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Founded in 2005 by industry veteran Tony Flanz, Montreal-based Think Retail has spent the past two decades helping national and international retailers navigate the Canadian market. The firm, known for its boutique, client-first approach, has become one of the country\u2019s most respected commercial real estate brokerages. Now marking its 20th anniversary, Think Retail is doubling down on its growth strategy and expanding its influence.<\/p>\n
In an in-depth interview with Retail Insider<\/em>, Flanz opened up about the company\u2019s founding, milestones, and challenges, offering both professional insights and deeply personal stories that have shaped the trajectory of Think Retail.<\/p>\n Flanz launched Think Retail in 2005 after working with another brokerage. He saw a gap in the market for a firm that offered \u201cwhite glove\u201d service, deeper expertise, and closer collaboration.<\/p>\n \u201cI had several clients who were pushing me for more resources, more time, and more expertise,\u201d said Flanz. \u201cI was highly motivated to provide that for them, and that was the impetus and the inspiration for starting Think Retail.\u201d<\/p>\n The vision from the beginning was to differentiate Think Retail from its competitors by providing hands-on service and strategic insight. \u201cI was very passionate and creative. I threw a lot of ideas at the wall, and most of them stuck,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Flanz still remembers his first client, and the story behind it speaks to the personal relationships that define Think Retail.<\/p>\n \u201cMy first client remains incredibly important to me\u2014it was a company called Bizou, owned by Marcel Labrecque. I met Marcel when I worked with Olympia & York in 1996, and we began working together shortly after I launched Think Retail,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n The relationship deepened over the years. \u201cI did over 100 new leases, 50 renewals, and two acquisitions. I also renegotiated 120 leases through bankruptcy protection. When Marcel had a heart attack, I visited with the family twice a week for six months. That\u2019s the kind of relationship we built.\u201d<\/p>\n Think Retail\u2019s client relationships often span generations. \u201cI worked with Marcel\u2019s son on a retail venture called Hot Fudge, and now I\u2019m working with his grandson\u2019s company, Mia, which we hope to expand into the U.S.,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n The early days of Think Retail were not without profound challenges. In the same year the firm launched, Flanz\u2019s son was diagnosed with autism, and shortly after, his wife was diagnosed with a terminal illness.<\/p>\n \u201cI had to hire a staff of therapists and educators to teach my son life skills, and I became a caregiver for my wife, which lasted 10 years until she passed away five years ago,\u201d Flanz said.<\/p>\n Despite these challenges, work became a sanctuary. \u201cThe work was my salvation. It gave me a place of enjoyment and gratification, and I\u2019m so thankful for that.\u201d<\/p>\n Today, his daughter owns a successful skincare and gift store in Montreal, and his son is thriving, preparing to live independently \u2014 something Flanz calls a \u201cdream come true.\u201d<\/p>\n Think Retail has introduced several international brands to Canada over the years. Some recent additions include France-based Adopt and KaleMart24. Looking ahead, Flanz revealed plans to bring Morgan de Toi, a prominent French women\u2019s fashion brand, to the Canadian market.<\/p>\n The firm continues to work with brands like Crocs and Le Creuset, among others. \u201cWe\u2019re negotiating several exciting deals right now,\u201d he said. \u201cStay tuned.\u201d<\/p>\n One of the firm\u2019s earliest major achievements was helping Fossil expand across Canada. \u201cThat was a turning point,\u201d Flanz recalled. \u201cIt was my first international client and it gave us credibility in the market.\u201d<\/p>\n Flanz has witnessed firsthand the seismic shifts in Canadian retail over the past 20 years. Chief among them is the rise of e-commerce and the evolution of the shopping centre.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople want things now, including fast fashion and next-day delivery. The big players like Amazon, Walmart, and Costco have set the pace,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n To keep up, landlords are reimagining retail spaces. \u201cCadillac Fairview, Ivanho\u00e9 Cambridge, and Oxford are transforming malls into entertainment hubs with restaurants, services, even pickleball courts. They\u2019re no longer just fashion centres.\u201d<\/p>\n He also pointed to the increasing importance of technology. \u201cGoogle Maps and video calls have made our work more efficient. Before the pandemic, I might do one video call a week\u2014now it\u2019s 8 to 10.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite global pressures, Flanz remains bullish on Canada as a market for retailers.<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t do a good enough job of selling ourselves. There\u2019s so much opportunity here because we\u2019re under-retailed compared to the U.S.,\u201d he said. \u201cIn Canada, shopping centres are 25% more productive, and there\u2019s still pent-up demand for new concepts.\u201d<\/p>\n For international retailers looking to expand, the Canadian market offers an attractive proposition. \u201cIf you serve your market well here, you\u2019ll do even better than in places where you already have a fleet of stores.\u201d<\/p>\n As the retail landscape has evolved, so too has brokerage. Flanz notes a shift toward data, efficiency, and adaptability.<\/p>\n \u201cInformation is king today. And I still have enough ego to say I have better information than most international firms,\u201d he said with a smile. \u201cThat\u2019s because I\u2019m active in the field and have long-standing relationships that provide real-time market insight.\u201d<\/p>\n His client retention rate is high, and he attributes it to integrity. \u201cI always tell my clients, I won\u2019t lease a store that I can\u2019t release. If I can\u2019t stand behind it, we shouldn\u2019t do the deal.\u201d<\/p>\n Think Retail is continuing to grow, with a clear focus on international retail and strategic collaborations with U.S. brokers.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is our \u2018Best is Yet to Come\u2019 tour,\u201d Flanz joked. \u201cWe\u2019re going to keep offering top-tier service, keep being passionate, and keep growing.\u201d<\/p>\n He remains personally invested in every client\u2019s success. \u201cI\u2019m 60 now. I want to sleep well at night knowing I\u2019ve given the best advice. I\u2019ve made mistakes, but I\u2019ve learned from them. That\u2019s the value of experience.\u201d<\/p>\nFounding of Think Retail: The Pursuit of Excellence<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Early Clients and Enduring Relationships<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Overcoming Personal and Professional Challenges<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Landmark Moments and Major Brands<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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A Changing Retail Landscape<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The Canadian Advantage<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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The Evolution of Brokerage<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Looking Ahead: \u2018The Best is Yet to Come\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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