The Retail Insider Podcast Network

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 navigate these challenging times, including the development of The Well in Toronto. This mixed-use project is a transformation of urban retail, offering a blend of necessity-based and unique retail experiences, including a significant focus on fitness and food tenants.

Katz also discusses RioCan’s strategies for future developments and leasing trends, including the move towards mixed-use projects and the importance of creating engaging retail environments that cater to community needs. The conversation touches on specific projects including 11 Yorkville Avenue, where Sweat and Tonic will be a tenant. They also discuss South Edmonton Common and the introduction of Chick-fil-A to the Edmonton market, showcasing RioCan’s proactive approach to reimagining retail spaces and enhancing consumer experiences. The interview concludes with a look at the broader implications of these strategies for the retail and commercial real estate industries.

Interviewed this episode:

• Josh Katz, Assistant Vice President, Leasing at RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust
• RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust

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.

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• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/CraigPattersonToronto
• Instagram: @craig_patterson_toronto
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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  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, performance-oriented apparel with size inclusivity up to 5XL. Morrow’s six-year experience in Muay Thai, and her dissatisfaction with existing offerings, inspired her to research and eventually create a line of activewear that caters specifically to women’s needs in martial arts.

Morrow discusses the unique design challenges and solutions Wicked Rose offers, like the introduction of non-see-through spats with high waistbands to ensure comfort and functionality during intense training sessions. Morrow’s approach involved meticulous product development, including gathering feedback from the martial arts community and incorporating innovative design elements to address common issues faced by women in martial arts. Her collaboration with a tattoo artist friend brings a unique aesthetic to the brand, making it stand out in a market saturated with generic designs.

The conversation concludes with Morrow’s future ambitions for Wicked Rose, including its upcoming Kickstarter campaign aimed at broadening the brand’s reach and introducing sustainable practices in activewear production. They touch upon the potential expansion into retail and the vision of establishing Wicked Rose as a globally recognized activewear brand founded on principles of empowerment, innovation, and inclusivity.

Interviewed this episode:

• Christina Morrow, Founder at Wicked Rose
• Wicked Rose
• [Kickstarter Campaign Link]

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.

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Follow Craig:

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

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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 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 maritime heritage and the Simon family’s roots, with architectural elements inspired by the Bluenose and sails referencing Simons family history. The store expansion reflects Simon’s ambition to bring its brand coast to coast, offering a unique shopping experience that blends local heritage with the retailer’s distinguished architectural style.

The conversation shifts to the rationale behind selecting Halifax for Simon’s 17th store. Leblanc highlights Halifax’s status as a dynamic and rapidly growing city with a diverse clientele, including a significant student population and visitors from neighbouring provinces. The strategic location within a major shopping centre aims to cater to the broader Atlantic region, further cementing Simon’s presence in the Canadian retail landscape.

Patterson and Leblanc finally delve into Simon’s broader retail strategy, discussing the significant portion of sales now coming from e-commerce, while also acknowledging the strong return to physical store shopping post-pandemic. Leblanc emphasizes a unified commerce approach, prioritizing seamless customer experiences across all platforms. The discussion concludes with future prospects for expansion and the potential for more Simon’s stores in major Canadian cities, underlining the company’s patient yet ambitious growth strategy and its commitment to serving diverse customer needs across the country.

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.

Featured During this Episode: 

• Bernard Leblanc, President and Chief Executive Officer at La Maison Simons
• La Maison Simons

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

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Twitter: @RetailInsider_
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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 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 Diner, a beloved local eatery, follows a landlord dispute, leaving its future uncertain. These closures signal significant shifts in the neighborhood, emphasizing the changing dynamics of retail and community spaces in Yorkville.

The podcast delves into the broader transformation of the Yorkville area, which includes not only retail changes but also significant luxury residential developments. Craig highlights the influx of super-wealthy residents through new high-end condominium projects, suggesting a continued evolution towards an even more upscale neighborhood. This shift is anticipated to further influence the types of retail and dining establishments that will thrive in Yorkville, potentially attracting more luxury brands and high-end restaurants to cater to the affluent demographic.

Finally, Craig and Lee reflect on the mixed reactions from the Yorkville community, ranging from disappointment over the closures to excitement about the neighborhood’s future. They discuss the potential for new opportunities and spaces that could emerge from these changes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a vibrant, diverse community amidst the luxury developments. The conversation underscores the dynamic nature of urban neighborhoods and the continuous cycle of change, highlighting Yorkville as a case study in balancing growth with community needs.

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.

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

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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 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 pandemic’s influence on consumer mobility and retail preferences. Quick service restaurants, service retail, and boutique fitness studios are identified as areas of significant activity, indicating a move towards experiential and service-based retail offerings. The discussion also touches on challenges and opportunities in urban retail, emphasizing the importance of traffic generation and a diverse tenant mix for landlords.

Looking forward, Baker shares insights on emerging trends and the continued importance of physical retail spaces. Despite the challenges posed by inflation and changing consumer habits, she remains optimistic about the retail sector’s resilience and potential for growth. Baker’s experiences and observations offer a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of Canadian retail, highlighting the industry’s adaptability and the critical role of strategic leasing and market understanding.

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.

Featured During this Episode: 

• Ali Baker, Vice President at Avison Young
• Avison Young

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

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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 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]

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Follow Craig:

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/CraigPattersonToronto
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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

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Share your thoughts!

Drop us a line at [email protected]. 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]

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Follow Craig:

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

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

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• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/CraigPattersonToronto
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• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetailInsider/
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Share your thoughts!

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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:

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Share your thoughts!

Drop us a line at [email protected]. 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/