Leyad has signed new leases, achieved redevelopment milestones by completing projects and advanced new experiential-entertainment and grocery developments at shopping centres across Canada as part of its strategy to reposition retail properties and boost customer traffic, the company announced.

The Montreal-based company said the initiatives include new entertainment destinations at Pen Centre in St. Catharines, Ont., the backfilling of former Hudson’s Bay and Peavey Mart locations, and the addition of grocery and national retail tenants at centres in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

“Retail is evolving, and our responsibility is to stay ahead of that evolution,” said Henry Zavriyev, CEO of Leyad. “Across our portfolio, we’re bringing in the brands, experiences and services that today’s consumers want while ensuring our shopping centres remain vibrant gathering places for the communities they serve.”

At Pen Centre in St. Catharines, Ont., Kingpin Bowling has opened, construction is underway for Fairgrounds indoor pickleball, and work is expected to begin shortly on the Funvilla family entertainment centre. The company also said it is finalizing agreements with additional national retailers.

“The former department-store model is giving way to a much more dynamic mix of retail, entertainment and daily-needs uses,” said Zavriyev. “Pen Centre is becoming a destination where people don’t simply shop—they spend time, socialize, stay active and bring their families.”

At Londonderry Mall in Edmonton, Leyad has leased space to Fun For All for its second Alberta location and is nearing completion of Laser City. The company also highlighted its previously reported agreement to bring the first Zellers store into former Hudson’s Bay space.

“Our objective is to create destinations that people visit regularly for reasons beyond traditional shopping,” added Zavriyev. “Entertainment has become an essential part of successful retail environments, and Londonderry is an outstanding example of that strategy in action.”

At St. Albert Centre in St. Albert, Alta., the company has signed a long-term lease with Loblaw for a new No Frills supermarket, with construction underway.

“A strong grocery anchor creates consistent traffic that benefits every tenant in a shopping centre,” said Zavriyev. “Combined with additional national retailers, these investments will significantly enhance St. Albert Centre’s role within the community.”

In Kindersley, Sask., Leyad has leased the former Peavey Mart location to Mark’s, with construction nearing completion and the store expected to open in the coming months.

“Our leasing teams move quickly because every vacant space represents an opportunity,” said Zavriyev. “Whether responding to retailer bankruptcies or broader shifts in the market, our focus is always on creating long-term value for our tenants, our centres and the communities we serve.”

He added that successful retail real estate now requires vision, speed and execution.

“Our team has consistently demonstrated an ability to identify opportunities, move decisively and create destinations that outperform,” ,” Zavriyev concluded. “We’re excited about what’s ahead, and this is only the beginning of what we’re building across our national platform.”

Pictured: Leyad President and CEO Henry Zavriyev (right) and local team members at Londonderry mall in Edmonton.

Photo: CNW Group/Zellers