Welcome to the Daily Synopsis by Retail Insider. We hope you enjoy the 9 articles we published covering key developments in Canadian retail. Here are a couple highlights with a full list of the day’s articles thereafter.
Starbucks is closing about 250 underperforming North American stores while refreshing over 1,000 locations to feature cozier seating and neighbourhood-inspired designs, aiming to boost customer engagement. MEC is testing a smaller format with a new 2,200-square-foot store in Whistler Village, focusing on curated local product selections supported by expert staff. Lavazza plans to more than double its North American business by 2028, expanding distribution and consumer engagement in Canada, particularly in underrepresented Western markets.
Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop plans to open more than 80 new franchised locations across Canada and internationally, addressing skilled labour shortages through an internal training platform. Guac Mexi Grill marks its 10th anniversary with 56 franchise locations and aims to add 10 to 15 restaurants annually while expanding into the U.S. and India. Both brands focus on quality, technology, and franchisee support to drive growth and diversify their market presence in service and food retail sectors.
🗞️ The Day’s Retail Insider Article List
- Starbucks undertakes massive refresh of North American locations and closing 250 stores – Mario Toneguzzi
- Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop has ambitious growth plans in Canada and internationally – Mario Toneguzzi
- MEC to Open Small-Format Whistler Store as Retailer Tests New Concept – Craig Patterson
- Lavazza Targets Canadian Growth as It Moves to Double North American Business by 2028 – Craig Patterson
- Guac Mexi Grill Marks 10 Years With 56 Locations, Eyes U.S. Expansion – Mario Toneguzzi
- Aritzia’s Store Network Has Shifted South as U.S. Expansion Accelerates – Lee Rivett
- Rawcology Founder Tara Tomulka turns personal health journey into growing plant-based food business – Mario Toneguzzi
- AI transforming retail pricing, from dynamic discounts to personalized offers – Mario Toneguzzi
- Retailers face growing trust challenge as AI reshapes customer personalization – Mario Toneguzzi
🌐 Canadian Retail News From Around the Web
- Canada’s grocery pricing practices face fresh scrutiny (CTV)
- Competition Bureau seeks information on retail grocery pricing policies (Canadian Grocer)
- Marc Giroux steps into president and CEO role at Metro Inc. (Grocery Business)
- The most expensive grocery stores were ranked and Loblaws isn’t in the top three (Narcity)
- I WENT TO AN AIRPORT AND A MALL BROKE OUT: Toronto Pearson set to add 30 new retail outlets (Travel Industry Today)
- Nostalgia and seven-figure sales fuel wave of Pokemon card thefts across Canada (CityNews)
- Starbucks Closing More Toronto Locations as Second Wave Hits Stores Across Canada (6ix Retail)
- Development permit approved for Marda Loop condo towers anchored by Calgary Co-op store (Calgary Herald)
- A caviar store? In this economy? Hear us out (Toronto Life)
- ABC Books on Yonge is closing for good (Toronto Life)
- Walmart Canada breaks ground on new store in Alberta’s Tsuut’ina Nation (Grocery Business)
- Why the same grocery list can cost $100 more depending on where you shop in Vancouver (VIA)
- Japanese eatery and convenience store to close in Calgary this month (Daily Hive)
- How one Toronto startup is solving the ‘what’s my size’ question and changing how we shop (Daily Hive)
- Repeat Pokemon heist pushes Winnipeg owner to quit (Global)
