Lee Rivett

Lee Rivett, based in Vancouver, supports the digital distribution and technical backend operations of Retail Insider. In addition, Lee is also an active contributor to Retail Insider’s editorial content. His work includes technical reporting, international shopping centre tours, and feature articles on Canadian retail news.

Tim Hortons Upgrades Muffins, Espresso and Drinks

Tim Hortons announces English muffin improvements, new espresso machines and fountain drink rollout as part of its back-to-basics strategy.

Pattison Food Group Switches to Equifruit Bananas

Pattison Food Group, a leading grocery operator in Western Canada, has shifted its entire organic banana program to Equifruit Fairtrade organic bananas, impacting several grocery chains in the region.

Toys “R” Us Canada Plans More Ontario Store Closures

Toys “R” Us Canada plans to close Newmarket and St. Catharines stores as CCAA filings signal further shutdowns across its 22-store network.

Canadian Retail Faces Labour Paradox in 2026

New report shows layoffs and labour shortages co-exist as retailers struggle with turnover, wages, and employee experience.

HBC Olympic Memorabilia Auction Opens at Heffel

Heffel launches an online auction of Hudson’s Bay Olympic memorabilia as part of the court-authorized sale of the retailer’s artifacts.

Oxford Blocks Les Ailes at Yorkdale Anchor

Court sides with Oxford to block Les Ailes plan for former Hudson’s Bay space at Yorkdale, citing concerns over commercial viability.

Loblaw Expands Maxi Discount Strategy in Quebec

Loblaw opens a new Maxi and Pharmaprix in Mont-Laurier as part of a broader national push into hard-discount grocery formats.

Steve’s Music Restructures, Closing Most Stores

Steve’s Music is restructuring its Canadian operations, closing most stores and focusing on a single Montreal flagship and online sales.

Canadian Tire Fined $1.29M for False Pricing in Quebec

Canadian Tire will pay $1.29 million after pleading guilty to 74 counts of false advertising tied to inflated reference prices in Quebec.

Marc Cain Appoints New Canada President for Growth

Marc Cain names Jessica R’Bibo as President of Marc Cain Canada as the brand focuses on growth in the Canadian market.

Grosvenor Acquires Full Ownership of Broadmead Village

Grosvenor Property Canada acquires full ownership of Broadmead Village in Victoria, valuing the grocery-anchored centre at $95.5 million.

Apple Reports Record Q1 2026 Financial Results

Apple has announced its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, revealing a record revenue of $143.8 billion, up 16% year-over-year. The company's diluted earnings per share reached $2.84, reflecting a 19% increase.

Toys R Us Exits Saskatchewan as Canadian Store Network Shrinks

Toys R Us is exiting Saskatchewan as its Canadian store network continues to shrink following widespread closures nationwide.

Apple Launches Next-Generation AirTag with Enhanced Features

Apple has introduced its latest AirTag, featuring improved tracking capabilities and a stronger integration with its Find My network. This second-generation device, available now, enhances users' ability to locate lost items while prioritizing security and sustainability.

Nadège Nourian Launches Chez Nad in Toronto

Nadège Nourian expands her pâtisserie brand with Chez Nad, a modern French bistronomie table opening on Queen Street West in Toronto.

Chocolats Favoris Expands to Whistler Village with New Location

Chocolats Favoris, a beloved Canadian chocolatier, opens its new location in Whistler Village on January 17, 2026. This marks the brand’s third outlet in British Columbia, providing an immersive chocolate experience for locals and tourists alike.

Groupe Dynamite Signals Strong 2026 Outlook

Groupe Dynamite boosts guidance and raises confidence in 2026 growth following strong holiday performance and strategic clarity shared at ICR.

Aritzia Outlines Growth Momentum at ICR Conference

Aritzia highlights inventory discipline, U.S. expansion, and digital strategy as key drivers of growth following the 2026 ICR Conference.

Toys R Us Closes Final British Columbia Store in Langley

Toys R Us has closed its last British Columbia store in Langley, marking a major contraction as the Canadian chain continues widespread closures.

Lululemon Signals Strong Holiday Quarter Amid Governance Turmoil

Lululemon expects fourth-quarter results at the high end of guidance as it faces leadership change and mounting pressure from activists.

Apple Services Achieve Record Growth in 2025

Apple, an American technology company, has reported record-breaking growth for its services in 2025. The expansion includes notable increases in user engagement across platforms such as Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Pay, driving significant revenue and consumer connections globally.

Moxies to Close Yorkdale Restaurant After 18 Years

Moxies will close its Yorkdale Shopping Centre restaurant on January 17, 2026 as the brand looks ahead to its next phase of growth.

SSENSE Co-Founders Set to Buy Back Luxury Retailer

SSENSE co-founders secure court approval to repurchase the luxury retailer following its CCAA restructuring process.

Google Expands AI Shopping With Walmart, Shopify, Wayfair

Google is expanding AI-powered shopping in Gemini through partnerships with Walmart, Shopify, and Wayfair, signaling a shift toward agent-led commerce.

Gen Z Is Opting Out and Retail Is Feeling the Impact

Gen Z is rejecting traditional life milestones, reshaping demand across housing, apparel, food, and lifestyle retail in Canada.

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