Once notorious for its narrow beauty standards and environmental toll, the fashion industry is transforming. A growing cohort of conscious consumers is demanding clothing that reflects their values, prioritizing inclusivity and sustainability. A study by McKinsey & Company found that nearly two-thirds of global consumers are now willing to pay a premium for sustainable products. In this evolving landscape, Bayeas, a rising denim brand, aims to make waves for its stylish offerings and unwavering commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.
Gone are the days of a limited selection of denim fits. Bayeas recognizes and caters to this trend by offering a diverse selection of fits, rises, washes, and styles. Their motto? “One size does not fit all,” ensuring a perfect pair for everyone.
Their collection consists of various fits, rises, washes, and styles, ensuring a perfect pair of jeans for everyone. Whether you prefer a classic straight-leg cut, a trendy mom jean, or a flattering high-waisted flare, Bayeas empowers individuals to express themselves confidently through denim.
Established in the 1990s, this family-owned denim brand has consistently set itself apart by crafting high-quality denim that caters to all body types while embracing sustainable practices. As the fashion industry faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact, Bayeas seeks to emerge as a leader in sustainable denim production, setting new standards for transparency, eco-consciousness, and inclusivity.
This approach aligns with the broader movement in fashion towards body positivity and inclusivity, reflecting a significant societal shift where diversity in fashion is appreciated and expected.
Consumers today are more environmentally conscious than ever before, demanding clothing brands that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices throughout their production cycles. Bayeas answers this call by integrating eco-friendly materials and responsible manufacturing processes into their operations. This commitment goes beyond using recycled materials; it encompasses minimizing waste and reducing the industry’s environmental footprint.
Transparency is becoming a non-negotiable for consumers who want to make informed purchase choices. Bayeas addresses this demand and allows customers to trace the journey of their jeans from fabric to finish. This initiative builds trust and ensures the production process aligns with the brand’s ethical and sustainable values.
The fashion industry is witnessing a paradigm shift. With increasing awareness about climate change and social justice, brands like Bayeas prioritizing sustainability and inclusivity are more relevant than ever. The demand for eco-conscious clothing is not just a trend but a reflection of a more significant movement towards responsible consumerism. The rise of social media has amplified consumer voices, holding brands accountable for their practices. Transparency, once a bonus, is now a requirement. Bayeas, the next-gen denim brand, seeks to provide traceability and detailed production information to meet these evolving expectations.
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.
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is “deeply concerned” that the City of Calgary has entered a State of Emergency caused by the deterioration of Calgary’s main water feeder pipe, particularly given the issues will take an additional three to five weeks to resolve.
Deborah Yedlin
“We urge the City to work closely with the business community to mitigate this impact, including by providing additional guidance and clarity to ensure water usage can be decreased sufficiently to avoid potential restrictions. Calgary’s businesses stand ready to do their part and continue to demonstrate efforts to conserve and recycle water,” said Deborah Yedlin, President and CEO at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.
“The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, particularly with the Calgary Stampede a few short weeks away. We strongly encourage the City to mitigate disruptions to ensure our visitor economy and international reputation are unhindered by the current crisis. Generating $272 million in economic impact, the Stampede is a critical time for businesses across several sectors, and any interruptions could have substantial economic repercussions. This is particularly acute for tourism and hospitality sectors that are still working to make up for several challenging years through the pandemic.
“Finally, we call on the government to collaborate closely with the business community to address the growing infrastructure gap. As Calgary’s population continues to significantly increase each year, it is crucial to ensure our infrastructure keeps pace. Proactive investments and planning are necessary to support sustainable growth and prevent similar issues in the future. The Chamber stands ready to work with all parties to develop solutions that will benefit our city for years to come.”
Image: City of Calgary
Keyli Loeppky, Director, Interprovincial Affairs for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said businesses, like residents, have been asked to voluntarily limit indoor water use, with the city providing specific guidelines based on the type of business.
Keyli Loeppky
“In some cases, businesses that use significant amounts of water for their operations, like carwashes, have been asked to stop operations on a temporary basis to conserve water,” she said.
“While we haven’t received extensive feedback from our members on this issue yet, we are grateful that the City has acknowledged the critical need for water in certain businesses, like restaurants, and has provided necessary exemptions. We are also pleased to see the City approach noncompliance through education as opposed to enforcement. Small businesses, like all Calgarians are hopeful that the City will fix the feeder main swiftly so that their operations can return to normal.
“Small businesses can do their part by following the City’s guidelines and recommendations for limiting water use. For instance, restaurants are advised to only provide water upon request, and to ensure that staff are trained to minimize water loss during food prep and cleaning.
We emphasize the urgency of resolving this issue. It’s crucial that the City prioritizes fixing the problem so that businesses can return to normal operations. Additionally, we urge the City to allocate resources and focus spending on maintaining and improving our core infrastructure to prevent similar problems in the future.”
Image: City of Calgary
City officials said now more than ever they realize that summer events and festivals are not only important for the economy, but they are also critical to the community and cultural connections. They add vitality and vibrancy to the city and are a destination for visitors who want to experience what the city has to offer.
Important festivals, conferences and events will go ahead, including the Calgary Stampede. The City said it is working with the Stampede and other event organizers to ensure they don’t impact the water use during this critical time. These events will look slightly different this summer, but they will proceed, added the City.
“The show will go on, but it will go on in a very responsible manner,” said Calgary Stampede CEO Joel Cowley. “The Calgary Stampede is part of the community and we share the concerns of Calgarians regarding the current situation. At our heart we are an agricultural society and we, along with our contestants and exhibitors who bring their animals here from throughout North America, are part of that community. There are no greater stewards of natural resources – especially water – than those in that community.”
Image: Calgary Stampede
The City of Calgary said it has reviewed the five-year daily water demand trend during the 10-day Calgary Stampede and there is no significant uptick in demand noted. This is due to two factors – during Stampede many Calgarians are traveling elsewhere for their summer vacation. The City said water use is weather dependent and from past years, early July can bring big storms reducing Calgarians need for outdoor watering.
“Calgary is open to visitors and we look forward to welcoming them in a responsible way,” said Reynolds.
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek said the City needs to talk to partner organizations as well as businesses to help them understand what they can do to reduce water usage. She said residents in the city consume two-thirds of the water in the system.
In a tweet, the Ship & Anchor Pub shared what conservation efforts it has put in place since the news of the water main break:
It is only pouring water when requested;
It is using its dishwasher as sparingly as possible, and maximizing every load;
It is keeping its bar wells low on ice, and using ice sparingly in beverages in order to minimize the refilling of its ice machine;
Buckets are set up on its patios to catch leftover water from customer water bottles/glasses to use for plant watering.
“Additionally we are working with our plumbing company to re-wire the auto-flushing in our bathrooms to shorten the time taps run with each press,” said the business.
“We recognize that we all need to do our part to mitigate water use while the city navigates this emergency.”
As the concept of ‘eatertainment’ continues to grow in Canada, Avi Behar, chairman and chief executive officer at The Behar Group Realty Inc, shares insights on emerging trends, technology innovations, and the future of combining food, beverage, and entertainment in Canada.
Avi Behar
“Today, more than ever, consumers want to be entertained. They’re seeking value, fun, and a meaningful social experience. Venue owners continue to raise the bar on quality and calibre of food, beverage, interior design, and overall service,” says Avi Behar.
Current trends in dining and entertainment
Consumers today are wanting more than just food – they want a unique immersive experience offering entertainment and engaging experiences. Several key trends are shaping the industry such as interactive experiences, competitive socialising, and technology integration.
Interactive Experiences
Racing Games of The Yard at The Rec Room in The Amazing Brentwood in Burnaby. Photo: Lee Rivett.
Instead of just going out, consumers are looking for spaces they can interact with, such as the Rec Room, Dave & Buster’s and Illuminarium, offering a blend of dining, gaming, and immersive experiences.
These venues have activities that are both engaging and social, providing a full experience beyond a meal.
“The industry has transformed, and you are seeing the utilisation of space taking different twists and turns. Adept operators are looking to create interactive experiences resulting in better choice for consumers. As such, many customers are now opting for immersive experiences to augment more traditional dining.”
Competitive Socialising
The Ballroom Bowl Yorkville (Image: The Ballroom Bowl)
Another trend Behar is seeing is competitive socialising, a trend combining food and beverages with games and interactive activities.
“Concepts such as Flight Club, Oche and Puttshack couple state-of-the-art technology with high quality food & beverage, all in a fun and engaging environment. These concepts are playful, and they work well through multiple day parts. They cater to a large corporate audience, and they also provide an amusing option for social interaction before or after dinner or a show. The idea is that people can hang out, spend some time, and not necessarily sit down in a formal restaurant environment, but still be well fed, have a good time, and perhaps get a little competitive.”
Behar says that one of the competitive socialising pioneers in Toronto which opened about 14 years ago was Spin on King Street West, which is a ping pong pub. Another company offering competitive environments and dining is The Ballroom Bowl which is expanding in Canada.
“We’re seeing global operators developing comfortable and engaging places where you can eat, be entertained, have some drinks, and where one can host private events. These venues are set up to accommodate substantial corporate business, they could double as event spaces.”
Future Ballroom Bowl at The Tenor in Downtown Toronto (Image: Dustin Fuhs)
Technology Innovations
F1 Arcade at Boston Seaport (Image: F1 Arcade)
New innovations are reshaping and enhancing consumers’ experiences. Behar says one example is Flight Club as it uses technology to track dart scores and provides instant replays, creating an engaging game, accessible, and easy to track down points.
Similarly, Behar says F1 Arcade offers racing simulators that deliver a realistic Formula One driving experience. The arcade also has food and beverages for guests.
“Brands are really embracing technology. People can have a few beverages and they don’t need to tabulate the score as it is all done for them. Games include HD digital screens – you can see an instant replay of yourself hitting a bullseye. Operators have blended state-of-the-art technology with high quality service, food, and atmosphere.”
Overall, Behar says there are interactive concepts emerging from almost every type of sport, including darts, hockey, and golf. Behar also says these spaces could be more than just restaurants, but a “place to go before or after you go to a restaurant, instead of visiting a traditional bar or nightclub. After dinner, you may still want to go out and do something else that is a little more engaging. These concepts easily fill that void.”
Retail spaces – combining entertainment with traditional retailers
Innovative dining and entertainment concepts will drive more traffic and will keep consumers engaged for a longer time, which increases overall spending.
Behar says entertainment dining concepts also invite property owners to rethink how they are using spaces and being more creative on less used areas such as parking garages: “In certain cases, you are seeing a space that is not just your traditional retail space, it is a space that might be on a second level, a third level, or a parking garage downtown. Property owners should curate and design space to accommodate appropriate or leading-edge tenancies at the earliest possible stages of acquisition and development.”
As it is a great idea to test a concept first, Behar also mentions the increase in popularity of pop-ups used to fill vacant spaces. This trend is expected to grow until companies are comfortable with permanent spaces. Additionally, flexible space designs are becoming popular as they can adapt to different times such as daily, weekly, monthly, or seasonally, which could maximize revenue and enhance consumer experiences.
“With the ongoing uncertainty in the market, pop-ups have been a great way for landlords to fill a space, test out new brands, and assist in the incubation of new concepts and business models. There is little doubt that we will see a continued increase in pop-ups to fill spaces temporarily, until more permanent solutions are found.”
Fairgrounds at Cloverdale Mall (Image: Fairgrounds)
Behar also suggests property owners should design spaces to support tenants and to use the most “up to date retailer prototypes.”
“Developers should establish themes for development, the neighbourhood, and the community at large. This should include a focus on both indoor and outdoor design, and should take into consideration customer experience, function, and flow of cohesive and engaging spaces.”
With each location, dining and entertainment brands will continue to attract visitors and will help out local businesses as well. Behar says to maximize impact, brands should engage with the local demographic, offer consistent and high-quality experiences, and create a sense of community.
“Dining and entertainment brands draw customers from all over the place. They support the community in many ways: driving traffic and revenue to a community, establishing destination-driven experiences where individuals and corporations will travel to experience, and they also provide employment.”
What is missing and future for dining and entertainment
Behar says the main thing that is missing is “cohesive, multifaceted, and multidimensional concepts which tie together business types. As an example, venues which bring together sports, recreation, hospitality, health and wellness, retail, and food and beverage – in an engaging and technologically advanced manner.”
Despite challenges like food, labour, and operational costs, Behar believes that careful selection of location and strategic partnerships can lead to success: “I have little doubt that we will see the continued rise in Canada of entertainment hubs, competitive socialising concepts, and elevated cuisine. Canadians are becoming increasingly sophisticated consumers, and the demand for quality will continue to escalate.”
Retail giant Amazon is launching its first national returns partnership in Canada.
Eligible Amazon items can now be dropped off at Staples’ 298 locations across the country, providing a convenient new return option that helps minimize the need for additional shipping boxes.
“Amazon is built on customer obsession. We’re thrilled to offer a new, convenient return option for customers in Canada through this collaboration with Staples,” said Gopal Pillai, Vice President, Worldwide Returns and ReCommerce at Amazon, in a statement.
“Our goal is to make buying online as easy as possible, and help customers love their purchases. But we know there may be times when a customer needs to make a return, which is why we work hard to continue to raise the bar in offering a hassle-free returns experience.”
Image: Amazon Spain
Amazon said the national initiative is the first of its kind for the company in Canada, and reflects the company’s commitment to providing seamless returns solutions for customers. Eligible items can be dropped off at a Staples Canada store in the original manufacturer’s packaging.
Rachel Huckle
“Our collaboration with Amazon underscores Staples Canada’s 30+ year history of serving Canadian communities by making everyday tasks easier and more convenient for our customers,” said Rachel Huckle, CEO, Staples Canada, in a statement.
“Whether you’re a business, a parent or a student, Staples is committed to bringing essential services like this closer to where you live, work and shop,” she said.
Amazon Pick Up at Staples Corktown (Image: Dustin Fuhs)
Huckle said Staples has been on a bit of a mission over the last several years to really think about the role its stores play, and online channels, in the communities the retailer serves.
“Over the last few years we’ve bolstered a number of our print marketing services. We’ve added telecommunications but we’ve also added five of the top shipping carriers in the country. We’re the only retailer in Canada that has that . . . So adding Amazon Returns was a natural fit. We already had the logistics, the infrastructure, the operating processes and the talent in our stores. It was a great strategic fit for us as we start to think about how we serve our communities and continuing to round out that offering.
“If these customers come into our stores, and absolutely there is an overlap between Staples and Amazon . . .if these customers come in and are existing loyal customers and enjoy greater convenience as a result of that, great. We’re happy to do that. If customers who haven’t shopped us before are now having a chance to discover us, that’s great. And if customers who haven’t seen us in a few years now get the chance to rediscover who we are and see all the amazing new things we have in store for them, that’s a win as well.
“So it’s consistent with our strategy, we have the right capabilities to execute against it, and of course we want to wow every customer that comes through our door.”
Staples Canada in Calgary’s University District (Image: Mario Toneguzzi)
Amazon said it offers more than 4,000 drop-off options in Canada, including Staples and Purolator, and select Couche-Tard and Canada Post locations.
Amazon customers can return items at Staples stores after generating a QR code by visiting the Amazon.ca “Your Orders” page online or in the mobile app, clicking “Return or Replace Items”, and following the prompts. Customers then bring eligible items to the drop-off location in the original manufacturer’s packaging, for it to be packed and shipped at no extra cost, said Amazon.
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.
Lululemon flagship store at the corner of Yonge and Bloor in Toronto. Photo: Craig Patterson
Vancouver-based Lululemon has opened an impressive two-level flagship store at the corner of Yonge and Bloor Streets in Toronto. The prominent storefront took about two years to build and is part of a transformation of the immediate area.
Retail Insider was first to report on the new store in April of 2022, when we revealed that the Lululemon flagship would span more than 12,000 square feet at the northwest corner of the Yonge and Bloor intersection. Lululemon’s opening is part of a repositioning of the 2 Bloor Street West retail podium, which formerly housed Talbots and Swarovski stores and a CIBC bank on the corner.
The new Lululemon flagship’s metal and glass facade includes signage, the largest being the brand’s logo on the Bloor Street frontage of the store. Access doors from the street corner lead into the space, where visitors are greeted by a staircase with terrazzo flooring and metal railings, surround by brown brick — the look is reminiscent of 1970’s architecture. Plants and other greenery in the store soften the look and makes the space feel fresh.
Grand staircase at the front entrance to the new Lululemon store at Yonge and Bloor in Toronto. Photo: Craig Patterson Looking down the grand staircase at the front entrance to the new Lululemon store at Yonge and Bloor in Toronto. Photo: Craig Patterson
The main floor of the store is home to women’s clothing and other items, while the second level is for men’s Lululemon product. A full range of clothing for men and women is available in the new store, from athletic wear to dressier styles, as well as footwear, bags, hats, and various accessories and other items produced by the company. Brand ambassadors and various messaging is profiled on the store’s walls.
SAJO built the new Bloor Street Lululemon store, which required extensive general contract work after demolition of the vast space. SAJO built the store’s grand staircase, which required full construction of the structure, terrazzo flooring, railings and brick walls, as well as a planter area with custom seating. Custom oak millwork is found throughout the store as well as custom oak wall paneling, some of which has curved corners which required extra attention to detail. BDP Quadrangle acted as the architect on the project, with the Lululemon Store Design team being responsible for the design of the new Bloor Street store.
The store’s fin ceiling was also created by SAJO, along with customized dressing room areas on each floor. SAJO also installed artwork, digital brand screens and exterior perimeter lighting as part of the construction project, which was completed last week.
At the front entrance to the new Lululemon store at Yonge and Bloor in Toronto. Photo: Craig Patterson Main floor (women’s) at Lululemon, Yonge & Bloor in Toronto — cash desk area with accessories and digital screen. Photo: Craig Patterson Main floor (women’s) at Lululemon, Yonge & Bloor in Toronto, showcasing the fin ceiling and women’s brand ambassadors on the wall. Photo: Craig Patterson
Tim Sanderson of JLL, in partnership with Open Realty Advisors, acted on behalf of Lululemon in the lease deal with KingSett Capital which owns 2 Bloor Street West. The landlord broker for the deal was Graham Smith of JLL with Jaimy Hunt of KingSett Capital handling the transaction on behalf of the company.
As part of the renovation to the 2 Bloor West podium, a third floor glass facade was created for offices while the office lobby of the building was relocated to Yonge Street, including new escalators into the retail concourse below. Above is a 430,000 square foot Class A office tower.
Lululemon relocated from a much smaller 3,067 square foot space nearby at 153 Cumberland Street, also owned by KingSett Capital. Other retail tenants at 153 Cumberland include Nicolas Menswear, Aveda and Moscot eyewear, all being required to vacate for a new Harry Rosen flagship store that will occupy the building in 2026.
Second floor (men’s) at Lululemon, Yonge & Bloor in Toronto, cash desk area. Photo: Craig Patterson Second floor (men’s) at Lululemon, Yonge & Bloor in Toronto. Photo: Craig Patterson Men’s brand ambassadors on the second floor of Lululemon, Yonge & Bloor in Toronto, beside the dressing room area. Photo: Craig Patterson Corner footwear area on the second floor (men’s) at Lululemon, Yonge & Bloor in Toronto — the corner looks directly over the intersection. Photo: Craig Patterson
The new Yonge and Bloor Lululemon store is one of the company’s largest retail locations. Its largest store to date is a 20,000 square foot location in Chicago’s Lincoln Park area that opened in July of 2019.
Lululemon’s new Bloor Street store is located on the same block as competitor Alo Yoga, which opened its first Canadian location at the northeast corner of Bloor and Bay streets in the fall of 2022. Standing prominently between the two stores is Holt Renfrew’s flagship, which is seeing updates inside that will include a new third-floor men’s department that will open before the end of the year. Brown’s Shoes, Arc’teryx and Aritzia also have large stores on the same north side of the Bloor Street block.
The immediate area is in a state of transformation — Retail Insider recently reported that First Capital REIT had fully leased-out the commercial podium of 1 Bloor Street East, diagonally across from Lululemon’s flagship. New retailers set to open at 1 Bloor East include a Nike flagship and Mango stores, both of which will also be built by SAJO and are now under construction. At the southwest corner of the intersection is a tower project started by developer Sam Mizrahi, now in the hands of Skygrid, which was supposed to have an Apple flagship store at its base. The lease deal has since been cancelled and a new tenant will have to be found. And at the northeast corner of the intersection is a complex formerly known as the Hudson’s Bay Centre, which will see redevelopment along with the underlying subway network which will be rebuilt at a cost well in excess of $1 billion.
Entrance doors to Lululemon at Yonge and Bloor in Toronto. Photo: Craig Patterson Men’s accessories at Lululemon at Yonge and Bloor in Toronto. Photo: Craig Patterson
New Horizon mall welcomes a new anchor tenant, SkyCastle Roller Rink, as YYC Princess, fairy tale character, Princess Sky shows off her skates at the roller rink, in Calgary on June 12, 2024.
The newest tenant at New Horizon Mall, just outside of Calgary city limits, is the SkyCastle Roller Rink which will open in mid-July in 24,000 square feet of space.
The SkyCastle Roller Rink will feature a modern sound and light system, 10,000-square-foot skating area, games area with the latest video games, licenced restaurant and bar, 500 pairs of roller skates and it is located at the west entrance by the Best Shop.
Bob Parsons, General Manager of New Horizon Mall, said the roller rink is targeting families.
“It’s going after family entertainment basically,” he said. “Kids to adults roller skating and enjoying food offerings and everything else.
“The way it’s laid out it’s got different routes and all sorts of lighting, music. A DJ will be on site. All that fun stuff. The floor lights up, the ceiling lights up, the walls light up. It’s quite interesting.”
New Horizon Mall welcomes a new anchor tenant, SkyCastle Roller Rink, as YYC Princesses fairy tale character Queen Claudia accompany Han Liu, president of Sky Castle Family Entertainment Centres, and Kurt Gummer from NHM Inc. at the roller rink, in Calgary on June 12, 2024.
The same company operating the SkyCastle Roller Rink opened the SkyCastle Family Entertainment Centre (FEC) at the mall in July 2021. That occupies 34,000 square feet on the second floor of the mall.
SkyCastle president, Han Liu, launched his first FEC at NHM in 2021, and expanded in 2022 with his second FEC, SkyCastle Macleod in South Calgary. SkyCastle also includes the YYC Princesses, a group of children’s entertainers for special occasions.
“Who doesn’t like a roller rink”? said Liu. “Our Family Entertainment Centres are known for their commitment to a great experience with good value. The Roller Rink will be an extension of these values and we can’t wait for the opening in mid-July.”
The company is based in Calgary. Liu said the location of the mall worked really well for the brand’s FEC concept.
“The mall has been really helpful . . . They really want to see the businesses operating there be successful,” he said.
“It’s no secret that most Calgarians have years if not decades of fond memories of a roller rink. Recently, I think the city has been running without for many years. So we saw this as an opportunity and we took the risk. Now it’s just hoping some people my age remember the old days with their kids and the old fashioned fun we used to have.
“We really feel that Calgary is definitely growing faster than before, than ever. We’re actually confident that this is the type of business that the city needs, that people need.”
New Horizon Mall welcomes new anchor tenant, SkyCastle Roller Rink, as the company’s fairy tale characters, the YYC Princesses, Queen Claudia and Princess Sky, test out the brand-new facility.
Photo credit: supplied by New Horizon Mall.New Horizon Mall welcomes new anchor tenant, SkyCastle Roller Rink, as the company’s fairy tale characters, the YYC Princesses, Queen Claudia and Princess Sky, test out the brand-new facility.
Parsons said the mall is breaking monthly visitor records and SkyCastle has a proven track record in attracting visitors.
“This roller rink will significantly increase visitor traffic to the mall,” he said.
NHM has three anchor tenants and more than 75 per cent of all retail space is occupied. Total retail space is 320,000 square feet.
Customer traffic counts averaged about 40,000 visitors per month (+9,200 per week) over the past six months. Notable is that customer traffic counts in March 2024 (42,016) exceeded the traditional Christmas period of December 2023 (41,639).
“We continue to be I think the most affordable option in Calgary for startups, for retail stores. I don’t think you can do better than what is offered out here and acknowledging that we’re a business incubator. We’ve got a lot of people with ideas, things they want to do, things they want to sell and concepts they want to try,” added Parsons.
“So year to date, this calendar year, already we’ve approved 73 new stores and we see that still being strong through the rest of the year.”
New Horizon Mall welcomes a new anchor tenant, SkyCastle Roller Rink, as Bob Parsons, general manger of New Horizon Mall and Han Liu, president of Sky Castle Family Entertainment Centres enjoy the media spotlight at the roller rink, in Calgary on June 12, 2024. SkyCastle Roller Rink will significantly increase the number of visitors when opened in mid-July.
SkyCastle at New Horizon Mall (Image: SkyCastle)
Entertainment concepts are becoming increasingly more popular in Canadian shopping centres.
“It’s a search for traffic. It’s a search for customers. It’s a search for one-stop for all types of things where you can have fine dining, you can do fun things, fun things for the kids, fun things for the adults,” said Parsons. “Shopping centres in general are looking for whatever opportunities they can that create opportunities for their retailers.
“It creates opportunities for people to spend more time on the property. It’s happening. It’s definitely happening in the States and it’s becoming more and more prominent in Canada. You’re seeing a repurposing of spaces into much different things.”
Image: New Horizon Mall
Parsons said the Roller Rink complements New Horizon Mall as it joins a growing number of ‘fun’ stores like the eBikes stores, the Games stores, the toy car and eScooters stores, vintage albums and stereos’ stores, the collectibles and memorabilia stores and the SkyCastle FEC.
NHM has hosted 18 events to date in 2024. This includes the popular “Disney Fan Meet Up’s”, monthly Sports & Gaming Card Shows, an Indoor Garage Sale and various holiday celebrations.
“The SkyCastle Roller Rink is another large investment in New Horizon Mall and Calgary,” said Kurt Gummer, president of NHM Inc., “Another long-term lease shows the strategy of anchor tenants and regular events is working and the increase in monthly visitor statistics proves it.”
NHM Inc. owns 30 per cent of the retail space at the mall and is leasing its space to the Roller Rink. NHM Inc. now has 98 per cent of its space leased. As Alberta’s first condo mall, stores at New Horizon Mall were sold and owners either operate their own store or lease to another store operator. The Mall is a commercial condominium corporation run by a board of directors, who represent all store owners.
New Horizon Mall is located in Rocky View County where there is no business tax and low Provincial and Corporate Tax. Located outside Calgary city limits in Balzac, off the QEII Highway and just north of Stony Trail, the mall is across from CrossIron Mills, close to Century Downs Casino and Racetrack, and the Amazon Southern Alberta Distribution Centre.
Little Harvest at Wellington Market inside The Well (Image: Dustin Fuhs)
As temperatures rise across Eastern Canada this week, residents will experience the sweltering conditions typically associated with Western Canada’s summer heatwaves. In Western Canada, summer heatwaves and heat domes are familiar adversaries, though recent rainfall in many western regions has provided some respite.
Heatwaves and droughts significantly impact grocery prices. The recent surge in olive oil and beef prices exemplifies this trend, driven by persistent droughts in North America and Europe, regions critical for grain and olive production. Depleted olive inventories and escalating cattle feed costs have prompted many ranchers to sell livestock prematurely.
The American Corn Belt, one of the world’s most intensive grain production regions, serves as a bellwether for climate impacts on agricultural productivity in North America. Experts from Iowa State University recently highlighted the current ‘neutral’ weather phase as North America transitions from El Niño to La Niña later this summer and into the fall. They observed an “elevated signal” for warm temperatures in June, July, and August, but noted “no clear indication regarding precipitation.” When unfavorable weather patterns affect the Corn Belt, subsequent increases in grocery prices are inevitable.
While there is no need for alarm, it is clear that climatic conditions exert a substantial influence on food costs. Compounding this issue, the Canadian dollar has weakened against the U.S. dollar—declining approximately 6% over the past year—potentially escalating the cost of food imports in the coming months.
Produce faces similar challenges. Extreme heat accelerates the wilting of fresh produce, complicates transportation, and strains supply chains. These factors invariably lead to higher prices at the checkout counter.
Heatwaves also significantly alter eating habits. Traditional hearty meals give way to lighter, cooler alternatives that help manage body temperature and hydration levels. Here’s a guide to keep cool with food when the weather is scorching:
Optimal Foods During a Heatwave:
Water-rich fruits: Watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, and peaches are ideal for their high-water content, aiding in hydration.
Vegetables: Cucumbers, celery, lettuce, and zucchini offer refreshment and ease of digestion.
Cold soups: Gazpacho and cucumber soup provide a cooling alternative to hot meals.
Salads: Mixed greens and fruit salads deliver nutrition without heaviness.
Smoothies: Blended fruits, vegetables, and yogurt create a cooling, nutrient-rich drink.
Yogurt: Plain or with fresh fruits, yogurt is a light, protein-packed option.
Herbal teas: Iced peppermint or chamomile tea can be both hydrating and soothing.
Light proteins: Grilled chicken, fish, and tofu are easier to digest in the heat.
Hydrating beverages: Water, coconut water, and electrolyte drinks help maintain hydration.
Foods to Avoid During a Heatwave:
Heavy proteins: Red meat and pork can be difficult to digest and may increase body heat.
Spicy foods: Hot peppers and spicy sauces can intensify the sensation of heat.
Fried foods: Items like French fries and fried chicken are heavy and dehydrating.
Sugary drinks: Soda and sweetened iced tea can contribute to dehydration.
Caffeine: Coffee and energy drinks can elevate dehydration risks.
Alcohol: Beer and cocktails, although tempting, can exacerbate dehydration.
High-fat dairy: Cream and cheese can be heavy and less appealing in the heat.
Salty foods: Pretzels and salted nuts can increase thirst and dehydration.
Grocers must adapt to a market where consumers seek food suitable for high temperatures. Canadians must also consider food safety more seriously. Heatwaves heighten the risk of contamination, as products leaving coolers and fridges warm up more quickly. Ensuring the integrity of the cold chain is essential for the well-being of oneself, family, and friends.
As Eastern Canada swelters, it is crucial to recognize the broader implications of such weather events and work towards a unified approach to safeguarding our communities and food systems against the escalating climate challenges. We have navigated heatwaves before, and this time will be no different.
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.
