TOP STORIES

GoodLeaf Farms says all three Canadian vertical farms have reached profitability

Mario Toneguzzi -
The Canadian vertical farming operator reported revenue of $34 million in 2025, up from $6.4 million in 2023. Revenue has increased another 31 per cent in 2026.

Small business confidence hits three-year low as costs rise and cash reserves shrink: Zensurance

Mario Toneguzzi -
Confidence fell to 49 per cent this year, down from 58 per cent in 2025 and 70 per cent in 2024.

Daily Synopsis: August 18, 2026

Retail Insider -
Sport Check expanding 'destination' sport stores in department store spaces, Canada could lose 2,500 restaurants this year, David's Tea expands, Shake Shack opening new locations, and other news.

SportChek Plans More Destination Sport Stores as HBC Spaces Create Opportunities

Craig Patterson -
SportChek is accelerating its Destination Sport rollout across Canada as Canadian Tire eyes former Hudson’s Bay and other department-store spaces for expansion.

Canada Could Lose 2,500 Restaurants in 2026 as Industry Pressures Mount

Sylvain Charlebois -
Canada may avoid the 4,000 restaurant losses once forecast for 2026, but Sylvain Charlebois says up to 2,500 could still disappear as industry pressures intensify.

DAVIDsTEA Opens Square One Flagship as Canadian Store Expansion Advances

Craig Patterson -
DAVIDsTEA opens a flagship at Square One in Mississauga as it targets 25 Canadian stores and reports broader sales benefits from new locations.

Shake Shack Expands Canadian Footprint With New Ontario Restaurants

Lee Rivett -
Shake Shack is expanding in Canada with new restaurants in Oakville, Burlington and London as it adds drive-thrus and grows beyond the GTA.

The Home Depot sees Q2 fiscal sales reach $47.9 billion

Mario Toneguzzi -
Net earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 were $4.8 billion, or $4.79 per diluted share, compared with net earnings of $4.6 billion, or $4.58 per diluted share, in the same period of fiscal 2025.

Squishy toy craze spilling beyond toy aisle: Faire

Mario Toneguzzi -
Stuffed and plush products were the fastest-growing kids category on Faire, rising 628% between May and June 2025 and the same period in 2026, according to the wholesale marketplace’s latest Independent Retail Pulse report. 

Brasa Peruvian Kitchen prepares to open at Toronto Pearson Airport

Mario Toneguzzi -
Brasa is treating this expansion almost like a different operating model rather than simply a restaurant with more revenue. 

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The Home Depot sees Q2 fiscal sales reach $47.9 billion

Mario Toneguzzi -
Net earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 were $4.8 billion, or $4.79 per diluted share, compared with net earnings of $4.6 billion, or $4.58 per diluted share, in the same period of fiscal 2025.

Consumer prices continue to climb: Statistics Canada

Canadian Tire Corporation reports Q2 2026 results, strong SportChek performance due to World-Cup related demand

METRO sees sales in Q3 climb to nearly $6.9 billion

Pet Valu sees revenue jump of 3.6% in Q2

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The Home Depot announces interim management plans while CEO takes temporary medical leave

Mario Toneguzzi -
At the end of the first quarter, the company operated a total of 2,361 retail stores and over 1,280 SRS locations across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico.

Sleep Country strategy to expand its portfolio of brands: Interview with CEO Stewart Schaefer

Goodfood seeks CCAA Protection

Leyad announces two senior appointments

Second Cup Appoints Joe Walker as CEO to Lead International Franchise Growth

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Squishy toy craze spilling beyond toy aisle: Faire

Mario Toneguzzi -
Stuffed and plush products were the fastest-growing kids category on Faire, rising 628% between May and June 2025 and the same period in 2026, according to the wholesale marketplace’s latest Independent Retail Pulse report. 

Brasa Peruvian Kitchen prepares to open at Toronto Pearson Airport

Why CPG Brands Should Take a Page From Fashion’s Playbook and Embrace Mystery

Canadian Consumer Spending Accelerates in Q2 Despite Higher Energy Costs: RBC

Dr. Oetker Takes Suprema Frozen Pizza Opera on Tour in Quebec to Drive Sampling

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Kate Spade New York names Tyla global brand ambassador as artist fronts fall campaign (Video)

Mario Toneguzzi -
The partnership will see Tyla featured in brand campaigns, social media content and in-store advertising, beginning with the fall campaign and continuing through additional promotional initiatives the company plans to unveil later this summer.

After lengthy search, Calgary Co-op names new CEO

Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada Appoints Renée St-Jean as New Chair

VIDEO: Nixit expands retail footprint as Canadian period care brand targets North American growth

VIDEO: Foxy Box targets 150 locations as Canadian hair removal franchise prepares for next growth phase

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