Browsing Tag

shopping

Coffee With Michael Bregman

A few months ago, I wrote about drinking tea with Carly Rae Jepsen. We didn’t meet at DAVIDsTEA to catch up like old friends; we simply posed at a meet and greet. Drinking coffee with Second Cup’s chairman Michael Bregman was kind of similar. It wasn’t a one-on-one information interview, but rather a breakfast event where he spoke and young professionals listened intently.

In hindsight, Michael’s talk was similar to Annie Young-Scrivner’s keynote at QMAC 2013. At the time, Annie was President, Starbucks Canada and now she is President, Teavana. On both occasions, Michael and Annie succinctly shared their views on coffee consumption, inspired advice-hungry audiences and left enough time for questions.

July 6, 2014 by Sarah Prince

American Eagle Opens On Queen Street

American Eagle’s new location at 333 Queen St. West (one block west of John) is a welcome addition to the shopping district for hipsters, yuppies and tweens. Whether you’re looking for something to wear to the beach, cottage or camp, consider this store a go-to destination when you’re downtown.

The store’s grand opening is April 30 and the doors open at 8 AM. Everything (except jeans) is buy one, get one at half price, but I’m sure you’ll be tempted to buy more than just two items. Heads up: the black selfie beanie is out of stock, but you can find it online here.

April 30, 2014 by Sarah Prince

St. Patrick’s Day Fashion Ideas

Shoes: Dr. Martens, Converse, Manitobah Mukluks

I never celebrated St. Patrick’s Day until I went to Western. For university students, it’s such a major event that it might as well be a statutory holiday. After I clued in during first year, I started planning my outfits in advance by keeping an eye out for discounts on green clothes, shoes and accessories.

It’s nice to support local boutiques when you’re buying seasonal items. Archies Surf Shop is a convenient shopping destination for Western students who want to buy green gear in downtown London without schlepping to a dollar store. Last year, I bought a clover leaf necklace at Archies and I also have an emerald green statement ring from Want in Toronto.

St. Patrick’s Day is a fun time to be creative and everyone’s in such a good mood that it seems like the fashion police take the day off. I used to wrap a skinny green United Colours of Benetton belt around my wrist and wear it as a DIY bracelet.

March 16, 2014 by Sarah Prince

Happy New Year

One of my favourite sessions at CM1, Toronto’s first conference for community managers, was led by Ryan Ginsberg from Twitter Canada. His talk focused on how social content strategists can plan ahead for and respond to big moments. This includes holidays and unexpected pop culture spectacles like Miley Cyrus twerking at the VMAs.

Last year, I wrote about how Oreo mastered social media when they were quick to post about the Super Bowl blackout. Oreo’s Super Bowl post was brilliant because their team quickly produced an image with a few words that effectively made millions crave Oreo cookies.

Likeable branded content is simple. Even though digital teams can plan for holidays like New Year’s Eve months in advance, I think a minimalistic execution is optimal. Essentially all you need to do is be engaging and say something to the effect of “Happy Holidays!” with copy and visuals that are aligned with the brand. When businesses create holiday greetings with too many CTAs, they risk appearing obnoxious, as ADP Canada’s Elizabeth Williams observes.

3 brands that understand the power of brevity when celebrating the holidays are Sharpie, Ben and Jerry’s and Holt Renfrew. Look at their Instagram posts to see what I mean:

January 1, 2014 by Sarah Prince

Stock Up On Basics At American Apparel

If you’re looking for discounts on the basics, then you’ll want to check out American Apparel’s Warehouse Sale in Toronto’s Chinatown. American Apparel has embraced the opportunity to run a pop-up store during the holiday season, when wish lists tend to be long, while budgets are tight.

Before you head over to their temporary outlet, visit your nearest American Apparel store to try on t-shirts, pants and sweaters so you’ll know your size. There are no fitting rooms available and I don’t think you want to be that person awkwardly changing clothes in the basement.

AA Jeans

December 3, 2013 by Sarah Prince

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