Opinion: Canadian Jewelry Trends and Insights

Craig and Lee discuss the latest retail developments on Robson Street, a key shopping area in downtown Vancouver. They highlight significant changes, such as the transformation of the former Victoria’s Secret location into an adidas Concept store and the relocation of Roots due to Arc’teryx taking over its prime spot. This episode delves into the dynamics of retail real estate, showcasing how major brands are reshaping the street’s retail mix.

Further, they touch on additional developments, including the opening of a Lush Spa and plans for new entrants like Esprit, signaling a revival of the street’s appeal. The discussion also covers the closure of Club Monaco and its replacement by JD Sports, illustrating the evolving nature of retail spaces and consumer preferences. The conversation provides insights into how these changes contribute to Robson Street’s competitiveness with other shopping destinations.

Finally, Craig and Lee speculate on the future of Robson Street in the face of new challenges, such as the opening of Oakridge Park, a major retail development. They ponder the need for Robson Street to upgrade its public realm to maintain attractiveness and competitiveness. Through their dialogue, they underscore the importance of innovation and adaptation in the retail sector, highlighting how Robson Street’s evolution reflects broader trends in urban retail environments.

Episode Sponsor: 

• SAJO - Canada's first specialized retail builder. Visit SAJO to see their holistic approach and transdisciplinary team to explore and understand your needs.

Discussed in this Episode: 

• Robson Street in Vancouver in Flux as New Retailers Prepare to Open Stores [Feature]

Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Retail Insider Podcast!

Follow Craig:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/CraigPattersonToronto
• Instagram: @craig_patterson_toronto
• Twitter: @RI_EIC

Follow Retail Insider:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/Retail-Insider
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetailInsider/
• Twitter: @RetailInsider_
• Instagram: @Retail_Insider_Canada

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Overcast
• Stitcher

Share your thoughts!

Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!

Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Craig and Eric Sherman, Head of National Operations at First Capital REIT discuss Eric’s extensive experience in the retail real estate industry, highlighting his journey from a summer student to the head of national operations at First Capital REIT. Eric reflects on his start in the industry, emphasizing the lack of awareness about retail real estate opportunities during his university days. He recounts his career progression, mentioning key projects and roles leading to his current position.

The conversation shifts to the transformation of Yorkville Village and the strategic decisions behind acquiring properties in high-density, high-income neighbourhoods. Eric elaborates on First Capital REIT’s approach to curating retail mixes in different neighbourhoods, with examples from Yorkville to Liberty Village. He talks about the importance of integrating luxury with personal service and experiences, discussing the impact of global trends on local retail strategies.

Finally, Eric shares insights into First Capital REIT’s broader strategy, focusing on grocery-anchored neighborhood shopping centers and the importance of community integration. He emphasizes the role of operations and property management in enhancing retail environments. Discussing recent projects like One Bloor Street East, Eric highlights the challenges and successes in revitalizing retail spaces, showcasing the company’s adaptive strategies in response to changing retail landscapes and consumer expectations.

Interviewed this episode:

• Eric Sherman, Head of National Operations at First Capital REIT
• First Capital REIT

This podcast is the audio version of the The Interview Series video podcasts by Retail Insider Canada are available through our Retail Insider YouTube Channel where you can subscribe and be notified when new video episodes are available.

Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Retail Insider Podcast!

Follow Craig:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/CraigPattersonToronto
Instagram: @craig_patterson_toronto
Twitter: @RI_EIC

Follow Retail Insider:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/Retail-Insider
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetailInsider/
Twitter: @RetailInsider_
Instagram: @Retail_Insider_Canada

Listen & Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Overcast
Stitcher

Share your thoughts!

Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!

Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Craig and Lee discuss CF Sherway Gardens, a Toronto shopping centre that boasts high sales per square foot productivity as new retailers open. The mall is anchored by Hudson’s Bay, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Harry Rosen, and will be welcoming new retailers such as Arcteryx, Ray Ban, and Alo Yoga. The future of Saks Fifth Avenue at the mall is uncertain, with the store having significantly downsized its offerings. Additionally, the mall lacks a direct subway connection and faces competition from Square One in Mississauga, which boasts a luxury offering.

Despite these challenges, CF Sherway Gardens is undergoing significant redevelopment. Plans are in place to add residential towers and other uses to the site, reflecting a broader trend of shopping center intensification in Toronto. The future of CF Sherway Gardens remains to be seen, but it is currently a successful mall with ambitious plans for the future.

Episode Sponsor: 

• Salesforce - Turn today's shopping trends into tomorrow's retail success. Visit Salesforce to see the global insights from Salesforce to boost your bottom line.

Discussed in this Episode: 

• Toronto’s CF Sherway Gardens Hits Sales Milestone with Exciting Retail Growth and Future Plans [Interview]

Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Retail Insider Podcast!

Follow Craig:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/CraigPattersonToronto
• Instagram: @craig_patterson_toronto
• Twitter: @RI_EIC

Follow Retail Insider:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/Retail-Insider
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetailInsider/
• Twitter: @RetailInsider_
• Instagram: @Retail_Insider_Canada

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Overcast
• Stitcher

Share your thoughts!

Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!

Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Craig and Lee discuss the recent opening of a Loblaws City Market in downtown Vancouver’s historic The Post building, an important addition to the city’s grocery shopping availability. The store occupies a substantial 45,000 square feet on the second floor of the renovated Canada Post building, introducing a vast retail and grocery space to the area. They highlight the store’s layout, including a wide array of departments such as bakery, dairy, deli, and seafood, and its strategic location near prominent city landmarks and office buildings.

They delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by the store’s location. Despite its impressive size and variety, the Loblaws City Market faces competition from numerous nearby grocery stores serving the densely populated downtown area. Craig and Lee discuss whether the store’s location—lacking immediate residential towers—might impact its foot traffic, contrasting it with other areas of downtown Vancouver that boast higher residential densities. They speculate on the store’s potential role as a destination for specific products and its appeal to office workers in the vicinity.

Further, they discuss the broader implications of the store’s opening for downtown Vancouver’s retail landscape and urban living. They touch on the convenience of living in a downtown area with high grocery store penetration and how the new Loblaws City Market fits into this ecosystem. The conversation covers payment experiences, with a particular focus on the store’s acceptance of payment methods and how this reflects on Loblaws’ customer service. Overall, Craig and Lee provide insights into how the new store contributes to downtown Vancouver’s convenience, retail diversity, and the ongoing evolution of urban grocery shopping.

Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Retail Insider Podcast!

Follow Craig:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/CraigPattersonToronto
• Instagram: @craig_patterson_toronto
• Twitter: @RI_EIC

Follow Retail Insider:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/Retail-Insider
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetailInsider/
• Twitter: @RetailInsider_
• Instagram: @Retail_Insider_Canada

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Overcast
• Stitcher

Share your thoughts!

Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!

Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ 

Craig and Lee discuss Oakridge Park's transformation into a luxury retail hub, as revealed in their latest podcast. The announcement includes a mix of luxury and upper contemporary brands, such as Christian Louboutin, Miu Miu, Alexander Wang, Maison Margiela, and Versace, marking a significant upscale shift for the shopping center. With about 20% of its retail space dedicated to luxury brands, Oakridge is set to become an exclusive mall attracting wealthy clientele. Craig shares insights from Crystal Burns of Quad Real, emphasizing the strategic positioning of Oakridge Park in Vancouver's retail scene.

The podcast delves into the unusual strategy of announcing retailers in batches, a rare occurrence in Canada according to Craig's experience. He compares Oakridge's approach to Royal Mount in Montreal, noting the significance of such announcements in today's retail market. The discussion extends to the introduction of new-to-market brands and the implications for Vancouver's luxury retail landscape, highlighting the city's capacity to support this influx of high-end retailers.

Craig and Lee further explore the presence of existing brands in downtown Vancouver and their expansion to Oakridge, including Louis Vuitton, Prada, and others. They ponder the future of luxury retail in Vancouver, considering the potential for market share shifts between downtown and Oakridge. With excitement, Craig anticipates future announcements and the development's impact, drawing parallels with Royal Mount in Montreal. The conversation concludes with optimism for Oakridge Park's contribution to Vancouver's status as a luxury retail destination, eagerly awaiting the project's completion and the arrival of new retailers.

Discussed this episode:

• Oakridge Park in Vancouver Announces First Confirmed Luxury Retail Tenants Ahead of 2025 Grand Opening [Feature]

This podcast is the audio version of the The Interview Series video podcasts by Retail Insider Canada are available through our Retail Insider YouTube Channel where you can subscribe and be notified when new video episodes are available.

Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Retail Insider Podcast!

Follow Craig:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/CraigPattersonToronto
Instagram: @craig_patterson_toronto
Twitter: @RI_EIC

Follow Retail Insider:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/Retail-Insider
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetailInsider/
Twitter: @RetailInsider_
Instagram: @Retail_Insider_Canada

Listen & Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Overcast
Stitcher

Share your thoughts!

Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!

Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Craig, Leo, and David delve into the realm of small and medium-sized businesses in Canada. Leo highlights Interac's focus on authentic support, emphasizing the importance of the small business community in Canada's economic landscape. The discussion unfolds around Interac's initiatives, including the Dollar One Hub, offering tools for goal setting, tax planning, and invoicing, along with a mindfulness and money module to alleviate the stress entrepreneurs often face.

David Nagy shares his admiration for Interac's work, acknowledging its broader impact beyond traditional debit transactions. The conversation takes a reflective turn as David emphasizes the challenges entrepreneurs encounter, both personally and professionally. The speakers delve into the mindset of small business owners, the interconnectedness of business and personal life, and the need for simplified tools. Interac's commitment to making the entrepreneurial journey smoother extends beyond payments, with Leo hinting at upcoming ventures in the verification space, supporting diverse communities, and building networks to bridge gaps for entrepreneurs across Canada. The trio concludes with a celebration of the unique spirit of Canadian entrepreneurship and the vital role small businesses play in the nation's economic fabric.

Interviewed this episode:

• Leo Bailey, Client Partnership, SMB Director at Interac Corp.
• Interac Corp
• David Nagy, Founder at eCommerce Canada
• eCommerce Canada

Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Retail Insider Podcast!

Follow Craig:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/CraigPattersonToronto
Instagram: @craig_patterson_toronto
Twitter: @RI_EIC

Follow Retail Insider:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/Retail-Insider
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetailInsider/
Twitter: @RetailInsider_
Instagram: @Retail_Insider_Canada

Listen & Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Overcast
Stitcher

Share your thoughts!

Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!

Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Craig Patterson and Martin Moriarty, Senior Vice President at Marcus & Millichap, discuss the dynamic nature of Vancouver’s retail market and growth. Moriarty sheds light on the transformation of key areas like the luxury zone along Alberni Street, the vibrancy of Robson Street, and the promising developments around Granville Street. He notes the arrival of high-profile brands like Balenciaga, signalling a robust and diverse retail environment.

In their conversation, they touch upon the significant transformations in areas like Oakridge Park and West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano. Moriarty speaks about the comprehensive redevelopment of Oakridge Centre into a mixed-use space, highlighting the expected influx of luxury retailers and the positive impact on the city’s retail landscape. The discussion also covers the evolution of West 4th into a hub for direct-to-consumer and outdoor brands, reflecting the street’s unique identity and its appeal to a millennial demographic.

Patterson and Moriarty then discuss the challenges and successes in revitalizing areas like Gastown, noting the recent upturn in retail activity and the potential pedestrianization of Water Street. Martin expresses optimism about the future of Vancouver’s retail sectors, underlining the city’s growing appeal on a global scale and its ability to attract diverse international retailers. The conversation concludes with a positive outlook on Vancouver’s continued growth and its evolving role in the global retail marketplace.

Interviewed this episode:

• Martin Moriarty, Senior Vice President at Marcus & Millichap
• Marcus & Millichap

This podcast is the audio version of the The Interview Series video podcasts by Retail Insider Canada are available through our Retail Insider YouTube Channel where you can subscribe and be notified when new video episodes are available.

Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Retail Insider Podcast!

Follow Craig:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/CraigPattersonToronto
Instagram: @craig_patterson_toronto
Twitter: @RI_EIC

Follow Retail Insider:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/Retail-Insider
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetailInsider/
Twitter: @RetailInsider_
Instagram: @Retail_Insider_Canada

Listen & Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Overcast
Stitcher

Share your thoughts!

Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!

Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Craig and Lisa (Phillips) Hutcheson, Managing Partner at J.C. Williams Group, discuss insights gathered in the Ebeltoft Group's newly released Retail Innovations 19 book. They highlight the role of sustainability in modern retail, both as an environmental concern and as a foundational element in business models. From Canadian initiatives like Good Foot Delivery, promoting employment for neuro-diverse communities, to France's Fresh focusing on local, organic produce, they illustrate how sustainability is being integrated in diverse retail formats globally. 

The conversation then shifts to enhanced consumer experiences, demonstrating the resurgence of physical stores but with a twist. They discuss examples like Suso Skate Co's roller rink pop-ups in shopping centres and Shanghai's Ultraviolet restaurant, which offers a multi-sensory dining experience. These examples underscore the retail sector's innovative approaches to creating memorable, immersive customer experiences. Hutcheson also touches upon the importance of combining online and offline aspects to enhance customer engagement and convenience. Patterson and Hutcheson then delve into the theme of operational efficiency in retail. 

They discuss examples like Sweet Green's automated salad preparation in Chicago and Just Cuts' streamlined haircutting services in Australia, showing how technological integration is optimizing retail operations. These examples highlight the industry's response to modern challenges, including labor shortages and the demand for quick, efficient service. The discussion concludes with a forward-looking perspective on how these innovations might shape the next 50 years of retail.

Interviewed this episode:

• Lisa (Phillips) Hutcheson, Managing Partner at J.C. Williams Group
• J.C. Williams Group

This podcast is the audio version of the The Interview Series video podcasts by Retail Insider Canada are available through our Retail Insider YouTube Channel where you can subscribe and be notified when new video episodes are available.

Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Retail Insider Podcast!

Follow Craig:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/CraigPattersonToronto
Instagram: @craig_patterson_toronto
Twitter: @RI_EIC

Follow Retail Insider:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/Retail-Insider
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetailInsider/
Twitter: @RetailInsider_
Instagram: @Retail_Insider_Canada

Listen & Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Overcast
Stitcher

Share your thoughts!

Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!

Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Retail Insider’s Craig Patterson and Ani Nersessian, Founder at VM ID Inc., discuss the role of visual merchandising in the retail sector. Nersessian emphasizes the importance of visual merchandising in creating inviting retail environments and enhancing customer engagement. She highlights the challenges small businesses face in visual merchandising, noting that it often gets neglected due to various operational demands. She advocates for the strategic use of visual elements to optimize retail presentation and elevate customer experiences.

Nersessian points out how larger companies set trends, and she discusses the importance of adapting these trends to fit the needs of smaller businesses. She shares her approach to consulting and package design, offering tailored visual merchandising solutions. Nersessian also touches on the psychological aspects of merchandising, such as customer navigation, product grouping, and creating an inviting space layout, which all contribute to the overall shopping experience and potentially increase sales.

Nersessian then goes on to talk about the practical aspects of visual merchandising, including the use of planograms, software tools, and the importance of experience over formal education in this field. She addresses the challenges of meeting tight client deadlines, especially during peak retail seasons, and the importance of adaptability in visual merchandising. The conversation concludes with a discussion on measuring the success of visual merchandising efforts, focusing on metrics like unit per transaction, average sales, and customer conversion rates. Ani emphasizes that visual merchandising is not just about aesthetics but is a critical component of the retail engine, driving sales and enhancing brand value.

Interviewed this episode:

• Ani Nersessian, Founder at VM ID Inc.
• VM ID Inc.

This podcast is the audio version of the The Interview Series video podcasts by Retail Insider Canada are available through our Retail Insider YouTube Channel where you can subscribe and be notified when new video episodes are available.

Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Retail Insider Podcast!

Follow Craig:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/CraigPattersonToronto
Instagram: @craig_patterson_toronto
Twitter: @RI_EIC

Follow Retail Insider:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/Retail-Insider
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetailInsider/
Twitter: @RetailInsider_
Instagram: @Retail_Insider_Canada

Listen & Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Overcast
Stitcher

Share your thoughts!

Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!

Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Craig and Lee delve into the most read articles of 2023, providing insights into the retail industry’s notable stories and trends. They begin by discussing Hudson’s Bay Company’s relaunch of Zellers, a major retail development that generated buzz and curiosity. The hosts evaluate the initial success of the relaunch and potential challenges in the future, such as low foot traffic and the popularity of Zellers’ food trucks.

The conversation shifts to Nordstrom’s surprising exit from Canada in early 2023, leaving a void in the Canadian retail landscape. Craig and Lee explore the impact on Canadian workers, vendors, and shoppers while reflecting on Nordstrom’s brief yet impactful presence. They also touch on the luxury wing expansion at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre, which is the most productive shopping center in Canada, and highlight other exciting retail developments to watch for in 2024, including Royalmount in Montreal and Oakridge Centre’s transformation into Oakridge Park.

The hosts wrap up the episode by discussing Unity Brands’ strategic acquisitions, Furla’s sudden departure from Canada, and the ever-evolving retail landscape.

Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Retail Insider Podcast!

Follow Craig:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/CraigPattersonToronto
• Instagram: @craig_patterson_toronto
• Twitter: @RI_EIC

Follow Retail Insider:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/Retail-Insider
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetailInsider/
• Twitter: @RetailInsider_
• Instagram: @Retail_Insider_Canada

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Overcast
• Stitcher

Share your thoughts!

Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!

Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/