Aéroport de Québec Inc. says a new restaurant and retail concept highlighting Wendat cuisine and craftsmanship will open at Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport later this year.
The airport authority and Sagamité announced recently that the 273-square-metre restaurant and shop will begin serving travellers in the fall 2026, offering dine-in and takeaway food alongside Indigenous-made goods.
The project adds food service and retail capacity beyond the security checkpoint, an area where airport officials say passengers have long sought more options before departure. The new location, situated between gates 31 and 32, will include seating for up to 80 people and feature a menu rooted in First Nations culinary traditions.
The expansion also marks a growth step for Sagamité, which will receive financial backing from federal and provincial governments as well as RBC to support the initiative.
“We are proud to be opening our third Sagamité restaurant at YQB, along with a souvenir and craft shop. It’s the perfect opportunity to share the Wendat Nation’s food and culture with travellers from around the world. We are grateful to the governments of Canada and Québec, and RBC, for their financial support, which is allowing us to honour our traditions and keep them alive by providing a unique, authentic experience to travellers at Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport,” said Steeve Gros-Louis, owner and founder of Sagamité.
Airport officials say the addition aligns with broader efforts to enhance passenger experience while incorporating regional communities into the airport’s commercial offering.
“We are pleased to be able to give travellers the chance to experience the richness of Wendat culture. Sagamité is helping our airport become not just a point of departure, but a gateway for exploration and discovery. The new concession also fits perfectly with our intention to enhance the passenger experience at YQB by involving communities from around Québec City and across all of Québec in YQB’s growth and offering a variety of outstanding services,” added Stéphane Poirier, President and CEO of YQB.
The announcement drew support from Indigenous and political leaders, who pointed to the project’s role in showcasing Wendat culture and expanding tourism-related offerings.
“As a Nation, we are recognized for our entrepreneurial dynamism and our ability to keep our culture alive through impactful initiatives. Sagamité, under the leadership of Mr. Steeve Gros-Louis, is a prime example. This new offering at the Québec City airport further underscores the historical and contemporary presence of the Wendat Nation in the greater Québec City area. Sagamité will allow travellers to experience aspects of Wendat culture,” said Pierre Picard, Grand Chief of the Wendat Nation.
“Having a Sagamité at YQB is wonderful news for all of Québec! Indigenous tourism is an extraordinary asset to our province, and each new project like this adds to the 250+ experiences already available across Québec. I am thrilled to be seeing Wendat culture and cuisine make their way to the Québec City airport, where they can be enjoyed by travellers from around the globe. Congratulations to the entire Sagamité team,” added Ian Lafrenière, Deputy Premier, Minister of Domestic Security, and Minister Responsible for Relations with the First Nations and the Inuit.
“In Québec City, one of the ways we share culture is around the table. It’s one of the best parts of our community. I am delighted to see the Wendat Nation’s culinary and crafting traditions be given such an excellent showcase right at our airport, where it can become visitors’ first or last impression of what our region has to offer,” said Bruno Marchand, Mayor of Québec City.
Sagamité currently operates two restaurants in the Québec City region. The business focuses on traditional dishes, including game and bannock, and will also sell handcrafted items such as jewellery, mittens and moccasins.
Aéroport de Québec Inc., which has managed the airport since 2000, said the addition is part of ongoing efforts to expand services and reflect the cultural identity of the region within its terminal operations.
Canada’s retail sector continues to show signs of resilience and adaptation as the industry moves through early June. Expansion activity from both established and specialty retailers points to ongoing confidence in Canadian shopping districts and regional markets, even as consumers remain mindful of economic pressures. Looking ahead, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to provide a temporary boost to tourism, hospitality, and retail spending in major host cities such as Toronto and Vancouver. At the same time, leadership changes and evolving consumer spending patterns highlight an industry that is adjusting to new realities while continuing to invest in growth.
This week’s developments underscore several broader trends, including regional expansion, tenant diversification, and the ongoing evolution of brick-and-mortar retail. Retailers, landlords, and developers continue to adapt their strategies as they navigate a challenging economic environment and changing consumer expectations.
Retailer News
This week’s retail news is punctuated by notable expansions that reinforce the importance of targeted growth and diversified tenant mixes. The evolving role of grocery and lifestyle offerings within malls is evident as T&T Supermarket announces a new location at CF Sherway Gardens, replacing Pusateri’s food hall with a “grocerant” experience that caters to Asian culinary demand while generating hundreds of jobs in Toronto.
Simultaneously, Zellers is accelerating its expansion with new stores planned for Toronto and Windsor, reintroducing its nostalgic mascot and curated retail formats balancing apparel, home goods, and groceries. This signals renewed confidence in the department store sector and fresh opportunities for landlords aiming to capitalise on community retail dynamics.
In Atlantic Canada, Tim Gu’s acquisition of McAllister Place mall marks a meaningful bet on secondary markets with high occupancy affirming the mall as a social and economic anchor, aligning with investor interest in physical retail assets supporting omnichannel strategies.
Luxury retail also sees noteworthy developments, including Veronica Beard’s third Canadian store at Vancouver’s Oakridge Park and Kiokii and… expanding across top malls, highlighting experiential and culturally distinct retail’s mainstreaming in Canada’s luxury scene. Vince’s reimagined Oakridge Park store further emphasises hospitality and curation tailored to affluent customers.
Additional highlights include Walmart+ membership launch in Canada blending e-commerce convenience with value, and the planned aggressive Ontario and BC expansion of mobile accessories retailer Cellzy. The Retail Council of Canada’s RCCSTORE2026 awards also acknowledge leaders advancing sustainability, supply chains, and talent amidst changing market pressures.
Retailer Financials / Trends / Reports
Employment data from May shows mixed retail sector performance with job gains in construction and accommodation offset by wholesale and retail trade declines, illustrating a cautious labour market that tempers optimism. Nevertheless, Dr. Phone Fix reported record Q1 revenue growth, driven by network expansion and electronics repair demand, highlighting focused category strength.
Lululemon’s Canadian sales decline and downward revision of North American growth expose pressures on legacy retailers to innovate and refine operations amid intensifying competition and shifting consumer interest.
The nuanced spending patterns of Millennials, who simultaneously trade down for value and splurge on premium items as explored in recent studies, create new strategic imperatives for retail assortments and marketing agility. Additionally, the ongoing challenge for grocery e-commerce to replicate impulse purchases detailed in analysis reports underscores the importance of physical retail as a complement to digital efforts.
Retailer People News
In leadership developments, METRO announced Marc Giroux as its next President and CEO, positioning the company for strategic navigation through Canada’s complex food retail market.
Voices raising concerns include Edmonton entrepreneur Ravi Prakash, who highlights growing small business insolvencies and vacancy rates, calling attention to the need for increased government support.
Success in franchising emerges through stories like the Ontario bakery owner featured in franchise model videos, while the hospitality sector’s resilience is showcased in Charcoal Group’s CEO insights into disciplined growth amid uncertainty.
Retailer Op-Eds
Insights into the food sector’s resilience despite Canada’s economic contraction come from food industry opinion piece, which stress the importance of strategic support and innovation to sustain competitiveness within a critical economic segment.
Editor’s Take
This week’s coverage highlights a retail industry that continues to adapt to changing economic conditions, evolving consumer expectations, and shifting demographics. Expansion plans from both established and emerging brands show that growth remains a priority, whether through specialty grocery concepts, luxury retail, department stores, or experiential formats designed to attract shoppers and strengthen customer engagement.
At the same time, financial results and labour market data point to a consumer environment that remains cautious. Success stories such as Dr. Phone Fix demonstrate how retailers with a clear focus and strong execution can continue to grow despite broader challenges. Consumers are increasingly seeking both value and premium experiences, creating opportunities for retailers that can effectively balance assortment, pricing, and customer experience.
Leadership changes at companies such as METRO Inc., along with ongoing discussions around support for small businesses, also highlight the importance of strong leadership, long-term planning, and policies that encourage investment and growth.
Taken together, these developments illustrate the close relationship between retail and commercial real estate. Shopping centres and retail districts continue to evolve as landlords seek to create compelling destinations, while retailers adjust their strategies to reflect changing market conditions. From grocery innovation and luxury expansion to technology-driven growth, the months ahead will reveal which organizations are best positioned to respond to new opportunities while managing rising costs and shifting consumer behaviour.
A bride can usually tell within ten minutes if a dress appointment is going to feel good. The room has a tone. The stylist either hears what she is saying or starts steering too soon. The bride’s shoulders either relax a little, or she begins performing happiness for the people who came with her.
For this article, stylists from a bridal boutique in Vancouver shared what they are hearing from brides who have tried the bigger retail route first. The complaint is rarely dramatic. It is more often a quiet frustration with rushed rooms, crowded racks, and dresses that seem chosen for volume rather than the wedding in front of them.
That frustration has opened the door for independent bridal retailers across the city. Vancouver weddings have become more personal in style, and brides are expecting the dress search to feel personal too. A boutique appointment does not guarantee an easier decision, but it often gives the bride a better chance to make one without all the noise.
The Big Retail Floor Feels Different Now
Large bridal stores were once the default because they made the process feel official. The bride arrived, the group gathered, and the appointment had a familiar ceremony of its own. For some shoppers, that still works. For others, it feels dated before the first zipper goes up.
The modern bride has usually done too much research to be handed a random rail of gowns. She has seen designer collections online. She has looked at venue photos. She knows the difference between a dress that looks pretty on a model and a dress that might survive a damp photo session near the seawall.
The mall appointment can still be useful for trying basic shapes. Its weakness is the atmosphere. When the room feels busy, the bride may end up reacting to the pace of the store instead of the dress on her body.
Smaller Shops Edit Before the Bride Arrives
There is a real advantage in a smaller selection when the edit is good. A bride does not always need forty versions of the same strapless dress. She may need six gowns that each show her something different about shape, fabric, and comfort.
Independent shops usually buy with a specific bride in mind. The result can feel less generic. You see it in the mix of gowns that appear more suited to Vancouver weddings, with lighter movement for outdoor portraits and cleaner lines for restaurant receptions.
I tend to prefer a sharp boutique edit over a huge rack. It saves energy. It also makes the appointment feel more honest because the stylist has fewer places to hide. If the shop’s taste is clear, the bride can decide quickly if she trusts it.
What Boutique Retail Data Tells Us
Factor
National Chain
Independent Boutique
Appointment model
Walk-in or brief slots
Dedicated private appointments
Designer exclusivity
Mass-market labels
Regional or national exclusives
Alterations
Outsourced or optional
Typically in-house
Collection size
Large, standardized
Curated, rotated seasonally
Staff expertise
Variable
Deep product knowledge
These differences translate into measurable satisfaction outcomes. Brides who report feeling confident in their final selection are, in survey after survey, more likely to have purchased from an independent retailer than from a national chain.
Vancouver Venues Are Changing the Dress Search
Vancouver does not push every bride toward one kind of gown. A wedding at a downtown hotel asks for a different feeling than a North Shore ceremony with wet grass underfoot. A dress that is lovely in the mirror can become wrong once the venue is part of the decision.
Independent retailers are often better at that kind of practical styling. They ask where the wedding is happening before treating the gown as a separate purchase. That question changes the appointment because the bride starts thinking about the day as a whole.
This is especially helpful in a city where weather is rarely background information. A bride planning outdoor portraits in February needs fabric and movement she can live with. Romance is still the goal, but so is staying comfortable enough to enjoy the photos.
Brides Want Fewer Opinions In the Room
The old idea of a big entourage has lost some shine. A crowd can be fun, but it can also turn the appointment into a committee meeting. Someone loves sparkle. Someone else hates sleeves. The bride disappears somewhere between their reactions.
Boutiques cannot control who a bride brings, but the setting can influence the tone. A smaller room often makes people speak with more care. It also gives the stylist a better chance to bring the focus back to the person wearing the dress.
Many brides now bring one or two people instead of a full group. That choice feels sensible. A wedding dress is emotional enough without asking six people to vote on it in real time.
The Price Conversation Is More Grown Up
Unfortunately, for many, retail does not always mean affordability once the full process is accounted for.
A good boutique explains the numbers early. The bride should know the order timeline, the alteration expectations, and the real room left in the budget before falling too hard for a gown. That conversation is not glamorous, but it is kinder than surprise costs later.
This is another reason brides are moving toward shops with a stronger service culture. They are not only buying fabric. They are buying guidance through a purchase they have probably never made before.
The Shift Is Really About Control
The move away from the mall is not a rebellion against tradition. Vancouver brides still want the emotional moment. They still want the mirror, the veil, and the feeling that something has clicked. They are simply less willing to accept a shopping format that makes them feel rushed or spoken over.
Independent bridal retailers give brides more control over the pace and tone of the appointment. The room can be quieter. The gowns can feel more specific. The advice can be more direct.
That does not mean every bride will find her dress in a boutique. Some will still find the right gown in a larger store, and that is fine. The larger change is that brides are becoming more selective about where they spend their attention. For a decision this personal, that seems overdue.
Welcome to the Daily Synopsis by Retail Insider. We hope you enjoy the 10 articles we published most recently, covering key developments in Canadian retail.
Veronica Beard opened its third Canadian store at Vancouver’s Oakridge Park, marking its first West Coast location. The luxury retail sector is evolving with brokerage agreements shaping growth in flagship stores at Oakridge Park and Yorkdale Shopping Centre while expanding into emerging markets such as Calgary and Montreal reshaping luxury retail in Canada.
HEAL Wellness is expanding rapidly across Canada and the U.S. with plans for 100 locations by year-end through franchising. The value of franchising is also highlighted by an Ontario bakery owner who leverages this model to manage economic challenges. Employment increased by 88,000 jobs in May while Cellzy is preparing an aggressive launch in Canada with multiple locations planned.
As economic uncertainty continues to weigh on would-be entrepreneurs, a growing number of Canadians are hesitant to start a business, according to a recent TD survey.
The survey found 27 per cent of Canadians believe the economy is too uncertain to launch a business, while 24 per cent say they are uncomfortable with the financial risk.
Despite those concerns, Steff Steers, a multi-unit franchisee operating four COBS Bread locations in the Kitchener-Waterloo region since 2016, said she entered the business fully aware of the risks tied to entrepreneurship.
Steers, who has a background in restaurant management along with her husband, said they were motivated by a shared entrepreneurial drive to build something of their own. After exploring independent ventures, they chose franchising, citing the structure and support provided by an established brand.
She said franchising can offer operational assistance such as human resources and technology support, along with brand recognition that helps create a stronger foundation for new business owners.
Steers said passion and commitment remain essential, noting that business ownership requires significant time and effort. However, she added that aligning with the right franchisor can provide a critical support system, particularly during uncertain economic periods.
Despite that support, Steers pointed to rising labour and food costs as the most significant challenges facing small business owners today. She said frequent minimum wage increases in Ontario have driven up labour expenses, while ongoing supply chain disruptions since the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the cost of goods and transportation.
Steers has expanded her business to four locations over nearly nine years, supported in part by early financing that allowed her to scale more quickly than is typical. While she said the Kitchener-Waterloo market is now well-served, she remains open to future growth opportunities.
For prospective entrepreneurs, Steers emphasized the importance of thorough research, particularly when choosing a franchise partner, describing it as a long-term relationship that requires strong alignment in goals and values.
Employment increased by 88,000 (+0.4%) in May and the employment rate rose 0.2 percentage points to 60.7%. The unemployment rate fell 0.3 percentage points to 6.6%. Employment increased among core-aged (25 to 54 years old) women (+31,000; +0.5%), core-aged men (+25,000; +0.3%), and youth aged 15 to 24 (+22,000; +0.8%), reported Statistics Canada on Friday.
The unemployment rate for youth declined 0.9 percentage points to 13.4%. The rate also fell among core-aged women (-0.4 percentage points to 5.5%) and core-aged men (-0.4 percentage points to 5.7%), said the federal agency.
Employment increased in several industries, most notably in construction (+27,000; +1.7%), information, culture and recreation (+19,000; +2.3%), transportation and warehousing (+19,000; +1.7%) and accommodation and food services (+17,000; +1.5%). On the other hand, employment decreased in wholesale and retail trade (-35,000; -1.2%), it noted.
Statistics Canada said employment increased by 88,000 (+0.4%) in May, the first significant employment gain since November 2025. The increase in May follows a net decline of 112,000 (-0.5%) over the first four months of 2026. On a year-over-year basis, employment was up by 147,000 (+0.7%) in May.
The number of people working full-time rose by 154,000 (+0.9%) in May. The increase in the month offsets a downward trend observed from January to April, in which the number of full-time workers fell by 156,000 (-0.9%). In May, part-time employment decreased by 66,000 (-1.7%).
The employment rate—the proportion of the population aged 15 and older who are employed—rose by 0.2 percentage points to 60.7% in May. This was the first increase since November 2025. The employment rate was unchanged on a year-over-year basis in May 2026.
Employment rose among employees in both the private sector (+56,000; +0.4%) and the public sector (+20,000; +0.4%) in May. The number of self-employed workers was little changed.
Andrew Grantham
The Canadian labour market sparked back to life in May, with the 88K gain in jobs well above consensus expectations and taking the unemployment rate back down to 6.6%. Job gains were driven by full time work, with the sector breakdown showing particularly strong growth in construction, information & recreation, transportation and manufacturing. However, while much stronger than expected, the release should be viewed in the context of the weakness seen earlier in the year. The six-month average for employment is still slightly negative (-2K) and the unemployment rate is still a touch higher than the recent low recorded in January. Statistics Canada noted that students seem to be seeing a better start to the summer job market than in recent years, and the unemployment rate for 15-24 year olds fell by almost 1% to 13.4%. Prime-aged (25-54) unemployment also fell from 6% to 5.6%. Hourly wage growth for permanent employees was weaker than expected at 3.2%, suggesting that many of the new jobs picked up this month may have been lower paying,” said Andrew Grantham, Senior Economist, CIBC Capital Markets.
“For the Bank of Canada, today’s release shouldn’t change the current on-hold stance, even with the large headline beat. For now today’s strength has brought us back to where we stood earlier in the year, and further tightening in the labour market will need to be seen (alongside an acceleration in core inflation) to bring the Bank of Canada off the sidelines.”
Andrew Hencic
Andrew Hencic, Senior Economist, TD, said: “No bones about it, this is a solid report. Strength in hiring across public and private sectors, and a whopping 154k jump in full-time jobs. However, this basically brings employment back to where it was in January, with an unemployment rate 0.1 percentage points higher.
“There continues to be a lot of noise in the Canadian economic data. The surprise contraction in first quarter GDP was disappointing, but with April’s flash GDP estimate signalling a 0.4% monthly gain and now May’s labour force report showing a drop in the unemployment rate, we continue to expect a second quarter bounce-back in activity. Nonetheless, the economy continues to operate below capacity, providing a disinflationary offset to the energy price shock. With this backdrop we expect the Bank of Canada to stay on the sidelines next week and keep its policy rate at 2.25%.”
Veronica Beard at Oakridge Park in Vancouver. Image supplied
Three years after entering Canada with its first standalone boutique in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood, New York-based fashion brand Veronica Beard has expanded to the West Coast with the opening of a new store at Vancouver’s Oakridge Park.
The new boutique marks Veronica Beard’s third Canadian location following openings in Toronto and Montreal, and establishes the brand’s first standalone presence in Western Canada. The opening also adds another fashion tenant to Oakridge Park as the massive mixed-use redevelopment continues to attract luxury, premium, and contemporary retailers from around the world.
Founded in 2010 by sisters-in-law Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard, the company has evolved from a women’s tailoring label known for its Dickey Jacket into a contemporary fashion and lifestyle brand offering apparel, denim, footwear, handbags, and accessories. The Vancouver boutique is the brand’s 47th location globally.
For Stephanie Unwin, Chief Executive Officer of Veronica Beard, Vancouver represented a natural next step as the company continues to build on growing momentum in Canada.
“The Vancouver customer is closely aligned with our core demographic and psychographic, and we’ve already built a relationship with her through our wholesale partners in the market,” said Unwin.
“We’ve also seen strong engagement from Canadian customers shopping online and in our Montreal and Toronto boutiques. It became clear that there was not only customer demand, but also a genuine connection to the brand and the way it fits into her lifestyle.”
Canada Continues to Gain Importance
Canada has become an increasingly important market for Veronica Beard since the company’s arrival in 2023.
While the brand initially entered the country through wholesale partnerships, the success of those relationships helped lay the groundwork for a growing standalone retail presence. Today, Veronica Beard operates stores in Canada’s three largest luxury fashion markets and continues to see opportunities for expansion.
“We’ve seen an incredibly positive response from Canadian customers since entering the market,” said Unwin. “What’s been most exciting is seeing how the brand resonates across different regions while still reflecting each city’s unique character.”
The company has also seen substantial growth through its Canadian ecommerce business.
“As we have developed our Canadian infrastructure, we have also focused on growth within our ecommerce channel which has seen triple digit growth in the Canadian market over the last few years,” said Unwin.
The strong online performance suggests Canadian consumers are engaging with the brand well beyond the markets where it currently operates physical stores.
Veronica Beard at Oakridge Park in Vancouver. Image supplied
Building a Canadian Customer Base
Long before opening its own stores, Veronica Beard was building awareness among Canadian shoppers through a network of wholesale partners.
The brand is carried in multiple Holt Renfrew locations across Canada and has also developed a presence through specialty fashion retailers including TNT (The New Trend) in Toronto and Hangar9 in Ontario. Those relationships helped introduce the brand to Canadian consumers while providing valuable insight into regional demand before the company committed to standalone stores.
According to Unwin, wholesale remains an important component of the company’s Canadian strategy.
“Wholesale is an important part of our distribution strategy in Canada,” she said. “Partners like Holt Renfrew, TNT and many wonderful boutiques have helped us introduce the brand to customers across the country, while our own stores allow us to create a more immersive brand experience.”
She added that those partnerships helped reinforce the company’s confidence in the Canadian market.
“Our partnership with Holt Renfrew and other local boutiques has given us valuable insight into the Canadian customer in all key markets and helped build brand awareness,” said Unwin. “Following a strong response, we expanded from a limited presence to all doors, which reinforced our confidence in the brand’s long-term potential in Canada.”
Veronica Beard at Oakridge Park in Vancouver. Image supplied
Why Oakridge Park?
For Veronica Beard, Oakridge Park offered an opportunity to establish a West Coast presence within one of North America’s most closely watched retail developments.
“Vancouver felt like a natural next step for us as we continue to expand our presence in Canada,” said Unwin.
“While we’ve built strong customer relationships in Toronto and Montreal, Oakridge Park gave us an opportunity to establish a West Coast presence, and in a place that has long been synonymous with luxury shopping in the city.”
The boutique is located within Oakridge Park’s contemporary fashion district, where it sits alongside brands including Sandro, Maje, and Weekend Max Mara. The placement reflects Veronica Beard’s position within the contemporary luxury segment and complements Oakridge’s broader merchandising strategy, which includes dedicated clusters of luxury, contemporary, and lifestyle retailers throughout the development.
While Oakridge Park has attracted attention for luxury tenants such as Versace, Brunello Cucinelli, Chanel, Dior, and the upcoming Giorgio Armani flagship and Canada’s first Armani Café, the Veronica Beard location strengthens the project’s contemporary fashion offering and adds another internationally recognized brand to the growing retail mix.
Unwin said Oakridge’s merchandising approach aligns naturally with Veronica Beard’s own position in the market.
“We’re excited to be a part of its new chapter, bringing together an exciting mix of heritage and contemporary brands,” she said. “That modern approach to luxury, centered on quality, versatility, and how women live today, aligns naturally with the Veronica Beard brand.”
Veronica Beard at Oakridge Park in Vancouver. Image supplied
Looking Ahead
While Veronica Beard is not currently announcing additional Canadian locations, the company continues to see opportunities for growth across retail, wholesale, and ecommerce channels.
“Canada remains an important market for Veronica Beard, and we continue to see opportunities for growth across both retail and wholesale,” said Unwin. “We’re always evaluating how to best serve our customer, and our focus remains on thoughtful, strategic expansion that feels authentic to the brand.”
The Vancouver opening represents another milestone in Veronica Beard’s Canadian growth story. From its first Yorkville boutique in Toronto to Montreal and now Vancouver, the brand has established a presence in Canada’s key luxury fashion markets while continuing to broaden its reach through wholesale partnerships and ecommerce growth.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge has announced the landmark opening of its reimagined resort with the unveiling of an extensive $100-million property-wide transformation.
This marks far more than a reopening, but the arrival of a new expression of wilderness luxury in the Canadian Rockies, brought to life through a refreshed Main Lodge and fully redesigned guest rooms, said the brand in a news release.
The extraordinary destination, set within 700 acres of pristine wilderness in Jasper National Park, offers a luxurious sense of space and seclusion that feels increasingly rare in today’s travel experiences. With every cabin door opening directly to the expansive outdoors, the property offers unparalleled access to the remote landscape and a deeply personal experience with nature. Guests are invited to explore Jasper through a lens of deep connection, slow discovery, and immersive wellbeing, guided by Fairmont’s Wellness Without Walls philosophy that recognizes nature as a powerful approach to restoration, it said.
Jasper Park Lodge
“There is something deeply restorative about arriving in Jasper,” said the resort’s General Manager, Garrett Turta. “I recall one of my son’s earliest memories of the Lodge was stepping out of the car, breathing in deeply, and saying, ‘it smells like Jasper.’ It’s more than just the scent of pine trees and cedar carried through the mountain air, it’s the warmth of a wood-burning fireplace, the immediate sense of familiarity and comfort here, as though you’ve returned to something you didn’t realize you’d been missing.
Garrett Turta
“At Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, luxury has always been less about excess and more about what people rediscover while they’re here: time together, space to breathe, connection to nature, and a slower rhythm of life. This new chapter builds on that feeling, creating a resort experience that feels both deeply connected to memory and entirely new to discover.”
At the heart of the transformation is a reimagined Main Lodge and arrival experience that draws inspiration from Jasper’s skies, forests, and glacial landscapes, inviting guests to begin their Jasper experience with purpose, said the hotel.
The refreshed lobby welcomes guests into a space that feels both celestial and grounded in nature – an immersive introduction that sets the tone for a stay defined by connection, restoration, and awe. Guests can also take in picturesque panoramic views of Lac Beauvert and Whistlers Mountain upon arrival by stepping out onto the iconic new lakeside patio, it explained.
Anchoring the promenade is Embark Outpost + Provisions, a thoughtfully reimagined general store and adventure hub designed as the starting point for each day’s journey. Here, guests can book guided experiences through the Adventure Concierge, prepare for outdoor excursions, enjoy locally roasted coffee and trail snacks, and discover artisan goods inspired by the region. Situated nearby, the anticipated home for the resort’s Camp JPL Adventure Club – set to debut in late summer – will be a vibrant basecamp for young explorers and their families, offering fully supervised programming for children ages 5-12. From nature walks and wilderness skills to creative play and immersive storytelling, the space is designed to spark imagination and for children to roam, discover, and forge a deeper connection with the natural surroundings, it added.
Jasper Park Lodge
“When you invest in a place like Jasper, with such deep ties to Canada and its history, you take on a responsibility that goes well beyond the property itself. We’re proud of this extensive transformation, which reflects not only our long-term conviction in timeless, elevated hospitality experiences, but also our commitment to Canadian communities like Jasper – where continued investment helps support long-term resilience and growth,” said Tyler MacDonald, Senior Vice President and Head of Hotels at Oxford Properties. “Working closely with our long-time partners at Accor and design firm HBA, our team has reimagined the Lodge in a way that respects its heritage while positioning it for its next chapter. Set within its iconic wilderness setting, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge will continue to be a special destination – for the community and for visitors alike.”
Tyler MacDonald
This marks the latest in a series of investments by owner Oxford Properties in Canada, where the firm has committed more than $2 billion since 2025.
More than 330 of the 397 guest rooms, suites, and Signature Cabins, have been renewed and redesigned
“As part of its next chapter, the resort introduces a collection of story‑driven signature dining experiences shaped by the landscape, seasons, and untold stories of Jasper National Park. Across these three distinctive signature dining venues, inspiration is drawn from the region’s ever‑changing skies, surrounding forests, and elemental contrasts. These culinary destinations invite guests to embark on gastronomic journeys that celebrate elevated local ingredients, inventive preservation, zero‑waste techniques, and attentive service, where every meal feels both rooted and exploratory,” it said of the three dining areas, Lume, Elderwood and The Barbicon.
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio includes 96 hotels.
Future Giorgio Armani store/Armani Café at Oakridge Park in Vancouver, May 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson
Canada’s luxury retail landscape is entering a new phase of expansion as global fashion houses increasingly concentrate investment into a relatively small number of high-performing retail destinations. The trend is reshaping shopping centres and luxury districts in Toronto and Vancouver while creating new opportunities in select markets across the country.
Few firms have been more involved in that evolution than Toronto-based DWSV Realty. Founded by David Wedemire and Stan Vyriotes, the brokerage has participated in a significant number of Canada’s most prominent luxury retail transactions in recent years, including major leasing activity at Vancouver’s Oakridge Park and Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre.
The firm’s recent work offers insight into how luxury brands increasingly view Canada as a strategically important market and how landlords are competing to secure globally recognized fashion houses capable of driving prestige, productivity and long-term customer traffic.
Chanel at Oakridge Park in Vancouver, May 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson
Oakridge Park Emerges as a New Luxury Retail Powerhouse
Few projects illustrate the changing dynamics of luxury retail in Canada more clearly than Oakridge Park.
The massive mixed-use redevelopment on Vancouver’s west side recently opened with one of the strongest luxury retail lineups assembled in Canada in recent years. More than 30 luxury brands are expected to operate within the development, creating one of the country’s largest concentrations of luxury retail outside of traditional downtown shopping streets.
According to discussions with DWSV Realty, the brokerage represented several brands opening within Oakridge Park, including Chanel, Prada, Miu Miu, Versace, Maison Margiela, Thom Browne, Brunello Cucinelli, Coach and Giorgio Armani.
The Giorgio Armani boutique is currently under construction and is expected to open this fall alongside Canada’s first Armani Café. During a recent visit to Oakridge Park, construction hoarding for both the boutique and café was visible within the shopping centre. The café will feature a patio seating area adjacent to the premises, adding another experiential element to Oakridge Park’s growing luxury offering.
Oakridge Park in Vancouver, May 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson
DWSV Realty said many of the Oakridge Park transactions were completed alongside Sacha Singh, Vice President, Leasing at QuadReal Property Group, who has played a significant role in assembling the development’s luxury retail roster.
According to DWSV Realty, additional luxury retail announcements are expected in the future as leasing activity continues and the project’s merchandising strategy evolves.
Oakridge Park differs from many traditional luxury shopping environments because of its integration of luxury retail with residential towers, office space, food and beverage concepts, cultural programming, public gathering areas and direct rapid transit connectivity.
The project increasingly is being viewed within the retail real estate industry as a new model for luxury-oriented mixed-use development in Canada.
Discussions with DWSV Realty also suggested that Oakridge Park has the potential to emerge as one of Canada’s most productive shopping centres over time, potentially rivaling Yorkdale Shopping Centre in future ICSC sales productivity rankings.
That comparison is significant given Yorkdale’s longstanding position as Canada’s dominant enclosed luxury shopping centre and one of North America’s highest-performing malls by sales productivity.
Miu Miu at Oakridge Park in Vancouver, May 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson
Yorkdale Continues Defining Luxury Retail in Canada
Yorkdale Shopping Centre remains the benchmark for enclosed luxury retail in Canada, having spent years building a concentrated roster of international fashion brands supported by substantial landlord investment and continual expansion.
According to discussions with DWSV Realty, the brokerage completed five of the eleven leasing transactions tied to Yorkdale’s recent luxury expansion, while Oxford Properties handled the remaining transactions directly.
The brands represented by DWSV in Yorkdale’s new luxury wing included Tom Ford, Brunello Cucinelli, Jimmy Choo, Versace and Maison Margiela.
The simultaneous growth of luxury retail at both Yorkdale and Oakridge Park reflects a broader shift in strategy among luxury brands operating in Canada. Rather than pursuing broad market saturation, many fashion houses are concentrating investment into a limited number of flagship-calibre environments capable of supporting immersive store concepts, premium co-tenancy and exceptionally high consumer spending levels.
While Toronto historically has served as Canada’s dominant luxury retail market, Vancouver increasingly is being viewed as a critical secondary luxury node with growing international importance.
Oakridge Park’s emergence alongside Vancouver’s established Alberni Street luxury corridor further reinforces the city’s expanding role within Canada’s luxury retail hierarchy.
New luxury wing at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Photo: Craig Patterson
Luxury Retail Environments Becoming More Sophisticated
The evolution of projects such as Oakridge Park also reflects broader changes in how luxury retail environments are being developed globally.
Rather than functioning solely as shopping destinations, many modern luxury projects increasingly combine fashion, dining, entertainment, wellness, hospitality, residential density and public space into highly integrated lifestyle environments designed to encourage longer visits and deeper customer engagement.
The forthcoming Armani Café at Oakridge Park reflects that trend. Increasingly, luxury brands are expanding beyond traditional retail formats into food, beverage and hospitality concepts that allow customers to engage with brands in new ways.
The evolution of luxury retail environments is also influencing how major luxury conglomerates approach leasing negotiations.
According to discussions with DWSV Realty, major luxury groups such as LVMH often negotiate multiple brands collectively rather than through separate broker-led transactions. The approach allows luxury groups to coordinate store placement, co-tenancy relationships and broader market positioning strategies across their portfolios.
The increasing sophistication of those negotiations underscores how strategically important Canada has become within broader North American luxury expansion plans.
Prada at Oakridge Park in Vancouver, May 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson
Calgary and Montreal Increasingly Enter Luxury Discussions
Beyond Toronto and Vancouver, luxury retail expansion is increasingly extending into additional Canadian markets.
Discussions with DWSV Realty pointed to growing activity in Calgary and Montreal as luxury brands continue evaluating long-term opportunities outside Canada’s two largest luxury retail centres. Additional announcements tied to British Columbia and Montreal may emerge in the coming months.
Calgary is particularly noteworthy because the city historically has maintained a more limited mono-brand luxury retail presence compared with Toronto and Vancouver, though interest in the market appears to be growing.
Montreal also remains a closely watched luxury market given its strong fashion identity, affluent neighbourhoods and established retail corridors, though luxury expansion there has been more selective in recent years.
Competition Intensifying Among Canada’s Luxury Retail Nodes
The broader picture emerging across Canada is one of increasing competition between a relatively small number of elite luxury retail environments.
Yorkdale remains the country’s established enclosed luxury powerhouse. Oakridge Park is emerging as a major new challenger built around a different model centred on mixed-use density, public space and Vancouver’s growing international profile. Bloor-Yorkville and Alberni Street continue serving as Canada’s dominant luxury high streets, while Calgary and Montreal increasingly are attracting attention as potential future growth markets.
For landlords, the stakes are significant. Luxury tenants help shape the identity of a property, attract additional premium retailers and strengthen long-term productivity potential.
As international luxury brands continue evaluating where to expand within Canada, the country’s luxury retail landscape appears poised for continued evolution. Increasingly, the most competitive projects may be those capable of offering more than retail space alone, combining architecture, experience, co-tenancy, transit connectivity and mixed-use density into fully integrated luxury environments.
A fresh new player is bringing style, convenience and innovation to Canada’s mobile accessories and electronics retail sector, says commercial real estate broker Think Retail.
Cellzy, a new modern retail concept focused on accessories, electronics and repair services, is preparing for an aggressive launch phase, with plans to open five new locations in 2026, said Tony Flanz, founder and principal of Think Retail.
“Designed for today’s connected consumer, the concept combines an extensive assortment of phone cases, accessories, electronics and repair services under one roof, creating a convenient one-stop contemporary destination for modern consumers living connected lifestyles,” said Flanz.
Tony Flanz
Think Retail is partnering with Cellzy as it debuts its retail concept in key markets in Ontario and British Columbia.
“What sets Cellzy apart is its elevated approach to a retail category that has traditionally been dominated by utilitarian kiosks and cluttered storefronts. The brand’s contemporary design features warm, inviting finishes, modern merchandising displays, digital screens, dedicated repair workstations and a carefully curated product mix that appeals to a broad customer base, from teenagers to seniors. The goal is to create an engaging retail environment that encourages browsing and discovery,” explained Flanz.
Flanz said the company aims to provide a better shopping experience: “Consumers rely on their mobile devices more than ever before, and they’re looking for products and services that reflect both their lifestyle and personal style.”
With four key revenue streams—phone cases (Android and IOS), electronics, accessories and repair—Cellzy offers multiple points of customer engagement while encouraging repeat visits, he added.
“This range makes the concept particularly attractive for landlords seeking tenants that can maximize productivity while enhancing the overall customer offering. Mobile accessories and electronics remain resilient retail categories driven by continual device upgrades, evolving technology trends and ongoing demand for repair services,” said Flanz.
Designed with flexibility in mind, ideal Cellzy locations are in regional and super regional malls in two formats—inline stores of about 750 square feet and kiosks of 100 square feet, he added.
