NEWS BRIEFS

Canada Post Strike Ends, but Mail Delays Expected Into 2025

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Canada Post resumes operations after a month-long strike, but Canadians should expect mail delays into January 2025 amid ongoing negotiations.

Job vacancies falling with sales and service leading the way: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Statistics Canada says job vacancies in the sales and service occupations have declined for 8 consecutive quarters.

Starbucks launching new paid parental leave initiative for employees

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Starbucks Canada says wants to provide both the flexibility and support that many are seeking as they decide whether to have or grow a family.

Mountain Warehouse opens biggest store outside UK at Saskatoon’s Midtown Plaza

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Mountain Warehouse is the largest outdoor retailer in the UK with over 250 stores nationwide, and more than 350 stores globally.

Pet Valu Expands Canadian Pawprint on Instacart

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Pet Valu is Canada's leading retailer of pet food and pet-related supplies with over 800 corporate-owned or franchised locations across the country.

Canadians shifting car shopping focus away from aspirational luxury to practicality and affordability

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
AutoTrader says economic pressures may well be weighing on Canadian consumers when it comes to the type of car they are shopping for.

RONA+ expands its presence in Quebec

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The company continues to reposition the RONA brand, which is now its sole retail brand in Canada.

Everyday influencers driving the decisions of Canadian consumers

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
27% of Canadians think that being an influencer requires a large audience.

The Original Hot Chicken debuts in Canada (Photos)

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The Original Hot Chicken's Toronto opening signals a broader call for licensing partners ready to capitalize on the growing demand for premium fast-casual offerings which feature compelling unit economics including lower capital costs and operational simplicity.

INDOCHINO Appoints Ryane Askew as VP to Drive 2025 Growth

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Maya Johnson -
INDOCHINO appoints Ryane Askew as VP of Marketing to enhance brand development, customer engagement, and growth initiatives for 2025.

Jay Nok Modern Thai to Open in Vancouver’s Olympic Village

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The Kongsilp family, formerly of SalaThai, introduces Jay Nok Modern Thai in Vancouver's Olympic Village, blending traditional Thai flavours with a modern twist.

aaniin CF Eaton Centre pop-up hits one-month sales goal in 10 days

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Since its launch on November 29, the aaniin pop-up has transformed retail at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre.

MEI forecasts moderate economic growth in 2025 for Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
MEI forecasts Canada’s real GDP growth to increase modestly to 1.8% in 2025, up from 1.6% in 2024

McDonald’s Canada and Uber Eats join forces 

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Co-founded by Calgary entrepreneur Garrett Camp, Uber started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button?

bb.q Chicken celebrates over 50 locations across Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
bb.q Chicken, short for Best of the Best Quality Chicken, is the world's largest Korean fried chicken franchise with over 3,800 globally, including 250+ in the U.S. 

CFIB calls on customers for patience over GST/HST administrative nightmare before Christmas

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
A recent CFIB survey found that only 4% of small businesses expect to see stronger sales as a result of the temporary GST/HST holiday.

Canadian apparel sales forecast to decline in 2025: Trendex

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The recent Canadian Apparel Insights report, by Trendex North America, forecasts that apparel sales in Canada will decrease by 1.5% in 2024 but increase by 1.0% in 2025.

Northern Super League unveils Canadian Tire Corporation as Founding Partner

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Canadian Tire Corporation said the partnership furthers its commitment to championing women's professional sports and advancing gender equity.

UNIQLO launches global initiative for people in need

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
UNIQLO has a total of more than 2,400 stores across the world, including Japan, Asia, Europe and North America.

GST Holiday Sparks Concerns Over Food Pricing and Inflation

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Sylvain Charlebois -
Senators warn the GST holiday may raise food prices, with grocers exploiting the measure and increasing costs for Canadians already facing inflation.

Honestly Good Chicken Fingers launches in GTA

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Honestly Good Chicken Fingers has locations at CF Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke and at The Well in Toronto.

No Frills hits a milestone with 300 stores

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Raman's No Frills recently opened its doors at 325 Central Pkwy W, Mississauga.

Canadian Tire Corporation completes strategic review of its Financial Services business 

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Canadian Tire said it is expanding its retail ecosystem around Triangle Rewards, powered by its store banners and bank, as well as strategic loyalty partners like Petro-Canada.

Digital sales across Cyber Week for Canadian retailers reached $5.1 billion: Salesforce

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Salesforce said Canada's holiday sales are up from a year ago.

Happy Belly announces opening of its newest co-branded store

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The Happy Belly 2025 pipeline of new stores continues to expand with franchise agreements and lease signings progressing across North America.

H&M Foundation backs new report to guide textile industry

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Going forward, the H&M Foundation said it will use the report's findings to guide its efforts in decarbonizing the industry in a just and fair way, helping to identify where its philanthropic support can have the greatest impact.

Pet Valu’s Companions for Change fundraising initiatives surpass $4 million in 2024

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Pet Valu is Canada's leading retailer of pet food and pet-related supplies with over 800 corporate-owned or franchised locations across the country.

The Home Depot partners with FIFA World Cup 26 in North America

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The Home Depot is the world's largest home improvement specialty retailer.

Shake Shack Opens at Toronto’s Union Station with Licensed Bar

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Shake Shack launches at Union Station in Toronto, featuring a bar with exclusive cocktails and local artwork, marking its second Canadian location.

Dollarama Expands: New Calgary Hub & 2,200 Stores by 2034

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Dollarama to build a Calgary distribution center and expand to 2,200 stores across Canada by 2034, boosting operations and meeting growing demand.

IKEA Canada commits $300,000 to Furniture Bank to combat furniture poverty and accelerate a circular economy 

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
IKEA Canada has enabled Furniture Bank to reuse over 25,000 returned mattresses and 10,000 other essentials, diverting these valuable resources from landfills and providing home furnishings to over 11,680 individuals and families in need.

Record-breaking year for Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market (Photos/Video)

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
The International Christmas Market at Spruce Meadows was home to more than 330 local vendors.

Bento and Too Good To Go partner to reduce food waste

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Since its inception in 1996 in Toronto, Bento Inc. has emerged as one of North America's premier sushi providers

Walmart Canada launches toy donation campaign for Children’s Miracle Network

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Walmart Canada will donate $1 from every toy sold in-store or online to Children’s Miracle Network up to $200,000.

Lightspeed Commerce announces strategic reorganization impacting about 200 people

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Lightspeed expects that the majority of the restructuring charges will be incurred in the third quarter of fiscal 2025.

A&W tackles food waste and hunger with Second Harvest partnership

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
To date, 441 A&W Restaurants across Canada have joined the Second Harvest Food Rescue App.

London Drugs Toy Drive returns for 4th year, spreading joy to families in need

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
In 2021, and the start of COVID, London Drugs said it recognized a need for drive-through Toy Drives.

Restaurants Canada calling for more tax breaks

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Restaurants Canada advocates for additional tax relief measures to support the foodservice industry, following the federal government's temporary GST holiday on restaurant meals.

Canada’s first electric mobile market hits the road 

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
This mobile market initiative will directly bring fresh, affordable produce to communities facing barriers to accessing healthy food

Happy Belly’s Smash Burger brand Rosie’s Burgers opening in Calgary

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Happy Belly currently has 421 contractually committed retail locations from area developers across all emerging brands in its portfolio.

Retail sector experiencing growth: Statistics Canada

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Canada’s retail sector grew 1.0% in September 2024, led by gains in food, fuel, and building materials, per Statistics Canada.

Canadians prioritize smart spending this holiday season: Affirm

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Affirm said 77% of survey respondents are taking extra time to evaluate whether purchases align with their needs and priorities

Walmart Canada and DoorDash Canada join forces

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
DoorDash opens our doors to Canadians who are strapped for time, in need of last-minute items or who prefer to shop from the comfort of their home.

NEXE Innovations partners with Bridgehead Coffee

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Bridgehead was one of the first coffeehouses in Canada to serve Fairtrade coffee

Happy Belly Food Group partners with Cadillac Fairview at CF Shops at Don Mills

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Happy Belly Food Group partners with Cadillac Fairview to open IQ Foods, Heal Wellness, and Rosie’s Burgers at CF Shops at Don Mills in 2025.

Groupe Dynamite completes initial public offering

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Groupe Dynamite operates retail stores and digital experiences under two complementary banners Garage and Dynamite

Staples Canada introduces Apple products for educational institutions (Photos)

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Staples Canada now offers Apple products for educational institutions, supporting schools and educators with innovative technology across Canada.

Food Banks Canada and Skip join forces for 5th Annual Giving Tuesday 

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Skip is introducing a one-day doorstep donation pick-up service in Toronto on Giving Tuesday, making it simpler than ever for Canadians to give back

Walmart Luminate arrives in Canada 

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Walmart launches its Luminate data analytics platform in Canada, empowering retailers and suppliers with actionable insights to enhance business strategies.

Khloé Kardashian debuts first-ever signature fragrance with Luxe Brands 

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Mario Toneguzzi -
Kardashian said creating this fragrance has been such a special journey for her
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