We all want to see and visit tomorrow’s store. The only problem is that without time travel we‘ll just have to wait for its arrival. That wait may not be as long as you might think. On May 30-31, Retail Council of Canada will host RCC STORE 23 at the Toronto Congress Centre, where the very people who are helping to define tomorrow’s retail experience will gather to present, demonstrate, and discuss these exciting new opportunities.
Speakers like Doug Stephens (The Retail Prophet), will share his message about how technology driven innovation will revitalize the Art of Retail. Rob Garf, from presenting sponsor Salesforce, will talk about how Salesforce’s technology will enhance the customer experience by providing new and deeper insights to meet their shopping needs. Working in tomorrow’s retail environment will also be different. David Sheng, (Digital Prophet), will present his forecast that looks at how new technologies will impact the employee experience in the blended physical and virtual work world. Speaking of virtual worlds, social media has become an integral part of the shopping experience and Jen Burkey, TikTok’s Creative Strategy Director, will showcase creative examples of how brands can come to life on TikTok to entertain as they grow and connect with audiences. Leave this session with actionable tips on how to grow both paid and organic content.
It’s not just internationally recognized thought leaders on the main stage. The speakers list also includes an impressive group of retail business leaders who will share their own experiences from the leading edge of Omni channel – a great way to gather insights for your own digital transformation. Michele Guimond, the VP of Marketing for MEC will share how this iconic Canadian retailer’s remarkable revival continues to put MEC at the at the top of the trusted brands list and on a strong and sustainable growth trajectory.
Stories about the store of tomorrow are just the beginning of what you can expect at RCC STORE 23. An amazing group of retail partners will also give attendees live demonstrations of the cutting-edge technologies that are available to move the store experience and operations to the next level. The exhibitor floor is like a retailer’s playground, jam-packed with all kinds of brilliant new solutions on everything from loss prevention tracking, integrated communication platforms, real time automation, customer profiling and segmentation, new tools to enhance digital shopping experiences, new digital payments offerings, supply chain logistics, and unified commerce solutions. Some of this year’s retail partners include: 3si, Bell, Brainbox AI, CHASE, Cisco,Eaigle, Environics Analytics, Flipp, Fractal.ai, Goco, Motorola, PayPal, RLG, Salesforce, Signifi, Telus, Thinkmax, Toshiba, TRG and others.
For me, the most interesting part of STORE – Canada’s biggest retail event of the year – is the opportunity to network with peers and industry colleagues from across the country and around the globe. Plenty of time has been allocated to meet and discuss; everyone at STORE can learn from one another! By the way, the tasty snacks throughout the day, buffet lunches, well as the cocktail receptions at the end of each day are prepared under the consultation of world-renowned chef Mark McEwan.
RCC STORE 23 will bring all of this together May 30-31 at the Toronto Congress Centre. Come see what tomorrow’s retail looks like here.
Dave Rodgerson is an industry insider having more than 20 years of executive experience with Canada’s leading retailers. His work with both IBM and Microsoft gives him a unique perspective on the role of technology and digital transformation.
*****
Partner content as submitted by a guest author. To work with Retail Insider, email craig@retail-insider.com
That plan, in a motion brought to council May 9, aims to bring a car-free strategy to Gastown’s Water Street and, if approved, would also focus on improving the cobblestones and streets to rejuvenate the neighbourhood.
The Gastown plan arrives just a few months after City Council approved the Uplifting Chinatown Action Plan, which is providing Chinatown with enhanced cleaning and sanitation services, graffiti removal, beautification, and additional community supports.
Gastown in downtown Vancouver in May 2023. Photo: Lee RivettGastown in downtown Vancouver in May 2023. Photo: Lee Rivett
Both plans represent steps to support commerce while also bringing more people back to these neighbourhoods that have suffered from public infrastructure degradation, street crime, homelessness and other intersecting social issues that seemed to worsen and spread from the Downtown Eastside during the pandemic.
To assess the storefront retail situation in key commercial pockets of downtown Vancouver and to hear directly from retailers about what they feel is needed, Retail Insider visited several shops and businesses in early May, speaking with owners and operators in Yaletown, Gastown and Chinatown about what’s going well, what isn’t — and what they suggest the city should be paying attention to. While the general message among those who spoke on the record was that they remain confident and optimistic for the future of their businesses and locations, their neighbourhoods would benefit from improved security and safety, including upgraded street lighting.
Maple Leaf Square (and former location of John “Gassy Jack” Deighton Statue) in Gastown in downtown Vancouver in April 2023. Photo: Lee Rivett
Gastown needs security boost for workers and visitors
In Gastown, Jimmy Shao and his wife have been operating the Silver Gallery for 10 years at 312 Water Street. The jewelry, gemstone and indigenous art dealer sits kitty corner to the famous Gastown Steam Clock in the cobblestoned, historic neighbourhood now primed for a civic rejuvenation strategy.
Shao said his main challenges are the high cost of rent and the cost of living for his employees. He is also worried about security and safety in the neighbourhood, which he believes chases away potential workers, residents and customers.
Gastown in downtown Vancouver in May 2023. Photo: Lee RivettGastown in downtown Vancouver in May 2023. Photo: Lee Rivett
But he’s mostly optimistic. That’s partly due to the 331 cruise ships that will come to port just up the street at Waterfront between now and October 24. Many of his customers are international visitors who make a point of coming to the gallery whenever they visit, he said.
“We can see that people are coming back,” Shao said. “We can see that this year will probably be much better than last year (and the pandemic years).”
“The challenge now is the safety of the street, Shao said, noting that he’d like to have a more visible police or security presence on Gastown’s streets daily to make visitors and customers feel more comfortable and protect them from street crime, including random stranger attacks that have become a flashpoint in Vancouver.
Gastown in downtown Vancouver in May 2023. Photo: Lee RivettGastown in downtown Vancouver in May 2023. Photo: Lee Rivett
Report indicates sluggish rebound for downtown retail
Big picture, the downtown retail experience has not yet fully rebounded, according to the State of Downtown 2023 report.
The report said overall downtown Vancouver storefront vacancy rate sits at 12.8% and has remained stable for nearly two years. However, retail storefront occupancy has not fared as well as other business types.
Since Nov. 2021, twenty-two retail stores have opened and thirty-three have closed leading to a net loss of eleven. Most notably, Nordstrom — a key downtown anchor at the Pacific Centre — announced in March it would close all Canadian locations due to poor national sales. The Vancouver store is expected to close in June.
Since Nov. 2021, there have been 34 openings and 22 closings in the downtown food and beverage sector — a net gain of 12 businesses, according to the report.
Chinatown in downtown Vancouver in May 2023. Photo: Lee Rivett
Signs of progress in Chinatown, but more work needed
In Chinatown, reports suggest the situation on the streets has been improving, especially with routine street and graffiti cleaning and more visible security. Those were key priorities that have been major talking points for the new ABC-dominated council and mayor — and now appear to be action items.
Perry Lam. Photo: LinkedIn.
Perry Lam is the owner of Private & Co. It’s a boutique retailer specializing in fashion-forward men’s casual wear and Japanese denim at 83 East Pender St.
Lam has experience running a shop in Chinatown and Gastown. The retailer initially opened a store in Gastown, but relocated to Chinatownin July, 2022. “We tried in Gastown for a little bit,” Lam said. “That was pretty rough. The rent was much more than it is here, so we came here and it’s much better.”
They had been on the skirts of Gastown at Cambie and Hastings Streets located next to a Single-Room Occupancy hotel. They were not attracting much traffic. There was regular drug use activity in front of the store and that kept customers away. “We didn’t really have much traffic at all.”
Private & Co. in Chinatown in downtown Vancouver in May 2023. Photo: Lee Rivett
Private & Co. in Chinatown in downtown Vancouver in May 2023. Photo: Lee Rivett
Private & Co. in Chinatown in downtown Vancouver in May 2023. Photo: Lee Rivett
Traffic in Chinatown has been better and Lam sees it as a stronger, more consistent draw for tourists and visitors, overall. The neighbourhood still has challenges. To enter Private and Co, visitors must press a bell at the locked front door and staff buzz them in.
Generally, the headaches include storefront graffiti, human urine and feces left regularly near the entrance, and the threat of break-ins and shoplifting, Lam said, noting they recently experienced a failed break-in attempt.
But there does seem to be signs of improvement. “There’s like a new sort of vibrancy kind of going on in the neighbourhood,” Lam said. “I think a lot of people have… hope and faith that Chinatown will pick up again.”
Chinatown in downtown Vancouver in May 2023. Photo: Lee Rivett
He said Mayor Ken Sim has visited the store to check on how things are going and VPD visit the store regularly. Before the new government took over, police would mostly sit in their cars, he added.
“You lose a little bit of sleep at night just wondering what’s happening to the store and what’s going to be smashed or spray-painted,” he said.
Ideally, Chinatown will eventually see a critical mass of new and exciting businesses opening to help generate more foot traffic, activation and more business overall.
Customer traffic appears strong in Yaletown
Yaletown in downtown Vancouver in May 2023. Photo: Lee Rivett
Gabriela Miro. Photo: LinkedIn.
In Yaletown, Gabriela Miro is the general manager at the fine gift shop, Revolucion. Miro said business in the neighbourhood appears to be returning to normal as the challenges from the pandemic fade.
Yaletown remains a dining hot spot and the neighbourhood restaurant business appears strong. “The restaurants around us help to get traffic,” Miro said, adding that the arrival of what’s expected to be a record cruise ship season will bring many customers into the shop located at 1063 Mainland Street. “We get a lot of tourists here.”
During the worst of the COVID-19 lockdowns, the surrounding restaurants were shuttered and people experiencing homelessness became more active in the area. Lately, Miro notices fewer visible social issues in the immediate vicinity today, but problems persist. Just recently, there was a failed break-in at Revolucion, where would-be intruders were thwarted at the front window. “We do have gates. That prevented them from coming in,” Miro said. “It’s not really crazy, but it happens.” Shoplifting hasn’t gotten noticeably worse, she added.
Revolucion in Yaletown in downtown Vancouver in May 2023. Photo: Lee RivettYaletown in downtown Vancouver in May 2023. Photo: Lee Rivett
Other hassles on the street include a reduction in street parking spaces on Mainland St., and high parking prices, Miro said. It costs $7 per hour to park on the street in front of Revolucion. “Parking is what customers always complain about.”
One common comment among Miro, Shao and Lam is that each of their neighbourhoods would benefit from improved lighting to provide customers and staff with more visibility and security when walking at night.
James McInnes founded Odd Burger in 2014 as a grassroots vegan organization that brought organic fruit and vegetables from local farmers to customers’ doorsteps.
Today, the idea has grown into a retail footprint of nine vegan, fast food, plant-based restaurants in Canada, 13 more under construction, and hundreds, perhaps thousands more, coming across the globe. The first location opened in London, Ontario 2016.
James McInnes
Recently, it announced a non-binding letter of intent with 14728696 Canada Inc. o/a Earthlings Canada Inc. to open 145 locations in India and five locations in Singapore over a period of 10 years.
“The growth opportunity in the Indian market is significant,” said James McInnes, CEO and Co-Founder of Odd Burger. “It is estimated that there are 574 million people that follow a meat-free diet in India, with 126 million of those adhering to a vegan diet. The local connections and knowhow gained through our partnership with the Developer group will help us service this large and growing market.
Image: Odd BurgerImage: Odd Burger
“We think Canada is easily a 100 store market. We plan to get there probably within the next six to seven years.”
Utsang Desai, who is on the Odd Burger board, is launching the brand overseas. McInnes said Desai is also responsible for developing Odd Burger in Alberta and British Columbia.
“We expect there to be tremendous excitement when we launch Odd Burger in the Indian market,” said Utsang Desai. “The market is craving an industry-leading brand like Odd Burger to provide a vision for a sustainable future and to make plant-based eating more accessible.”
McInnes said Odd Burger is currently looking at Germany as well for expansion and the big push will be into the U.S.
“We hope to be making an announcement very soon. Our primary growth market is going to be in the U.S.”
McInnes said he can see “thousands” of Odd Burgers eventually around the world.
“Our model is a lot kind of like Subway. Small owner operated, pretty easy to build. Easy to operate. You can operate with as little as one person. We really do focus on the owner-operator model which allows restaurants to have a smaller footprint,” he said. “We can fit into less than 1,000 square feet. Our operational overhead is low which means we can have more locations . . . We feel we can support about one Odd Burger per 100,000 people.
“I think people are looking for healthier fast foods that still taste good. There’s kind of this hole in the market so to speak . . . Consumers still want to satisfy their cravings in a healthier more sustainable way and the key is our focus is on sustainability and healthier ingredients. We use a lot of flax seeds in our products for example. We use a lot of chickpeas. We use a lot of natural ingredients that people do feel good about eating.
“The key is this transformation of fast food from an industry that’s really bad for the world to an industry that’s really good for the world. We’re leading that change.”
He said Odd Burger’s mission is to disrupt the fast-food industry by offering delicious food made from scratch using plant-based, minimally processed and sustainable ingredients that are good for people and the planet.
And it is fulfilling this mission by developing advanced automation technology, large scale plant-based food manufacturing facilities and a vertically integrated, locally sourced supply chain.
In addition to its Canadian operations, the developer group for overseas has a local presence in the Indian/Singapore market, which is expected to accelerate Odd Burger’s growth in those regions. The group plans on opening a corporate flagship location in Mumbai, India by the end of 2023, which will serve as a model store for the territory.
The terms of the agreement include a 50 per cent split of all royalties and franchise fees collected in the territory with Odd Burger, as well as a 2.5 per cent contribution to the Odd Burger advertising fund.
Odd Burger has signed an agreement with Sai-Ganesh Enterprises (SGE), a family-owned hospitality group specializing in franchising and commercial construction, to open 36 new locations in Alberta and British Columbia over the next seven years.
Future SarahBijoux Storefront at 5260 Saint-Laurent in Montreal (Image: SarahBijoux)
Montreal-based jewelry brand SarahBijoux will open its first-ever brick and mortar location in its hometown at 5260 Saint-Laurent.
Founder and owner Sarah Simard said the new location will serve as the company’s new headquarters, storefront, and atelier. It will open in June.
The business originally launched in August 2018 as an ecommerce/online venture.
“That marked the launch of my online website, but I was already selling my jewelry through other shops in Montreal. So I was selling a bit in physical places, a little bit online and in many local maker’s markets,” she said.
Image:
SarahBijoux
5260 Saint Laurent Boulevard, Montreal, QC
The new location is in the middle of the Mile End area of Montreal.
“It’s a pretty touristy neighbourhood but it’s also a really popular neighbourhood amongst Montrealers. I kind of always hang around here. There are a lot of different stores, really, really nice restaurants, bars. It’s a really cool neighbourhood. A lot of things are happening,” said Simard.
The innovative concept, in about 1,250 square feet, invites guests to shop the brand’s diverse range of gender-neutral rings, bracelets, and necklaces, and see jewelry being made in real time by local craftspeople and founder Simard herself.
“The really cool feature is a really large atelier space that will be separated from the retail floor. The retail space will be in the front of the store. So when clients enter they will be in that part of the store,” she said.
“And then they will have a look at the atelier. That is about 500 to 600 square feet. It’s a really large space. What’s really, really cool with the store and the space is that they will be separated by glass partitions. So the clients will be able to see the jewelry making in action. They will be able to see kind of what’s going on behind the scenes. How the jewelry that they buy is being made.”
Sarah Simard at the Future Montreal SarahBijoux Storefront
Designed by local interior designer, Mathilde Prud’homme, the modern space will be filled with natural light streaming through the street-front windows. Ceramic, terrazzo-like floors and a neutral colour palette of dark sage, light walnut, and white, will highlight architectural elements such as the jewelry bar or the central display where SarahBijoux’s timeless and inclusive collections will be housed.
Offering guests a unique look into the jewelry fabrication process, which is often behind closed doors, the boutique’s expansive atelier space – separated from the retail floor by glass partitions – will house working benches, tools, and a workblock, where up to four craftspeople can work at a time. The boutique space will also have a section for private appointments and consultations during the week where consumers can order bespoke jewelry made for special occasions such as weddings, graduations, and birthdays, says the company.
Prior to Simard taking over the space, it was a popular bar that had been operated for several years but it closed during the pandemic.
“For now this is my really, really big plan. That’s what I’m going to be focused on in the next years. I really want to have time to meet the customers and get to know everyone around the neighbourhood and to really, really make this space work super well before considering anything else,” said Simard of future plans for the brand.
Image:
SarahBijoux
Image:
SarahBijoux
When she was about 19 or 20 years old, she went to college where she started making jewelry. At first it was just for fun as she had plans of going to university to study international relations and communications.
“But with time I kind of made a name with word of mouth. My friends were wearing my jewelry. Word of mouth kind of gave me credibility with my entourage and with friends of friends,” she said.
She was eventually approached by a store in Montreal that wanted to sell her creations.
“That’s when it all started and that’s when I saw my pieces were liked not only by my friends and family but also by so many people that I didn’t know. That made me realize that I had a really great business opportunity. That’s why in 2018 I decided to go kind of big, launching a website and taking myself seriously, really owning my name and my brand and developing more of that.”
Simard said her jewelry can be worn on a daily basis and she makes gender neutral jewelry that is inclusive.
“For me it’s important that the jewelry and the prices are accessible and transparent,” she said.
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.
Pilgrim, a Denmark jewelry brand, is going to be opening up its sixth location in Canada inside the CF Toronto Eaton Centre, has plans to expand, and will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
Pilgrim opened in 1983 in Denmark by Annemette Markvad as she was inspired to create handcrafted jewelry that was fun without high prices. The brand started by Markvad selling her designs at music festivals and 40 years later, Pilgrim is known internationally.The brand was brought over to Canada eight years ago by Robert Hayes, the Pilgrim North American CEO, and has been growing steadily.
Robert Hayes
Hayes was introduced to the brand while living in Denmark and noticed how versatile the brand was as he saw a mix of generations wearing Pilgrim jewelry.
“This brand is for every soul and is a new concept. It is for everybody. Seeing a lot of people wear Pilgrim sparked my curiosity within the brand and then I approached Annemette Markvad, and it took a year to convince her that I would be the right person to carry her values and her brand into Canada and about eight years ago I started the distribution division in Canada,” says Hayes.
Future Pilgrim at CF Toronto Eaton Centre (Image: Dustin Fuhs)Pilgrim at CF Carrefour Laval (Image: Pilgrim)
All jewelry sold at Pilgrim is handcrafted, lead and nickel free, and have collections for everyone. Consumers can find assortments such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, sunglasses, and more. All of Pilgrim’s products are also hypoallergenic.
The first location was in Montreal as a pop-up in 2019 at Place Montreal Trust where it later turned into a permanent location a year later. Pilgrim also has stores at Quartier DIX30 in Brossard, CF Carrefour Laval near Montreal, Galeries de la Capitale in Quebec City, and at CF Rideau Centre in Ottawa. Hayes says the next store opening will be in the CF Toronto Eaton Centre in Toronto, which will be opening at the end of June.
“The CF Toronto Eaton Centre has always been on my bucket list. I think that people in the Toronto area love to discover new things and so by being at the Eaton Centre, it allows us to expand our reach with new consumers and people who have already been following the brand.”
New Concept
Image: Pilgrim
The Pilgrim locations in Montreal are usually between 700 to 800 square feet; however, the new location in Toronto will be 1,200 square feet as Hayes will be testing a new concept. The store in Toronto will have a piercing studio inside which will give consumers privacy and will provide an elevated experience.
“We found when it comes to piercings, there is not a lot of regulation. So all of our piercers are certified. When we did our research, we found that for most people, person A shows person B how to use the gun and that is it, and good luck. For us, we have a two week intensive course to bring a more elevated experience and a private area where consumers can get their piercings done will add onto their experience.”
The Toronto location will be the first Pilgrim store in Canada to have a piercing studio and if successful, Hayes would like to expand this new concept into all locations. The opening in June for the Toronto store will have a grand opening which Hayes says will include a DJ, free ear piercings, and will have a local non-alcoholic beverage brands to serve cocktails. Hayes also says he is looking to bring in someone to do people’s nails.
“We would like to have someone come in to do people’s nails at the grand opening so that people could do their nails and then be able to try on our rings and then have the perfect instagram picture of their beautiful fingers with beautiful rings on them.”
Expansion Plans
PILGRIM LES GALERIES LA CAPITALE (IMAGE: PILGRIM)PILGRIM LES GALERIES LA CAPITALE (IMAGE: PILGRIM)
Hayes said negotiations are currently in the process of three locations within the GTA area and will announce them once they have been finalized. If all goes well, Hayes says one of these stores will be opening before Christmas and the other two will be opening in January.
On top of these locations, Hayes says the overall goal would be to have thirty locations in Canada.
“I have thirty stores on my list. I had this list even before I started and it was my vision. I have just been slowly checking off the list and going down the road map which is something really important – slow and steady is always the way to go. We have seen a lot of brands come into Canada and move too fast and they don’t understand the market – so we want to make sure we do this slowly and find the perfect locations.”
Hayes says he does deep research before signing a new store as each location has different needs. For example, Hayes has noticed that in Ottawa they love silver, in Montreal they love gold, and in Laval there is a mix which means Pilgrim “needs to change the assortment based on customer demographic.”
“It is constantly evolving the buying merchandising strategy and we really need to adapt to what our customers want. About 32 percent of our customers downtown are also men, so we also have men buying from Pilgrim, so we have to make sure our marketing advertises that and we have the right selection – so that takes time. You don’t learn that right away, but until you roll up your sleeves and learn what consumers want, you won’t succeed.”
Pilgrim Place Montreal Trust (Image: Pilgrim)
In addition to meeting consumers’ needs, Hayes says Pilgrim is also focused on being sustainable. About 60 percent of Pilgrim’s jewelry is made out of recycled materials and Hayes says he is working on increasing that number to one-hundred percent. All the packaging, cards ,and materials used at Pilgrim are also made out of recyclable materials and Hayes says its bags are made out of pea oil so they are not the traditional plastic bag. As the brand expands, Hayes says its sustainability initiatives will also keep growing.
“Pilgrim unites everybody together, no matter who they are, no matter what journey they are on – together they can make their individual style and their own expression. We are all able to express ourselves through Pilgrim and that is the main point of the brand. We have a Scandinavian uniqueness, offer sustainable jewelry, and the price is fair as it is something that is not going to bust the bank.”
Global sporting retailer Decathlon is on an aggressive path of expanding the brand in Canada with upcoming store openings expected in Quebec, Calgary, Ontario and British Columbia.
Emily Manuel, Project Manager of Public Relations and Partnerships with Decathlon, said the retailer plans to open a store in Vancouver this year “which is a huge piece of news because we will finally be coast to coast.”
“We’re really excited about that and we have a couple of locations opening in Quebec. First will probably be Marché Central and then the next after that will probably be (CF Fairview) Pointe Claire and we also have an opening coming in Calgary (at CF Market Mall) and then another one in Toronto (Scarborough Town Centre),” she said. “All of these will be this year.”
The Vancouver location has not been confirmed yet.
Future Decathlon at Scarborough Town Centre (Image: Decathlon Canada)
Currently there are 15 stores in Canada.
“First in Vancouver we’ll have a pop-up store and then probably in 2024 we’ll have a full size store. The next store opening will be Marché Central. That will be the next flagship store that we’ll have opening,” said Manuel.
She said the retailer’s flagship stores are typically between 35,000 square feet to 60,000 square feet. There’s a few concept style stores that are smaller like in Toronto at its Union Station location.
Manuel said the company does have plans to continue its expansion in Canada. In 2024, a store in Chicoutimi, Quebec is expected to open and the retailer is looking to open about four stores a year.
“Especially with the time in the market there’s definitely an economic shift in terms of how we purchase products and everything along those lines. We’re definitely seeing customers and people being very conscious about how they spend their money and we feel that with our product offering and being able to control everything within the supply chain, it really allows us to adjust our prices to speak to that kind of market and speak to the needs of where we are in the economy right now,” she said.
“We’re definitely seeing customers react positively to the prices we have in store and for our products and the quality is really matching that as well.”
Image: Decathlon CanadaImage: Decathlon Canada
Recently, Decathlon launched its “Play It Smart” campaign in Canada. The campaign aims to reinforce Decathlon’s commitment to offering active lifestyle products that are accessible to all, particularly during these challenging economic times. Decathlon’s new brand messaging highlights how their products are accessible for all while being cost conscious without compromising on quality.
“At Decathlon, our mission is to make sports accessible to as many people as possible, even in difficult economic times,” said Philippe Gariépy, Brand Marketing Manager at Decathlon Canada. “Sport brings so much to the physical and mental well-being, so we believe that it should never have to be sacrificed while the cost of living gets excessively high. That’s why we produce our own products in order to offer quality products at the right price and plan to continue innovating in this sense.”
Decathlon first appeared in Canada in 2018. Brokerage Oberfeld Snowcap is handling lease negotiations in Canada
The ‘Play it Smart’ campaign through traditional (billboards, radio etc.,), digital and in-store media initiatives is aimed to help solidify the retailer’s position in the Canadian market.
“We just want to show that even in these economic times, it’s important to remain active, put your active lifestyle first, if you will,” said Manuel. “And Decathlon is there to support you in those needs and that journey whether you’re starting or you’re working towards being an expert in your sport or activity. We really just want to show Canadians that we’re there to support them in that journey.”
Decathlon has more than 1,700 stores in more than 60 countries.
The ultimate celebration of grocery product innovation and trailblazing leadership is the Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards Gala, which will take place this year on May 31, 2023, at the Toronto Congress Centre. Hosted by Retail Council of Canada and presenting sponsor Flipp, the celebration is considered to be the “Oscars” of grocery in Canada.
This year’s 30th Anniversary Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards Gala promises to be bigger and better than ever, with over 100 food and non-food finalists vying for top honours. These finalists represent the most impressive food and non-food products launched into the Canadian market in 2022, as evaluated by an illustrious jury of 31 retailers, industry experts, and food influencers. Both private label and national brands submissions were reviewed throughout a rigorous, several-day, evaluation process to find the best of the best across 24 product categories. Winning a prestigious Canadian Grand Prix New Product Award is widely viewed as both an endorsement of excellence and a potential likelihood of a product becoming commercially successful. The winners of the 30th anniversary of the Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards will be revealed to the industry for the first time at the Gala.
In addition to the new product innovators who will attend the Gala, the who’s who of grocery in Canada will also gather to honour two extraordinary individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth, advancement, and success of grocery retail in Canada. Serge Boulanger from METRO, and John Pigott, CEO of Morrison Lamothe and Club Coffee will both be recognized with Lifetime Achievement Awards which recognize individuals or families who have demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to the Canadian retail and grocery industries. Recipients reflect the industry’s spirit of community and trust. They have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to their company’s growth and innovation, to the communities they serve, and to philanthropy.
The Canadian Grand Prix New Products Awards Gala will be hosted by international food and travel celebrity and founder of Follow Me Foodie, Mijune Pak. Guests will enjoy an exceptional dinner, prepared under the consultation of world-renowned chef Mark McEwan.
The Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards Gala will culminate the second day of RCC STORE 23, Canada’s biggest retail event, which this year will showcase 75+ speakers and attract over 2,000 retail leaders from across North America and around the globe.
OAKBERRY, Brazil’s number one açai brand and purveyors of 100 per cent natural and always fresh açai bowls and smoothies, is set to open five stores in Vancouver this year with more to come throughout Western Canada.
Carter Friesen
“We are beyond excited to bring OAKBERRY to Vancouver, a city that embraces a wellness mindset and appreciates fresh, nutritious ingredients,” said Carter Friesen, Master Franchisee for Western Canada. “We can’t wait for people to taste this delicious superfood this summer and to see what all the hype is about.”
Friesen, based in Winnipeg, is CEO of Snowbank Capital, the company that is developing OAKBERRY stores across Western Canada.
Image: OAKBERRY
Created in 2016, OAKBERRY is a superfood hub, focused on açaí. With around 600 stores, the chain works within the franchise model and is present in more than 30 countries such as the United States, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, France, Australia, Peru, Spain, and Portugal. OAKBERRY offers premium açai bowls and smoothies that provide healthy fast food.
“Our focus is almost on developing OAKBERRY here in Western Canada,” said Friesen.
“Many Canadians are probably not familiar with açai. It’s a Brazilian fruit and 90 per cent of it is naturally harvested in the Amazon. It’s not traditionally farmed or produced the way most fruits are these days. This is farmers who own land and have these Euterpe palm trees growing on the land. They send up farmers on ladders to climb up these trees and take the natural açai off.
“Açai is insanely popular in Brazil. It’s the food of choice. I think if you talk to Brazilians they would say it’s probably their most popular food and you can get it on pretty much any street corner across the country as a breakfast food, as a dessert, as a substitute for meals as well.”
The açai pulp from the berry is a natural antioxidant rich in minerals like potassium and calcium, vitamin E, and healthy fatty acids like Omega 6 and 9.
OAKBERRY offers customers the opportunity to create and customize their own açai bowls and smoothies in small, medium and large options.
Oakberry at Sunshine Plaza in Australia (Image: Sunshine Plaza)
OAKBERRY smoothies come with up to three toppings, including fresh fruits like banana, strawberry and blueberries, as well as granola, chia seeds, cacao nibs and more. OAKBERRY bowls will offer unlimited toppings, each layered between delicious açai, creating a flavourful (and highly ‘grammable’) lunch or snack. Customers are encouraged to customize their bowls any way they like to create their very own take on this flavourful and nutritious food.
Vancouver’s first OAKBERRY will open late spring in Kitsilano at 3139 West Broadway. It marks the second western Canadian expansion of the brand, following a store opening in Calgary some time in May.
Additional locations will open in Gastown and Cambie Village. There will also be an OAKBERRY kiosk at The Post building downtown on West Georgia Street, and a signature store is set to open in the West End this summer, just in time for beach season. An additional five stores will open this year and next across Western Canada in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
“They’re going to range from small kiosks where you can take out and go to stores with small seating areas. Generally we won’t have seating for more than 10 people in the stores,” said Friesen.
“We’ve got pretty aggressive plans. We think there’s a real need for a product like this. I don’t know if we can share exactly what our plan is for the number we intend to open but our schedule will be fairly aggressive and we’re going to focus really hard on the lower Mainland and the major metropolitan areas in Western Canada.”
OAKBERRY operates in the GTA under a different master franchise agreement, including locations at Toronto Union Station, Mississauga, and a future location at The Well.
Nordstrom Rack at 1 Bloor Street East in Toronto on May 15, 2023. Photo: Lawrence Cheng
All of Nordstrom Rack’s Canadian stores shut at the end of day on Sunday, marking the end for the chain that saw seven of the off-price stores open in major markets in Canada. Nordstrom Rack’s first stores opened in Canada in 2018.
Nordstrom announced that it was exiting Canada on March 2 of this year, and liquidation sales began on March 18 after court approval. Nordstrom had filed to wind down its Canadian operations under the Companies Creditors’ Arrangement Act.
Since mid-March, Nordstrom’s liquidator has been holding sales at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores — the initial discounts in March were 5% off most items, drawing criticism and even mocking by some. Sales gradually became deeper until recently when Nordstrom Rack’s stores cleared out quickly with little merchandise being seen on closing day Sunday. Nordstrom’s liquidation efforts are being led by Hilco Merchant Retail Solutions ULC and Gordon Brothers Canada.
Nordstrom Rack at 1 Bloor Street East in Toronto on May 14, 2023. Photo: Lawrence ChengNordstrom Rack at 1 Bloor Street East in Toronto on May 14, 2023. Photo: Lawrence ChengNordstrom Rack at 1 Bloor Street East in Toronto on May 14, 2023. Photo: Lawrence ChengNordstrom Rack at 1 Bloor Street East in Toronto on May 14, 2023. Photo: Lawrence Cheng
When Nordstrom Rack’s stores first opened in Canada, there was excitement around the brand assortment that included an impressive offering of designer shoes, among other categories. The designer offerings appeared to diminish quickly, with many complaining that Nordstrom Rack’s Canadian store lacked interesting product that would have made the stores worth visiting. This was partly due to a shift in strategy by Nordstrom Rack, including in the US. The product assortment at Nordstrom Rack was also said to be somewhat inconsistent when compared to competitors such as TJX Group’s Winners and Marshalls banners in Canada.
Nordstrom Rack opened its first Canadian store in March of 2018 at Vaughan Mills near Toronto. Nordstrom Rack stores subsequently opened at Deerfoot Meadows in Calgary, at Yonge and Bloor in downtown Toronto, at Ottawa Train Yards in Ottawa, South Edmonton Common in Edmonton, Heartland Town Centre in Mississauga, and most recently in September of 2020 at the Willowbrook Shopping Centre in Langley near Vancouver.
The retailer had said in years past that it had planned to operate between 12 and 15 Rack stores in Canada, and store performance as well as the pandemic appear to have halted things. Nordstrom Rack stores are typically in the 30-40,000 square foot range and landlords will be looking to backfill these spaces.
Nordstrom Rack Vaughan Mills. Image supplied by Nordstrom in 2018.
Nordstrom Rack Vaughan Mills, Friday May 12, 2023. Video by Norman Katz Nordstrom Rack South Edmonton Common. Photo: NordstromEXTERIOR OF NORDSTROM RACK AT HEARTLAND TOWN CENTRE. PHOTO: HEARTLAND TOWN CENTRE
The exit of Nordstrom Rack is good news for competitor TJX as well as Saks OFF 5TH, the off-price retailer owned by the Hudson’s Bay Company. Sales at OFF 5TH are also said to be weak with some units seeing sales of less than $100 per square foot, according to sources. It’s not known if Nordstrom Rack’s exit will be a boost to OFF 5TH, which has also seen numerous complaints from shoppers about a generally lacklustre assortment.
Nordstrom’s six full-priced, full-sized stores will remain open in Canada until next month when they, too, will shut forever. That will mark the end of Nordstrom’s run in Canada, which saw the chain lose money in Canada every year since its first store opened at CF Chinook Centre in Calgary in September of 2014.
Following the opening of the Calgary store, Nordstrom opened large full-priced locations in Ottawa (March 2015 at CF Rideau Centre), Vancouver (September 2015 at CF Pacific Centre), and three Toronto locations (CF Toronto Eaton Centre in September of 2016, Yorkdale Shopping Centre in October of 2016, and CF Sherway Gardens in September of 2017).
We’ll report back next month when Nordstrom’s remaining large-format stores shut forever.
