From November 1st to 4th, commuters and visitors through the Union Station in Toronto will be able to visit the JAPAN STORE at the Next Stop: Japan pop-up event at the West Wing and Retail Level of the station. The JAPAN STORE is a dedicated Amazon site in the United States as a part of efforts to support sales channels for Japanese products and enabled Amazon customers more access to purchase authentic Japanese products. This is a joint initiative by Amazon and the Japan External Trade Organization/JETRO. At the Next Stop: Japan event, there will be 54 product samples from 24 companies from the JAPAN STORE, with various products from all categories such as yukata, tabi socks, accessories, ukiyo-e prints, hanging scrolls, stuffed animals, toys, kitchenware, etc. The pop-up event at Union Station will recreate everyday experiences of Japanese commuters in a Japanese train station. (JAPAN STORE – www.amazon.com/JapanStore)………..
Paul Pascal has returned to Aegis Brands Inc. as President at Bridgehead Coffee Co. He brings over 20-years’ experience in the hospitality industry having held senior positions in other large restaurant organizations. In this new position, he leads a team of dedicated professionals who share our mission of providing a safe, reliable market for coffee farmers and building community through coffee. (Bridgehead Coffee Co – www.bridgehead.ca)………
Last week, Metro Inc. reported that it has served a Statement of Defence and Crossclaim in the bread price-fixing class action in Ontario in which it claims damages from George Weston Limited, Loblaw Companies Limited, and Weston Foods (Canada) Inc. for falsely implicating Metro in a bread price-fixing conspiracy in which Metro had no involvement. (Metro Inc. – www.metro.ca )…….
At Dollarama Inc., Patrick Bui has been appointed CFO, effective December 18, 2023. With 20 years of experience as a finance professional, he was most recently CFO of Canadian leisure airline operator Transat A.T. Inc., responsible for leading all finance functions, investor relations, risk management and procurement. Prior to that, he was CFO of Kruger Energy, a renewable-energy producer with operations throughout the Americas. “We are thrilled to have Patrick join our leadership team,” said President CEO Neil Rossy. “His prior experience in CFO roles coupled with his extensive capital markets expertise will serve Dollarama well, as we continue to execute on our growth objectives and commitment to providing consumers with convenience and compelling value.” (Dollarama Inc. – www.dollarama.com)…………
Table Top Cafe, Edmonton’s first-ever board game cafe, is celebrating its tenth anniversary, marking a decade of serving the local community with tabletop gaming, food, and a strong commitment to supporting small businesses. “We are incredibly grateful to our loyal customers, dedicated staff, and the Edmonton community for their support over the past decade,” said Owner Brian Flowers. “We look forward to the next ten years of fun, laughter, and adventure as we continue to grow and evolve.” Table Top Café – www.tabletopcafe.ca)…………..
In advance of the holiday shopping season, CF Carrefour Laval in Laval has launched two new interactive experiences to delight and entertain shoppers and visitors. The mall’s iconic garden display has been transformed for the Fall season along with the addition of a unique and interactive art installation entitled, ‘Magic of the Monarchs’ and visitors are invited to experience this playful interaction where butterflies gracefully follow the motion of guest movements. The second interactive experience, ‘Walk Walk Dance’. available until November 5th, is a musical activation that invites guests to step and dance to create their own unique melodies. Guests are encouraged to step, jump, roll or dance on lines to trigger musical notes like a piano. (CF Carrefour Laval – 450/687-1680)……..
Guelph-based brand Crafty Ramen who is reimagining the ramen experience through restaurant, grocery retail and ecommerce channels, has landed in Alberta. Offering an innovative take on traditional ramen, Crafty Ramen’s frozen meals are now available online across most of the province including Calgary, Edmonton, Banff, Canmore, Red Dear, Medicine Hat, and at select grocery stores, including all Calgary Co-Ops and most Federated Co-Op locations across the province. Named one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies for the second consecutive year in 2023, Crafty Ramen is recognized nationaly after a successful appearance on the 17th season of CBC’s Dragons’ Den. (Crafty Ramen – www.craftyramen.com)………
Some recent social media chatter about the growing length of time it is taking for the lease ‘paper’ to travel between the landlords and the tenants sounded familiar. So familiar that I searched some previous issues in which that same subject was addressed. It seems we started to hear that complaint shortly after developers began giving up ownership of the malls and centres, turning them over to REITs and pension funds and inserting lawyers and accountants in the middle of the leasing process…………..Have a great week and have you picked up your Halloween costume yet?