Stackt is brand building via a lease extension and expansion into three key markets.

The shipping container retail concept along Toronto’s waterfront has secured a 10-year lease extension with the city. And its small business-focused, Stacktˣ is coming to Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver this summer, to create a platform that gives SMBs the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

The flagship location in Toronto has hosted more than 3,000 businesses in Canada and more than 1,800 events since its inception in 2019, with such brands as Endy, Sonos, Makeway, Inkbox and Monos making Canadian in-store debuts at the market.

“Toronto flagship was designed to be an ever-evolving ecosystem that moves with the needs and wants of the community – i.e., brands, businesses and consumers,” says Matt Rubinoff, founder and president of Stackt. He tells strategy that over the years, Stackt has added new property enhancements, new events and new storefronts with the mission to inspire consumers with new
experiences every visit.

The space is also constantly changing, he adds, whether it’s new experiences like pickleball, basketball courts, rotating indoor and outdoor art galleries, a dog area, storefronts for both emerging small businesses and progressive big brands, and food and beverage partners.

“Consumers are inspired by experiences first, ownership second. We are witnessing the desire for more meaningful and memorable engagements,” Rubinoff says. “Consumers would rather spend their money on a desirable experience than a material possession.

“We believe if you build for the people, the customer acquisition will naturally come.”

Rubinoff says brands are taking notice and placing an emphasis on the need to create memorable experiences, especially with digital fatigue. “Since the pandemic, we’ve witnessed an increase of live experiential activations that includes both short- and long-term brand campaigns that are built around live consumer experiences.”

He adds that Stackt has witnessed great success in consumer engagement, sales lifts, organic social impressions and increased customer acquisition, when activating immersive experiences that highlight a specific key occasion such as a community initiative, brand campaign or activation, and event or property theme. The space has hosted, for example, The Home Depot Canada Foundation’s Christmas Tree activation in support of Raising the Roof, and Gay Lea’s seasonal pumpkin spiced latte pop-up café.

But Stackt’s core mission has stayed the same, which is to provide a space to find inspiration, opportunity and connection whether it’s a small business global brand like a McDonald’s.

Toronto flagship saw a 38% year-over-year increase of winter visitors in 2024, based on the execution of key proprietary themed festivals and event properties, and it’s been drawing interest from urban residents and international visitors alike.

By designing key moments such as “destination” and “attraction” based offers, Stackt highlights a unique environment to experience which increases consumer interest, whether it’s financial brands, CPGs, QSRs, pet and even unconventional retailers in the cannabis space.

Rubinoff says most categories are open for exploration, and that the possibilities for Stackt are endless.