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Lee Rivett

https://retail-insider.com
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.
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Walmart Canada Builds Supercentre Pipeline as Retailer Targets Malls and Growing Communities

Walmart Canada is expanding its Supercentre pipeline through 2028, targeting former department store spaces, growing communities and grocery expansion as part of its $6.5-billion investment.
News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads)

Apple’s Siri AI Push Creates a New Product Discovery Layer for Retailers

Apple’s iOS 27 rollout gives Siri AI and Safari new capabilities for product discovery, price monitoring and restock alerts. For Canadian retailers, the shift raises a practical question: whether their product data and digital services are ready for more AI-mediated shopping journeys.
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North West Company Sees Northern Retail Spending Rise as First Nations Settlement Payments Accelerate

The North West Company is seeing stronger consumer spending in Northern Canada as First Nations settlement payments reach more communities, while fuel and freight costs remain elevated.
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Empire Raises Store-Opening Target as Canadian Grocery Expansion Intensifies

Empire is raising its fiscal 2027 store-opening target to more than 25 locations as Sobeys, FreshCo, IGA and other banners expand across Canada.
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Groupe Dynamite Shifts Growth to Higher-Productivity Stores as Garage Expands Globally

Groupe Dynamite is reshaping Garage around an older customer, higher-productivity stores and global expansion while optimizing its Canadian network.
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Empire Rejecting Tariff-Related Supplier Price Hikes as Trade Tensions Escalate

Empire says it is rejecting tariff-related supplier price increases for now, citing sourcing alternatives as Canada-U.S. trade tensions escalate.
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What Apple’s New iPhone Strategy Means for Canadian Retailers and Carriers

Apple’s iPhone Duo, higher Pro pricing and new launch calendar could reshape how Canadian retailers, carriers and consumers buy and sell Apple hardware.
News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads)

Apple Launches AirPods 5 with Advanced Active Noise Cancellation in Toronto

Apple has introduced its latest AirPods 5, featuring advanced open-ear Active Noise Cancellation and enhanced sound quality. Priced at $179, pre-orders begin today with in-store availability set for September 18.
News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads)

Apple Launches Apple Watch Series 12 Featuring Advanced Health Sensing System

Apple, an American technology company, has launched the Apple Watch Series 12, equipped with a new Health Sensing System and enhanced features aimed at health and fitness tracking. Pre-orders are available now, with in-store availability starting September 18.
News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads)

Apple Introduces Apple Watch Ultra 4 with Advanced Health Features

Apple, an American technology company, has unveiled the Apple Watch Ultra 4, featuring a new Health Sensing System and extended battery life. The latest model offers advanced health and fitness tracking for users seeking comprehensive support during workouts and daily activities.
News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads)

Apple Introduces iPhone Duo with Breakthrough Foldable Design

Apple has unveiled the iPhone Duo, featuring a groundbreaking foldable design that allows for enhanced multitasking and productivity. With two displays and a focus on durability, the new model aims to redefine the smartphone experience for users in Canada and beyond.
News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads)

Apple Launches iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in Canada

Apple has unveiled its new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, featuring significant advancements in camera technology, battery life, and the A20 Pro chip. Pre-orders start on September 12, with availability beginning September 18 across Canada.
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Canadian Consumers Keep Spending Despite Weak Economy and Trade War

Canadian consumers continue spending despite trade tensions and a weaker labour market, with Walmart, TJX and other retailers posting strong results.
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Gap Sales Surge as Old Navy Reshapes Canadian Store Network

Gap continues its strong sales momentum as Old Navy works to improve performance while reshaping its Canadian store network through closures and new locations.
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Build-A-Bear Refocuses Strategy as Canadian Store Network Evolves

Build-A-Bear is refocusing on customization and experiential retail after a weaker summer, as the retailer evolves its Canadian store network and targets collectors.
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Temu Is Becoming a More Local Competitor for Canadian Retailers

Temu is expanding its local seller model as PDD Holdings invests in fulfillment and supply chains, with growing implications for Canadian retailers.
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Happy Belly Could Reach 183 Restaurants by 2027: Stifel

Happy Belly Food Group could reach 183 restaurants by the end of 2027 as franchising, development agreements and U.S. expansion drive growth, according to Stifel.
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Cineplex Turns Movie Fandom Into Growing Retail Business

Cineplex is turning movie fandom into a growing retail business as merchandise sales jump 45% and moviegoer spending reaches record levels.
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Best Buy Canada Sales Decline as Express Expansion Matures

Best Buy Canada revenue fell 4.2% in Q2 as the retailer lapped strong growth tied to its 167-store Best Buy Express expansion.
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Renewed ‘Buy Canadian’ Movement Begins Reshaping Retail Strategy

The Buy Canadian movement is gaining momentum as retailers promote domestic products, consumers seek Canadian alternatives and tariffs reshape retail strategy.
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Canadian Retailers Face New Cost and Sourcing Pressures from U.S. Counter-Tariffs

Canada’s $27.6-billion counter-tariff package targets 874 U.S.-origin goods, creating new pricing, margin and sourcing challenges for Canadian retailers.
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Home Depot Canada Sales Accelerate Despite Challenging Housing Market

Home Depot Canada outperformed the broader company in Q2 as comparable sales, transactions and unit growth improved despite a subdued housing market.
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Cargojet Sees E-Commerce Growth as Retail Shifts in Smaller Canadian Markets

Cargojet says e-commerce is driving growth in secondary Canadian markets as store closures and changing inventory strategies reshape retail distribution.
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Pandora Expands Canadian Footprint While Reshaping Jewellery Strategy

Pandora is expanding its Canadian business while reducing promotions, investing in stores and preparing a broader shift toward platinum-plated jewellery.
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Coach Expands Store Investment as Gen Z Drives Global Growth

Coach is raising handbag prices, reducing promotions and investing in stores as Gen Z drives growth, with 29 locations operating across Canada.
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