Craig Patterson

Located in Toronto, Craig is the Publisher & CEO of Retail Insider Media Ltd. He is also a retail analyst and consultant, Advisor at the University of Alberta School Centre for Cities and Communities in Edmonton, former lawyer and a public speaker. He has studied the Canadian retail landscape for over 25 years and he holds Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws Degrees.

Sandra Sanderson Receives RCC Lifetime Achievement Award

Sandra Sanderson of Empire and Sobeys to receive RCC Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing decades of leadership in Canadian retail.

Retail Crime Crisis Intensifies for Canadian Small Business

New CFIB and SOS data show rising retail crime is straining Canadian small businesses, increasing safety concerns and operational challenges.

How Luxury Retail Actually Works: Retail & Store Execution

Inside luxury retail execution, from flagship storytelling and pop-up strategy to operational playbooks that scale performance. Craig Patterson interviews expert Douglas Mandel.

Première Vision Montreal Returns for Second Edition

Première Vision Montreal returns April 21–22, reinforcing the city’s role in the global fashion and textile supply chain.

7-Eleven to Close 645 Stores as It Shifts to Food-Led Model

7-Eleven plans 645 store closures across North America as it pivots toward fresh food and larger-format locations.

Canada’s Mall Redevelopment Boom Hits a Wall

Canadian mall redevelopment faces delays as housing demand softens and financial pressures mount across retail real estate.

Canadian Spending Intentions Weaken as Consumer Pressures Build

Stifel survey shows weakening Canadian spending intentions, with apparel and discretionary categories under pressure in 2026.

Playoff Hockey Boosts Restaurant Spending Across Canada

Moneris data shows playoff hockey drives significant restaurant spending increases near arenas in Canadian cities during key games.

Canadian Retail Hiring Stalls as Market Shifts Emerge

Retail hiring in Canada stalls in March as Suzanne Sears highlights regional shifts, inventory delays, and growing recruitment challenges.

How Luxury Retail Actually Works: Product Strategy

Inside product strategy in luxury retail, from scarcity and symbolism to brand elevation and disciplined positioning.

From The Desk: Strategic Expansion and Evolving Consumer Engagement Define Retail in April 2026

Retail trends highlight acquisitions, cautious expansion, and experiential growth as brands navigate 2026 challenges and shifting consumer expectations.

Lunching with Lady Eaton Returns to Toronto May 17

Historic Eaton’s Round Room dining experience returns to Toronto on May 17, 2026, blending retail history with immersive hospitality.

No Name Launches ‘Grocery Goss’ Activations in Canada

No Name debuts “grocery goss” campaign with multi-city activations and tabloid-style storytelling to engage Canadian shoppers.

Reinvention and the Luxury Career Journey

How reinvention, adaptability and strategic pivots shape long-term success in the luxury retail career journey.

FreshCo Expands East with First Atlantic Canada Locations

FreshCo enters Atlantic Canada with new Halifax-area stores, marking Empire’s first discount grocery expansion into the East Coast.

Angels Wear Preloved Launches Canada’s Largest Resale Event

Angels Wear Preloved launches Canada’s largest luxury resale event in Toronto, bringing 40+ consignment vendors together for one day.

IKEA to Open London Store in Former Hudson’s Bay Space

IKEA will open a 43,000 sq. ft. store in London, Ontario, taking over former Hudson’s Bay space at White Oaks Mall.

Empire Acquires Mayrand, Enters Quebec Discount Grocery Market

Empire acquires Mayrand, gaining entry into Quebec’s discount and warehouse grocery market through a court-supervised sale process.

This Is J Advances Sustainable Growth in Canadian Apparel

This Is J highlights sustainable Canadian apparel growth through local production, community input, and its zero waste sample sale initiative.

Maison Territo Named Official Address for Montréal Design Week 2026

Maison Territo — home to Fendi Casa, Dolce & Gabbana Casa, Versace Home, and Bentley Home — is an official address for Montréal Design Week 2026. Visit the Royalmount showroom April 28–May 7.

Canadian Tire Launches Hudson’s Bay Stripes Summer Line

Canadian Tire unveils a new Hudson’s Bay Stripes summer collection launching May 1, expanding its strategy following the brand’s 2025 acquisition.

PepsiCo Canada’s Cara Keating Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

Cara Keating, CEO of PepsiCo Canada, receives RCC’s Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her impact on retail and consumer goods in Canada.

Downtown Vancouver Retail Stabilizes, but Growth Stalls

Downtown Vancouver retail shows signs of stability, but growth remains uneven as local demand rises and consumer behaviour shifts.

Wholesale Resurgence Reshapes Retail Growth Strategy

Wholesale is emerging as retail’s top growth engine, as brands prioritize margins and rethink DTC strategies, according to new Lightspeed data.

Clutch Opens Ottawa Customer Hub at Bayshore

Clutch opens a Customer Hub at Bayshore Shopping Centre, expanding its physical footprint and enhancing its online car retail model in Ottawa.

Advertisement