The Voice of Retail Yorkdale Uncovered: The Secrets Behind Canada's Most Productive Mall with Yorkdale Shopping Centre's VP and GM, Michael Renaud
In this episode of the Voice of Retail podcast, Yorkdale Shopping Centre's VP and GM, Michael Renaud, provides insights into what makes Yorkdale a top shopping destination in North America. Located in Toronto, the center sees 18 million visitors annually and generates $2,400 per square foot, making it Canada's most productive mall. Renault attributes Yorkdale's success to its prime location, curated mix of luxury and essential retailers, and a commitment to experiential shopping. Initially opened in 1964, Yorkdale was designed to be a premier shopping destination, which is evident in its enduring appeal and expansive layout.
Renault describes Yorkdale's strategy of creating immersive experiences rather than relying on large-scale attractions. By leveraging high-quality design and curation, Yorkdale enhances its role as a social and commercial hub tailored to Toronto's urban landscape. The team's support extends to retailers through design collaboration, innovative leasing practices, and a robust marketing program that bridges physical and online shopping.
Looking forward, Renault envisions Yorkdale enhancing the entire visitor experience—from arrival to checkout—to foster a calming, engaging atmosphere. With new retailers like Simons on the horizon, Yorkdale aims to sustain its relevance and appeal. Renault concludes by emphasizing Yorkdale's broader role in Toronto's culture, not just as a shopping center but as a community destination.
About Michael
Michael Renaud is the director and general manager of Yorkdale Shopping Centre, managed by Oxford Properties Group. With over 12 years at Oxford, Michael initially oversaw office properties before transitioning to retail portfolios in 2024.
Yorkdale, co-owned by Oxford Properties and AIMCo, is one of Canada's premier shopping destinations, spanning 2 million square feet and featuring 270 stores, including Canada's largest selection of luxury brands. Oxford Properties manages a global portfolio of 150 million square feet across office, retail, industrial, and other property sectors.
Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career.
Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada’s Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.
Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.
Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael’s cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.
Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.