Montreal-based digital-to-bricks retail sensation Frank And Oak is expanding in North America and Aurora’s Jeff Berkowitz is leading the search party. Following New York-based Unified Commerce Group’s recent purchase deal, the team and founders, Hicham Ratnani and Ethan Song, are pursuing an exciting path forward to add to their existing handful of Canadian stores and move forward as a global brand.

Japanese fashion retailer Uniqlo has opened its first Montréal store — the largest Uniqlo store in Canada and features several Canadian firsts. The store is hoped to give an injection into downtown Montreal’s retail which has struggled due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as because of extensive construction to revitalize Ste-Catherine Street West. Located at the recently overhauled Montreal Eaton Centre, the flagship spans more than 40,000 square feet over two levels with about 32,000 square feet dedicated to retail space.

Our own Jeffrey Berkowitz is handling the placement of six Roots Kids pop-up shops in time for the holiday season. For its second quarter that ended in early August 2020, Roots reported that sales were significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, most notably the temporary closure of the company's North American stores.

In addition to two high profile Toronto locations, the 56-year old Jean-Paul Fortin chain operates seven stores in the Quebec City and greater Montreal area. The chain continues to explore opportunities in larger malls and high street locations in the greater Toronto area and major Canadian markets.

Beluga is an ethically sourced coffee roaster in Montreal’s St Henri area that is seeking café sites in high traffic office buildings throughout the city. The company is planning to enter the local coffee scene, targeting markets that include professionals in the 25-to-55 age range who appreciate premium, fine coffee and ethically sourced products.

Aurora is proud to represent Service 1 for their complete portfolio of commercial properties for lease in Mascouche, Repentigny and Boucherville. Choice neighbourhood shopping centres located at strategic high visibility and traffic locations including a strong mix of national tenants.

Swarovski has opened its first Canadian Crystal Studio retail location at CF Sherway Gardens in Toronto, marking the continuation of their global rollout of digital concept stores. The heritage retailer's global initiative will combine brick-and-mortar retail and virtual components for a modernized and interactive shopping experience. Swarovski's latest retail offering elevates the in-store experience by providing a highly interactive and socially focused environment.

We were deeply saddened at the sudden passing of our friend and colleague, Ashley (Lebofsky) Miller on March 13, 2020. Ashley was an extraordinary woman, highly-respected in our industry and a true force to be reckoned with. Her impeccable style, dogged persistence and enthusiastic negotiating skills were legendary but her greatest joy in life revolved around her husband, Jeremy and their two beautiful children, Liam and Olivia.

The loss is immeasurable but so is the love left behind.

We are excited to welcome Catherine Deslauriers to the Aurora team. Catherine is a Leasing Consultant with over 15 years of diverse experience in advertising, marketing and technology. She excels in client relations, utilizing her communications skills and diplomacy to achieve top results. A fashion and retail expert, Catherine previously founded Happy Legs and her pragmatic and entrepreneurial spirit drives her to constantly excel and motivate her team.

A Concordia Economics and Business graduate, Dan has held senior roles at TD and Bell Canada, opened a small chain of clothing boutiques and has more than 13 years’ experience in commercial real estate under his belt. Dan is passionate about commercial real estate and of servicing his clients and we’re extremely happy to have him aboard.

French women’s fashion brand ba&sh has opened its second standalone Canadian store in Montreal’s affluent Westmount area. The impressive two-level space is the first to feature an in-store cafe as well as a second level mezzanine intended for events. The Montreal ba&sh store is located at 4932 Sherbrooke Street in a 3,300-square-foot space. That includes a street level spanning about 2,300 square feet, as well as a 1,000-square-foot second level. The main level includes a cafe in a partnership with Montreal-based Pastel Rita.