David Dale-Johnson (Alberta School of Business) says multiple factors are driving up rent, but especially migration and interest rates. Dale-Johnson says the rental market situation has forced everyone to look for alternatives that they can afford such as having roommates, living at home with their parents, or living in a motorhome.
Heather Thomson (Alberta School of Business) says automation in physical stores are a trend she is seeing. Thomson says on one hand, stores are removing their self-checkouts so they can have a more seamless experience with their customers. She also says, on the other hand, some stores are moving to full automation, removing any in-person interaction with customers. Global (video)
A new report from the University of Alberta (U of A) released this week found 33 per cent of storefront locations in the core were empty. Restaurants, cafes, fast food, and other hospitality businesses make up the largest share of occupied spaces.
A new report by the University of Alberta's school of retailing found one-third of storefronts in downtown Edmonton are vacant. Sarah Ryan takes a look at what's being done to try and change that.
Although empty storefronts have become more noticeable in Edmonton's core in recent years, attitudes towards downtown's retail future are bullish among at least some businesses and academics.
U of A report examining Edmonton's streetfront retail space found one-third of it vacant and suggested a variety of methods to rejuvenate the core to draw more people to it. Author of the report, Heather Thomson (Business), says a big part of why there are 496 spaces empty or for lease can be explained by the streamlining brick-and-mortar businesses have gone through.
Heather Thomson (Alberta School of Business) shares insight as new cashierless convenience store opens in Edmonton
Heather Thomson, executive director of the Alberta School of Business at the University of Alberta, said social media has an astounding impact on consumer spending.
Also available is up to $5,000 per business for building or renovating a patio and up to $5,000 per business for marketing and strategy help from the University of Alberta School of Business Student Consulting Group.
Up to six businesses will be selected to work with the University of Alberta School of Business Student Consulting Group for six weeks to create an updated business strategy, business model, marketing plan and short-term action plan to help increase revenue and long-term sustainability.
An expert from the University of Alberta's School of Business thinks the closures are in part related to a shift toward digital media.
As U.S.-based luxury retailer Nordstrom closes up shop in Canada, Zellers is relaunching within Hudson's Bay stores and has been welcomed with a wave of nostalgia. To talk about the changing retail landscape, Edmonton AM reached Heather Thomson, executive director of the Alberta School of Business.
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