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Farm Boy Grocery Chain Continues Ontario Expansion with 48th Store, and Plans for More [Interview]

Farm Boy in Oshawa, Ontario (Image: Invest Oshawa)

Fresh food retailer Farm Boy, part of Empire Company Ltd., has opened a new store in Oshawa, its 48th store in Ontario.

The new Oshawa location is an expansive 26,000-square-foot store that is located at 1280 Clearbrook Drive at Taunton Road East, and embodies Farm Boy’s hallmark commitment to freshness, value, and an unparalleled shopping experience, said Shawn Linton, President & General Manager.

Shawn Linton

“Oshawa was selected due to its popularity in adjacent markets and the growing community near the new location. The location was specifically recommended by the city’s economic development team (the Mayor in 2016). As the 48 th store in the province and the 19th in the Greater Toronto Area, the new Oshawa Farm Boy location has a wide range of offerings for residents including: Farm-fresh produce and organic product offerings; Hundreds of Ontario-sourced, fresh dairy, meat and grocery products; Hot bar and salad bar selections, catering to diverse tastes and schedules; A curated collection of exclusive Farm Boy private-label products;  A diverse selection of local, international and Canadian cheeses; and Sustainable shopping options, including reusable bags,” said Linton.

Prior to the recent opening of Oshawa, it has been slightly over a year since the brand’s last two store openings – Aurora in January 2023 and Sugar Wharf on Queens Quay in Toronto in February 2023.  

Farm Boy in Oshawa, Ontario Grand Opening (Image: Invest Oshawa)

Linton said Farm Boy is continuing to expand with two additional stores opening this year. 

Those include Port Credit, located at 175 Lakeshore Road West in Mississauga, tentatively opening in the Spring and Burlington South, located at 3230 Fairview Street in Burlington, tentatively opening in the Summer.

“Farm Boy continues to grow and deliver best-in-class customer service, a unique in-store shopping experience, friendly staff and high-quality fresh product to new communities across the province,” said Linton. 

“As of right now, we have announced the stores coming later in 2024. We’re committed to continuing that growth and will announce upcoming locations when they are confirmed. Farm Boy strives to bring unparalleled value to our customers and we look forward to continue opening more stores and meeting new customers in those regions.

Farm Boy at Brightwater (Rendering: Brightwater)

“The Farm Boy brand resonates with customers because of our commitment to creating a best-in-class customer experience with a selection of high-quality product at great value. We recognize, among other reasons, like our wonderful in-store experience, exceptional customer service, and focus on fresh, that a significant factor drawing customers back to us is the value connection inherent in our private label line.

“There’s a joy that resonates when picking up one of our fan favourites, like the Eda-Yummy Spicy Kale Edamame Dip, or the thrill of trying out one of the many innovative new products we launch every year. Farm Boy also fosters a deep connection with the local communities our stores call home, by partnering with grassroots organizations in the community. For example, in Oshawa we partnered with Canlan Sports to support girls’ hockey within the community. In Toronto, we support the North Toronto Soccer Club. Farm Boy also supports local food banks through partnerships with organizations like Feed the Need in Durham, Second Harvest and Feed Ontario.”

Farm Boy College Park (Image: Dustin Fuhs)

The image of big grocery chains in the public has taken a hit in recent years with the perception of price gouging. How does Farm Boy combat that perception?

At Farm Boy, we recognize that value is more than just price; it also includes the freshness and quality of our products, the overall customer experience, and the ease of the pathway to purchase – those factors are where Farm Boy stands out,” said Linton. “We focus on ensuring that customers shopping in our stores have a memorable experience, are greeted and helped by friendly staff and leave with the highest quality products. 

“Freshness is a top priority at Farm Boy; we bring in high-quality Canadian meats, dairy, and produce. This means that our products, such as our produce, last longer because of the efficiencies created through that priority, allowing us to pass on savings to our customers. We also offer a wide selection of options that fit our customers’ lifestyles including gluten-free, plant-based, vegan, and vegetarian products. Providing all-around great value is top of mind for us and price is just one factor in the value equation.”

Labour is an issue for everyone in the these days in the retail sector.

“As with all retailers, ensuring that we have the best team members is an ongoing endeavour and we are always excited to provide opportunities to anyone who would like to be part of the Farm Boy experience,” added Linton. “Farm Boy is very fortunate with the talent that we have across the business, with the friendliest people working in our stores and support facilities that bring to life our commitment to that best-in-class customer experience. 

“Our team shares a passion for excellence and continuous improvement, and we foster a culture of asking ourselves “why not,” which allows our staff to feel like they can make a real impact on our business. In terms of attracting new talent, we’re currently working on a relaunch of our recruitment marketing materials, which will highlight the above. The new campaign will be launching this summer.”

Image: Farm Boy

Linton said a trend the company is seeing in the market is that customers are becoming more value-oriented with a growing pull to its private label offerings, not only for their quality, value, variety, and taste but also for the exclusivity factor they bring. 

“Convenience is also an important benefit and factor that our busy family shoppers and city professionals are looking for. Our excellent quality, chef-prepared meals and ready-made salads are highly sought-after, on-the-go meals, for those busy weeknights where our customers don’t have time to cook but are looking for something of great quality and taste, that still remains wholesome,” he said.

“This combination of value, convenience and our commitment to high- quality products is what sets Farm Boy apart and is part of what makes us the preferred destination of choice for our customers.”

Linton said Farm Boy continues to focus on “fun” with its store designs. 

“Key aspects of the brand continue to be the farmer’s market feel to our stores with little surprise and delight features: Mikey the Swinging Monkey over the bananas; Lulu the Cow throughout the store; The clucking chickens above our eggs,” he said.

“These become more meaningful when they are focused on the community the store operates in, such as the CN model train that travels through our Train Yards store in Ottawa.”

Farm Boy has grown from a small produce stand starting in Cornwall in 1981 to 48 stores located across Ontario.

Josh Katz of RioCan Discusses The Well and Retail Developments in Toronto and Edmonton [Video Interview]

The Canadian Retail Landscape with Josh Katz: Trends, Growth, and Exciting Brand Expansions [Video Interview]

Craig and Josh Katz, Assistant Vice President of Leasing at RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust, discuss Katz’s extensive career in commercial real estate, starting with his entry into the industry right before the 2008 financial crisis.

Katz highlights the resilience of certain retail categories and the innovative approaches taken by RioCan to navigate these challenging times, including the development of The Well in Toronto. This mixed-use project is a transformation of urban retail, offering a blend of necessity-based and unique retail experiences, including a significant focus on fitness and food tenants.

Katz also discusses RioCan’s strategies for future developments and leasing trends, including the move towards mixed-use projects and the importance of creating engaging retail environments that cater to community needs. The conversation touches on specific projects including 11 Yorkville Avenue, where Sweat and Tonic will be a tenant. They also discuss South Edmonton Common and the introduction of Chick-fil-A to the Edmonton market, showcasing RioCan’s proactive approach to reimagining retail spaces and enhancing consumer experiences. The interview concludes with a look at the broader implications of these strategies for the retail and commercial real estate industries.

Episode Sponsor: 

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New Retail Being Added to Massive Multi-Phase ‘Galleria on the Park’ in Toronto [Interview/Renderings]

Galleria on the Park (Image: Almadev)

The new master-planned community Galleria on the Park, at Dupont and Dufferin in Toronto, is ideally located in an area currently experiencing a major development boom, which is being accelerated by this massive project.

The development, by Almadev, will consist of eight buildings totalling 2,956 residential units and 279,000 square feet of commercial space. It will also have an eight-acre public park and a 95,000-square-foot community centre.

Galleria on the Park (Image: Almadev)
Arlin Markowitz

Arlin Markowitz, Executive Vice President, CBRE Limited, Urban Retail Team, which is handling the commercial leasing for the property, said construction for the project is well underway. 

“It’s a multi-phase project. The building being built now is Block 5 at the western end,” said Markowitz, adding that commercial space in that building is about 25,000 square feet, plus 12,000 SF on level 2. That will include about six different tenants and the phase is expected to be finished this year.

“What we’re actively working on leasing right now is that phase of the project, I can’t say who it is yet because they’re not firm deals yet but we’re in great conversations with national financial institutions and coffee brands to occupy space at the western side . . . That’s going to be next to a really amazing community centre which has a swimming pool and a skating rink because when these lands were assembled there was a community centre on there. It was a really important part of a vibrant community.

“That’s why this is called Galleria on the Park because the developer Almadev is building a multi-acre park in the middle of the site and that park will be anchored on the western edge of it with a community centre. It’s a really huge draw of the project.”

Galleria on the Park (Image: Almadev)

He said they are targeting to have a grocery-anchored retail space at a later phase of the development.

The developer said the project is in a diverse neighbourhood filled with hidden gems, hip bars, cafés and single family homes filled with young families and urban professionals. Its close proximity to downtown Toronto, access to transit and unlimited restaurants, shops and amenities make it an ideal neighbourhood to live, work and play.

“There’s a lot of moving parts in terms of some tenants who were in the existing plaza that would like to come back,” said Markowitz. 

For the overall development, there will be a broad mix of commercial tenants because it’s such a large project.

“Block 5 is an example. Because it’s next to the community centre we’re targeting some uses that we think will be synergistic with community uses. Every day there’s going to be tons of kids going in and out of there and families. So potential for sporting good retailers, potential for education uses like we’re seeing a lot of music and singing and dancing schools popping up around the city. Tutor businesses,” he said.

There’s definitely room for a pet store or a doggie daycare centre. There’s also room for entertainment concepts such as social gaming and wellness.

“We see that block as a very family-oriented block,” added Markowitz. “Of course, coffee and fast food will do well there. Maybe brunch . . . In the other parts of the project you’ll have your everyday needs for sure – grocery, banking and fitness. And those will take up a lot of space.

“But then to complement that all around you’ll have some smaller different spaces where you can have more micro retail along the corridor that connects the different blocks near the park. There I think you’ll see more like urban artisanal, unique uses. Similar to some of the things we did at The Well. We’re definitely going to leverage some of the relationships with brands that we placed into The Well here.

“It would be nice to see other types of just cool uses here. Different culinary themed uses. We’re going to have the world of big chains pretty much covered with the banks and grocery so when it comes to food and beverage and unique uses we’d love to have cool local brands.”

Markowitz said the area where the project is being built is a pocket of the city where a ton of density is coming on. 

“There’s a few mega projects in what I’m going to coin Midtown West. There’s Mirvish Village from Westbank at the corner of Bathurst and Bloor. Then you head further west and you have another large project that we’re working on with Hazelview at Bloor and Dufferin. Hazelview and Fitzrovia have a joint venture project that’s also thousands of condo units,” he said.

“Just south of them at Bloor and Dufferin, you have the Dufferin Mall which is being redeveloped and there’s tons of residential being added.

“There’s a really cool mix of great residential and great retail. It’s also very much adjacent to transit. So I think there’s going to be more and more density to come. At Bloor and Lansdowne there’s two big applications in for more highrise from RioCan and from Kingsett Capital. Also if you look at Bloor and Lansdowne that’s where the Union Pearson Express is. So you can take the train from Union Station to Pearson Airport.”

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For April 2nd, 2024

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web

News at a Glance

Retail Insider is streamlining its Canadian retail news from around the web to include a handful of top news stories that can be viewed quickly during the day. Here are the top stories from the past several days.

‘Don’t expect any deals:’ Expert says stores may not offer steep discounts on post-Easter chocolate (CTV)

Canada ‘appears likely to skirt a recession’, begin recovering in second half of 2024: report (Ottawa Citizen)

Insolvencies, shifts in consumer behaviour keep liquidators busy (Globe & Mail / subscriber paywall)

Walmart Canada Taps Western Union For Money Transfers (PYMNTS)

Avoiding shrinkflation is difficult, but these shoppers have a few tips (Toronto Sun)

Non-profits and food co-ops offer grocery deals, discounts (CityNews)

Unique leather shop in Montreal to close over rent hike (Global)

Businesses say bus lane on Queen Mary Rd. is keeping customers away (Montreal Gazette)

Nespresso opens first store in Nova Scotia at the Halifax Shopping Centre (Yahoo)

Fast-fashion giant Shein to open pop-up shop in Vancouver (CBC)

WHSmith steps foot into Calgary with three airport stores selling electronics and gifts (Travel Business)

Record store opening in town south of Calgary (Western Wheel)

Owner of two Toronto jewelry stores charged with fraud and theft; police believe there may be more victims (Beach Metro Community News)

Montreal-area grocery store helps newcomers learn French (CityNews Montreal)

Vancouver-Based Mobile Espresso Bar ‘Coffee Bike’ Launches Initiative to Expand Concept Globally [Interview]

Image: Coffee Bike World

Vancouver-based Coffee Bike has launched a crowdfunding initiative to expand its innovative mobile espresso bar concept globally. 

The concept began in 2017 and it has served over a million cups of coffee in Vancouver as well as participating in more than 1,000 private and public events and festivals.

Recently, it launched its Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign. 

“We’ve seen incredible success in Vancouver, and now it’s time to share our innovative mobile coffee concept with the world. The Coffee Bike Vol. 2 is more than just a product; it’s an opportunity for individuals to embark on their entrepreneurial journey in the booming mobile food industry,” said Coffee Bike’s founder Vladislav Priadko.

Image: Coffee Bike World

He said Coffee Bike is breaking new ground by offering a turnkey solution for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide. Unlike traditional franchises, Coffee Bike is committed to providing an opportunity for individuals to start their own mobile coffee business without the constraints of franchise obligations, while saving tons of time and money on the research and development stage – once someone purchases a unit, it is fully theirs, and no one controls their operations.

“The company’s mission is to build a global community of like-minded individuals passionate about the mobile food industry. In pursuit of this vision, Coffee Bike has partnered with a reputable factory to manufacture and distribute its latest model, Coffee Bike Vol. 2. To kickstart this ambitious venture, the company is seeking to fulfill a minimum order of 20 units and aspires to see thousands of these mobile coffee shops operating worldwide,” said Priadko. 

After seven successful years with eight thriving Coffee Bikes in Vancouver, and empowering eight new owners across Canada, Priadko said the company has set its sights on worldwide distribution.

For US $19,850, the buyer will receive a complete mobile coffee shop – an espresso bar fully equipped with all the necessary big and small equipment and utensils for turnkey operations. 

“Originally I got this idea in 2016,” said Priadko. “I was browsing the web and one of my friends guided me to this online platform which is very similar to Kickstarter – Indiegogo. There was a Sweden-based company which was pretty much introducing this mobile coffee shop concept which looks completely different from what I’ve got right now but what I did I used my savings and ordered one of those coffee carts. 

“What I received at the end of the day was absolute crap. It took me roughly an extra one year and an additional 200 to 300 per cent of the initial investment to make this thing work. But the final product was so overweight I just couldn’t see any future for it.”

Image: Coffee Bike World
Image: Coffee Bike World

In 2017, he launched the cart, worked a couple of months then closed it down. 

“The idea was great. I received a lot of local support in Vancouver but the application was completely wrong,” he said.

Priadko had an idea to move from a push unit to a pull bike concept. He came up with a new Coffee Bike which was launched November 2018. 

Last year, the company decided to expand by building and selling the units. Last year it sold six Coffee Bikes.

“Basically, it’s an ideal business for someone who has never had business experience before. It’s a very low investment as opposed to say any other brick and mortar coffee shop,” said Priadko. “Another advantage of it is that the overhead costs are absolutely minimal.”

He said the potential is for brick and mortar coffee shops to expand their businesses as well by launching a bike service on the streets of Vancouver or elsewhere.

“It’s like a turnkey solution if someone wants to have a little pop-up coffee shop,” he added.

Image: Coffee Bike World
Image: Coffee Bike World

The heart of the bike is a commercial grade espresso machine. Most of the drinks on the menu are espresso based. 

“The sky is the limit. For us for example we bought a sparkling machine last summer and we started sparkling ice drinks,” said Priadko. “There is also a bakery display on each bike so you can partner with your local bakery and just resell their products from the coffee bike as well or you can make your own production if it makes sense financially.”

The coffee machines are dual powered with propane for outdoors and electrical for inside. There’s batteries for appliances like a coffee grinder. And some solar panels are on the roof as well.

Cambridge Centre Mall in Ontario Adds K1 Speed Indoor Karting Facility to Boost Visitor Traffic [Interviews/Photos]

K1 Speed Cambridge (Image: K1 Speed Canada)

As Canadian shopping centres continue to evolve, new entertainment concepts are opening up in malls throughout the country.

One example of that is K1 Speed, a state-of-the-art indoor karting facility which has opened at Cambridge Centre Mall and is a collaboration between K1 Speed Canada and Bingemans Hospitality.

Daniel Zychlinski

“From public racing to group events, K1 Speed Cambridge promises unmatched excitement. Our diverse Arrive and Drive, corporate packages, team building sessions, and customized events position us as a top-tier destination for adrenaline seekers in the region,” said Daniel Zychlinski, Managing Partner of K1 Speed Canada.

Image: K1 Speed

Established in 2003, K1 Speed has rapidly grown as North America’s premier indoor karting experience with over 75 locations worldwide, now including three in Ontario.

“Eventually we will start to expand to the other provinces as well,” said Zychlinski.

“K1 Speed is the world’s largest go-kart company and we have tracks primarily in North America. It started in California in 2003 and then it started to expand throughout the U.S. first and then eventually K1 Speed started to go international. Their first franchise location opened in Mexico in 2015 and eventually we obtained the rights to bring it to Canada. There are now tracks in Korea, Europe and South America as well.

“The K1 concept is kind of an upscale version of what go karting used to be. And because we’re electric we have very clean facilities.”

The other tracks in Canada are in Downsview Park in Toronto and in Mississauga on Eglinton Avenue.

K1 Speed Cambridge

The Cambridge location was in a previous ice rink location. 

“Normally K1 Speeds are not located inside a mall just because of the footprint that we require. Normally most of our locations are around 50,000 square feet,” said Zychlinski. “So for that amount of space usually we would take over an industrial warehouse and then we would build our track there. That’s where the Toronto location and the Mississauga location are at. They’re actually in industrial warehouses. 

“This particular opportunity in the Cambridge Centre is a unique one because we don’t have that amount of availability in commercial spaces that are required for K1 Speed. But this one we’re able to actually convert the ice rink and because it is an open space we actually installed a multi-level track which means we have an overpass. That allows us to extend the track and build a track on a smaller footprint.” 

K1 Speed, renowned as North America’s premier indoor karting venue, offers an electrifying experience with Canada’s swiftest electric go-karts that can touch impressive speeds of up to 45 km/h for adults and 30km/h for juniors. Along with the standard “arrive and drive” sessions, K1 Speed Cambridge offers special event nights, racing leagues, and instructional classes, ensuring racers of all skill levels have a platform to compete, learn, and grow.

Mark Bingeman

“The Cambridge Centre offers an incredible dynamic space and superb viewing area. It’s a thrill to watch races unfold from a unique vantage point, with the added delight of food, beverages, and arcade gaming,” said Mark Bingeman, in a statement.

“Our corporate entertaining packages, which include sponsorship opportunities, lunch and learn racing, and tailored events for clients, promise a unique blend of thrill and camaraderie. We are ecstatic to bring elite kart racing back to the Waterloo Region, making K1 Speed Cambridge a landmark attraction.”

Image: K1 Speed Canada

K1 Speed Cambridge has an exclusive second-floor viewing platform, offering panoramic views of the racing action. This strategic location, adjacent to Kingpin Cambridge, further amplifies the experience by combining exhilarating races with extensive arcade gaming, bowling, and diverse food options, said the company.

“Now that we have established ourselves in Ontario, we’re looking at other provinces. We normally expand into cities of one million or more people in demographics. Obviously the largest cities in Canada are of interest to us,” said Zychlinski. “Having said that, in Alberta we have Edmonton and Calgary. In British Columbia, we have Vancouver.

“Again we’re looking into different markets to see which is our next move. It is about acquiring the real estate or making sure that we have the right space available and that’s what guides our expansion.”

He said the concept’s core demographic is males between 20 and 35 years old. There’s also a large corporate following with meetings and events.

Bingemans is a leader in the Waterloo Region’s hospitality and tourism and tourism industry. Bingemans is the entertainment destination, multi-use amusement park, camping resort, full-service caterer, and conference centre located in Kitchener, Ontario.

Canadians Spending Less than Healthy Diet Minimum at Grocery Stores as Carbon Tax Rises [Op-ed]

Grocery basket in a grocery store. Image: iStock/licensed

A note from the author: “According to Canada’s Food Price Report 2024, the recommended monthly expenditure for a healthy diet per individual is $339. Currently, the average monthly spending stands at $248. Until July 2021, Canadians were typically spending above the suggested budget for a nutritious diet. However, this is no longer the case. Now, we are facing increased risks as the carbon tax rises, without a clear understanding of its long-term effects on food prices.”

Canada appears to be a “trading-down” market, a trend that may persist for some time. Recent data from Statistics Canada on the food retail and service industries, as well as fresh GDP figures, paint a concerning picture, especially for those looking to attract more food companies or grocers to our country.

Our population grew by more than 3% last year, yet our GDP increased by less than 1%. While other industrialized economies, such as France and Germany, are experiencing worse economic headwinds, Canada’s economy is highly integrated with the world’s most robust economy at present. Despite our proximity to this economic superpower, the benefits of our geography seem to have stalled. The most alarming aspect of the January GDP numbers is that Canada’s hottest economic sector is currently the public service, while private investments have stalled, largely due to higher interest rates.

The gap in GDP per capita between Canada and the United States has widened by 106% since 2015, and this trend shows no signs of reversing. In other words, despite our growing population, Canada is becoming poorer, not richer.

For those in the food business, this is certainly not good news. Statistics Canada’s reports on food and service sales confirm that consumers are dealing with less wealth while facing higher food and menu prices. As of January 2024, the average Canadian is spending $248 a month on food retail sales per capita, down from $258 in January 2023 and $282 in February 2017. These figures are all in real dollars, which makes the situation even worse. Based on Canada’s Food Price Report 2024, an individual’s monthly expenditure for a healthy diet should be $339. Again, the current average monthly spending is $248. Until July 2021, Canadians were spending more on average than the desired budget to support a healthy diet. Since then, it has clearly been a challenge (see graphic).

Canadians are either wasting less or finding alternative ways to source food outside conventional channels like grocery stores, such as dollar stores and non-traditional grocery discounters. Per capita food expenditures in our country have never been as low as they are now.

One might think that grocers are struggling with this situation, but they are readjusting their strategies and putting more pressure on suppliers with higher fees and lower prices. These are perfect conditions for a potential price war later this year, so don’t be surprised if it happens.

St Lawrence Market in Toronto (Image: Dustin Fuhs)

The data on food service provides a different perspective. On average, Canadians spent $169 at restaurants in January, which is about the same as last year and an increase from $149 in January 2018. However, these sums are in real dollars. The current retail/service split in Canada is that about 41% of all money spent on food is at restaurants, compared to a split closer to 54% in the United States, favoring food service. Considering the frugality of the market, it’s astonishing to see so much money being spent at restaurants, where you typically get less food for your money.

The days of uncertainty regarding the balance between working from home and working away from home are long gone. The food economy has, for all intents and purposes, normalized. Food inflation is causing Canadians to spend less at grocery stores, which may seem counterintuitive, but is what the data is telling us. Currently, about 18% of all retail dollars are devoted to food, compared to 21% in 2017. Simply put, the cost of living is a problem for many Canadian households, and trading down is much easier with food. People may be “ordering in” more often to avoid tips and overpriced beverages, for example.

All of this is based on our trust in Statistics Canada, which may not be all that strong. However, Statistics Canada is merely an indicator, and Canadians have no other way to know what is really going on out there other than reading reports from the federal agency.

Regardless of how we interpret the data, the numbers are simply not encouraging. This is what happens when our population grows, but not our collective economic wealth.

Luxury Brand Bulgari to Open Flagship Store on Bloor Street in Toronto

Under construction: Bulgari at 131 Bloor St. W. in Toronto. Photo: Craig Patterson

LVMH-owned luxury jewellery brand Bulgari will be opening its Canadian flagship store this year at The Colonnade at 131 Bloor Street West in Toronto. Bulgari is the latest global luxury brand to find a home on the former ‘Mink Mile’ stretch of Bloor Street between Avenue Road and Bellair Street. 

Bulgari’s boutique location at The Colonnade will span 2,969 square feet on one level. The store is expected to feature lavish marble and stone interiors, as does the brand’s locations around the world. The Bloor Street Bulgari will be the second standalone location for the brand in Canada — Bulgari opened at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre in 2014 in a retail space that expanded to about 2,900 square feet in 2022 along with a beautiful full renovation

The Bloor Street retail space was formerly occupied by pop-up retail, including upscale German ski wear brand Bogner which operated out of the premises during the pandemic. The Colonnade is an historic building built in 1963 that is heritage designated, considered to be Canada’s first mixed-use building with retail, office and residential components. The complex features flagship locations for other major luxury brands including Dior, Ferragamo, Prada, Cartier, and Moncler. 

Future Bulgari at 131 Bloor Street West (Image: Dustin Fuhs)

A Sephora store operated out of the retail space to be occupied by Bulgari, as well as where neighbouring Moncler operates a store, until Sephora relocated nearby to 77 Bloor Street West in the summer of 2016. Italian luxury brand Moncler opened its 3,000 square foot store at The Colonnade in the fall of 2017. 

Jane Baldwin of Lennard Commercial Realty represented Bulgari in the lease deal. Morguard is the landlord of The Colonnade. 

Bulgari currently operates a concession nearby at Holt Renfrew at 50 Bloor Street West. Bulgari opened on the renovated main floor of Holt Renfrew in Fall 2019 in a small but lavish space, in an area of the store that is said to struggle with traffic. Bulgari also operates a concession at Holt Renfrew in Vancouver at CF Pacific Centre which opened in 2018. 

Travel retailer Dufry operates Bulgari boutiques in Vancouver International Airport as well as in Toronto’s Pearson Airport in Terminals 1 and 3. Multi-brand retailer Château d’Ivoire in Montreal also carries Bulgari.

Bloor Street has transformed over the course of the past several years to include a stretch of major global retailers, operating flagship stores. Major brands operating at press time on Bloor between St. Thomas and Avenue Road include Rolex, Loro Piana (under construction at 111 Bloor W.), Dior, Ferragamo, Prada, Cartier, Moncler, Max Mara, Bonpoint, Montblanc, Brooks Brothers, Roger Dubuis, IWC, Panerai, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Burberry, Gucci (which will be expanding into the adjacent St. John space), Lafayette 148, Alexander Wang, Anne Fontaine (assumed to be under construction), Saint Laurent, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Hermes. 

Bulgari at Yorkdale Shopping Centre (Image: Bulgari)
Bulgari at Yorkdale Shopping Centre (Image: Bulgari)

Retail Insider attended the grand re-opening of the expanded and renovated Yorkdale store in October of 2022. The renovation of the Yorkdale store took about five months, expanding the retail space from about 1,500 square feet to approximately 3,000 square feet. Architect Peter Marino conceptualized the space which now has two private salons. 

The main entrance to the Roman-inspired store is made of Black Grand Antique marble, and the interior includes white Tarvertino Navona marble walls that are finished in white and gold hand-applied Scagliola plaster. The middle of the store features the recognizable Bulgari Condotti eight-point star in red porphyry, which dates back to the first Bulgari shop opened by Sotirio Bulgari in Rome in 1884. Condotti windows within the store reference the original windows still present in Bulgari’s historic flagship on Via Condotti in Rome, and there are two Murano crystal chandeliers made by Italian artisan Vistosi that illuminate the interior.

Three Andy Warhol silk-screen prints in the store were issued specifically for Bulgari by the Warhol Foundation. Andy Warhol was known for being a longstanding fan of Bulgari, so much so that he had called the New York boutique “the most important museum of contemporary art.”

The expanded Bulgari flagship carries an expansive range of high jewelry and fine jewelry as well as watches, and handbags. 

Bulgari at Yorkdale Shopping Centre (Image: Bulgari)
Bulgari at Yorkdale Shopping Centre (Image: Bulgari)

LVMH acquired Bulgari in 2011 as part of a strategic alliance. Bulgari operates a network of standalone stores, concessions, and wholesale accounts in major markets globally. Marriott operates Bulgari Hotels and Resorts which has nine locations globally with more to come, and there are Bulgari-branded restaurants in Tokyo and Osaka. 

Hair Transplant in Mexico: Cost and Techniques

A healthy and voluminous head of hair works wonders in regaining a youthful appearance and boosting self-esteem. While hair can weaken with age, there are valuable solutions that can combat hair loss, as a growing number of individuals are turning to hair transplant procedures. Mexico has risen as a hotspot for hair transplants, offering unparalleled affordability and quality when it comes to hair restoration procedures. With reliable techniques and appropriate costs, hair transplants in Mexico have witnessed a significant increase in popularity.

When contemplating the financial aspect, the price range for a follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplant in Mexico typically spans from $2,990 to $6,900, contingent upon the number of grafts required. However, patients are urged to exercise caution when encountering exceptionally low prices, as they may signal compromised quality. While finding cheap hair transplant services can seem like a steal, it is essential to remain vigilant of clinics offering rates below $3,500. A deal that appears too good to be true could signal underlying risks associated with the discounted procedure.

Selecting the right surgeon is also paramount to achieving a satisfactory outcome.

To be fully informed and confident about your hair transplant clinic, meticulous research into the surgeon’s credentials is recommended to secure optimal results. The surgeon’s experience and expertise play a pivotal role in determining the hair transplant’s overall success.

Mexico’s status as a hub for hair transplants is because of its competitive pricing, state-of-the-art facilities, and seasoned surgeons. A substantial proportion of Mexican surgeons boast international training and accreditation, ensuring adherence to global standards of care. Moreover, Mexico’s proximity to the United States and Canada makes it a convenient choice for patients seeking quality treatment. Beyond cost-effectiveness, undergoing a hair transplant in Mexico offers the added benefits of shorter travel durations and personalized patient-doctor interactions. Patients can return home within hours post-procedure, minimizing disruptions to their daily routines.

Regarding techniques, patients are presented with a plethora of options. These techniques include FUE, Sapphire FUE, Direct Hair Implantation (DHI), and robotic hair transplantation. Each method offers unique benefits, catering to individuals seeking hair restoration’s diverse needs and preferences. With each technique, it’s important to note that the duration hair follicles spend outside the scalp significantly impacts their survival, making careful handling a vital element in preserving follicle viability.

With many advantages, Mexico is a premier destination for hair transplants. The array of techniques, transparent costs, and reputable clinics, such as Capilclinic, deliver a cohesive blend of affordability, quality, and convenience.

As a hair transplant leader in Mexico, Capilclinic boasts a team of experienced professionals who use the latest technology for successful hair restoration. Their Mexico City clinic offers procedures like FUE and DHI hair transplants. The clinic has developed the FUE MIN TIME to increase the success rate of your hair transplant, which focuses on minimizing the amount of time each hair follicle spends outside the scalp during extraction and implantation.

FUE MIN TIME involves meticulously categorizing each follicle during extraction based on the exact time it was removed. This careful process allows Capilclinic’s surgeons to significantly reduce the time each follicle spends outside its natural environment. On average, follicles remain outside the scalp for no longer than 120 minutes, significantly increasing their chance of survival and overall transplant success.

Capilclinic also personalizes the hair implantation process to ensure a natural-looking outcome. Factors such as hair type and the desired aesthetic are considered to achieve a homogeneous distribution of follicles and optimal placement per square centimeter. This approach translates to a more natural-looking result with the possibility of placing more follicles per area, maximizing hair density.

Beyond the FUE MIN TIME method, Capilclinic boasts a highly experienced and talented team of specialists. Their expertise contributes to the clinic’s impressive success rate, exceeding 99%. To ensure optimal results, the clinic also offers comprehensive aftercare, including both online and in-person follow-up consultations to monitor the progress of your hair transplant.

Those seeking effective hair restoration that prioritizes safety and quality above all else will find Mexico’s hair transplant scene to be in alignment with those values. The prospect of reclaiming your locks is made possible with ease and efficiency through hair transplants in Mexico.