Craig Patterson

Primaris REIT Advances Hudson’s Bay Leasing as Mall Redevelopment Program Moves Forward

Craig Patterson -
Primaris REIT has increased long-term leasing commitments for former Hudson's Bay stores to 728,000 square feet. Its Q3 2026 results outline projected rental income, redevelopment spending, and the company's acquisition and disposition strategy across Canadian shopping centres.

Canadian Tire, Sobeys, IKEA and Tim Hortons Among Winners of Inaugural Retail Sustainability Awards

Craig Patterson -
Retail Council of Canada has announced the winners of its inaugural Retail Sustainability Excellence Awards, recognizing Canadian Tire, Sobeys, IKEA Canada, Tim Hortons and other organizations for initiatives involving recycled materials, refrigeration, logistics and supply chain sustainability.

Oakridge Park Partners with Moment Factory to Launch Interactive Entertainment Attraction in Vancouver

Craig Patterson -
Oakridge Park in Vancouver is partnering with Montreal-based Moment Factory to launch Wonderground on November 2. The ticketed interactive gaming attraction will also accommodate brand activations and events, adding another entertainment offering to the mixed-use retail development.

Loblaw Pushes Back on Supplier Price Hikes as No Frills and Maxi Expansion Accelerates

Craig Patterson -
Loblaw says it has challenged hundreds of millions in proposed supplier cost increases in 2026 as it expands No Frills and Maxi. The dispute highlights the economics of discount grocery, manufacturer cost pressures and Canada's new Grocery Code of Conduct.

Canadian Tire Expands Saskatoon Store by More Than 50% to 104,000 Square Feet

Mario Toneguzzi -
Canadian Tire has expanded its Preston Crossing store in Saskatoon from 69,000 to 104,000 square feet, adding product displays, larger departments and a permanent greenhouse.

Kastners to Close After More Than a Century as Independent Fashion Retail Faces Pressure in Smaller Canadian Cities

Craig Patterson -
Kastners Men’s and Ladies Wear in Cornwall, Ontario, is preparing to close by January 2027 after more than a century. Its departure adds to a series of traditional clothing-store closures in smaller Canadian markets, where retirement, succession and changing shopping habits are reshaping specialty retail.

Toronto’s Distillery Winter Village Expands Retail Offerings as Quince Takes Title Sponsorship

Craig Patterson -
Toronto's Distillery Winter Village is expanding its retail offerings for 2026, with Quince joining as title sponsor, two new marketplaces featuring Canadian independent businesses and additional food operators. The event brings more than one million annual visitors to the historic shopping district, according to organizers.

The One Statement Piece That Transforms a Room This Season

Craig Patterson -
Maison Territo at Montréal’s Royalmount highlights distinctive lighting and decorative objects from Seletti, Fornasetti and Tom Dixon, showing how statement pieces can elevate holiday entertaining and remain part of the home year-round.

Aritzia Targets $10 Billion as Canadian Store Strategy Shifts Toward Stronger Boutiques

Craig Patterson -
Aritzia is targeting up to $10.5 billion in annual revenue by fiscal 2032 while expanding to 160 U.S. boutiques. In Canada, the retailer expects a slight decline in store count as it optimizes existing locations and consolidates legacy branded stores.

Behind Oakridge Park’s Ambitious Fashion Show: Luxury Retail, John Legend and a New Vancouver Tradition

Craig Patterson -
Oakridge Park's inaugural Front Row fashion event brought together John Legend, Joe Zee, more than 40 boutiques and a 250-person production crew. QuadReal's Irene Quan explains the luxury retail strategy, customer engagement initiatives and plans to establish an annual Vancouver fashion event.

UNIQLO to Open Flagship at Vancouver’s CF Pacific Centre

Craig Patterson -
UNIQLO's planned CF Pacific Centre flagship will open in spring 2027, adding a roughly 37,000-square-foot downtown Vancouver store to its six existing Metro Vancouver locations. The store joins Aritzia and Simons in Cadillac Fairview's redevelopment of the former Nordstrom premises.

Intimissimi and Calzedonia Open First Canadian Stores at CF Sherway Gardens

Craig Patterson -
Italian fashion brands Intimissimi and Calzedonia have opened their first Canadian stores at CF Sherway Gardens in Toronto. ILT Group is planning a broader Canadian expansion, with another Intimissimi location scheduled for spring 2027.

From The Desk: Social Media Growth, Store Modernization and AI’s Impact on Retail Marketing

Craig Patterson -
Canadian retailers focus on digital-driven growth, store upgrades and authentic brand experiences amid rising AI-produced marketing content and property shifts.

Rethink Retail Expands Executive Communities Under Canadian Leadership

Craig Patterson -
Rethink Retail is expanding its executive communities under Canadian CEO Marie Chevrier Schwartz, with Chris Parsons appointed VP of Audience. The company is developing Canadian programming focused on AI, retail media and industry collaboration.

Kith Opens Second Canadian Storefront at Vancouver’s Oakridge Park

Craig Patterson -
Kith has opened its second Canadian store at Oakridge Park in Vancouver. The approximately 9,000-square-foot store features men's, women's and children's fashion, footwear, Kith Treats and a distinctive street-facing design within the shopping centre's expanding international retail mix.

WitchSchool Canada Tests ‘Reciprocal Retail’ Model in Ottawa’s ByWard Market

Craig Patterson -
WitchSchool Canada is testing a collaborative retail model in a 160-square-foot storefront in Ottawa’s ByWard Market. Founder Kiki Keskinen says the grant-supported residency connects independent entrepreneurs through shared programming, customer referrals and promotional opportunities, while raising questions about long-term operating costs.

Mine & Yours Celebrates 13 Years with Glamorous Toronto Fashion Show as Canadian Expansion Continues

Craig Patterson -
Mine & Yours celebrated its 13th anniversary with a glamorous fashion show at Toronto's El Mocambo featuring Jeanne Beker and luxury designer labels. Founder Courtney Watkins also confirmed new Holt Renfrew developments in Montréal, Mississauga and Calgary as the Canadian resale retailer expands.

JACOB Begins New Chapter as Founder’s Daughter Revives Canadian Fashion Brand

Craig Patterson -
Canadian fashion brand JACOB is entering a new phase under Cristelle Basmaji, daughter of its founders. Once operating more than 250 stores, the Montreal-based business is introducing beauty products and accessories while exploring retail partnerships and potential future apparel collections.

Museum of Toronto to Transform Historic Downtown Bank Space into New Cultural Destination

Craig Patterson -
Museum of Toronto will open at 2 Queen Street East in April 2027, converting a former Bank of Montreal space into a free cultural destination backed by a $35 million gift.

Nintendo and EB Games Detail Strategy Behind Toronto Store-Within-a-Store

Craig Patterson -
Nintendo and EB Games executives discuss the strategy behind Toronto's first North American Nintendo store-within-a-store, including physical retail, the Canadian gaming market and potential expansion.

The Generall Store Launches National Gift Guide Featuring 88 Independent Canadian Retailers

Craig Patterson -
The Generall Store has launched a national holiday gift guide featuring 88 independent Canadian retailers. Founder Lisa Tyldesley is also developing a free online platform connecting shoppers with local businesses, events and promotions across the country.

Primaris to Sell $41.8 Million Stake in Kingston’s Cataraqui Centre Amid Portfolio Reshaping

Craig Patterson -
Primaris REIT has agreed to sell its 50% managing interest in Kingston's Cataraqui Centre for $41.8 million. The transaction follows its acquisition of Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket, signalling change.

Golf Town Plans National Store Modernization Following $15 Million Oakville Flagship

Craig Patterson -
Golf Town is planning a three-to-five-year modernization of its Canadian store network following the opening of a $15-million flagship in Oakville, Ontario. Sporting Life Group executive Barry Williams outlines potential new flagships, expanded fitting services and personalization.

From The Desk: Experiential Retail and Leadership Moves Shape Canadian Market

Retail Insider -
Craig Patterson examines Canadian retail trends, from Aritzia's expansion and labour challenges to AI adoption and the evolving role of physical stores.

KaleMart24 Eyes 100-Store Network as Canadian Expansion Accelerates [Video Interview]

Craig Patterson -
KaleMart24 founder Sam Saoudi and Think Retail's Tony Flanz discuss plans for 100 stores or franchise agreements, Toronto expansion, Vancouver opportunities and the economics of healthier convenience retail in a Retail Insider podcast interview.
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