Advertisement
Advertisement

Eric Sherman of First Capital REIT Shares Career Journey and Strategic Vision for Urban Retail [Video Interview]

Date:

Share post:

Craig and Eric Sherman, Head of National Operations at First Capital REIT discuss Eric’s extensive experience in the retail real estate industry, highlighting his journey from a summer student to the head of national operations at First Capital REIT. Eric reflects on his start in the industry, emphasizing the lack of awareness about retail real estate opportunities during his university days. He recounts his career progression, mentioning key projects and roles leading to his current position.

The conversation shifts to the transformation of Yorkville Village and the strategic decisions behind acquiring properties in high-density, high-income neighbourhoods. Eric elaborates on First Capital REIT’s approach to curating retail mixes in different neighbourhoods, with examples from Yorkville to Liberty Village. He talks about the importance of integrating luxury with personal service and experiences, discussing the impact of global trends on local retail strategies.

Finally, Eric shares insights into First Capital REIT’s broader strategy, focusing on grocery-anchored neighborhood shopping centers and the importance of community integration. He emphasizes the role of operations and property management in enhancing retail environments. Discussing recent projects like One Bloor Street East, Eric highlights the challenges and successes in revitalizing retail spaces, showcasing the company’s adaptive strategies in response to changing retail landscapes and consumer expectations.

The Interview Series video podcasts by Retail Insider Canada are available through our Retail Insider YouTube Channel where you can subscribe and be notified when new video episodes are available.

If you prefer to listen to the audio version, it is available below:

The Interview Series audio podcasts by Retail Insider Canada are available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Also check out our The Weekly audio podcast where Craig and Lee discuss popular content published on Retail Insider which is part of the The Retail Insider Podcast Network.

Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Retail Insider Podcast!

Follow Craig:

Follow Retail Insider:

Listen & Subscribe:

Share your thoughts!

Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!

Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

More From Retail Insider

RECENT RETAIL INSIDER VIDEOS

Advertisment

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required

RECENT articles

ZUCORA Appoints David COHN as Vice President of Sales

Zucora appoints David Cohn as Vice President of National Sales, expanding his role to lead sales strategy and strengthen partner growth across Canada.

Lululemon Signals Strong Holiday Quarter Amid Governance Turmoil

Lululemon expects fourth-quarter results at the high end of guidance as it faces leadership change and mounting pressure from activists.

Kits Eyecare appoints Angela MacInnis as chief marketing officer

MacInnis will join the executive leadership team and assume responsibility for the company’s marketing strategy and brand development.

MNP Consumer Debt Index: Canadians brace for challenging 2026 

A majority believe the economy overall will worsen (59%) this year, and as many expect housing affordability to deteriorate (59%).

Uniqlo Entering Winnipeg With Two-Store Launch

Uniqlo confirms its first Winnipeg store at CF Polo Park, with a second location planned at St. Vital Centre as the brand deepens its Canadian expansion.

Groupe Dynamite sees strong comparable sales growth

Groupe Dynamite is updating fiscal 2025 comparable store sales growth guidance to a range of 26.5% to 27.0%.

L.L.Bean promotes Greg Elder to president and CEO

The company runs 68 stores across 19 U.S. states, as well as 25 locations in Japan and 14 in Canada through a partnership with Jaytex Group.

Moxies to Close Yorkdale Restaurant After 18 Years

Moxies will close its Yorkdale Shopping Centre restaurant on January 18, 2026 as the brand looks ahead to its next phase of growth.

Restaurants Canada appoints Anthony Polci as executive vice-president of government relations and public affairs

The appointment took effect recently, according to the organization, and comes as Restaurants Canada continues to position its government relations and public affairs function as a core part of its work on behalf of the foodservice industry.

Empire launches Feed The Dream campaign tied to Milano Cortina 2026 Games

The company said that its Feed The Dream campaign will run across its Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, Thrifty Foods, Farm Boy and Voilà brands, with programming designed to connect consumers, communities and athletes in the lead-up to and during the Games.

Aesop Opens Robson Street Store in Downtown Vancouver

Aesop has opened a new Robson Street store in downtown Vancouver, marking its fifth location in the city and second in the downtown core.

Toronto Gift + Home Market Returns as Canada’s Largest Spring Wholesale Trade Event

The Toronto Gift + Home Market returns January 25–29, 2026, bringing retailers and exhibitors together for Canada’s largest spring wholesale trade event.

SSENSE Co-Founders Set to Buy Back Luxury Retailer

SSENSE co-founders secure court approval to repurchase the luxury retailer following its CCAA restructuring process.

Google Expands AI Shopping With Walmart, Shopify, Wayfair

Google is expanding AI-powered shopping in Gemini through partnerships with Walmart, Shopify, and Wayfair, signaling a shift toward agent-led commerce.

From the Desk: Retail’s Strategic Moves and Shifting Consumer Landscapes in Early 2026

Canadian retail enters 2026 amid strategic recalibration, as brands balance flagship investment, store optimization, AI adoption, and shifting consumer demand.

Chip Wilson’s Board Picks Reveal Lululemon’s Deeper Problem

Chip Wilson’s board nominations highlight deeper strategic issues at Lululemon as the brand grapples with innovation, leadership, and direction.

VIDEO: Retail sector faces tough year as trade tensions, consumer caution shape 2026: Bruce Winder

One of the most significant developments in 2025 was the shutdown of Hudson’s Bay, which left large amounts of vacant retail space across the country.

Canada’s unemployment rate on the rise: Statistics Canada

There were 1.6 million people unemployed in December, an increase of 73,000 (+4.9%) in the month.

Aritzia reports Q3 Fiscal 2026 financial results, record net revenue

"We delivered record net revenue of $1.04 billion in the third quarter of Fiscal 2026, a 43% increase compared to last year. Comparable sales grew 34%, with exceptional growth in all channels and all geographies."

Moose Knuckles Refines Retail Strategy With Eaton Centre Move

Moose Knuckles relocates its CF Toronto Eaton Centre store as the Canadian brand sharpens its retail, product, and global growth strategy.