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 shares insights into how Retail Insider managed to navigate through these turbulent times by staying flexible and responsive to the changing needs of their readership.

Throughout the conversation, Fuhs highlights several memorable stories and milestones, including the closures of major retailers including the Disney Store, Nordstrom, and Target. He recounts the secretive and strategic nature of their work, from holding exclusive news about IKEA’s downtown Toronto store to the expansion of Indochino under Drew Green’s direction. The discussion also covers the rise of experiential retail, with examples like Tesla and Apple stores, and Fuhs’ passion for immersive retail experiences.

As Fuhs prepares to step down from his role, he reveals his future plans, including the launch of his new venture, The Immersive Lab, which focuses on creating unique retail and experiential environments. He expresses his gratitude for the relationships and experiences gained during his time at Retail Insider and looks forward to continuing to contribute to the industry in new ways. Patterson and Fuhs conclude by emphasizing their ongoing commitment to staying connected and discussing the ever-evolving landscape of retail.

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

Interviewed this episode:

• Dustin Fuhs, Editor in Chief at Retail Insider
• Retail Insider

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

Follow Retail Insider:

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

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 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 private labels and luxury goods, is expected to attract a wide range of customers and drive significant sales.

The conversation also touches on the broader retail trends, emphasizing the importance of physical stores in enhancing customer experience and loyalty. Amlani highlights the role of visual merchandising and knowledgeable sales associates in creating memorable shopping experiences. They also discuss the importance of data-driven insights in tailoring product assortments to meet customer needs, as demonstrated by Simon’s strategic approach.

Additionally, Patterson and Amlani delve into the global shopping phenomenon, with a particular focus on Shein’s IPO and its implications for the fashion industry. They discuss the environmental impact of fast fashion and the growing consumer awareness around sustainability. The conversation underscores the need for retailers to balance product quality, customer experience, and ethical practices in today’s competitive market.

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:

• Liza Amlani, Principal and Founder of Retail Strategy Group
• Retail Strategy 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

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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 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 highlights the momentum in Bloor-Yorkville in Toronto, and the revival of Ste- Catherine Street in Montreal as key indicators of positive trends in high street retail.

The luxury retail segment is discussed, which remains strong despite economic uncertainties. Parr explains that while the demand for luxury retail continues, there is a more tempered approach to expansion, with brands planning their capital investments carefully. Notable developments include the upcoming Royalmont in Montreal and Oakridge Park in Vancouver, both set to introduce new luxury brands to the Canadian market.

Further, they discuss the impact of major retail developments and tenant movements in various regions. From Simons entering the Toronto market to the redevelopment of Nordstrom’s space in Vancouver, these changes signal significant shifts in the retail landscape. Parr emphasizes the robust demand for retail spaces in Edmonton and Calgary, driven by strong local economies and consumer responses.

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

Interviewed this episode:

• Sarah Power, Founder of INLAND
• INLAND

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

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/