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Mario Toneguzzi

Mario Toneguzzi, based in Calgary, has more than 40 years experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He worked for 35 years at the Calgary Herald covering sports, crime, politics, health, faith, city and breaking news, and business. He is the Senior News Editor with Retail Insider in addition to working as a freelance writer and consultant in communications and media relations/training. Mario was named as a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert in 2024.
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Canadian Businesses Grapple with Soaring Insolvencies as CEBA Loan Repayments Take Toll: Equifax Reports

It's a perfect storm for disaster with high interest rates, increasing costs and other financial obligations impacting retailers, with insolvencies surging 30% over 2019.
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Japan-Based Marugame Udon Enters Canada with 1st Location, Authentic Sanuki-Style Concept to Expand Nationally [Interview]

The world-renowned Japanese noodle hotspot, with over 1,000 locations worldwide, prepares dishes in a theatre-style kitchen. Plans are in place for locations across Canada.
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North America’s First Formula 1 Exhibition Set to Open in Toronto, Showcasing Unique Immersive Experiences for Visitors [Interview]

The highly experiential multi-media exhibit has been designed to engage with visitors while showcasing the sport.
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Australian Haircare Giant ‘Just Cuts’ Announces Canadian Expansion, Eyes Alberta and Ontario for Initial Salons [Interview]

The company has 235 hair cutting salons globally, and is now targeting Canada by seeking shopping centre locations. Its value proposition in this economy could see it expand rapidly.
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JLL Grocery Report Highlights Contrasting Strategies Among Canadian Grocers to Tackle Inflation and Shifting Shopper Preferences [Interview]

Despite challenges in deal making and urban development, the grocery industry sees potential in discount stores but also emphasizes the importance of grocers as essential amenities within mixed-use projects, says one expert.
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Anatomy of a Leader: Stewart Schaefer, President and CEO of Sleep Country Canada

Schaefer discusses his career over the years, from the financial world to three decades in the sleep industry.
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First-Ever Health-Focused ‘KaleMart24’ Opens in Montreal with Plans for Major North American Store Expansion [Interview/Photos]

Described as the "Whole Foods Market" of convenience stores, the new KaleMart 24 is being rolled out in Montreal this year with plans to aggressively move into new markets including Toronto.
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Swimco Opens New Stores in Canada, Bounces Back from COVID Hardships [Interview]

The Calgary-based swim retailer, which went bankrupt during the pandemic, has returned and is opening stores as it connects with consumers in new markets.
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Couche-Tard/Circle K Adding Over 1,500 DAVIDsTEA In-Store Locations, Begins Partnership with Second Cup [Interview]

The massive initiatives will see DAVIDsTEA locations open in Couche-Tard and Circle K stores in Canada, as well an undetermined number of Second Cup locations in stores separately.
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Craft Brewery ‘3 Brasseurs’ Embarks on Ambitious Expansion as it Begins Franchising Locations in Canada [Interview]

It's a new era for the unique France-based craft brewery concept, which will expand into new provinces in Canada by franchising locations in the country for the first time.
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Healthy Fast-Food Chain ‘Mad Radish’ Debuts Franchise Model with New Downtown Toronto Storefront [Interview/Photos]

David Segal, co-founder of DAVIDsTEA, says he's never been more excited about a concept as he is about Mad Radish as it expands and perfects its concept.
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Toronto Retail Market Stabilizes in 2024 with Economic Challenges and Limited Leasing Options: JLL Report

JLL forecasts a mixed report for the Toronto retail market this year, with leasing slowing and limited new supply.
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Anatomy of a Leader: Walter Lamothe, CEO of Bentley

Lamothe discusses his life from growing up on a farm near Ottawa to becoming a welder, and then eventually moving into various leadership roles with major Canadian retailers.
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Montreal-Based Furniture Brand ‘Cozey’ Launches First Permanent Showroom on Queen Street West [Interview/Photos]

The flagship marks a milestone in Cozey's journey, after operating as a digital brand. The brand is now strategizing future retail opportunities.
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Chick-fil-A Sets Sights on Alberta: Plans for 20 New Restaurants by 2030 [Interview]

The US-based quick service restaurant concept is rapidly growing its presence in Canada by entering new markets.
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Canadian Travel Brand Monos Unveils Plans for Toronto and US Stores with Retail Expansion Planned [Interview]

The Vancouver-based brand, launched in 2019, will be opening unique storefronts in major markets as part of a major expansion initiative into 2025.
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French Sports Retailer Decathlon Repositioning with Renovated Stores and Brand Signage, Including Canadian Locations

The world's largest sporting goods retailer will showcase its new look at a new store near Vancouver, with plans to renovate other locations as part of a major company initiative.
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Peter Pond Mall in Fort McMurray Sees New Retail Tenants and High Sales Productivity Growth [Interview]

The affluent area has propelled retail sales at the two-level downtown mall to over 30% higher than they were in 2019, prior to the pandemic, with record-breaking sales at a recent Sephora store opening.
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Vancouver Retail Market Slows as Demand for Space Remains Strong: JLL Report 

The city is seeing increased demand for retail space despite economic uncertainty, which includes a slowdown in some key categories such as home furnishings and jewellery.
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Leger Survey: Consumer Perceptions Vary as Canadians Grapple with Rising Grocery Costs, Blaming Retailers, Government, Global Trends

A survey shows differences in Canadians' opinions and perceptions on what's happening at supermarket chains, including regional differences that are striking.
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Anatomy of a Leader: Robin Kovitz, CEO of Baskits Inc.

Through entrepreneurship, she found fulfillment in direct performance-based compensation and flexibility in managing her schedule, with an evolving leadership style that has gained her respect and the company success.
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Canadian Retail Sector to Face Challenges and Innovations in 2024 Amid Changing Consumer Behaviours and Rising Insolvencies: CBRE Report

The report forecasts changes in Canadian retail driven by shifting consumer behaviour, prompting innovation among retailers. Despite economic challenges, steady retail spending preferences for in-person shopping suggest a positive outlook in 2024, says Arlin Markowitz.
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Sporting Life Group’s Team Town Sports Chain Expanding National Footprint Following Successful Launch [Interview]

The concept launched about a year ago and now has four stores, with plans to open locations across Canada with revenue projections in the $300-$350 million range.
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Ottawa’s Retail Real Estate Faces Challenges Amid Economic Headwinds: JLL Report

The dynamics of the Ottawa market are unique according to a report and broker Casdin Parr, who discusses retail leasing and where it's strong and where it's not.
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Baskin-Robbins Embarks on Major Expansion and Remodelling Spree Across Canada with Dozens of New Locations Planned [Interview]

The popular ice cream brand is refreshing its Canadian retail operations while expanding with stores to gain market share in new regions.
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