NEWS BRIEFS

Apple Raises Canadian iPhone, Mac and iPad Prices as Memory Costs Surge

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Lee Rivett -
Apple has increased Canadian prices on existing iPhone, Mac and iPad models as memory costs climb. Its latest results show strong revenue, but management says the impact on consumer demand remains unclear.

Apple Maps Advertising Goes Live in Canada, Giving Retailers Another Way to Reach Shoppers

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Lee Rivett -
Apple Maps advertising is now live in Canada, giving retailers and local businesses paid visibility in Maps searches. The new placements offer another way to reach nearby shoppers, although campaign costs and measurable sales results will determine their value.

Canadian Tire expands Hudson’s Bay Stripes collection with KitchenAid, Owala partnerships

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Canadian Tire's 93-piece Hudson's Bay Stripes Winter 2026 collection adds new product categories, two brand collaborations and distribution through SportChek for the first time.

Gildan cuts 2026 outlook as weaker apparel demand weighs on third-quarter sales

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Gildan Activewear lowers its 2026 revenue and earnings forecasts after weaker-than-expected demand across wholesale and retail channels, while continuing its HanesBrands integration.

Popeyes Canada launches Honey Chicken Biscuit for a limited time

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Popeyes Canada has introduced a $6.99 Honey Chicken Biscuit nationwide, combining its crispy Canadian chicken, buttermilk biscuit and 100 per cent real Canadian honey.

Morguard Reports 90.3% Retail Occupancy as Third-Quarter Retail NOI Declines

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Morguard reported 90.3 per cent retail occupancy in the third quarter of 2026, while adjusted net operating income from its retail portfolio declined year over year amid higher vacancies and lower lease cancellation fees.

Plaza Retail REIT reports higher earnings, occupancy and cash flow in third quarter

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Plaza Retail REIT reported higher funds from operations, a 98.3 per cent committed occupancy rate and increased net operating income for the first nine months of 2026.

SmartCentres reports higher occupancy and retail leasing growth in third quarter

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
SmartCentres reported 98.2 per cent retail occupancy and higher rental income in the third quarter, while advancing new Walmart-anchored developments and expanding its self-storage portfolio.

Shake Shack Canada announces opening dates for Oakville and Burlington

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Iconic burger brand brings its signature menu to two new Ontario communities this Fall.

LenzVU launches guest Wi-Fi service aimed at helping small businesses retain customers

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Vaughan-based LenzVU has launched HotSpotVU, a managed guest Wi-Fi service that helps Canadian businesses collect customer contacts, track repeat visits and automate follow-up marketing.

Skip launches McDonald’s giveaway offering 10 Canadians free meals for a year

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Skip is offering 10 Canadians up to 365 McDonald’s orders through its delivery platform, alongside nationwide promotional events and meal offers running through Dec. 13.

The RONA Foundation presents $580,000 to nearly 150 local organizations

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The fourth edition of the campaign mobilized the RONA network's teams and customers in support of organizations that provide aid to vulnerable individuals across Canada

Doritos Canada launches limited-edition loungewear contest with 7-Eleven

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Doritos Canada and 7-Eleven are offering 50 limited-edition Crumb Couture loungewear sets through a contest running until Dec. 1.

Apple Launches M6 MacBook Pro in Canada at $2,799

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Lee Rivett -
Apple's new 14-inch MacBook Pro with M6 starts at $2,799 in Canada, with faster graphics, on-device AI performance and Wi-Fi 7. Pre-orders open October 28, with retail availability November 6.

Apple Holds Canadian iMac Price at $2,099 as M6 Adds AI, Connectivity Upgrades

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Lee Rivett -
Apple is launching its M6-powered iMac in Canada from $2,099, holding the entry price steady from the outgoing M4 while adding faster processing, expanded AI capabilities, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Retail availability begins November 6.

Jollibee marks 10 years in Canada with holiday promotions, plans expansion

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Jollibee is marking its 10th anniversary in Canada with limited-time food offers, holiday events and plans to expand through franchising over the next five years.

Bath & Body Works launches holiday campaign featuring Zooey Deschanel

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Bath & Body Works has launched its Season of Wonder holiday campaign in Canada and the U.S., featuring new fragrances, seasonal products and actress Zooey Deschanel.

ROYALMOUNT to add outdoor padel courts in Montreal in 2027

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
ROYALMOUNT will open seasonal outdoor padel courts in May 2027 through a partnership with Kopa Padel, adding sports programming to its Montreal shopping centre.

Canadian Small Business Confidence Edges Up in October as Fuel Costs and Tariffs Weigh: CFIB

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
CFIB reports weaker hiring intentions, easing price increase plans and continued pressure from fuel costs and tariff uncertainty on Canadian small businesses.

Tim Hortons adds steak breakfast wrap and limited-time energy drinks

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The restaurant chain is expanding its all-day steak menu and introducing two Monster Energy Zero Ultra-based beverages at participating Canadian locations outside Quebec.

Walmart Canada brings back holiday collection with Tori Wesszer

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The 2026 Fraiche assortment includes seasonal decor, dinnerware and entertaining products priced from $3.98, with online sales starting Oct. 28.

OPA! of Greece increases protein portions by up to 25 per cent

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The Calgary-founded restaurant chain says the larger souvlaki servings are available at all of its more than 120 Canadian locations.

Merrithew launches first wood Pilates reformer for professional fitness market

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The Toronto-based fitness equipment company developed the NX3 MAX with input from Pilates instructors, adding new adjustment features and a larger carriage.

Jollibee marks 10 years in Canada with charity campaign, expansion plans

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The Filipino restaurant chain will donate $1 per chicken bucket sold to Make-A-Wish Canada as it advances a five-year franchising push.

CRAFT Beer Market marks 15th anniversary with limited-time menu

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Calgary-founded restaurant chain brings back three food favourites and a signature cocktail at Canadian locations before hosting an anniversary celebration at its original restaurant.

Tim Hortons launches Halloween merchandise collection featuring Timbits Mummy

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The coffee chain is selling five Halloween-themed merchandise items at participating restaurants and online, with additional products available exclusively through TimShop.ca.

PetSmart plans free Halloween events at Canadian stores

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
PetSmart Canada will host in-store Halloween activities and introduce a new experience featuring snakes, lizards and other small creatures in October.

Salvation Army Thrift Store opens second Victoria location

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The Salvation Army Thrift Store is opening an 8,300-square-foot location on Quadra Street, its second store in Victoria and eighth on Vancouver Island.

Wayfair expands Klarna payment options to Canadian shoppers

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Wayfair is expanding its partnership with Klarna, making the payment company's full suite of flexible payment options available to Canadian shoppers for the first time.

Neighbourly Pharmacy continues to grow, 10 more pharmacies acquired

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Additions bring Neighbourly's national network to 342 pharmacies across Canada

Jimmy John’s launches five new Picklewich sandwiches

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Breadless sandwich swaps bun for a giant dill pickle in five varieties.

Tim Hortons Orange Sprinkle Donut campaign raises $979,000 for Indigenous organizations

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Tim Hortons says its sixth annual Orange Sprinkle Donut campaign raised $979,000 for five Indigenous organizations across Canada on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

A&W Canada raises $1.56 million for MS Canada through annual fundraiser

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The fundraiser supports MS Canada programs and research aimed at improving support for Canadians affected by multiple sclerosis and advancing research into the disease.

Giant Tiger opening in Tillsonburg, Ontario

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Located at 400 Simcoe Street, the store is expected to open in Spring 2027.

Good Earth Coffeehouse opens new location in Calgary health facility

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating welcoming spaces that bring people together and support healthier, more connected communities.

Kinton Ramen expands Edmonton footprint, introduces new fall menu items

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Second Edmonton restaurant brings KINTON RAMEN’s authentic Japanese cuisine to the city’s growing southwest region

Chick-fil-A opening another Calgary location

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
It marks the brand's 31st restaurant in Canada.

Okanagan Hardware & Supply Joins the Home Hardware Network

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Family-owned business in Oliver, B.C. converts to Okanagan Home Hardware Building Centre

NHL names DoorDash exclusive delivery partner in North America

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The agreement marks DoorDash's first partnership with the NHL and gives the company marketing and branding rights tied to league broadcasts, events and the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Pinterest Unveils New AI-Powered Ad Tools, Visual Search Ads and Business Assistant in Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Pinterest unveils new AI-powered advertising tools, including Visual Search Ads, Performance+ updates and Business Assistant in Canada.

Giant Tiger stores to provide $500 to local schools for Terry Fox fundraising

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The Terry Fox Foundation said it surpassed $1 billion raised for cancer research in February 2026.

Maybelline New York taps four Canadian artists to rework iconic jingle in new campaign (Videos)

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The campaign, called The Power of Maybe: The Canadian Jingle Reimagined, launched this week and features Nicolina, Liz Lokre, Naomi and Tia Wood, with each artist interpreting the jingle through her own music and approach to self-expression.

EAIGLE, Loblaw expand AI partnership at distribution centres

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The expanded rollout of EAIGLE's Vision AI technology is focused on automating gate operations and improving the movement of vehicles through Loblaw's distribution network.

Downtown Yonge BIA expands food tour program with new fall experiences

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The program, created by the Downtown Yonge BIA and operated by Tour Guys, will add a weekday lunch tour beginning Sept. 17 and a Sunday beverage tour launching Sept. 20. The expansion follows three sold-out seasons of the community food-tour series.

SHEIN turns to digital creators for Fall/Winter 2026 trend campaign

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
SHEIN said the campaign is intended to reflect the role of creators and their digital communities in fashion discovery, inspiration, interpretation and conversation.

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

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Lee Rivett -
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.

RBC relaunches Avion Rewards Travel with AI-powered booking tools

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The new platform brings several travel-booking functions into one interface and adds AI-assisted tools for tracking fares, predicting prices and alerting users when airfares fall.

Kinton Ramen opens third Hamilton-area location in Ancaster

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The company now operates more than 60 locations in Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, Alberta and Quebec, with much of that growth occurring over the past five years.

Firehouse Subs opens 200th Canadian restaurant in Calgary

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Firehouse Subs said it is prioritizing high-potential Canadian markets as it plans its next phase of growth.

Jersey Mike’s Subs opens first Calgary location as Redberry targets 300 Canadian stores by 2035

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
A second Edmonton location and a restaurant in St. Albert are also planned to open later this year, according to Redberry.
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