Media reports highlight the dramatic shift of spending from traditional stores to e-commerce. Industry analysts and pundits predict the demise of brands with substantial investments in retail real estate. We live in an increasingly virtual world, they say, and those with deep roots in the physical realm are starting to look more and more like dinosaurs.
The transformation of shopping fueled by all things digital is profound with no signs of deceleration. The crazy little thing called the internet is changing virtually (pun intended) everything. But anyone who thinks that brick and mortar stores are going away has it wrong. Here’s why...
Macy's won't buy Sears Canada, according to a Macy's spokesperson. Speculation arose that Macy's would buy Sears Canada, after Sears revealed that it's considering selling its Canadian operations. Other purchasers are possible and although Sears Canada continues to occupy some valuable retail space, most of its best store locations have already been divested...
Canada's largest open-air outlet mall opens today in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. The Outlet Collection at Niagara boasts 102 stores spanning a total of 520,000 square feet, including several retailers new to Canada. It's the first 'pure' outlet mall built by Ivanhoé Cambridge. The mall isn't completely finished: there are plans to potentially add another 130,000 square feet...
Popular American womenswear retailer Chico's just announced its first three Canadian store locations. All three stores will open in August, with more Canadian location announcements to follow. Its first Canadian store locations will be...
You always want to make a good first impression, especially when it comes to your customers. Staffing your new store opening smoothly will allow you to give customers a great first impression of your store and what your brand has to offer. There are a few key areas to focus in on that will help your business better prepare for your new store opening...
Canada is an international retail 'hot spot', according to the world's foremost fashion-industry trade publication. Many international retailers are contemplating Canadian expansions, following Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue's lead. Home-grown retailers will need to innovate to compete, or risk facing demise, like bankrupt retailer Boutique Jacob...
Discount footwear retailer DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW) has completed its share purchase of Canadian footwear retailer, Town Shoes, for $75.5 million (US$68.7 million) in cash. DSW acquired a 49.2% interest in Town Shoes, paving the way for DSW to open Canadian stores. DSW's initial stake provides 50% voting control and board representation, equal to Town Shoes' primary remaining shareholder, Callisto Capital...
Popular American candy retailer Dylan's Candy Bar is reportedly looking for Canadian retail space. Founded by Ralph Lauren's daughter, Dylan Lauren, the candy company has partnered with Claire's as part of its North American expansion. Dylan's recently expanded beyond just candy, becoming a lifestyle brand with various products...
For the first time in Canada, May has been declared as 'National Deals & Coupons Month'. Both retail and deal/coupon industries have joined to offer Canadians savings, as well as raise awareness to the availability of deals and coupons for Canadians. The Deals & Coupons Month is an initiative of the Canadian Deals & Coupons Association and the Affiliate Marketing Association of Canada...
As a former Sears senior executive I’ve followed the once mighty brand’s journey from mediocrity to bad to just plain sad. What a long strange trip it’s been.
When I left in late 2003 we were gaining traction in our core full-line department store business and piloting several important growth initiatives. To be fair, whether we could pull off the necessary transformation was highly questionable. But one thing is now certain. The subsequent actions taken under a decade of Eddie Lampert’s leadership have assured the retailer’s demise...
