelry stores. It was for women to buy for themselves or for other women . . . Joydrop is for a woman to come in and spoil herself.
“I love the psychology of retail. You can have the same product in one area and you put it into another area and it’s going to sell there. You really have to pay attention to humans in order to pick up on that. And I like that part of retail.”
Image: Shashi Behl
Behl was born in London, England and was raised in a small town in Saskatchewan called Punnichy in the Yorkton area.
She went to the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, taking economics.
“Honestly, I started out in psychology and I took economics because I needed to do something but I was the person that was doing the peer groups in university, starting Safe Walk. Even in university I was lucky enough to have a prof that was on secondment from the government and he gave me a job,” said Behl.
But she didn’t enjoy it.
“I think in my head I always knew I wouldn’t be a very good employee and I wanted to be doing something of my own and what that was I was going to create it,” added Behl.
Image: Shashi Behl
Initially she started Body Blocker Company with a partner – sun protective clothing for kids.
“We were well ahead of our time . . . That was when I really discovered that there’s a passion for business. I had a passion for creation. I would call that business my second degree. It did not make any money,” she says.
Then in 2001, she founded Twisted Goods which she eventually sold in 2015.
“At that time, we weren’t making any money and I was waitressing and I got my feet wet in the carts in the mall. At the time, that whole cart program was just starting. I realized when I started looking around in malls, and I was living in Calgary, there was nothing for a woman who just wanted a bit more vibrancy for gift giving. There was just nothing tongue in cheek, kind of fun, in the malls. That’s always a street. But you couldn’t get them in a mall.”
The idea resonated. The first store was opened in the Lawson Heights Mall in Saskatoon. She moved to Saskatoon for six months, wrote all the manuals, invested in software and got the business going. Then she approached Cadillac Fairview at Market Mall in Calgary which “took a flyer on an unknown operator.”
“The rest I just built from there,” she said. There were nine stores when she sold the company.
In 2012, she founded jewelry brand Joydrop.
“It also came out of Twisted Goods to be honest. In the last couple of years in Twisted Goods, I started bringing in Canadian designers. We had a showcase and that showcase took up six per cent of our square footage in the store and it was 22 per cent of our sales. I’m a numbers person,” said Behl.
“We really caught the market before the demi fine market became trendy and it was the same with Twisted Goods. We brought it in the mall and were the first ones there and developed our market.”
Joydrop Market MallJoydrop Market Mall
Behl is a board member of the Calgary Public Library Foundation and for years was involved with the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs network on its board and as board chair.
She has a keen interest in mentoring women in business.
“My first day as Chair I said ‘look the reason I’m taking this role is I want this organization not to exist’. My big goal is that 25 years from now we don’t have any AWE because it means we do not have to separate women and men. It’s just leaders. But right now we have to push that,” said Behl.
“When women are at the table they bring a different conversation. One is not right. One is not wrong. One is not better. One is not worse. It’s different. And when you get different conversations you get a better result and that is why I champion bringing more diversity and leadership. It’s a cause that’s near and dear to my heart.
“The Library Foundation fits in the same realm. Education is a great equalizer . . . If we all have access to reading and writing and education, that allows us all to shine.”
Behl loves reading, cycling and doing yoga. She also spends a lot of time with her family.
“I’m an active person so anytime I can be outside, I’ll say yes to anything outside. We travel a lot.”
Image: Shashi Behl
During her 24-year career in retail, Behl has seen a lot of changes in the industry.
“The people that keep on going are the ones that just adapt to what is going on in the environment. The thing that I love most about retail is that it is constant change. Retail is about detail but it’s also about being adaptable to the environment and not selling your brand but changing to the customer’s needs within your brand,” she said.
“We’re humans and we change. Things just happen in life and we have to adapt. And I think retail is a great adapter. You have to be nimble and you have to pay attention to the market . . . I’m not going to lie. COVID kicked my ass. I found it easier to have kids and still keep going than I did going through COVID.”
Behl said she has very much an immigrant mentality so she didn’t have debt at the time. She could refocus on rebuilding after COVID without a ton of debt.
“The tap shut off for us from a multi million dollar company to zero in 36 hours. I gave myself a couple of days. I had a pity party. I curled up on the floor and I cried and then I went okay I have to lay off my whole team and I have to figure out how I’m going to have that conversation and then I had to figure out how I’m going to hire everyone back. When we talk about how it is now, this is easy. COVID it didn’t just build a muscle. It gave steroids to muscles we didn’t even know we had.”
