Retail Is Back in Quebec: What's Driving Near-Zero Vacancy and the Mixed-Use Shift

Quebec retail is outperforming expectations. Triple-A centres are running near-zero vacancy, rents are stabilizing, and consumers are spending more time in places that feel like destinations, not just shopping stops.   In this episode, Axel Monsaingeon sits down with retail real estate leader Manon Larose to break down what is actually working right now: why retail is no longer "online vs in-store," how the tenant mix is shifting toward food, fitness, beauty, and entertainment, and why mixed-use is becoming the default playbook for major sites like Carrefour Laval and Royalmount.   If you work in commercial real estate, leasing, development, or retail expansion, this is a practical look at what's driving demand and how to plan for 2026.   Topics & Timestamps 🧑‍💼 00:01:03 – Manon Larose's path across retail, leasing, and development 📈 00:02:50 – Why retail is rebounding in Quebec right now 🚆 00:03:45 – How the REM is reshaping foot traffic and retail demand 🏙️ 00:05:18 – Downtown streets vs mega retail destinations 🛍️ 00:07:33 – "High–low" retail and why mixed price points work ✨ 00:09:15 – Experience and personalization as the new retail differentiator 🧠 00:11:40 – Why physical retail and e-commerce now reinforce each other 🔮 00:14:54 – Key retail trends heading into 2026 🌆 00:24:42 – Mixed-use projects as the future of retail real estate   Manon's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manon-larose-mba-2977a81a/ Web: https://larose.ca/   Follow Axel Monsaingeon: LinkedIn Instagram   Visit https://www.e5pace.com for more resources, market guides, data, and advertising opportunities