Craig and Keren Halpern, Product Marketing Director, Retail & Hospitality at Priority Software, discuss how Priority Software’s ERP solutions help small to mid-sized retailers streamline operations and enhance customer experience. Halpern highlights Priority’s tailored platform, which enables retailers to manage retail, POS, and ecommerce functions…

Craig and Mark Ang, CEO at GoBolt, discuss the company’s impressive journey from a consumer storage startup to a leading logistics company, offering fulfillment and last-mile delivery solutions for retailers. Ang highlights the company’s pivot in 2019, transitioning into logistics and scaling rapidly across Canada and the U.S., with over 1.5 millio…

Craig and Leucepe (Leo) Martinez, Program Director at eTail Toronto, discuss the upcoming eTail Toronto conference, set to take place on September 25-26 at the Hyatt Regency Toronto (Register here). The event, known for its practical and actionable insights, will gather over 300 attendees and 75 speakers, offering a comprehensive exploration of the…

Craig and Dustin Fuhs, Editor-in-Chief at Retail Insider, discuss nearly four years of retail industry evolution during Fuhs’ tenure with the publication. They reflect on the significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought about numerous challenges such as lockdowns, bankruptcies, and rapid adaptations within the retail sector. Fuhs sha…

Craig and Liza Amlani, Principal and Founder of Retail Strategy Group, discuss the arrival of La Maison Simons in downtown Toronto and its potential impact on the retail landscape. They explore how the new stores at Yonge and Dundas will influence shopping habits, tourism, and local retail dynamics. Simons’ diverse product assortment, combining pri…

Craig and Casdin Parr, Vice President Retail Advisory Services at JLL Canada, discuss the current state of Canada’s retail leasing market, delving into the challenges and opportunities facing various retail sectors. They explore how high street retail in cities like Toronto and Vancouver is experiencing a resurgence, with significant openings. Parr…

Craig and Lee discuss La Maison Simons’ ambitious expansion into Toronto, focusing on the retailer’s move into spaces vacated by Nordstrom at CF Toronto Eaton Centre and the Yorkdale Shopping Centre. With a $75 million investment, Simons plans to open two new stores which could become the top-sellers in the chain. The expansion reflects Simons’ str…

Craig interviews Stephen Bailey, Chief Marketing Officer of iconic Vancouver-based footwear brand John Fluevog. They discuss the evolution and unique positioning of John Fluevog Shoes within the footwear industry. Bailey reflects on his 20 years with the Vancouver-based company, emphasizing its dedication to creating “unique soles for unique souls.…

Craig and Sarah Power, Founder of INLAND, discuss the journey of the INLAND platform that has helped shape the landscape of Canadian fashion by showcasing over 500 designers since its inception in 2014. This year marks the 10th anniversary, and the celebration is set to take place at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Power discusses INLAND's commitment …

Craig and Adam X., Founder and Creative Director at Adam X Atelier, discuss the foundation and philosophy behind his designs, highlighting his multicultural background and his passion for art and fashion. Adam’s journey began with foundational courses at George Brown College and styling at Ryerson University, leading him to discover the communicati…

Craig and Lee discuss the relocation of Harry Rosen’s flagship store from 82 Bloor Street West to 153 Cumberland Street in Toronto’s upscale Yorkville neighborhood. This move from its long-standing Bloor Street location represents a major development in the city’s retail scene. The store’s design features will include a three-floor layout and expan…

Craig and Josh Katz, Assistant Vice President of Leasing at RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust, discuss Katz’s extensive career in commercial real estate, starting with his entry into the industry right before the 2008 financial crisis. Katz highlights the resilience of certain retail categories and the innovative approaches taken by RioCan to nav…

Craig interviews Christina Morrow, Founder at Vancouver-based Wicked Rose, about Morrow’s journey of creating a groundbreaking women’s martial arts activewear brand. Morrow shares her personal motivation, driven by the lack of suitable clothing options for women in martial arts, which led her to develop a brand that combines high quality, performan…

Craig Patterson and Bernard Leblanc, President and Chief Executive Officer at La Maison Simons, discuss the opening of Simons’ new store in Halifax, marking the Quebec City-based retailer’s first venture into the Atlantic provinces. Leblanc shares insights into the $20 million investment and the store’s design, which pays homage to Halifax’s mariti…

Craig and Lee discuss the recent announcement of closures of two long-standing establishments in Yorkville, Toronto – Pusatiri’s grocery and Flo’s Diner. Pusatiri’s, known for its upscale grocery offerings, is closing due to a strategic decision by the owners, with plans for the space potentially converting into a restaurant. The closure of Flo’s D…

Craig and Ali Baker, Vice President at Avison Young in Toronto, discuss the dynamic landscape of Canadian retail, focusing on the transformative effects of the pandemic and the shift towards suburban markets. In the conversation, Baker highlights the resurgence of suburban strip plazas and the competitive nature of these markets, driven by the pand…

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 d…

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 est…

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…

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 are…

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% o…

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,…

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 a…

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 …

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 merchandisin…

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 f…

Craig and Casdin Parr, Vice President of Retail Advisory Services at JLL Toronto, discuss Casdin's insights on the state of Canadian retail. The duo delves into the evolving trends and positive momentum the industry is witnessing, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between retailers and landlords. Casdin Parr sheds light on the exciting trajecto…

Craig and Scott Mulligan, Managing Partner and Broker of Record at CDN Global, discuss an overview of CDN Global's recent expansion into the Toronto market through a successful merger with Ellington Partners Corporate Real Estate Advisors. The discussion unveils the unique position of CDN Global as a boutique brokerage, emphasizing its ownership st…

Craig and Tony Flanz, the founder and CEO of Montreal-based brokerage Think Retail, shed light on the ever-evolving Canadian retail landscape. The interview spans topics from the success story of Think Retail to Tony's valuable insights on international brands making their mark in Canada. With a keen focus on experiential shopping, Tony emphasizes …

Craig and Mark Ainley, a contemporary Feng Shui consultant and the founder of Sense of Space based in Vancouver. Ainley sheds light on the intricate interplay between design, colour, and functionality in retail spaces. He emphasizes the need to move beyond conventional perceptions of Feng Shui, showcasing its relevance in optimizing the layout and …

Craig and Suzanne Sears, the CEO and founder of Luxury Careers Canada discuss the challenges faced by new Canadians in securing employment, emphasizing the vast pool of highly educated, underemployed individuals in the Canadian workforce. She stresses the importance of retailers adapting to the reality that 35% of the workforce comprises new Canadi…

Craig and Suzanne Sears, CEO and founder of Luxury Careers Canada, discuss Ontario’s salary disclosure legislation. Suzanne provides valuable insights into the origins of this legislation, its initial cancellation by the Ford government, and its recent revival. The conversation delves into the legislation’s primary intent – addressing the gender pa…

Craig and Lee delve into a detailed comparison of the retail landscapes in Vancouver and San Francisco. The discussion starts with the alarming number of store closures in San Francisco, where Market Street and Union Square. Vancouver seems to be more resilient in this regard, especially in popular areas like Robson Street and Granville Street. The…

Craig and Lee delve into the intricate dynamics of downtown retail, honing in on the specific case of Edmonton in this episode of The Weekly by Retail Insider. Craig, having traversed the diverse retail landscapes from Vancouver to San Francisco, shares insights on the stark contrast between the vibrancy of suburban shopping centers and the decline…

Craig and Lee discuss Craig’s recent talk at the Canadian Jewellers Association Summit in Vancouver. They delve into emerging trends in the Canadian jewellery industry, including the growing presence of luxury brands and the shift towards direct-to-consumer retail. They also consider the impact of a potential recession on consumer sentiment, partic…

Craig has a discussion with Eric Champagne, CIO of La Vie en Rose, and Benoit Simard, President of GoCo. They discuss the key challenges facing the retail industry, with a strong focus on La Vie en Rose's digital transformation with the support of GoCo by TELUS. Champagne highlights three critical challenges: the need for robust cybersecurity, the …

Craig and the Passen leadership discuss their innovative digital measurement platform that is poised to revolutionize the fashion industry. Passen's digital solution is designed to help consumers find clothing that fits both online and in-store, addressing a long-standing challenge in the retail world. Their commitment to improving shopper satisfac…

Craig and Johanne Marcotte, Executive Vice President, Portfolio Management, Retail at JLL Canada, discuss property management trends, emphasizing the importance of a global network, sustainability, and adapting to changing tenant expectations and technology. They delve into JLL’s approach to navigating these trends, offering insights for property o…

Craig and Lee embark on a discussion centered around the contrasting retail landscapes of San Francisco's Union Square and Toronto's Yorkville. Their recent trip to San Francisco prompted them to explore the Union Square area, known for its diverse retail offerings, particularly in the luxury segment. They highlight the architectural grandeur of Un…

Craig and Kyle Tomlin, Director of Events in Canada for ICSC, discuss the highly anticipated ICSC@CANADA 2023 Conference, set to take place from October 2nd to 4th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Hall in downtown Toronto. This event serves as a pivotal moment for the Canadian retail and commercial leasing industry, attracting attendees…

Craig and Lee dive into the dynamic changes taking place on Bloor Street West in downtown Toronto. The episode explores the city’s evolving luxury run, focusing on the influx of luxury brands, extensive renovations, and exciting store openings that are reshaping the retail landscape. Craig highlights the grand arrival of Ferragamo, a renowned Itali…

Craig and Chau Lui, Co-Owner of Paris Jewellers, discuss the remarkable journey of the Edmonton-based jewelry brand that originated from humble beginnings to a thriving jewelry brand with 23 locations across Canada. Chau recounts how her mother’s perseverance as an immigrant led to the establishment of the first store, even in the face of language …

Craig and Lee discuss the fierce rivalry unfolding between Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville and Yorkdale Shopping Centre in the realm of luxury retail. Delving into the nuances of this competition, they highlight the contrasting strategies and advantages each entitiy brings to the table. While Yorkdale’s dominance owes much to the streamlined approach off…

Craig and Lee discuss the intriguing juxtaposition between traditional department stores and the contemporary trend of brand-specific "World Of" concessions within the realm of retail. Delving into the heart of this topic, they examine the implications for consumer experience and shopping convenience. While department stores historically aimed to p…

Entrepreneur Marco Revah has plans to revive the once-iconic Consumers Distributing brand. Closed for over a quarter-century, Consumers Distributing was known for its pioneering retail model. Revah, a seasoned retail veteran, aims to breathe new life into the brand with an updated concept, Consumers Distributing 2.0, designed to cater to modern con…

Craig and Lee discuss the groundbreaking transformation underway at Toronto’s Yorkdale shopping center, a conversation centered on the future of luxury retail within this retail hub. The focal point of their conversation is the extensive luxury retail expansion that’s poised to redefine the mall’s allure. Craig provides listeners with intricate ins…

Craig and David Nagy, Founder at eCommerce Canada, discuss the Canadian Digital Adoption Program (CDAP), a $4 billion government-funded initiative to promote digital innovation and transformation for small businesses in Canada. They delve into the application process, grant amounts, interest-free loans, and youth employment subsidies, highlighting …

Craig and Lee discuss the exciting arrival of Kith, an international fashion brand known for its trendy streetwear, in the upscale Yorkville area of Toronto. The 10,000 square feet store will feature a unique ice cream bar concept called Kith Treats. This move is expected to attract a younger, affluent demographic and enhance Yorkville’s reputation…

Craig and Dean discuss the inspiring journey of Dean Davidson‘s jewelry brand, from its humble beginnings as a hobby to becoming a successful line carried by prestigious retailers like Holt Renfrew. They delve into the design process, materials used, and future plans, including the possibility of expanding into homeware. Dean shares insights into h…

Craig and Lee discuss the transformation and new additions at Londonderry Mall in Edmonton, including a passport office, Shoppers Drug Mart BeautyBOUTIQUE, and a downsized Hudson’s Bay store with a potential outlet concept. They explore how the mall caters to the diverse local community with relevant amenities and retailers. Interviewed this episod…