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Golf Town Plans National Store Modernization Following $15 Million Oakville Flagship

Craig Patterson -
Golf Town is planning a three-to-five-year modernization of its Canadian store network following the opening of a $15-million flagship in Oakville, Ontario. Sporting Life Group executive Barry Williams outlines potential new flagships, expanded fitting services and personalization.

Bank of Canada surveys show consumers pulling back as trade uncertainty persists

Mario Toneguzzi -
Canadian households are scaling back spending plans while businesses navigate higher costs, tariff pressures and uncertainty over trade, according to the central bank’s latest surveys.

Mississauga entrepreneur opens butter-focused retail shop and expands wholesale business

Mario Toneguzzi -
Butter Bar Boutique sells gourmet flavoured butters and Canadian-made culinary products, while new retail partnerships extend the brand's distribution across Ontario.

Staples Canada launches new business brand targeting organizations of all sizes

Mario Toneguzzi -
The Richmond Hill-based retailer is introducing two business purchasing programs, combining procurement, technology, delivery and workplace services for Canadian organizations.

Canadian consumers facing higher prices: Statistics Canada

Mario Toneguzzi -
Despite the year-over-year slowdown in prices for groceries, prices have increased 33.0% since September 2020.

In the Age of AI, Investing in the Human Touch Is Fundamental for Retailers

Retail Insider -
Charles de Brabant of McGill University's Bensadoun School of Retail Management argues that as artificial intelligence transforms retail, investing in knowledgeable store teams, personal relationships and consumer trust will become an increasingly important competitive advantage.

Shoppers Drug Mart partners with Pinterest on first beauty trend report

Mario Toneguzzi -
The collaboration features a curated Pinterest board and sponsored digital placements highlighting fall beauty products and emerging makeup trends.

Crate & Barrel Holdings expands into wallcoverings with new collections

Mario Toneguzzi -
The home furnishings retailer is partnering with York Wallcoverings to introduce more than 45 exclusive designs across three of its brands.

STRONG Pilates launches global campaign promoting single fitness membership (Video)

Mario Toneguzzi -
The Australian-founded fitness franchise is targeting consumers seeking combined cardio, strength and Pilates training as it expands its global studio network.

Daily Synopsis: October 16, 2026

Retail Insider -
Grocery store cyber attacks become concern, Longo's opening in former King City Coppa's, Comox Centre Mall comes to market, Newmarket Mayor pushes for Walmart to stay open, Legendary Noodles shuts in Vancouver's West End, and other news.

From The Desk: Experiential Retail and Leadership Moves Shape Canadian Market

Retail Insider -
Craig Patterson examines Canadian retail trends, from Aritzia's expansion and labour challenges to AI adoption and the evolving role of physical stores.

Groupe Dynamite appoints Jennifer Vincent as Head of Global Communications

Mario Toneguzzi -
Jennifer Vincent joins Groupe Dynamite with more than 15 years of communications experience as the retailer continues its international expansion.

Carol Deacon takes the helm as Bed Bath & Beyond prepares Canadian store comeback

Mario Toneguzzi -
Bed Bath & Beyond Canada president Carol Deacon discusses relaunching the retail brand online, plans for smaller stores in 2027 and the support of Sleep Country.

Canadian Tire shifts focus to growing fandom after reaching women’s sport investment milestone

Mario Toneguzzi -
Canadian Tire’s Eva Salem discusses the company’s strategy to increase visibility, build audiences and grow women’s professional sport in Canada.

Sundayfawn Targets 200 Retail Locations With Personalized Book ‘Story Pass’ Model

Evan Nagy -
Toronto-based personalized children’s book company SundayFawn is preparing to expand into physical retail with a model designed to let stores sell customized books without carrying finished-book inventory.

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Retail Insider Releases Q3 2026 Canadian Retail Reports

Craig Patterson -
Retail Insider has released 18 Q3 2026 reports examining Canadian retail sectors, consumer behaviour and the businesses supporting the industry. The collection brings together reporting and data on store investment, real estate, technology, supply chains, marketing, security and policy.

CURATED NEWS

Retail Insider Articles, by Category, can be found below.

RETAILER NEWS

Latest retail store openings, closings, expansions, etc.

News

Golf Town Plans National Store Modernization Following $15 Million Oakville Flagship

Craig Patterson -
Golf Town is planning a three-to-five-year modernization of its Canadian store network following the opening of a $15-million flagship in Oakville, Ontario. Sporting Life Group executive Barry Williams outlines potential new flagships, expanded fitting services and personalization.

Bank of Canada surveys show consumers pulling back as trade uncertainty persists

Staples Canada launches new business brand targeting organizations of all sizes

Shoppers Drug Mart partners with Pinterest on first beauty trend report

Crate & Barrel Holdings expands into wallcoverings with new collections

RETAILER FINANCIALS & DATA

Latest retail financial results, industry data, and third-party research affecting Canadian retail.

RETAILER PEOPLE NEWS

Latest retail news focused on leaders, recognition, etc.

RETAILER OP-EDS

Latest retail opinion editorials.

News

In the Age of AI, Investing in the Human Touch Is Fundamental for Retailers

Retail Insider -
Charles de Brabant of McGill University's Bensadoun School of Retail Management argues that as artificial intelligence transforms retail, investing in knowledgeable store teams, personal relationships and consumer trust will become an increasingly important competitive advantage.

From The Desk: Experiential Retail and Leadership Moves Shape Canadian Market

Canada’s Food Affordability Crisis Goes Beyond Grocery Prices

Weak Canadian Dollar Could Drive Grocery Prices Higher in 2027: Sylvain Charlebois

From The Desk: Retail Growth Divides and AI’s Expanding Role in Canadian Retail

RETAILER NEWS (Con't)

RETAILER FINANCIALS & DATA (Con't)

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Retail Insider Releases Q3 2026 Canadian Retail Reports

Craig Patterson -
Retail Insider has released 18 Q3 2026 reports examining Canadian retail sectors, consumer behaviour and the businesses supporting the industry. The collection brings together reporting and data on store investment, real estate, technology, supply chains, marketing, security and policy.

Canadian Retail Construction Hits Decade Low as Scarcity Reshapes Expansion

Retail Insider’s Canadian Retail Monitor — September 2026: Consumer Spending Becomes Selective

Aritzia Absorbs U.S. Tariff Hit as Growth Outpaces the Cost

Retail trade sector dips in July: Statistics Canada

RETAILER PEOPLE NEWS (Con't)

RETAILER OP-EDS (Con't)

News

Why Grocery Pricing Rules Could Help Some Retailers and Hurt Others

Lee Rivett -
Minimum advertised pricing can make it harder for discount grocers to promote lower prices. Independent retailers argue those same rules can help them compete against national chains with greater purchasing power.

From The Desk: Polarized retail growth, evolving formats and AI-driven customer engagement

Canada’s Retail Market Is Polarizing. Where Does That Leave the Middle?

From The Desk: Retailers adapt formats and expansion amid labour, cost and consumer shifts

Grocery Prices Face New Pressure as Diesel Costs Rise Across Canada

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