Former Four Seasons Hotel at CF Pacific Centre (PHOTO: GOOGLE STREET VIEW)
Multiple sources have come forward to inform Retail Insider that they’ve heard that a Ritz Carlton Hotel will be opening in the former Four Seasons Hotel complex at CF Pacific Centre in downtown Vancouver. The hotel property connected to the shopping centre was vacated by Four Seasons hotel in early 2020 just before the pandemic.
Retail Insider is unable to confirm the information and thus is classifying the information as a ‘rumour’ worth noting, given the multiple sources.
The Four Seasons operated on the site for about 44 years — the 372 room hotel soaring 30 floors and more than 300 feet opened in April of 1976. The Pacific Centre shopping complex was new at the time and was anchored at it south end by a 630,000 square foot Eaton’s department store.
The Four Seasons Hotel once had a second-level entry directly into the women’s designer floor of Holt Renfrew which once occupied the space in the mall now occupied by H&M. Holt Renfrew relocated a block north within CF Pacific Centre in 2007 to a much larger space as part of a large-format concept for Holt Renfrew.
Four Seasons Hotel PHOTO: GOOGLE STREET VIEW
Several retailers operated in the lobby of the Four Seasons hotel over the years including Canada’s only storefront for luxury jeweller Roberto Coin. That store shut in 2019.
An Apple flagship store is currently under construction beside the former Four Seasons Hotel at CF Pacific Centre. The store will replace a park space and a glass entryway into the mall that resembled an igloo.
The hotel building on West Georgia Street most recently occupied by the Trump Hotel and Private Residences was originally intended to be a Ritz Carlton Hotel — plans changed and the Trump banner proceeded and the hotel component shut earlier this year. A source told Retail Insider that a new independent hotel brand will be announced to replace it with details to come.
Ritz Carlton operates two other hotels in Canada, including one in Toronto’s Entertainment District and another in downtown Montreal on Sherbrooke Street West. The Toronto and Montreal Ritz hotels feature expensive condominium apartments above the hotel components. In Vancouver, it would be unlikely that a substantial residential component would be included given the low ceiling heights in the CF Pacific Centre hotel tower.
We’ll follow up on this bulletin when we are able to confirm rumours about the Ritz Carlton’s move into the Vancouver market via CF Pacific Centre.
The Bay Named Official Style Partner for the Toronto Raptors
The Hudson’s Bay Company has announced a multi-year partnership with NBA team Toronto Raptors which will see newly formed digital division The Bay become the Official Style Partner of the sports franchise.
The four year partnership will see activations and ‘digitally-integrated moments’ that will include co-branding of the player tunnel, branded courtside LEDs and ‘In-Game Moments.’ The Bay will host home game arena ‘take-over’ nights which will include support of Hudson’s Bay Charter for Change, a Hudson’s Bay Foundation initiative that works with partner organizations including MLSE Foundation, the charitable arm of MLSE that aims to accelerate racial equity in Canada.
Later in the season, The Bay says that it will unveil an exclusive product collaboration as part of the partnership with the NBA to supply collector-worthy apparel with net proceeds from the sale to support Hudson’s Bay Charter for Change.
Jordan Vader
“We are proud to partner with an iconic Canadian brand that many of our fans know and love,” said Jordan Vader, VP, Global Partnerships, MLSE. “In addition to the exciting opportunities The Bay has planned, we look forward to the positive impact Hudson’s Bay Charter for Change will have, and the great work MLSE Foundation is doing in the community to support youth facing barriers.“
Allison Litzinger
“We are excited to team up with these renowned organizations that encourage expression of style and experiences, align with our values, and The Bay’s brand mission to help Canadians live a colourful life,” says Allison Litzinger, VP Brand at Hudson’s Bay Company. “This partnership will continue to create discovery and delight for all The Bay has to offer, especially for Raptors fans across the country. It’s a true superteam.”
The October season tip-off marks the start of the partnership where HBC’s iconic ‘stripes’ will become visible as part of the Toronto Raptors partnership.
The concept, which made its Canadian debut in 2020 at CF Sherway Gardens, aims to combine brick-and-mortar retail and virtual components for a modernized and interactive shopping experience.
CF Toronto Eaton Centre location closed the first week of May 2021 to allow for the full renovation to take place. The store made its debut last week, with new features that provide a highly-engaging customer experience.
The centrepiece of the design is the Crystal Bar, where guests can spend time discovering the products with variable lighting settings on the mirrors.
Swarovski “Crystal Bar” at CF Toronto Eaton Centre – Photo by Dustin Fuhs
When designing a retail concept, the brand takes into account the changing demographics and atmosphere.
“When developing the concept, we really tried to learn from our consumers and address their needs,” Robert Buchbauer, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO Consumer Goods Business shared previously.
“From augmented reality screens catering to shoppers who want to quickly select products, to the Sparkle Bar where people can enjoy trying on products for as long as they like, we believe we have created a memorable in-store experience for everyone.”
Swarovski at CF Toronto Eaton Centre – Photo by Dustin Fuhs
“The new Swarovski retail concept truly puts consumers at the center: inviting them to experiment and style their sparkle with our products, giving them the opportunity to mix and match, like in a creative studio, but in an environment designed to integrate physical and digital dimensions,” added Michele Molon, EVP Omnichannel and Commercial Operations. “We are breaking the traditional distance between staff and customers, facilitating an interactive and continuous dialogue with them.”
Swarovski has showcased this concept worldwide, with stores in Milan, Shanghai, Paris, Beijing and California seeing the transformation.
The series of openings will represent the fourth generation of Swarovski stores and the latest iteration of the brand’s retail approach over the past 125 years.
Swarovski at CF Toronto Eaton Centre – Photo by Dustin Fuhs
The Swarovski Crystal Business is run by the fifth generation of family members and has a global reach with approximately 3,000 stores in around 170 countries, more than 29,000 employees, and revenue of about 2.7 billion euros in 2018.
Swarovski at CF Toronto Eaton Centre – Photo by Dustin FuhsSwarovski at CF Toronto Eaton Centre – Photo by Dustin FuhsSwarovski at CF Toronto Eaton Centre – Photo by Dustin FuhsSwarovski at CF Toronto Eaton Centre – Photo by Dustin FuhsSwarovski at CF Toronto Eaton Centre – Photo by Dustin FuhsSwarovski at CF Toronto Eaton Centre – Photo by Dustin FuhsSwarovski at CF Toronto Eaton Centre – Photo by Dustin FuhsSwarovski at CF Toronto Eaton Centre – Photo by Dustin FuhsSwarovski at CF Toronto Eaton Centre – Photo by Dustin FuhsSwarovski at CF Toronto Eaton Centre – Photo by Dustin FuhsSwarovski at CF Toronto Eaton Centre – Photo by Dustin FuhsSwarovski at CF Toronto Eaton Centre – Photo by Dustin Fuhs
California-based Apple Inc. held its annual fall Apple event announcement on Tuesday to the joy of technology enthusiasts around the globe. The tech giant is perpetually tight-lipped on what will be featured during its events and iPhones are typically the mainstay of the fall events with other surprises sprinkled in. The 2021 event was no different as it became the typical iPhone launch announcement as well as unveiling a couple other new products. There were a total of five new hardware products introduced: iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13, Apple Watch Series 7, the iPad and the iPad mini.
Apple Fall 2021 Event. Photo: Apple
For context into the world of Apple Events, this fall Apple event (which we will informally term as the “Fall Apple Event 2021”) loosely forms a staple for the Apple Events calendar. While Apple is known to call special Apple Events whenever it wants, the fall event is usually accompanied by the following two calendar events each year:
Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC): This event typically announces the newest Apple Operating Systems (OS) to the developer community. Mainly to give some ‘runway’ to allow applications to be updated/developed before their release on the new products announcements/releases in the fall event. The latest was held in June 2021 which introduced the latest apple operating systems for iPhone (iOS 15), iPad (iPadOS 15), Mac (macOS Monterey) and Apple Watch (watchOS 8).
Spring Apple Event 2021: The spring event typically announces another round of follow-up devices after the fall event. The most recent was held in April 2021 introducing the new iMac, iPad Pro, iPhone 12 in Purple, AirTags and Apple TV 4K.
Many Apple enthusiasts set their clocks to the fall, spring and WWDC events. The 2020 event calendar was thrown askew with COVID splitting announcements up, including:
September 2020: Apple Watch, the new iPad Air and two new Apple services (Apple Fitness+ and Apple One Bundle) were announced. See our review of Apple Fitness+ from its launch in December 2020.
October 2020: iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, HomePod Mini and MagSafe accessories were announced
November 2020: MacBook Air, Macbook Pro, Mac mini were announced.
iPhone 13 Pro
“iPhone 13 Pro” and “iPhone 13 Pro Max”. Photo: Apple.
The feather in Apple’s cap is its iPhone Pro product which the company has released faithfully since iPhone 11 Pro in 2019. The iPhone 13 Pro is offered in two sizes: The “iPhone 13 Pro” and “iPhone 13 Pro Max”. The most visible difference between the two is the screen size (6.1 inch and 6.7 inch, respectively).
“iPhone 13 Pro” and “iPhone 13 Pro Max” screen sizes. Photo: Apple.
“iPhone 13 Pro” and “iPhone 13 Pro Max” dimensions. Photo: Apple.
Both versions offer the same capacity options (128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB) as well as the same A15 chip, cameras, Face ID, sensors, iOS, etc. but differences in battery performance with the “Max” version’s additional size to have a bigger battery.
“iPhone 13 Pro” and “iPhone 13 Pro Max” battery spec differences. Photo: Apple.
Differences between iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro
While the price point between the two generations is unchanged, the main differences besides the battery we mentioned above included:
Internal Capacity: The largest internal space increased to 1TB with no elimination of the smallest internal space option (128GB) from last year.
Camera: Apple continued to emphasize its improvements to the camera functionality in 2021 as it did in 2020. The iPhone Pro series has the same three cameras on the back (Telephoto, Ultra Wide and Wide Cameras) with improvements to low light as well as wider ultrawide apertures and more optical zoom for the telephoto lens. Night Mode stabilizing is now available for both Pro versions, instead of the Max version for the iPhone 12.
Screen: The ‘notch’ at the top of the iPhone 13 is smaller. Otherwise, they look the same.
Chip (aka, performance): The new A15 chip (versus the 2020 A14 chip) is faster as one would assume. It comes with a 5-core graphics processor (GPU) versus the 4-core from 2020.
Other differences were noted including a 28% brighter display and new colour options (such as Sierra Blue).
For those looking between the iPhone 13 Pro versus the non-Pro lineup, the processors are the same (A15 Bionic chip) with 6-cores for all models; however, the graphics processor (GPU has an extra core in the Pro series).
iPhone 13
“iPhone 13 mini” and “iPhone 13”. Photo: Apple.
Not to be confused with the “Pro” version, the iPhone launch announcement included the non-Pro “iPhone 13” coming in two sizes: The “iPhone 13 mini” and “iPhone 13”. The most visible difference between the two is the screen size (5.4 inch and 6.1 inch, respectively). And yes, the larger “iPhone 13” has the same screen size as the “iPhone 13 Pro”.
“iPhone 13 mini” and “iPhone 13” dimensions. Photo: Apple.
“iPhone 13 mini” and “iPhone 13” screen sizes. Photo: Apple.
While the non-Pro version of the iPhone 13 mini and non-mini do not offer the 1TB internal space offering as the “Pro” version, it has an ample offering of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB for both non-Pro versions.
Differences between iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 versions
While the price point between the two generations is unchanged, the main differences besides the battery we mentioned above included:
Camera: The iPhone series (non-Pro) has the same two cameras on the back (Ultra Wide and Wide Cameras) with improvements to low light in the 12 MP main camera. The most dramatic camera improvements were definitely reserved for the Pro lineup.
Screen: The ‘notch’ at the top of the iPhone 13 is smaller. Otherwise, they look the same.
Chip (aka, performance): The new A15 chip (versus the 2020 A14 chip) is faster as one would assume. It comes with a 5-core graphics processor (GPU) versus the 4-core from 2020.
Other differences were noted like a 28% brighter display and new color options (like Pink).
iPhone 13 Availability
The iPhone Pro and iPhone 13 are currently available to view pricing on Apple’s website. Pre-orders begin on September 17 and shipping begins September 24, 2021.
iPhone Availability for September 2021. Photo: Apple
Apple has now retired the iPhone 12 Pro line from its website as well as the iPhone XR; however, it is retaining the iPhone 12 and iPhone SE on its website for customers as well. The iPhone 11 was also spotted on the website for purchase as well.
Apple Watch Series 7
Apple Watch Availability for September 2021. Series 7 is still pending. Photo: Apple
The new Apple Watch Series 7 was announced on Tuesday as well as the iPhone launch announcements. More details will come from Retail Insider and it is said to be ‘available later this fall’ and its key improvements are larger screen size and faster charging ability.
Apple iPad and iPad Mini
iPad Availability for September 2021. Photo: Apple
Apple’s baseline iPad and mini versions also had new versions announced on Tuesday. More details will come from Retail Insider; however, it is said to be available now for ordering being shipped September 24, 2021.
45 Water Street highlighted in red. Image: Google Street View
Edgy Toronto-based multi-brand luxury menswear retailer CNTRBND is relocating its Vancouver store this month from the city’s Yaletown area to Water Street in historic Gastown. The new Gastown store will be double the size of the Yaletown location and will be a ‘lifestyle concept’ featuring fashions as well as books, footwear and an apothecary.
The current CNTRBND store in Yaletown spans about 600 square feet and is located at 1060 Hamilton Street. The new Gastown store will measure about 1,200 square feet and will be located at 45 Water Street according to owner Christopher Casuga. The Water Street space was formerly occupied by eyewear retailer MOSH Framemakers which recently relocated to a new location in Gastown at 318 Homer Street.
Casuga said that CNTRBND is relocating to take advantage of the momentum in the Gastown area which includes high-end edgy retailers such as menswear retailer Roden Gray and unique fashion retailer Secret Location. Over the past several years unique retailers such as Le Labo, COS, Filson, Native Shoes, and Herschel Supply have opened in the area and this fall, French fashion brand Maison Kitsuné will open its first Canadian store and café on Water Street as part of Gastown’s ongoing transformation as a downtown retail destination. Gastown is Vancouver’s original city centre with some buildings dating back to 1886 when the city saw a devastating fire.
DWSV Realty, under the direction of David Wedemire and Stan Vyriotes, negotiated the Water Street CNTRBND lease deal on behalf of the retailer.
CNTRBND recently introduced an apothecary concept and books to its other locations in the chain as well as an expanded assortment of footwear. CNTRBND carries a range of edgy brands, some unavailable elsewhere in Canada.
In Toronto currently, CNTRBND operates its flagship storefront at 135 Yorkville Avenue with a second location nearby at 26 Bellair Street which houses its ARCHIVES concept and some pop-ups. In Montreal, CNTRBND operates a store at 2185 Crescent Street in the city’s ‘Golden Mile’ near Holt Renfrew Ogilvy.
The new CF Toronto Eaton Centre storefront will take over the third floor location previously home to Ann Taylor.
PLUS has four locations — Yorkdale in Toronto, CF Chinook Centre in Calgary, CF Pacific Centre in Vancouver and Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga, as well as a pop-up store at Vaughan Mills near Toronto.
We’ll be following this announcement with a store tour when the location opens this fall.
PLUS at CF Toronto Eaton Centre (Photo by Dustin Fuhs)PLUS at CF Toronto Eaton Centre (Photo by Dustin Fuhs)
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Plus and Swatch on lower level of CF Chinook Centre. Photo: Jessica Finch
Ellie Mae Store at 1096 Yonge Street - Photo by Dustin Fuhs
Toronto-based fashion brand Ellie Mae Studios has opened a 650-square-foot flagship location at 1096 Yonge Street in Toronto’s Summerhill Neighbourhood.
“With the opening of our Flagship store we’ve been able to meet our customers in real life and build meaningful relationships with the people who wear our clothing, said Jeremy Wood-Ross, CEO and Sales Director.
“Being able to offer an experience to our customers that helps them understand the brand beyond a digital setting has been imperative for our continued growth because it gives the customer the chance to touch and feel our product within our unique store setting.”
Ellie Mae Store at 1096 Yonge Street – Photo by Dustin FuhsEllie Mae Store at 1096 Yonge Street – Photo by Dustin Fuhs
In addition to the partnerships and product selection, the flagship will also include an “Ellie Mae Cafe” concept.
The cafe will also be present at the Ellie Mae Studios’ Head Office, in the form of a VM Bus, which will arrive on location starting mid-September.
EMS recently relocated their office from 263 Adelaide to 100 Niagara Street. Retail Insider visited the new offices in preparation for this article, and will be circling back with an in-depth article on the plans of the company.
Ellie Mae Store at 1096 Yonge Street – Photo by Dustin FuhsEllie Mae Store at 1096 Yonge Street – Photo by Dustin FuhsEllie Mae Store at 1096 Yonge Street – Photo by Dustin FuhsEllie Mae Store at 1096 Yonge Street – Photo by Dustin FuhsEllie Mae Store at 1096 Yonge Street – Photo by Dustin FuhsEllie Mae Store at 1096 Yonge Street – Photo by Dustin FuhsEllie Mae Store at 1096 Yonge Street – Photo by Dustin FuhsEllie Mae Store at 1096 Yonge Street – Photo by Dustin FuhsEllie Mae Studios Head Office – Photo by Dustin Fuhs
