The Retail Insider Podcast Network

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 pay gap and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the retail sector.

The discussion further explores the potential repercussions for retailers, who may now be compelled to disclose salary ranges in job postings. Suzanne highlights the concerns within the industry, including the possibility of companies exploiting broad pay bands to avoid transparency. Craig raises the question of whether this move towards salary disclosure will indeed lead to increased costs for retailers and a necessary adjustment in employee compensation.

Shifting gears, the conversation touches on a fascinating trend in the employment landscape – the return of baby boomers to part-time retail positions. Suzanne sheds light on how this demographic, driven by the need for supplemental income amid rising costs of living, is becoming an untapped talent pool for retailers. The duo discusses the advantages and challenges associated with hiring older individuals, emphasizing the potential benefits for both employers and experienced part-time workers.

Interviewed this episode:

• Suzanne Sears, President of Best Retail Careers International Inc.

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 [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 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 conversation takes a somber turn as they address the issue of poverty and homelessness which is more concentrated in Vancouver, notably in the Downtown East Side, leading to challenges for retailers in the area.

The dialogue transitions to the topic of retail crime, with both cities grappling with theft and shoplifting problems. San Francisco’s retail crime appears to be more brazen, while Vancouver is not immune to these issues. The situation has led to a coalition in British Columbia to address these challenges, impacting retailers of all sizes. Despite these hurdles, high-end retailers in San Francisco’s Union Square area are reported to be thriving, highlighting the persistence of luxury brands given the wealth in the city. Both cities offer a unique shopping experience, with San Francisco featuring a wide range of luxury boutiques and Vancouver ranking as the second-best city for luxury shopping in Canada, with continued growth potential.

The discussion concludes with a visit to Gastown and the Woodward’s atrium, highlighting the architectural and historical significance of the area. While they appreciate the unique elements, the hosts acknowledge the challenges posed by addiction and homelessness. Despite these difficulties, they hope for positive change in the future and emphasize the importance of discussing and addressing these issues in the retail context.

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 [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 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 of downtown cores. The conversation unfolds with a critical examination of factors such as the historical shift from downtown to suburbs post-World War II, the impact of major retailers like Walmart and Amazon, and the surprising downturn of once-thriving downtowns like Edmonton.

The duo scrutinizes Edmonton's downtown, noting the challenges of parking, increasing costs, and a lack of vibrancy. Craig's firsthand experience paints a vivid picture of the transformation from a bustling retail hub in the '80s and '90s to a quieter, less inviting space today. The podcast explores the broader trend in Canadian cities, drawing parallels between Edmonton and other urban centers like Winnipeg, Ottawa, and even smaller cities like Regina and Saskatoon, which have managed to maintain downtown retail vibrancy. The episode concludes with a reflection on potential solutions, from urban planning initiatives to the role of pedestrians in downtown spaces, leaving listeners pondering the future of retail landscapes in Canadian cities.

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 [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 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, particularly among the wealthy. The discussion emphasizes the significance of creating a captivating in-store environment for jewellery retailers, as high-end jewellery purchases often involve a curated and immersive experience. Furthermore, they touch upon the changing dynamics of Chinese tour groups and how their absence, due to geopolitical reasons, affects the retail landscape in Canada.

Despite the challenges, they highlight the positive impact of other visitors who come to Canada for various reasons, boosting the retail industry, especially in cities like Vancouver and Toronto. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the evolving Canadian jewellery retail landscape and the factors shaping its future.

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 [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 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 rapid evolution of technology, and the competitive workforce landscape. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on maximizing the value of existing technology before adopting new solutions, dispelling the myth that IT is expensive, and encouraging IT leaders to get involved in the business.

Champagne further details La Vie en Rose's technological investments, including transitioning from on-premises systems to a fully SaaS cloud-based environment. The company has not only updated its ERP and point of sale systems but has also empowered the business units with more control over their technology. Champagne credits GoCo for its role in ensuring connectivity, offering redundancy, and simplifying contract negotiations.

Benoit Simard, President of GoCo, provides insights into the company's role in the retail industry, offering managed network services, security, and unified communication. He discusses the technological challenges retailers face, such as supporting IoT applications, video analytics, and addressing cybersecurity risks. Simard emphasizes GoCo's unique position as a multi-carrier service provider and its ability to ensure faster, reliable connectivity, strong LAN/Wi-Fi infrastructure, and enhanced security measures. CEOs seeking digital transformation are advised to prioritize understanding their business's specific needs, embrace modern technology's value, and actively engage in their business operations to foster collaboration and success between IT and the business units.

Interviewed this episode:

• Benoit Simard, President at GoCo, Vice-Président TELUS
• Eric Champagne, CIO, La Vie en Rose
• GoCo by TELUS
• La Vie en Rose

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 [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 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 satisfaction, boosting online sales, and reducing the environmental impact of fashion consumption sets Passen apart as a trailblazer in this field.

The platform has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from the initial concept of a virtual change room in malls to a more accessible and convenient handheld mobile device. This shift allows users to scan their bodies from the comfort of their homes, providing accurate measurements that can be directly compared to specific garments. The company's three-phase approach includes capturing measurements, comparing them to the chosen clothing items, and offering a seamless and user-friendly customer experience. With plans to integrate their technology into Shopify and collaborate with iconic retailers, Passen aims to decrease the number of returns and ultimately contribute to reducing waste and carbon footprints in the industry.

As a Canadian company, Passen takes pride in its Canadian heritage and its ability to collaborate with well-known retailers, like Harry Rosen. The calibration process with retailers is in full swing, and Passen plans to implement its technology on various Shopify sites in the near future. Their vision extends beyond simple growth; they aim to transform the fashion industry, reduce the stress and waste associated with clothing returns, and offer a personalized shopping experience that caters to individual preferences. With an experienced team and unwavering commitment, Passen is ready to make its mark and redefine the way consumers shop for clothing

Interviewed this episode:

• Carmin Garofalo, Chief Executive Officer of Passen Inc.
• John Campbell, Managing Director at Passen Inc.
• Tracy Lewis, Vice President of People Culture and Business at Passen
• Passen

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 [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 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 owners and investors.

Property management has evolved from merely overseeing spaces to curating experiences, with a focus on health and well-being. Johanne highlights the challenges posed by regulatory variations in sustainability efforts. She emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach, prioritizing people, technology, and sustainability to excel in property management.

JLL’s extensive expertise and global network enable them to deliver exceptional results for their clients, promoting trust, transparency, and execution.

• Johanne Marcotte, Executive Vice President, Portfolio Management, Retail at JLL Canada
• JLL 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 [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 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 Union Square, wide sidewalks, and a concentration of high-end brands like Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. The discussion delves into the presence of wealthy patrons in San Francisco, driven by the city's tech industry, contributing to the thriving luxury retail scene.

In contrast, the hosts shed light on the village-like ambiance of Yorkville, emphasizing the historical charm of the area with smaller buildings, cafes, and a tight-knit community. Craig observes that Yorkville, with its resident population and diverse income levels, boasts a vibrant and safe environment for both shopping and socializing. They also touch on the challenges faced by San Francisco, including vagrancy and crime in certain areas, like the nearby Tenderloin neighborhood, which contrast with the relative safety of Toronto's upscale shopping districts.

Ultimately, the hosts recognize that both San Francisco and Canadian cities like Toronto have unique retail landscapes, with San Francisco's Union Square catering to luxury consumers and Toronto's Yorkville offering a distinctive village atmosphere. They express optimism for San Francisco's retail future, foreseeing the city overcoming its hurdles, while appreciating Canada's vibrant downtown cores and their sustained retail vibrancy.

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 [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 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 from both Canada and the United States.

One of the standout features of the conference is its vibrant show floor, which has evolved over the years. In addition to traditional elements like the food hall, the event now boasts a show floor theater where essential industry sessions will be held. Attendees can also enjoy the ICSC refreshment lounge, generously sponsored by Starbucks, for networking and grabbing a coffee.

The conference agenda places a strong emphasis on technology’s role in retail, with sessions covering augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and more. While deal-making is a significant aspect of ICSC Canada, the event also offers invaluable educational content, making it a must-attend for industry professionals looking to stay informed and network with key players.

Interviewed this episode:

• Kyle Tomlin, Director of Events - ICSC Canada
• ICSC 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 [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 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 Italian luxury brand, on Bloor Street. He shares insights from his interview with Ferragamo’s CEO, shedding light on the brand’s strategic choice to establish a presence on one of the world’s most prestigious luxury retail streets. Alongside Ferragamo, children’s retailer Bonpoint has also set up shop, adding to the diverse mix of offerings on Bloor Street.

The hosts delve into the developments at iconic addresses like 110 Bloor Street West, 100 Bloor Street, and even discuss the closures and future plans for the area. Craig underscores the flurry of construction activity and the promising outlook for Bloor Street’s retail scene, debunking earlier concerns of vacancies and emphasizing the street’s resurgence as a retail powerhouse. With new luxury boutiques, renovations, and intriguing arrivals on the horizon, Bloor Street continues to be a captivating retail destination in Toronto.

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 [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/