Daily Synopsis: May 13, 2026

Date:

Share post:

Welcome to the Daily Synopsis by Retail Insider. We published 11 articles today exploring key Canadian retail developments, including new store openings and Q1 financial updates.

lululemon opened a flagship store on Montreal’s Sainte-Catherine Street West featuring a larger, design-focused space. Cavallo Custom Clothing launched an appointment-only showroom in Toronto’s Etobicoke emphasizing bespoke service. Happy Belly Food Group reported $19.3 million in Q1 system-wide QSR sales, marking an 80.4% year-over-year increase associated with a growing franchise network.

 

Other coverage highlighted growth in commercial real estate with Slate Grocery REIT reporting rental revenue up nearly 12% and stable occupancy. The Calgary retail market maintained stability with low vacancy and rising rents. SHEIN announced a four-day pop-up in Toronto’s Queen West, emphasizing experiential retail strategies.

🗞️ The Day’s Retail Insider Article List

 

🌐 Canadian Retail News From Around the Web

RELATED ARTICLES

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required

RECENT articles

EY Canada honours entrepreneurs with 2026 Lifetime Achievement and Family Business Awards of Excellence

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program recognizes founders behind Booster Juice, Groupe Dynamite, The Mark Anthony Group of Companies and T&T Supermarket Inc. for creating opportunity, building communities and showcasing Canadian entrepreneurship on the global stage.

Walmart Enters Squamish Grocery Market After 20 Years of Retail Restrictions

Walmart Canada has converted its Squamish, B.C. store into an 86,000-square-foot Supercentre after local restrictions that limited fresh grocery sales were removed.

Fitness World launches HYROX Training Club in British Columbia

New HYROX Training Club classes bring affordable, race-ready training to South Surrey Signature, TRAIN by FW University Village and Brentwood Signature, with all locations equipped to help members prepare.

Tipping Decline Across Canada: Actual report

New national data reveals that tips are declining across Canada amid the rising cost of living. Hospitality workers call the shift widely misunderstood, noting that the solution lies in greater transparency — not less tipping.

Donations Needed to Help Meet Demand for Affordable Second-Hand Goods

The Salvation Army Thrift Store encourages residents to donate clothing and household goods to help meet community needs this fall and winter.

Daily Synopsis: October 2, 2026

Resale reshaping Canadian retail, Reitmans cuts 41 HQ jobs, Starbucks Closes over 37 Canadian locations, Zellers opening at Shoppers World in Brampton, and other news.

From The Desk: Polarized retail growth, evolving formats and AI-driven customer engagement

Canadian retail faces polarization between value and premium tiers, driving format changes, franchising growth and AI tools to sharpen differentiation and customer eng...

Joseph Tassoni Calls ‘Natural Authority’ His Best Show Yet as Canadian Brand Builds

Canadian designer Joseph Tassoni discusses his Natural Authority runway show in Toronto, his Oakville showroom and his strategy for controlled brand growth.

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

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

Toronto Waterfront Retail Market Evolves as Eastern District Builds Out

Toronto’s waterfront retail market is evolving as new businesses, experiential concepts, transit investment and major eastern waterfront development create new commercial opportunities.

Lunaro Hospitality opens first restaurant with chef Justin Friedlich in Toronto

Shay Ristorante is named after Friedlich’s daughter and is described as a personal expression of his heritage and story, with a focus on creating a dining experience centred on family and Italian culinary traditions.

Canadian Grocery Supply Chains Face Rising Costs and Disruption Risks: Capgemini

Canadian grocers face tariff pressures, raw-material shortages and limited logistics alternatives as retailers diversify suppliers and strengthen supply-chain resilience.

Larry’s Catch opens a new warehouse in Vancouver as the brand makes inroads into Western Canada

The new facility will allow the brand to strengthen its delivery network, lower shipping costs and make its premium, wild-caught Canadian seafood more accessible to customers across British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

OK Tire Launches National Video Series Spotlighting the People ‘Behind the Bay Doors’ (Video)

Documentary-style series puts community, entrepreneurship, and Canadian business at the forefront of national growth strategy.

Nightmare Bar Brings an Immersive Halloween Experience to Calgary

Calgary is getting a new Halloween destination filled with themed cocktails, interactive entertainment and unexpected scares.

Daily Synopsis: October 1, 2026

Tsawwassen Mills plans a large H Mart grocery and entertainment expansion while CF Chinook Centre adds Old Navy, SportChek, and Winners to boost retail offerings. In Quebec, La Cordee is shutting, and other news.

Why Canadian Retailers Are Losing Sales They’ve Already Won

Checkout friction can cost Canadian retailers thousands in sales. Konek can help merchants offer a simple and trusted payment experience.

La Cordée Closure Ends Six-Year Turnaround Attempt in Quebec Outdoor Market

Quebec outdoor retailer La Cordée is shutting down after 73 years, ending a six-year turnaround that included new ownership and store expansion. The retailer returned to creditor protection in July 2026 with more than $13 million in obligations.

Tsawwassen Mills Marks 10 Years with H Mart, TM Wander and New Entertainment Uses

Tsawwassen Mills marks 10 years as Central Walk expands the 1.2-million-square-foot centre with TM Wander, recreation and entertainment uses. A roughly 30,000-square-foot H Mart anchor is also targeted to open around Christmas 2027.

IKEA Canada celebrates 50 years in Canada

To mark the milestone, IKEA Canada is focused on affordability with 50% off one iconic IKEA product every weekend in October.