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Home Depot Canada Adds Massive Halloween Decorations in Stores as it Innovates to Secure Market Share [Interview]

By
Shelby Hautala
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Image: Home Depot Canada

Once again, Home Depot Canada has taken the Halloween lead with a variety of collections such as its new 13-foot Jack Skellington – something you can’t find anywhere else. Konstance Sevastos, the Division Product Merchant at The Home Depot in Canada, and Emma O’connell, the Online Merchant for Seasonal Decorations at The Home Depot, discuss what consumers can find for this Halloween season, its new e-commerce experience, and trends.

Early Halloween Shopping

Home Depot Canada (Image: Dustin Fuhs)

Both Sevastos and O’connell have seen an increase of Canadians shopping earlier for Halloween and have seen products sell out as soon as July. The trend for consumers shopping earlier can also be seen at retailers across Canada for back to school and Christmas.

“We typically start seeing searches starting late June or early July. To support this, we make sure pre-sale options are available on our top items like Skelly, Jack, Pumpkin King, and more. This ensures customers who do start their Halloween decor search early secure the high demand items, while at the same time – keeping our stock ready to go for customers who begin shopping closer to the spine-chilling date,” says O’connell.

The Home Depot, Sevastos says, is known for its large Halloween decorations including its 13 foot, 12 foot and 10 foot skeletons. The pre-sale for these items were in July and were sold out within 24 hours. The company restocked these items, but have once again sold out, people looking to buy these items will have to wait until next year’s Halloween.

“This year, we only did the presale for the big products and that is what consumers are looking for as it is hard for them to get their hands on it if they went to the store. We are the only ones with these assortments,” says Sevastos. “We also have a new character – the 13 foot Jack Skellington and we also still have our existing 12 foot tall skeleton called Skelly and then we have our 12 foot Pumpkin King – everything was sold out within 24 hours.”

Image: Home Depot Canada

Sevastos and O’connell say the biggest trend right now is consumers buying skeletons. In addition to these giant products, Sevastos says consumers can find 8 foot skeletons, inflatables, and accessories such as stretchy spider webs, danger tape, and more.

“The current Halloween trends reflect a dynamic mix of nostalgia-driven choices and a fascination with giant decorations. Nostalgia for classic movie characters like Freddy Krueger and the Minions have brought them back into the spotlight and they are ready to make an appearance on your lawn,” says O’connell. “Larger than life decorations are also captivating consumers looking to make a big impact. The desire for personal expression and creativity is encouraging individuals to take their Halloween celebrations to new heights, and we are thrilled to help people create memorable and unique experiences during this Halloween season.”

Although there is nothing Barbie themed – The Home Depot offers more classic decorations.

“From inflatables and outdoor decor to lights and indoor accessories- our product selection is carefully curated to ensure you have everything you need to transform your home into a Halloween haven. We don’t have anything in pink in our Halloween assortment as of yet; however, our selection does include characters reminiscent of past classic Halloween lore like Freddy Kruger and our new giant addition the 13-foot Jack Skellington, as well as haunting recreations of beloved characters like Yoda to help you create a unique movie inspired Halloween experience,” says O’connell.

To make it a bit different every year, Sevastos says although they keep the big skeletons every year – they try to switch up colours and bring in ad-ons such as skeleton lights. By doing this, Sevastos says it brings some newness to the product offering and even if a consumer has already purchased a skeleton in the past, new ad-ons will keep them coming back every year for more.

New Webpage Experience

Home Depot Halloween (Image: Dustin Fuhs)

The Home Depot has launched a new website to feature the main skeletons.

“This year’s Halloween for consumers on the e-commerce side promises to be an exciting and immersive experience, with a strong focus on replicating the in-store ambiance and offering a brand-new experience that will truly captivate shoppers. Our new online web experience will prominently feature larger than life characters, ensuring consumers can easily explore and find all the accessories they need to create the perfect Halloween look. These characters will be showcased with high-quality images and detailed descriptions, providing shoppers with all the necessary information to make an informed decision,” says O’connell.

Currently, the e-commerce platform is the same as the in-store assortment, but O’connell says they are continuously looking for new ways to develop their online product offerings due to the growing demand for Halloween products.

No matter what budget people have going into Halloween – The Home Depot makes sure everyone can enjoy a festive Halloween. Online, people can find cheaper Halloween options under the special section where they can find Halloween decorations under fifty dollars and there are budgeted options in-store as well such as smaller skeletons.

As for in-store experience, Sevastos says consumers are enjoying the displays, are interacting with them, and are posting their experience on social media – “every weekend is an event for customers,” says Sevastos.

“Our aim is to continue delivering an exceptional shopping experience, both in-store and online, and to provide our customers with the variety and convenience they desire. We are enthusiastic about the future possibilities and look forward to enhancing the options available to our valued online customers,” says O’connell.

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For October 16th, 2023

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 several days.

Canada retail sales drop 0.3% in sign of consumer slowdown (BNN)

Lululemon Athletica Inc. to join the S&P500 next week (BIV)

Couche-Tard lays out roadmap for the next five years (Canadian Grocer)

Who’s to blame for rising food prices in Canada? (CTV)

Why this Vancouver Island business started closing for staff lunch breaks (CBC)

The razzle-dazzle days of Canada’s cannabis industry are over as pot industry faces downturn (CBC)

Opinion: It’s time to hit pause on government-regulated milk price increases (Globe & Mail / subscribers)

Toronto-area grocery store distribution centre workers walk out on strike (Global)

Beloved Vancouver corner store Union Market to close after three decades (Vancouver Sun)

New Longo’s to open in northwest Mississauga, Ont. (Grocery Business)

West Edmonton Mall Mindbender nearly dismantled (CTV)

Theft and demand for security services are up in Moncton, say business interests (CBC)

Grants attract three indie retailers to downtown Edmonton (Taproot)

Ottawa’s Gabriel Pizza expands into Atlantic Canada (Ottawa Business Journal)

The First Volvo Retail Sustainable Experience (VRSE) Branch Arrives in Québec (Financial Post)

Theft at Apple store in Waterloo caught on video (CP24)

20 YEARS: Work Never Ends at Union Station (Urban Toronto)

Toronto-Based Home Decor Brand ‘Mararamiro’ Opens 1st Retail Storefront as it Marks Three Years of Operations [Interview/Photos]

By
Shelby Hautala
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Mararamiro Home (Image: Mararamiro)

Mararamiro, a home decor store based in Toronto and owned by a married couple, is going to be celebrating its third anniversary and has opened its first retail store recently at the end of September. This is in addition to its shoppable studio space downtown.

The brand first opened in 2020, but instead of having a traditional retail store, the founders opened a shoppable studio space – the first and only shoppable photography studio in Canada.

“During the pandemic, there were many lockdowns and a lot of retail stores were not allowed to open physically, so we decided to go with the concept operation, what we call a shoppable studio. I think the timing worked well in that it aligned with the time when a lot of marketers were turning to influencers for content creation,” says Terence Kwaramba, the co-owner of Mararamiro. “ It kind of allowed us to marry the idea of selling home decor online, but having our studio as a showman, a backdrop for many content creators and it was a creative way for us to market and get the word out about our home decor to the world.”

Mararamiro at 2090 Dundas Street West, Toronto (Image: Mararamiro)
Mararamiro at 2090 Dundas Street West, Toronto (Image: Mararamiro)

The studio is located in Leslieville in the East End of Toronto and can be booked by the community and brands who are looking for a unique space for photography. All the furniture in the 700 square foot studio is from Mararamiro and has been used by influencers, e-commerce brands, and for personal use such as family portraits, bridal photos, proposals, engagements, and even weddings. Tessier says larger brands they have hosted include Knix and Province of Canada.

Tanya Tessier

“It was a really uncertain time to open a traditional brick and mortar retail store. So we really were trying to get creative. We were a new company and did not have an online following at the time, but we knew we wanted to launch online first and so we needed to get creative in terms of marketing and how to be discovered without a brick and mortar,” says Tanya Tessier, the founder of Mararamiro.

Tessier said during lockdowns there was a lot of demand for photography, creating websites, e-commerce platforms, and brands were relying on influencer marketing. They recognized a gap in the city and created a safe space where brands, content creators, and even larger companies could go for their photography needs. The idea came through traveling to Copenhagen a few years back when they experienced a shoppable apartment.

“We found it resonated with a lot of people because they were looking for content that looked more authentic in a way and our studio provided that. And so for the past few years, we have been pushing the concept of a shoppable studio. But we think that now with us turning a corner of the pandemic, we feel the time is now to really follow the true dream that we have had – to establish some retail presence and see where that takes us,” says Kwaramba.

Retail Space Has Opened

Mararamiro at 2090 Dundas Street West, Toronto (Image: Mararamiro)

The first retail space for Mararamiro is located at 2090 Dundas Street West in Toronto, close to Roncesvalles. The space is just under 1000 square feet and consumers can expect “a really curated experience that goes beyond traditional retail.”

Consumers can find a variety of products through its e-commerce platform, studio, and in the new location such as decor, furniture, rugs, apothecary, and more. Products at Mararamiro are handpicked items from around the world.

“I know everybody claims to do this, but we offer something that is quite different and we don’t see that a lot in Toronto. There are lots of mass produced items out there and we want to focus on authenticity and craftsmanship, and we need a stage for smaller brands and artists. We are looking at going beyond just retail and thinking more as retail with purpose,” says Kwaramba.

Each product comes with a rich history such as where it came from, who made it, and information about the product.

“We just launched new carpets and rugs for example that are made in Ethiopia. When somebody purchases that, you get a video of the process of the people actually making your rug, not just the stock video – but people making your rug and you also get a personalized note from the makers in Ethiopia,” says Kwaramba.

As for future plans, the brand is aiming to grow its online offerings and to solidify its presence in Toronto under the brick and mortar. As for long-term goals – Tessier and Kwaramba say they would like to explore opening in multiple locations in Toronto or into other Canadian cities.

Mararamiro at 2090 Dundas Street West, Toronto (Image: Mararamiro)

Tessier comes from a background in home decor as she worked as a creative director and a product development manager and throughout the years, fell in love with decor.

“I spent the majority of my career traveling the globe, sourcing, and developing products for other major retailers. I fell in love with the whole process and the stories behind all the products and then at the beginning of the pandemic, Terrence and I were actually on a belated honeymoon in Bali and that is when I learned the art company I worked for was closing their Canadian operations and I lost my job, There was a lot of reflecting, but it has always been my dream to have my own store so that is where it was born,” says Tessier.

The name Mararamiro Tessier says is borrowed from the Shona language of Zimbabwe, which is where Kwaramba is from and means “a manner of living that mirrors one’s values and attitudes,” says Tessier. Which Tessier says matches Mararamiro’s concept.

“We did not want to be just a store, but we really wanted to be a space for people who appreciate the quality over quantity, authenticity in the products they purchase, and people who really want to put forth a thoughtful approach to creating their living spaces,” says Tessier.

Additional Photos from Mararamiro’s Dundas Street Retail Storefront

Mararamiro at 2090 Dundas Street West, Toronto (Image: Mararamiro)
Mararamiro at 2090 Dundas Street West, Toronto (Image: Mararamiro)
Mararamiro at 2090 Dundas Street West, Toronto (Image: Mararamiro)
Mararamiro at 2090 Dundas Street West, Toronto (Image: Mararamiro)
Mararamiro at 2090 Dundas Street West, Toronto (Image: Mararamiro)
Mararamiro at 2090 Dundas Street West, Toronto (Image: Mararamiro)
Mararamiro at 2090 Dundas Street West, Toronto (Image: Mararamiro)
Mararamiro at 2090 Dundas Street West, Toronto (Image: Mararamiro)
Mararamiro at 2090 Dundas Street West, Toronto (Image: Mararamiro)

How Ozempic’s Soaring Demand for Weight Loss could Impact Canada’s Food Industry [Op-Ed]

By
Sylvain Charlebois
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Diabetes drug Ozempic is shown at a pharmacy in Toronto on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Joe O'Connal)

The surging demand for weight-control drugs, prominently Ozempic, is not only aiding countless individuals in shedding excess pounds but is also noticeably tempering growth projections for the packaged food sector. What’s even more striking is the speed at which this transformation is occurring. Indeed, the food industry is now exploring how these medications might potentially reshape the future of food consumption in Canada, with potential consequences for the way Canadians eat in the coming years.

Let’s begin by discussing the medication itself. Referred to as GLP-1 drugs, these pharmaceuticals mimic a hormone that signals fullness to the brain, encouraging individuals, including those already taking diabetes medications, to eat less and make more health-conscious dietary choices. Originally developed to manage Type 2 diabetes, many now regard them as a miraculous solution for weight loss, actively seeking insights from their healthcare providers. The demand for these drugs, fueled in part by the millions of TikTok viewers, has resulted in shortages. With the exception of Ozempic, Health Canada has approved very few similar drugs, like Rybelsus, which can be taken orally. Unless individuals have insurance coverage, the cost of these treatments can range from $600 to well over a thousand dollars per month.

According to data from Statistics Canada, in 2021, approximately 29% of Canadian adults aged 18 and above were categorized as obese, with an additional 36% falling into the overweight category. While the prevalence of overweight adults remained relatively stable between 2015 and 2020, there was a notable increase of approximately three percentage points in the prevalence of obese adults during the same period. This translates to roughly one-third of the Canadian population grappling with weight-related issues. Given these statistics, it’s no surprise that interest in these treatments is on the rise.

The food industry is starting to take notice of this shifting landscape. Just last week, a Walmart executive disclosed to Bloomberg that the retail giant observed that individuals using GLP-1-type drugs like Ozempic tend to purchase slightly fewer groceries than other customers. As a result, Mondelez International, renowned for its popular snacks such as Oreos and Ritz crackers, experienced a 7.7% drop in its shares over the following two days.

PepsiCo also weighed in on this matter last week while reporting its financial results. Although PepsiCo demonstrated robust financial performance in the most recent quarter, it has cast doubts on the prevailing notion of a potential market downturn driven by Ozempic. The traditionally resilient PepsiCo stock has, however, suffered a significant decline of almost 13% over the past six months, mirroring broader sell-offs within the food industry. Shares of Mondelez, the maker of Chips Ahoy! Oreo cookies and Cadbury are down almost 12% in the last 6 months. Nestle shares, the largest agribusiness in the world, are also down 8%, just in the last 6 months. These declines have ignited discussions on Wall Street regarding the implications of the growing prevalence of new weight-loss medications.

Walmart Eglinton (Image: Field Agent Canada)

This situation leads us to question whether the profitability of the food and snack industry is fundamentally intertwined with a consumer base grappling with excess weight. This question inevitably raises ethical and moral concerns. Undoubtedly, with share prices being impacted by these developments, these companies risk being seen as purveyors of unhealthy foods if consumers start losing weight.

Should the “Ozempic phenomenon” become a reality, it could pose a significant challenge for consumer product and goods companies. Their task would be to transition from being viewed solely as providers of convenient food to being recognized as solution providers for individuals on a weight-loss journey in a potentially leaner marketplace.

In the initial stages of introducing weight-loss drugs, factors such as adoption protocols, regulatory hurdles, and associated costs are likely to constrain their widespread use. Time will be the ultimate judge. However, it is clear that these drugs are creating apprehension among many in the food industry and among shareholders.

IKEA Canada Unveils Ambitious Omnichannel Transformation Plans Focusing on Accessibility and Sustainability [Interview]

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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IKEA Canada collaborates with Mason Studio on larger-than-life KALLAX installation (CNW Group/IKEA Canada Limited Partnership)

Retail giant IKEA Canada has ambitious plans for its continued omnichannel transformation in the coming years.

Selwyn Crittendon, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA Canada, who has been in the role for about two months, said the retailer’s vision is to create a better everyday life for Canadians.

Selwyn Crittendon

“And this has never been more meaningful. Our culture, our values and our purpose unite us as co-workers and they continue to be our compass as we transform to be leading omnichannel retailers,” he said. 

“This is all about really understanding our customers – transforming into the retailer our consumers want IKEA to be. We need to be available. We need to be accessible and we need to be affordable. But more importantly how do we also strengthen areas of sustainability that make their lives even more meaningful. That is what the purpose and what the future really looks like – a more omnichannel IKEA and an IKEA retailer that can showcase not only solutions that provide great services and really, really give opportunities for young at heart or old at heart a great place to work. 

“So IKEA will turn into not only a great place to shop but we are going to be the greatest place to work very soon.”

Image: IKEA

So what does the omnichannel transformation mean for the future?

“We started a journey here especially with our fulfillment network. We’re really creating that fully integrated fulfillment operation. We have our stores which really have been beacons for IKEA – our iconic flagship stores. But they’re now also transforming into fulfillment units,” said Crittendon. “So they’re also supporting how we get our goods closer to the many consumers that can’t really come and see us every day.

“The minute our stores get turned into fulfillment units, we’re supporting with pickup locations, we have some units that are doing their entire (omnichannel) process all on their own. So they’re not connected to a central hub or a central DC (distribution centre). They receive their goods, they ship out their goods, they package their goods. Really what we’re doing is transforming our retail locations into fulfillment locations but still have the wonderful proprietary inspiration solutions and products that you’ll find in any IKEA store globally.”

About a month ago, IKEA held a grand opening in Beauharnois, Quebec, of its latest Distribution Centre and Customer Distribution Centre in Canada to enhance the omnichannel retailer’s operational efficiency, providing its retail locations and customers with unparalleled convenience and swift service. 

The new facility is the first IKEA Distribution Centre in over three decades and aligns with the brand’s commitment to enriching the lives of its customers by offering quality products for a better life at home, said the company.

IKEA Distribution Centre in Beauharnois, Quebec (Image: IKEA)

Crittendon has been with the company for close to 23 years.

Founded in 1943 in Sweden, IKEA is a leading home furnishing retailer, offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible can afford them. IKEA Canada is part of Ingka Group which operates 389 IKEA stores in 32 countries, including 16 in Canada. Last year, IKEA Canada welcomed 26 million visitors to its stores and 189 million visitors to IKEA.ca.

Crittendon said in the future the retailer will be looking at how current stores can be part of the company’s fulfillment network.

“So you’ll see more and more that our units are fulfilling more of those consumer orders that are happening online,” he said.

“You’ll see more of these smaller pickup points like our partnership with Penguin Pickup happening across Canada. You’ll see us really tapping into the smaller format stores like Plan and Order points. And where we see the next expansion areas in the country we will come back with more traditional large format stores as well too.

“Right now I can’t say where or when but absolutely looking from an omnichannel approach how do we get to areas of the country without a physical touchpoint . . . and if we have the possibility with our fulfillment network already we can provide those orders to those customers. Greater accessibility. We’re going to be talking about more affordability with our prices and our services and then looking for reach. How do I get the consumers that can’t get to us today or we can’t get to them and finding new and unique opportunities.”

IKEA at Deerfoot Meadows (Image: Ivanhoe Cambridge)

He said the company is partnering with FedEx to unleash at least more than 2,000 parcel pickups where it can get goods quicker to customers where IKEA may not be.

“Right now it’s more important than ever for us to really listen to our consumers and be present in the conversations they need us to be there,” added Crittendon. “So what they’re screaming loud and clear right now is affordability and that’s what you’re really going to hear from IKEA for the next couple of months. It’s really screaming.

“Coming very soon, IKEA Canada will be launching some financial services that will help consumers be able to attain the solutions that they need at affordable monthly prices as well too.

“I am working aggressively to really hear our consumers and our co-workers. They’re telling me we need to be more accessible. I can’t really share any new openings right now at this instant, but I do have some things working in the background so we can become more accessible to many more.”

Earlier this year, IKEA Canada announced plans to inject more than $400 million into projects that expand fulfillment capabilities in the Greater Vancouver and Toronto Areas. IKEA Canada’s investment will help the brand continue to meet the evolving ways that customers shop today, while supporting their commitment to help Canadians enjoy a better life at home. 

Image: IKEA Canada

That included expanding fulfillment capabilities at IKEA Richmond.

In the Greater Toronto Area, IKEA Canada said it intends to build a new Customer Distribution Centre in Hamilton, Ontario in 2025 that will support expansion throughout southwestern Ontario. IKEA Etobicoke and IKEA Vaughan will also undergo expansions by 2025 to strengthen their store fulfilment capabilities and further enable the company to keep in-demand products available and delivery times as short as possible, while also supporting future growth in the market. 

IKEA Canada continues to expand its diverse network of customer meeting points including Plan and order points now open in Boisbriand and Brossard, QC as well as Kitchener, ON, Canada’s first city-centre store in downtown Toronto, and the highly anticipated small-format store at Scarborough Town Centre. 

IKEA Pick and Order Point Boisbriand (Image: IKEA Canada)
Scarborough Town Centre IKEA (Image: Craig Patterson)
IKEA Canada collaborates with Mason Studio on larger-than-life KALLAX installation (CNW Group/IKEA Canada Limited Partnership)

IKEA Canada welcomed consumers to the first-ever IKEA Canada Open House Event hosted at renowned Canadian design firm, Mason Studio. The event celebrating life at home was on display at Mason Studio’s headquarters and Cultural Hub at 91 Pelham Avenue for consumers to visit October 13th – 15th from 10am – 4pm daily. At the conclusion of the exhibit, most product displayed will be donated to Furniture Bank, a Toronto based charity and social enterprise.

“The IKEA Canada Open House Event will spotlight a larger-than-life art installation highlighting one of the brand’s most iconic and coveted storage products, the KALLAX shelving series. The KALLAX shelving series which was designed over 40 years ago by in-house Product Developer, Börje Lindgren. Mason Studio has reimagined this legacy product in a dramatic scale that blends the lines between storage and contemporary design while featuring the IKEA brand’s iconic blue and yellow. Incorporating the essence of IKEA’s playful spirit and iconic products, Mason Studio designed an exhibition to ignite discovery, interaction, and connection,” said the company.

IKEA Canada collaborates with Mason Studio on larger-than-life KALLAX installation (CNW Group/IKEA Canada Limited Partnership)
(CNW Group/IKEA Canada Limited Partnership)

The space also featured: 

Nytillverkad – As IKEA celebrates the brand’s 80th anniversary, it reintroduces carefully selected favorites from its design archive. The Nytillverkad collection connects iconic designs of the past with the dreams and needs of the present and future. The event spotlights the second launch of the Nytillverkad collection where the brand is showcasing ’70s and ’80s designs with product highlight including Niels Gammelgaard-designed SKÅLBODA armchair and JÄRLÅSA side table.

IKEA Kreativ – IKEA will also highlight how design and technology comes together through the recently launched AI-powered and digital experience, IKEA Kreativ.

Complete sleep – Visitors will experience a complete sleep sanctuary which highlights all six of the IKEA sleep essentials including comfort, light, temperature control, air quality, sound control, and colour and furnishings.

Seasonal collections – Visitors will be able to preview holiday collections such as the Scandinavian-folklore-inspired VINTERFINT collection and the AROMATISK collection designed to support the festivities around Diwali.

IKEA Canada collaborates with Mason Studio on larger-than-life KALLAX installation (CNW Group/IKEA Canada Limited Partnership)

Inside Tip Top’s Reintroduction and Expansion Strategy in Quebec with Multiple New Stores [Interview]

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Tip Top Construction at Galarie De La Capitale (Image: Tip Top)

Canadian retailer Tip Top, specializing in men’s dresswear, is opening four new stores in Quebec, re-entering the province for the first time in two decades. 

And it’s coming back with a new look and feel.

“We are excited to be returning to the Quebec market, the fashion capital of Canada,” said Lance Itkoff, CEO of Grafton Apparel Ltd. (Tip Top). “There is no one else in Quebec doing what we do, and we see a real need in the market, which presents a tremendous opportunity for both us and our customers. Our new concept stores, which have been extremely successful across Canada, focus on outfitting men for the most special events in their lives, or as we say, ‘Perfect Moments, Perfectly Dressed’.

Lance Itkoff

“Along with our real estate partner Oberfeld Snowcap, we are continuously looking for new development opportunities across the country. Within Quebec, we have targeted upwards of 20 malls, and are in a position to continue growing as the right spaces become available. The choice to launch first in Montreal and Quebec City was simple, as these cities present the biggest base of need for both special event and go-to-work men’s apparel. Both Galeries d’Anjou and Galeries de la Capitale are located in suburban hubs with heavy foot traffic where we feel our value proposition resonates strongest.”

Tip Top Construction at Galarie De La Capitale (Image: Tip Top)

The initial two stores are slated to open this fall with a third and fourth confirmed for early spring 2024. The first location will open its doors on Thursday, October 19 in Montreal at Galeries d’Anjou and the second in Quebec City on Thursday, November 2 at Galeries de la Capitale. 

“Why weren’t we in Quebec? That was a question that we were scratching our heads about. I’ve been with the company for seven years now and when we were in the deep dark recesses of COVID we really had to take a good hard look at our business strategy and what was it we wanted Tip Top to look like when we came out of it,” said Itkoff. “It really offered us the chance to move the brand forward by 10 years probably in two years.”

Tip Top’s roots date back to 1909 and today the retailer has more than 80 stores across the country.

Tip Top continues to roll out its new prototype stores and is renovating existing locations across Canada to reflect the brand’s reimagined look and feel. The retailer says interiors will attract shoppers with a bright and airy vibe featuring the Tip Top Event Shop, which is disrupting the status quo by providing consumers with a one-stop shop for all event solutions. 

The Event Shop is a newer concept that makes the shopping experience simple and seamless. It mirrors a real-life catalogue displaying countless options to help shoppers find everything they need in matching colours and patterns to suit up for their special event, all in one visit to Tip Top, it said.

Itkoff said the merchandise was changed in the stores to speak to eventing.

Tip Top Markham (Image: Tip Top)
Tip Top Event Shop (Image: Tip Top)

He said the company now plans to open more stores in the future in Quebec. 

“It’s pretty exciting times. Boy, if you told me two years ago we would be talking about what we’re talking about I would have been happy to be having that conversation then,” added Itkoff.

“We believe that the opportunity is for a total right now we’ve identified 16 locations (in Quebec) we’d like to be in. We are actively working with Oberfeld on identifying the right spots at the right malls. The good news is we have the ability to move quickly when we get the right opportunity. The better news is we don’t have pressure. We haven’t gone out and announced that we’re opening up x amount of stores. So we have to open up a store even if it isn’t the right location in the right malls. We don’t have that pressure.

“So we’re going to open up stores when it makes sense. When we can find the right space in the right mall. We have a fantastic space in Square One. We’ll be opening that up in April. We have a right size store format where we’re plus or minus 2,500 square feet.”

Tip Top recently opened in Markville and Vaughan Mills and “those stores have been doing phenomenally.”

Healthy Planet Unveils Two-Level Storefront on Yonge St. Near Dundas in Downtown Toronto [Interview/Photos]

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Healthy Planet Yonge Dundas (Image: Dustin Fuhs)

Health and wellness store Healthy Planet is expanding into the heart of downtown Toronto to Yonge-Dundas Square. 

Muhammad Mohamedy

“We are looking forward to serving the downtown core as a one-stop destination for all things related to health and wellness,” said Muhammad Mohamedy, General Manager of Healthy Planet. 

“Whether you’re a student, parent, work long hours or are just visiting the city, our in-store product specialists and nutritionists are ready to help you with your unique needs. We look forward to becoming an integral part of this community that is at the centre of Canada’s best entertainment, tourism, and living!”

Healthy Planet Yonge Dundas (Image: Healthy Planet)

The store at 322 Yonge Street is expected to open October 13 in 7,500 square feet of space.

“Yonge and Dundas is the most recognized street in Toronto. There was an opportunity that was available. We don’t have a store right in the core of downtown. This is our first core downtown store. We opened a store on College Street last year,” he said.

“It will give us good visibility. There’s a lot of visitors and in that area. We feel there’s a void for a health food store and we’ll be a perfect fit for it.”

Healthy Planet is a health and wellness store with 35 locations in Ontario. It has grown from a small kiosk in a strip mall to what it is today.

The store offers a large selection of vitamins, herbs and supplements of the highest quality at affordable prices, as well as herbal products, bodybuilding supplements, diet products and natural cosmetics.

“Initially when we started Healthy Planet, we were mostly selling bulk food and then we added health food products and some supplements and then slowly grew into a one-stop health food store and then we added more and more categories as we grew,” said Mohamedy. 

Healthy Planet Yonge Dundas (Image: Healthy Planet)
Healthy Planet Yonge Dundas (Image: Dustin Fuhs)

The company said its expansion is a testament to Healthy Planet’s “unwavering commitment to fulfilling its mission of granting the community access to exceptional health and wellness products and the team couldn’t be more excited to bring this commitment to downtown.”

The location will also include a Healthy Planet Kitchen.

“A visit to a Healthy Planet kitchen is like diving into a world of pure culinary goodness,” said Mohamedy. This will be the second location for Healthy Planet Kitchen with Ajax being the first to open earlier this year.”

Mohamedy said the brand has a goal to reach 100 stores within the next five years.

Healthy Planet Yonge Dundas (Image: Dustin Fuhs)

Initially all the stores will remain in Ontario.

“We don’t have plans right now to go out of Ontario but never say never,” he said. “Once we feel Ontario is really saturated then we’ll start looking outside of Ontario.

“All of our opportunities to enter a market that we serve, we don’t want to do a half-ass job. We want to make sure we do it correctly. Expansion has to be done correctly otherwise it could be a nightmare situation. We don’t do it for the heck of doing it. It has been done strategically and for us the staffing is very important. So if we’re not able to do it we won’t do it.”

The Rising Cost of Living in Canada is Eroding Brand Loyalty as Consumers Seek More Cost-Effective Alternatives [Op-Ed]

By
Retail Insider
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As Canadians grapple with the rising cost of living, many consumers are reevaluating their daily choices and purchase habits. The cost of groceries is forcing many households to make difficult decisions, like having to choose between food quality and affordability.

Amid these economic pressures, the concept of brand loyalty — the preference consumers have for a particular brand over others — is undergoing a significant shift. Brand loyalty is the result of a mix of factors, including trust, habit and the perceived value of goods.

Brand loyalty significantly benefits retailers by boosting sales. Not only do existing customers spend more money than new customers, but brand loyalty also reduces the amount brands need to spend on advertising. Effective loyalty programs increase customer retention and result in positive word-of-mouth, meaning companies can spend less on marketing.

Losing loyalty, on the other hand, can result in a competitive disadvantage for retailers. It can lead to revenue loss, increased marketing and customer acquisition costs and negative word-of-mouth.

Once a cornerstone for many food retailers, brand loyalty is eroding as consumers prioritize immediate cost savings over long-term brand relationships.

Youtube video

Adapting to rising food costs

Inflation is impacting a wide range of income groups: 81 per cent of lower-income, 50 per cent of middle-income and 35 per cent of high-income earners in Canada are impacted by inflation, spending less on clothing, beauty products and big-ticket items.

Consumers have been adopting various strategies to manage their budgets. Three-quarters of Canadians say they dine out less often because of the rising cost of living, and 70 per cent say inflation has shifted the way they cook.

Despite rising grocery prices, eating at home is still more budget-friendly than eating out and allows for better control over the cost of ingredients.

Some Canadians are also modifying their eating habits by altering portion sizes, cutting back on pricier food items and focusing on more affordable staple foods. While these changes help consumers deal with rising costs, they also come at the expense of brand loyalty.

The digital landscape is also playing a key role in this shift. Consumers are increasingly turning to digital platforms to find economical food options. The convenience of online marketplaces and food delivery services exposes them to a wide array of product choices and competitive pricing.

Consumers also use online tools like coupons and price comparison options to seek discounts. Loyalty programs lose their appeal when consumers prioritize immediate savings.

This transparency and the ease of comparing prices online encourage consumers to explore various brands, making it more challenging for traditional food brands to sustain customer loyalty.

Changing consumer priorities

As prices rise and budgets tighten, consumers are more inclined to seek out more cost-effective options, which often means abandoning favourite brands in pursuit of better value.

One report found that 42 per cent of consumers now seek sales or shop clearance, 40 per cent adhere to a budget, 28 per cent buy less overall and 25 per cent prefer bulk stores or warehouse retailers.

In pursuit of cheaper alternatives, consumers become more open to trying private-label or store-brand products, discounted brands and generic or unbranded options. These alternatives provide shoppers with a practical way to cope with rising prices, allowing them to manage their expenses while maintaining a satisfactory level of product quality.

People shop inside a grocery store in Toronto, on July 18, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston

Inflation also leads to changes in spending habits in a phenomenon known as consumption smoothing. This often involves delaying the purchase of durable goods, prioritizing the purchase of necessities and opting for store-brand products.

In essence, consumers shift their priorities toward cost management, which in turn reduces their loyalty to specific brands. Food companies need to adapt to these changing consumer needs by recognizing affordability and value take precedence in an inflationary market.

What can retailers do?

The shift away from brand loyalty can pose challenges for business owners and retailers who depend on consumer spending. Aside from the most obvious solution to the issue — lowering prices — there are other things retailers can do to win back customers.

First, retailers can use dynamic pricing, allowing them to adjust prices based on factors like supply and demand, inventory and competition. This approach enables them to offer competitive prices and discounts while also minimizing food waste.

Second, retailers can also introduce loyalty programs that go beyond conventional point-based systems. By using personalized data from consumers, retailers can tailor rewards and incentives to match individual shopping habits, experiences and preferences. Retailers can also collaborate with other businesses and incorporate gamification elements to further enhance loyalty.

Lastly, retailers should consider using a value-oriented marketing approach to elevate consumer experiences. Retailers should communicate the value of their products, emphasizing quality, nutritional benefits and unique features to justify their price points.

Simultaneously, investing in exceptional customer experience, both in-store and online, can foster strong emotional connections between retailers and consumers. When consumers feel valued by brands, they are more likely to stay committed to that brand’s products. By assuring customers of their commitment to value, retailers can play a crucial role in guiding consumers through these challenging times.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

By Omar H. Fares, Lecturer in the Ted Rogers School of Retail Management, Toronto Metropolitan University and Seung Hwan (Mark) Lee, Professor and Associate Dean of Engagement & Inclusion, Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan University.

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For October 12th, 2023

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.

Major Canadian grocers won’t confirm discounts, price freezes feds promised last week (CityNews)

Inflation is hurting our health: Nearly half of us are eating less healthy foods due to soaring prices (Toronto Star)

Swiss Chalet brings nuggets and strips to retail (Strategy)

Couch-Tard eyes bigger profits and more M&As in new five-year strategy (Globe & Mail / subscribers)

Terence Corcoran: Liberals turning grocery competitors into statist cartel (Financial Post)

Unique boutiques keep flocking to Toronto’s Rosedale neighbourhood (Streets of Toronto)

How Desi stores are building community in Saskatchewan (CBC)

Yukon ‘data guy’ compares grocery bills to see how much more he’s paying this year (CBC)

Ottawa council grants Happy Goat Coffee first right of refusal at five future LRT stations (Ottawa Citizen)

TABLE Fare + Social Food Hall Unveiled at CIBC SQUARE in Downtown Toronto [Interview/Photos]

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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TABLE Fare | CIBC Square (Image: Kennedy Pollard / TABLE Fare)

The new TABLE Fare + Social concept at CIBC SQUARE in downtown Toronto has become the latest sensation for the city’s dining scene with more establishments coming.

Avi Behar

“The integration with the Park (an elevated green space) was really key for us. We wanted to create an elevated experience both figuratively and literally,” said Avi Behar, Chairman & CEO | Broker at The Behar Group Realty Inc. “Because it is situated prominently on the fourth level, in the heart of downtown Toronto, the vistas are unparalleled.

“It’s kind of magical up there.”

TABLE Fare | CIBC Square (Image: Kennedy Pollard / TABLE Fare)
TABLE Fare | CIBC Square (Image: Sierra Curtis / TABLE Fare)

He said the idea was to establish a unique concept and not duplicate the typical food courts that people might see in the PATH system.

“We wanted to create some uniqueness” said Behar. “As a result, we targeted established restaurateurs who are known for the high quality and calibre of their food and operations but who have also proved to be able to deliver high volumes at peak periods which we know a food hall such as this will deliver.

“Most of the groups have anywhere from one to four or five operations elsewhere. For the most part, we’ve sourced Toronto-based groups, however we’ve also secured some brands that are national and global.”

The Behar Group has been involved since the infancy of the food hall project a few years ago. 

The fourth floor of Tower One at CIBC SQUARE flows into the Park and into the fourth level of Tower Two. 

“That’s intended to create an unmatched experience, weaving together entertainment, food & beverage, community engagement, programmability and activation,” said Behar. “That was really the objective – to have a charming north lobby so that when people reach the fourth level via the PATH system or otherwise, they’re instantly engaged and siphoned into multiple environments which include the relatively newly opened Dineen Coffee Shop and Bar in the lobby, the curated Park, a signature format, larger restaurant that’s yet to open and the food hall.

“It’s a very animated, activated level, filled with energy.”

Misoya Ramen at TABLE Fare | CIBC Square (Image: Sierra Curtis / TABLE Fare)
In Good Spirits at TABLE Fare | CIBC Square (Image: Sierra Curtis / TABLE Fare)

TABLE Fare + Social currently includes establishments In Good Spirits, Friday Burger, Chaiyo by Pai, and Misoya.

“Our role included the establishment of target tenant categories and an overall merchandising mix, evaluating design and layouts, and forecasting revenues,” said Behar.

“In terms of the merchandising mix, we established a list of categories in food operations that we thought would resonate best for the buildings themselves and the larger ecosystem in the heart of downtown Toronto.

“In this case we decided to do a few interesting things. Part of our approach was oversizing the kiosks. In typical food courts, kiosks range around 300 square feet give or take. These ones are mostly 500 to 600 square feet and what we wanted to do was create better kitchens, more space for the food operators and the chefs and kind of embrace the theatre of cuisine where patrons can see food being made. We upsized the kiosks and we took the approach of establishing fewer operators and giving each of those operators more space.

“Whereas many food halls have 20 kiosks or more, TABLE Fare + Social has 13, with more seating than a typical food hall globally would have. Fewer kiosks. More seats per kiosk. And more bathrooms.”

TABLE Fare | CIBC Square (Image: Sierra Curtis / TABLE Fare)
TABLE Fare | CIBC Square (Image: Kennedy Pollard / TABLE Fare)

The food hall area is about 40,000 square feet and the signature restaurant which is outside of that box is about 10,000 square feet. That restaurant is under construction and officials have not yet released its name. Besides the Park, there is also a patio as part of the project.

The project is opening in phases. 

The vendors that are currently open besides Dineen include:

  • In Good Spirits: In Good Spirits (IGS) aims to bring a top-bar experience to the masses through remarkable hospitality, inspired cocktails, and delicious cuisine. IGS serves a French-inspired food menu with a dash of Spanish influence, including cocktails, beer, wine, and coffee, accompanied by shareable bites and gourmet choux bun sandwiches, all with exciting flavour combinations to savour;
  • Friday Burger: Every Friday Burger is handcrafted, fresh, and made with the highest quality ingredients. Friday Burger offers traditional and plant-based options, chicken sandwiches, limited edition features, and every accompaniment you’re craving to enhance the experience;
  • Chaiyo by Pai: Chaiyo by PAI expands beyond their Northern Thai roots to showcase the Thai street market culture and the nostalgic dishes that Chef Nuit misses and remembers from the markets in Thailand. Within the food hall located in the new CIBC SQUARE, Chaiyo by PAI offers fresh and authentic Thai food in a fun and unique Thai market experience; and
  • Misoya: Ramen Misoya is a Japanese noodle house that specializes in miso ramen. The menu here offers the usual fare of Japanese noodles and sides but with a strong focus on one main ingredient: miso.

CIBC SQUARE, a joint development of Ivanhoé Cambridge and Hines, is located on Bay Street south of Front Street.

TABLE is easily accessible via the rail hub, PATH, and Scotiabank Arena. 

Behar said three other concepts, soon to be four, are under construction at the food hall. The hope is that they will open before the end of the year. 

Friday Burger Company at TABLE Fare | CIBC Square (Image: Kennedy Pollard / TABLE Fare)
Misoya Ramen at TABLE Fare | CIBC Square (Image: Kennedy Pollard / TABLE Fare)
Chaiyo by PAI at TABLE Fare | CIBC Square (Image: Kennedy Pollard / TABLE Fare)
Aloette Go at TABLE Fare | CIBC Square (Image: Kennedy Pollard / TABLE Fare)
In Good Spirits at TABLE Fare | CIBC Square (Image: Kennedy Pollard / TABLE Fare)
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