Innovative Lifestyle Retailer Benkei Hime Plans National Store Expansion After 2022 Launch [Interviews]

Date:

Share post:

The unique fashion, youth culture and bubble tea concept, Benkei Hime, which launched its first location in Toronto about a year ago, has aggressive plans to build the brand to other markets in the country.

Jeff Berkowitz, Chartered Real Estate Broker and President of Aurora Realty Consultants Inc., said the real estate company will be working with the brand for all its space needs during the expansion.

Image: Jeffrey Berkowitz

The brand has about 30 stores in Asia with two in Canada – at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre and CF Markville Mall in Markham, Ontario.

Aurora describes Benkei Hime as a fashion label founded in Seoul, Shanghai and Toronto. “The first of its kind that pushes the boundaries between tea, fashion and youth culture. The BH brand includes Bubble tea, youth culture, streetwear apparel, accessories and sports equipment.”

Benkei Hime at CF Toronto Eaton Centre (Image: Benkei Hime)
Benkei Hime at CF Toronto Eaton Centre (Image: Benkei Hime)

Berkowitz said stores can be anywhere from 800 to 1,400 square feet. Ideally, the brand is looking for a high traffic location that is in the vicinity of other tenants with a similar customer base.

“They’re looking primarily in major enclosed shopping centres,” he said. “Definitely I would say that they are appealing to a younger shopper in their teens to late 20s. It’s a primary customer. 

“It is really a mix of an urban lifestyle brand. It includes a beverage counter with various teas and bubble teas but also has all kinds of branded items from hoodies to key chains to surf boards.

“The primary immediate need would be to add about another four locations in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) and from there we are looking Canada wide and also have interest in the United States for future growth as well.”

Benkei Hime at CF Toronto Eaton Centre (Image: Dustin Fuhs)

Berkowitz said the brand would like to see another four to five locations open this year and then to continue to roll out across Canada at least another five to 10 for next year.

“I think what’s really interesting from a landlord perspective is that they put a tremendous effort into the store design. Each store has a consistent theme but it is customized for the mall and the market that it’s in. The whole way that they see the store is an extension of the brand and so they try to make the experience of visiting the store something worthwhile that will help drive the traffic so that they’re more than just the product they sell. It’s the experience a customer walks into.”

Jason Wang, Owner of Benkei Hime, said the key is providing a place where customers can have a one-of-a-kind experience.

With a lot of the restructuring that is taking place in the retail landscape these days, Benkei Hime sees some great real estate opportunities to expand in the market at decent prices.

“I think our model works in Canada and we want to look for more opportunities,” said Wang.

Benkei Hime at CF Toronto Eaton Centre (Image: Dustin Fuhs)
Benkei Hime at CF Toronto Eaton Centre (Image: Dustin Fuhs)

“It’s about lifestyle. It’s really a lifestyle brand and not just a traditional beverage place. And it’s focusing on a young demographic. In the summer we’ll have about 40 to 50 per cent of revenue coming from retail – from streetwear and merchandise. We use beverages to get their attention and when they come to the store they see all these (items) – things that young people use in their daily lives – that makes us a unique place in the mall.”

In a previous Retail Insider story, Wang said: “We consider ourselves as a fashion label, not really a bubble tea store. The idea is to push the boundary between art as well as beverage. The beverage is more tea, but some coffee, fashion and youth culture. It’s a brand for young people.”

In Asia, the brand is known for trendy clothes, Instagram-worthy beverage pictures and it’s a platform for young people to enjoy life and to express themselves.

Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi, based in Calgary, has more than 40 years experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He worked for 35 years at the Calgary Herald covering sports, crime, politics, health, faith, city and breaking news, and business. He is the Senior News Editor with Retail Insider in addition to working as a freelance writer and consultant in communications and media relations/training.

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

More From The Author

RECENT RETAIL INSIDER VIDEOS

Advertisment

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required

Related articles

West Edmonton Mall Continues to Expand Luxury Retail with Addition of Moncler; Tiffany Marks 10 Years

Italian luxury brand Moncler is the latest to join the massive shopping centre with retailers such as Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga and Gucci. The mall’s first luxury store, Tiffany & Co. is also marking 10 years. 

Canadian Consumers to Prioritize Brick-and-Mortar Retail into December [Report/Interview]

Electronics are among the top gifts, with moderate growth in the restaurant and grocery sectors expected while also noting a controlled promotional approach due to slowing inflation.

Salesforce’s Rob Garf Discusses Canadian Retailers’ Strategies Amidst Q3 E-commerce Slowdown [Report/Interview]

Garf discusses a report showing a 9% decline in Canadian e-commerce growth, indicating a consumer expectation for discounts in the upcoming months. He discusses a consumer shift and how retailers can address it.

Early Signs Point to a Strong Holiday Shopping Season in Canada Despite Economic Challenges

Reports indicate that last Saturday and Sunday saw the biggest surge in consumer spending so far, with predictions made as we head into December.

Specsavers Set to Reach 100 Canadian Locations in Early 2024, Expanding into New Markets [Interviews]

The eyewear retailer, which entered Canada in 2021, is rapidly expanding and looking to gain market share from established players.

Burton Snowboards Transforms Toronto Flagship for [ak] Collection as Brand Looks to Expand [Interview/Photos]

The high-performance AK collection is a new focus, with Burton planning to grow its retail presence in Canada with more stores in key markets.

Liz Rodbell Returns to Hudson’s Bay as President and CEO Following Sophia Hwang-Judiesch Departure 

Rodbell led Hudson’s Bay and Lord & Taylor from 2013 to 2017, and she returns at a challenging time for HBC. 

Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket Adding Tenants as Area Sees Rapid Population Growth [Interview]

The super regional centre, considered the leader north of Toronto, is adding new retailers and concepts to attract consumers.

Lullaboo Nursery and Childcare Centre Expanding into Non-Traditional Locations Including Shopping Centres [Interview]

The company's CEO says that finding space is a challenge for the childcare concept, which is seeing significant demand from parents.

Gucci Opens Impressive Main Floor ‘World Of’ Boutique Concession at Holt Renfrew Calgary [Photos]

The approximately 4,000 square foot space houses the Italian luxury brand’s full collection for women and men. 

Lina’s Market Opens 1st Food Hall in Calgary [Interview/Photos]

The innovative space combines a grocery store, café, and food hall with nine diverse stations, introducing a fresh dining experience and contributing to the growing trend of European-style market halls in Canada.

PwC Survey Shows Canadians Ready to Boost Holiday Spending Despite Economic Challenges [Interview]

Canadian consumers are gearing up for a resilient holiday season, with a survey revealing an increase in holiday spending compared to the previous year — that includes a notable resurgence in in-store shopping, particularly among Gen X and Gen Z.