NEWS BRIEFS

Lufa Farms expands to Ottawa

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Lufa Farms' expansion to Ottawa marks a significant step in the company's mission to create a more sustainable and accessible food system.

Canada’s Resources at Risk Amid U.S. Economic Pressure

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Sylvain Charlebois -
Canada faces growing U.S. economic influence, risking control over key resources. A strategic response is vital to protect sovereignty and food security.

Bel Canada, Congebec Partner to Tackle Food Waste in Quebec

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Maya Johnson -
Bel Canada, Congebec, and Food Banks of Quebec unite to reduce food waste and fight food insecurity through an innovative recovery and redistribution initiative.

Canadian businesses have optimistic outlook: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
16.7% of businesses expect their sales of goods and services to increase over the next three months, consistent with 16.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024. This was led by businesses in retail trade (24.4%), says Statistics Canada.

Retail trade experiences best growth since June 2021: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Retail trade expanded 1.6% in the fourth quarter as 7 out of 12 subsectors increased, says Statistics Canada.

Go Lime launches in Walmart Canada, with 1st two retail stores in Ontario

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Go Lime is a leading provider of home comfort solutions, specializing in energy-efficient water heaters, including tank and tankless options, plus a full line of HVAC, including furnaces, heat pumps.

Giant Tiger/Canadian Women’s Foundation unveil collaboration to empower women

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
100% of profits raised from the sale of the shirts and tote bag at Giant Tiger are donated to the Canadian Women's Foundation to support programs in communities across Canada for women, girls, and gender-diverse people

Payroll employment continues to decline in retail trade: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The net decline from January to December (-39,500; -2.0%) was led by sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument, book, and miscellaneous retailers (-14,500; -6.8%), says Statistics Canada.

Walmart Canada unveils 2nd exclusive home décor and kitchenware line with Tori Wesszer

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The collection will debut in select Walmart Canada stores on March 6.

Also Sophia Marks 5 Years with Expanded Ramadan & Eid Decor

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Maya Johnson -
Also Sophia marks five years in retail with an expanded Ramadan & Eid decor collection, now available in Canada and the Middle East.

Unifor Welcomes 245 Workers at Nuance Pearson Airport

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Anita Mehra -
Unifor gains 245 new members from Nuance Duty Free at Pearson Airport, securing a strong push for better wages, job security, and improved working conditions.

U.S. Trade Concerns Drive Canadian Consumer Confidence Down

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Anita Mehra -
A trade dispute with the U.S. causes a sharp decline in Canadian consumer confidence, reaching its lowest level in over a year.

RCC Prepares for US Tariffs as Trade Tensions Escalate

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
RCC is actively engaging with officials to address potential US tariffs on Canadian imports, set to take effect on March 4, 2025, with further measures on March 12.

Canadians concerned about financial fraud, but few prioritize prevention: Mastercard

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Fraud threats are becoming increasingly complex, and Canadians need to stay vigilant, says Mastercard.

Annual sales of food services and drinking places $96.5B in 2024: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The food services and drinking places subsector increased for the fifth consecutive month in December, rising 0.3% to $8.3 billion, said Statistics Canada.

Stable versus struggling: Canada’s financial divide widens: Equifax

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Total consumer debt in Canada reached $2.56 trillion at the end of 2024, a 4.6 per cent increase over 2023, says Equifax.

Walmart Canada’s Spark a Miracle campaign raises $5.7 million for Children’s Hospitals across Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Since 1994, Walmart Canada has partnered with Children’s Miracle Network, raising over $230 million to date.

Temu invites Canadian businesses to join its e-commerce platform

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Temu, which launched in the U.S. in September 2022, has expanded rapidly, now serving 90 markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

Number of active businesses falls: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
With the exception of the retail trade sector the increase in business openings was widespread across sectors in November 2024, says Statistics Canada.

CIB announces $194 million partnership with JOLT (Video)

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
JOLT is playing a key role in Canada’s transition to a more sustainable transportation future.

Canadians divided on new payment technologies

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
There are growing concerns around security, unfamiliarity with new payment systems, and satisfaction with existing technologies, all of which are impacting the adoption of innovations like generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), social commerce, and pay-by-bank.

Happy Belly Food Group signs area development agreement for 10 new Heal Wellness locations in Saskatchewan

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Happy Belly Food Group's commitment to growth is reflected in its expanding portfolio. Currently, the company has 456 contractually committed retail franchise locations from area developers across its emerging brands.

Canadians struggle to manage obligations amid financial pressures

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Rising debt levels contributing to increasing financial pressures for Canadians.

Retail sales increase to close to $70 billion in December: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Core retail sales—which exclude gasoline stations and fuel vendors and motor vehicle and parts dealers—were up 2.5% in December.

Smaller QSR chains and independents drive growth and innovation in Canada: Circana

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
According to Circana, the evolving dynamics of the QSR segment reflect changing consumer preferences, the popularity of global cuisine, and the digital advancements reshaping the industry.

Canada’s total consumer debt hits record $2.5 Trillion

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Although the pace of debt accumulation has slowed, the overall increase in balances remains substantial.

Support for local shopping surges as Canadians prioritize community impact

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Over two-thirds of Canadians (68%) believe their spending choices directly affect their local communities

Walmart Canada Reports Strong Q4 FY25 Growth and E-Commerce Surge

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Anita Mehra -
Walmart Canada’s Q4 FY25 sales grew 5.5% to $6.3B, with e-commerce surging 30%. Strong festive performance and digital expansion drive success.

Pickleplex Social Club announces national expansion plan for 2025, opening 23 locations across Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
With the expansion of 23 locations planned for 2025, Pickleplex Social Club is set to play a major role in shaping the future of pickleball in Canada.

Restaurant Brands International acquires full ownership of Burger King China for $158M

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Restaurant Brands International Inc. is one of the world’s largest quick-service restaurant companies, with annual system-wide sales of nearly $45 billion and over 32,000 restaurants across more than 120 countries and territories.

Affirm and Shopify expand partnership to new global markets including Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
For Shopify merchants, the expanded global availability of Affirm’s Shop Pay Installments means enhanced sales opportunities and an improved customer experience.

Celebrating the Power of Partnerships: Who’s leading the next wave of retail e-commerce?

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Founded in 2017, Shoplazza simplifies how retailers and online sellers connect with consumers.

Cisco Study: North American CEOs embrace AI, but knowledge gaps pose strategic risks

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
45% of CEOs worry that insufficient technology investment is eroding their competitive edge, says Cisco

Georgia Main Food Group Launches First ‘Borrow a Bag’ Program

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
IGA and Fresh St. Market launch B.C.'s first Borrow a Bag program, offering a refundable, reusable bag system to reduce paper waste and promote sustainability.

‘History Ottawa’ to Open in Former Ottawa Chapters Location

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Live Nation’s ‘History Ottawa’ will open in early 2026 at the former Chapters site on Rideau Street, bringing a new 2,000-person live music venue to downtown Ottawa.

Apple Introduces iPhone 16e in Canada, Expanding Lineup with Affordable AI-Ready Option

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Lee Rivett -
Apple debuts iPhone 16e with A18 chip, Apple Intelligence, and 48MP camera at $899 in Canada.

Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health announces $10M Donation to support families of MMIWG2S+ in Manitoba

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health is the charitable arm of Shoppers Drug Mart and is dedicated to addressing health inequities affecting Canadian women.

David Yurman names Eiza González as Global Brand Ambassador for Spring 2025 Sculpted Cable Campaign

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
David Yurman, founded in New York by sculptor David Yurman and painter Sybil Yurman, is a celebrated American jewelry company recognized for its artistic craftsmanship and signature Cable motif.

Canadian Consumer Price Index sees modest rise in January, driven by energy costs: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The food component of the CPI dropped by 0.6% in January, marking the first annual decline since May 2017, says Statistics Canada.

Steve Madden acquires Kurt Geiger in landmark more than $500 million (CDN) deal

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Steve Madden designs, sources, and markets fashion-forward footwear, accessories, and apparel under its brands, including Steve Madden®, Dolce Vita®, Betsey Johnson®, Blondo®, and ATM®

Jasper secures $5.5 million pledge for long-term recovery and tourism growth

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Jasper, a cornerstone of Alberta’s tourism industry, attracts millions of visitors annually who seek to experience its pristine natural beauty, adventure opportunities, and rich history.

Oxford Properties Showcases Remix Project Artists in GTA

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Oxford Properties partners with The Remix Project to spotlight emerging artists in GTA malls and offices, starting with a Black History Month campaign.

Cool Climate Club™ is leading retail into a new era of bold climate action

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Cool Climate Club offers turnkey tools that track the planting and preservation of trees while monitoring a forest's impact with a customized dashboard powered by Canada's Forest Trust Corporation.

White Spot serves up burgers with a purpose to support BC families

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
From February 18 to 21, $2 from every burger sold at White Spot – whether for dine-in, or takeout – will go directly toward helping children and youth in BC with disabilities and complex medical needs.

Shake Shack Opens at Yorkdale in Toronto [Photos]

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Shake Shack opens at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, marking its third Toronto location and expanding its footprint in Canada's premium fast-casual dining scene.

Mixologist Takuma Watanabe hosts his 1st Bar Takeover In Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Takuma Watanabe, known for his vibrant spirit of creativity with his Japanese heritage, currently holds the title Bartender of the Year and the Best Bartender in North America 2024.

Credit card debt among insolvent debtors surges 26% in 2024

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The average insolvent debtor now owes $60,678 in total unsecured debt, an increase of 12.2% from 2023.

IKEA uncovers who in the world sleeps best

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The IKEA study identifies stress, financial concerns, and technology use as the biggest obstacles to quality sleep.

Skip launches winter delivery fleet, clearing streets (Video)

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Skip connects millions of customers with over 50,000 restaurant partners across the country, including a growing offering of groceries, retailers, alcohol and convenience stores.

Traditional Medicinals Celebrates 50 Years of Herbal Wellness

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Traditional Medicinals marks 50 years of sustainability, ethical sourcing, and herbal innovation, expanding its impact on global wellness and natural remedies.
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