"The Interview Series" Podcast

Pilgrim CEO Robert Hayes Discusses the Jeweller’s Expansion Plans in Canada: Video Interview

The discussion includes how Hayes brought the brand into the market, what makes it so popular, wholesale expansion, and what's in store for new locations in Canada including one at CF Toronto Eaton Centre opening in late June.

Jeweller Alan Anderson Discusses His Line, Atelier and Future Plans: Video Interview

Craig interviews Toronto-based jeweller Alan Anderson, who discuses how he got started in the jewellery industry, his new atelier on Jarvis Street, and future plans which will include the launch of a handbag line. They also discuss the recent Royal Coronation and jewellery seen on various attendees. 

International Retailers and their Success in Canada: Interview with Randy Harris of Trendex

Craig and Randy Harris, President and Founder of Trendex North America, discuss the success of international retailers entering the Canadian market at a challenging time for the economy. That includes Nordstrom exiting Canada, and some success stories.

Retail Strategies Expands into Canada : Conversation with Jenn Gregory and Linda Farha

Craig has a discussion with Jenn Gregory and Linda Farha about consultancy Retail Strategies and its expansion into Canada. Jenn Gregory is President of Downtown Strategies at US-based Retail Strategies Group, and Linda Farha is Founder and head of Zenergy Communications in Toronto, as well as Chief Connector at pop-up go.

Pop-Up Retail: INLAND Comes to Former Club Monaco Space on Bloor [Interview with Sarah Power]

Craig speaks with Sarah Power, Founder and Creative Director of INLAND, about the new Canadian designer marketplace launching later this week. The conversation also includes a discussion of experiential pop-up retail and its benefits.

AI and the Future of Retail: Discussion with Matt Crowell of GetInTheLoop

Craig speaks with Matt Crowell, Founder and CEO of GetintheLoop, about AI and its implications on malls and the retail industry as a whole. It's an interesting discussion on what the future of AI might look like as it becomes accessible to the public.

What’s Happening in Bloor-Yorkville, Exit of Nordstrom from Canada and the Future of Luxury Retail: Interview with Ashkan Yousofpour

Craig and Ashkan, founder of St. Ash, discuss some of the challenges seen in Toronto's downtown luxury zone, the threat of Yorkdale, Nordstrom's exit from Canada and what's happening with Saks Fifth Avenue, and what's being seen with luxury retail in Paris and Milan.

Airport Retail Needs an Overhaul in Canada [Video Interview with Larry Leung]

Craig and Larry discuss retail at airports in Canada, including the need to improve the customer experience and offerings in terminals. Leung says airports are missing out on major opportunities to drive consumer sales to grow revenue.

Craig Pike Discusses How He Founded Craig’s Cookies and Plans for Expansion [Video Interview]

Craig Patterson sits down with Craig Pike of Craig's Cookies. They discuss how Pike got started, how the business grew into multiple stores, and how he’s planning to expand the business under a new franchise model. 

J.C. Williams Group on Zellers 2.0 [Video Interview]

Craig interviews the team at J.C. Williams Group, who share their experiences at the new Zellers 2.0 locations. The conversation includes what The Bay has done right with the first 25 Zellers shop-in-stores locations, as well as some concerns and what could be improved.

Mark Cohen, Former Sears Canada CEO, Discusses Why Nordstrom Failed in Canada [Video Interview]

Craig sits down with Mark Cohen, Director of Retail Studies at Columbia Business School and CEO of Sears Canada between 2001 and 2004. They discuss why Nordstrom failed in Canada, what might happen with the spaces as well as a revelation that HBC attempted to get Sears to acquire it twice during Cohen's tenure.

Grace Yan Discusses the Future of Calgary’s Nordstrom Space with Craig Patterson [Video Interview]

Craig sits down with Grace Yan, Commercial Consultant at Blackstone Commercial, to discuss the departure of Nordstrom store in CF Chinook Centre in Calgary.

Martin Moriarty Discusses Future of Downtown Vancouver Nordstrom Site with Craig Patterson [Video Interview]

Craig sits down with Martin Moriarty, Senior Vice President at Marcus & Millichap, to discuss the departure of Nordstrom store in CF Pacific Centre in Vancouver. The conversation includes a discussion of what could be done with the space, the revitalization of Granville Street, and how things are in terms of retail leasing in downtown Vancouver.

Podcast [Interview] Clip Money Growing Operations in Canada as Retailers Adopt the Platform

Craig and Brian discuss how Clip Money works and who's using it, as retailers get onboard with this innovative new deposit solution. Craig and Chris discuss how Pepper Palace has seen benefits from using Clip.

Podcast [Interview] Sonya Gill Discusses Ethnically Diverse Indie Brand Global Fashion/Beauty eCom Marketplace THE LNK

Craig speaks with Sonya Gill, founder of the world's first global fashion/beauty eCom marketplace to only represent ethnically diverse indie brands called THE LNK.

(Video Interview) Lisa Hutcheson from J.C. Williams Group Discusses Top Global Retail Trends

Craig and Lisa discuss the new Ebeltoft Retail Innovations Book which is in its 18th year of production. Four Canadian retailers were among the top innovators.

Podcast [Interview] Suzanne Sears Discusses Retail Staffing Challenges Last Year and 2023 Predictions

They discuss the December job numbers in Canada and how they pertain to retail. They then discuss what Suzanne anticipates will happen with retail staffing in Canada for 2023 as we continue to see the industry’s challenges unfold amid a labour shortage.

Podcast [Interview] Suzanne Sears Discusses Retail Staffing into 2023

Craig sits down with Suzanne Sears, founder and President of Best Retail Careers International and Luxury Careers Canada, to discuss staffing at a challenging time for retailers in this country.

Podcast [Interview] Shopping Centre Redevelopments in Canada

In a special edition podcast, Craig interviews Rafael Lazer, CEO of Almadev. The discussion includes Almadev's transformation of the Galleria Mall in Toronto into a complete community with housing, as well as a general discussion of why mall owners are intensifying sites amid a housing crisis in Canada.

Podcast [Interview] RBC Launches Buy Now Pay Later Platform ‘PayPlan by RBC’

Craig interviews two special guests: Neill Ashe, Senior Director, Payments & Commerce at RBC, who talks about PayPlan by RBC and how it functions. Craig then speaks with Troy Skinner, Parts Asset Manager at Martin Motor Sports, about how the retailer is seeing success with PayPlan.

Podcast [Interview] James Yurichuk Discusses Expansion of Ethical Outerwear Brand Wuxly

Craig and James Yurichuk, Founder and CEO of Wuxly, talk about the brand and where it's going in terms of new retail stores, wholesale, and collaborations including a recent one with iconic Canadian musician Bryan Adams.

Podcast [Interview] Éric Blais Discusses Quebec’s Language Laws and How Bill 96 will Impact Retailers

Craig interviews Éric Blais, President of Headspace Marketing, about how Bill 96 will impact retailers with rules around signage on stores and other businesses. They also discuss language laws generally and how consumers are greeted in stores — and what the penalties might be for businesses in Quebec not complying.

Podcast [Interview] The Behar Group Marks 30 Years

Craig sits down with The Behar Group's CEO Avi Behar and President/Broker of Record Greg Evans to discuss The Behar Group's history, some notable deals, and where the Toronto-based brokerage sees food halls and retail going over the next several years.

Podcast [Interview] Suzanne Sears Discusses Record-Low Unemployment and What it Means for Retailers in Canada

Craig sits down with the staffing expert to discuss the most recent jobs report showing record-low unemployment. Retailers continue to struggle to find employees and an emergency situation could take place and stores may not be able to remain open if things don't improve.

Podcast [Interview] Justin Cohen of Psycho Bunny Discusses Store Expansion

Craig sits down with Justin Cohen, Chief Commercial Officer of edgy menswear brand Psycho Bunny. They discuss the plans to open more Psycho Bunny stores in Canada as well as the fact that the brand could even be considered Canadian with its operations in Montreal.
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