Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For February 18, 2025

OUR ARTICLES OF THE DAY

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News at a Glance

Retail Insider is streamlining its Canadian retail news from around the web to include a handful of top news stories that can be viewed quickly during the day. Here are the top stories from the past several days.

Ransomware, disease and ‘ultra low-cost retailers’: Why 3 iconic Canadian clothing stores went broke (CBC)

Trump’s threat to suspend ‘de minimis’ exemption leaves Canadian retailers on pause (Globe & Mail)

GST break brought a lot of work but little — if any — gains for businesses (Financial Post)

Why it’s not easy to be a ‘Product of Canada’ at the grocery store (Global)

Canada Goose’s SWOT analysis: stock faces headwinds amid strategic shift (Investing.com)

Demonstrators accuse Amazon of union-busting at rally in Montreal, call for boycott (The Canadian Press)

Canadian sugar and candy industry vulnerable to U.S. tariffs: experts (The Canadian Press)

Danforth shop owners share how they will be affected by looming U.S. tariffs (Toronto Observer)

Consumers demand new ‘product of Canada’ labels in grocery stores (BlogTO)

‘Pretty wholesome’: Canadian shop owner on support from U.S. customers amid trade tensions (CBC)

From Ghana to B.C.: How climate change is making chocolate more expensive (BIV)

Vancouver shop for local artisans says buying Canadian has lasting impact (VIA)

Loblaw staff at 2 B.C. stores to wear body cameras due to ‘rising retail crime’ (Global)

Quebec cannabis retailer SQDC reports income of CA$40.5 million (MJ Biz)

Nova Scotia shop keeps busy with Canadian flag orders amid Trump threats (Global)

MOST RECENT PREVIOUS ARTICLES

RECENT RETAIL INSIDER VIDEOS

VIDEO: Amazon Prime Day 2026 expected to draw Canadian shoppers despite affordability pressures: Bruce Winder

Consumers are grappling with elevated living costs, including higher fuel prices and persistent food inflation.

RH to Open in Former Club Monaco Building on Toronto’s Bloor Street

RH is set to open a store in the former Club Monaco flagship building at 157 Bloor Street West in Toronto, bringing a new home furnishings tenant to one of Canada's most prominent retail locations.

How Consumer Preferences Are Reshaping Canadian Grocery Retail

Canadian grocery retail is evolving as consumers embrace curated assortments, ethnic supermarkets, private-label products and value-focused shopping. Industry veteran Michael Commisso shares insights into the trends reshaping the sector.

Competition Bureau Continues Multi-Year Push Against Grocery Property Controls

The Competition Bureau of Canada has expanded its investigation into Sobeys' use of property controls, continuing a multi-year effort that began with its 2023 grocery competition study and has already prompted changes across the grocery industry.

Prime Day spending set to hit $5.4B in Canada as participation jumps from 52% to 65% in a year

70% expect to spend the same amount (51%) or more (19%) than they did last year.

Fran Deck, Steward of Toronto Landmark Fran’s Restaurant, Dies at 89

Fran Deck, longtime steward of Toronto's historic Fran's Restaurant, has died at age 89. His legacy lives on through one of the city's most enduring dining institutions.

AI implementation gap puts client revenue and talent at risk, Thomson Reuters report warns

While AI tools are widely used across legal, tax, audit and risk professions, many organizations are failing to translate that usage into measurable business value, exposing them to financial and operational consequences.

SELLIT9 raises $4.1M to expand recommerce trade-in platform across North America

The funding round was led by the Business Development Bank of Canada’s Seed Venture Fund, with participation from MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund, AQC Capital and Anges Québec.

Federal government investing $173.7 million to expand women entrepreneurship supports

Addressing persistent barriers faced by women entrepreneurs and to build on existing federal programming designed to support business creation and growth.

Thirsty Buddha expands into Costco U.K., Los Angeles as global push accelerates

The move builds on Thirsty Buddha’s existing presence in Costco stores across Canada and reflects the company’s efforts to scale distribution through large-format retail channels.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 22, 2026

Manitoba eyes shrinkflation law, FIFA impacts Vancouver retail differently depending on location, Zellers nostalgia drives return, retailers open at Toronto's Pearson Airport, 7-Eleven closing at College and Spadina in Toronot, and other news.

Toys “R” Us Brand and Stores Head to Different Owners in Canada

An Ontario court has approved the breakup of Toys “R” Us Canada, with the brand, stores and Vaughan Mills lease heading to separate buyers. The future of the remaining stores after January 2027 remains uncertain.

Alimentation Couche-Tard reports revenue of $19.5 billion in Q4, up close to 20% from a year ago

For fiscal 2026, revenues increased by $3.6 billion, or 5.0%, compared with fiscal 2025.

Canada’s Food Prices Have Outpaced Inflation Every Month Under Carney

Food inflation has exceeded Canada's overall inflation rate for 15 consecutive months under Prime Minister Mark Carney, highlighting ongoing affordability concerns for households.

Dollarama Reaches 96% of Canadian Households: Survey

A new Field Agent Canada survey found that 96% of Canadian households shopped at Dollarama within the past 60 days, with strong appeal across income levels and growing visit frequency.

Shake Shack Canada to open first drive-thru location in Canada in Calgary

The first-ever drive-thru restaurant, expected to open this fall 2026 at 9253 Macleod Trail Southwest.

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