NEWS BRIEFS

Business leaders want Canada to fight U.S. tariffs with corresponding dollar-for-dollar tariffs: KPMG

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
KPMG said 88 per cent of the companies surveyed export or sell to the U.S. and 81 per cent say their business will be impacted by U.S. tariffs.

Retail Crime Is Escalating—Will You Be Part of the Solution?

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Retail Insider -
RCC’s Retail Secure Conference 2025, March 19 in Mississauga, tackles pressing retail crime issues with expert-led sessions, networking, and the Retail Legends Awards. Save $100 with early bird pricing by Feb 19, plus 20% off for groups of five. Nominate standout loss prevention professionals and register today at www.retailsecure.ca.

Canada’s video game industry contributed $5.1 billion to GDP in 2024

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The video game industry is a cornerstone of Canada's digital economy, creating high quality jobs, driving innovation, and showcasing our creativity on the global stage.

Manitobah releases 2nd annual Social Impact Report

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Manitobah is a trailblazer for Indigenous business, demonstrating how Indigenous values, ethics, and culture can achieve success in the global marketplace.

Red Lobster announces launch of Happy Hour

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Red Lobster is the world's largest and most-loved seafood restaurant company, headquartered in Orlando, Fla. 

Duty Free Stores Revamped at Edmonton International Airport 

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Maya Johnson -
Edmonton International Airport unveils revamped duty-free stores, blending local culture with global retail for an elevated travel experience.

Starbucks bringing back and introducing amenities

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
"The changes come as part of a plan to refocus on what has always made Starbucks special — creating a welcoming coffeehouse where people want to gather and relax, and where skilled baristas serve the finest handcrafted coffee."

Lightspeed Launches New Innovations to Boost Retail and Hospitality

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Lightspeed unveiled new tools for retail, hospitality, and golf operations in the latest quarter, improving efficiency, customer experience, and business growth.

Taxpayers launching court fight against ‘undemocratic’ capital gains tax hike

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
A new report from the C.D. Howe Institute shows the capital gains tax increase will result in 414,000 fewer jobs and shrink Canada’s GDP by nearly $90 billion.

Moneris appoints Mia Huntington as Chief Sales & Marketing Officer

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Prior to joining Moneris, she was the Executive Vice President, Point-of-Sale Lending at Elavon, focused on developing commercial models and delivering compelling customer offerings including buy now, pay later solutions.

Cluck Clucks brings its famous fried chicken and waffles to U.S. with 1st location in Texas

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Cluck Clucks has earned a cult following in Canada, where it currently operates six locations across the Greater Toronto Area.

Retail sales stable in November: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Statistics Canada is providing an advance estimate of retail sales, which suggests that sales increased 1.6% in December.

Nemesis Pavilion to open in February at new Surrey Pavilion in City Centre

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The 2,600 square foot Nemesis space will feature 50 seats, with an expansive patio expected to open during the warmer months.

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
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