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.

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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 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/

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’ strategy to grow its footprint and cater to the city’s demand for diverse retail options.

At CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Simons will occupy approximately 110,000 square feet over three floors, featuring a main floor presence and a new hallway connecting the north and south ends of the mall. This corridor, a first in the mall’s history, will improve pedestrian access and enhance the shopping experience. In addition to Simons, a Nike flagship store and Eataly will also take up space in the former Nordstrom location, further enriching the mall’s retail offerings.

Yorkdale Shopping Centre will see Simons take over the first two levels of the former Nordstrom space, catering to the young, fashion-forward shoppers frequenting the mall. The new stores will include luxury designer departments and Simons’ popular private label merchandise, aiming to significantly boost the retailer’s sales. With these expansions, Simons continues its coast-to-coast growth, solidifying its position as a key player in the Canadian retail landscape.

Craig finally speculates that Simons will open in the former Nordstrom building in downtown Vancouver, in a similar fashion to what was announced for CF Toronto Eaton Centre.

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:

• La Maison Simons to Open Stores at CF Toronto Eaton Centre and Yorkdale in Former Nordstrom Spaces

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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
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• 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/