Montreal’s Sean Erez Moves From Fashion E-commerce to Multi-Residential Real Estate

Sean Erez is the CEO of the Canadian e-commerce company Shop Under, a luxury fashion platform featuring some of the world’s most iconic brands at competitive prices. Within Shop Under’s umbrella, Erez also created Zee Apparel, a niche streetwear and activewear platform popular in the UK. He’s recently challenged himself to branch out into a new industry, owning and managing several multi-residential properties in the Montreal area. We spoke with Sean about the fashion and apparel industry, real estate development, and how he managed to navigate these complex economic sectors.

Q: After your success with Shop Under, what drew you to real estate development?

Sean Erez: After Shop Under and Zee Apparel were well established, I was looking for a new project. I’m an entrepreneur, and I’m always thinking about gaps in the market. The biggest gap in Canada by far is housing, there’s a critical shortage of it in the major cities, including Montreal where I live. There’s a nationwide shortage of over 300,000 housing units due to population growth and the slow pace of construction. I knew I could make a difference in raising the standard for quality housing and helping families find a secure place to live. I’ve developed an extensive portfolio and I’m focused every day on improving our level of service for tenants.

Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when making the transition to such a drastically different industry?

Sean Erez: There was a slew of new things to learn, from making repairs to learning a new language of real estate financials. My business background came in handy, there are a lot of transferable skills, as I’ve learned many times as an entrepreneur. The biggest challenge is always mental. You have to rewire your brain for a different industry while sticking to the fundamental principles that have made you a success. The main one is the confidence that you’ll succeed, with the right approach.

Q: Montreal has a unique real estate industry. What excites you most about developing properties in this city?

Sean Erez: I love Montreal. It’s my home and has been for a very long time. I’ve seen it go through various phases of gentrification and downturns, and I want to do what I can to shore up the things about the city that make it great. It feels like you’re making a long-term contribution when you create homes for people. It’s a chance to give something back to the city I love.

Q: How do you decide which properties or developments to invest in?

Sean Erez: That’s the question that defines everyone in this business. It’s a hard thing to learn, but it’s the most important thing. For me, it comes down to a couple of key factors. Location is always number one. The area needs strong demand, good infrastructure, high potential for growth. I do a deep analysis of market trends, interest rates, and the financial viability of the project, making sure the numbers add up in a way that makes sense. And finally, I think about long-term value. I’m not interested in quick flips—I want to develop properties that will stand the test of time and contribute positively to the community.

Q: Finally, is there any advice you have for other entrepreneurs looking to enter the real estate market?

Sean Erez: Real estate development is a long-term game, so having patience is important. My biggest piece of advice is to do your homework. Learn about the market, understand financing options, and get familiar with local zoning laws and regulations. Surround yourself with experts—real estate lawyers, brokers, and contractors—because having the right team can make a huge difference. And most importantly, start small. Take on a manageable project first, build your knowledge, and grow organically from there.