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Atelier Munro Opens 1st Canadian Location with Plans for Store Expansion

By
Craig Patterson
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The Atelier Munro House-Toronto

Amsterdam-based custom suit brand Atelier Munro has opened its first standalone location in Canada in Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville area, and there are plans for more stores in major cities. The Toronto location spans three floors and is only the second in the world for Atelier Munro. 

The beautifully renovated 3,000 square foot space at 19 Hazelton Avenue took months to construct in a former Victorian house that was most recently occupied by a bridal store. The space includes several working desks where customers can collaborate with employees to customized designs, with the store featuring walk-in wardrobes, several fitting rooms and social spaces. 

The store was designed by Dutch firm Unknown Architects, light fixtures were created by Tim Hooijmans and a handmade tapestry made by David Kulen. 

“We are thrilled to be making our official Canadian debut with the launch of our new Atelier Munro House in Toronto,” said Joachim Baan, Creative Director of Atelier Munro. “While we have been dressing clients in the city for quite some time, this is a particularly special moment for us as this is truly the way we believe to service the people around us, our clients, our brand ambassadors and everyone interested in made-to-measure clothing and personal taste and style. We are really looking forward to strengthening the existingAtelier Munro community, while introducing our brand to a new wider audience in Canada.”

The Atelier Munro House-Toronto
The Atelier Munro House-Toronto

Suits and sweaters can be made to order, as well as shirts and even custom handmade shoes. There are also ready-to-wear options for someone looking for an immediate purchase. The entry level for Atelier Munro suits is about $800 and prices go higher depending on materials used. A custom garment takes about four weeks to make. Shirts are priced between $160 and $300 typically.

The third floor of Atelier Munro acts as a gathering space, and can be used for private events with a kitchen and seating areas. It’s actually the largest of the three floors and extends over the George C. store located next door. A private outdoor terrace will also be renovated and is expected to open next spring according to Brand Experience Leader Domenic Esposto.  

The Calgary market is next for an Atelier Munro store, and as of press time a location had yet to be secured. Vancouver is also a market where the brand is looking according to Esposto. Other major markets such as Montreal will also eventually have locations. 

The Atelier Munro House-Toronto
The Atelier Munro House-Toronto

Atelier Munro entered Canada in 2016 in a partnership with menswear retailer Harry Rosen. After Atelier Munro exited Harry Rosen, the multi-brand menswear retailer launched its own private custom suit brand called Harold. 

Lindsay Hepburn and Sandra-Marine Isautier of brokerage Cresa represent Atelier Munro in Canada and negotiated the Hazelton Avenue lease on behalf of the retailer. Jordan Karp and the team at Savills Canada acted on behalf of the landlord.

Atelier Munro was founded in 2007 by a group of men wanting to create customized apparel that was like made-to-measure only quicker, easier, less expensive, and more adaptable. Atelier Munro’s price point is higher than Vancouver-based Indochino and considerably less than the bespoke offerings at pricier retailers. 

The Atelier Munro House-Toronto
The Atelier Munro House-Toronto
The Atelier Munro House-Toronto
  • The Atelier Munro House-Toronto (Image: Dustin Fuhs)
  • The Atelier Munro House-Toronto (Image: Dustin Fuhs)
  • The Atelier Munro House-Toronto (Image: Dustin Fuhs)
The Atelier Munro House-Toronto

Walmart Opens Supercentre at Edmonton’s Kingsway Mall, Shuts Location at Westmount Centre [Photos]

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Walmart Canada officially opened its new Edmonton Kingsway Walmart Supercentre in Alberta today (CNW Group/Walmart Canada Corp.)

Walmart Canada has opened its newest Supercentre at Edmonton Kingsway – the first new store in Alberta since 2015 as the $10-million investment has created more than 100 new jobs as well as more than 100 trade and construction positions.

The retailer said the new Supercentre, which is 149,000 square feet at Edmonton’s Kingsway Mall, replaces the Edmonton Westmount store with the new addition of a fresh food assortment. The new store is more than a third larger than the previous location and has many new features, including Walmart Grocery Pickup and Walmart Grocery Delivery.

Derreck Cuschieri

“We are bringing the best of Walmart Canada to Kingsway Mall,” said Derreck Cuschieri, Vice President of Operations for Western Canada, Walmart Canada. “This new location has more space, more products, more services and more options for our customers. Kingsway’s close proximity to downtown Edmonton will help more people save money so they can live better. We’re proud to be investing for growth in Edmonton while creating jobs for the community.”

Walmart Canada officially opened its new Edmonton Kingsway Walmart Supercentre in Alberta today (CNW Group/Walmart Canada Corp.)

Walmart’s presence in Alberta dates back to 1994 and today it has 61 stores in the province, four distribution centres and more than 16,000 employees. The retailer has invested more than $80 million in Alberta store upgrades over the past two years and it recently purchased about $200 million worth of products from Alberta-based suppliers over a 12-month period.

The Edmonton Kingsway Supercentre represents a more than $10 million investment in the community. In September, Walmart Canada announced $1 billion in infrastructure investments this year, including approximately $330 million to renovate more than 80 stores across Canada. These investments are part of Walmart Canada’s aim to make the online and in-store shopping experience simpler, faster and more convenient.

Aisan Khan

“This new store is going to be a huge win for our customers,” said Store Manager Aisan Khan. “Edmontonians will appreciate the wide assortment of fresh produce available and many international food options to serve this diverse community. The Supercentre is more modern and spacious than the previous location. Our associates are thrilled with the move and we are very excited to serve our valued customers in central Edmonton.

“We are really excited for this location, especially it being so close to the downtown core. It makes it really easy for the customers from downtown . . . The Kingsway Mall is truly a one-stop shop where they have the mall, they have Walmart here for groceries as well because there’s no other retailer in the mall that’s full fledged produce, fresh and grocery.

Walmart Kingsway in Edmonton (Image: Walmart Canada)

“We’ve been talking to a lot of customers here and they’re excited. They’re excited to have this location here and also for the students right across the street at NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology). Of course looking for jobs. And we have the jobs for them. We have hired already over 120 people but now that we’re looking at it we think we need more people and we’ve opened the hiring again and we’re hiring more people.

“When you come in here you can feel that newness in the store. 2015 was the last store that was opened (in Alberta) in Calgary Sage Hill. And it’s always exciting to have a new store and opening those jobs and people right now the way things are with the economy people are looking for jobs and we are offering those jobs.”

Khan said the store features electronic shelf labels. It has a full offering of fresh with a huge bakery and produce department. When the store was set up, Walmart looked at the ethnicity and diversity in the community and there’s a full ethnic section in groceries.

Walmart Kingsway in Edmonton (Image: Walmart Canada)

New features and offerings include:

  • Expansive international section including Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, Italian and Portuguese foods, plus a dedicated international frozen food section;
  • Walmart Grocery Pickup and Walmart Grocery Delivery – download the app here;
  • Walmart Pharmacy that is eager to offer new and longtime patients expert advice, compassionate help on health-care issues and assistance with products, prescriptions and immunizations, including COVID-19 and flu vaccines;
  • Licensees located inside the store include The UPS Store and Ultracuts. Other services include Walmart Photo Centre, Walmart Wireless and Western Union;
  • Sustainable features including a transcritical CO2 refrigeration system with rejected energy being reclaimed for building heating systems, advanced building automation system for lighting and HVAC controls, LED lighting and low flow fixtures; and
  • Store hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.

“We are very excited to welcome Walmart to Kingsway this fall,” said Susan Lovie, Director and General Manager of Kingsway Mall. “This Walmart will be a significant addition to the area and opens a new chapter in the development of Kingsway. We are always excited to welcome retailers that help us better serve the needs of our community, and know that Walmart offers the products and convenience that our customers look for. It will greatly add to the best-in-class shopping experience we offer at Kingsway.”

Susan Lovie

The retailer said the Edmonton Kingsway Walmart will be providing charitable support through its community giving program year-round. In 2021, Walmart Canada raised and donated more than $5.4 million for charities in Alberta. When it officially opened recently, the store donated $7,000 to local charities, including Edmonton Gleaners Association, Spruce Avenue School, Avonair Curling Club, Youth Emergency Shelter, Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society.

Walmart Canada operates a chain of more than 400 stores nationwide serving 1.5 million customers each day. 

Aritzia Expands Store and Introduces 1st Licensed A-OK Cafe at CF Markville Near Toronto [Photos]

By
Dustin Fuhs
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Aritzia at CF Markville (Image: Aritzia)

Vancouver-based women’s fashion retailer Aritzia has opened a renovated and expanded location at CF Markville in Markham, north of Toronto.

Karen Janes

The original Markville store opened in 2013 in a 4,707 square foot space. The expansion effectively triples the footprint for the retailer, adding in an A-OK Cafe and more than 10,000 square feet to the location.

“Expanding in our already existing markets provides us with a runway to continue to connect with our clients,” shared Karen Janes, Executive Vice President, Real Estate & New Business Development. “The expansion of our A-OK Cafe further provides Aritzia’s commitment to an elevated shopping experience and Everyday Luxury alongside our engaging service, beautiful product and aspirational shopping space.”

Aritzia at CF Markville (Image: Aritzia)

The now 15,102 square foot location includes an A-OK Café, the in-house coffee shop which brings a curated menu of gourmet drinks and locally baked goods. In a first-to-market concept, the Markville location saw an expanded menu that includes alcohol.

“Markville clients will also be the first to sample the newly expanded menu which offers a selection of alcohol including wine, beer and cocktails, and small plates featuring paté, burrata and olives. A-OK Cafe further proves Aritzia’s commitment to an elevated shopping experience and Everyday Luxury,” shared the brand.

The in-house coffee shop at the Markville Aritzia gives customers a curated menu of gourmet drinks and locally baked goods. Beverage highlights include micro-ground teas, specialty iced beverages and espresso made with their signature A-OK roast.

Aritzia A-OK Cafe at CF Markville (Image: Aritzia)
Aritzia A-OK Cafe at CF Markville (Image: Aritzia)

Aritzia has 112 stores, with 68 permanent locations in Canada and 44 in the US.

Janes shared with Retail Insider during the Yorkdale store expansion announcement that Aritzia has 6 total planned openings for the rest of 2022: 3 expansions: (1) CF Markville, Markham, ON (2) CF Polo Park, Winnipeg, MB (3) Washington Square, Portland, OR and 3 new boutiques: (1) Standford in Palo Alto, CA (2) Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Chicago, IL (3) Shops at La Cantera, San Antonio, TX.  

“With every expansion and opening, our goal is to provide our clients with an aspirational environment. Many of the elements and design ideas will be integrated in future boutiques in an organic way,” explained Janes. 

Aritzia at CF Markville (Image: Aritzia)

The retailer describes itself as a design house with an innovative global platform. 

“We are creators and purveyors of Everyday Luxury, home to an extensive portfolio of exclusive brands for every function and individual aesthetic. We’re about good design, quality materials and timeless style – all with the wellbeing of our People and Planet in mind,” added Janes.

“Founded in 1984, in Vancouver, Canada, our world-class team creates immersive, and highly personal shopping experiences in our 100+ boutiques throughout North America and at aritzia.com to everyone, everywhere.”

Additional Images from Aritzia at CF Markville

Aritzia at CF Markville (Image: Aritzia)
Aritzia at CF Markville (Image: Aritzia)
Aritzia at CF Markville (Image: Aritzia)
Aritzia at CF Markville (Image: Aritzia)
Aritzia at CF Markville (Image: Aritzia)
Aritzia at CF Markville (Image: Aritzia)
Aritzia at CF Markville (Image: Aritzia)
Aritzia at CF Markville (Image: Aritzia)
Aritzia at CF Markville (Image: Aritzia)

For Holiday 2022 Canadians are More Price Sensitive and Shopping Earlier [RCC x Leger Report]

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Michaels at 142 John St in Toronto (Image: Dustin Fuhs)

More Canadians are planning to take advantage of deals, holiday sales, and promotions and have started to shop earlier to take full advantage of the best deals and pricing, according to the Retail Council of Canada’s (RCC) 5th annual RCC X Leger Holiday Shopping Survey of over 2,500 Canadians.

The survey found:

  • Six in 10 will look for more deals than in previous years;
  • Getting the best deals generally is driving an earlier planned start to holiday shopping but in 2022, consumers are still shopping around a bit more before buying vs 2021 (36 per cent in 2022 vs 42 per cent in 2021 vs 33 per cent in 2020 vs 26 per cent in 2019);
  • November will remain the busiest shopping month;
  • 35 per cent of consumers plan to begin their 2022 holiday shopping in November;
  • 28 per cent plan to shop on Black Friday, 21 per cent plan to shop on Cyber Monday/Cyber Week, and 18 per cent plan to shop on Boxing Day;
  • Holiday spending intentions are the same as last year. Canadians nationally are planning to spend $790 (vs $792 in 2021).
Diane J. Brisebois

“Canadians are getting back to more in-person get-togethers and more in-store shopping this holiday season. They are looking to recapture that ‘festive holiday spirit’. The challenges of the last few years and worries over finances are very present, but Canadians are largely determined not to let this affect their celebrations this year,” said Diane Brisebois, President and CEO, Retail Council of Canada.

The report found that current financial strains are being felt by six in 10 Canadians and while eight in 10 consumers intend to buy gifts for others this year, 62 per cent say their gift giving habits have changed over the years, with the main reason being that they are looking to buy more meaningful gifts for fewer people. 

The survey said “many will consider a wider assortment of retailers to ensure they find the best gifts at the best prices.”

It found that six in 10 consumers felt that holiday shopping during the pandemic lost some of its excitement. 

“Interestingly six in 10 will also be searching in-store this year (more-so than last year) in hopes of reigniting the holiday shopping festiveness they valued prior to the pandemic. Black Friday and Cyber Monday will continue to be busy both in-store and online with consumers looking for more deals and to get back into the holiday spirit,” said the report.

“In-person holiday celebrations this year are anticipated to make a big comeback and Canadians are anticipating spending the biggest portion of their holiday budgets with food & beverage retailers and food service providers and restaurants. Consumers are considering a wider range of retailers to shop from this year for their holiday gifts, with nearly half of Canadians saying they will also shop at various discount retailers this holiday season.”

RCC will be hosting an online Retail Holiday Shopping Forum on November 8, 1-3pm ET, where Leger will discuss the key findings of this survey and how retailers can apply the findings to adjust their 2022 holiday plans for a strong end to the year. Google Canada and Showcase will also share their latest learnings and recommendations.

“A lot has changed. In the last five years since we began conducting our industry-leading RCC x Leger Holiday Shopping Survey – one of the largest studies of Canadians’ holiday shopping behaviours – how consumers shop, what they buy, when they buy, who they buy from, and how much they spend, have transformed,” said Brisebois in the report.

“How consumers shop for the holidays is changing. For example, 62 per cent of consumers say their gift giving habits have changed in recent years. Six in 10 feel that since the pandemic, holiday shopping has lost some of its magic, and that they are craving more festive, social, and local buying experiences. Furthermore, a full 23 per cent of consumers shop differently when buying gifts for the holidays. Savvy retailers who can anticipate these evolving needs and delight their customers at a time when they are looking to bring back that “special holiday feeling” will do well in 2022 and beyond.”

Other key findings from the survey include:

  • 63 per cent in 2022 (vs 63 per cent in 2021 vs 58 per cent in 2020) of total purchases are expected to be in-store this year and 37 per cent in 2022 (vs 37 per cent in 2021 vs 42 per cent in 2020) will be online. Pre-pandemic in 2019, 72 per cent of total purchases were planned to be in-store and 28 per cent online;
  • Supporting local retailers continues to be important to Canadians. 74 per cent feel it is important to shop locally, and 42 per cent plan to shop at local retailers this year;
  • Product categories that Canadians will spend the most on have shifted with the anticipation of more in-person gatherings. Food, beverage and food service retailers and restaurants are making the most gains. Top categories are food, alcohol, candies, or sweets for entertaining (16 per cent vs 12 per cent in 2021), clothing (16 per cent vs 16 per cent in 2021), food & beverage services (11 per cent vs 7 per cent in 2021) and toys (10 per cent vs 10 per cent in 2021);
  • Stated top concerns for holiday shopping this year are cost of living/ inflation (26 per cent), products availability (22 per cent), and COVID-19 related/safety issues (20 per cent);
  • 81 per cent of consumers will be drawn to a combination of lower prices and general discounts (52 per cent), free shipping (18 per cent), and holiday specific sales and promotions (11 per cent);
  • 44 per cent of Canadians will be looking to purchase gift cards this season, of whom 15 per cent say they will spend more on gift cards than they did last year.

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For October 24th, 2022

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 three days.

Canadian Consumer Expectations for ‘Fast’ Ecomm Deliveries Not What Many Expected [Report/Interview]

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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According to a new survey, Canadian shoppers believe the average definition of a fast delivery—for all online orders except food and beverage—is almost four days. 

“That’s a very different definition of “fast” than (ahem) certain logistics giants would have you believe,” said the report by Pitney Bowes.

Vijay Ramachandran, VP Market Strategy, Global Ecommerce at Pitney Bowes, said for Canadian consumers, especially since the start of the pandemic, there’s been an accelerated adoption of e-commerce.

Vijay Ramachandran

“I would say more so than the US in terms of the percentage jump in adoption since the start and what we’re finding is that those behaviours are still pretty sticky, especially around expectations,” he said. “So it’s not your 2019 version of e-commerce. It is a very different set of expectations.

“It used to be that consumers would shop for the best prices and the fastest delivery online. That’s really how Amazon built the value proposition. Tremendous selection, find a lower price, get it in two days. We’re finding since the start of the pandemic expectations have shifted away from ‘I need it today because I can go to the plaza and go get it today if I needed it today’ now that restrictions are starting to loosen up. It’s really ‘I want to find the product that I can’t find anywhere else locally around me. That’s why I want to go shop online’. Or ‘I’m not in a hurry and going out to the store to buy something is a bit of a hassle’ . . . So we’re finding that the convenience of online is now defined not as fast but as easy.”

Ramachandran said that’s a fundamentally different view of e-commerce than it was before. 

The report also found that the ability to track an item purchased online is becoming more important. The average Canadian consumer reports checking delivery tracking an average of 3.2 times per order – generally in line with the average U.S. consumer, who when polled the same week, reported checking tracking an average of 3.1 times per order. In Canada, younger consumers, 18 to 34 years old, are checking 4.5 times per order.

Ramachandran said the tracking aspect of online shopping is different today than it was a couple of years ago.

“It used to be consumers were not tracking all that often because they would order for the most part off of Amazon, they weren’t buying a lot, as much as they were, but as online buying has increased so has the need for accurate tracking,” he said. 

“It’s the number one e-commerce experience that consumers would like to see more of. More accurate estimated delivery date in Canada. In fact, one out of four Canadians has experienced a delayed delivery in just the last six months. That’s one out of four purchases. And one-third of Canadians are saying that delivery delays are happening more often now in the last six months than they’ve seen before. 

Source: Pitney Bowes BOXpoll Created with Datawrapper

“That’s quite a few. So you can see why tracking has become so important because with delivery delays you really want to understand where your package is and now that we’re getting out of the house more often you don’t want that package sitting on your front doorstep or in the mailroom longer than necessary. If you’re not home and it arrives early or late, it’s very, very inconvenient. It could be stolen because it wasn’t attended to right away.”

The research also found that less than two-thirds of Canadian consumers are happy with domestic product selection. Auto parts, jewelry, sporting goods, and pet supplies are the categories where consumers were the least satisfied, presenting opportunities for new and expanding brands to sell to Canadian consumers. 

Also, most Canadians (54 per cent) and almost three-quarters (74 per cent) of Atlantic Canada residents believe three-day shipping on a Friday order means their package should come on Wednesday. These consumers assume only business days, giving retailers more leeway for processing/transit time. When it surveyed U.S. consumers on the same question, most (61 per cent) expected a Monday or Tuesday delivery, revealing that most  US consumers think in “postal days”—counting Saturday but not Sunday. 

Video Interview: What Can We Expect In Holiday Shopping for Canada This Year?

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Video Interview: What Can We Expect In Holiday Shopping for Canada This Year?

Bruce Winder, retail analyst and consultant, gives his insights on what we can expect this holiday shopping season.

Winder talks about how consumers will react to rising costs and inflation, promotions and sales in the industry, how consumers are shopping earlier today, supply chains and how this is a make or break time for many smaller businesses.

The Video Interview Series by Retail Insider is available on YouTube.

Connect with Mario Toneguzzi, a veteran of the media industry for more than 40 years and named in 2021 a Top Ten Business Journalist in the world and the only Canadian – to learn how you can tell your story, share your message and amplify it to a wide audience. He is Senior News Editor with Retail Insider and owner of Mario Toneguzzi Communications Inc. and can be reached at mdtoneguzzi@gmail.com.

Interviewed this episode:

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Also check out the other series offered by Retail Insider, including The Weekly podcast and The Interview Series, which are both available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Podcasts, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Simplecast and other podcast players.

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MCM Opens 1st-in-North America Concept Store at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre [Photos]

By
Craig Patterson
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MCM at Yorkdale Shopping Centre (Image: Michael Muraz)

German luxury brand MCM has opened a new concept store at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, marking a North American first for the brand’s updated retail design. It’s the second MCM store to open in Canada following a location on Bloor Street in Toronto that opened in 2017. 

The Yorkdale MCM spans 1,162 square feet and was conceptualized and created by MCM’s in-house team of architects under the direction of global brand officer Dirk Schönberger. Design elements are said to capture “the essence of Bauhaus” with concrete-filled walls covered in a delicate layer of clear glass. Showcases in the store were created with terrazzo tiles and custom-made furniture was created from polished sparkling silver metal that was combined with antique grey velvet. 

The footwear area of the store features a geometric graphic pattern rug with accents of green which contrast with furniture such as the Capitol Chair which was designed by Pierre Jeanneret. Custom-made cashier tables with hidden mobile charging stations were crafted with terrazzo stone and styled with Louis Poulsen Panthella table lamps in white opal. 

MCM at Yorkdale Shopping Centre (Image: Michael Muraz)
MCM at Yorkdale Shopping Centre (Image: Michael Muraz)

The Yorkdale store carries MCM’s ready-to-wear for men and women as well as leather goods, footwear and accessories. MCM is known particularly for its iconic Visetos Monogram which adorns many products, making them immediately recognizable — not unlike Louis Vuitton’s monogram canvas for many of its products. 

Tony DiMasso, President of MCM Americas said in an interview that the brand had been looking at Yorkdale for several years and that a lease was signed when the right location was secured. MCM is located in Yorkdale’s newest luxury wing which includes Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Thom Browne, Golden Goose and several other brands. Co-tenants were an important factor in choosing the location according to DiMasso. 

MCM’s first Canadian store opened in the fall of 2017 at 93 Bloor Street West in Toronto. The 2,150 square foot store was positioned as the Canadian flagship at the time. Signage near the store indicates that the entire block will be redeveloped, which means MCM’s building and its neighbouring tenants on Bloor Street will eventually be demolished for a new tower expected to exceed 70 floors. 

MCM on Bloor Street in Toronto on October 23rd, 2022 (Image: Dustin Fuhs)
MCM at Yorkdale Shopping Centre (Image: Michael Muraz)

DiMasso said that more MCM locations are expected to open in Canada, though nothing is confirmed as of yet. The Vancouver market is a potential target for MCM if the right location can be found with the right co-tenants. That means that MCM will either look downtown or to the newly redeveloped Oakridge Centre which will house a roster of luxury stores. He said that sales from MCM’s e-commerce site will help determine demand for new stores in new markets. 

MCM leather goods are also available wholesale in Canada through Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom stores. The brand was carried at Holt Renfrew several years ago. Licensed MCM-branded travel stores operate at the international airports in Toronto and Vancouver. 

In the 1990s two licensed MCM stores operated in the town of Banff, Alberta, with a primary target market being Japanese tourists. One was at the Banff Springs Hotel and the other was at Cascade Plaza alongside Polo Ralph Lauren and Louis Vuitton stores. All stores had closed by 2011.  

MCM at Yorkdale Shopping Centre (Image: Michael Muraz)
MCM Yorkdale (Image: Dustin Fuhs)

MCM was founded in Munich in 1976, and it’s known for accessories and other products in its signature logo-printed material (called Cognac Visetos). MCM (which originally stood for Michael Cromer München) was especially popular in the 1980’s for its flashy, logo-printed accessories. South Korean fashion conglomerate Sungjoo Group acquired the brand in 1995, and the brand is having a major resurgence. MCM now has 650 stores worldwide in over 40 countries. 

Yorkdale is one of North America’s top shopping centres both in terms of sales per square foot as well as the expansiveness of luxury brands. The mall now boasts the densest clustering of luxury brands anywhere in Canada, and more will continue to open according to various sources. 

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For October 21st, 2022

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.

Fresh St. Market Grocery Chain Opening 7th Location in BC with Plans for More [Interview]

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Fresh St. Market in Langley (Image: Fresh St. Market)

Fresh St. Market is opening its seventh location with a new store in Langley, BC, at the Thunderbird Centre in the Walnut Grove neighbourhood.

And Mark McCurdy, Vice President of Retail Operations and Brand Strategy for the brand, said more locations are to come. 

Mark McCurdy

The brand is operated by the Georgia Main Food Group.

“At Fresh Market, with everything from our local seafood, cheese and curated meats, we are bringing the best of British Columbia and world discoveries to Walnut Grove,” said McCurdy, as the market-concept grocer is set to open on October 22.

“This destination brings a market-like experience to those who live in and around the Fraser Valley who also enjoy supporting local farmers and producers. Langley and neighbouring communities in the Fraser Valley have long been known for rich agricultural produce and food. At Fresh St. Market we are proud to continue our support of the farmers and businesses operating in our community.”

Fresh St. Market in Langley (Image: Fresh St. Market)

McCurdy said the Georgia Main Food Group is part of the H.Y. Louie company, a successful family-led business that started in 1903.

“We’ve had the IGA franchise in BC since 1955 and we started the Fresh St. Market business 10 years ago in early 2013, late 2012,” he said. 

Current locations include Marine Drive, West Vancouver, two Surrey locations in Fleetwood Village and Panorama Village, Whistler Village North, Vancouver House at Howe and Pacific and Aberdeen Mall in Kamloops, and now at Walnut Grove Langley. Additional Fresh St. Market stores are being planned in more B.C. communities with more announcements in the near future. 

“We started this journey with Fresh St. Market and it was a new concept for us where we wanted to focus a lot of our attention on the fresh category and quite often people will say ‘hey what’s for dinner tonight?’ And it all revolves around centre of the plate. So if you’re going in ‘hey let’s have a steak tonight, let’s have some barbecue chicken, or let’s have some lamb chops’ whatever that case may be. It revolves the entire shopping around that,” said McCurdy.

“Generally when it comes to fresh, people are shopping more regularly. They’re coming in daily or sometimes two or three times a week and planning their trips around meals and that becomes an exciting adventure for people when they’re looking to not only just cook what they’re familiar with but maybe discover some other things that we offer whether it’s side dishes, or whether it’s certain spices, or some other recipe ideas that we offer that make a different dinner.”

Fresh St. Market in Langley (Image: Fresh St. Market)

The latest location is a former IGA and it will offer customers a store experience inspired by the executive and culinary team’s touring of top public markets and eateries across North America.

Each area of Fresh St. Market is an adventure, catapulting the recipe imagination and taste buds of chefs and locals alike, added McCurdy.

“(The IGA) was doing quite well but we just felt that the next evolution of this location would be a Fresh St. Market. The district that it’s located in was at one time well established when we opened 15-16 years ago. But recently there’s been this resurgence of the area and a build out of massive proportions in townhomes, apartment complexes, single-family homes. It’s just exploded in the last three or four years,” he said.

Fresh St. Market in Langley (Image: Fresh St. Market)

“And because of that, there’s been a migration of a lot of people from the city. The Langley location is probably give or take an hour from the downtown district. So it’s what you would consider a little bit more affordable for young families, young people starting out, maybe somebody’s downsizing. You’re getting a lot of migration from the city. It’s the Langley area.

“And those people have shopped at Fresh St. Market before where they have different expectations of what grocery stores offer and there was nothing else in the area that we thought could match what we could provide them. We felt that this was a good opportunity for us to go into the Langley market with our Fresh St. Market banner and offer that unique sort of what we call that foodie culture, style of shopping, stores within a store, service counters. Those sort of things that people are quite used to, similar to public markets.

“We’re looking at other locations just in the BC market. Between now and 2024-25 we have another minimum of three more locations coming. We’re pretty excited about that.”

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