Daily Synopsis: August 12, 2026

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Welcome to the Daily Synopsis by Retail Insider. We hope you enjoy the 13 articles we published covering key developments in Canadian retail.

Kit and Ace reached 17 stores across Canada while focusing on quality locations and diversifying into lifestyle products. METRO Inc. saw Q3 sales climb to nearly $6.9 billion despite a strike at its Laval produce distribution centre affecting earnings. 5% occupancy and rent growth exceeding 10%.

Sysco plans to bring its Restaurant Depot warehouse format to Canada targeting independent restaurants. Chanel opened a new beauty boutique at Toronto Pearson Airport enhancing luxury travel retail. Retail Insider also shared updates on Shake Shack opening its first Canadian drive-thru in Calgary and The Home Depot’s interim management plans during CEO’s medical leave. Retail Insider also covered CT REIT Sees Tight Retail Property Market as Rents Rise.

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Shake Shack Canada opening first drive-thru in Calgary

Shake Shack Canada will open its Macleod Trail drive-thru location in Calgary on August 27.

Kit and Ace Reaches 17 Stores as Canadian Expansion Continues

Kit and Ace has opened its 17th Canadian store at Hillcrest Mall as the retailer expands its store network and moves into new product categories.

METRO sees sales in Q3 climb to nearly $6.9 billion

Net earnings of $211.3 million, down 34.6% and adjusted net earnings of $262.6 million, down 20.9%.

CT REIT Sees Tight Retail Property Market as Rents Rise

CT REIT reports 99.5% occupancy and double-digit rent increases as tight Canadian retail real estate conditions drive competition for properties.

The Home Depot announces interim management plans while CEO takes temporary medical leave

At the end of the first quarter, the company operated a total of 2,361 retail stores and over 1,280 SRS locations across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico.

Scholastic Highlights Canadian Growth as Dog Man and Hunger Games Drive Book Sales

Scholastic says Canada helped drive international growth as Dog Man and Hunger Games boosted children's book sales, underscoring the strength of graphic novels and school-based retail channels.

Canada’s Wellness Industry Is Growing. Can Canadian Businesses Keep Pace?

Consumer demand for wellness products continues to grow, but Canadian businesses face increasing challenges as they scale. Learn how CHFA NOW Toronto's State of the Industry keynote will examine competitiveness, consumer demand and the future of the sector.

Sysco Plans to Bring Restaurant Depot Warehouse Format to Canada

Sysco plans to eventually bring Restaurant Depot to Canada following its proposed US$29.1-billion acquisition, adding a major restaurant-focused warehouse format to the Canadian foodservice market.

No plans revealed yet for Calgary Downtown Bay

The 115-year-old downtown Bay building was sold by CBRE’s National Investment Team - Calgary to local developer Astra Real Estate Corp., which has been active in recent years in repurposing older downtown office properties into residential conversions.

Back-to-School shoppers taking action on out-of-home ads: Vistar Media

At a time when marketers are largely focused on clicks, conversions and attribution, the findings suggest many may be overlooking one of the most effective ways to build intent before shopping begins.

Digital wallets account for nearly one-third of Canadian online spending: Global Payments

Digital wallets, including Apple Pay and Google Wallet, represented 32 per cent of Canadian e-commerce transaction value last year, second only to credit cards at 46 per cent, the 11th edition of the Global Payments Report found.

Americans turn to shorter, closer-to-home trips as travel costs rise: Squaremouth

U.S. visits to Canada rose 10 per cent between 2024 and 2025, while early data suggests visits could increase another 26 per cent this year, the travel insurance marketplace says.

Chanel Opens New Beauty Boutique at Toronto Pearson Airport

Chanel opens a standalone Fragrance & Beauty boutique at Toronto Pearson as the luxury brand expands its Canadian retail presence.

Caffeo launches year-long coffee giveaway following Toronto cafe relaunch

The promotion follows the relaunch of Caffeo's cafe at 405 Richmond Street West and comes alongside a redesigned space and an expanded beverage menu.

Daily Synopsis: August 11, 2026

Storefront improvement program launched in downtown Winnipeg, Bayview Ave in Toronto seeing new businesses, L'Appartment boutique opens in Vancouver's Kits, former RCC head named acting CEO of Ontario Real Estate Association, and other news.

Pet Valu sees revenue jump of 3.6% in Q2

Opened 7 new stores and ended the quarter with 877 stores across the network.

Being Frenshe expands into Canada with Shoppers Drug Mart launch

Being Frenshe launched in 2022 and says it has generated more than US$250 million in sales since its debut. The company also recently surpassed US$100 million in annual point-of-sale sales at a single retailer.

Spin Master Enters Critical Holiday Toy Season as Canadian Market Gains Momentum

Toronto-based Spin Master heads into the 2026 holiday toy season with stronger results, a major PAW Patrol movie launch and a growing Canadian toy market.

Centre Rockland Sold as Future Plans Unfold for Montreal Mall

Centre Rockland in Montreal has been sold to Jadco in a reported $1 share deal as questions emerge over the shopping centre’s long-term future.

Choice Properties Repositions Former Loblaw and Toys “R” Us Spaces Amid Strong Retail Leasing

Choice Properties is redeveloping former Loblaw and Toys “R” Us spaces while benefiting from strong leasing demand across its grocery-anchored retail portfolio, with additional intensification projects underway across Canada.