NEWS BRIEFS

Retail trade largest detractor for GDP growth: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Statistics Canada said real gross domestic product (GDP) grew 0.4% in January, following a 0.3% increase in December.

Pickleplex Social Club expands into British Columbia with Master Franchise Agreement

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The first Pickleplex Social Club locations in British Columbia are set to open in the coming months, with plans for additional expansion in the works.

Tourism spending on the rise: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The report said tourism spending by international visitors in Canada rose 2.2% in the fourth quarter, following a decline of 2.4% in the third quarter.

Shoppers Drug Mart opens first of 7 pharmacy care clinics in Surrey, British Columbia

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
At a time of rapid growth in the region, the Shoppers clinics will provide the community with more ways to access primary care services

Restaurants Canada appoints Nicolas Filiatrault as its new Chair of the Board

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Filiatrault will collaborate with President and CEO Kelly Higginson to strengthen the organization's advocacy for the foodservice industry as she and the team execute the strategic goals of the organization.

Guildford Town Centre announces immersive Smash + Tess pop-up

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Guildford Town Centre, a shopping mall situated in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, has been catering to shoppers since its establishment on November 8, 1966.

Retail sales down in January: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Statistics Canada is providing an advance estimate of retail sales, which suggests that sales decreased 0.4% in February.

Canada’s largest specialty coffee retailer Second Cup Café celebrates 50 years of Canadian coffee culture

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
From modest beginnings in 1975 as a kiosk selling whole bean coffee, Second Cup has evolved into a national brand deeply rooted in communities across the country.

Forget family passes the torch to another RONA affiliated dealer

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The RONA inc. network operates or services some 425 corporate and affiliated dealer stores under the RONA+, RONA, and Dick’s Lumber banners.

Couche-Tard Pursues Seven & i Takeover Despite Resistance

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Couche-Tard says it remains committed to acquiring Seven & i despite pushback, citing strategic benefits and ongoing negotiations ahead of Seven & i’s AGM.

Lightspeed Launches AI-Powered Website Builder for Retailers

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Lightspeed unveils an AI-driven website builder, allowing merchants to create professional online stores from screen captures—no coding required.

Skybird Fresh Asian Grill opens second Montreal Location

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Skybird is the first chain in North America to specialize in the Banh Mi and Bowls scene, offering a unique twist where customers can build their own bowls or sandwiches from an array of premium ingredients that include fresh vegetables oven-grilled proteins and signature sauces.

Monos Launches Aluminum Luggage Collection with Adrien Brody

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Monos unveils its first Aluminum Collection, featuring Adrien Brody in a global campaign. 

Staples Professional Expands Battery Recycling Nationwide

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Staples Professional partners with Call2Recycle to expand battery recycling access for businesses across Canada, promoting sustainability and a circular economy.

GoBolt Expands Sustainable Logistics with Google Cloud

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
GoBolt partners with Google Cloud to optimize logistics, boost efficiency, and reduce emissions with AI-powered solutions and electric vehicle integration.

Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health to distribute $1.5M through Community Grants program

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health – the charitable arm of Shoppers Drug Mart – is committed to helping Canadian women lead healthier lives, by making care more equitable and accessible.

Urgent carbon tax, capital gains questions: CFIB

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
As small firms are dealing with U.S.-Canada and Chinese tariffs, the CFIB is urging government and all parties to find a way to fix the outstanding tax matters.

RioCan Addresses Impact of Hudson’s Bay CCAA Filing

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust responds to Hudson’s Bay Company’s CCAA filing in a press release, outlining its exposure, asset strategy, and future plans for JV properties.

Sephora Canada launches first-ever Sephora Squad to celebrate diversity and uplift emerging creators

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Applications for the Sephora Squad Canada officially open on March 25.

Consumer prices spike in February: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The imposition of tariffs by the United States and/or countermeasure tariffs by the Canadian government will have an impact on prices paid by Canadian consumers in the coming months, says Statistics Canada.

IKEA Canada shines spotlight on sleep poverty this National Sleep Awareness Month

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
IKEA said it is dedicated to helping people achieve better sleep because, as the company believes, a good night’s sleep is essential for a healthier, happier life.

MPG announces launch of shop-in-shop experiences at premier Sporting Life locations

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The first of the exclusive MPG shop-in-shops will open at Yorkdale Shopping Centre on March 19, with additional locations opening soon after.

Forever 21 U.S. Bankruptcy Won’t Affect Canadian Stores

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Forever 21 is closing U.S. stores after filing for bankruptcy, but its Canadian operations under YM Group remain unaffected and will continue as usual.

Healthy Planet expands to St. Catharines

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Healthy Planet is a health and wellness store with 37 locations and growing in Ontario

Fraud Cases Drop in Canada, but Risks Persist: Moneris Report

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Moneris reports a 15% drop in fraud cases in 2024, yet MOTO fraud, refund scams, and terminal theft remain key risks for Canadian businesses. Stay protected.

Chick-fil-A launching Mac & Cheese on Canadian menu

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Second permanent addition to the Canadian menu since Chick-fil-A's first restaurant opened in 2019.

Breathe Outdoors to Shut Down After 62 Years in Alberta

News Anita Mehra -
Alberta-based Breathe Outdoors, formerly Camper’s Village, is closing all locations after 62 years, citing economic downturn and retail industry challenges.

Empire Company Posts Strong Q3 Earnings with 3.1% Growth

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Maya Johnson -
Empire Company reports a 3.1% sales increase in Q3 2025, driven by store investments, e-commerce growth, and enhanced cost efficiencies.

Canadian Shoppers Shift to Domestic Goods at Sobeys/Empire

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Canadian shoppers are increasingly choosing local products at Sobeys and other Empire stores amid rising U.S. tariffs, reshaping grocery sales across the country.

Age of Union & Re:wild Partner to Protect Global Biodiversity

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Age of Union partners with Re:wild to launch a $1M initiative to combat deforestation and species extinction in Madagascar, expanding global conservation efforts.

Additional funding to support Jasper’s recovery

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
A retail pop-up business village is being set up in Jasper's downtown core.

Canadian Franchise Association announces return of Virtual Franchise Your Business Series

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Franchise Your Business provides attendees with the knowledge, tools, and insights needed to successfully scale their business via a proven structure, with a robust community of entrepreneurs backing them every step of the way.

Cardstream partners with Moneris

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Moneris will leverage Cardstream’s Payment Facilitation-as-a-Service platform to enable its partners to extend their presence and integrated offerings in the Canadian market.

Kinton Ramen South Trail Calgary officially opens March 15

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Established in May 2012, Kinton Ramen was one of Toronto's first Japanese ramen restaurants.

BeaverTails CEO: “This is a Time for Canadians to Stand Together”

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
BeaverTails first served at the Killaloe Fair, west of Ottawa in 1978.

Federal investment of over $2.9 million to boost tourism projects across Alberta

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Alberta's visitor economy reached $12.7 billion in tourism expenditures in 2023, contributing $9.9 billion to the provincial GDP and creating nearly 90,000 jobs.

Canadians reach tipping point with tips

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
While 30% of Canadians say they support a strong tip culture, recognizing it's a key part of income for service industry workers in Canada, the vast majority appear to have extreme tip fatigue.

Governments earn $15.7B from alcohol/cannabis: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
$13.5 billion came from alcohol sales, showing a slight decrease of 0.5%, while recreational cannabis sales reached $2.2 billion, marking an impressive increase of 12.6%, says Statistics Canada.

Loblaw and George Weston Settle $500M Price-Fixing Lawsuit

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Maya Johnson -
Loblaw and George Weston settle a $500 million class-action lawsuit over bread price-fixing, with funds set for distribution to eligible Canadians.

SAQ Introduces Micro Agency Stores and Delivery in Quebec

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
SAQ is launching micro agency stores and expanding delivery in Quebec, enhancing accessibility and convenience for customers across the province.

Minecraft Movie Experience Arrives at Yorkdale for March Break

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Warner Bros. Canada brings an immersive Minecraft experience to Yorkdale Shopping Centre for March Break, ahead of A Minecraft Movie's April 4 release.

Understanding “Made in Canada” and “Product of Canada” Labels

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Anita Mehra -
Canadian retailers are navigating strict CFIA and Competition Bureau guidelines for "Made in Canada" and "Product of Canada" labels to meet growing consumer demand.

INDOCHINO’s Drew Green Honored with King Charles III’s Coronation Medal

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
INDOCHINO is a global leader in made-to-measure apparel.

Salvation Army Thrift Store opening new location in Leslieville, Toronto

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The Salvation Army Thrift Store provides an accessible shopping experience for individuals looking to stretch their budgets while also making environmentally conscious choices and supporting their local community.

Retail sales surge 3.7% in December, driven by motor vehicles and clothing: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The growth in motor vehicle sales was largely driven by a 15.0% increase in new motor vehicles, explained Statistics Canada.

Summarizing the Hudson’s Bay CCAA Court Order 

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
An overview of Hudson’s Bay’s CCAA court order, outlining the company’s restructuring process and creditor protection measures.

Happy Belly Food Group’s Heal Wellness QSR signs 20 unit area development agreement in Atlantic Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
120 contractually committed Heal Wellness units across eight provinces.

Lightspeed Commerce appoints Manon Brouillette as Executive Chair of Board of Directors

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Founded in Montreal, Canada, in 2005, Lightspeed is a dual-listed company on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Canada to Keep Retaliatory Tariffs Despite U.S. April Delay

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Retail Insider -
Canada will keep its retaliatory tariffs in place as President Trump delays U.S. tariffs for a month, escalating trade tensions between the two nations.

Understanding ‘Made in Canada’ Labels Amid Trade Tensions

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
As trade tensions rise, Canadians are doubling down on local products. Learn what "Made in Canada" and "Product of Canada" labels really mean.
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