TOP STORIES

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

Sylvain Charlebois -
Sylvain Charlebois warns that a weaker Canadian dollar and rising commodity costs could push grocery prices higher this winter and into 2027.

Sold-Out Dealmaking Floor Caps Strong ICSC@CANADA in Toronto

Craig Patterson -
ICSC@CANADA returned to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre's North Building from October 5 to 7, drawing retail landlords, brokers, developers and retailers from across the country

Athletic Brewing named official non-alcoholic beer partner of NHL in Canada

Mario Toneguzzi -
The multiyear deal includes marketing campaigns, retail promotions and fan activations, beginning with the 2026 NHL Heritage Classic in Winnipeg.

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

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

Villages Calgary closes retail operation after more than 40 years

Mario Toneguzzi -
The Calgary fair-trade retailer is ending its store operations after decades of supporting artisan groups, following plans to relocate amid declining revenue and customer traffic.

BrandMo Tech launches adtech platform with global headquarters in Toronto

Mario Toneguzzi -
BrandMo Tech plans to expand its Toronto team over the next two years as it introduces an AI-optimized advertising platform focused on cultural audience insights.

Canadian small businesses turn to AI to save time as holiday shopping season nears

Mario Toneguzzi -
Constant Contact's Dave Charest says independent retailers face rising costs and cautious shoppers, while AI offers new ways to streamline marketing and strengthen customer relationships.

SUPER MINISO Opens at Square One as Retailer Confirms Montréal Expansion

Lee Rivett -
MINISO opens its first international SUPER MINISO at Square One in Mississauga and confirms new store openings in Montréal, Winnipeg and Toronto.

Canada’s Retail Employment Puzzle: Why Store Expansion Isn’t Telling the Whole Story

Craig Patterson -
Canada's retail employment picture is changing as stores expand. Suzanne Sears examines staffing, hiring trends and workforce challenges.

Australian fitness franchise REVL Training targets U.S. and Canadian expansion

Mario Toneguzzi -
REVL Training plans to expand into North America, starting in Florida, as the Australian fitness franchise targets 100 studios across 10 countries by 2028.

Richelieu Hardware sales rise 12.6% as acquisitions boost growth

Mario Toneguzzi -
The Montreal-based distributor reported higher quarterly earnings and announced five acquisitions adding $145 million in annual sales, alongside a $15-million distribution centre expansion.

Daily Synopsis: October 9, 2026

Retail Insider -
Geely Auto entering Canada with retail, Winnipeg Giant Tiger closer sparks food desert concerns, McCain acquires Indian food processing business, T&T opens in North York, and other news.

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

Craig Patterson -
Canadian retail growth splits between value and premium players as AI reshapes merchandising and real estate adapts on varying performance and consumer demand.

Toronto Fashion Label Demascaré Expands Into Ready-to-Wear as Shaun Mascarenhas Eyes Retail Growth

Craig Patterson -
Toronto designer Shaun Mascarenhas is expanding Demascaré into ready-to-wear, with local production, selective retail growth and broader ambitions.

Aritzia’s Stronger Store Performance Supports Continued North American Expansion

Craig Patterson -
Aritzia is reporting stronger boutique productivity and customer traffic as it expands across North America. The Vancouver-based fashion retailer plans additional U.S. openings and repositionings in Quebec and California while continuing to invest in larger stores and digital commerce.

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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

Sold-Out Dealmaking Floor Caps Strong ICSC@CANADA in Toronto

Craig Patterson -
ICSC@CANADA returned to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre's North Building from October 5 to 7, drawing retail landlords, brokers, developers and retailers from across the country

Athletic Brewing named official non-alcoholic beer partner of NHL in Canada

Villages Calgary closes retail operation after more than 40 years

BrandMo Tech launches adtech platform with global headquarters in Toronto

Canadian small businesses turn to AI to save time as holiday shopping season nears

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.

RETAILER NEWS (Con't)

RETAILER FINANCIALS & DATA (Con't)

News

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

Craig Patterson -
Canadian retail is experiencing widening demand gaps across categories, regions and price points as value considerations move deeper into retailer strategy.

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

Retail trade sector dips in July: Statistics Canada

Payroll employment increases in retail trade: Statistics Canada

Retail sales dip in July: Statistics Canada

RETAILER PEOPLE NEWS (Con't)

RETAILER OP-EDS (Con't)

News

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

Retail Insider -
Canadian retailers adjust store formats and expansion amid labour challenges, cost pressures and uneven spending, balancing growth with operational control.

Grocery Prices Face New Pressure as Diesel Costs Rise Across Canada

From The Desk: Strategic growth, pricing resilience and retail real estate shifts

How Premium Brands Defend Pricing as Products Become Easier to Copy

Why Food Inflation Is Running Hotter in Canada Than the U.S.

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