Majors

A Canadian Mall Is Literally Becoming a Circus

MajorsJun 20, 2018

A Canadian Mall Is Literally Becoming a Circus

Cirque du Soleil is opening what it is billing as a “family entertainment center” in a Toronto-area mall this fall.  

20180620_Cirque-header.jpg
A shot of the slack wire act in “Ovo,” Cirque du Soleil’s touring show. The Canadian performance troupe is partnering with a Montreal-based real estate firm to open family entertainment centers inside malls.

Montreal--Step right up and see the latest effort to lure shoppers to the mall.

Cirque du Soleil, the performance troupe behind shows such as “O” and “The Beatles Love,” announced last week that it is expanding into malls with what it is billing as “family entertainment centers,” spaces where members of the public can participate in Cirque du Soleil-inspired activities like bungee jumping, trampolines, juggling and mask design.

Called “Creactive”—a mashup of the words creation, creative, create and active—the centers are based on what Cirque du Soleil already has at the Club Med resorts in the Dominican Republic and Opio, France, but are geared toward families and open year-round.

The centers will occupy spaces that are approximately 24,000 square feet.

The first mall-based Creactive space is set to open in September at a not-yet-disclosed Toronto-area shopping center owned by global real estate firm Ivanhoé Cambridge.

Ivanhoé owns shopping centers in Canada, Brazil, China and Germany, including the Outlet Collection at Niagara, the Montreal Eaton Center, the Wilmersdorfer Arcaden in Berlin, and the Downtown development in Rio de Janeiro. It is a subsidiary of Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, the Canadian investment firm that also has a minority stake in Cirque du Soleil.

Although Ivanhoé does not own any shopping centers in the United States, a Cirque du Soleil spokeswoman said Tuesday that the entertainment troupe is in discussions with other partners about opening family entertainment centers in international markets, like the U.S.

She said the company hopes to confirm these partnerships soon. 


A rendering provided by Cirque du Soleil of what its mall-based Creactive space will look like. The first one is set to open this fall at a mall in Toronto.

The entrance of a Cirque du Soleil experience into the mall space is the latest in a series of efforts to pump life into malls by expanding beyond just shopping—which has become increasingly easy to do online—to offer food, entertainment and fitness options.

In a press release announcing Creactive, Claude Sirois, president of retail at Ivanhoe Cambridge, acknowledged as much, stating: “Creactive is perfectly aligned with our vision for our future of retail: to join forces with the right partners to offer innovative experiences … This collaboration is a terrific illustration of our efforts to transform the retail experience for our discerning guests.”
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Stock image of handcuffs and gavel
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian Families

The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.

Horizon Campaign Collage
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection

“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.

Pandora jewelry
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1

The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.

national-jeweler-top-image-v1.jpg
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of Jewelers

Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.

Glenn Lewis
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68

The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.

Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Take the Quiz
The back of the Baume & Mercier watch Elvis gave to Dodie Marshall
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K

Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”

Harwell Godfrey
IndependentsMay 01, 2024
Harwell Godfrey Opens First Store

It is located in Marin County, California.

1-(3.18).JPG
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry Retail

With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.

Woman holding a dress
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in April

Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.

Syna emerald earrings
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on Emeralds

May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.

Jacqui Larsson Looking at a Diamond
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director

Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.

Stock image crime handcuffs
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO Show

Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.

Tiffany Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Céleste Wings Pendant
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue Book

The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.

Canadian Jewellers Association logo
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2024
Canadian Jewellers Association Brings Back the Summit

It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.

Supplier Spotlight -GIA -Recorded-Webinar.png
Recorded WebinarsApr 29, 2024
Watch: Diamond Identification and Evaluation - How to Protect your Business

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

De Beers polished in tweezers
SourcingApr 29, 2024
De Beers to Move Auction HQ from Singapore to Botswana

Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.

Simone I. Smith SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds
CollectionsApr 29, 2024
Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection

“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.

Venus Jewelers Logo
IndependentsApr 29, 2024
Venus Jewelers Relocating After 45 Years

The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.

Established Mom tattoo pendant
SurveysApr 29, 2024
Mother’s Day Jewelry Spending to Reach $7B, Says NRF

Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.

Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy Inlay Necklace
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy Necklace

The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.

Gemological Institute of America headquarters
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are Converging

The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.

De Beers Venetia diamond mine in South Africa
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo

Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.

Lisa Bridge and Alexis Padis at AGS Conclave 2024
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President

Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.

Jesse Cole Savannah Bananas
EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana

Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.

John Mayer Audemars Piguet
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition Watch

The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.

Stock image of rough diamonds mined by De Beers
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024

The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.

Jared Goff Presents Jared Jewelers’ Donation to Give Merit
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to Jared

The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy