Photo: www.regencycenters.com — *Photo: www.regencycenters.com*

A new study by the University of Alberta School of Retailing reveals what international brands and retailers are confirmed to be entering Canada over the next several years, and how they will affect competition. The study was conducted by the School's Department of Applied Research, which is also available to hire for private industry research.

Photo: www.uniqlo.com — *Photo: www.uniqlo.com*

The study's categories include luxury brands, contemporary brands, fast-fashion retailers, and the category 'other' -- which includes jewellery retailers, furniture retailers, a department store chain and an optical retailer. Many of the companies discussed haven't been reported on in Retail Insider.

Each company is described in the study, followed by a discussion of which competitors may be affected by their entry. As more brands move into the Canadian market, there will be an increase in competition for market share.

The study also discusses challenges international retailers may face when entering Canada. This is an important consideration, given Canada's vast geography, language laws, and recent failures by some retailers that unsuccessfully attempted to enter the market.

Finally, the study discusses how luxury brands are increasingly choosing malls over street-front retail space, how some brands initially prefer department store concessions, and how e-commerce will increasingly integrate with brick-and-mortar retailing for years to come.

For more information on the study, visit the University of Alberta School of Retailing Applied Research website, which includes a link to studies as well as contact information.

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web: January 11, 2016