Steve Madden-owned New York City-based fashion footwear & accessories brand Dolce Vita has opened its first flagship store outside the United States at the newly opened Royalmount Mall in Montreal.
The brand has another retail location in Metrotown in Burnaby, BC.
“We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our new Dolce Vita store at the Royalmount Mall following the successful launch of our Canadian website in 2023. We look forward to providing a true Dolce Vita brand experience to complement the online experience that launched last year,” said Kerry Norlin, President of Dolce Vita.
Photo courtesy of Dolce VitaPhoto courtesy of Dolce Vita
“As we enter this new market, our focus is on connecting with the community and tailoring our approach to fit the market’s unique needs. It’s with huge thanks to Jennifer Walewski, President of Canada, and her team that we’re able to celebrate this milestone.”
The retailer said in-store, shoppers can find a curated assortment of women’s styles, from stylish heels and waterproof boots to everyday sneakers and chic handbags. Known for combining versatile silhouettes with premium materials, Dolce Vita’s fall collection is currently available to be shopped in-person with styles starting at $130, sizes 5-12, with wide-calf options available.
Photo courtesy of Dolce VitaPhoto courtesy of Dolce Vita
“Since its beginnings, Dolce Vita has been synonymous with chic, trend-setting footwear. The brand has long put a heavy emphasis on community, with a commitment to craft items that resonate with us all. Dolce Vita’s entrance into Canada retail will expand on the Dolce Vita shopping experience customers have come to know and love. The 1,536-square foot store boasts arched recessed shelving and reclaimed oak touches for a comforting feel and floating display shelves for a convenient shopping experience,” it said.
“Dolce Vita currently operates online in the US, Canada and Mexico, with retail locations in Los Angeles, New York City, Washington D.C and Austin. Shoppers can visit dolcevita.ca or follow the brand on social at @dolcevita to keep up to date on the latest offers.
Photo courtesy of Dolce VitaPhoto courtesy of Dolce VitaPhoto courtesy of Dolce Vita
Cadillac Fairview is hosting Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations at two of its shopping centres. The events, taking place at CF Markville in Markham and CF Richmond Centre in Richmond, are part of an effort by the landlord to attract Chinese shoppers.
There are significant Chinese populations in both Markham and Richmond. Markham boasts the highest visible minority population of any major Canadian city at 78%.
The event in Markham is a collaboration with the Chinese Collective Arts Association. Visitors can enjoy captivating displays and engaging activities suitable for all ages. On September 14th and 21st, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, the Centre Court near Uniqlo will come alive with dazzling dance performances showcasing various Chinese dance styles by local artists.
CF Richmond Centre in Richmond, British Columbia. Uniqlo store in photo. Photo: Cadillac Fairview
CF Richmond Centre has partnered with Angel Entertainment for its cultural event. The Main Galleria will host special dance performances on the same dates, September 14th and 21st, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.
Both shopping centres are offering exclusive Mid-Autumn Festival passports to enhance the experience. Shoppers can collect themed stamps during the events for a chance to win CF SHOP! cards and prizes from center retailers. The passports include a scavenger hunt, guiding participants to food vendors and unique retailers throughout the malls.
CF Markville in Markham, Ontario. Photo: Cadillac Fairview
Visitors are encouraged to capture memories of the festivities by taking pictures with lion and rabbit displays or in front of festival-themed backdrops. CF Richmond Centre is also offering a lantern-making workshop as part of its celebration.
As a major player in the Canadian real estate landscape, CF manages over 36 million square feet of leasable space across 68 landmark properties in Canada.
Uniqlo's new store in Royalmount in Montreal. Photo courtesy of Uniqlo
Japanese retailer UNIQLO has opened it fifth Quebec store at the recently opened Royalmount shopping centre in Montreal.
“Royalmount Mall is groundbreaking for UNIQLO. Quebec remains a key market in our Canadian growth strategy, and we are excited to be part of the next evolution of retail. At the same time, we introduce LifeWear to new guests—clothing that is made for everyone every day,” said the company in a statement to Retail Insider.
“Earlier this summer, we announced our plans to open four more new stores in Ontario and British Columbia this fall.”
Uniqlo’s new store in Royalmount in Montreal. Photo courtesy of Uniqlo
The new UNIQLO stores opening in Fall 2024 are: CF Sherway Gardens (Toronto); Heartland Centre Town (Mississauga); Bramalea City Centre (Brampton); and Willowbrook Shopping Centre (Langley).
Jeff Berkowitz of Aurora Realty Consultants has negotiated Uniqlo’s leases since the brand entered the country nearly eight years ago, and continues to do so with the most recent store announcements.
Uniqlo’s new store in Royalmount in Montreal. Photo courtesy of Uniqlo
“UNIQLO continues to resonate with Canadian customers. This latest new store opening builds upon the momentum the brand initiated in 2022 to reach 200 stores in North America by 2027,” said the retailer.
UNIQLO said its Royalmount Mall store will offer the brand’s iconic products for men, women, and kids, such as Ultra-Light Down—warm, packable jackets perfect for layering or travel—and HEATTECH products— made of an innovative fabric that uses the moisture on your skin to generate heat. Other staples include high-quality Knitwear, including 100 per cent cashmere; premium denim; t-shirts; and more.
Uniqlo’s new store in Royalmount in Montreal. Photo courtesy of Uniqlo
“Additionally, for any pair of pants $20 or above (excluding athletic wear and sweatpants), UNIQLO provides free hemming services to ensure pant lengths fit the customers’ unique measurements. UNIQLO also offers complementary in-store pick-up for online orders. Their online store offers a full variety of products, styles, colours, and extended sizes that are not available in-store.
UNIQLO opened its first store in Hiroshima in 1984 and now has over 2,400 stores worldwide, including 24 in Canada, and online at UNIQLO.ca. UNIQLO creates apparel based on the Japanese values of simplicity, quality, and longevity. Its products feature timeless designs, supreme fit, and comfort, shaped by customers’ needs to improve their daily lives.
Uniqlo’s new store in Royalmount in Montreal. Photo courtesy of Uniqlo
The company said LifeWear is “apparel that comes from the Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity.
“Designed to be of the time and for the time, LifeWear is made with such modern elegance that it becomes the building blocks of each individual’s style. A perfect shirt that is always being made more perfect. The simplest design hiding the most thoughtful and modern details. The best in fit and fabric made to be affordable and accessible to all. LifeWear is clothing that is constantly being innovated, bringing more warmth, more lightness, better design, and better comfort to people’s lives,” it said.
UNIQLO is a brand of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese retail holding company with global headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. UNIQLO is the largest of eight brands in the Fast Retailing Group, the others being GU, Theory, PLST (Plus T), Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse tam.tam, J Brand and Helmut Lang.
Loblaw Companies Limited is launching its second Get to Give Days campaign from September 12-15.
During this time, the company said it will donate a portion of the proceeds from every PC product sold in its grocery stores to President’s Choice Children’s Charity – which operates the nation’s largest charitable direct-to-school food program.
“Food security has long been an issue of concern in Canada, especially for children, where the problem can hinder their ability to learn and increase their levels of anxiety,” stated Loblaw in a news release. “Data from the University of Toronto’s PROOF research program indicates that, in 2023 alone, 2.1 million kids faced food security challenges. President’s Choice Children’s Charity, and Loblaw, believe our children deserve better.”
The company said the Get to Give Days campaign will help the Charity as it strives to feed 1 million kids annually through its Power Full Kids™ program in approximately 2,200 schools across Canada. The program provides children with good food and teaches them how to grow and cook food as well.
“In 2023, our Power Full Kids™ program helped provide 990,000 Canadian children with over 142 million meals and snacks,” said Lisa Battistelli, Executive Director, President’s Choice Children’s Charity. “We are grateful to our founding partner, Loblaw, and its customers for their support, which will help turn classrooms into places of hope and nurture our future leaders.”
Loblaw said this is how people can support President’s Choice Children’s Charity:
Shop in-store from September 12-15, 2024 – Purchase any PC product* at a Real Canadian Superstore, No Frills, Maxi, Your Independent Grocer, Zehrs, Fortinos, Loblaws, Atlantic Superstore, Dominion, Provigo, Wholesale Club, Club Entrepot or Valumart, and a portion of proceeds will be donated to President’s Choice Children’s Charity, up to $2M collectively.
At Cash – Customers can join the movement by donating at checkout at any time throughout the year.
Online at pcchildrenscharity.ca – Click the ‘Donate’ button.
100 per cent of At Cash and online donations go directly to President’s Choice Children’s Charity to feed students across Canada, it said.
Transformer Table x Marie Kondo collaboration! (CNW Group/Transformer Table)
Transformer Table, an industry leader in smart home furniture, is teaming up with Marie Kondo, bestselling author and renowned tidying expert, to showcase how multifunctional furniture can keep a home tidy and organized.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Marie Kondo as she has a unique understanding of the importance of saving space and making your home work for you, which has long been a part of our mission here at Transformer Table,” said Alex Doré, Co-Founder of Transformer Table. “We hope that together we can help people organize their homes and live the lives they want to live.”
“I am so excited to announce that I am teaming up with Transformer Table. One of my goals when organizing is to help clients make space for what matters most to them, regardless of the size of their home,” said Marie Kondo of KonMari Media.
“Many people today need their spaces to serve multiple purposes so they can easily live, work, dine and host. Transformer Table creatively supports each moment while keeping the home feeling calm and organized.”
This partnership will feature Marie Kondo as the face of Transformer Table and include collaboration across content, branding, and promotion. The partnership will continue until December 2024.
Founded in 2016, Transformer Table is an industry leader in smart home furniture, designing space-saving, modular furniture for homes around the world.
Business Improvement Areas of BC (BIABC), a coalition representing over 70 business districts across British Columbia, has released a startling new poll. The survey unveils the profound impact of street disorder and public safety issues on retailers and other businesses throughout the province.
The poll, conducted this summer, gathered responses from more than 500 small and medium-sized business owners across British Columbia. It aimed to gauge their perspectives on various issues, with a particular focus on public safety concerns and their effects on business viability.
The results paint a grim picture of the challenges faced by BC’s retailers and business community. A staggering 97% of businesses reported increased operational costs over the past five years. For 53% of respondents, these increases exceeded 20%, driven by factors such as rising insurance premiums and heightened security expenses.
Since 2023, businesses have witnessed a sharp uptick in various forms of street disorder. The poll reveals that 58% of respondents experienced increased violence and aggression, while 56% reported a surge in theft and shoplifting incidents. Graffiti also saw a significant rise, with 63% of businesses noting an increase, and 53% reported more frequent cases of broken windows.
The mental toll on business owners and employees is equally concerning. An overwhelming 82% of respondents admitted to experiencing increased fear, anxiety, and stress due to rising street disorder. This includes issues related to theft, violence, mental health crises, drug-related activities, vandalism, and homelessness.
In response to escalating property crime, 61% of business owners have been forced to invest in additional safety measures within the past two years. These include installing cameras, upgrading alarm systems, erecting gates, improving lighting, and reinforcing locks.
Perhaps most alarmingly, 39% of respondents expressed doubt about their ability to remain viable or continue operating successfully beyond two years if current conditions persist. This figure rises to 52% when the timeframe is extended to four years.
Jeff Bray, BIABC President and CEO of the Downtown Victoria Business Association, emphasized the severity of the situation. “Business owners have made it very clear that they and their staff are enduring circumstances that are placing a significant financial and emotional toll on them,” Bray stated. He added that many find the situation unbearable and expect decisive action from the next government.
As British Columbia prepares for upcoming elections, BIABC says it plans to appeal to candidates and political parties. They aim to garner support for a sector that is not only integral to provincial and local economies but also vital to the vibrancy of neighbourhoods and communities.
Jess Ketchum, Co-Founder of Save Our Streets (SOS), a coalition member of BIABC, emphasized the broader implications of these issues. “Of course, when businesses have to close their doors, employees lose their jobs, which further impacts families around the province,” Ketchum noted. He called for a coordinated approach to address street disorder and mental health crises, stressing the need for new ideas and proven effective practices.
In response to these challenges, Save Our Streets will host the Communities Driving Change Forum in Vancouver on January 23, 2025. The event will bring together experts and community leaders to explore solutions to issues related to mental health, addictions, and crime. Topics will include judicial reform, policing reform, addiction treatment, mental health care continuity, and housing.
Birks, one of Canada’s leading fine jewellery and bridal brands, said it designed a new concept store that captures the very essence of the brand, drawing inspiration from Canada’s rich natural landscapes and heritage.
“With this new store concept, our goal is to offer clients another opportunity to immerse themselves in the World of Birks, while highlighting the craftsmanship, design, beauty and value of our collections. This new store, entirely dedicated to Birks’ own jewellery collections, redefines and elevates the brand experience.“
The retailer said the store was designed by the French luxury retail architecture firm Landmark Architecture and the new store concept embraces Canada’s diverse landscapes throughout the seasons, blending luxury with modernity.
“The store’s ambiance is defined by three key themes—refinement, charm, and brilliance—expressed through soft curves, warm tones, state-of-the-art lighting design and signature blue hues that symbolize various aspects of Canadian beauty. Spanning approximately 500 square feet, the elegant space captures Birks’ rich history and evolution,” it said.
Photo Credit: Olivier Blouin – Interior of the Birks store at Royalmount. (CNW Group/Birks Group Inc.)
“Established in 1879, Birks celebrates its 145th anniversary this year. The new concept store at Royalmount is a fitting tribute to this remarkable milestone as this design honours over a century of craftsmanship and expertise. The innovative retail experience reflects Birks’ commitment to exceptional quality and timeless elegance, bridging its storied history with a forward-looking vision.”
Photo Credit: Olivier Blouin – The 500 sq. ft. Birks store interior. (CNW Group/Birks Group Inc.)
Discount retailer Dollarama Inc. reported Wednesday strong sales growth for its second quarter ended July 28, 2024.
Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Highlights Compared to Fiscal 2024 Second Quarter Results
Sales increased by 7.4 per cent to $1,563.4 million, compared to $1,455.9 million
Comparable store sales increased by 4.7 per cent, over and above 15.5 per cent growth in the corresponding period of the previous year
EBITDA increased by 14.7 per cent to $524.3 million, representing an EBITDA margin of 33.5 per cent, compared to 31.4 per cent
Operating income increased by 15.3 per cent to $422.9 million, representing an operating margin of 27.0 per cent, compared to 25.2 per cent
Diluted net earnings per common share increased by 18.6 per cent to $1.02, compared to $0.86
14 net new stores opened, compared to 18 net new stores
2,104,691 common shares repurchased for cancellation for $263.1 million
“For the second quarter of fiscal 2025, we generated strong results across the board as comparable store sales continue to normalize. Canadian consumers continue to recognize and rely on our compelling value as they deploy their discretionary spending prudently in a challenging economic environment. Our strong traffic trends quarter after quarter also confirm that the breadth of our product offering is allowing us to meet the needs of our consumers,” said Neil Rossy, President and CEO, in a news release.
“As Canadians continue to gravitate to value, Dollarama provides a safe harbour for savings on basics and consumables. I don’t see that changing anytime soon,” he said.
“Unlike US dollar stores, which are struggling, Dollarama caters to savers across numerous economic segments with at least some disposable income during these tough times.
“Dollarama is a brand that creates consumer value and will continue to grow,” he said.
“I have always admired this brand’s strategic and operational focus. Its success is based on consistency, reliability, variety, and convenience.
“This growth is driven by the recognition that a consumer shift has occurred over the last two decades – 60 per cent or more now wait for their next paycheque to balance their households.
“The old middle class is now the “Resilient Class,” always adapting to the economy, and Dollarama fills that need.”
Michael Kehoe
Michael Kehoe, Broker of Record with Fairfield Commercial Real Estate, said Dollarama is firing on all cylinders and the solid Q2 sales results and strong overall store traffic and sales performance quarter after quarter are a good news story in a challenging Canadian retail environment.
“Canadian consumers are spending cautiously, focusing on the basics with limited disposable income and continue to gravitate to value and the Dollarama retail juggernaut is leading the way,” he said.
“I have noted that the firm has added 58 new stores over that past year, 14 in Q2 alone and the profile and quality of the new locations is textbook commercial real estate leasing impressive.
“The appeal of Dollarama is broadening to more consumer segments across the land led by its diverse retail offerings and extensive store network at almost 1583 stores at the end of July 2024. The company is definitely taking a larger bite out of national market and is the quintessential Canadian success story.”
The company said sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 increased by 7.4 per cent to $1,563.4 million, compared to $1,455.9 million in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. This increase was driven by growth in the total number of stores over the past 12 months (from 1,525 stores on July 30, 2023, to 1,583 stores on July 28, 2024) and increased comparable store sales.
“Comparable store sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 increased by 4.7 per cent, consisting of a 7.0 per cent increase in the number of transactions and a 2.2 per cent decrease in average transaction size, over and above comparable store sales growth of 15.5 per cent in the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. The increase in comparable store sales reflects sustained customer demand for consumables offset by softer demand for spring-summer assortment, compared to the same period last year,” it said.
“Gross margin reached 45.2 per cent of sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2025, compared to 43.9 per cent of sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2024. The increase is mainly due to the positive impact of lower contractual rates with carriers and lower logistics costs.
“Net earnings increased by 16.3 per cent to $285.9 million, compared to $245.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2024. Diluted net earnings per common share increased by 18.6 per cent from $0.86 per diluted common share to $1.02 per diluted common share, in the second quarter of fiscal 2025.
During its second quarter ended June 30, 2024, Dollarcity opened 23 net new stores, compared to 10 net new stores in the same period last year. As at June 30, 2024, Dollarcity had 570 stores with 338 locations in Colombia, 101 in Guatemala, 74 in El Salvador and 57 in Peru. This compares to 532 stores as at December 31, 2023.
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.
