Lolë to Erode Lululemon Market Share with Canadian Store Expansion

Date:

Share post:


Photo:  LolëPhoto:  Lolë

Photo: Lolë

Lululemon will face increased competition, as Montreal-based Lolë plans to open as many as nine new Canadian stores by the end of next year. This women’s activewear brand already has 14 Canadian locations, and it seeks to significantly expand both by opening new stores, as well as grow its wholesale distribution network.


Photo: montrealshoppingtours.comPhoto: montrealshoppingtours.com

Photo: montrealshoppingtours.com

Lolë has retained Montreal-based brokerage Think Retail to locate space for new Canadian stores. The brand has already announced plans to open another three locations this year, including at the Toronto Premium Outlets, Mississauga’s Square One, and in Whistler, BC. Furthermore, Lolë plans to open as many as six more Canadian locations in 2015, focusing on Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. It recently opened its 14th Canadian store in Banff, Alberta. 



Lolë seeks retail space in the 1,250 to 1,600 square foot range. It is considering openings in super-regional malls, high streets, outlet centres, and tourist destinations. 


Lolë White Yoga Tour, Toronto. Photo: http://1loveto.comLolë White Yoga Tour, Toronto. Photo: http://1loveto.com

Lolë White Yoga Tour, Toronto. Photo: http://1loveto.com

Founded in 2002 in Longueuil, Quebec, Lolë, or Live Out Loud Every Day, caters to the active urban woman. It specializes in apparel for yoga, running, swimming and other activities, as well as casual fashion apparel. All locations offer free exercise meet-ups twice weekly at a local park, as well as lectures given by yoga/pilates specialists, and nutrition experts. Tea and fruit are served daily at each store location.

Lolë is expanding internationally under new ownership, both with new stores as well as extensive wholesale distribution. According to the Globe & Mail, the company’s revenues are expected to surpass $105 million this year. Remarkably, its CEO hopes to achieve sales in excess of $1 billion within several years. Lolë expects to increase sales by opening new stores, as well as expanding its wholesale business, which represents currently 80% of the company’s sales. The company hopes to reduce that to 55% as it opens new stores. 

For reference, Lululemon achieves sales of about $1.6 billion annually. 

Besides its new Canadian locations, Lolë plans to open about 50 international locations over the next five years. 

Today’s retail news from around the web: July 29, 2014

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

More From Retail Insider

Holt Renfrew Bloor Street Flagship in Toronto Marks 45 Years [Feature]

When it opened in March of 1979, it was by far the largest Holt Renfrew store in the chain.

Galleria Supermarket Embarks on Strategic Store Expansion Across Ontario, Targeting Key Urban Areas [Interview]

The grocery retailer is seeking locations in a wide range of sizes, as part of its initiative to operate retail stores while also building awareness for its expansive wholesale division.

Expanding a Brand: Vancouver-Based Entrepreneur Kick-Starts Women’s ‘Wicked Rose’ Martial Arts Activewear Line [Video Interview]

Christina Morrow discusses her plans to rapidly expand her women's martial arts activewear brand, which features performance materials and designs inspired by tattoo art.

The Ballroom Bowl Unveils Bloor-Yorkville Location in Toronto with Additional Expansion Planned in Canada [Interview/Photos]

The upscale bowling and foodservice concept will open another location later this year as it eyes expanding into other parts of Canada, says its founder.

Early Easter Impacting Retail Sales in Canada; New Trends in Chocolates and Merchandising Innovation Showcased [Feature Interviews]

An early Easter, following Valentines, is impacting sales and merchandising in stores. At the same time, some retailers are innovating and looking to make things more experiential.

Canadian Businesses Grapple with Soaring Insolvencies as CEBA Loan Repayments Take Toll: Equifax Reports

It's a perfect storm for disaster with high interest rates, increasing costs and other financial obligations impacting retailers, with insolvencies surging 30% over 2019.

Japan-Based Marugame Udon Enters Canada with 1st Location, Authentic Sanuki-Style Concept to Expand Nationally [Interview]

The world-renowned Japanese noodle hotspot, with over 1,000 locations worldwide, prepares dishes in a theatre-style kitchen. Plans are in place for locations across Canada.

How Canada’s Retail Sector Can Better Serve Families with Children [Interview]

Retailers are missing an opportunity to target parents with children says an expert, while the need to understand Generation Alpha will critical as they become consumers in the years to come.

North America’s First Formula 1 Exhibition Set to Open in Toronto, Showcasing Unique Immersive Experiences for Visitors [Interview]

The highly experiential multi-media exhibit has been designed to engage with visitors while showcasing the sport.

La Maison Simons CEO Discusses New Halifax Store and Retailer’s Ongoing Expansion [Video Interview]

Bernard Leblanc discusses the company's newest store, as well as updates on the company's retail mix, e-commerce strategy, and a future with likely more stores in Vancouver and Toronto.

Australian Haircare Giant ‘Just Cuts’ Announces Canadian Expansion, Eyes Alberta and Ontario for Initial Salons [Interview]

The company has 235 hair cutting salons globally, and is now targeting Canada by seeking shopping centre locations. Its value proposition in this economy could see it expand rapidly.

Rodd & Gunn Opens 1st Standalone Canadian Storefront on Hazelton Ave in Toronto, More Locations Planned [Photos]

Bloor-Yorkville was chosen for the New Zealand-based menswear brand’s first Canadian store, after entering the country through a network of concessions at Hudson’s Bay.

JLL Grocery Report Highlights Contrasting Strategies Among Canadian Grocers to Tackle Inflation and Shifting Shopper Preferences [Interview]

Despite challenges in deal making and urban development, the grocery industry sees potential in discount stores but also emphasizes the importance of grocers as essential amenities within mixed-use projects, says one expert.

Canadian Retail Sales Promising for Some and Ominous for Others in January [J.C. Williams Group Analysis]

The consultancy analyses StatCan numbers for January, noting spending increases in some areas and decreases in other, setting the tone for 2024.

La Maison Simons Opens Store in Halifax, Marking Milestone in Coast-to-Coast Canadian Store Expansion [Photos]

The Quebec City-based retailer opened its first store outside of Quebec 12 years ago, and now has a network of 17 locations from BC to the Maritimes. 

Anatomy of a Leader: Stewart Schaefer, President and CEO of Sleep Country Canada

Schaefer discusses his career over the years, from the financial world to three decades in the sleep industry.

Fitness and Wellness Concept Sweat and Tonic to Open 18,000 Sq Ft. Location on Yorkville Avenue in Toronto

It will be the third location for the company, and joins other boutique fitness concepts opening near the Yonge and Bloor intersection. 

First-Ever Health-Focused ‘KaleMart24’ Opens in Montreal with Plans for Major North American Store Expansion [Interview/Photos]

Described as the "Whole Foods Market" of convenience stores, the new KaleMart 24 is being rolled out in Montreal this year with plans to aggressively move into new markets including Toronto.

Swimco Opens New Stores in Canada, Bounces Back from COVID Hardships [Interview]

The Calgary-based swim retailer, which went bankrupt during the pandemic, has returned and is opening stores as it connects with consumers in new markets.

Changes in Toronto’s Yorkville with Pusateri’s and Flo’s Diner Closing [Podcast]

Craig and Lee discuss the significant closures of Pusateri's grocery and Flo's Diner in Yorkville, Toronto, reflecting on the neighborhood's evolution and future luxury developments.

RECENT RETAIL INSIDER VIDEOS

Advertisment

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required

RECENT articles

Holt Renfrew Bloor Street Flagship in Toronto Marks 45 Years [Feature]

When it opened in March of 1979, it was by far the largest Holt Renfrew store in the chain.

Galleria Supermarket Embarks on Strategic Store Expansion Across Ontario, Targeting Key Urban Areas [Interview]

The grocery retailer is seeking locations in a wide range of sizes, as part of its initiative to operate retail stores while also building awareness for its expansive wholesale division.

Expanding a Brand: Vancouver-Based Entrepreneur Kick-Starts Women’s ‘Wicked Rose’ Martial Arts Activewear Line [Video Interview]

Christina Morrow discusses her plans to rapidly expand her women's martial arts activewear brand, which features performance materials and designs inspired by tattoo art.

The Ballroom Bowl Unveils Bloor-Yorkville Location in Toronto with Additional Expansion Planned in Canada [Interview/Photos]

The upscale bowling and foodservice concept will open another location later this year as it eyes expanding into other parts of Canada, says its founder.

Early Easter Impacting Retail Sales in Canada; New Trends in Chocolates and Merchandising Innovation Showcased [Feature Interviews]

An early Easter, following Valentines, is impacting sales and merchandising in stores. At the same time, some retailers are innovating and looking to make things more experiential.

Canadian Businesses Grapple with Soaring Insolvencies as CEBA Loan Repayments Take Toll: Equifax Reports

It's a perfect storm for disaster with high interest rates, increasing costs and other financial obligations impacting retailers, with insolvencies surging 30% over 2019.

Japan-Based Marugame Udon Enters Canada with 1st Location, Authentic Sanuki-Style Concept to Expand Nationally [Interview]

The world-renowned Japanese noodle hotspot, with over 1,000 locations worldwide, prepares dishes in a theatre-style kitchen. Plans are in place for locations across Canada.

How Canada’s Retail Sector Can Better Serve Families with Children [Interview]

Retailers are missing an opportunity to target parents with children says an expert, while the need to understand Generation Alpha will critical as they become consumers in the years to come.

North America’s First Formula 1 Exhibition Set to Open in Toronto, Showcasing Unique Immersive Experiences for Visitors [Interview]

The highly experiential multi-media exhibit has been designed to engage with visitors while showcasing the sport.

La Maison Simons CEO Discusses New Halifax Store and Retailer’s Ongoing Expansion [Video Interview]

Bernard Leblanc discusses the company's newest store, as well as updates on the company's retail mix, e-commerce strategy, and a future with likely more stores in Vancouver and Toronto.

Australian Haircare Giant ‘Just Cuts’ Announces Canadian Expansion, Eyes Alberta and Ontario for Initial Salons [Interview]

The company has 235 hair cutting salons globally, and is now targeting Canada by seeking shopping centre locations. Its value proposition in this economy could see it expand rapidly.

Rodd & Gunn Opens 1st Standalone Canadian Storefront on Hazelton Ave in Toronto, More Locations Planned [Photos]

Bloor-Yorkville was chosen for the New Zealand-based menswear brand’s first Canadian store, after entering the country through a network of concessions at Hudson’s Bay.

JLL Grocery Report Highlights Contrasting Strategies Among Canadian Grocers to Tackle Inflation and Shifting Shopper Preferences [Interview]

Despite challenges in deal making and urban development, the grocery industry sees potential in discount stores but also emphasizes the importance of grocers as essential amenities within mixed-use projects, says one expert.

Canadian Retail Sales Promising for Some and Ominous for Others in January [J.C. Williams Group Analysis]

The consultancy analyses StatCan numbers for January, noting spending increases in some areas and decreases in other, setting the tone for 2024.

La Maison Simons Opens Store in Halifax, Marking Milestone in Coast-to-Coast Canadian Store Expansion [Photos]

The Quebec City-based retailer opened its first store outside of Quebec 12 years ago, and now has a network of 17 locations from BC to the Maritimes. 

Anatomy of a Leader: Stewart Schaefer, President and CEO of Sleep Country Canada

Schaefer discusses his career over the years, from the financial world to three decades in the sleep industry.

Fitness and Wellness Concept Sweat and Tonic to Open 18,000 Sq Ft. Location on Yorkville Avenue in Toronto

It will be the third location for the company, and joins other boutique fitness concepts opening near the Yonge and Bloor intersection. 

First-Ever Health-Focused ‘KaleMart24’ Opens in Montreal with Plans for Major North American Store Expansion [Interview/Photos]

Described as the "Whole Foods Market" of convenience stores, the new KaleMart 24 is being rolled out in Montreal this year with plans to aggressively move into new markets including Toronto.

Swimco Opens New Stores in Canada, Bounces Back from COVID Hardships [Interview]

The Calgary-based swim retailer, which went bankrupt during the pandemic, has returned and is opening stores as it connects with consumers in new markets.

Changes in Toronto’s Yorkville with Pusateri’s and Flo’s Diner Closing [Podcast]

Craig and Lee discuss the significant closures of Pusateri's grocery and Flo's Diner in Yorkville, Toronto, reflecting on the neighborhood's evolution and future luxury developments.