Ann Taylor and The Loft coming to Canada.

Hard to keep track of the invasion of US retailers coming to Canada, specifically those targeting women. Today Ann Taylor announced the arrival of The Loft in late 2012.  Plans to open the first Ann Taylor store are already underway.

There seems to be a steady stream of US retailers setting up shop.  In 2011 we saw J Crew and Express.  This year we will have Marshalls, Intermix and Tory Birch.  The opportunity is significant if they snag a decent location and price themselves reasonably well.  Sales per foot at shopping malls in Canada are 50% higher than the US, and we have far less retail footage.  Screams with potential.

Sadly, there is a short list of fashion-fabulous Canadian retailers who pose a meaningful threat to these US entrants.  Message to Canadian retailers, get your act together and give us a reason to stay loyal!

Spend more in the US! New rules on Cross Border shopping.

Effective today, you can now spend more money shopping in the US before getting hit with paying additional duties and GST.  The government raised duty exceptions and the savings to the consumer is substantial.  While the average Canadian consumer will be celebrating, especially given the strength of our dollar, the downstream impact of this change is significant.  Retail in border towns accross our great nation will suffer the consequences, as their citizens take a drive south to purchase everything from groceries, to diapers to apparel.

Expect to hear some screaming at the gathering of Canadian Retailers at the Retail Council event next week.......

See full details

Just 10 more months, TARGET!

In March, 2013, the Canadian Retail Industry will get a lot more interesting with the arrival of 135
Target stores across the Country.  Recently Target confirmed its partnership with Starbucks in most of their Canadian locations.  Some Canadians may not understand the hype or the magnitude of this latest in a wave of US retailers entering into Canada. 

Not since the arrival of Walmart in 1994 has there been such a dramatic shift in the Canadian Retail scene. 

As a longtime fan of Target, I can tell you the hype is understated.  Knowing I can also get a Grande Soy Green Tea Latte as I stroll the aisles for fabulous household wares, affordable fashions, cool designer spin offs, kids essentials, groceries, lip gloss, etc etc......is too exciting.  Personally I am counting the days.

The folks at Sears and Walmart must be shaking in their boots these days, on the impact to their business in certain categories.

Some experts suggest that there will be a honeymoon period, and customers will buy into the initial hype and then revert back to their tried and true favorite haunts.  Doubt it...Canadian shoppers are smart and craving a new retailer that makes it too easy for their needs and too emotional for the wants.  Target will be a force in the Canadian Retail Industry for many many years.

310 days to go!

Sketchers Shape Ups - Get your money back!

The lovely Kim Kardashian endorsed and so did Dancing with the Stars' Brook Burke.  Claims of toning your legs and butt when you walk around in the not-so-attractive "Shape Ups" have been deemed unsubstantiated.  Not only does Sketchers have to pay 40 million USD in damages, but consumers can get their money back buy going to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website.

What seems too good to be true....usually is.

Sketchers to pay $40M in damages

Where to shop?

In the noisy world of Canadian apparel retail, how does the consumer decide where and how to shop?  With approximately 15 choices in an average mall for womens clothing, and 8 choices for men...oh and then there are power centres....oh and then there is on line....oh and now we have grocery stores selling clothing. 

What if the average Canadian mom just needs some good summer T-shirts for herself and her family?  It is a frustrating experience to say the least.  Don't even bother trying to use fliers to help decide where to go, with 20 something models with 2% body fat, primped and pinned.  You have to see them, you have to try them on, how does one know if the colour will stay or if these T-shirts will shrink.  The answer is....you never really know until you look, buy and try.  Do you have 3 hours to navigate the retail scene?  How do I make sure that I get the right colour of the season, and the right neckline?  Don't want to stand out, but don't want to look like an idiot.

Decisions...decisions....decisions.

Retailers aren't making it easy, it is mostly a bunch of stuff on sale.

I applaud Joe Fresh, at your local Loblaws or Superstore.  They made it easy.  Fun summer must have items in decent quality for the whole family, and you can't complain about the inconvenience of it all as you need to buy milk....don't ya? 

Really, $8 T-shirts in 15+ colours...doesn't get better than that.

Happy Shopping!