Montreal’s newest (mega) shopping mall, Royalmount, officially opened its doors to the public on September 5th, 2024. The long-awaited shopping, dining, and entertainment destination is finally open after years of anticipation!
Although not all of its occupants are ready to be shopped, nearly half (over 50) of its retail stores are now open for business. Some of the coveted retailers customers can shop at include Sephora, Alo Yoga, Jimmy Choo, and more.
This is just the beginning for Royalmount, with 170 stores, including 60 restaurants and cafes, set to launch during the mall’s first phase.
The new space aims to serve as an inclusive luxury and unique shopping experience, as well as a hub for “human connectivity” with the help of its dining offerings and community spaces (such as its immersive public art trail).
“…The vision for ROYALMOUNT has always been to foster human connections, create a center of community, and usher in a new era of inclusive luxury for the city. Over the coming weeks, we will welcome new brands, restaurants and concepts, making ROYALMOUNT one of the most exciting places to visit in Montreal for all generations,” says Andrew Lutfy, CEO of Carbonleo and lead ROYALMOUNT investor.
The 824,000-square-foot shopping complex will be home to the highest concentration of international luxury flagship stores in the province, with many standalone luxury boutiques coming to Quebec for the first time, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Versace, Saint Laurent, Jimmy Choo, Longchamp, RH, and Moncler.
Aside from luxury, the mall also caters to a wider audience with stores such as Mango, Zara, Dynamite, and so many more available to shop. Speaking of – Dynamite just opened its largest flagship ever within the Royalmount quarters.
Click here for more information.
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There’s more upsetting news on the retail front.
COVID-19 has led to the takedown of Le Chateau — an iconic Canadian retailer, based in Montreal.
In July we reported that there was trouble on the horizon for the company. Four months later, Le Chateau Inc. is seeking court protection from creditors as reported by CBC News.
Le Chateau is looking to sell off its remaining merchandise before shuttering 123 locations across Canada. Sadly, 1,400 employees will be impacted by the closure.
Apparently, the decision to close did not come without a concerted effort from the company. In a statement management said, “after having used its best efforts over the preceding months, with the assistance of professional advisers, to refinance or sell the company to a third party that would continue operating the business.”
For those who remember, Le Chateau enjoyed their hay-day in the ’90s and early 2000s with hip and trendy fashion. However, as we see the trend towards more sustainable and ethical practices in retail and away from fast fashion, the brand’s prominence in the Canadian retail space diminished.
So, after 60 long years, it is a bittersweet farewell to Le Chateau as they join the growing list of bankruptcies and store closures in 2020.
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Rock climbing is having a major moment, as the sport keeps reaching new heights. On the heels of the Oscar-winning (anxiety-inducing) documentary Free Solo and the introduction of climbing as an official Olympic sport, climbing has captured both audiences and participants like never before.
There really is a “day” for everything, and climbing is no exception.
To mark Global Climbing Day on Saturday, August 24, longtime California-based outdoor brand The North Face went all out, hosting an energetic and impossible-to-turn-away-from climbing competition at Montreal’s Parc Jean-Drapeau Aquatic Complex. We were invited along to check it out.
Participants in the The North Face Psicobloc Open Series weekend-long climbing competition draw upon their impressive strength and ninja-like skills as they scale a 55-foot wall “free solo” over a deep swimming pool.
It’s something that made for some pretty epic falls into the water below. This is the second year that The North Face has hosted the well-attended event; an initiative that aims to unite seasoned climbers and the climbing-curious set.
While climbing may have gained mass popularity in recent years, it’s been in The North Face’s DNA for decades.
For more than 50 years, the brand has outfitted countless climbers on epic summit adventures. Introduced in 2016, The North Face’s “Walls are Meant for Climbing” campaign encourages people to both try climbing and unite to overcome challenges, push boundaries, and foster a deep and diverse community.
“Climbing has always been such a core element to the brand, so any opportunity we have to support the climbing industry, bring people together we take it,” said Max Turcotte, Brand & Sports Marketing Coordinator at The North Face. “Climbing is getting more and more popular, and these experiential events and key consumer moments around climbing are the best way we can talk to consumers who are getting increasingly interested in the sport. More than 30 per cent of the American public has expressed an interest in climbing. So, we ‘re looking to bring people together.”
The North Face also has a presence at major rock climbing festivals and maintains a partnership with regional gyms across Canada.
These important partnerships involve events and the supply of The North Face product and athletes at participating climbing gyms. In addition to the competition, the brand also hosted local events at 240 climbing gyms around the world to mark Global Climbing Day.
In Montreal, The North Face Psicobloc Open Series attracted some 400 athletes who competed in the men’s, women’s, and junior events. Pre competition, The North Face invited members of the public to try their skills (and lack thereof…but I have nothing but respect for anyone who would attempt such a thing in front of hundreds of snapping smartphones) before the competition started.
Then, the competition sees two climbers face off against one another without ropes, harnesses or protective gear, as they draw on agility, strength and strategy to scale the massive inverse wall as energetic onlookers cheer them on. To be honest, it was a lot more exciting than I had anticipated.
At Saturday’s quarterfinals, we caught the action from the VIP area, an elevated poolside terrace, in the company of climbing world heroes like Gabriel Filippi, who quit his corporate gig to become a professional climber and motivational speaker.
The North Face-sponsored alpinist and climber was fresh from completing the “hard double” earlier this summer, doing both Mount Everest and Nuptse peaks in one climb – something he calls a career highlight.
As Filippi points out, we saw a major increase in interest in climbing with the introduction of the climbing gym.
“I think people were always curious from seeing the mountains, climbers, and gear but then climbing wall appeared just over a decade ago, making climbing a lot more accessible,” said Filippi.
“Schools found that climbing walls helped kids with focus and confidence – and at that point we created a new generation of climbers. That’s why we see young climbers in their 20s who are really good, because they grew up doing it.”
As for those who didn’t develop their climbing skills at a young age, Fillipi stresses that you’re never too old to start climbing. “There is no age restriction; just try the wall,” he says. “The unknown brings fear, but climbing is about community versus competition and everyone is enjoying it; it’s inclusive; it’s for everyone. You’re going to find a grade when you’re climbing where you’re feeling good. Everyone tries to help one another.”
In the wake of recent headline-making deaths on Mount Everest, however, Fillipi advises potential climbers to be realistic of what they’re capable of.
“Climbers should think twice. I know that for so many people it’s a dream come true; maybe at some point you couldn’t do it because of work commitments or lack of money, but it’s a demanding and gruelling thing to do,” says Fillipi. “People are dying waiting on the mountain; what we need to see is less traffic, which involves more coordination among organizations and expedition leaders to determine specific times for the summit.”
The first step to an epic bucket list expedition, naturally, begins in your local climbing gym – and Toronto is full of them.
If you’re in the market for gear, of course, The North Face has you covered. “The North Face offers everything from big-walled backpacks meant to carry rope, climbing gear, and harnesses, to extremely bulletproof and rainproof outerwear, for if ever you’re caught in the rain on a cliff,” says Turcotte. “We make sleeping bags that are tested for the outdoors and expeditions at extreme temperatures. We also offer equipment for indoor climbing.” View this post on Instagram
A post shared by The North Face (@thenorthface) on Mar 12, 2019 at 3:29pm PDT
But don’t expect to find many of these items for sale at any of The North Face’s events; that’s not the point. “The main reason behind the ‘Walls are Meant for Climbing’ campaign and why we do this is to bring people together around the wall and acquaint them with the brand; not to make sales,” says Turcotte. “If we are selling product, it’s important to incorporate a giveback element.”
“The objective is to give back to the community; it’s not the right time to make money. We want the focus to be on the climbing.”
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Acne Studios, Isabel Marant, Smythe, and Alexander Wang — these are just a some of the brands our favourite designer boutique in the city has on its roster. And it’s the contemporary labels of that caliber that have kept Toronto’s most stylish keep coming back for over 20 years.
TNT has been a Yorkville staple for some time, and if you haven’t gotten to take a peek inside, you’re due for a visit.
With a men and women’s boutique located in the Yorkville Village — plus other locations scattered throughout the city, Montreal, and even Australia — finding something you love isn’t hard. A walk through of any of the locations shows the thoughtful curation that goes into the selection of collections on each rack and table.
We got to spend the day with Laurel Freedman, TNT’s Social Media and Marketing Manager, and go behind the scenes of what goes on in the store. Take a peek below.
Keep up with TNT Fashion on the website, Instagram, and Facebook.
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This month, Canada is saying goodbye to another retailer.
The end has finally come for French Connection, the U.K.-based retailer that has quietly been closing stores for the last handful of years. The once-popular brand, most known for its anagram of everyone’s favourite swearword, lost its momentum a long time ago.
Toronto saw French Connection first close its doors when the Bloor Street location closed in 2013. It was then followed by the shuttering of CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Yorkdale Mall, Queen St. West, and CF Sherway Gardens. On the west coast, Vancouver’s only French Connection store closed its doors in 2016.
Now French Connection Canada is closing its last location this month.
Instagram/@frenchconnection
According to Retail-Insider, the U.K.-based retailer will be closing its last remaining Canadian store at the end of March 2019. Located downtown Montreal, the store, which is located at 1181 Ste-Catherine Street West, is “currently being liquidated as it prepares to close on March 31.”
And Canada’s not the only country to see French Connection stores close. Over the past few years, French Connection, like many retailers that fail to keep up with the changing landscape, has shuttered stores across the globe. As it stands, French Connection only has two stores left in North America: a store in Soho, New York City and another at the Miracle Mile Shops in Las Vegas.
French Connection is the latest retailer to exit the Canadian market.
Though we’re only three months into 2019, we’ve already seen exit announcements from retailers like Payless and Gymboree, and store closures from retailers like H&M, Gap, and more.
Featured image: Bargainmoose.ca
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If a trip to India is on your bucket list, now is the time to book your trip. Wow Airlines, Iceland’s only ultra-low-cost airline, is offering one-way fares as low at $299 CAD* from Toronto or Montreal to New Delhi from January to March 2019. It’s the best time to travel to India weather-wise and the annual Holi Festival, the colourful festival of love, begins March 20. Join the crowds flinging rainbow-dyed powder everywhere while dancing in the streets. Uncover the magic of this vibrant and inspiring country with this almost impossible deal to pass up.
View this post on Instagram
In January, charming New Delhi holds the Republic Day parade, celebrating India’s independence and ending with a dramatic air show. The city has so many magical sights, sounds, smells, and tastes, and is designated a UNESCO Heritage City. Visit the Red Fort, once housing the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for some 200 years, and now home to several museums. Learn about former Emperor Humayun at Humayun’s Tomb. Both are World Heritage sites. Witness the eternal flame that burns day and night to honour soldiers killed in the Indi-Pakistan War at the iconic India Gate. Journey to the lively, upscale neighbourhood of Defence Colony, full of restaurants, cafes, and shopping. And the famous Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is only two hours away.
View this post on Instagram
WOW Air, one of the world’s youngest fleets with average aircraft age at 2.5 years, has the lowest emissions, and services 38 destinations across Europe and North America. Established in 2011, the purple airline flies with Airbus A320 and Airbus A321/A330 models and has 24 aircraft.
* From Toronto (YYZ) and Montréal (YUL) to Delhi (DEL). Based on lowest one-way WOW basic fare when booking round trip flights online. Includes all taxes, fees and carrier charges. Available for travel January – March, 2019. The offer applies to selected flights, during the travel period and is subject to availability. Restrictions and baggage fees apply. Lowest advertised fare is exclusive to MyWOW members.
For more info, go to wowair.ca.
Featured Image: Instagram/@exceptional_pictures
In just a few months, Canadians will be able to experience the wonder of Italy, all year round as WOW air is announcing a newly expanded flight service to Milan from Toronto and Montreal with flights starting as low as $379.99.
According to WOW air, the new service is also expected to reduce travel time by 12 hours! That means foodies, fashionistas and culture vultures alike will have plenty of time to indulge in the Milanese staple, apertivi, stroll through the city’s world-renowned fashion district, Quadrilatero della Moda, and take in Leonardo da Vinci‘s iconic The Last Supper.
“We are thrilled to provide Canadians with more opportunities to visit Milan all year round,” said Skúli Mogensen, CEO and founder of WOW air. “By expanding our previously seasonal route, we can continue exposing Canadians to Italy’s rich and exciting culture during the times that are most convenient for them and, of course, at the best possible prices.”
If you‘d like to squeeze in some extra sight-seeing before all of these Italian gems, don‘t forget that passengers can still take advantage of the WOW Stopover, at no extra cost, and liven up their layover by staying in Iceland for as long as they wish.
* Based on lowest one-way WOW basic fare when booking round-trip flights online. Includes all taxes, fees and carrier charges. Available for travel November through December, 2018. The offer applies for seats on selected flights, during the travel period and is subject to availability. Restrictions and baggage fees apply. Lowest advertised fare is exclusive to MyWOW members.
Featured Image: Instagram/@hotelviumilan
With summer in full effect, Toronto continues to heat up with fabulous music and cultural events. As part of an ongoing effort to bring people together through music and shared experiences, Bud Light is launching Canada’s first Bud Light House Party Tour; featuring three signature shows in three cities, with three different headlining artists and one unique clothing collaboration. This summer, Bud Light will be giving Canadians the chance to experience the artists they love in a unique venue, unlike anything that has come to the city before.
The Bud Light House Party takes its inspiration from Bud Light USA and its hugely successful Bud Light Dive Bar Tour, where they took iconic artists back to where they first started performing. The campaign was so successful that it’s coming to Canada and will give Canadian fans something that is uniquely theirs and will leave them with a lasting experience.
https://youtu.be/9wmhMXtSpMY
“Bud Light stands for bringing people together through music and unique experiences, shared over a beer,” said Todd Allen, VP of Marketing, Labatt Breweries of Canada. “And the house party is bringing some of today’s biggest artists back to their roots; before the stadium tours and sold out venues, it all started in a house surrounded by friends.”
“I’m excited to be kicking-off the Bud Light House Party Tour because it means I’m going to get to party with some sick fans, in a low-key venue with a cool vibe, and we’re gonna, you know, rage!” said Ty Dolla $ign about being the first headliner of the inaugural tour.
If you’re in Toronto you’re in luck as the the tour will kick off on July 11th with chart-topping singer, songwriter, rapper, and record producer Ty Dolla $ign. For fans in Vancouver, on August 1st, French Montana will take the stage ending with a performance by electronic music duo NERVO in Montreal at the end of the summer. Beyond the three headliners, and in true Bud Light fashion, special performances and appearances are expected nationally from other talented brand friends.
To put the cherry on top, Bud Light is collaborating with world-renowned Nova Scotia-born artist Trevor Andrew aka Gucci Ghost to design the Bud Light House Party Tour merch. One unique piece of merch inspired by each individual artist will be created and gifted to fans attending and watching each show – stay tuned for the release later this month.
If you’re interested in attending the house party in your city by signing up at Bud Light Canada. For those not able to join in person, they’ll be able to watch and interact with all three shows through live-streams on Bud Light Canada’s Facebook and Twitter pages. It’s a can’t miss experience, if you ask NERVO, “We LEARNED how to DJ at house parties,” and now, “we’ve hand selected a handful of our favourite DJs and friends to put on one hell of a Bud Light House Party!”
Follow Bud Light Canada’s social channels @budlightliving on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and join the conversation at #BudLightHouseParty.
If you are interested in Livestreaming the event you can check that out here
Another major online retailer has set the retail industry abuzz with news of a brand spanking new flagship store. Our friends at Retail-Insider are reporting that SSENSE will be opening up a multi-brand flagship store set to open in May.
There have been very few details released about the store, but according to Retail-Insider the flagship store will be a massive five-levels and will reside at 418 Saint-Sulpice in a renovated heritage building.
Industry insiders believe SSENSE’s flagship store will be a canvas for retail experimentation including artist installations and creative retail activations.
SSENSE has risen to popularity by carrying forward-thinking luxury and streetwear designers. SSENSE currently sells products in 114 countries and caters to a millennial audience.
Featured image: SSENSE.com
**UPDATE** A Califonia-based toy company, MGA Entertainment INC submitted a bid for the Canadian operations of Toys ‘R’ Us Inc.
With no buyer or agreement with creditors, a Bloomberg report suggested that Toys ‘R’ Us in the U.S. is liquidating its 880 stores. A U.S. shutdown seems likely, but with 82 stores plus an e-commerce site, what will happen to the Canadian subsidiary of the store chain?
The Canadian operation remains profitable with $1.08 billion in annual revenue, even though its parent company filed for Chapter 11 last September. According to Lou Brzezinski, the lawyer who represents Toys “R” Us Canada, it’s still possible for the Canadian unit to be spun off, sold and transferred. Some Canadian units of U.S. retailers have survived their parent company’s bankruptcy, such as The Source, which thrived on its own.
According to Toys ‘R’ Us Canada’s vice-president for marketing on Thursday, Clint Gaudry, the company continues to honour all of its customer policies and programs such as its baby registry, gift cards and loyalty points, and business in Canada is operating as usual.
As far as the Canadian company’s survival, it’s possible, but it would depend on finding a buyer not worried about the future of store-based retailing, who is willing to improve the stores and the e-commerce site. “I could see a private equity firm going in for this,” said George Minakakis, principal at Toronto-based consulting firm Inception Retail Group Inc. “I always wondered why this toy store has to look like a warehouse, versus an environment where it looks like a kid could have fun?”
However, on the negative side, Toys ‘R” Us Canada would have no U.S. business supporting them, and marketing and merchandising costs could skyrocket. Even with its strong balance sheet, buyers of retail businesses are warier than ever before about investing in a brick and mortar business.“The Toys “R” Us bankruptcy, changing nature of retail, the underperformance of movie toys, and the new light-speed at which kids’ tastes change has created the highest level of trepidation and uncertainty we have seen in years, perhaps since the onset of the Great Recession.”
While Toys“R” Us Canada faces an uncertain future, the company said on Friday that it had no information or comment on the reports about its U.S. parent.
Do you think Toys R Us Will Survive in Canada? Let us know in the comments.
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