Home Blog Page 811

Innovative Walmart Supercentre Opens at Hillside Centre in Victoria, Replacing Former Sears: Interviews/Photos

By
Mario Toneguzzi
-
Walmart Canada at Hillside Shopping Centre in Victoria, BC (Image: Walmart Canada)

Walmart’s new Supercentre in Victoria has opened at the Hillside Shopping Centre in space formerly occupied by Sears.

The store occupies 145,000 square feet and employs approximately 350 people, with around 200 trade and construction jobs created with the build.

Derreck Cuschieri

“Today is a very exciting day for Walmart Canada,” said Derreck Cuschieri, Vice President of Operations for Western Canada, Walmart Canada. “We are thrilled to be growing in Victoria. We want to help Canadians save money so they can live better with everyday low prices that will make a big difference for families. Our customers will benefit from having a store close to the downtown core where they can choose to shop in-store or online with in-store pickup or home delivery. We look forward to sparking positive change in Victoria.”

The new store is part of Walmart Canada’s $3.5 billion investment aimed to generate significant growth and to make the online and in-store shopping experience simpler, faster and more convenient for associates and customers.

Walmart Canada at Hillside Shopping Centre in Victoria, BC (Image: Walmart Canada)

Garrett Lawrence, the store manager, said this will be the third Walmart in the Greater Victoria Area.

“The largest (from a sales perspective) Walmart in Canada is just down the road. It’s at Uptown which is about four kilometres away and we have the Langford location which is about 15 to 20 kilometres away from us,” said Lawrence. “Hillside is actually going to feature some new programs in regards to signage. New to British Columbia. It will be the first store from a signage perspective which is going to make it a lot easier for customers to navigate a Walmart. It’s going to be a lot more aisle location and signage shoutouts letting customers know here’s where the vacuums are and here’s where sporting goods is. It’s a new program that Walmart’s launched that looks absolutely fantastic. The sight lines are great.

“We’ve got a very wide international selection that kind of caters to our community. It’s a two-floor store with a really clean look. We’re really proud of the selection we have as well. From an online grocery perspective, we’re going to actually launch the Express orders, two-hour express. So for two-hour pickup or home delivery, which is a pretty big win. We’re going to launch that right out the gate.

“The landscape of the store is very unique. It’s probably one of the most beautiful storefronts I’ve seen in my time with Walmart. Really nice tree-lined. The landscaping is beautiful. It’s just a different shopping experience. We’re kind of going for that community feel. Really trying to grow some roots in this community and attach ourselves to it.”

Walmart Canada at Hillside Shopping Centre in Victoria, BC (Image: Walmart Canada)

Lawrence said customers will also be able to have items ordered online and shipped to the store at no cost. 

“We’ve got a very easy pick up system for customers. They have dedicated parking with a five-minute guaranteed wait time – five minutes or less,” he said.

The new Walmart entrance is on the North Dairy Road side of the shopping centre with nearby retail neighbours including Thrifty Foods, Canadian Tire, Dollarama, Shoppers Drug Mart, SportChek, Bolen Books and Marshalls.

“Hillside Centre and all of our merchants are very excited to welcome Walmart to our retail community,” said Kerry Shular, General Manager at Hillside Centre.

“The addition of Walmart in the Oaklands neighbourhood will only enhance the work-life balance of our residents and truly bring a one-stop shopping experience to Hillside Centre’s customers.”

Walmart Canada at Hillside Shopping Centre in Victoria, BC (Image: Walmart Canada)

“We’ve been in Victoria as a company for 28 years. It’s kind of a natural fit to open a new store in this community we’re so familiar with serving,” said Lawrence. “We still feel like there’s a strong demand for the presence of Walmart with our community affordable prices, especially in this part of Victoria. We’re very close to the universities. The University of Victoria is very close by. Camosun College is close by. It’s easier for access for them to get to Hillside opposed to Uptown, especially with public transportation. 

“So this is going to offer more convenience for shoppers. We do have a very big mix of demographic in this part of Victoria. You have a lot of students here but you also have a very big mix of income status levels.

“It’s been a lot of fun. I’m really proud of the associate base that we have in the store. I think we’ve got associates that represent the community and the customers we’re serving and I couldn’t be prouder of how much work they’ve put into getting this thing ready, especially the past two months. It’s been astonishing to watch a group of new people new to the company be able to put this thing together.”

Walmart Canada at Hillside Shopping Centre in Victoria, BC (Image: Walmart Canada)

New features and offerings at the Victoria Hillside Supercentre include:

  • An expansive international section including Asian, Southeast Asian, British, German, Latin and Italian foods.
  • Walmart Express Pickup service with online grocery orders ready in two hours or less.
  • Walmart Grocery Delivery service with local on-demand delivery.
  • A Walmart Pharmacy slated to open in the coming weeks with a pharmacy team that is eager to offer new and longtime customers expert advice, compassionate help on health-care issues and assistance with products and prescriptions.
  • A 4,000 sq. ft. Jack Nathan Health medical centre with paramedical services such as chiropractic, physiotherapy and a medical spa, expected to open in the summer of 2022.
  • Sustainable features including a transcritical CO2 refrigeration system with rejected energy being reclaimed for building heating systems, a building automation system for lighting and HVAC controls, LED lighting and low flow fixtures.

British Columbia is home to 48 Walmart stores and one distribution centre, employing more than 12,000 associates.

Walmart Canada at Hillside Shopping Centre in Victoria, BC (Image: Walmart Canada)
Walmart Canada at Hillside Shopping Centre in Victoria, BC (Image: Walmart Canada)
Walmart Canada at Hillside Shopping Centre in Victoria, BC (Image: Walmart Canada)
Walmart Canada at Hillside Shopping Centre in Victoria, BC (Image: Walmart Canada)
Walmart Canada at Hillside Shopping Centre in Victoria, BC (Image: Walmart Canada)
Walmart Canada at Hillside Shopping Centre in Victoria, BC (Image: Walmart Canada)

Vancouver-Based John Fluevog Launches 1st Collaboration with Iconic UK Designer Zandra Rhodes: Feature Q&A

By
Catherine Dunwoody
-
John Fluevog & Zandra Rhodes (Photo courtesy of John Fluevog Shoes)

With the tagline “unique soles for unique souls since 1970”, independent Canadian footwear designer and retailer John Fluevog is known globally for thinking well outside the shoebox. His long-time faithful fans, known as Fluevogers, plus celebrity clients that include Madonna and of course Dr. Bonnie Henry, all share an appreciation that John unapologetically designs what he loves.

Free-spirited Mr. Fluevog kicked off his career in the 60s at Vancouver’s Sheppard’s Shoes, and by 1970 he and fellow co-worker Peter Fox opened Fox and Fluevog in historic Gastown. Ten years later the two parted ways and John went solo. The 80s brought us his landmark Angel Soles, made from 100% natural latex harvested from the Hevea Tree, and that still have the famous message on the sole: “Resists alkali, water, acid, fatigue and Satan”. His retail business grew by opening boutiques around the globe and a thriving e-commerce site.

British textiles and fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes celebrated her 50th year in fashion in 2019 with a retrospective exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum, which she founded in London, and a book published by Yale. With her signature hot pink bob, bold style and love of vivid colour, Ms. Rhodes has dressed Freddie Mercury, Diana Ross, and Princess Diana plus collaborated with brands like Valentino, Topshop, and M•A•C Cosmetics, including a collection for IKEA in 2021.  

The Fluevog x Zandra Rhodes collection unveiled in June 2022, and writer Catherine Dunwoody had the opportunity to sit down with both designers to chat.

John Fluevog & Zandra Rhodes (Photo courtesy of John Fluevog Shoes)

Zandra, were you familiar with John Fluevog shoes, prior to working together?

Zandra: Many years ago, I was first introduced to the magical name Fluevog when I was in New York doing an appearance at Henri Bendel, and one of my lovely customers said, “you must come into this shop in Soho.” I went in and bought a pair with a buckle, in green suede, and I had this green suit to go with it that I had made. The shoes were like nothing I had ever seen before. They were fabulous. And comfortable. I had them in my London flat, and one Christmas I was away for a week. I have double locks, but someone had burgled and entered from the roof. The only thing they took were the green shoes, because they couldn’t get out the front door to take the television and other big things down. But my shoes went. (laughs)

How did you two meet and when?

John: We are two birds of a feather, two soul mates, because we…

Zandra: Lived thru the 60s! (laughs)

John: (laughs) And 70s, and 80s and 90s. We lived through all these decades. So, there’s one: if you lived through it. And 2: if you lived through it in the fashion business. And 3: we are both independents. It’s a rare thing. My wife and I went over to London last year and met Zandra in her lovely building and went to her lovely studio which is completely ‘Zanderized’ with stuff she loves. Her workspace is abundant. 

John Fluevog & Zandra Rhodes (Photo courtesy of John Fluevog Shoes)

Like a candy box, I am sure.

John: Absolutely. So, an agent got in touch with us about collaborating, and we thought ok…but I think for both of us when we are approached with an idea it’s not something you jump into immediately, it has to work for both parties. The process has to be fun. There are a lot of bits and pieces that go into this. Special buckles and molds are made, all the prints have to be the right size, the trims, we have to really be on the same page. We both have to let it go a bit and watch what happens.

Zandra:  Plus, we are both surrounded by exciting staff.

John:  Yes, we do have great staff. And I feel very privileged that a guy from Vancouver can connect …

Zandra: With a girl from London (laughs)

John:  I mean, Zandra was just with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, she was riding with seven other Dames of repute.

What came first, the shoe styles or the colours and fabrics?

John: We started with a few of the iconic shapes I had done that are recognizable as Fluevog. Then 

Zandra added her twist – her prints, her wiggles. I am very pleased to honour her in her work that she spent a lifetime doing. 

John Fluevog and Zandra Rhodes collaborate on Spring/Summer ’22 capsule collection (Image: Dustin Fuhs)

It sounds like you have some shared sensibilities, yes?

Zandra: I think we are both prepared to stick our neck out and try things, that are not going to look like anyone else’s.

John: And we are still relevant after all these years, which is unusual, and I think it needs to be said that we both work hard. 

Zandra: I think both of us are on a different wavelength than others. I would never put us in ‘fast fashion’ for instance. I think we are producing an unusual product that people either like, or don’t like. 

John: If I was in fast fashion, I probably wouldn’t be in business today. If I tried to follow every trend like a madman, I would be super stressed years ago, and out of business. It’s finding your own voice, your own sensibility which is very different from just following trends. I’m not bragging when I say this but it’s not easy to have your own energy that is picked up around the world and recognized like ‘that’s a Zandra Rhodes, and that’s a Fluevog’. If you follow what’s inside of you and what gives you energy, it works. I still like looking at shoes because they still give me a thrill. 

Zandra: I think fashion is going to change. I don’t think the world with its resources, can keep thinking we’ve got to produce something and then 6 months later it’s out of fashion. I don’t think the resources can cope with that anyway. I can’t cope with that either. 

John: With Zandra’s pieces you can pull out something that you bought thirty years ago, and they look great depending on what you mix and match together. I am with Zandra in that I don’t like making shoes that you’re going to throw away or feel odd in a year from now, like ‘that’s so last year’. I want to produce things that look beautiful, that people say ‘those are wonderful, where did you get those?’ and that are special. Shoes you keep and that are not disposable.

John Fluevog & Zandra Rhodes (Photo courtesy of John Fluevog Shoes)

John, how many stores are you at are now globally?

John: 24. We shrunk slightly during Covid, but I’m still in business.

Any interesting plans with the new 4th Avenue store in Vancouver?

John: We designed that store to do events, we planned it for that. We like to do charity events, it’s aways fun for us as a company and for my wife and I both. Sometimes business is business, and you can get all ‘whatever’ about it but at the end of the day if you are giving back to the community and there are things we can do to share and to give. There’s that human pleasure in just living, that you did something good. That means something to me. 

Any plans for new stores or initiatives?

John: We are always looking and thinking. Our New York store moved a few blocks away during Covid because of rent situations, and needless to say the internet is far reaching.  We have this thing called International Fluevog Day every May 15th. It’s our day of random acts of kindness. Every year we have a celebration, and all our products are 15% off. Then we randomly give away a free pair of shoes to every 51st customer who shops on the internet. I ring the majority of them, and say something like “hi Mary, this is John Fluevog” and most of the time they think the store is calling them (laughs) and “did you know its IFD today? Well, your shoes are free.” It’s fun right? 

Any presence in film or television lately?

John:  We did a boot for the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds series, everyone in the cast wears it as part of their uniform. We’ll make it available to the public later as part of the fall/winter ’22 collection.  

The John Fluevog x Zandra Rhodes Collection is available in stores and online.

Video Interview: Bernard Leblanc, CEO of La Maison Simons Discusses Retail Expansion

By
Mario Toneguzzi
-
Video Interview: Bernard Leblanc, CEO of La Maison Simons Discusses Retail Expansion

Bernard Leblanc, President/CEO, Simons, discusses the retailer’s expansion into the Halifax market.

Leblanc talks about why the company expanded to the Maritimes, its recent opening of a new store in Montreal, its belief in physical stores, and its future plans.

Youtube video

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 National Business Journalist with Retail Insider and owner of Mario Toneguzzi Communications Inc. and can be reached at mdtoneguzzi@gmail.com.

Interviewed this episode:

Like, Share and Subscribe to Mario Toneguzzi on YouTube!

Follow Mario:

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.

Follow Retail Insider:

Share your thoughts!

Carbonleo Takes Over Management of Quartier DIX30 Near Montreal with Plans for Site Redevelopment [Interview]

By
Craig Patterson
-
Image: Quartier DIX30

Montreal-based Carbonleo announced Thursday that it has taken over operations of the Quartier DIX30 centre in Brossard near Montreal. The landlord will handle property management and leasing as well as the redevelopment of the centre that will include new residential. A sustainability focus will also see the centre become more pedestrian-friendly as part of the changes that will be made over the next several years.

Quartier DIX30 is the second-largest retail centre in Canada in terms of size, and is considered to be Canada’s first lifestyle centre. The multi-building complex spans nearly 2.8 million square feet with retail that includes a village-like component and big-box retailers. The first phase of Quartier DIX30 opened in 2006 with a third phase being completed in 2009. 

Of the 316 tenants at Quartier DIX30, 205 are retailers, 65 are restaurants and 46 are offices. The complex spans more than 200 acres which means there’s room for site intensification. 

Click image for interactive Google map
Image: Carbonleo

Major anchors include Walmart, Canadian Tire, Cineplex and Rona. Quartier DIX30 also offers customers a wide range of brands including Apple, Michael Kors, Hugo Boss, Lululemon, and Pottery Barn (only location in Quebec).

Nicholas Desourdy, EVP of Carbonleo, said that the landlord is “absolutely thrilled” to be taking over the largest lifestyle centre in Canada. With that, plans are in place to make some changes to the centre that includes the addition of residential buildings as well as elements of sustainability that include the use of transit which will be more readily available after the completion of a new light rail transit line near Quartier DIX30. A redesign of some retail elements will create a more pedestrian-oriented development that will encourage active mobility. 

Desourdy explained that after 15 years of operations, Quartier DIX30 is ready for its “next phase of evolution, adapted to today’s reality”. 

“We aim to continue shaping the success of the property, together with the current tenants. In addition to constantly improving the customer experience, we want to make Quartier DIX30 the true heart of the South Shore of Montreal and make it a Pedestrian Oriented Development in collaboration with the City of Brossard,” he said. “Soon to be just a stone’s throw from the new REM station, Quartier DIX30 will bring together everything customers need within a few minutes’ walking distance!”

Image: Carbonleo
Image: Carbonleo

Increased sales to retail tenants will be one of the goals as Carbonleo executes its strategy with Quartier DIX30 — already the centre is seeing stronger sales than before the pandemic with April 2022 sales being up 11% over 2019 according to Desourdy. 

In terms of housing, about 2,000 units are planned over the next five to ten years. More details will be released on the overall project as Carbonleo works with the municipality on the redevelopment. 

Desourdy explained that Carbonleo is considered to be a leader in centre management by executing to institutional standards at a level that allows it to have pension funds as partners. Carbonleo is also focusing on sustainability as well as a B Corp Certification. 

In addition to Quartier DIX30, Carbonleo is also developing the massive Royalmount project on Montreal Island that will include a retail shopping centre, offices, hotels and thousands of units of residential. The company also developed and owns the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Montreal which is connected to Holt Renfrew Ogilvy. 

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For June 16th, 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.

Stylist Lauren Walker-Lee Launches Fashion and Lifestyle Video Interview Series with Independent Retailers in Toronto

By
Mario Toneguzzi
-
Talking & Shopping: Episode One (Lauren Walker Lee speaks with Corrine Anestopoulos of Biko Jewelry)

Lauren Walker-Lee, a stylist and creative consultant, has created Talking & Shopping, which is a unique fashion and lifestyle video interview series featuring designers, creatives and founders.

Lauren Walker-Lee

Walker-Lee goes talking and shopping with these amazing women to hear their stories while visiting some of the best boutiques in Toronto. 

“I had this kind of lightbulb idea. It came in like meditation actually. If I had one wish from a genie, what would it be? I want to interview all my creative friends. I went to school for radio and television first and I think life is coming full circle in this content world we live in and I’m like just going to set up and I’m going to make a pilot presentation and I’m going to pitch a show,” said Walker-Lee.

“What do I want to do? I talk and I shop. I’m going to use this as a vehicle to get to know creative women while shining a light on these amazing artists and also the independent retailers.

Image: Talking & Shopping
Youtube video

“Because I’m in this commercial production world that we have so much of here in Toronto, I assembled a team of amazing people who generously donated their time and we created these three episodes where I was just going to give it my all and I won’t forgive myself if I don’t try. It’s called Talking & Shopping, it has a very concise premise, and I did make three episodes before deciding to continue to make more on my own while I endeavour to get these seen. Maybe it lands with a proper network. I’m going to continue to make episodes for as long as I can myself.”

They are currently on her YouTube and Instagram. Each of the guests is matched with an appropriate boutique to go talking and shopping at. She has six episodes now with definitely more to come and hopefully to hit up Montreal next.

“We get to highlight these great people amongst fashion, lifestyle, the arts, as well as visit neighbourhoods in Toronto and beyond,” she said. 

Walker-Lee is from Toronto and spends the majority of her time wardrobe styling. She also writes and does creative consulting. She received her undergrad in Broadcast Journalism at Ryerson University in Toronto before attending Parsons The New School of Design for Fashion Marketing.

“I’ve always been in this world of communications whether written or visual,” she said. 

Okayok (Image: Talking & Shopping Youtube)
Youtube video

With a background in fashion public relations in both New York City and London, she then went on to launch her own lifestyle e-boutique Suite Hazen in the UK before returning to her hometown. Creative communications and consulting for fashion and lifestyle brands remains a passion and area of focus.

“As a freelance stylist and creative consultant no two weeks are alike. My styling work ranges from large commercial productions to fashion editorial and work with independent brands. Creative consulting and writing allows for me to keep a pulse on what is happening in the industry and furthers my knowledge and relationships. My education in broadcast journalism and fashion marketing set the foundation for a journey in communications both visual and written. A passion for the arts and fashion is matched by my love and enthusiasm for the creative community,” she writes on her website.

“I am a lover of aesthetics, and consumer of culture. Fashion, art, and design inform my tastes and perspective, and are evident in my life and work. Living in New York City was a priceless experience that included internships at Vogue, WWD, and Black Frame PR, where I would then go on to work in Public Relations with their clients Rodarte, Acne, Nicholas Kirkwood, and Opening Ceremony amongst others, plus meet Mario Testino, have a run in with Courtney Love, and send out hundreds of looks to celebrity stylists and magazines. Once in London I was immersed in the wave of young British designers that are now household names, Peter Pilotto, Roksanda, and J.W Anderson. Living in London provided a rich cultural experience at my favorite intersections – Fashion, design, music, and art.”

Youtube video

Walker-Lee said the use of video is important. People are increasingly moving towards motion versus stills. There’s still going to be a good dose of traditional articles and photography but hearing someone’s story and being able to visually show what’s going on really brings it to life.

“I think we’re just moving so into video from social media whether that’s short quick snippets and alternately I think there’s a little bit of a lack of longer format narrative storytelling like interviews, longer-format fashion and lifestyle content,” she said.

“We’ve got loads in Canada amongst home, and food and competition shows, but I just felt there was this gap among my peer group for longer-format video interviewing for behind the scenes of creative conversation which just lends itself so perfectly to motion, visual video.”

Sephora Opens 1st Retail Store in a Canadian Transit Hub at Union Station in Toronto [Interview/Photos]

By
Shelby Hautala
-
Union Station Sephora (Image: Arash Moallemi / Sephora Canada)

Sephora Canada has opened its first retail store inside a Canadian transit hub – the Toronto Union Station. 

The new location offers Sephora’s full assortment of makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrances. Customers will be able to find Sephora’s Collection along with more than 340 other beauty brands such as Tatcha, Olaplex, and Rare Beauty. Customers will also have access to makeup and skincare services. 

For commuters, this location is perfect as it is accessible from the TTC, Go Transit, or the VIA Rail.  

Union Station Sephora (Image: Arash Moallemi / Sephora Canada)
Gregory Bruyer

“We want to make sure we do very well in this specific store,” says Gregory Bruyer, the SVP General Manager of Sephora Canada. “We want to provide an amazing experience as we have customers buying products and then rushing off to the train.”

The new store spans 4,175 square feet in the Bay Street Promenade at Union Station, which will make it accessible for customers who commute. As this store is the first retail store in a transit hub, Sephora wants to make sure the location is extremely efficient. 

“Being efficient will be important for this location as our customers are most likely going to work or catching the next train. Either customers want to spend time there or they just want to pick up their products and go,” says Bruyer.

100th Store Opening this November 

Union Station Sephora (Image: Arash Moallemi / Sephora Canada)

The Toronto Union Station location is the 38th Sephora store in Ontario and the 89th store in Canada for Sephora, and customers can expect 14 more this year. 

“We are opening 14 stores this year and are opening 15 stores next year, it is a huge commitment to grow our network in Canada and provide a full retail experience,” says Bruyer. 

Sephora wants all Canadians to have access to either shop online or buy in store, so the retailer is looking for locations that will reach people who are moving to remote locations. Jeff Berkowitz of Aurora Realty Consultants is negotiating the leases on behalf of Sephora.

Along with the new stores opening, Sephora will be celebrating its 100th store opening this year in Canada in November. 

Sephora Retail Experience 

Union Station Sephora (Image: Arash Moallemi / Sephora Canada)

Sephora is now offering same day delivery to enhance customers experiences. Even throughout the pandemic, Sephora was successful in providing excellent customer service. 

“During Covid-19 many retailers were facing some challenges in terms of delivery, but even at peak times or promotions, we were delivering more than 90 percent of products in under two days,” says Bruyer. “So right now, we are doing same day delivery, and we are focused on this strategy.” 

Sephora’s makeup services are doing extremely well Bruyer says. Customers coming into the new store will have three options for makeup services: 30-minutes, 60-minutes, or Sephora’s 90-minute service. 

“In retail, if you are able to provide excitement, enjoyment, and get people leaving the store with a smile, boost their energy, and confidence then it is amazing,” says Bruyer. “We are super excited about this new location, and we truly believe in customer service, and we are excited to expand our stores.” 

See below for more photos of the unique Union Station Sephora store.

Related Retail Insider Articles

Additional Photos of the Sephora at Toronto’s Union Station

Union Station Sephora (Image: Arash Moallemi / Sephora Canada)
Union Station Sephora (Image: Arash Moallemi / Sephora Canada)
Union Station Sephora (Image: Arash Moallemi / Sephora Canada)
Union Station Sephora (Image: Arash Moallemi / Sephora Canada)
Union Station Sephora (Image: Arash Moallemi / Sephora Canada)
Union Station Sephora (Image: Arash Moallemi / Sephora Canada)
Union Station Sephora (Image: Arash Moallemi / Sephora Canada)
Union Station Sephora (Image: Arash Moallemi / Sephora Canada)
Union Station Sephora (Image: Arash Moallemi / Sephora Canada)

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For June 15th, 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.

Sustainability Needs to be a Focus for Retailers in Canada Amid Consumer Demands: Expert/Interview

By
Sean Tarry
-
DUER Kitsilano Flagship (Image: DUER)

The list of impacts caused or precipitated by the COVID-19 global pandemic is lengthy and continues to grow as communities all over the world start to become familiar with the new ‘normal’ that we’ve inherited. Many of these impacts have resulted in disruptions and disturbances, such as the delays and congestion currently experienced within the global supply chain or the skyrocketing inflation that threatens to cripple family budgets. However, there have also been some that have accelerated evolutions like the digitization of the world around us, resulting in greater speed, ease and convenience around communication and information transfer. However, perhaps the greatest impact of the pandemic, suggests industry expert and Founder of Retail Strategy Group, Liza Amlani, is reflected by the galvanization of our collective consciousness around social issues and the influence it’s having on retailers and brands.

“There’s been a real shift in mindset among Canadian consumers toward greater consideration being paid toward social issues and causes,” she says. “It’s a trend that had been evident prior to COVID-19. But, just like with so many other things, the pandemic seemed to accelerate this concern among people. The situation over the course of the past couple of years has really made people take stock of their lives and reassess the things that truly matter to them. Through the retail lens, this is significant because consumers are starting to align more strongly with the brands that believe in and stand for the same causes as they do. And, they’re beginning to vote with their wallets as well. It’s putting pressure on those within the industry, particularly brands operating in apparel, to ensure that they implement and enhance practices around sustainable and ethical production.”

Holding retailers accountable

In fact, Amlani’s observations concerning the sentiment of Canadian consumers around issues related to sustainability in production are captured by a number of different surveys and reports currently in circulation. According to the most recent EY Future Consumer Index, an overwhelming majority of consumers (68%) are looking to retailers and other businesses to drive the sustainability agenda and commit financially to ensuring positive outcomes. Of those surveyed, 25 percent believe companies should reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while 28 per cent believe that large multinational corporations should reduce waste generated during production. They are issues that consumers are increasingly holding businesses accountable for. Fortunately, says Amlani, retailers and brands now have access to an array of tools that can help them reduce the negative impacts of their operations.

“The entire industry is being pressured to place more focus and emphasis on practices and the ways in which they can be made more sustainable and ethical,” she asserts. “However, there are obviously some verticals that tend to have a greater impact on the environment and the world around us, shining a brighter spotlight on their production practices and associated waste. The most noticeable of which is the apparel sector. There are a lot of different aspects of the apparel manufacturing process that are becoming less than desirable from a sustainability perspective. However, as a result of the recent digitization of our environment, a number of different tools have recently been introduced or become more affordable that retailers can leverage in order to begin reducing their negative impact.”

Reducing physical sampling

One of the aspects of the apparel manufacturing process that’s benefitting from the use of technology is that of sampling. An important part of the process involving manufacturer and designer development, the practice that includes the physical patterned material or fabric sample, is responsible for the creation of an inordinate amount of waste. However, with the use of 3D rendering technology, samples can now be shared electronically, reducing waste and, in fact, expediting the entire process. It’s an area in which Amlani says significant improvement can be made, and one that she believes could inspire similar evolutions within the production of apparel that will continue to streamline the ways garments are made.

“Retailers and brands and their manufacturer partners are all so used to sharing samples of materials and prototypes and iterations of product along the production process,” she points out. “It’s the way things have been done for such a long time within the industry. But, because we now have the tools necessary to provide an alternative to physical samples and eliminate the need for the waste that’s generated around them, retailers and brands are beginning to see the benefit of their implementation and use. In the end, the use of the right technological tools will help those operating within the apparel sector to not only improve their environmental impact, but create production efficiencies as well.”

Eliminating overproduction

Amlani also recognizes the fact that there is still a substantial amount of overproduction happening at the moment, exacerbating and adding to the negative impacts already inherent in production. However, it’s another area of the process that she suggests can be enhanced with the use of the right tools, adding that there are real opportunities for everyone involved, from development to manufacturing and at all points in between, to tighten practices and reduce waste.

“When you think of the number of vendors that are involved, all partnering together to create and bring a product to market, there’s actually a lot of time, effort and physical resources wasted along the way,” she asserts. “Digital tools can help dramatically improve the way retailers and brands connect with factories, creating real-time visibility across the entire product creation journey, allowing them to collaboratively work together in order to understand exactly what the demand is and the amounts of garments required to meet it in the market. In the end, the right digital tools are going to elevate communication between partners, leading to an improved impact on the environment and the creation of efficiencies as well.”

The power of data

Much of the efficiencies that Amlani refers to and the digital tools being leveraged to find them are supported by the generation of critical consumer and market data. The ability to access this type of data and properly analyze it are opening up extraordinary opportunities to gain a holistic view of the entire product creation journey and manage it most effectively. In fact, Amlani believes that, if leveraged to its greatest effect, data holds the key to a multitude of improvements for retailers and brands operating within the apparel sector.

“When you marry improved communication between retailers and their factory partners with the implementation of some of these advanced analytics tools, brands will be able to better predict and plan for the things that consumers are looking for. It will allow them to put the right product in the right place at the right time, removing a lot of the guesswork that has traditionally driven decisions around product and preventing testing at market. Using improved planning tools is going to be critical in helping retailers and brands to continue finding success, become even more customer-centric and produce less waste.”

Related Retail Insider Articles

Video Interview: Bringing La Dolce Vita To Canadians With Cool Italian Products with Gennaro Silvestri

By
Mario Toneguzzi
-
Video Interview: Bringing La Dolce Vita To Canadians With Cool Italian Products with Gennaro Silvestri

Gennaro Silvestri, President/CEO, Apé Canada and Tag Intercontinental, discusses some of the cool things his companies are bringing to Calgary so people can enjoy la dolce vita.

Gennaro talks about what the companies do, how they came to be, micro mobility, the robot Gita, the popular three-wheel Apé and trends in the industry.

Youtube video

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 National Business Journalist with Retail Insider and owner of Mario Toneguzzi Communications Inc. and can be reached at mdtoneguzzi@gmail.com.

Interviewed this episode:

Like, Share and Subscribe to Mario Toneguzzi on YouTube!

Follow Mario:

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.

Follow Retail Insider:

Share your thoughts!

1...810811812...1,395Page 811 of 1,395