Kit & Ace: The Next Chapter with New Owners David Lui, CEO & Joe Mimran

Welcome to The Voice of Retail podcast. I'm producer & host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is produced in conjunction with the Retail Council of Canada. Veteran retailer, entrepreneur, investor and friend of the pod David Lui is back this episode with his new business partner, Canadian retail legend Joe Mimran in an exclusive interview to talk about buying Vancouver's Kit & Ace, a retailer with an origin story that goes back almost a decade to it's founding by Lululemon lead designer Shannon Wilson and son JJ Wilson.   We talk about their impression of the brand today, what makes it great, and growth plans for this innovative apparel retailer.  About DavidDavid Lui is an accomplished global brand and entrepreneurial leader.<br /><br />With a wealth of experience in leading complex retail, digital and consumer environments, his impressive portfolio includes developing global award-winning marketing campaigns, scaling online e-commerce brands, and being named CEO of the twelfth Fastest Growing Company in Canada’s PROFIT100, First for Fastest-Growing Company in British Columbia, Canada, winner of the BDC Young Entrepreneur Award, and a Business in Vancouver Forty under 40. In 2022, he was also ranked 11th in the Global CEO Award.<br /><br />David has significantly impacted the retail industry and community through his involvement as an investor and board member. He has served on the Board and Governance Committee for Hypertension Canada, the Retail Leadership Committee for the Canadian Marketing Association, the Marketing Advisory Committee for the Retail Council of Canada, and as a Board Member and Chair of the Marketing Committee for Theatre Calgary. <br /><br />He holds an MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University.About JoeJoe Mimran is a leading contributor to the fashion and design industry and is best-known for creating a succession of visionary brands and retail concepts, including Club Monaco, Caban, Joe Fresh, Joe Fresh Beauty and Alfred Sung. Recognized universally as having a sharp eye, impeccable attention to detail, and insight into emerging trends, Joe is always on the forefront of what’s next. Joe is also an avid investor and champions exceptional entrepreneurs. Joe also stars on the popular CBC show, Dragons Den, now in its 12th season.Chronology of entrepreneurial ventures:In 1978 Joe co-founded a manufacturing apparel business in Toronto Canada.In 1980 the Company launched the Alfred Sung brand which achieved immediate consumer acceptance and success. While the company controlled the design and manufacturing of the women’s collection the company embarked on expanding the brand into a myriad of consumer products under license. In 2013 Joe sold his interest.In 1985 Joe founded Club Monaco, a vertical retail concept known for its distinctive minimalistic style and monochromatic palette. Club Monaco instantly became a cult brand that grew to over 150 stores in Canada, US, and Asia.In 2000, Club Monaco and Caban it’s home products lifestyle concept, were purchased by Ralph Lauren, marking Ralph Lauren’s first-ever acquisition.In 2001 Joe created Joseph Mimran and Associates. a consulting practice that has serviced numerous high profile international retailers, including Holt Renfrew, Saks Fifth Avenue, Woolworths, South Africa, Coles a major food retailer in Australia and Loblaws, Staples US and Kroger.In 2003 Joe created a range of home products for Loblaws under the Presidents Choice brands.In 2006 Joe created the Joe Fresh concept for Loblaws. He oversaw the brand’s design and retail concepts, and made it the country's second largest apparel brand in dollars and units, with a vision of well-designed