Stikeman Elliott has developed an extensive understanding of the issues and challenges faced by retailers, gathered from years of acting for many of Canada's most successful retail businesses in a variety of market sectors. We offer clients comprehensive, efficient, results-oriented service in each of the areas of law that impact retailers, coupled with an understanding of a client's unique business objectives. As a truly national firm, with offices in Canada's major commercial centres, we appreciate and can readily respond to various cultural and regional issues faced by retailers as well as the local economic climates within which they operate. Our highly regarded office in Montréal is particularly well-positioned to advise on Quebec law, including French language requirements.

Members of the firm maintain active memberships in the Retail Council of Canada and the International Council of Shopping Centres, ensuring that our team stays abreast of emerging issues in the sector and continues to solidify strategic relationships with critical industry players such as developers, site managers and real estate consultants.

The firm has developed particular expertise with U.S. and international retailers seeking to expand their business in Canada, either organically or through acquisition. In either case, we are at the forefront of being able to guide clients through all required strategic legal and business considerations with a view to achieving practical and effective solutions.

Representative Experience

We have developed expertise in all sectors of the retail industry derived from acting in numerous retail-related transactions (including public and private mergers and acquisitions), ongoing commercial advice and advice and assistance in the context of product recalls. Our range of relevant skills and experience allows us to provide comprehensive strategic advice to retail clients in all areas of their business. We also regularly advise and assist retailers on day-to-day legal issues. Most recently, we have acted for Lowe's Companies in connection with all aspects of the home improvement retailer's Canadian expansion. Our lawyers would be pleased to provide more information about our representative transactions upon request.

Recent Group Activities

Real estate lawyer speaking at retail conference
October 22-25 / Mario Paura of the Toronto office will be speaking at a roundtable on the Top Ten Issues for Foreign Retailers Expanding into Canada at the ICSC 2008 U.S. Shopping Center Law conference in Hollywood, Florida.

Toronto Lawyers featured in retail article
Toronto partners Rockey Delfino and Mario Paura were featured in the September issue of the UK's Retail and Leisure International in an article about expanding retail operations into Canada called "Opportunity awaits".