retail leasing

Crombie REIT is pursuing approximately $350 million in acquisitions involving 28 Canadian retail properties, including 13 in Ontario. The expansion will increase its grocery-anchored holdings as the landlord reports strong leasing conditions, advances new developments and sells weaker shopping centres.

UNIQLO has more than doubled its Canadian store network since 2022, reaching 39 locations by September 2026. New shopping-centre openings, a longstanding Canadian leasing relationship and strong North American financial results point to continued expansion.

High occupancy and stronger replacement rents coexist with costly anchor redevelopments. Retail Insider’s Q3 report examines why openings, rent commencement and capital returns will determine the value of current leasing progress.

Primaris REIT has negotiated replacement tenant deals for six former Toys R Us stores spanning approximately 145,000 square feet. Higher rents are anticipated, with tenants expected to take possession during 2027. The article also examines Old Navy at Dufferin Mall and Jumbo at Vaughan Mills.

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.

Hollister opens at CF Chinook Centre, Crumbl Cookies expands to Winnipeg, Denny's opening at Regina's Southland Mall, and other news.

Canada’s tight retail real estate market is shifting negotiating power toward landlords as limited construction and high occupancy constrain available space. JLL, Primaris, RioCan, McDonald’s and Empire executives discuss the implications, including the temporary opportunity created by former Hudson’s Bay locations.

Canadian retail property conditions remained selective during Q3 2026, with near-full necessity-oriented portfolios contrasting with major former department-store vacancies. The report examines leasing spreads, committed occupancy and redevelopment requirements, focusing on the capital and execution needed to produce open, rent-paying space.

Retail Insider's latest Real Estate & Leasing Report examines how limited retail space, selective investment, and redevelopment strategies are reshaping Canada's commercial property market, with growing performance gaps between prime retail assets and secondary centres.

Q1 2026 saw tight vacancy and rising rents collide with higher build-out costs. Winners are landlords who can reconfigure space fast; weaker assets face stress.

Other News: Lise Watier maximizes brand visibility, Hudson's Bay launches social impact platform, Jane's Walk goes virtual, Farm Boy continues expansion, London Drugs supports local, and Bed Bath & Beyond launches same-day delivery.