Skyline Wealth Management: How Essential Retail Remains Resilient in 2025

CFO Wayne Byrd shares why Canadian grocery-anchored real estate continues to thrive

Cindy Broad sits down with Wayne Byrd, Chief Financial Officer and partner at Skyline Wealth Management, to explore the resilience of essential retail in Canada. With nearly $9 billion in assets under management, Skyline has built a platform that thrives in times of uncertainty—particularly through its focus on everyday needs-based retail.

Byrd highlights a notable trend: tier-one Canadian grocers are reporting record profits. For instance, in May 2025, Loblaw Companies saw a 4.1% increase in revenue and a 9.3% rise in adjusted earnings per share. According to Byrd, this growth signals consistent consumer confidence and validates Skyline’s investment strategy. Nearly 80% of the base rent across Skyline Retail REIT’s portfolio comes from essential retailers, many of which are national brands showing both strong financial results and steady foot traffic.

In fact, retail revenue growth from lease renewals at Skyline Retail REIT recently exceeded 10%—a record high and 35% above their previous benchmark. These numbers aren’t just headlines—they reflect the actual performance and value resilience seen across the REIT’s holdings. Byrd explains that this ongoing success is driven by stable tenancy, persistent demand, and a consumer preference shift toward essential retail centers.

Even as broader economic conditions fluctuate, grocery-anchored real estate has remained a steady performer—proving that certain fundamentals, like food and basic needs, don’t go out of style.

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