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NEWS BRIEFS

KD launches cheesecake dessert in first expansion beyond dinner category

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The launch comes as food companies continue experimenting with nostalgic flavours and unconventional combinations aimed at younger consumers.

McCain report finds fries top potato choice across 11-country consumer survey

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
78 per cent of respondents globally said fries would improve their mood.

Big League Food Company launches Shopify-powered wholesale platform for Ontario retailers

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The platform gives retailers access to more than 700 Canadian products, along with real-time inventory updates and order tracking.

A Way Home Canada, Home Depot Canada Foundation bring youth homelessness campaign to Parliament Hill

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The advocacy campaign reflects a broader push by the organizations to position youth homelessness prevention as a long-term policy and systems issue.

Haven Greens launches ready-to-eat salad kits as greenhouse expansion plans continue

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The company also said it is on track to reach net-zero operations by 2027 as it continues expanding production.

A&W to launch first smash burger nationwide as chain expands menu offering

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
A&W said the product rollout is aimed at bringing the smash burger format to locations across the country as consumer interest in the style grows.

CRAFT Beer Market launches summer menu developed under new brand innovation director

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The menu reflects a renewed focus on seasonal Canadian ingredients and pairings designed to complement its craft beer selection as it continues to expand its presence across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.

Penticton fitness studio Lark Lagree opens flagship location in Canadian debut

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The location includes 10 Lagree Megaformers, a coffee and tea bar, athleisure apparel, private infrared sauna facilities, custom-tile showers, lounges and grooming amenities.

McHappy Day raises more than $10.8 million for Ronald McDonald House, children’s charities

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
May 6 fundraiser marked the 32nd edition of the annual campaign, which directs proceeds and donations toward programs supporting families with critically sick and injured children.

Chick-fil-A to open new St. Albert restaurant, create up to 95 jobs

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Chick-fil-A opened its first Canadian restaurant in Toronto in 2019 and announced plans last year to add as many as 20 more restaurants across Canada by 2030.

International arrivals to Canada rise in April for first yearly increase since early 2025: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Canada recorded 4.7 million international arrivals in April, up 3.5 per cent from the same month in 2025.

Banditos Mexican Lager expands Ontario retail and hospitality presence

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The company said it intends to continue building the brand through partnerships, events and expanded distribution across Ontario markets.

Kinton Ramen marks 14th anniversary with week-long dine-in promotion across Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The anniversary campaign comes as the company continues to expand its presence in Canada’s restaurant market after launching in Toronto in 2012.

MOVATI Athletic donation campaign to provide more than 164,000 meals

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Founded in 1997, MOVATI Athletic operates 19 locations across Ontario and Alberta and employs more than 2,000 people.

Peroni Nastro Azzurro launches summer campaign with Antoni Porowski

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The campaign is designed to connect the brand’s Italian identity with food, entertaining and lifestyle-focused occasions during the summer season.

H&M Launches Stella McCartney Collection in Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Lee Rivett -
The Stella McCartney x H&M collaboration returns to Canada as H&M pushes luxury positioning, sustainability, and store traffic.

Chopped Leaf launches premium sandwich lineup with toasted ciabatta options

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Chopped Leaf is rolling out a premium sandwich lineup nationwide, including two toasted ciabatta sandwiches and updated comfort sandwiches.

Pita Pit rolls out shawarma lineup across Canada with chef-developed menu

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The move signals a shift toward more standardized, chef-led offerings designed to streamline ordering and ensure consistency across the brand’s more than 200 Canadian restaurants.

Salvation Army thrift store launches cerulean-themed section in Toronto

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The Cerulean Section is inspired by a well-known scene from the original The Devil Wears Prada film.

Pizza Pizza Royalty Corp. releases Q1 results

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Same store sales  decreased 4.1%.

Good Earth Coffeehouse opens at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Good Earth Coffeehouse has opened at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, offering coffee, baking and sandwiches 24/7.

RONA welcomes J.R. Roy to its network of affiliated dealers

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
J.R. Roy operates two home improvement centres with strategic locations in Lac-Etchemin and Saint-Léon-de-Standon.

MINISO Hello Kitty Pop-Up Draws Crowds at STC

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Lee Rivett -
MINISO’s Hello Kitty pop-up at Scarborough Town Centre draws major crowds, highlighting demand for IP-driven retail in Canada.

RCC Names 2026 Excellence in Retailing Awards Finalists

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Lee Rivett -
Retail Council of Canada names 2026 Excellence in Retailing Awards finalists, highlighting top retailers and key industry trends.

Canadian GDP rises slightly in February: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Real gross domestic product (GDP) was up 0.2% in February, with goods-producing industries driving the growth for the second consecutive month.

Sales in food services and drinking place rise: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
In February, the largest increase in sales came from full-service restaurants (+1.4%).

DoorDash Expands Grocery Reach Through Empire Partnership

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Lee Rivett -
DoorDash adds 1,000+ Empire grocery stores across Canada, expanding its role in on-demand grocery and retail delivery.

Specsavers Launches Hilary MacMillan Eyewear Line

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Lee Rivett -
Specsavers partners with Hilary MacMillan on a Canadian-designed eyewear collection, blending fashion and accessibility nationwide.

KFC Canada Brings Montreal Forum Seats to Restaurants

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Lee Rivett -
KFC Canada installs original Montreal Forum seats in select locations to tap hockey nostalgia during the NHL playoffs.

Reitmans Partners with Toronto Tempo for WNBA Debut

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Lee Rivett -
Reitmans partners with Toronto Tempo as presenting sponsor, aligning its 100th anniversary with Canada’s first WNBA team launch.

Tahini’s launches “first-of-its-kind” Shawarma Ramen

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Shawarma Ramen has already generated more than 15 million impressions online.

Egg Club opening first Edmonton location  

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The expansion into Edmonton marks a significant step in Egg Club’s growth across Western Canada.

Lululemon Pushes Into Mexico With Stores, E-Commerce

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Lee Rivett -
Lululemon accelerates Mexico expansion with new e-commerce platform and store openings, positioning the market as a key growth driver.

Bento Launches Scallop Sushi Lineup Nationwide

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Bento introduces Canada’s first grab-and-go scallop sushi lineup across major grocery banners, signaling premium innovation in convenience food.

Scarborough Walk of Fame 2026 Draws Crowds at STC

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Scarborough Walk of Fame 2026 inducts local icons at Scarborough Town Centre, drawing strong crowds and community engagement.

Cascadia Liquor Launches Loyalty Program Across Vancouver Island

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Lee Rivett -
Cascadia Liquor introduces The Den Rewards loyalty program across 12 locations, offering points, perks, and personalized retail experiences.

Canadian cardholder spending holding up despite higher gas prices: RBC

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Growth in spending edged lower on a three-month average, largely reflecting a pullback in January with activity over February and March broadly improving.  

Ofood Kimchi Ramyun surpasses 1 million units sold in Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Daesang's Ofood Kimchi Ramyun has topped 1 million cumulative sales in Canada since launching last October.

ROYALMOUNT Targets Montreal F1 Race Week with Concours Event

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
From May 14 to 24, 2026, Concours ROYALMOUNT will present a unique automotive exhibition during Montreal's Formula 1 week. The event will feature rare supercars, interactive experiences, and family-friendly activities, all aimed at enhancing the vibrant atmosphere of race week.

UNIQLO Announces First Winnipeg Store Opening Date

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Lee Rivett -
UNIQLO will open its first Winnipeg store May 15, 2026, with a second location planned as part of its Canadian expansion.

Sandra Sanderson Receives RCC Lifetime Achievement Award

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Sandra Sanderson of Empire and Sobeys to receive RCC Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing decades of leadership in Canadian retail.

Première Vision Montreal Returns for Second Edition

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
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

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
7-Eleven plans 645 store closures across North America as it pivots toward fresh food and larger-format locations.

MINISO Hello Kitty Pop-Up to Debut at Scarborough Town Centre

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Lee Rivett -
MINISO is launching Canada’s first Hello Kitty pop-up at Scarborough Town Centre, highlighting its IP-driven retail strategy.

Rogers Launches POS and Credit Card Program for SMBs

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Lee Rivett -
Rogers introduces Rogers Red Partner, a first-in-Canada POS and credit card program aimed at reducing fees and boosting customer loyalty for SMBs.

Canadian Retailers Bet Early on Outdoor Living in 2026

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Lee Rivett -
Canadian retailers are prioritizing outdoor living early in 2026, signalling confidence in discretionary spending despite economic uncertainty.

BYOMA expands retail footprint in Canada with launch in Sephora stores

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
BYOMA's global community exceeds two million members, supported by more than 109 clinical trials and 130,000 skin measurements conducted across clinical studies and AI-driven skin analysis.

SAQ reports net income of $525.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2025-2026

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Overall dollar sales rose 1.6% to $1.433 billion. At 70.7 million litres, volume sales were down 1.4%.

DoorDash supporting Canadian Dashers amid rising fuel costs

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
This program is funded entirely by DoorDash and will not result in any additional fees for consumers or merchant partners at the moment.

Empire Pulls ‘Buy Canadian’ Grocery Signage

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Lee Rivett -
Empire removes “Buy Canadian” signage as grocers respond to inflation, regulation, and shifting consumer behaviour in Canada.
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