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Peavey Industries Ends Relationship with ACE Hardware in Canada

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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ACE Hardware Canada (Image: ACE Hardware)

Retailer Peavey Industries LP announced Thursday it is ending its relationship with ACE Hardware International on December 31, marking the end of the ACE Canada banner under Peavey Industries LP.

“This decision underscores the growth trajectory that ACE Canada has experienced, evolving from Peavey Industries LP’s acquisition of the ACE Canada master license from Lowe’s in 2020,” said Peavey in a statement.

This period has been filled with shared aspirations for growth and a steadfast commitment to supporting local Canadian-owned retail. Over the past few years, the retail landscape has faced numerous challenges, including the global pandemic, supply chain disruptions, inflation-induced consumer behaviour changes, and increased operational costs, particularly in smaller, remote markets.

“These factors have prompted a strategic reevaluation by Peavey Industries LP leading to the decision to end our relationship with Ace Hardware International.”

Buck Lake Ace Hardware (Image: Google)

Peavey said it is incredibly proud of the accomplishments achieved in partnership with employees, dealers, vendors, and industry partners.

“This decision reflects a broader necessity to adapt to the evolving retail environment, ensuring continued support for future growth and stability. We express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of the ACE Canada story. Your dedication, resilience, and commitment to excellence have significantly contributed to Canadian retail.

“As we move forward, Peavey Industries LP is committed to supporting our stakeholders. We pledge to maintain open communication and provide assistance and guidance to all affected parties. This moment is also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of supporting Canadian retail, particularly the small retailers and local communities that are the backbone of our economy. Peavey Industries LP remains dedicated to fostering a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable retail landscape in Canada.”

Peavey Mart is a farm and ranch retail banner in Canada offering a unique selection of agriculture, farm and ranch, pet, work wear, lawn and garden, hardware and homesteading supplies for those who enjoy a down-to-earth rural lifestyle. It is 100 per cent Canadian and employee owned.

It has  90 stores across Canada from British Columbia to Nova Scotia ranging in size from 10,000-48,000 square feet.

ACE Hardware Canada (Image: ACE Hardware)
ACE Hardware Canada (Image: ACE Hardware)
Peavey Mart Hyde Park (Image: Peavey Industries)

In March 2020, Peavey Industries announced the acquisition of Ace Canada to its retail family.

At the time, the Ace Canada brand consisted of 107 stores under Ace Hardware, Ace Country & Garden or Ace Building Centre banners.

“Ace Canada is a natural extension to Peavey Industries for a number of reasons: we relate strongly to their dedication to ‘local and loyal’, we appreciate their commitment to providing value to customers and we mirror their devotion to excellence in customer service. Also, it is a great opportunity for us to serve new markets with the addition of this great brand,” said Doug Anderson, President and CEO of Peavey Industries.

Currently, 95 Ace Hardware Canada locations are operated under the Peavey Industries umbrella – 92 Ace Canada dealers and three corporate Ace Canada locations owned by Peavey.

The corporate-owned locations will be converted to Peavey’s MainStreet Hardware brand, said Jest Sidloski, VP Marketing & Customer Experience, Peavey Industries LP.

No new Ace Canada locations are slated to open in 2024.

A new Peavey Mart location in Steinbach, Manitoba opened in March 2024, but Sidloski said there are no further plans to open more Peavey Mart stores this year.

Image: Peavey Mart

The Peavey Industries LP home office is located in Red Deer, Alberta and includes 180,000 square feet of distribution centre space.

The company’s roots go back to 1967 when it started as National Farmway, a chain of “super farm markets” whose first location opened in Dawson Creek, BC.

By 1975, the chain became known as Peavey Mart, a subsidiary of Peavey Company of Minneapolis.

In 1984, the company returned to Canadian ownership.

In 2017, Peavey Industries LP acquired the TSC Stores banner, based in London, Ontario with stores operating in Ontario and Manitoba.

In spring of 2021, the final conversion of all TSC Stores to Peavey Mart took place.

Image: Peavey Mart
Ace Hardware Barrhead (Image: Google)

According to its website, Ace Hardware has over 5,000 stores around the world with the majority of those stores independently owned and operated by local entrepreneurs.

“Ace stores come in all sizes and shapes based on the needs of each individual neighborhood. We have small, urban stores, large rural stores and everything in between. Ace stores offer a wide variety of paint, lawn and garden, tools, local niche services and virtually anything you’ll ever need to fix, repair and maintain your home,” it said.

“Founded in 1924 by a small group of Chicago hardware store owners, Ace changed the retail landscape by allowing individual stores to purchase merchandise in bulk to save money and buy at the lowest possible price. This partnership enabled even the smaller stores to compete effectively at retail despite larger stores in their market. And to this very day, Ace Hardware Corporation is still owned solely and exclusively by the local Ace retail entrepreneurs.”

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For June 20th, 2024

By
Retail Insider
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Canadian Retail News From Around The Web

News at a Glance

Retail Insider is streamlining its Canadian retail news from around the web to include a handful of top news stories that can be viewed quickly during the day. Here are the top stories from the past 24 hours.

Walmart Canada teams up with Disney+ Expedia, others to expand rewards offering (Grocery Business)

Pattison Food Group makes executive leadership changes (Grocery Business)

MacEwen acquires Little Short Stop Stores (Canada Convenience Store News)

Shrinking wallets, ballooning costs: Is there any retail relief in store for shoppers? (McMaster University)

No signs of HPAI in retail milk in Canada as of June 18, says CFIA (RealAgriculture)

Canadian businesses missing payments as debt burden grows (Yahoo)

Veronica Kenny: Leading PetSmart’s legal team in Canada (Lexpert)

Neighbourly Pharmacy acquires six pharmacies across Canada (MSN)

Inside the new 10,000-square-foot Eataly at the Shops at Don Mills (Toronto Life)

Canadian Tire is building a new store in Kitchener, Ont. (Hardlines)

Shop Makers is Calgary’s Newest Destination for Local Products (Avenue)

Shoplifters caught 40 minutes after grand opening of Prince George grocery store (Global)

Moxies Unveils New Design Prototype with Edmonton Flagship, Plans North American Expansion [Interview]

By
Shelby Hautala
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Moxies at South Edmonton Common (Image: Moxies)

Moxies has recently opened its fourth location in Edmonton and has plans to open between 15 to 18 stores within the next three years. Under a new design concept, the new Edmonton location will serve as a flagship restaurant, which will be copied to existing and new locations moving forward. 

Joanne Forrester

“We are thrilled to bring a stylish setting and easy sophistication to the Edmonton market, and to continue to deliver on what we are known for across the brand – exceptional hospitality and unforgettable dining experiences. Our expansion plans reflect our commitment to growth and innovation, aiming to open 15 to 18 new locations over the next three years and renovate existing ones to align with our modern design aesthetic,” says Joanne Forrester, President and COO at Moxies. 

“Bright and refreshing interior” 

Moxies at South Edmonton Common (Image: Moxies)

The new location is in South Edmonton Common and consumers can expect an elevated dining experience with its new designs. Compared to other locations, this restaurant has a brighter and refreshing interior with indoor greenery, neutral colours, and gold accents. 

The restaurant, which is 8,200 square feet, seats 290 people and includes several dining areas, a lounge, a bar, an all-season patio, and the space can host private events for up to 100 people. The new concept does not only enhance its look, but also enhances comfort and function. 

“Our new South Edmonton Common location is a flagship for Moxies, showcasing our commitment to a modern, upscale dining experience. This location is truly special because it integrates our brand’s new design aesthetic with practical functionality and is designed to provide an exceptional dining experience whether you are here for a casual meal, a special event, or just to enjoy a drink on the patio.” 

Spreading roots: Moxies growth plans 

Over the next three years, Forrester says the company is planning on opening between 15 to 18 new locations across North America. While one-third of these new locations will be in Canada, focusing on areas in Ontario and Vancouver, a majority of these locations will be in the United States. 

“We are excited to expand our footprint across North America. Our focus is on securing real estate and creating flagship locations that embody our new design aesthetic. We are targeting premium locations, with a mix of one-third in Canada, focusing on Ontario and Vancouver, and two-thirds in the United States. We are aiming to offer upscale buildings with modern designs, ensuring each new restaurant provides an exceptional dining experience and enhances the local community.” 

Moxies at South Edmonton Common (Image: Moxies)

Forrester says Moxies will be searching for locations that offer high visibility, accessibility, in busy retail spots, and locations that offer a patio: “Having a patio is a key element for us as it enhances the dining experience and aligns with our brand’s focus on creating inviting and versatile spaces.” 

Along with its prime targets, Forrester says Moxies is interested in entering new markets such as Charlottetown and Fredericton and will also be opening a flagship location in Calgary which already has four locations. 

Fresh looks: Moxies makeover 

Image: Moxies
Image: Moxies

As Moxies has a new design, it will be renovating locations across Canada to reflect the new concept. The renovation plans are taking place now and will be for the next two and a half years. 

“Our goal is to renovate all of our locations to our new look over the next two and a half years. We have already started with several key locations, including Vaughan, Ottawa, Calgary, Prince George, and Toronto and we are excited to reopen our Regina location in September after a full gut renovation.” 

Just like the new Edmonton location, consumers can expect a more modern, bright, and inviting environment with the renovations as it will feature updated interiors and new design elements such as indoor greenery and a variety of dining spaces. Forrester says the updated look and feel are expected to attract more guests and improve loyalty by providing “exceptional and contemporary dining experiences across all Moxies locations.” 

“For me, the goal is that there is not a bad seat in the house. Everywhere you sit in our restaurant has some interesting feature, whether it is through local artwork, views, or the overall ambiance. It is also about creating a more open and inviting floor plan, with flexible seating for large groups, handcrafted food made daily in-house, and an overall experience that meets and exceeds guests expectations.” 

Moxies Langley (Image: Moxies)
Moxies Langley (Image: Moxies)

To keep up on trends in the kitchen, Forrester says Moxies uses its two test kitchens to innovate new food and beverage options and the company also organizes culinary tours and looks globally for inspiration to keep the menu fresh and exciting. The restaurant also will continue to evolve and innovate by actively listening to guests. 

“We are always inspired by global trends and what is happening in the marketplace. By running contests, organizing culinary tours, and utilizing our test kitchens, we ensure our menu stays fresh and exciting. Listening to our guests is key to our innovation strategy and we are committed to exceeding expectations with every visit.” 

STOR-X Expands Retail Operations with New Calgary Showroom Showcasing Custom Storage Solutions [Interview/Photos]

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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STOR-X Calgary (Image: Mario Toneguzzi)

STOR-X, which is a brand dedicated to helping people visualize and experience custom storage solutions tailored to their needs, has launched a new showroom in Calgary.

Wolf Nickel

Wolf Nickel, founder of STOR-X, said the Richmond, B.C.-based company began in 1989 under a different company name. It was initially a manufacturer in Vancouver, selling closet organizers primarily.

“That grew in Vancouver for about 10 years and then we sort of switched our model to an exporting model. So we shipped a lot and learned a lot about shipping and we primarily exported to the USA. We had some other accounts in Japan and the Bahamas but primarily we learned the business of shipping and packaging and all of that for our product line,” said Nickel.

“Then in 2010, right after the crash in 2008 that happened in the U.S., it forced us to look around and figure out what we wanted to do with the business so we decided to give franchising a try so that’s what we’ve been doing since then.”

STOR-X Calgary (Image: Mario Toneguzzi)
STOR-X Calgary (Image: Mario Toneguzzi)

Sharon Cohen has successfully run the business in Calgary as a franchise owner for the past 10 years. The opening of a new showroom offers a hands-on opportunity for those facing storage challenges to explore and envision more organized, livable spaces in their homes.

The new Calgary STOR-X Showroom – located between Blackfoot Trail and 46th Avenue SE – caters to both residential and commercial clients, enabling them to visualize their ideal solutions and find the perfect fit for their needs.

“Essentially we’re a home organization company so anywhere that you need basically case goods to organize your home we are there. We started as a closet organizer company but we’ve branched out to all areas of the home. We’ll do pantries, home offices, garages. In the last few years we’ve started with kitchens,” said Nickel, adding that all the product is manufactured in the company’s headquarters in Richmond, B.C.

Wolf Nickel at STOR-X (Image: Mario Toneguzzi)
Sharon Cohen at STOR-X (Image: Mario Toneguzzi)
STOR-X Calgary (Image: Mario Toneguzzi)

Nickel said the company has showrooms in Calgary, Kelowna, Vancouver, Regina and opening a second one in Richmond.

The first showroom opened when the company started franchising.

“Most of our franchisees start as sort of a man in a van with a plan. They’re owner-operators. They learn the business. It takes them a little while to get their feet wet and understand the scope of it. Eventually when they develop their business and they grow, they have to invest in a facility like this (showroom) and the effort it takes to build this. This just leads to more and more business and so it’s sort of an evolution that our franchisees take over the course. Some of them are doing it over a shorter period of time. Some of them it takes a little bit longer,” explained Nickel.

Cohen said he previously had a locksmith business prior to becoming a STOR-X franchise owner. 

“For almost 10 years, I worked without a showroom,” said Cohen, adding it gives clients a place where they can visualize and touch and feel possibilities for their homes.

STOR-X has local owners in 19 territories.

Groupe Dynamite Leverages Manhattan Active® Omni to Deliver Seamless and Connected Shopping Experience [Interview]

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Image: Garage

Montreal-based retailer Groupe Dynamite, with fashion brands Dynamite and Garage, has partnered with Manhattan Associates to make the North American retailer an omnichannel commerce powerhouse. 

Groupe Dynamite Inc. (GDI) is leveraging Manhattan Active® Omni’s broad functionality to significantly reduce ship times, inventory levels, and customer call times while also improving sales, profits, and customer loyalty and satisfaction for its nearly 300 female fashion stores across North America.

Dave Stevens

“By adopting Manhattan Active Omni and embracing Manhattan’s Unified Commerce vision, we are able to give our customers the modern and personalized shopping experience they require and the outstanding results speak for themselves,” said Dave Stevens, Chief Technology Officer for Groupe Dynamite Inc.”

Groupe Dynamite has leveraged Manhattan Active® Point of Sale to turn their stores into omnichannel sales hubs. The solution’s endless aisle capabilities has saved sales in out-of-stock situations, improving the retailer’s store conversion rate creating a positive impact on their second half selling.

With just one distribution center in Montreal and a growing U.S. presence, GDI employed Manhattan Active® Store Inventory & Fulfillment to transform their nearly 300 stores into reliable and scalable fulfillment points. Exposing store inventory to online demand helped GDI significantly reduce store transfers, delivery times and shipping costs all contributing to improved margin. 

Image: Groupe Dynamite

Today, the retailer fulfills the majority of its online orders from its stores. Using Manhattan’s solutions, the retailer is able to ship orders to customers in just 23 hours on average, much faster than the 3.307 day industry average.

“GDI is at the forefront of providing their customers with a seamless and frictionless omnichannel shopping experience,” said Stewart Gantt, executive vice president, services at Manhattan Associates. “The GDI/Manhattan partnership goes far beyond the typical software developer/customer relationship. These two industry leaders have pushed each other to build and deploy one of the industry’s most advanced and effective omnichannel commerce solutions.”

Groupe Dynamite Inc (GDI) is a privately held house of integrated omni-channel brands, designing and distributing accessible, trend-forward fashion for women since 1975. The organization’s mission of “Empowering YOU be YOU, one outfit at a time” is brought to life through the Garage and Dynamite banners, and represents the consumer-centric core of GDI’s long-standing success as a leading retailer in North America. Today, GDI operates nearly 300 stores across the United States and Canada, as well as shoppable brand experiences at Garageclothing.com and Dynamiteclothing.com.

Stevens said the retailer has made an aggressive push over the past few years with the opening of about 20 new stores each year in the United States. 

The Garage brand is targeted towards a Gen Z audience while the Dynamite brand offers more elevated styles focused around the Millennial female demographic. The Garage brand is the retailer’s primary brand in the U.S.

Of the total stores for the retailer, there’s 189 located in Canada. There’s 107 Garage stores in Canada and 82 Dynamite stores. In the U.S., the vast majority of stores are Garage.

Stevens said Groupe Dynamite started its partnership with Manhattan in about 2014 as a Warehouse Management System (WMS) client but over the years the retailer was looking at ways to improve operations and the next phase was moving to the Manhattan Active® Omni Order Management platform.

“One of the advantages of going with Manhattan was building into the Manhattan ecosystem and leveraging it because it’s already connected and allows us to ramp up fairly quickly,” said Stevens.

In 2019, Groupe Dynamite also added the POS system with Manhattan. All the stores across North America are now tied into the Manhattan ecosystem with WMS (Warehouse Management System), OMS (Order Management System), and POS (Point of Sale).

“We’re a customer centric organization and I know a lot of retailers probably say that, but we live and breathe it every day, from the top down. We constantly focus on how we can improve the experience for our customers whether they’re shopping online or shopping in one of our stores,” said Stevens.

“We want to make sure that the product is always available and we get the product to our customer as quickly as possible. To accomplish this, we’ve leveraged the Manhattan order management system to turn each one of our nearly 300 stores into a small distribution warehouse – a micro fulfillment center. So we can fulfill an order from every single store in our chain. 

“Owing to our partnership with Manhattan we’ve significantly improved our customer’s satisfaction (NPS – Net Promoter Score). Our customer satisfaction NPS rating since we’ve been using Manhattan Active Omni has increased by 20 points. We’ve also been able to deliver orders to the customer in under two days.”

Stevens said the partnership has allowed the retailer to significantly reduce shipping and fulfillment costs while the customer experience has improved which increases return visits and overall improves the retailer’s bottom line.

Today, 60 percent of the retailer’s ecommerce orders are being shipped from a store as opposed to from a warehouse.

“We see the cost savings whether it’s in Canada or whether it’s in the U.S. because of the proximity to the customer, and ultimately the customer is getting their purchase that much sooner,” said Stevens.

Manhattan Associates, based in Atlanta, is a global technology leader in supply chain and omnichannel commerce. It unites information across the enterprise, converging front-end sales with back-end supply chain execution. Its software, platform technology and unmatched experience help drive both top-line growth and bottom-line profitability for its customers.

Manhattan designs, builds and delivers leading edge cloud solutions so that across the store, through its network or from its fulfilment center, businesses are ready to reap the rewards of the omnichannel marketplace. For more information, visit www.manh.com.

Kevin Bass

Kevin Bass, VP of Professional Services with Manhattan Associates, said the company focuses on continuing to evolve its already leading cloud native solutions through close partnerships with companies like Groupe Dynamite by releasing new innovation each quarter while also allowing the extensibility for customer specific needs.

“We focus on our customers and our customer’s customer – adopting a B2B2C approach – whether the end user journey requires a world class warehouse management system or a world class omnichannel commerce solution inclusive of order management and point of sale seamlessly working together to improve the customer experience,” said Bass.

“We have more than 4,000 associates who wake up every day to deliver the latest expertise in supply chain commerce to our customers.”

*Partner content. To work with Retail Insider, email Craig Patterson at: craig@retail-insider.com

Denim with a Conscience: Bayeas Pioneers Sustainable and Inclusive Denim Production

By
Retail Insider
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Once notorious for its narrow beauty standards and environmental toll, the fashion industry is transforming. A growing cohort of conscious consumers is demanding clothing that reflects their values, prioritizing inclusivity and sustainability. A study by McKinsey & Company found that nearly two-thirds of global consumers are now willing to pay a premium for sustainable products. In this evolving landscape, Bayeas, a rising denim brand, aims to make waves for its stylish offerings and unwavering commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.

Gone are the days of a limited selection of denim fits. Bayeas recognizes and caters to this trend by offering a diverse selection of fits, rises, washes, and styles. Their motto? “One size does not fit all,” ensuring a perfect pair for everyone.

 Their collection consists of various fits, rises, washes, and styles, ensuring a perfect pair of jeans for everyone. Whether you prefer a classic straight-leg cut, a trendy mom jean, or a flattering high-waisted flare, Bayeas empowers individuals to express themselves confidently through denim.

Established in the 1990s, this family-owned denim brand has consistently set itself apart by crafting high-quality denim that caters to all body types while embracing sustainable practices. As the fashion industry faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact, Bayeas seeks to emerge as a leader in sustainable denim production, setting new standards for transparency, eco-consciousness, and inclusivity.

This approach aligns with the broader movement in fashion towards body positivity and inclusivity, reflecting a significant societal shift where diversity in fashion is appreciated and expected.

Consumers today are more environmentally conscious than ever before, demanding clothing brands that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices throughout their production cycles. Bayeas answers this call by integrating eco-friendly materials and responsible manufacturing processes into their operations. This commitment goes beyond using recycled materials; it encompasses minimizing waste and reducing the industry’s environmental footprint.

Transparency is becoming a non-negotiable for consumers who want to make informed purchase choices. Bayeas addresses this demand and allows customers to trace the journey of their jeans from fabric to finish. This initiative builds trust and ensures the production process aligns with the brand’s ethical and sustainable values.

The fashion industry is witnessing a paradigm shift. With increasing awareness about climate change and social justice, brands like Bayeas prioritizing sustainability and inclusivity are more relevant than ever. The demand for eco-conscious clothing is not just a trend but a reflection of a more significant movement towards responsible consumerism. The rise of social media has amplified consumer voices, holding brands accountable for their practices. Transparency, once a bonus, is now a requirement. Bayeas, the next-gen denim brand, seeks to provide traceability and detailed production information to meet these evolving expectations.

To learn more about Bayeas and explore their latest collections, visit Bayeas: Shop Denim Jeans Online.

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For June 19th, 2024

By
Retail Insider
-
Canadian Retail News From Around The Web

News at a Glance

Retail Insider is streamlining its Canadian retail news from around the web to include a handful of top news stories that can be viewed quickly during the day. Here are the top stories from the past 24 hours.

Ontario court approves sales process for Red Lobster Canada (CBC)

StatCan updates CPI basket to increase food weighting in inflation calculation (Canadian Press)

LCBO workers to strike July 5 if no deal reached: union (CBC)

This St. John’s thrift store ‘unfortunately’ is busier than ever — and donations can’t keep up (CBC)

Morello’s Your Independent Grocer in Peterborough wins gold-seasonal Foodland Ontario Retailer Award (Global)

Food costs increase while farmers see a smaller portion (SaskNOW)

Where to shop for vintage fashion in Vancouver (Georgia Straight)

IKEA Canada announces new Plan and order point in Barrie, Ontario (Ikea)

IKEA Canada and Furniture Bank Join Forces to Alleviate Furniture Poverty in the Greater Toronto Area (Newswire)

Calgary Water Restrictions Impact Retailers as City Prepares for Stampede [Interviews]

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Image: City of Calgary

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is “deeply concerned” that the City of Calgary has entered a State of Emergency caused by the deterioration of Calgary’s main water feeder pipe, particularly given the issues will take an additional three to five weeks to resolve.

Deborah Yedlin

“We urge the City to work closely with the business community to mitigate this impact, including by providing additional guidance and clarity to ensure water usage can be decreased sufficiently to avoid potential restrictions. Calgary’s businesses stand ready to do their part and continue to demonstrate efforts to conserve and recycle water,” said Deborah Yedlin, President and CEO at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. 

 “The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, particularly with the Calgary Stampede a few short weeks away. We strongly encourage the City to mitigate disruptions to ensure our visitor economy and international reputation are unhindered by the current crisis. Generating $272 million in economic impact, the Stampede is a critical time for businesses across several sectors, and any interruptions could have substantial economic repercussions. This is particularly acute for tourism and hospitality sectors that are still working to make up for several challenging years through the pandemic.

“Finally, we call on the government to collaborate closely with the business community to address the growing infrastructure gap. As Calgary’s population continues to significantly increase each year, it is crucial to ensure our infrastructure keeps pace. Proactive investments and planning are necessary to support sustainable growth and prevent similar issues in the future. The Chamber stands ready to work with all parties to develop solutions that will benefit our city for years to come.”

Image: City of Calgary

Keyli Loeppky, Director, Interprovincial Affairs for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said businesses, like residents, have been asked to voluntarily limit indoor water use, with the city providing specific guidelines based on the type of business.

Keyli Loeppky

“In some cases, businesses that use significant amounts of water for their operations, like carwashes, have been asked to stop operations on a temporary basis to conserve water,” she said.

“While we haven’t received extensive feedback from our members on this issue yet, we are grateful that the City has acknowledged the critical need for water in certain businesses, like restaurants, and has provided necessary exemptions. We are also pleased to see the City approach noncompliance through education as opposed to enforcement. Small businesses, like all Calgarians are hopeful that the City will fix the feeder main swiftly so that their operations can return to normal.  

“Small businesses can do their part by following the City’s guidelines and recommendations for limiting water use. For instance, restaurants are advised to only provide water upon request, and to ensure that staff are trained to minimize water loss during food prep and cleaning.

We emphasize the urgency of resolving this issue. It’s crucial that the City prioritizes fixing the problem so that businesses can return to normal operations. Additionally, we urge the City to allocate resources and focus spending on maintaining and improving our core infrastructure to prevent similar problems in the future.”

Image: City of Calgary

City officials said now more than ever they realize that summer events and festivals are not only important for the economy, but they are also critical to the community and cultural connections. They add vitality and vibrancy to the city and are a destination for visitors who want to experience what the city has to offer.  

Important festivals, conferences and events will go ahead, including the Calgary Stampede. The City said it is working with the Stampede and other event organizers to ensure they don’t impact the water use during this critical time. These events will look slightly different this summer, but they will proceed, added the City.

“The show will go on, but it will go on in a very responsible manner,” said Calgary Stampede CEO Joel Cowley. “The Calgary Stampede is part of the community and we share the concerns of Calgarians regarding the current situation. At our heart we are an agricultural society and we, along with our contestants and exhibitors who bring their animals here from throughout North America, are part of that community. There are no greater stewards of natural resources – especially water – than those in that community.” 

Image: Calgary Stampede

The City of Calgary said it has reviewed the five-year daily water demand trend during the 10-day Calgary Stampede and there is no significant uptick in demand noted. This is due to two factors – during Stampede many Calgarians are traveling elsewhere for their summer vacation. The City said water use is weather dependent and from past years, early July can bring big storms reducing Calgarians need for outdoor watering. 

Tourism Calgary President and CEO, Alisha Reynolds said summer is a critical time for the tourism industry. 

“Calgary is open to visitors and we look forward to welcoming them in a responsible way,” said Reynolds. 

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek said the City needs to talk to partner organizations as well as businesses to help them understand what they can do to reduce water usage. She said residents in the city consume two-thirds of the water in the system.

In a tweet, the Ship & Anchor Pub shared what conservation efforts it has put in place since the news of the water main break:

  1. It is only pouring water when requested;
  2. It is using its dishwasher as sparingly as possible, and maximizing every load;
  3. It is keeping its bar wells low on ice, and using ice sparingly in beverages in order to minimize the refilling of its ice machine;
  4. Buckets are set up on its patios to catch leftover water from customer water bottles/glasses to use for plant watering.

“Additionally we are working with our plumbing company to re-wire the auto-flushing in our bathrooms to shorten the time taps run with each press,” said the business.

“We recognize that we all need to do our part to mitigate water use while the city navigates this emergency.”

The Future of ‘Eatertainment’ in Canada: Blending Food, Technology, and Social Experiences [Avi Behar Interview]

By
Shelby Hautala
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Image: Puttshack

As the concept of ‘eatertainment’ continues to grow in Canada, Avi Behar, chairman and chief executive officer at The Behar Group Realty Inc, shares insights on emerging trends, technology innovations, and the future of combining food, beverage, and entertainment in Canada. 

Avi Behar

“Today, more than ever, consumers want to be entertained. They’re seeking value, fun, and a meaningful social experience. Venue owners continue to raise the bar on quality and calibre of food, beverage, interior design, and overall service,” says Avi Behar. 

Consumers today are wanting more than just food – they want a unique immersive experience offering entertainment and engaging experiences. Several key trends are shaping the industry such as interactive experiences, competitive socialising, and technology integration. 

Interactive Experiences 

Racing Games of The Yard at The Rec Room in The Amazing Brentwood in Burnaby. Photo: Lee Rivett.

Instead of just going out, consumers are looking for spaces they can interact with, such as the Rec Room, Dave & Buster’s and Illuminarium, offering a blend of dining, gaming, and immersive experiences. 

These venues have activities that are both engaging and social, providing a full experience beyond a meal. 

“The industry has transformed, and you are seeing the utilisation of space taking different twists and turns. Adept operators are looking to create interactive experiences resulting in better choice for consumers. As such, many customers are now opting for immersive experiences to augment more traditional dining.” 

Competitive Socialising 

The Ballroom Bowl Yorkville (Image: The Ballroom Bowl)

Another trend Behar is seeing is competitive socialising, a trend combining food and beverages with games and interactive activities. 

“Concepts such as Flight Club, Oche and Puttshack couple state-of-the-art technology with high quality food & beverage, all in a fun and engaging environment. These concepts are playful, and they work well through multiple day parts. They cater to a large corporate audience, and they also provide an amusing option for social interaction before or after dinner or a show. The idea is that people can hang out, spend some time, and not necessarily sit down in a formal restaurant environment, but still be well fed, have a good time, and perhaps get a little competitive.” 

Behar says that one of the competitive socialising pioneers in Toronto which opened about 14 years ago was Spin on King Street West, which is a ping pong pub. Another company offering competitive environments and dining is The Ballroom Bowl which is expanding in Canada.

“We’re seeing global operators developing comfortable and engaging places where you can eat, be entertained, have some drinks, and where one can host private events. These venues are set up to accommodate substantial corporate business, they could double as event spaces.” 

Future Ballroom Bowl at The Tenor in Downtown Toronto (Image: Dustin Fuhs)

Technology Innovations 

F1 Arcade at Boston Seaport (Image: F1 Arcade)

New innovations are reshaping and enhancing consumers’ experiences. Behar says one example is Flight Club as it uses technology to track dart scores and provides instant replays, creating an engaging game, accessible, and easy to track down points. 

Similarly, Behar says F1 Arcade offers racing simulators that deliver a realistic Formula One driving experience. The arcade also has food and beverages for guests. 

“Brands are really embracing technology. People can have a few beverages and they don’t need to tabulate the score as it is all done for them. Games include HD digital screens – you can see an instant replay of yourself hitting a bullseye. Operators have blended state-of-the-art technology with high quality service, food, and atmosphere.” 

Overall, Behar says there are interactive concepts emerging from almost every type of sport, including darts, hockey, and golf. Behar also says these spaces could be more than just restaurants, but a “place to go before or after you go to a restaurant, instead of visiting a traditional bar or nightclub. After dinner, you may still want to go out and do something else that is a little more engaging. These concepts easily fill that void.” 

Youtube video

Retail spaces – combining entertainment with traditional retailers 

Innovative dining and entertainment concepts will drive more traffic and will keep consumers engaged for a longer time, which increases overall spending. 

Behar says entertainment dining concepts also invite property owners to rethink how they are using spaces and being more creative on less used areas such as parking garages: “In certain cases, you are seeing a space that is not just your traditional retail space, it is a space that might be on a second level, a third level, or a parking garage downtown. Property owners should curate and design space to accommodate appropriate or leading-edge tenancies at the earliest possible stages of acquisition and development.” 

As it is a great idea to test a concept first, Behar also mentions the increase in popularity of pop-ups used to fill vacant spaces. This trend is expected to grow until companies are comfortable with permanent spaces. Additionally, flexible space designs are becoming popular as they can adapt to different times such as daily, weekly, monthly, or seasonally, which could maximize revenue and enhance consumer experiences. 

“With the ongoing uncertainty in the market, pop-ups have been a great way for landlords to fill a space, test out new brands, and assist in the incubation of new concepts and business models. There is little doubt that we will see a continued increase in pop-ups to fill spaces temporarily, until more permanent solutions are found.” 

Fairgrounds at Cloverdale Mall (Image: Fairgrounds)

Behar also suggests property owners should design spaces to support tenants and to use the most “up to date retailer prototypes.” 

“Developers should establish themes for development, the neighbourhood, and the community at large. This should include a focus on both indoor and outdoor design, and should take into consideration customer experience, function, and flow of cohesive and engaging spaces.” 

With each location, dining and entertainment brands will continue to attract visitors and will help out local businesses as well. Behar says to maximize impact, brands should engage with the local demographic, offer consistent and high-quality experiences, and create a sense of community. 

“Dining and entertainment brands draw customers from all over the place. They support the community in many ways: driving traffic and revenue to a community, establishing destination-driven experiences where individuals and corporations will travel to experience, and they also provide employment.” 

What is missing and future for dining and entertainment

Behar says the main thing that is missing is “cohesive, multifaceted, and multidimensional concepts which tie together business types. As an example, venues which bring together sports, recreation, hospitality, health and wellness, retail, and food and beverage – in an engaging and technologically advanced manner.” 

Despite challenges like food, labour, and operational costs, Behar believes that careful selection of location and strategic partnerships can lead to success: “I have little doubt that we will see the continued rise in Canada of entertainment hubs, competitive socialising concepts, and elevated cuisine. Canadians are becoming increasingly sophisticated consumers, and the demand for quality will continue to escalate.”  

Amazon Introduces In-Store Returns at Staples Canada Locations Nationwide

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Staples Oakville (Image: Staples Canada)

Retail giant Amazon is launching its first national returns partnership in Canada.

Eligible Amazon items can now be dropped off at Staples’ 298 locations across the country, providing a convenient new return option that helps minimize the need for additional shipping boxes. 

“Amazon is built on customer obsession. We’re thrilled to offer a new, convenient return option for customers in Canada through this collaboration with Staples,” said Gopal Pillai, Vice President, Worldwide Returns and ReCommerce at Amazon, in a statement.

 “Our goal is to make buying online as easy as possible, and help customers love their purchases. But we know there may be times when a customer needs to make a return, which is why we work hard to continue to raise the bar in offering a hassle-free returns experience.”

Image: Amazon Spain

Amazon said the national initiative is the first of its kind for the company in Canada, and reflects the company’s commitment to providing seamless returns solutions for customers. Eligible items can be dropped off at a Staples Canada store in the original manufacturer’s packaging.

Rachel Huckle

“Our collaboration with Amazon underscores Staples Canada’s 30+ year history of serving Canadian communities by making everyday tasks easier and more convenient for our customers,” said Rachel Huckle, CEO, Staples Canada, in a statement. 

“Whether you’re a business, a parent or a student, Staples is committed to bringing essential services like this closer to where you live, work and shop,” she said.

Amazon Pick Up at Staples Corktown (Image: Dustin Fuhs)

Huckle said Staples has been on a bit of a mission over the last several years to really think about the role its stores play, and online channels, in the communities the retailer serves. 

“Over the last few years we’ve bolstered a number of our print marketing services. We’ve added telecommunications but we’ve also added five of the top shipping carriers in the country. We’re the only retailer in Canada that has that . . . So adding Amazon Returns was a natural fit. We already had the logistics, the infrastructure, the operating processes and the talent in our stores. It was a great strategic fit for us as we start to think about how we serve our communities and continuing to round out that offering.

“If these customers come into our stores, and absolutely there is an overlap between Staples and Amazon . . .if these customers come in and are existing loyal customers and enjoy greater convenience as a result of that, great. We’re happy to do that. If customers who haven’t shopped us before are now having a chance to discover us, that’s great. And if customers who haven’t seen us in a few years now get the chance to rediscover who we are and see all the amazing new things we have in store for them, that’s a win as well. 

“So it’s consistent with our strategy, we have the right capabilities to execute against it, and of course we want to wow every customer that comes through our door.”

Staples Canada in Calgary’s University District (Image: Mario Toneguzzi)

Amazon said it offers more than 4,000 drop-off options in Canada, including Staples and Purolator, and select Couche-Tard and Canada Post locations. 

Amazon customers can return items at Staples stores after generating a QR code by visiting the Amazon.ca “Your Orders” page online or in the mobile app, clicking “Return or Replace Items”, and following the prompts. Customers then bring eligible items to the drop-off location in the original manufacturer’s packaging, for it to be packed and shipped at no extra cost, said Amazon.

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