Construction has begun on a new 160,000 square foot at Tucson Place Shopping Center in midtown Tucson in Arizona, nearly doubling the size of the existing 86,400 square foot store. The project follows Walmart’s $16.975 million(US) purchase of approximately 11.7 acres at the southwest corner of First Ave and Wetmore Rd from co-owners Shindico Realty and Larsen Baker LLC. Walmart expects to open the larger Superstore later this year, reinforcing its long-term investment in the area. Shindico and Tucson-based Larsen Baker have jointly owned Tucson Place for years, with Larsen Baker overseeing development and property management. While Walmart now controls the anchor parcel, Larsen Baker will continue managing the remaining 140,000 square feet of the shopping centre on behalf of the partnership. The sale represents a strong return on Shindico’s investment while positioning the broader centre to benefit from increased customer traffic driven by Walmart’s expansion. The transaction highlights Shindico’s growing U.S. strategy, complementing its Canadian real estate portfolio. With over 50 years of experience, the company is expanding in select U.S. middle-market cities, targeting grocery-anchored retail properties and Class B/C multifamily assets. (Shindico Realty Inc. – www.shindico.com)………..
FoodHero is expanding its model to independent food retailers, marking a new phase in its growth and enabling it to better address food waste at the retail level. A social-impact technology company that transforms the way people buy and consume food, FoodHero previously focused exclusively on large grocery chains. The platform is now available to neighbourhood food businesses across Canada, including independent grocers, bakeries, produce shops, cafés and restaurants, helping give a second life to surplus food and broadening its offering beyond traditional grocery. In Canada, nearly half of all food produced is never consumed. Yet about 40 percent of that waste is avoidable. A significant portion of this waste occurs at the retail level, where perfectly edible products are removed from shelves. At a time when grocery prices continue to rise, this disconnect highlights a broader inefficiency in the food system, where food is discarded while households are looking for ways to reduce their expenses. A pilot project launched in Montreal in the Fall of 2025 with independent food retailers has shown strong interest from both merchants and consumers. Early results suggest that businesses are seeing it as a way to attract new customers while generating revenue from surplus inventory. By bringing independent businesses onto its platform, FoodHero offers a practical way to better manage surplus inventory while responding to growing consumer demand for more affordable options. (FoodHero – www.foodhero.com)………
Psycho Bunny, the premium lifestyle brand known for pushing the boundaries of classic menswear, has named Kevin Ramstack as Vice President of Stores, reinforcing the brand’s continued investment in its retail expansion and in-store experience. Ramstack brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across store operations, digital, and cross-functional business strategy. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Commercial at Club Monaco. Prior to that, Ramstack spent 20 years at Abercrombie & Fitch, rising through the ranks from District Manager to Senior Director of Operations. During his tenure there, he supported the rapid international expansion, Store of the Future initiatives, and omnichannel programs. Ramstack joins the leadership team effective immediately and will report directly to the CEO as the brand continues to scale its retail footprint and deepen its connection with consumers. (Psycho Bunny – www.psychobunny.ca)………
CTV News reports that Ottawa-based Richcraft Homes has proposed a 95,000 square foot grocery-anchored retail centre at Mer Bleue Rd at Brian Coburn Blvd in Orleans in east Ottawa. The multi-building project will be developed in two phases with a 33,000 square foot supermarket being part of the first phase. The timing has not been announced. (Richcraft Homes – www.richcraft.com)……..
Retail Council of Canada has announced Deb Craven, President, Longo’s, as the recipient of the Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year Award. This award recognizes a retail leader who has demonstrated outstanding business success, innovation, community commitment, and exceptional leadership within their corporation, the retail industry in Canada, and the community at large. Ms Craven’s career spans some of Canada’s most respected organizations. Before joining Longo’s in 2019 as CFO, she held senior financial leadership roles at Purolator, Nike, and Canadian Tire, developing deep expertise in logistics, retail operations, and brand. At Longo’s, she moved from CFO to COO, and in May 2023 became President, the first woman and first non-Longo family member to hold the role. The Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year award will be presented at Retail Council of Canada’s Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala on June 2nd, capping off the first day of RCCSTORES26 retail conference in Toronto. (Retail Council of Canada – www.retailcouncil.org)………..
Have a Great Week………….