NEWS BRIEFS

Cognizant study shows consumers who embrace AI could drive $4.4 Trillion in spending over 5 years 

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
As AI-influenced buying evolves, businesses must navigate mixed consumer attitudes towards AI, says Cognizant.

RONA brings together its collaborators to launch 2025

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
This year, RONA awarded seven vendors with Vendor of the Year in their respective categories.

Loblaw and Flashfood helped Canadians save over $50 million on groceries in 2024

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Since initiating their partnership with Flashfood in 2019, Loblaw has diverted nearly 86 million pounds of potential food waste from landfill through the program.

RCCSTORE25: First Look at Game-Changing Speakers!

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Retail Insider -
Get ready for RCCSTORE25, Canada’s premier retail event, on June 3-4 in Toronto. Hear from inspiring speakers like Brian Burke, Sharon Gai, Ira Kalish, and Eric Morris. Explore leadership, AI, consumer insights, and economic trends. Save $200 with Early Bird Pricing until Feb 28 2025.

Store-closing sales underway across Canada at all cleo, Ricki’s, Bootlegger clothing stores

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Initial discounts on all merchandise run from 25 to 40 per cent off the original ticketed price at the clothing stores.

CPI rises 1.8% y/y in December but Canadians pay less for food at restaurants: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Statistics Canada said Canadians paid less for food purchased from restaurants in December (-1.6%) on a year-over-year basis.

Calgary set to host Alberta’s biggest RV sale and show

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
As one of Alberta's largest and most anticipated RV events, the Calgary RV Adventure Sale & Show will feature an impressive selection of RVs, outdoor lifestyle products, exclusive deals, and expert advice.

Consumers see improvement in financial health: Bank of Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Fewer consumers reported that they are spending less or plan to reduce their spending; and, for the first time since 2021, consumers said they expect their spending to increase faster than they expect prices to rise.

Loblaw Sells Wellwise by Shoppers Stores to Verillium Health Care

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Maya Johnson -
Loblaw divests 42 Wellwise by Shoppers stores to Verillium Health Care, focusing on pharmacy growth as the healthcare brand transitions to new ownership.

Heritage launches Lunar New Year charitable dinners

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Heritage said proceeds from the event will benefit the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Vancouver’s historic Chinatown.

Consumers regained their spending mojo, but tariffs cloud 2025: TD

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
TD said consumer spending gained momentum toward the end of 2024, supported by lower interest rates, which boosted consumer confidence, and external factors, such as the GST relief.

Baskin-Robbins raises $30,000 for BGC Canada in Pink Spoon Campaign

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The fundraiser is part of an ongoing partnership between Baskin-Robbins and BGC Canada that includes scholarships, in-kind gifts and cause promotion

Stark decline in Canada’s small business employment: Intuit

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The Intuit report reveals that while overall employment has grown year-over-year, small business growth is lagging, hindered by high interest rates making it harder for some to access financing to fuel growth.

Nourcy Unveils a Brand-New Concept at YQB

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
In addition to its beloved café concept and ready-to-heat meal service, the Nourcy restaurant will also offer an alcoholic beverage menu for travellers.

Covergalls and Mark’s Team Up to Support Women in Trades

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Maya Johnson -
Covergalls partners with Mark’s Commercial to supply women-focused workwear, including gear tailored for female miners, to 383 stores across Canada.

Chick-fil-A expands True Inspiration Awards grant program, awarding US$6 million to 56 non-profits

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Chick-fil-A, Inc. is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States. More than 200,000 people are employed by independent owner-operators in more than 3,000 restaurants across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

GoBolt Parcel achieves 562% YoY growth in electric vehicle deliveries

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
In 2024, GoBolt Parcel completed 1.5 million shipments powered by EVs, solidifying its leadership in sustainable logistics across Canada and the U.S.

Half of Canadians foresee inflation, cost of living as biggest financial challenge in 2025: TD

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The TD survey uncovered Canadians' financial priorities in 2025, with 56 per cent of those surveyed indicating a main priority was their day-to-day expenses, down 3% from last year, saving and investing for the future (47 per cent) and paying down debt (30 per cent).

Redberry to open 1st downtown Toronto Jersey Mike’s Subs at Union Station

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The downtown opening is part of Redberry's long-term plan to open 300 Jersey Mike's locations in the next 10 years.

Toronto Tempo Launches First Merchandise Collection

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Toronto Tempo debuts its first merchandise collection, featuring Canadian and female-founded brands, ahead of its 2026 WNBA season launch.

Lightspeed Launches Mobile Checkout Feature for Retailers

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Lightspeed unveils mobile checkout on iPhone, enabling seamless transactions, faster service, and personalized shopping experiences for customers.

Quartz Co. Celebrates Canadian Winter with Bold New Campaign

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Anita Mehra -
Quartz Co. launches its Winter 2025 campaign, celebrating Canadian winters with bold visuals, eco-conscious designs, and timeless sophistication.

Lululemon Boosts Q4 Forecasts After Strong Holiday Sales

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Maya Johnson -
Lululemon raises Q4 revenue and earnings forecasts, citing strong holiday sales and continued growth in the athletic apparel market.

Red Apple Opening New Store in Gravelbourg, SK, February 14

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Maya Johnson -
Red Apple expands to Gravelbourg, SK, with a new store opening Feb. 14, featuring deals, giveaways, and a family-friendly shopping experience.

Promising first year of fundraising for MTY Group Foundation

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
For the past year, the MTY Foundation has been supporting communities in need by providing them with what they require to foster their flourishing.

Cineplex reports solid financial results for December

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Cineplex has 168 movie theatres and location-based entertainment venues. The company also operates The Rec Room, Playdium, and Cineplex Junxion.

Employment rises while unemployment rate decreases: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Canada added 91,000 jobs in December 2024, lowering unemployment to 6.7%, with gains in full-time roles and key industries like education and health care.

Brand refresh rolling out across Chopped Leaf chain in 2025

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Chopped Leaf has over 118 locations across Canada and in the United States, and is continuing to expand across North America and internationally, with more than 25 locations committed to open.

Statements Media partners with Brookfield in digital advertising space

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Founded in 2005, Statements Media is a boutique outdoor advertising company based in Toronto that specializes in premium out-of-home properties and innovative advertising networks.

Aritzia Reports 72% Profit Surge Amid U.S. Growth and Challenges

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Maya Johnson -
Aritzia's third-quarter profits jumped 72%, driven by U.S. expansion and e-commerce gains, while Canadian sales faced economic challenges.

Tourism spending on the decline: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Foreign tourism demand was down 2.7% in the third quarter, while domestic tourism demand increased 0.5%.

Circle K unveils all-new meal deals in Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Recognizing the increasing demand for value and convenience, Circle K has crafted a menu of mix-and-match meal combinations, all priced affordably between $5 and $7.

Nescafé Espresso Concentrate expands to the US

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Nescafé Espresso Concentrate is made with 100% Arabica beans and comes in a 300-milliliter bottle (enough for approximately 20 cups of espresso when prepared as directed).

Kelly Jessop West named new CEO of Chatters Hair Salon

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Chatters has over 115 salons in Canada with more than 1,200 stylists.

Frank And Oak Files for Bankruptcy Protection Amid $71M Debt

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Frank And Oak seeks creditor protection again, citing $71M in debt, competitive pressures, and pandemic-related financial challenges.

Happy Belly appoints John Grieve to executive role

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Happy Belly Food Group Inc. is a leading consolidator of emerging food brands.

Chick-fil-A beginning 2025 with 2 new locations in Ontario

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Since 2020, Chick-fil-A said it has donated about C$2 million (US$1.46 million) to Second Harvest to support local hunger-relief organizations

Folio.YVR Partners with Public News Korea to Expand Global Reach

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Folio.YVR partners with Public News Korea to share Canada's luxury lifestyle with readers across Asia.

Subaru Canada Sets New Sales Record Over 12 Months

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Maya Johnson -
Subaru Canada achieves a record-breaking 68,043 units sold in 2024, driven by strong sales in the Forester, Crosstrek, and Solterra models.

Primaris REIT releases its 2nd ESG Report

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Primaris is Canada’s only enclosed shopping centre focused REIT, with ownership interests primarily in leading enclosed shopping centres located in growing mid-sized markets. The current portfolio totals 13.4 million square feet valued at approximately $4.1 billion at Primaris’ share

Happy Belly’s Smash Burger brand Rosie’s Burgers secures location in Toronto’s Avenue & Lawrence neighbourhood

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Rosie's Burgers is a boutique quick serve restaurant brand serving original recipe smash burgers, poutine, onion rings, milkshakes and more.

Baskin-Robbins celebrates official return to Alberta at Calgary’s Southcentre Mall

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Baskin-Robbins, founded in the United States in 1945, is the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, with more than 7,700 retail shops in 33 global markets.

METRO presents its corporate responsibility achievements for 2024

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
METRO says sesponsible procurement and the fight against climate change remain at the heart of its priorities.

St. Louis Bar & Grill expands with 3 new locations across GTA

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
St. Louis Bar & Grill is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated casual dining restaurant with 82 locations across Canada. It opened its first location in 1992.

Walmart Canada partners with Salvation Army

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
During Fill the Kettle Day on Saturday, December 21, Walmart Canada will match donations made by individuals to Salvation Army Christmas kettles in participating Walmart Canada stores nationwide, up to a maximum of $100,000.

Bell Media and Shopsense AI bring curated shoppable TV to Canadian viewers

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Shopsense AI unlocks new revenues for media companies, like linear and streaming TV platforms, by making their original content instantly shoppable within their own e-commerce sites and mobile apps.

Fleischmann’s® Introduces Baking Soda for Perfect Holiday Baking

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Fleischmann’s® introduces its first-ever gluten-free Baking Soda, delivering reliable results for home bakers and professionals ahead of the busy holiday season.

Best Buy Ads Canada Partners with Rokt

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Rokt is a leading ecommerce technology company using machine learning and AI to make transactions more relevant to each shopper.

Food prices continue to climb: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Compared with November 2021, grocery prices rose 19.6%, says Statistics Canada.

BMO survey: One-Third of Canadians expect to curtail their spending in 2025

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
BMO says Canadians have increased concerns about the cost of living (54%), inflation (50%) and a possible economic recession (42%).
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