TOP STORIES

Daily Synopsis: August 25, 2026

Retail Insider -
Loblaw backtracks on dropping country-of-origin produce labels, cosmetic tariffs threaten beauty, fashion and other sectors, Criterion opening video storefront in Toronto, shop-Canada app surges amid trade war, and other news.

Canada announces $27.6B in counter-tariffs on U.S. goods as retailers, restaurants and small businesses weigh impact

Mario Toneguzzi -
“Canada’s retail sector will shoulder a significant share of this burden, with so many essential consumer goods targeted."

Toronto’s Woodbine Mall and Fantasy Fair getting a roller rink this fall

Mario Toneguzzi -
The concept has opened more than 15 pop-ups in vacant retail spaces across the GTA and welcomed more than 250,000 skaters since 2021.

Evening Coffee Orders Nearly Triple in Canada as Restaurants Tap New Beverage Trend: Lavazza

Mario Toneguzzi -
Coffee is no longer just a morning ritual. Restaurants across Canada are finding a new use for their espresso machines well after the dinner rush.

Back-to-School lunch basket falls 2.8%, but relief may be temporary: report

Mario Toneguzzi -
Promotions are easing costs for families, while seasonal pressures and geopolitical risks could push some prices higher by December

Canadian SMEs remain optimistic but take more cautious approach to hiring and AI investment: Employment Hero

Mario Toneguzzi -
The survey suggests businesses are increasingly looking at AI as a tool for day-to-day operations rather than simply experimenting with the technology, with productivity and efficiency among the stated priorities.

Maureen Simon Foods launches Rolliis in 7-Eleven stores across Canada

Mario Toneguzzi -
The company said the products are being introduced across the convenience-store chain as it seeks to bring its lineup of Caribbean-inspired foods to a wider Canadian customer base.

Toronto Waterfront Looks to Events and Activation as District Builds Toward 2035

Craig Patterson -
Waterfront BIA is mapping a new events and activation strategy as transit, development and commercial growth reshape Toronto’s waterfront through 2035.

Most Canadian small businesses unaware of new open banking law: Xero survey

Mario Toneguzzi -
Eighteen per cent of respondents said they currently share their online banking username and password with an accountant, bookkeeper, employee or software tool. Twenty-two per cent said they had done so at some point.

Arc’teryx Sees Potential for 200 Stores in North America as Expansion Accelerates

Craig Patterson -
Arc’teryx sees potential for roughly 200 stores across North America as the Vancouver-founded brand expands retail, women’s and footwear.

Canadian Retailers Push Sustainability Deeper Into Operations as Business Case Evolves

Craig Patterson -
Canadian retailers are integrating sustainability into stores, logistics, packaging, resale and supply chains as regulation and business economics evolve.

Daily Synopsis: August 24, 2026

Retail Insider -
Canadians still head to malls, Ilia Beauty grows out of Vancouver roots, Reformation opening at CF Toronto Eaton Centre Sept. 1, Toronto camera store closing after 25 years, and other news.

Casavogue Highlights Made-in-Italy Design from Calligaris

Retail Insider -
Casavogue showcases Calligaris, the Italian furniture brand known for refined extendable dining tables, elegant chairs and Made-in-Italy craftsmanship.

Westcliff acquires Kingsway Mall in Edmonton

Mario Toneguzzi -
On a 41.8-acre site, the 880,049-square-foot shopping centre features more than 160 stores and services.

Walmart+ Takes Bigger Role as Walmart Expands Canadian Digital Strategy

Craig Patterson -
Walmart is expanding its Canadian digital strategy as Walmart+ membership, e-commerce, Marketplace and fulfillment investments gain importance.

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Retail Insider Introduces Canadian Retail Sector Analysis

Craig Patterson -
New reporting series from Retail Insider delivers sector-level insight into Canadian retail, connecting trends across categories and consumer behaviour.

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

RETAILER NEWS

Latest retail store openings, closings, expansions, etc.

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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.

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RETAILER FINANCIALS & DATA (Con't)

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News

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

Craig Patterson -
Canadian-founded Second Cup has named Joe Walker CEO of its international franchise business as the company looks to expand its global footprint, with the Middle East serving as a strategic growth hub.

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

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

RETAILER OP-EDS (Con't)

News

From The Desk: Navigating Growth and Resilience in Canadian Retail

Craig Patterson -
This week in Canadian retail, growth initiatives, rising real estate demands, and strategic leadership shifts highlight sector resilience amid market challenges.

Australian Beef Could Help Keep Canadian Consumers in the Beef Aisle

Trump’s New Tariffs Put Canada’s Food Economy at Risk

Permanent Daylight Time Could Redirect Canada’s Food Spending

Food Safety Needs an AI Upgrade: Why Better Risk Communication Matters for Grocery Retail

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