AI is moving into merchandising, grocery carts and distribution, while payments and commerce systems expand. Retail Insider’s Q3 report examines why reliable data and measurable operating results remain the decisive tests.

Kastners Men’s and Ladies Wear in Cornwall, Ontario, is preparing to close by January 2027 after more than a century. Its departure adds to a series of traditional clothing-store closures in smaller Canadian markets, where retirement, succession and changing shopping habits are reshaping specialty retail.

Toronto's Distillery Winter Village is expanding its retail offerings for 2026, with Quince joining as title sponsor, two new marketplaces featuring Canadian independent businesses and additional food operators. The event brings more than one million annual visitors to the historic shopping district, according to organizers.

lululemon has introduced Shopify's Shop Pay across its Canadian and U.S. e-commerce websites, adding accelerated checkout and Shop app product discovery without replacing its existing online infrastructure.

Maison Territo at Montréal’s Royalmount highlights distinctive lighting and decorative objects from Seletti, Fornasetti and Tom Dixon, showing how statement pieces can elevate holiday entertaining and remain part of the home year-round.

Montréal furniture retailer Casavogue encourages homeowners to plan ahead for holiday gatherings, with extendable dining tables, flexible living room seating and comfortable guest bedrooms. Its 38,000-square-foot showroom offers furniture options and personalized guidance for entertaining at home.

Rodmell & Company explains how its Customer Experience Value Engineering approach helps retailers identify repeatable savings in store development while preserving the elements of the customer experience that matter most. Patrick Rodmell discusses the role of specifications, cross-functional decisions and long-term value.

Grocery store sought for downtown Saskatoon newspaper building, food court shuts amid concern at Peter Pond Mall, Halloween chocolate prices up, Aritzia donates coats, and other news.

Aritzia is targeting up to $10.5 billion in annual revenue by fiscal 2032 while expanding to 160 U.S. boutiques. In Canada, the retailer expects a slight decline in store count as it optimizes existing locations and consolidates legacy branded stores.

Retail media, linked rewards and live shopping are bringing marketing closer to transactions. Retail Insider’s Q3 report examines why commercial claims still depend on matching each investment with the right evidence.

The LEGO Group has opened a 2,637-square-foot store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, occupying a retail unit previously used by Rodd & Gunn and Ted Baker. The opening is part of a three-store GTA expansion, with the downtown leasing transaction handled by Odyssey Retail Canada's Ryan McCarthy.

38% expect profitability to decline next year, while just 21% anticipate an improvement, says Restaurants Canada report.

An Equifax Canada survey finds 65 per cent of Canadians encountered fraudulent messages in the past year, while many lack key online security measures.

Nextdoor’s Treat Map returns for its seventh year in Canada as survey results show 88 per cent of Canadians expect to spend less than $100 on Halloween.

With 37% of shoppers prioritizing promotions over brand reputation, Rithum’s Blaine Nielsen explains how retailers can use data to target holiday discounts, protect margins and build customer loyalty.

A&W Canada introduces its limited-time Hot Honey BBQ Teen Burger as innovation director Karan Suri discusses flavour trends, menu development and QSR industry outlook for 2027.