Adopt store at Galeries d'Anjou in Montreal. Photo: Think Retail
Adopt, a French brand renowned for affordable fine fragrances, has made its Canadian debut with a store at Galeries d’Anjou in Montreal. The 629-square-foot location introduces Adopt’s unique and customer-centric approach to fine fragrances to Canada, emphasizing affordability and accessibility.
Marcel Rinaldy, the entrepreneur who oversees Adopt’s Canadian expansion, highlighted the significance of the launch, stating, “The Anjou shopping centre is a mature centre with a good representation of customer diversity. We had the opportunity to open first on this site, but we are continuing to establish ourselves in Montreal and its surroundings.”
A Rich Heritage of Fragrance Craftsmanship
Founded by perfumer Dominique Monlun in 1986, Adopt brings a distinctive offering of more than 150 original fragrances. Complementary products, such as body creams, candles, essential oils, lip balms, and skincare, are crafted at a historical production site in Cestas near Bordeaux. “We offer a range of 150 fragrances,” said Rinaldy, emphasizing the brand’s approach to tailoring offerings for the Canadian market through customer-focused testing and feedback.
Marcel Rinaldy
Adopt’s stores are designed to reflect its brand ethos of accessible luxury. “The concept is constantly evolving to adapt to the natural developments of our activity. It reflects our values through the smallest detail,” Rinaldy shared. Each store design element serves to enhance the customer experience and convey the brand’s commitment to quality.
Customer Experience at the Heart of Adopt’s Concept
Adopt’s retail approach extends beyond product offerings. The brand differentiates itself through an engaging in-store experience, facilitated by trained sales advisors and visually informative displays designed to guide customers in finding their ideal scent. “We have sales advisors who are fully trained to meet customer expectations. In-store marketing also allows our customers to navigate alone, visually informing each perfume of its main notes,” explained Rinaldy.
The brand’s commitment to sustainability further sets it apart. As a fragrance manufacturer, Adopt controls its creative process and emphasizes ethical sourcing through initiatives like the “hummingbirds” program. This program supports value chains such as Tiaré flowers from Polynesia and Bourbon vanilla from Madagascar. “Unlike a traditional perfumery which sells perfumes from other brands, our creations are unique and reflect our values,” noted Rinaldy
Photo: Adopt
Quebec Expansion Plans and Future Growth Across Canada
Adopt’s expansion in Canada aligns with its broader international strategy, positioning the country as a priority market. “The Canadian market is one of the priority objectives in our international development,” Rinaldy noted, reflecting the brand’s readiness to expand its footprint.
Following the Galeries d’Anjou opening, Adopt will launch two more Quebec locations later this month—a 616-square-foot store at CF Carrefour Laval near Montreal and a 536-square-foot space at Place Ste-Foy in Quebec City. Additionally, plans for 2025 include six to eight new stores across Quebec, with a potential Ontario market entry by late 2025.
Adopt’s plans for expansion extend beyond Quebec, with a focus on super-regional malls and high-traffic commuter hubs, such as airports and train stations. Tony Flanz of Think Retail represents Adopt’s Canadian expansion, helping to identify key opportunities for growth and ensuring the brand’s integration into the Canadian market.
Canadian Tire Corporation (TSX: CTC.A) (TSX: CTC) announced its third-quarter financial results, showing improvement in sales trends and robust retail profitability despite a 1.5% decline in consolidated comparable sales. The company reported a 21.3% year-over-year increase in diluted normalized earnings per share (EPS) to $3.59, up from $2.96 in Q3 2023.
Greg Hicks, President and CEO of Canadian Tire Corporation, noted the corporation’s strong performance, stating, “We delivered strong retail profitability for the third consecutive quarter and improved sales trends, reflecting customers’ value-driven spending in a challenging economic climate.”
Greg Hicks
In a LinkedIn post, Hicks wrote: “Despite multiple interest rate cuts, Canadians continue to be understandably careful with their spending. But we were well prepared and achieved normalized diluted earnings per share of $3.59 – up significantly over last year.
“Triangle Rewards continues to provide value to our members, and in Q3, we issued more CT Money across our brands, boosting member engagement. To mitigate lingering consumer and economic headwinds, we are controlling our costs and managing our margins carefully. At the same time, the investments we’ve made over the last two years through our Better Connected strategy have prepared us for where we’re going next.
“I’m proud of how our team’s commitment to our purpose is resonating and reinforcing Canadians’ trust in us to make life in Canada better. Thank you, team CTC!”
Key Highlights from Q3
Sales Performance: Despite the 1.5% decline in consolidated comparable sales, SportChek saw a 2.9% growth in comparable sales, driven by demand in athletic footwear and hockey. Canadian Tire Retail (CTR) saw a 2.2% decrease in comparable sales, with automotive sales remaining strong. Mark’s also posted a 2.3% decline, though children’s wear performed well.
Financial Strength: Retail Income Before Taxes (IBT) reached $164.8 million, bolstered by a strong retail gross margin and effective cost controls. The Financial Services division reported an IBT of $110.3 million, with increased net write-offs and operational expenses offset by higher revenues. Consolidated income before income taxes was $299.3 million, up $230.0 million from the previous year.
Dividend and Share Repurchase: The company increased its annual dividend to $7.10 per share, marking the 15th consecutive year of dividend growth. Additionally, Canadian Tire announced plans to repurchase up to $200 million in Class A Non-Voting Shares in 2025.
Strategic Initiatives
Canadian Tire’s “Better Connected” strategy, aimed at enhancing customer experience and operational efficiencies, saw significant progress this quarter. The company invested in new in-store and digital experiences, including the addition of four Party City locations and 39 CTR store refreshes, with nearly all of Canadian Tire’s 502 locations set to receive technology enhancements by year-end, the company said in a news release.
Supply chain productivity also saw gains as automation at the Calgary and Montreal distribution centers ramped up. Canadian Tire’s upcoming Vancouver distribution center is scheduled to open in 2025, along with the launch of a new transportation management system, it said.
Omnichannel Engagement and Owned Brands Growth
Active Triangle Rewards membership grew by 4% in the quarter, reflecting increased loyalty engagement. Customers responded well to 1:1 offers and promotional events, contributing to positive in-store experiences and stronger customer sentiment.
Owned Brands, such as Motomaster and Sher-Wood, also performed well in high-demand categories like automotive and hockey, helping drive margin accretion.
Looking Ahead
Canadian Tire remains focused on strengthening its retail network and omnichannel presence. Hicks expressed optimism about the future: “We continue to manage margins and control costs while enhancing our offerings. Our investments over the last two years are positioning us to meet evolving customer expectations.”
With approximately $1.7 billion invested since 2022, Canadian Tire is well-positioned to deliver strong growth in customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and market performance as it navigates a challenging consumer environment, it said.
He has over 25 years of progressive entrepreneurial and management experience in the food and beverage industry.
Karras was born in Greece and the family moved to Eastern Canada 40 years after he was born. It was a five to six year stint then the family moved back to Greece.
“My dad got into his own business. He did not come from a restaurant background. He worked in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia with an engineering firm for many years. He was a heavy duty mechanic by trade. There was opportunity to move to Canada at the time. My mother’s side of the family had moved to Eastern Canada,” said Karras.
“We moved back to Greece and I finished my last couple of years of elementary in Greece, finished high school and a year later I was in Western Canada. I came to Calgary. My mom’s sister and the family were living in Calgary. I stayed with them for a couple of years. Went to school. I did not go to school for anything business related. What I had my interest in was aviation. I wanted to become a pilot but I got talked out of it because of the lifestyle involved.”
Dorrie Karras
So he never became a pilot after graduating from the aircraft engineering program at SAIT in Calgary.
“I decided to go into business instead shortly after the graduation,” said Karras. “There was always a calling to do something bigger and something I have more control of. That’s where I got into the restaurant business. I ended up in the restaurant business with another partner who was also family and he introduced me to the restaurant business which basically was the gateway to where I am today.”
The first restaurant was a sports bar/lounge/dining room in the Foothills Industrial area of Calgary. It was a successful business. He also became a liquor store owner when the industry was first privatized by the provincial government.
“We got our hands into various businesses. We were in there for almost a decade. We received an offer we couldn’t refuse at the time. From there I got into various other businesses. They were adding to my resume.
“Then OPA became an opportunity. At the time it was a two location brand. We had opened up our first location at Market Mall, second location was Chinook (Centre). At the time, the founder was a good friend of mine and we were having coffee one afternoon. He thought I should join the team. At the time he was thinking of franchising, they were still privately held.”
Karras was on the cusp of continuing on with the restaurant business or going in a different direction, looking at other opportunities, because the restaurant business is challenging.
“OPA truly represented who I am being of the same background. I found it very interesting. It was a new concept. Only after I spent some time doing my due diligence at the location at Market Mall I was convinced that this is a great story. 25 years later I’m running the company.”
Today, the company has about 20 employees in its head office running a franchise system with 120 locations throughout primarily Western Canada with a presence in Ontario which it will be focusing its expansion strategy on and beyond. Locations average about 10 people so there’s probably 1,000 to 1,500 staff throughout the system.
“And we’re growing. Despite all the headwinds and hardships this industry faced over the past few years, we’re still on a growth mode,” added Karras.
“I’m not the type to take a lot of credit on what we do. I like to share it with my team because at the end of the day I’m only as good as my team members are. And I see it very much so as a team. I do provide directions up to a point but I get my feedback from my team members. So I’m very in tune with what they are seeing. I give them a lot of space to do what their expertise is in. I cannot be an expert in everything. I do provide feedback. I do provide opinions. But I very much sit at a roundtable. I’m one of the team members at the roundtable. And I do encourage them to move in the direction that I think will benefit the company but I give them a lot of room to do so.”
Dorrie Karras
Karras has spent a lot of his life in Greece and part of his business background with those roots is on an emphasis of customer service and the quality of the food.
“It’s very fresh in nature with real fresh ingredients and that’s what our focus has been. There’s a lot of ideas we bring forward to the table for many developments. I always try to stay true to what the brand is. And the brand is primarily Greek focused and to me that’s parallel to having good real ingredients on our palate,” he said.
“It’s also the customer service. I think if we can replicate how that Greek culture brings in the customer, the warmth of having the customer feel welcome to your business, I think it’s also a great way of looking at your business. If you have those key ingredients, customer service and your food, and of course everything in between, the cleanliness of the store, the maintenance of your store, it will only bring success.
“So we try to emphasize when we recruit new franchisees that this is how important it is for the success of your business. The key ingredients. They’re simplified but those I think are the pillars for any business. But for a restaurant business for sure.”
Orangetheory Fitness Canada, a global leader in fitness, has opened its 105th Canadian location and is gearing up for further expansion in Quebec and Ontario.
Following recent openings in Quebec City, Orangetheory has set its sights on Sherbrooke, where a new location is slated to open in early 2025. With robust demand for its unique, science-backed approach to fitness, the brand is aiming to launch up to a dozen new studios across Canada next year.
“Beauport (in Quebec City) shines because of its unique blend of heritage, beauty and recreational activities and we couldn’t be more excited to join a vibrant community that appreciates personalized experiences, authentic connections, and holistic health,” said Orangetheory Fitness Beauport Franchisee, Marie-Pier Rousseau. “These values are intrinsic to OTF and I look forward to offering the community a fitness environment that is not only welcoming and inspiring but also fun and effective.”
Katarina Gourlay
Orangetheory currently has 132 sold territories and 12 active developments across Canada. The company, known for its heart rate-based workout model and emphasis on “personalized prescriptive fitness,” already boasts approximately 50,000 Canadian members. Each new studio typically brings in between 500 and 700 members.
“We’ve got 12 locations in active development right now and a total of 132 sold markets in Canada. And our plan for the next year when looking at our pipeline is to open between eight and 12 locations in 2025,” said Blake MacDonald, President of Orangetheory Fitness Canada.
Blake MacDonald
Founded in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Orangetheory Fitness has grown to over 1,500 locations in 22 countries since launching in 2010, with nearly a million members worldwide. Since entering Canada in 2012, the brand has set itself apart with its customized approach to fitness, tracking each member’s biometrics in real time.
For 2025, Orangetheory plans to continue focusing on Quebec and Ontario, seeing high potential for growth in the regions as they ramp up the brand’s presence across Canada.
“Over the last 12 years, we’ve become sort of the global leader in what we call personalized prescriptive fitness. What does that mean? Lots of people associate us wrongfully with high intensity training or HIIT. We’re not really HIIT. What we are is this personalized prescriptive fitness, and it’s really its own category, and it’s different from everything else, because of four things,” explained MacDonald.
“First of all, the workout is prescriptive in nature. We prescribe how hard to work, what exercises you do, whether you’re doing strength training, endurance or power focuses for the day, how often you work out, what types of classes you do. Everything about what we do is prescriptive towards the person’s goals.
Image: OrangeTheory
“Second, it’s customizable and scalable. It’s built for all fitness levels and all fitness goals, whether that’s strength training, weight loss or just living a longer, more vibrant life. Third, it’s measurable and trackable. Every participant’s biometrics are tracked, measured and communicated to the coach in real-time, which helps them be a better coach. And every workout’s data is available to our members through their app, and they can see, where and how they’re improving. Finally, the big difference is that it’s actually fun. It’s supported by an amazing community of people who are very accepting and lots of members say it feels like home.”
MacDonald said a recent study by the University of Montana that just came out found that going to Orangetheory a couple times a week leads to a longer and more vibrant life.
“The study essentially had a sample of people that took part in the workout for eight weeks, at least twice per week, and the results were staggering, substantial improvements to body composition, blood pressure, VO 2 max capacity, and significant changes to mental health – reduced feelings of depression, anxiety and stress, improved brain function, sleep quality. It’s clinically proven to have a huge effect in a very short amount of time on people’s health. And it’s so much more than just a gym. It’s a personalized, prescriptive fitness experience. And that’s what’s driving our success,” he said.
“We’re super excited about 2025. It’s always interesting to have people ask us about where our development is because obviously we took a little bit of a holiday from development during COVID. But I think what we’re seeing is a lot of our development is coming back on track, and there’s a ton of interest in the brand and our studios continue to grow year by year, both in members and revenue and I think we’re finding our legs again and finding our momentum. It’s an exciting brand to be with right now.”
Gourlay said typical locations are between 2,000 and 3,000 square feet.
“This past year, we launched a smaller footprint studio. Traditionally, the studios in Canada are 12 stations, in some cases 14. But now we’ve introduced a model for an OTF 8 and an OTF 10, which are 8 and 10 station studios. The feedback from the US who have launched a dozen of these smaller studios in 2024 has been really positive from the franchisee operators and members experience,” she said.
Photo: Orangetheory Fitness
“So this allows us actually to go into markets where sometimes larger real estate isn’t available. It allows us to be a little bit more flexible and look at more real estate opportunities. In some markets, the franchisees just want to do an eight or 10 station studio, because that makes more sense for them economically, or because it’s a smaller market or an infill location. Ultimately, it gives us more flexibility for both the franchisee and the landlords.”
“A lot of the focus and development for 2024 and 2025 will continue to be in Quebec and Ontario. Quebec has been a great market for us. We’ve got 14 studios currently in Montreal. The reason we were excited about Quebec City is because there’s still real estate, and it’s valued quite modestly compared to other urban markets in Canada. What we’ve seen from the landlord incentives, they’re very generous in comparison to the GTA. The construction costs are low. Also there’s retail vacancy. We’re having a tough time in some of those GTA and GVA markets, where real estate’s like 1.5-2%. And truthfully, lots of fitness competitors have shied away from opening in Quebec City. So this gives us a great landscape to develop, and the brand has been so successful and well received in Montreal. That whole market is very strong for us, so it’s a great breeding ground for development.”
Atlas Tools & Machinery, a staple in Toronto’s power tools retail sector, recently celebrated its 70th anniversary by opening a new flagship store in Vaughan on October 18.
This new store, spanning an impressive 35,000 square feet, will serve as the GTA’s premier destination for tool enthusiasts, contractors, and DIY experts, merging cutting-edge retail design with an immersive shopping experience.
Located at 111 Creditview Road, the Vaughan store brings an innovative approach to tool shopping, featuring a grand showroom with stadium-sized screens, hands-on demo stations, and custom brand displays that showcase Atlas’s extensive expertise. The store also includes the Atlas Café, named in honor of founder Joe Ederman, creating a community atmosphere for customers, said the company.
“Our Vaughan flagship is more than just a store – it’s an experience,” said Shawn Ederman, President and CEO of Atlas Tools & Machinery. “For our 70th anniversary, we aimed to redefine the way people shop for tools. Every detail, from curated new brands to immersive demo stations, is designed to inspire customers.”
As a family-owned, Canadian business since 1954, Atlas said it has built a reputation for quality and service, serving as a trusted source for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts alike. The Vaughan flagship signifies a new chapter for Atlas Tools & Machinery, bringing a world-class tool shopping experience to the GTA.
Retail businesses face the challenge of modernizing their operations and cutting costs, all while maintaining an excellent customer experience. Salesforce and Perfaware join host Craig Patterson of Retail Insider to discuss how Order Support helps companies deliver customer-centric service experiences, optimize post-purchase support, and generate revenue directly from the service centre.
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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 48 hours.
Grand opening of Koala Insulation in Cambridge, Ontario. Photo: Koala Insulation
Florida-based Koala Insulation, a rapidly expanding leader in eco-friendly insulation services, has launched its first Canadian franchise in Cambridge, providing solutions across the Kitchener-Waterloo region. Local entrepreneurs Justin Prittie and Greg Quaile lead the new franchise, which offers residential, commercial, and industrial insulation services. Koala Insulation’s ambitious expansion in the US has seen over 400 franchises in the United States within four years.
The Cambridge franchise marks the beginning of Koala’s plans to establish 100 franchises in Canada over the next five years, with an initial focus on opening 35 offices in major urban centers outside Quebec.
“The preliminary focus for Koala Insulation in Canada will be on opening and expanding nationally, starting with the Ontario market,” explained Ian Gordon, COO of Koala Insulation Canada. “We are beyond thrilled that our first Canadian franchise location is now a reality and are looking forward to making Koala Insulation the go-to choice for those seeking top-quality insulation and a more healthy and comfortable living environment for everyone, from environmentally conscious homeowners to construction professionals alike.”
Meeting Demand for Sustainable Solutions
Koala Insulation has been recognized for its commitment to providing eco-friendly, energy-efficient insulation solutions tailored to diverse needs. Ranked #147 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list and named the #1 New and Emerging Franchise for 2024, the brand’s proven model has resonated with a wide range of customers seeking to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
Co-owner Justin Prittie, a seasoned franchise operator who has led the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® KCW franchise for 12 years, views this expansion as an opportunity to address the growing demand for home efficiency improvements across Canada. “The vision for Koala Insulation is to become the trusted leader in Canada for residential, commercial, and industrial properties,” said Prittie. “We are excited to bring the brand’s proven model for service excellence to the Kitchener-Waterloo area.”
Cupcakes at the grand opening of Koala Insulation in Cambridge, Ontario. Photo: Koala Insulation
A Strong Partnership with Herity
Koala Insulation’s inclusion within the Herity brand umbrella strengthens its market presence. Herity, a company known for its real estate development and residential building history dating back to 1977, has built a reputation based on trust, innovation, and customer satisfaction. “With Koala Insulation under the Herity umbrella, it has provided an incredible foundation of trust, integrity, and a forward-thinking approach,” said co-owner Greg Quaile. “Herity’s long-standing commitment to quality and innovation empowers us to expand with confidence, knowing we’re part of a larger vision focused on creating sustainable, comfortable living and working environments for customers across Canada.”
Focus on Environmental Impact
The Cambridge franchise aims to deliver high-quality, eco-friendly insulation solutions, improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With growing consumer interest in sustainable living solutions, Koala Insulation is well-positioned to meet this demand. By focusing on reducing energy consumption and enhancing indoor air quality, the brand strives to support environmentally conscious homeowners and commercial clients alike.
Grand opening of Koala Insulation in Cambridge, Ontario. Photo: Koala Insulation
Future Expansion Plans
Koala Insulation’s strategy for Canada is focused on expanding its reach to cover all major markets. With plans to establish 35 offices across Canada outside of Quebec within five years, the brand aims to offer high-quality insulation solutions across a diverse range of needs. The company’s long-term goal is to become a trusted name in Canadian homes and businesses, delivering exceptional service, eco-friendly products, and sustainable solutions.
Monos store on Ossington Avenue in Toronto. Photo: Ste Marie Studio
Monos, a Vancouver-based travel brand known for its minimalist, thoughtfully designed luggage and accessories, has opened its first Toronto store at 111 Ossington Avenue. The new location, situated near Toronto’s Little Portugal, offers a unique and immersive brand experience that aligns with Monos’ core values of mindful travel, sustainability, and cultural connection.
Designed in collaboration with creative studio Ste Marie, the store draws inspiration from the Japanese concept of “mono no aware,” celebrating the beauty in transient moments.
“Ossington felt like the perfect fit for us,” Monos Co-Founder Victor Tam shared in an exclusive interview with Retail Insider. “It’s an area with a vibrant community where people gather, explore, and connect—values that align perfectly with our brand philosophy.” With this latest addition, Monos aims to build brand awareness in Toronto, tapping into the dynamic Ossington neighborhood to engage with new audiences.
Victor Tam
A Multi-Sensory Journey: Blending Design and Local Culture
The design of the Ossington store embodies Monos’ philosophy, offering customers a calming, multi-sensory environment. The space features a central olive tree beneath a custom light installation, surrounded by sculptural plinths of Turkish Rainbow Onyx with flowing water, symbolizing harmony between nature and human experience. Inspired by Little Portugal, the design also includes plastered walls and archways reminiscent of Portuguese architecture, creating a seamless connection between the local culture and Monos’ minimalist aesthetic.
“We wanted people to feel transported as soon as they step inside,” Tam explained. “The Ossington store merges Monos’ DNA of simplicity and serenity with elements from the community around us.” The store design invites curiosity, encouraging visitors to explore each corner while evoking a sense of timelessness and nostalgia.
Monos store on Ossington Avenue in Toronto. Photo: Ste Marie Studio
Sustainability at the Core: Monos’ Environmental Commitments
From its inception, Monos has prioritized sustainability and environmental responsibility. As part of its commitment, the brand joined “1% for the Planet,” pledging 1% of its annual sales to environmental causes, and became certified by Climate Neutral, undergoing annual assessments to reduce its carbon footprint. “For us, sustainability isn’t just about the products we sell; it’s woven into how we operate,” Tam explained. Monos works closely with its manufacturing partners to ensure sustainable practices, using high-quality, durable materials that minimize environmental impact.
“Our goal is continuous improvement,” Tam said. “We believe in a self-audit approach, assessing our carbon footprint yearly and finding ways to reduce it.” These initiatives reflect Monos’ dedication to mindful growth and support its mission to inspire travel that respects both people and the planet.
Monos store on Ossington Avenue in Toronto. Photo: Ste Marie StudioPhoto: Monos
Halo Effect: How Physical Retail Boosts Monos’ Online Presence
Tam noted that the recent opening of the Ossington store has led to an unexpected “halo effect,” significantly boosting Monos’ online sales in Toronto. This effect mirrors the experience Monos observed with its first store in Vancouver, where local e-commerce sales saw a nearly 40% lift. The brand sees this omnichannel impact as an essential aspect of modern retail. “Physical stores allow people to experience the brand in a memorable way, which resonates online as well,” Tam said.
As a digitally native brand, Monos has successfully combined online and offline channels to build brand loyalty, with the Ossington store serving as a powerful touchpoint that brings Monos closer to its community.
Monos store on West 4th Avenue in Vancouver – the first for the company. Photo: Monos
Expanding Beyond Canada: Monos’ Upcoming U.S. Locations
Following its success in Canada, Monos is gearing up for an ambitious U.S. expansion. The brand has already secured five leases across major cities, including New York City, Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. Each U.S. store will reflect Monos’ design philosophy while embracing the character of its neighborhood. Tam shared that the Chicago location, for instance, will incorporate a cafe and listening lounge, creating what he calls a “hospitality ecosystem” for customers to enjoy.
“In each city, we look for areas with a unique cultural vibe that aligns with our brand,” Tam noted. “We want each location to feel like a thoughtful expression of Monos, with elements inspired by the local area.”
Beyond Luggage: New Product Categories on the Horizon
While Monos has made a name for itself in premium luggage, the brand is expanding into other travel-related categories. It recently introduced limited-edition apparel collections designed for comfort during travel and is exploring additional product lines, including sunglasses and travel-inspired home goods. Tam teased an upcoming product for the home that will tap into sensory experiences, allowing customers to bring Monos’ aesthetic into their everyday environments.
“We see travel as more than just movement—it’s about experiences, memories, and the senses,” Tam explained. “Our goal is to offer products that enhance not only travel but also day-to-day life.” With these upcoming additions, Monos aims to create a deeper connection with customers by offering a lifestyle experience that goes beyond its core products.
Photo: Monos
The Founding Story: Building Monos with Purpose and Passion
Monos was founded by Victor Tam and his childhood friends Hubert Chan and Daniel Shin, who shared a vision to create a brand that reflects their passion for travel and mindful living. With backgrounds in performance marketing and design, the founders brought complementary skills to the table. “We were all at a point in our lives where we wanted to build something meaningful—a brand that we would be proud to be part of,” Tam shared.
Since its launch, Monos has grown steadily, gaining a loyal following of customers who appreciate its high-quality products, minimalist design, and ethical approach. “From the beginning, we wanted Monos to stand for more than just luggage,” Tam said. “Our aim is to inspire mindful travel and create products that resonate with our customers’ values.”
Looking Ahead: Monos’ Canadian and U.S. Expansion Plans
With Ossington now open and plans for Yorkdale Shopping Centre and Calgary’s Chinook Centre in the works, Monos is set to expand its footprint in Canada while simultaneously breaking into key U.S. markets. As the brand continues to grow, Monos remains committed to delivering a unique, multi-sensory retail experience that resonates with local communities and supports its mission of sustainable, mindful travel.
“Our Ossington store is just the beginning,” Tam said. “We’re excited to bring Monos to more cities and explore new ways to connect with our customers, whether they’re shopping online, visiting our stores, or experiencing the Monos lifestyle in their own homes.”
Kate Camenzuli of CBRE represents Monos for its retail expansion in Canada.
Gemlet store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Photo: Gemlet
Gemlet, a Toronto-based jewellery brand noted for its personalized and minimalist designs, has opened its new flagship store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre. In an interview with Retail Insider, Founder and CEO Michelle Hung discussed Gemlet’s journey from local pop-ups to permanent locations, how the brand navigated pandemic challenges, and her plans for future expansion. Founded in 2016, Gemlet has built a loyal customer base by offering high-quality, meaningful jewellery that resonates with today’s consumers.
From Pop-Ups to Permanent Retail: Gemlet’s Expansion Across Ontario
Michelle Hung
Gemlet’s early days involved pop-ups across Toronto, with Hung personally setting up at locations like Harbourfront Centre and Kensington Market. Through these events, Hung gathered insights directly from customers, which guided her in crafting pieces that align with market preferences and emerging jewellery trends.
In 2022, Gemlet opened its first permanent store at the Distillery District, followed by locations at CF Sherway Gardens, Union Station, and Upper Canada Mall. Each permanent location began as a temporary pop-up that evolved based on customer demand.
The new flagship at CF Toronto Eaton Centre represents a major milestone for the brand. “This new location allows us to connect with a broader audience and share our unique jewellery with more people,” said Hung.
Resilience During the Pandemic: Pivoting to E-Commerce
Gemlet’s journey to success was not without its challenges. When the pandemic hit in 2020, pop-up events were canceled, and Hung was laid off from her full-time job. Faced with the choice of finding new employment or fully committing to Gemlet, she chose the latter. Hung invested heavily in digital marketing, including Facebook and Instagram ads, to reach customers online. “Building an online presence became essential for survival,” she explained. “It was our online sales that kept us going through those difficult months.”
This pivot to e-commerce also positioned Gemlet for growth, attracting customers who have remained loyal and helped spread the brand’s message online. Today, Gemlet’s presence on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram is a crucial part of its outreach strategy, driving engagement and introducing new audiences to the brand.
Gemlet store at Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket. Photo: Gemlet
Filling a Unique Niche with Gold-Filled Jewellery
Gemlet’s distinctive focus on gold-filled jewellery sets it apart in the competitive jewellery market. Gold-filled pieces offer customers an affordable yet durable option, containing around 10% gold and sourced from reputable U.S. suppliers. Unlike traditional gold plating, which often fades quickly, gold-filled pieces are waterproof and made to withstand daily wear. “Our customers want jewellery that lasts but doesn’t carry the high price tag of solid gold,” said Hung.
This commitment to quality resonates with shoppers who are looking for pieces they can wear every day without worrying about tarnish. Hung’s decision to use only high-quality materials underscores Gemlet’s dedication to value and durability, helping to build long-term customer loyalty.
Hung said that the brand is introducing solid gold pieces in store for the Holiday season as Gemlet addresses consumer demand.
Gemlet store at the Distillery District in Toronto. Photo: GemletInside a Gemlet store. Photo: Gemlet
Permanent Bracelets: A Symbol of Lasting Connections
One of Gemlet’s most popular offerings is its permanent bracelet experience, where bracelets are custom-fitted and welded directly onto the wearer’s wrist, symbolizing a lasting bond. “It’s a meaningful experience to share with someone special,” said Hung. Permanent bracelets have become popular among friends, couples, and families as a way to celebrate significant relationships.
This concept has captured attention on social media, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where customers frequently share videos of the experience. The personalized, permanent bracelets have added an emotional element to Gemlet’s offerings, creating a special connection between the brand and its customers.
Permanent bracelet being put on a customer. Photo: Gemlet
The Charm Bar Experience: Jewellery with a Personal Touch
Gemlet’s stores also feature a unique “charm bar” experience, where customers can choose from a wide selection of charms to create personalized jewellery pieces. Charms range from symbols of hobbies and interests, such as paintbrushes and zodiac signs, to charms that mark milestones and personal stories. “We wanted to offer jewellery that represents each customer’s journey,” Hung shared. “Our charm bar allows customers to create pieces that are truly their own.”
Charms at Gemlet. Photo: Gemlet
In-Store Experience: Hosting Events at CF Sherway Gardens
Gemlet’s focus on creating personalized experiences extends to its physical stores, particularly at CF Sherway Gardens. This location features a private room where customers can book events, including birthdays, corporate gatherings, and friendship celebrations. Guests can enjoy champagne and explore Gemlet’s charm bar with friends in an intimate setting, making it a memorable experience.
“Our brand is about creating special memories for our customers,” Hung explained. “We want our stores to be places where people connect, celebrate, and leave with something meaningful.”
Gemlet store at CF Sherway Gardens. Photo: Gemlet
Licensing and Future Expansion: Bringing Gemlet to New Markets
With five permanent locations in the Greater Toronto Area, Hung has ambitious plans for Gemlet’s growth. Gemlet is currently exploring opportunities to expand beyond Ontario, with potential new stores in Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton. “We’ve had a lot of interest from customers outside Toronto, so expanding to new markets is our next step,” Hung said.
In addition to physical expansion, Gemlet is working on licensing agreements to introduce limited-edition charm collections. These collaborations could allow Gemlet to offer exclusive charms that resonate with broader audiences, similar to how major jewellery brands partner with popular franchises for themed collections. “We’re excited about the opportunity to bring new dimensions to our jewellery,” Hung revealed, hinting that licensed charm collections could be on the horizon for Gemlet.
Gemlet store at Union Station in Toronto. Photo: Gemlet
Gemlet’s Commitment to Community and Customer Loyalty
Gemlet’s growth has been fueled by strong support from the Toronto community and a loyal customer base that values quality, affordable jewellery. Starting with local markets and pop-ups, Gemlet has built a following of repeat customers who trust the brand’s commitment to durability and personalization. “Gemlet wouldn’t be what it is today without the support we’ve received,” said Hung, emphasizing the importance of community in the brand’s journey.
