Leblanc (Simons): Halifax store and ongoing expansion

The Retail Insider Podcast Network

#Business News #News #Craig Patterson #Lee Rivett #Canadian News #Retail Insider #Retail #Canada #Daily News #News Talk #Retail Insider Canada

1:14:43

Artificial intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented pace—what does that mean for the future of technology, venture capital, business, and even our understanding of ourselves? Award-winning journalist and writer Anil Ananthaswamy joins us for our latest episode to discuss his latest book Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI . Anil helps us explore the journey and many breakthroughs that have propelled machine learning from simple perceptrons to the sophisticated algorithms shaping today’s AI revolution, powering GPT and other models. The discussion aims to demystify some of the underlying math that powers modern machine learning to help everyone grasp this technology impacting our lives, even if your last math class was in high school. Anil walks us through the power of scaling laws, the shift from training to inference optimization, and the debate among AI’s pioneers about the road to AGI—should we be concerned, or are we still missing key pieces of the puzzle? The conversation also delves into AI’s philosophical implications—could understanding how machines learn help us better understand ourselves? And what challenges remain before AI systems can truly operate with agency? If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits. Links: Read Why Machines Learn, Anil’s latest book on the math behind AI https://www.amazon.com/Why-Machines-Learn-Elegant-Behind/dp/0593185749 Learn more about Anil Ananthaswamy’s work and writing https://anilananthaswamy.com/ Watch Anil Ananthaswamy’s TED Talk on AI and intelligence https://www.ted.com/speakers/anil_ananthaswamy Discover the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship that shaped Anil’s AI research https://ksj.mit.edu/ Understand the Perceptron, the foundation of neural networks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perceptron Read about the Perceptron Convergence Theorem and its significance https://www.nature.com/articles/323533a0…

about a year ago 21:09

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The conversation shifts to the rationale behind selecting Halifax for Simon’s 17th store. Leblanc highlights Halifax’s status as a dynamic and rapidly growing city with a diverse clientele, including a significant student population and visitors from neighbouring provinces. The strategic location within a major shopping centre aims to cater to the broader Atlantic region, further cementing Simon’s presence in the Canadian retail landscape.

Patterson and Leblanc finally delve into Simon’s broader retail strategy, discussing the significant portion of sales now coming from e-commerce, while also acknowledging the strong return to physical store shopping post-pandemic. Leblanc emphasizes a unified commerce approach, prioritizing seamless customer experiences across all platforms. The discussion concludes with future prospects for expansion and the potential for more Simon’s stores in major Canadian cities, underlining the company’s patient yet ambitious growth strategy and its commitment to serving diverse customer needs across the country.

Episode Sponsor:

Salesforce - Turn today's shopping trends into tomorrow's retail success. Visit Salesforce to see the global insights from Salesforce to boost your bottom line.

Featured During this Episode:

Bernard Leblanc, President and Chief Executive Officer at La Maison Simons
La Maison Simons

This podcast is the audio version of the The Interview Series video podcasts by Retail Insider Canada are available through our Retail Insider YouTube Channel where you can subscribe and be notified when new video episodes are available.

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Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

239 एपिसोडस

The Retail Insider Podcast Network

Leblanc (Simons): Halifax store and ongoing expansion

The Retail Insider Podcast Network

12 subscribers

published about a year ago

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MP3•एपिसोड होम

Episode Sponsor:

Salesforce - Turn today's shopping trends into tomorrow's retail success. Visit Salesforce to see the global insights from Salesforce to boost your bottom line.

Featured During this Episode:

Bernard Leblanc, President and Chief Executive Officer at La Maison Simons
La Maison Simons

Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Retail Insider Podcast!

Follow Craig:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/CraigPattersonToronto
Instagram: @craig_patterson_toronto
Twitter: @RI_EIC

Follow Retail Insider:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/Retail-Insider
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetailInsider/
Twitter: @RetailInsider_
Instagram: @Retail_Insider_Canada

Listen & Subscribe:

Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Overcast
Stitcher

Share your thoughts!

Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!

Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

239 एपिसोडस

#Business News #News #Craig Patterson #Lee Rivett #Canadian News #Retail Insider #Retail #Canada #Daily News #News Talk #Retail Insider Canada

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The Retail Insider Podcast Network

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48 weeks ago20:01

20:01

Craig and Lee discuss the relocation of Harry Rosen’s flagship store from 82 Bloor Street West to 153 Cumberland Street in Toronto’s upscale Yorkville neighborhood. This move from its long-standing Bloor Street location represents a major development in the city’s retail scene. The store’s design features will include a three-floor layout and expanded back-of-house operations, which are part of Harry Rosen’s evolving retail strategy. The relocation is seen as a transformative moment for Yorkville, further establishing it as a luxury retail hub. They also touch upon the broader implications of this move for Yorkville and Bloor Street’s retail dynamics. The conversation highlights the influx of luxury brands into the area, including new and expanding stores like Bulgari and Lululemon, and the role these developments play in attracting more foot traffic and elevating the shopping experience. The historical context of Harry Rosen’s establishment and its founder’s legacy in Canadian menswear is explored in the conversation. From its origins in 1955 to the passing of its founder in 2023, Harry Rosen has been instrumental in shaping men’s fashion in Canada. The discussion concludes with reflections on the store’s past locations and the evolution of Toronto’s retail environment over the decades. Episode Sponsor: SAJO - Canada's first specialized retail builder. Visit SAJO to see their holistic approach and transdisciplinary team to explore and understand your needs. Discussed in this Episode: Harry Rosen to Relocate Bloor Street Flagship to New Cumberland Street Premises in Toronto Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Retail Insider Podcast! Follow Craig: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/CraigPattersonToronto Instagram: @craig_patterson_toronto Twitter: @RI_EIC Follow Retail Insider: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/Retail-Insider Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetailInsider/ Twitter: @RetailInsider_ Instagram: @Retail_Insider_Canada Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Stitcher Share your thoughts! Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com . You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show! Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/…

The Retail Insider Podcast Network

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Katz (RioCan): Commercial Real Estate Insights 18:43

48 weeks ago18:43

18:43

Craig and Josh Katz , Assistant Vice President of Leasing at RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust , discuss Katz’s extensive career in commercial real estate, starting with his entry into the industry right before the 2008 financial crisis. Katz highlights the resilience of certain retail categories and the innovative approaches taken by RioCan to navigate these challenging times, including the development of The Well in Toronto . This mixed-use project is a transformation of urban retail, offering a blend of necessity-based and unique retail experiences, including a significant focus on fitness and food tenants. Katz also discusses RioCan’s strategies for future developments and leasing trends, including the move towards mixed-use projects and the importance of creating engaging retail environments that cater to community needs. The conversation touches on specific projects including 11 Yorkville Avenue, where Sweat and Tonic will be a tenant . They also discuss South Edmonton Common and the introduction of Chick-fil-A to the Edmonton market , showcasing RioCan’s proactive approach to reimagining retail spaces and enhancing consumer experiences. The interview concludes with a look at the broader implications of these strategies for the retail and commercial real estate industries. Interviewed this episode: Josh Katz , Assistant Vice President, Leasing at RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust RioCan Real Estate Investment Tr ust This podcast is the audio version of the The Interview Series video podcasts by Retail Insider Canada are available through our Retail Insider YouTube Channel where you can subscribe and be notified when new video episodes are available. Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Retail Insider Podcast! Follow Craig: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/CraigPattersonToronto Instagram: @craig_patterson_toronto Twitter: @RI_EIC Follow Retail Insider: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/Retail-Insider Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetailInsider/ Twitter: @RetailInsider_ Instagram: @Retail_Insider_Canada Share your thoughts! Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com . You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show! Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/…

The Retail Insider Podcast Network

1
Morrow (Wicked Rose): Women's Martial Gear 13:14

48 weeks ago13:14

13:14

Craig interviews Christina Morrow , Founder at Vancouver-based Wicked Rose , about Morrow’s journey of creating a groundbreaking women’s martial arts activewear brand. Morrow shares her personal motivation, driven by the lack of suitable clothing options for women in martial arts, which led her to develop a brand that combines high quality, performance-oriented apparel with size inclusivity up to 5XL. Morrow’s six-year experience in Muay Thai, and her dissatisfaction with existing offerings, inspired her to research and eventually create a line of activewear that caters specifically to women’s needs in martial arts. Morrow discusses the unique design challenges and solutions Wicked Rose offers, like the introduction of non-see-through spats with high waistbands to ensure comfort and functionality during intense training sessions. Morrow’s approach involved meticulous product development, including gathering feedback from the martial arts community and incorporating innovative design elements to address common issues faced by women in martial arts. Her collaboration with a tattoo artist friend brings a unique aesthetic to the brand, making it stand out in a market saturated with generic designs. The conversation concludes with Morrow’s future ambitions for Wicked Rose, including its upcoming Kickstarter campaign aimed at broadening the brand’s reach and introducing sustainable practices in activewear production. They touch upon the potential expansion into retail and the vision of establishing Wicked Rose as a globally recognized activewear brand founded on principles of empowerment, innovation, and inclusivity. Interviewed this episode: Christina Morrow , Founder at Wicked Rose Wicked Rose [ Kickstarter Campaign Link ] This podcast is the audio version of the The Interview Series video podcasts by Retail Insider Canada are available through our Retail Insider YouTube Channel where you can subscribe and be notified when new video episodes are available. Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Retail Insider Podcast! Follow Craig: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/CraigPattersonToronto Instagram: @craig_patterson_toronto Twitter: @RI_EIC Follow Retail Insider: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/Retail-Insider Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetailInsider/ Twitter: @RetailInsider_ Instagram: @Retail_Insider_Canada Share your thoughts! Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com . You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show! Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/…

The Retail Insider Podcast Network

1
Leblanc (Simons): Halifax store and ongoing expansion 21:09

49 weeks ago21:09

21:09

Craig Patterson and Bernard Leblanc , President and Chief Executive Officer at La Maison Simons , discuss the opening of Simons’ new store in Halifax , marking the Quebec City-based retailer’s first venture into the Atlantic provinces. Leblanc shares insights into the $20 million investment and the store’s design, which pays homage to Halifax’s maritime heritage and the Simon family’s roots, with architectural elements inspired by the Bluenose and sails referencing Simons family history. The store expansion reflects Simon’s ambition to bring its brand coast to coast, offering a unique shopping experience that blends local heritage with the retailer’s distinguished architectural style. The conversation shifts to the rationale behind selecting Halifax for Simon’s 17th store. Leblanc highlights Halifax’s status as a dynamic and rapidly growing city with a diverse clientele, including a significant student population and visitors from neighbouring provinces. The strategic location within a major shopping centre aims to cater to the broader Atlantic region, further cementing Simon’s presence in the Canadian retail landscape. Patterson and Leblanc finally delve into Simon’s broader retail strategy, discussing the significant portion of sales now coming from e-commerce, while also acknowledging the strong return to physical store shopping post-pandemic. Leblanc emphasizes a unified commerce approach, prioritizing seamless customer experiences across all platforms. The discussion concludes with future prospects for expansion and the potential for more Simon’s stores in major Canadian cities, underlining the company’s patient yet ambitious growth strategy and its commitment to serving diverse customer needs across the country. Episode Sponsor: Salesforce - Turn today's shopping trends into tomorrow's retail success. Visit Salesforce to see the global insights from Salesforce to boost your bottom line. Featured During this Episode: Bernard Leblanc , President and Chief Executive Officer at La Maison Simons La Maison Simons This podcast is the audio version of the The Interview Series video podcasts by Retail Insider Canada are available through our Retail Insider YouTube Channel where you can subscribe and be notified when new video episodes are available. Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Retail Insider Podcast! Follow Craig: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/CraigPattersonToronto Instagram: @craig_patterson_toronto Twitter: @RI_EIC Follow Retail Insider: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/Retail-Insider Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetailInsider/ Twitter: @RetailInsider_ Instagram: @Retail_Insider_Canada Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Stitcher Share your thoughts! Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com . You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show! Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/…

The Retail Insider Podcast Network

1
Opinion: Yorkville's Pusateri's and Flo's Diner 10:03

50 weeks ago10:03