Daily Synopsis: October 22, 2026

Canada Post starting weekend parcel delivery in Toronto Montreal and Ottawa, Walmart Supercentre opens in Fort McMurray, Stony Plain Costco under construction, adults drive Halloween candy sales, and other news.

Kith Opens Second Canadian Storefront at Vancouver’s Oakridge Park

Kith has opened its second Canadian store at Oakridge Park in Vancouver. The approximately 9,000-square-foot store features men's, women's and children's fashion, footwear, Kith Treats and a distinctive street-facing design within the shopping centre's expanding international retail mix.

NAPA Canada Sales Rise 9% as Acquisitions Drive Expansion Amid Soft Market

NAPA Canada reported 9% sales growth in the third quarter of 2026, supported by its acquisition of Benson Auto Parts. Comparable sales rose just 1%, highlighting subdued demand as parent UAP expands its Canadian automotive distribution and repair network.

MUJI opening first Vancouver Island store as Canadian expansion continues

The Japanese retailer is introducing a community partnership program in Victoria, with plans to extend the initiative to future Canadian store openings.

WitchSchool Canada Tests ‘Reciprocal Retail’ Model in Ottawa’s ByWard Market

WitchSchool Canada is testing a collaborative retail model in a 160-square-foot storefront in Ottawa’s ByWard Market. Founder Kiki Keskinen says the grant-supported residency connects independent entrepreneurs through shared programming, customer referrals and promotional opportunities, while raising questions about long-term operating costs.

Cozey doubles size of Toronto flagship showroom (Photos)

The furniture retailer is expanding its Queen Street West location as it adds products and prepares for new store openings in Edmonton and New York City.

CouchHaus Expands Toronto Presence With New King East Pop-Up Showroom

The Canadian furniture brand is returning to Toronto after its 2024 Stackt Market test, using an in-person showroom to support customer experience and national growth.

Retail Insider “Q3 2026 Grocery Report”: More Capacity, a Harder Fight for the Basket

Canadian grocers are adding stores, converting banners and reworking online fulfilment. The Q3 report examines whether more capacity can capture additional household spending at an acceptable cost.

Two-thirds of small business owners plan to exit within decade, CFIB says

A CFIB report says limited succession planning could put Canadian business assets, jobs and community services at risk as owners prepare to retire or sell.

One in four Canadian small business owners required to guarantee financing personally: Equifax

Equifax Canada survey finds younger entrepreneurs are more likely to use personal credit and assets to support their businesses as owners face customer, cost and cash-flow pressures.

HEINZ enters Canada’s ready-to-eat soup market with six new products

Kraft Heinz Canada is introducing six soup varieties in portable bags, targeting consumers seeking convenient meal options beyond traditional canned soup.

Canadian small businesses expand teams as employee turnover declines: Wagepoint

Wagepoint’s 2026 report finds median hourly pay rose 27% from 2019 to 2025, while part-time roles declined and Gen Z’s share of small-business workers more than doubled.

Pinterest teams up with Mattel for Barbie experience

The experience lets Pinterest users bring Barbie DreamHouse inspiration into their homes through five signature style edits, offering a new example of how brands can use personalized, visual experiences to move people from inspiration to action.

Mine & Yours Celebrates 13 Years with Glamorous Toronto Fashion Show as Canadian Expansion Continues

Mine & Yours celebrated its 13th anniversary with a glamorous fashion show at Toronto's El Mocambo featuring Jeanne Beker and luxury designer labels. Founder Courtney Watkins also confirmed new Holt Renfrew developments in Montréal, Mississauga and Calgary as the Canadian resale retailer expands.

Kleanr Cosmetics Launches First Ever Machine Washable Makeup Brushes

This proprietary collection of machine-washable makeup brushes and cleaning tools is designed with hygiene, efficiency, and sustainability in mind.

SITE SEARCH

FEATURED ARTICLES

Retail Insider Releases Q3 2026 Canadian Retail Reports

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.

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

RETAILER NEWS

Latest retail store openings, closings, expansions, etc.

Kith Opens Second Canadian Storefront at Vancouver’s Oakridge Park

Kith has opened its second Canadian store at Oakridge Park in Vancouver. The approximately 9,000-square-foot store features men's, women's and children's fashion, footwear, Kith Treats and a distinctive street-facing design within the shopping centre's expanding international retail mix.

RETAILER FINANCIALS & DATA

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

Retail Insider “Q3 2026 Grocery Report”: More Capacity, a Harder Fight for the Basket

Canadian grocers are adding stores, converting banners and reworking online fulfilment. The Q3 report examines whether more capacity can capture additional household spending at an acceptable cost.

RETAILER PEOPLE NEWS

Latest retail news focused on leaders, recognition, etc.

RETAILER OP-EDS

Latest retail opinion editorials.

When Every Brand Sounds the Same: The Challenge of Standing Out in the Age of AI

As artificial intelligence makes marketing content faster and easier to produce, retailers face a growing challenge: standing out from competitors. Linda Farha explores why authentic brand stories, human expertise and consistent messaging are becoming increasingly valuable in retail marketing.

RETAILER NEWS (Con't)

RETAILER FINANCIALS & DATA (Con't)

RETAILER PEOPLE NEWS (Con't)

AI Could Push Retail Into a ‘Sea of Sameness’: Carl Boutet

In The Flip, retail strategist Carl Boutet explores how AI is reshaping commerce and why human judgment, distinctive experiences and trust matter more.

RETAILER OP-EDS (Con't)

SUBSCRIBE to Retail Insider's Daily E-News

Subscribe

* indicates required