Closing a Chapter, Celebrating a Journey

January 30, 2025, marked a defining moment in my career—and for the incredible adidas Store Development team I was part of. It was the culmination of three years of relentless effort, innovation, and resilience, as we shaped the retail landscape across Canada. Seventeen store openings from coast to coast. Some triumphant, others packed with lessons.

Rewinding to 2021

What began as a hunger to learn and elevate the retail fleet quickly turned into a crash course in adaptability. Chaotic projects, shifting leadership, and an urgent need for speed—all against the backdrop of a world moving at its slowest. In those days, we often joked that we were "building the plane while on the runway—or in flight." Plans and strategies were luxuries we couldn’t always afford.

Some projects came in on budget. Some looked amazing. Some were completed on time. But all three? Rarely. And yet, amidst the turbulence, an idea was born—a vision for something bigger than adidas had ever seen in Canada. It took root during a walkthrough of an old Victoria’s Secret store at Robson & Burrard.

The Shift: 2023

By 2023, the lessons from those early years were paying off. The team evolved, fresh talent infused new energy, and a new wave of stores took shape. We became sharper, faster, more disciplined. Budgets were non-negotiable. Timelines were non-negotiable. The Project Management triangle became our reality—if one factor had to give, it wouldn’t be time or budget.

We leaned into chaos, embraced speed. Our Director, Ryan Thrussell , often reminded us jokingly: "Move with speed. We love chaos." It became our mantra. Every decision—partners, contractors, materials—was guided by agility. We adapted, problem-solved, and kept pushing forward.

And it worked. Seven store openings. Each one better than the last. Each one on time. Each one on budget. Some even with extra savings. Gina Vendramini , our designer, deserves a special shoutout—her ability to push creative boundaries while staying within our parameters was nothing short of masterful.

The Final Milestone: 2024

Then came the biggest challenge yet—750 Burrard, Vancouver. adidas’ largest and most prestigious retail space in Canada.

A massive demolition. Unexpected structural hurdles. A complete redesign. And an ambitious target: December 15, 2024.

Pressure mounted, but the team rallied. Our Project Managers Pulkit Patel and Ryan Da Silva led with conviction. Our partners, contractors, and internal teams bought in. The goal? Not just to open on time—but early, in time for Black Friday.

And we did it. Early opening. On budget. Looking its absolute best.

The Grand Finale & New Beginnings

January 30, 2025—the official Grand Opening Home of Sport Vancouver. A space where consumers can experience adidas at its greatest, through the love of sport. A testament to what happens when an exceptional team pushes boundaries together.

But with the celebration came a bittersweet reality—change. A restructure meant new reporting lines, relocations, and for me, the closing of my own chapter with adidas.

Looking back at the past 10 years, from starting as a Multi-Store Manager in Ottawa to standing at the top of this mountain, I could never have imagined this journey. I’m beyond grateful for everyone who’s been part of it.

As for what’s next? That’s still unfolding. But if this journey has taught me anything, it’s that I thrive in the challenge. On to the next adventure!

Ryan Thrussell, Gina Vendramini, Pulkit Patel, Ryan Da Silva, Sher Saifi, Michael Iuliano, Marcela Siller Ortiz You've all been champions to work with. Thank you for everything!

Lesley Hawkins this started with you. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to develop beyond what I expected of myself.