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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

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

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

Mario Toneguzzi -
Fashion has long understood that desire isn't built by answering every question.

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

Mario Toneguzzi -
Major events—like FIFA World Cup matches in Toronto and Vancouver and The Calgary Stampede—temporarily boosted dining and entertainment activity in specific time periods and locations, but likely had limited impact on overall Canadian spending growth.

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

Mario Toneguzzi -
Following a successful launch year, Suprema helped attract new shoppers to the frozen pizza category, contributed to premiumization through higher basket values and now ranks among the top-performing pizza meal items in Canada. 

Daily Synopsis: August 17, 2026

Retail Insider -
Australian vs Canadian beef in grocery stores, Purdy's looks to relocate Vancouver factory, rare orange lobster named 'Pumpkin' in Chatham Superstore, Justin Trudeau seen dancing with Kaky at a Montreal Home Hardware, and other news.

Primaris Invests $19M to Transform Former Hudson’s Bay at Galeries de la Capitale

Craig Patterson -
Primaris REIT is investing $19 million to redevelop the former Hudson’s Bay at Galeries de la Capitale, with Imaginaire and ZIBO! among new tenants.

Higher Back-to-School Spending Masks Budget Pressure for Canadian Families

Craig Patterson -
Canadian families expect to spend more on back-to-school in 2026 as inflation pressures budgets and shoppers turn to deals, discount retailers and Amazon.

lululemon Like New Resale Program Expands to Canada

Mario Toneguzzi -
Building on the program in the U.S., lululemon brings the online and peer-to-peer experience from its branded resale business to Canada with technology partner Archive.

Consumer prices continue to climb: Statistics Canada

Mario Toneguzzi -
July was the 18th consecutive month that grocery price inflation outpaced the all-items CPI.

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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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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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Plaza Retail REIT reports higher second-quarter profit

Mario Toneguzzi -
The Fredericton-based real estate investment trust said that profit and total comprehensive income rose 31.2 per cent to $16.6 million in the three months ended June 30, compared with $12.7 million in the same period a year earlier.

Retail Insider “Policy & Regulation Report”: Affordability Promises Collide With Retail Costs

Wholesale and retail sector lead a surge in job growth in July, but level still off from a year ago: Statistics Canada

Slate Grocery REIT reports second-quarter results, citing leasing gains and rent growth potential

Premium Brands reports record second-quarter revenue and earnings, revises 2026 outlook

RETAILER PEOPLE NEWS (Con't)

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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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