We’ve got some exciting news: we’ve hired renowned industry expert Josee Pelosse to be our new Leasing Executive, in charge of expanding our tenant portfolio and further develop leasing opportunities for our existing clients.

Josee has spent more than twelve years in our community, working with both developers and retailers. Previously she worked with Liz Claiborne Canada, owners of Mexx and Lucky Brand Jeans, Buffalo David Bitton, Jacob, and Shirmax Fashions, who operate Addition Elle and Thyme Maternity. Josee worked most recently with the U.S. based Gordon Group Holdings, creating development strategy on the Lac Mirabel project.

Josee said: “I’m thrilled to be part of such an exciting company. Think Retail is doing some fantastic things across all parts of its business, and I’m hoping my expertise can help it grow even further.”

We’re really looking forward to seeing all the terrific work Josee will be doing for us, so check out our blog often to benefit from posts that exhibit Josee’s unparalleled expertise.

Carrefour Laval became the 1st mall in the province of Quebec to be outfitted with American Apparel's flagship store design. The store now features bold lifestyle graphics, whitewashed oak floors, and a 130-bulb fluorescent chandelier. This upgraded design  is more polished and stays to distinct and unique brand image that is American Apparel. The design was created and implemented by Robert Ruscio of Ruscio Studio Inc.

In other Quebec related, American Apparel news, Think Retail is pleased to announce that American Apparel has recently concluded an agreement to expand its store at Fairview Pointe-Claire. The expansion which takes place early this summer, will see the company add an additional 1000 sq.ft, bringing it to 4000 sq.ft.. The agreement was negotiated by Cadillac Fairview's Leasing Director for Fairview Pointe-Claire, David Azran, and Think Retail President, Tony Flanz.

More American Apparel news coming soon; stay tuned  

You’ve all heard your fair share of Happy New Year blessings, salutations, and hollers by now. You’re popular; I can tell. I know, it’s an antiquated tradition, I know, but it’s a good one. So Happy New Year, and thanks for checking out our new website.

The 2010 horizon is spotted with openings, expansion plans, and firsts for our clients, and we want to celebrate their success with all of you. But in addition to bragging about our own ventures, our aim is to keep you connected to the constantly changing landscape of commercial real estate in this increasingly flat world.

After all, this is your year too.

The Whistler ICSC Conference takes place, next week, from January 10-12, at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Following the holiday period so closely, the conference is important and will help to establish the industry pulse for landlords, retailers, brokers, and other related dignitaries, who are participating. At the time of this writing, 1212 people have pre-registered for the sessions. I will be in attendance, and am currently scheduling meetings for the Deal Making convention. For further information, please contact me prior to January 8th.

On a related note, for those of you who will be attending the conference, while in Vancouver, I invite you to stop at Oakridge Centre to see the recently opened Fossil store. It’s a beauty.

Think Retail is pleased to announce the opening of the new Chop Crazy location at Carrefour Laval (Quebec). The restaurant opened on November 4, in the mall’s new Dining Terrace – an upscale and stylish environment (a whopping $54M investment by mall owner Cadillac Fairview), which will certainly excite consumers. Chop Crazy operate an island kiosk, located at the front of the food court, which was designed by award winning retail designers, Gervais Harding & Associates. From a design perspective, this is the most attractive and compelling Chop Crazy location of the seven (7) now operating. The kiosk is 250 sq.ft. The transaction itself was negotiated by Think Retail President, Tony Flanz and Cadillac Fairview Leasing Director for Carrefour Laval, Sylvie Plourde.

Looking forward, Chop Crazy is planning further growth in 2010, seeking opportunities in major super-regional shopping centres and downtown office towers in Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa. Both kiosk and in-line locations will be considered. Optimal size is 250 sq.ft. Chop Crazy will also consider opening their first street-front location in downtown Montreal; size requirement is 500-1000 sq.ft.

Chop Crazy specializes in custom-made salads, which are prepared and chopped, right in front of the customer. In addition, all Chop Crazy restaurants offer a variety of custom-made soups, smoothies, and a healthy offering of breakfast choices.

For more information on Chop Crazy, please visit their website at www.chopcrazy.com.

Think Retail has been Chop Crazy’s exclusive Canadian broker since 2006.

Bizou International is in the middle of a phenomenal resurgence.

Over the last 24 months, the Quebec based retailer, which specializes in the sale of costume jewelry and fashion accessories, has made several major changes to their operations.

Rigid inventory management systems and procedures have been implemented; store merchandising and visual displays have been re-vamped; store personnel and supervisors have been significantly upgraded...etc. 

The company's hard work and efforts have been recognized by their customers. Sales are up 11% year over last. Furthermore, in 2008, the company produced an 18% comp store increase. 

Bizou is set to open two (2) new locations in 2010. Size requirement is 600-800 sq.ft. Super-regional and regional malls, as well as street-front locations, in existing markets will be considered.
Attractive, inviting and very well designed.

In addition to the above,  Bizou would like to open a Bizou Outlet in the province of Quebec; 1000 sq.ft is required. 

Bizou is also planning to renovate 5 stores in 2010.

Bizou International Inc. was founded in 1982, and currently operate 131 stores from Quebec to New Foundland.

For more information on Bizou, please visit their website at www.bizou.com.