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.
Burrard entrance of former Victoria's Secret on 750 Burrard Street in Downtown Vancouver. Photo: Lee Rivett.
US-based lingerie and fashion retailer Victoria’s Secret is relocating its downtown Vancouver flagship from 969 Robson Street (at the corner of Burrard Street and Robson Street) into the CF Pacific Centre. Landlord Cadillac Fairview has confirmed to Daily Hive that the retailer would be downsizing into the shopping centre.
The new Victoria’s Secret location will be 8,890 square feet and was recently vacated by Hollister, which opened its new 4,509 square foot location at the south end of the shopping centre earlier this month. The new Victoria’s Secret location will be across from The Body Shop and H&M and between Purdy’s Chocolates and Skechers on the lower level.
Future location (white construction hoarding) of Victoria’s Secret in CF Pacific Centre. Photo: Lee RivettFuture Victoria’s Secret location in CF Pacific Centre. Photo: Cadillac Fairview lease plan.
The former Downtown Vancouver location for Victoria’s Secret opened in 2013 and occupied 34,814 square feet over two levels. It was located in the Robson Central complex at the northeast corner of Robson and Burrard Streets. The basement level of the store was 20,815 square feet, while the ground floor was 13,999 square feet. The space was previously home to an HMV store and its second-level mezzanine had been removed to accommodate higher ceilings for Victoria’s Secret.
Victoria’s Secret substantially reduced its Canadian store count in 2020 following a temporary shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Parent company, L Brands, said at the time that it would permanently shutter 13 of Victoria’s Secret’s 38 Canadian stores, representing almost 35% of the Canadian fleet, as well as one Bath & Body Works location in the country.
Victoria’s Secret was founded in 1977 by Roy and Gaye Raymond. The inspiration came from Roy Raymond’s discomfort while purchasing lingerie for his wife in a department store. Seeking to create a more welcoming and specialized environment for such intimate purchases, the Raymonds opened the first Victoria’s Secret store in Palo Alto, California. The store was designed to feel like a Victorian boudoir, offering an elegant and comfortable space for both men and women to shop for lingerie. The brand quickly gained popularity for its luxurious and sophisticated products, leading to the expansion of its product line to include fragrances and body care products.
Closed Victoria’s Secret on 750 Burrard Street in Downtown Vancouver. Photo: Lee Rivett. Cleared main floor at Victoria’s Secret from Burrard Street entrance (off Robson) in Downtown Vancouver. Photo: Lee Rivett. Merchandise and store fittings being removed at former Victoria’s Secret in Downtown Vancouver. Photo: Lee Rivett. Robson Street entrance of former Victoria’s Secret in Downtown Vancouver. Photo: Lee Rivett.
By the early 1980s, Victoria’s Secret had become a successful chain in the United States, and in 1982, it was acquired by Limited Brands (now known as L Brands), a retailing giant. Under the leadership of Leslie Wexner, the CEO of L Brands, Victoria’s Secret underwent a significant transformation. The brand shifted its focus towards a female audience, revamping its product line and marketing strategies. It introduced the famous Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 1995, which became a major marketing tool and a global entertainment event. The show featured supermodels, known as “Angels,” and was instrumental in shaping the brand’s image as a purveyor of glamorous and sophisticated lingerie.
Victoria’s Secret’s expansion into the Canadian market began in 2010, with the opening of its first store in Edmonton, Alberta at West Edmonton Mall. The brand’s foray into Canada was part of its broader strategy to expand its international presence. Canadian customers welcomed the brand enthusiastically, leading to the opening of more stores across the country. In Canada, Victoria’s Secret offers a similar product range to that in the United States, including lingerie, beauty products, and the PINK line, which targets younger women. However, the brand has faced challenges in recent years, including changing consumer preferences and criticism over its lack of diversity and inclusivity. Despite these challenges, Victoria’s Secret continues to be a significant player in the lingerie market, both in the United States and internationally, including in Canada.
Future location (white construction hoarding on the right) of Victoria’s Secret in CF Pacific Centre. Photo: Lee Rivett
Purdy’s just prior to the future location of Victoria’s Secret in CF Pacific Centre. Photo: Lee Rivett
Skechers and H&M just beyond the future location of Victoria’s Secret in CF Pacific Centre. Photo: Lee Rivett
Hollister at CF Pacific Centre in downtown Vancouver. Photo: Lee Rivett.
American retail brand Hollister Co. has re-opened in downtown Vancouver’s CF Pacific Centre in a new location. The 23-year-old brand, known for its men and women’s casual apparel, has been a long-time tenant at the mall and has now moved southward along the lower level of the mall. Hollister’s former location across from H&M is slated to be the new home of Victoria’s Secret after it closed its flagship on Burrard Street and Robson Street last week.
The new Hollister location is much more prominent in CF Pacific Centre and is next to the primary escalators from Robson Street which funnels all foot traffic into the centre. It is located across from the Hugo Boss and Plus Shop (Sneakers). The location is on the south end of the retail stretch and the retail space directly to the north of it is currently vacant since Microsoft’s closure of brick and mortar stores in June 2020.
The new Hollister location is a 4,509 square foot space that was previously occupied by long-term tenant, Disney, before shuttering the location in 2021 as part of Disney’s exit from the Canadian market. Canadian company Just Cozy briefly occupied the retail space between the leases of Disney and Hollister. Just Cozy has now moved to a retail space between lululemon and Ecco Shoes on the same level.
New Hollister location in CF Pacific Centre. Photo: Cadillac Fairview lease plan.
Hollister viewed from descending escalators at CF Pacific Centre in downtown Vancouver. Photo: Lee Rivett.
Hollister is owned by Abercrombie and Fitch – which opened its first store in Vancouver at CF Pacific Centre in 2015 (excluding the Woodward’s-owned A&F of the 80s/90s in Canada). The Hollister location in CF Pacific Centre is the only store in British Columbia and forms part of the four Hollister locations in Western Canada. The other western Canada stores are located in Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg.
Hollister was conceptualized and founded in 2000, with the intention of appealing to a younger demographic than its parent company. The brand was designed to embody the spirit of the Southern California surf culture, targeting teenagers and young adults with its casualwear. Despite its backstory as a fictional history centered around the supposed lifestyle of J.M. Hollister, a pioneer who emigrated from New York to the Dutch East Indies before eventually settling in California in 1922, Hollister Co. was purely a creation of the 21st century, crafted to resonate with a youthful, energetic, and adventurous audience.
Hollister quickly gained popularity in the 2000s, distinguished by its dimly lit stores, strong fragrance, and the use of loud music, creating an immersive and unique shopping experience. The brand’s clothing line featured a range of casual apparel, including jeans, t-shirts, dresses, and outerwear, often adorned with the Hollister logo. Beyond just fashion, the brand also came to represent a particular lifestyle, one that was relaxed, free-spirited, and connected to surfing and beach culture. Marketing campaigns heavily featured sun-kissed models and idyllic beach scenes, reinforcing the brand’s image. The growth of Hollister was rapid, and by the mid-2000s, it had become one of the most popular teen apparel brands in the United States, even outperforming its parent company, Abercrombie & Fitch, in terms of sales.
Interior of Hollister at CF Pacific Centre in downtown Vancouver. Photo: Lee Rivett.
Interior of Hollister at CF Pacific Centre in downtown Vancouver. Photo: Lee Rivett.
Just Cozy located between Lululemon and ECCO Shoes in CF Pacific Centre in Downtown Vancouver. Photo: Lee Rivett.
RioCan’s Senior Leadership Team, along with Edward Sonshine, Founder and Chairman, RioCan REIT, joined Michael Kousaie, Vice President, Strategy and Product Innovation, Toronto Stock Exchange, to open the market in celebration of RioCan’s 30-year anniversary.
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust, one of the founding and largest REITs in Canada, will mark 30 years as a public company on Friday with a bell ringing ceremony to open the TSX (Toronto Stock Exchange).
For the past three decades, RioCan has been a fixture in commercial real estate, managing vibrant shopping centres, residences, and mixed-use properties that cater to consumer needs. Today, its portfolio consists of about 200 retail-focused, increasingly mixed-use properties in Canada’s largest cities.
Oliver Harrison
Oliver Harrison, RioCan’s Senior Vice President, Leasing and Tenant Experience, said over the past three decades RioCan has grown and then it shrunk and diversified its portfolio.
“I’ve been with RioCan in May it will be 25 years. When I started we were in the process of sort of finalizing our first large scale acquisition . . . I think at the time we had 20 properties, we grew very quickly from that point. Probably until 2016 we peaked north of 200 properties, closer to 250 properties across North America. We had a large Canadian portfolio but we also had 40 properties and 10 million square feet in the United States,” said Harrison.
“No residential. That’s definitely something that’s changed and I would say we’re a little bit less particular about what we were focused on owning and operating than we are now. Right now we are heavily focused on owning and operating in the six major markets in Canada, predominantly transit-oriented properties, in some cases with a mixed-use component, primarily that mixed-use being residential. That historically was not the case. We were primarily buying power centres as we used to call them and building them, grocery anchored strip centres and enclosed centres. We still have a bunch of new format retail as we call it and grocery anchored strips but I think we’re down to maybe eight enclosed centres, maybe even less at this point in time.”
5th and THIRD East Village (Image: RioCan)Image: RioCan
As at September 30, 2023, the RioCan portfolio was comprised of 192 properties with an aggregate net leasable area of approximately 33.6 million square feet (at RioCan’s interest) including office, residential rental and 10 development properties.
“There is definitely opportunity for growth through both development and acquisitions. We still have a very healthy pipeline of sites that are either in the process for various city approvals to proceed with development and/or already approved and ready to proceed,” said Harrison.
“So I think development is certainly a big component of how we plan on growing in the future. Acquisitions to a lesser degree probably. But growth primarily through development in major markets and transit-oriented and in the form of mixed-use development.
“I don’t see us building any grocery-anchored strip centres or new format shopping centres. We just delivered Windfield Farms which is out in north Oshawa a year ago. But that’s probably the last one we’ll do for quite some time.”
The Well in Toronto (Image: Dustin Fuhs)
The jewel in the RioCan portfolio is the massive joint venture development The Well, in the heart of downtown Toronto.
The Well is a joint venture between RioCan REIT and Allied Properties REIT, bordering Front, Spadina and Wellington. It is a mixture of retail, commercial and residential space in downtown Toronto that will draw approximately 22,000 daily visitors, including the approximately 11,000 residents and employees that will live and work at The Well.
Harrison said the demand for retail space remains really strong.
“In the urban markets, following population growth, retailers are looking to expand their network. Our pipeline is still very strong. Our occupancy remains at record highs in our retail portfolio and our retention ratio as well is on a historic basis still trending very positively,” he said.
“So the retail story is still great at the moment. Doesn’t mean there’s not going to be some bumps on the road because there always is but we’re very pleased with the growth that we’re seeing from our retail portfolio.”
The Well (Image: Dustin Fuhs)
Of the 13 RioCan Living™ buildings in operation 11 were stabilized and 97.5 per cent leased as at November 2, 2023. Total NOI (net operating income) generated from its residential rental operations for the Third Quarter was $5.6 million, an increase of $1.8 million or 46.3 per cent over the same period last year. An increase of approximately eight per cent in average monthly rent per occupied square foot on a same property basis contributed to the year-over-year improvement.
Occupancy commenced at FourFifty The Well™ on August 1, 2023. Construction of 236 units was completed in the quarter. The remaining 356 units were completed in phases through Q4 2023 and early 2024. Pre-leasing commenced in March 2023 and units are leasing at a healthy velocity and at rates in-line or above expectations.
The 2,605 condominium and townhouse units that are under construction as of September 30, 2023, are expected to generate combined sales revenue of over $800.0 million between 2023 and 2026 that can be redeployed to productive uses such as paying down debt or development. Of RioCan’s six active condominium construction projects, 86 per cent of the total units have been pre-sold, representing 95 per cent of pro-forma total revenues.
Martin Moriarty of Marcus & Millichap Shares Latest Vancouver Retail Insights [Video Interview]
Craig Patterson and Martin Moriarty, Senior Vice President at Marcus & Millichap, discuss the dynamic nature of Vancouver’s retail market and growth. Moriarty sheds light on the transformation of key areas like the luxury zone along Alberni Street, the vibrancy of Robson Street, and the promising developments around Granville Street. He notes the arrival of high-profile brands like Balenciaga, signalling a robust and diverse retail environment.
Martin Moriarty. Photo: LinkedIn
In their conversation, they touch upon the significant transformations in areas like Oakridge Park and West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano. Moriarty speaks about the comprehensive redevelopment of Oakridge Centre into a mixed-use space, highlighting the expected influx of luxury retailers and the positive impact on the city’s retail landscape. The discussion also covers the evolution of West 4th into a hub for direct-to-consumer and outdoor brands, reflecting the street’s unique identity and its appeal to a millennial demographic.
Patterson and Moriarty then discuss the challenges and successes in revitalizing areas like Gastown, noting the recent upturn in retail activity and the potential pedestrianization of Water Street. Martin expresses optimism about the future of Vancouver’s retail sectors, underlining the city’s growing appeal on a global scale and its ability to attract diverse international retailers. The conversation concludes with a positive outlook on Vancouver’s continued growth and its evolving role in the global retail marketplace.
If you prefer to listen to the audio version, it is available below:
The Interview Series audio podcasts by Retail Insider Canada are available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Also check out our The Weekly audio podcast where Craig and Lee discuss popular content published on Retail Insider which is part of the The Retail Insider Podcast Network.
Featured during this interview:
Martin Moriarty, Senior Vice President at Marcus & Millichap
Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!
Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Ontario-based SP Studios Canada is currently in discussions with a Qatari private fund to secure $500 million in financing to establish the most technologically advanced virtual production hub in Canada.
As negotiations advance, SP Studios says that it is gearing up to finalize all design work, with construction expected to commence in the third quarter of 2024 and the project tentatively slated for completion in early to mid-2027.
The announcement follows SP Studios’ opening of Canada’s most advanced film production facility in Mississauga earlier this year. The new investment will expand on the initial initiative with a massive investment that will make SP Studios a major player in TV, film and video advertising.
Image: SP Studios
Virtual production technologies have shifted the movie production landscape in recent years. SP Studios Canada has emerged as a trailblazer in the Canadian virtual production domain, boasting its state-of-the-art 12,000 square foot facility in Mississauga where numerous high-profile clients routinely leverage their services. Incorporating cutting-edge technologies from renowned manufacturers such as Arri, Leitz, Brompton, Sony, Absen, and Mark Roberts Motion Control, the facility features everything from advanced LED walls to studio lighting and motion control robots.
Adding to the success of SP Studios Canada is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI has revolutionized virtual production, enhancing efficiency and realism across various creative industries. In the realm of film and television, AI-driven technologies like machine learning and computer vision facilitate real-time rendering, motion capture, and scene optimization.
At SP Studios Canada, AI not only sparks creative ideas but also enables real-time pre-visualization of projects before they come to fruition. This adaptive technology enhances interactions between live actors and virtual elements, fostering seamless integration between the physical and digital realms in virtual production. Moreover, AI empowers creative individuals, such as freelancers without access to substantial computing power, by facilitating content generation and improving workflows to meet specific requirements.
For example, at SP Studios, AI is employed to rapidly upscale videos and images to the required resolution, allowing freelancers to access and edit content efficiently for final client approval. Consequently, AI not only reduces the time and costs associated with visual content creation but also optimizes workflows for superior client outcomes.
Image: SP Studios
But what precisely is virtual production? It’s a video content creation technique that leverages advanced technologies to seamlessly integrate computer-generated imagery (CGI) and physical sets in real-time. Unlike traditional green screen methods, virtual production empowers directors to visualize and capture intricate scenes more immersively and efficiently.
The popularity of virtual production has surged for various reasons, primarily due to its ability to streamline the filmmaking process. By merging practical sets with digital elements in real-time, filmmakers can make on-the-spot creative decisions, ultimately saving time and resources. This technique gained widespread attention with the extensive use of virtual sets in productions like The Mandalorian.
Key technologies are steering the virtual production revolution:
LED Walls: Large screens displaying high-resolution virtual environments in real-time offer actors and filmmakers a more immersive experience while reducing the need for extensive post-production work.
Motion Capture and Virtual Cameras: Real-time motion capture technology seamlessly integrates live-action performances with virtual elements, while virtual cameras enable directors to explore virtual environments and capture shots as they would on a physical set.
Game Engines: Integral to virtual production, game engines like Unreal Engine and Unity enable the creation of detailed virtual worlds and facilitate real-time interaction with the digital environment.
Image: SP Studios
Initially popularized in science fiction and fantasy genres, virtual production is now making its mark across various film genres. From dramas to comedies, filmmakers are embracing the versatility and efficiency that virtual production brings to the table. Moreover, it has facilitated global collaboration by allowing teams to work together in virtual spaces, proving invaluable for international productions. With the ability to make instantaneous changes to virtual environments, filmmakers can experiment with storytelling in unprecedented ways, opening the door to dynamic narrative structures and personalized audience experiences.
The virtual production industry is poised to be one of the fastest-growing segments in filmmaking and the movie industry as a whole. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the virtual production market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 15% from 2021 to 2026. LED walls in virtual production are also on the rise, with a predicted market value exceeding $900 million by 2027, as per a study by Global Market Insights. A survey by the Visual Effects Society found that 67% of respondents believe virtual production will significantly impact the film and television industry in the next 2-5 years.
Virtual production has marked a new era in filmmaking, transforming how movies and commercials are conceived and created. As technologies evolve, virtual production is poised to become even more widespread, influencing not just the creative process but also the economics of content production. Filmmakers and industry professionals are embracing this innovative approach, and as virtual production becomes more accessible, it stands to shape the future of the cinematic experience.
More information about SP Studios Canada will be forthcoming as the company finalizes negotiations for the new GTA production facility. Retail Insider will follow up on this as new information is obtained.
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.
Future Rodd and Gunn at 21 Hazelton Avenue (Image: Dustin Fuhs)
New Zealand-based menswear brand Rodd & Gunn is expanding into the Canadian market this year with standalone stores. Its first will open on Hazelton Avenue in Toronto, and more are planned.
The Toronto location at 21 Hazelton Avenue is expected to carry the full line of Rodd & Gunn’s ready-to-wear line as well as footwear and accessories. The entire building spans just under 3,300 square feet, including a ground floor of 1,029 square feet, a second floor with 934 square feet, and a basement level spanning 1,331 square feet. The store will open this spring.
Jordan Karp of Savills Canada listed the space and is representing Rodd & Gunn in Canada as the brand expands. Hanard Investments owns the building which is managed by Greenwin.
Rodd & Gunn Flagship in Chadstone, Australia (Image: GDM Retail Systems)
The building at 19-21 Hazelton Avenue, which was originally built as two semi-detached houses, was constructed in 1900 and was renovated in 2006. Until recently, upscale multi-brand womenswear retailer George C. operated in the Rodd & Gunn space, and the store closed due to the owner’s retirement. Next door is Amsterdam-based custom men’s retailer Atelier Munro in 19 Hazelton, which opened its first Canadian location there in October of 2022.
Other historic homes on Hazelton Avenue have been turned into retail spaces, and over the years there has also been some purpose-built retail construction. A clustering of menswear brands on the street appears to have developed with Amsterdam-based SuitSupply occupying a large three-level store a few doors south of Atelier Munro and the future Rodd & Gunn.
Rodd & Gunn plans to open more standalone stores in Canada. Locations sought include street-front spaces in buildings with ‘character’ in nodes with premium brand/multi-brand retailers, as well as enclosed malls. The ideal size for stores are in the 2,000-3,000+ square foot range.
Scott Braini, General Manager of Real Estate at Rodd & Gunn, said, “Our premises selection almost always starts with a building that exudes character or a notable point of difference that we can lean into as a brand and showcase our unique rich heritage & personality.”
He went on to say, “Preferred locations are vibrant retail nodes that provide a village energy and showcase a diverse and eclectic retail mix from progressive designers, premium lifestyle offers, classic sophisticated staples and market leading cafes and restaurants.”
In the Toronto area, Rodd & Gunn is targeting opening three to five stores, and a national expansion initially in the Montreal and Vancouver markets is in the works, given opportunities.
“We are driven by opportunities that excite and engage with our passion for retail. Rodd & Gunn is extremely dynamic in its approach to property, and will readily pivot our strategy to achieve unique and authentic experiences for our customers,” said Braini.
Image: Rodd & GunnImage: Rodd and Gunn
Rodd & Gunn is also eyeing the potential to open at least one Rodd & Gunn + Lodge Bar flagship in Canada, which would include retail as well as a significant licensed food and beverage component. The right location is paramount, with the Lounge Bar concept building brand awareness while showcasing the New Zealand lifestyle at an elevated level. Locations such as this would span in the 7,000-12,000+ square foot range. These concepts have proven to be popular in New Zealand and Australia.
When asked if Rodd & Gunn was bringing the Lodge Bar flagship concept to Canada, he said, “Most definitely; however, we do not currently have a firm timeline for this. These stores are an immersive brand experience that encapsulates Rodd & Gunn’s vision and values across lifestyle mediums of food and fashion. The catalyst for these locations starts with a location that captures our hearts and imaginations!”
Rodd & Gunn entered Canada more than a year ago via a concession presence at Hudson’s Bay. Almost half of Hudson’s Bay’s stores now have a Rodd & Gunn concession presence. These concessions will remain operational as part of the brand’s Canadian penetration strategy while standalone stores also become operational.
“Department stores remain a key touch point for our consumers and provide a platform for scaled accessibility. These environments are typically operated as a concession (store in store) which enable us to create a true Rodd & Gunn experience through the deployment of our expert retail team and the curation of our product offering as only we know how,” said Braini.
Jersey Mike’s Subs, known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs, has announced an Area Director and Development Agreement with Redberry Restaurants, one of Canada’s largest restaurant operators with plans to open 300 Jersey Mike’s restaurants across Canada by 2034, through a combination of Redberry-owned-and-operated stores and supported franchisee locations.
This marks the first major international expansion for Jersey Mike’s in its 68-year history.
Redberry will purchase the two existing Jersey Mike’s locations in Kitchener and London and will open five new Jersey Mike’s in Ontario in 2024. The Kitchener and London locations will be completely remodeled in early 2024 to reflect Jersey Mike’s new image. Those two locations have been open for about five years.
Image: Jersey Mike’s Subs
Hoyt Jones
“I think it’s a natural progression for us in being extremely successful down here in the United States for us to come up to Canada. The two stores that are already in existence have done quite well and we were just waiting patiently for the right partner and we’ve been very fortunate to partner with Redberry in Canada and we just know there’s a right cultural fit. They’re operators at the core and they operate at a very, very high level,” said Hoyt Jones, President of Jersey Mike’s.
Jersey Mike’s Subs has more than 3,000 locations open and in development in the U.S. It serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread — the same recipe it started with in 1956 at the Jersey Shore.
Ken Otto
“We love dealing with the best of the best and a big part of Redberry’s journey in Canada is partnering with iconic brands that are leaders in their segment, believe in people, believe in their product and just provide unbelievable support to franchisees,” said Ken Otto, President of Redberry.
“When you look at that list, Jersey Mike’s is at the top of that list. We met and there was a synergy and an energy at our first meeting and that’s why we’re together today.”
Image: Jersey Mike’s Subs
Founded in 2005, Redberry is one of Canada’s largest QSR restaurant franchisees. Redberry owns and operates 180-plus restaurants across the country, operating under the BURGER KING®, Taco Bell and Jersey Mike’s Subs brands. With signed agreements to build more than 600 new restaurants, Redberry is one of Canada’s fastest-growing restaurant companies.
Otto said a minimum of five Jersey Mike’s will be opening in and around Toronto and southwestern Ontario in 2024.
“We’ve already begun scoping out real estate. We have a number of franchisees that have expressed interest. Jersey Mike’s is known to a lot of people in Canada despite only having two stores,” he said.
“We think we have a running start to bring the Jersey Mike’s promise and great stuffed sandwiches pretty quickly. So look out here we come.”
Image: Jersey Mike’s Subs
Otto said the company is looking for high quality strip retail, preferably encap, 1,500 square foot, locations with great visibility from major traffic corridors with lots of rooftops and traffic for retail.
The iconic American brand is about more than just high-quality ingredients: “Giving…making a difference in someone’s life” has been Jersey Mike’s mission from the beginning. Since 2010, Jersey Mike’s locations throughout the U.S. have raised more than $110 million for local charities. In 2023 alone, the chain raised a record-breaking $21 million to help more than 200 local charities during its annual Month of Giving.
This strong foundation in philanthropy perfectly aligns with Redberry’s mission to support and uplift local communities. Redberry is a leader in supporting its current Brand partner charitable initiatives and has raised over $1 million dollars to support these outstanding causes. Redberry also sponsors a wide variety of local community initiatives throughout the year and is an active participant in the YMCA and University Co-Op programs to offer jobs and career training.
“We pretty much stand apart from the rest. We hand slice and fresh grill every sub sandwich to order which is pretty unique. It’s definitely old authentic east coast style sub and we just take great pleasure in making sure that every sub is handmade every single time,” said Jones.
SUSO Skate Co. at Bramalea City Centre (Image: SUSO Skate Co.)
Craig and Lisa Hutcheson, Managing Partner at J.C. Williams Group, discuss insights gathered in the Ebeltoft Group’s newly released Retail Innovations 19 book. They highlight the role of sustainability in modern retail, both as an environmental concern and as a foundational element in business models. From Canadian initiatives like Good Foot Delivery, promoting employment for neuro-diverse communities, to France’s Fresh focusing on local, organic produce, they illustrate how sustainability is being integrated in diverse retail formats globally.
The conversation then shifts to enhanced consumer experiences, demonstrating the resurgence of physical stores but with a twist. They discuss examples like Suso Skate Co’s roller rink pop-ups in shopping centres and Shanghai’s Ultraviolet restaurant, which offers a multi-sensory dining experience. These examples underscore the retail sector’s innovative approaches to creating memorable, immersive customer experiences. Hutcheson also touches upon the importance of combining online and offline aspects to enhance customer engagement and convenience.
Image: Good Foot Delivery
Patterson and Hutcheson then delve into the theme of operational efficiency in retail. They discuss examples like Sweet Green’s automated salad preparation in Chicago and Just Cuts’ streamlined haircutting services in Australia, showing how technological integration is optimizing retail operations. These examples highlight the industry’s response to modern challenges, including labor shortages and the demand for quick, efficient service. The discussion concludes with a forward-looking perspective on how these innovations might shape the next 50 years of retail.
Ebeltoft Global Retail Trends & Innovations 2024 (Image: Ebeltoft Group
If you prefer to listen to the audio version, it is available below:
The Interview Series audio podcasts by Retail Insider Canada are available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Also check out our The Weekly audio podcast where Craig and Lee discuss popular content published on Retail Insider which is part of the The Retail Insider Podcast Network.
Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!
Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
