ICSC is set to bring its newest retail real estate event series, RETAIL FORWARD, to Montreal on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Running from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Le Windsor Ballrooms, the streamlined program is designed to accelerate dealmaking between retailers, tenants, brokers, landlords, and other key players in Quebec’s retail ecosystem. [Register Here]
The one-day event is framed as a hyper-local and hyper-focused initiative to foster meaningful in-person connections. It emphasizes targeted negotiations and information sharing, aiming to facilitate high-value retail leasing activity in a condensed and productive format.
Retailers in the Spotlight
A significant highlight of the event is its focus on giving retailers and tenants premium visibility. More than 50 retailers, foodservice chains, and service providers are listed as participants, representing a diverse mix of national and regional brands across categories.
Notable names include:
- Food & Beverage: Tim Hortons, Starbucks, McDonald’s, Ben & Florentine, Thaï Express, Edo Japan, Osmow’s, Poke by Sushi Shop, Wetzel’s Pretzels, and more.
- Retail & Services: MINISO, Sleep Country Canada, Mr. Lube, TD Bank, and RONA Inc.
- Grocery & Fitness: Dollarama, Sobeys Québec Inc., and Éconofitness.
This retailer-forward approach positions brands to pitch their expansion plans directly to landlords, brokers, and developers while streamlining the matchmaking process between tenants and available sites.
Event Format: Focused and Fast-Paced
The event will unfold in three parts:
- 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Registration and badge pickup
- 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Retail dealmaking sessions
- 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Networking reception
The core dealmaking session is purpose-built to support rapid negotiations, creating opportunities for brokers and landlords to meet decision-makers and evaluate alignment on site needs in real time.
The Site Shopper: A Retailer Reference Tool
Each attendee will receive a copy of The Site Shopper, a printed directory containing detailed site specifications and contact information for participating retailers. The guidebook is positioned as a critical asset for dealmakers, enabling them to quickly identify viable leasing prospects and initiate discussions on-site.
Cost-Effective Access for Retailers
In line with ICSC’s effort to lower barriers to entry and stimulate retail expansion, registration is complimentary for retailers—regardless of ICSC membership status. Retailers can also reserve complimentary dealmaking tables to meet with landlords and leasing agents directly on the show floor.
Retail Forward Builds on ICSC’s Mission
The RETAIL FORWARD initiative is part of ICSC’s broader efforts to support the evolution of marketplaces and the commercial real estate industry. The event reflects the organization’s focus on cultivating community-driven retail spaces by creating real-world opportunities for stakeholders to build networks, form partnerships, and advance new projects.
With Montreal’s active retail landscape and vibrant commercial corridors, the June 5 event is expected to draw strong participation from brands, landlords, and brokers who are shaping the future of urban and suburban retail across Quebec.
A Catalytic Gathering for Quebec’s Retail Real Estate Sector
With more than 50 retailers confirmed, a curated environment for efficient dealmaking, and no cost for retailer participation, RETAIL FORWARD in Montreal is positioned to become a high-impact event in the city’s 2025 retail calendar. As the Quebec retail industry continues to navigate economic uncertainty, events like this are critical in fostering direct relationships, accelerating leasing activity, and fuelling local retail growth.
For more information or to register, visit the official ICSC website to register.
