Influx, expansion of international chains in Canada shows no signs of slowing Given the challenges in the global economy, it may appear at first glance to be a less than ideal time for retailers to expand operations. But many of the recently launched chains had plans in the pipeline months — and even years — before opening in Canada. Trendex North America president Randy Harris said U.S. retailers also have had the benefit of seeing other chains succeed in Canada, giving them a confidence they may not have had two or three years ago to enter the market. And companies won't just be battling for dollars. Baer foresees more competition for retail talent like personnel to fill management and head office positions. A number of the U.S. retailers that do enter the market are deep-pocketed so they can afford to pay, and they'll probably pay — overpay, in fact — to try to get some talent initially to help them run their Canadian operations," he said from Montreal. Great article and a must read if you really want a global retail prospective of what's going on in Canada. (Source brandonsun.com)

The High-Tech fall out is still spiraling for a few Canada's record shop HMV is just about to wrap up its last Xmas and going out of business sale at the same time and prices are in free fall at the biggest retail outlet HMV operates in Canada. There will no longer be a major retail outlet in downtown Vancouver where you can actually shop for music and films. And in the UK this week HMV reported sales falling just as drastically as their Canadian counterparts. And on another front while Blockbuster has closed more than 400 stores in Canada now their Canadian counterpart Rogers is closing 40% of their stores leaving only 93 and reporting sales declines of 46% this year. And on a side note their Post Office is basically going thru some of the same problems the U.S. Postal Service is going thru just not on the same level. (Source thestar.com)

The PATH is coming and it will be the biggest underground shopping complex in the world! More than a century after Toronto’s first underground pedestrian walkways were built. The system, which joins subway stations, business towers and food courts, now contains more than 1,000 stores. With about 100,000 commuters passing through every day, nearly $1.5-billion in sales revenue is generated each year and they're planning to expand it to the waterfront and beyond. Over the next decade consumers will be able to freely move throughout the city regardless of weather and travel and shop to their hearts content. If you don't have a store there now you might expect one in the next few years. (Source theglobeandmail.com)