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Factor Meals accelerates nationwide expansion with new “state-of-the-art” Distribution Centre in Calgary

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Factor Meals photo
Factor Meals photo

Factor Meals, Canada’s leading ready to eat meal brand, has opened a new 50,000-square-foot kitchen and distribution centre in Calgary, saying the “state-of-the-art facility” establishes localized production in Western Canada, serving as a milestone in unlocking nationwide delivery for the brand this Fall.

Initially launched in 2022 to serve Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes, the Calgary expansion allows Factor Meals to seamlessly scale its dietitian-approved, chef-crafted meal deliveries from coast to coast, said the company.

“Activating our Calgary kitchen is a critical piece of the puzzle for Factor Meals in Canada,” said Ian Brooks, CEO of HelloFresh Canada, Factor Meals’ parent company. “This facility positions us to achieve national service in the coming months, bringing fresh, nutritious, and convenient meals to millions of new households across the Western provinces.”

The company said the facility represents a major economic investment in the region, creating 400 new jobs across production, logistics, and management. The launch was supported by $3.6 million in provincial and federal funding, including $2.3 million from an Alberta Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit (APITC) and $1.3 million from a Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (SCAP) grant.

Ian Brooks
Ian Brooks

The company said the facility will also integrate deeply with the regional agricultural supply chain, utilizing provincial incentives to advance the Province’s agricultural sector.

“With 400 new roles, this facility allows us to work closely with local suppliers while delivering fresh meals directly to customers’ doorsteps across Western Canada,” said Kevin Marban, General Manager of Factor Meals. “We’re incredibly grateful for the partnership with the city and the Province and look forward to continuing to support the local community.”

Kevin Marban
Kevin Marban

The company said the facility operates as a large-scale commercial kitchen and production site designed to prepare high-quality meals fresh daily.

“Built to support premium flavour development, freshness, and strict food safety, the infrastructure includes advanced industrial ovens, grills, braisers, and blast-chilling capabilities. To seamlessly manage the supply chain from raw ingredients to final fulfillment, the site features extensive commercial-scale warehouse space with dedicated receiving docks for fresh-cut produce and proteins. The operation utilizes multiple temperature-controlled zones and ambient storage to maintain strict cold-chain integrity,” it noted.

Factor Meals said it is also establishing local food rescue initiatives to distribute surplus ingredients and meals to residents experiencing food insecurity. The brand has partnered with Second Harvest nationally, alongside local organizations including the Calgary Food Bank and the Community Kitchen Program of Calgary.

Factor Meals image
Factor Meals image
Tara Sawyer
Tara Sawyer

Tara Sawyer, Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, said: “Factor Meals’ new facility is a prime example of how Alberta is attracting major investment in value-added processing. The Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit and the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership help companies establish and grow in our province while taking advantage of some of the best agricultural inputs in the world. Investments like this support local farmers, strengthen our ag sector and help meet the growing demand for high-quality agri-food products.”

Keith Bradley
Keith Bradley

“Factor Meals’ investment underscores the growing strength of Alberta’s integrated supply chain–from locally produced ingredients to advanced food processing and distribution. By choosing Alberta as a base for their Western Canada operations, HelloFresh and Factor are helping improve access to high-quality, affordable food options for consumers across the region. Invest Alberta is pleased to support companies making meaningful, lasting investments that connect our agricultural strengths with innovative food solutions and deliver tangible benefits to households,” said Invest Alberta, Acting CEO, Keith Bradley.

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WeCook launches nationwide delivery with expansion into six new Canadian markets

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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WeCook photo
WeCook photo

WeCook, Canada’s #1 ready-to-eat meal delivery service, is bringing its chef-crafted meals to Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver. 

The expansion significantly broadens WeCook’s national footprint, building on its established presence in Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes with the addition of six new markets across Western Canada. It marks a major milestone in the company’s mission to make chef-crafted, ready-to-enjoy meals accessible to Canadians from coast to coast, said the company.

“At WeCook, we’ve spent over a decade obsessing over what ready-to-eat food can truly be and we’ve raised the bar for what Canadians should expect from it,” said Michel Gagné, CEO of WeCook. “This expansion will allow us to share that passion, that culinary expertise, and that uncompromising standard with millions more Canadians. We couldn’t be prouder of the moment we’re in.”

Michel Gagné
Michel Gagné

Customers in the metro areas of Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver can now order individual and family-size meals from wecookmeals.ca. The service offers a weekly selection of 15 chef-curated meals, developed under the direction of Executive Chef Gabriel Drapeau and delivered fresh to customers’ doors.

Founded in Montreal in 2013, the company said it has strategically expanded its business through initiatives such as the launch of WeCook for Business, high-impact brand ambassador partnerships, ongoing product innovation, and the introduction of retail offerings. 

“Together, these initiatives have created new ways for Canadians to experience the brand, while WeCook’s entry into six new Western Canadian markets further extends the reach of its direct-to-consumer delivery service,” it said.

WeCook photo
WeCook photo

The company said the expansion follows a period of rapid growth. It has grown by more than 1,000% since 2020, created over 600 jobs, and now delivers more than four million meals annually.

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FIFA World Cup boosts brand opportunities in Toronto and Vancouver through out-of-home Advertising

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Vistar Media image
Vistar Media image

As excitement builds for the FIFA World Cup, Toronto and Vancouver have been welcoming soccer fans from around the world. Beyond the matches themselves, the tournament is transforming both cities into month-long hubs of activity, with fans gathering in downtown cores, bars, restaurants and public viewing events as well as passing through transit stations, highways and airports.  

This influx of people is creating a major opportunity for brands looking to reach large crowds, even without paying the steep costs associated with official FIFA sponsorships. Instead, many are focusing on the places fans will naturally spend time before and after games. As a result, out-of-home advertising is one of the most visible ways brands can tie themselves to the excitement surrounding the tournament – which also has an economic impact on the host city. 

The reach potential for brands is high. Vancouver is anticipating approximately 350,000 spectators, while the city’s FIFA Fan Festival is expected to welcome up to 25,000 visitors at a time over 28 days of programming. Toronto is expecting 270,000 spectators across its six matches with the city’s FIFA Fan Festival projected to attract up to 20,000 visitors per day over 22-days. 

Scott Mitchell, Managing Director, Canada at Vistar Media, talks to Retail Insider about how brands are capitalizing on the World Cup moment without official sponsorship status.

Scott Mitchell
Scott Mitchell

Question: The FIFA World Cup is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to Toronto and Vancouver. What opportunities does that create for brands?

Answer: The World Cup creates a unique environment where audiences are highly engaged, emotionally invested, and exploring cities in ways they normally wouldn’t. Fans aren’t just attending matches, they’re spending time at fan festivals, restaurants, bars, transit hubs, airports, and entertainment districts. For brands, that opens up countless opportunities to connect with consumers throughout their day.

What’s particularly interesting is that these visitors arrive with a shared sense of excitement and anticipation. Brands that understand where fans are moving throughout the city can reach them in moments of high engagement, whether they’re heading to a match, gathering at a fan festival, or exploring local neighbourhoods.

Q: Not every company can afford to be an official FIFA sponsor. How are brands capitalizing on the World Cup without having official sponsorship status?

A: One of the advantages of out-of-home advertising is that it allows brands to participate in cultural moments without needing official sponsorship rights. Rather than focusing on the event itself, marketers can focus on the audience and the environments surrounding it.

We’re seeing brands activate around fan zones, entertainment districts, transportation corridors, and hospitality venues where supporters naturally spend their time. By understanding where attention will be concentrated, brands can establish a meaningful presence and then get clever with their creative to align with the sport holistically rather than the tournament – all without official sponsorship rights.

Vistar Media image
Vistar Media image

Q: How are brands using out-of-home advertising around stadiums and fan zones during major sporting events like the World Cup?

A: Location has always been important in out-of-home advertising, but programmatic technology has made it far more strategic. Campaigns can be optimized based on audience movement, venue proximity and changing traffic patterns throughout the event. Today, brands can identify high-traffic fan environments to activate campaigns that align with fan activity throughout the city.

The most effective campaigns think beyond game time. Fans are planning where they’ll meet before matches, where they’ll celebrate afterward, and how they’ll navigate the city in between. Brands that understand those patterns can deliver messaging that feels timely and useful throughout the tournament.

Q: How is technology changing the way brands engage with fans during live sporting events?

A: Technology is transforming out-of-home from a static medium into a highly responsive channel. Advertisers can now update creative in real time based on factors like game outcomes, weather conditions, audience behaviour, or time of day.

That flexibility is especially valuable during major sporting events because fan sentiment can shift instantly. A dramatic win, an upset, or a standout performance can quickly dominate conversation, and brands now have the ability to adapt their messaging accordingly.

The result is advertising that feels more immediate and connected to what’s happening in real time. Instead of delivering the same message throughout a campaign, brands can respond dynamically as attention and conversation evolve.

Q: What are some of the most creative ways you’ve seen brands align themselves with sports fandom?

A: The strongest campaigns tap into the emotions and rituals that surround sports rather than focusing solely on the competition itself. Fans travel together, celebrate together, and create traditions around major tournaments.

Successful brands find ways to participate in those cultural behaviours. A good example is Vistar Media’s own Olympic medal-triggered campaign, which dynamically activated out-of-home ads in response to medal wins; this showed how brands could connect with fans during moments of peak excitement and national pride.

The common thread for successful campaigns on this front is credibility. Sports fans are incredibly passionate and can quickly recognize when a brand is simply chasing attention. The campaigns that resonate most are the ones that contribute something meaningful to the conversation.

A: Do events like the FIFA World Cup change the way brands think about media strategy?

A: Absolutely. Large-scale global events demonstrate the value of reaching audiences in physical environments during periods of heightened engagement. As consumers become increasingly fragmented across digital channels, major live events create rare opportunities to capture concentrated attention.

For marketers, that shifts the conversation from simply reaching people to reaching them in the right context. The environment, the occasion, and the mindset of the audience become just as important as the message itself.

We’re seeing more brands adopt that mindset and explore how data, location intelligence, and creative flexibility can work together to build campaigns that deliver scale without sacrificing relevance. 

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Adyen selected to provide payments technology for Aritzia

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Aritzia at CF Toronto Eaton Centre in Toronto. Photo: Aritzia

Adyen, the global financial technology platform of choice for leading businesses, announced it has been selected to support payments for Aritzia. 

Founded in Canada, the fashion retailer operates boutiques and digital commerce platforms with 140 locations across North America. Through this partnership, Adyen said it will process transactions in the retailer’s physical locations, North American websites, and within its recently launched mobile app, supporting consistent payment experiences across channels. 

“Payments are a foundational part of our retail and digital operations,” said Elisse Shank, Senior Director, Omni at Aritzia. “Adyen provides the platform to consistently support our in-store and app transactions across channels.”

Sander Meijers
Sander Meijers

“We are pleased to partner with Aritzia, a Canadian brand with a strong retail and digital presence,” said Sander Meijers, Canada Country Manager at Adyen.

“Across in-store and app experiences, Adyen’s technology supports payments that are designed to be seamless and reliable, complementing Aritzia’s focus on delivering a consistent, elevated brand experience.” 

More from Retail Insider:

Adyen photo
Adyen photo

Daily Synopsis: Jun 18, 2026

By
Retail Insider
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Daily Synopsis2

Welcome to the Daily Synopsis by Retail Insider. We hope you enjoy the 11 articles we published covering key developments in Canadian retail.

Zellers opened a new standalone store in Toronto attracting significant crowds and combining nostalgic brand elements with experiential features. Empire Company reported sales of $31.95 billion in fiscal 2026 and announced plans to open about 15 new FreshCo locations across Canada. A new study indicates Canadians increasingly seek connection and community through retail, boosting demand for experiential and authentic shopping environments.

India’s Soch expanded to Surrey targeting South Asian populations, while Le Creuset will open its 13th Canadian store at Park Royal focusing on experiential retail formats. Retail Insider also published coverage on No Frills opening its 200th Ontario store with a hybrid format and Love Ur Curls planning retail expansion after nearly a decade of direct-to-consumer growth.

🗞️ The Day’s Retail Insider Article List

🌐 Canadian Retail News From Around the Web will be back Monday. Have an excellent weekend.

Manufacturing IT Services Providers Helping Accelerate Automation

By
Retail Insider
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Walk through any mid-size factory in Germany or Ohio right now, and you’ll notice something odd. The machines are newer. The dashboards are shinier. But the data still lives in three systems that don’t talk to each other. That’s the real problem in manufacturing IT in 2026 — not a shortage of tools, but a messy middle layer between what exists and what needs to work together. Below are seven companies helping manufacturers close that gap.

7 IT Services Providers Working in Manufacturing Automation

1. DXC Technology

DXC isn’t a household name outside IT, but in heavy industry they show up constantly. Their focus is the OT/IT convergence layer: that painful zone where a 2003 PLC needs to somehow feed data into a cloud analytics platform without getting hacked or breaking down.

Core manufacturing services:

  • IIoT and smart factory — connecting shop floor equipment to dashboards via edge nodes and sensors
  • SAP S/4HANA migrations — with actual manufacturing configs: MRP, production planning, quality management
  • OT cybersecurity — industrial control system protection; Norsk Hydro’s 2019 ransomware attack cost around $70M and is still the cautionary tale
  • Cloud infrastructure — AWS, Azure, and hybrid setups designed around the reality that not everything can leave the building

More details at https://dxc.com/industries/manufacturing.

2. Worley (Australia/Global)

Worley built their name in oil and gas engineering. Their Advisian Digital practice now covers industrial automation for process manufacturing (chemical plants, LNG terminals, pharma) where AspenTech or AVEVA environments need connecting to live operational data. Pure-IT firms rarely understand front-end engineering design. Worley does.

3. Hexagon AB (Sweden)

Hexagon is known for measurement hardware but their professional services arm is substantial. The HxGN EAM platform handles asset performance management; the Nexus ecosystem connects production data across systems. Their quality automation work is the standout: inspection data captured by hardware and fed directly into MES, no manual logging. They’ve worked on Airbus production lines in Hamburg and Toulouse.

4. Persistent Systems (India/Global)

Persistent doesn’t have big brand recognition but their manufacturing practice has real domain depth. They work closely with PTC (ThingWorx for IIoT, Windchill for PLM) and with Rockwell Automation on connected factory deployments across North America. Standout capability: computer vision quality inspection on assembly lines, with defects logged and traced in MES automatically.

5. msg group (Germany)

Family-owned German IT firm, ~10,000 employees, built around the automotive supply chain. Their msg.IoT platform integrates SAP PP with Siemens SIMATIC shop floor systems. They also handle digital thread consulting — product data traced from CATIA design through production and into after-sales. Active with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers in Stuttgart and Munich.

6. Hitachi Vantara (Japan/Global)

Hitachi Vantara’s differentiator: Hitachi is also a manufacturer. Factories in Omika and Kasado have run the Lumada platform in production for years — so the failure modes they help clients avoid are ones they’ve personally hit. Lumada Manufacturing Insights is built for shop floor analytics, not adapted from a generic BI tool. Strong practical choice for Asia-Pacific production footprints.

7. Atos / Eviden (France/Europe)

Atos restructured heavily in 2024–2025; digital services now run under the Eviden brand. Corporate story is messy, but the technical teams in France, Germany, and the Netherlands are still in place. Strong areas: industrial cybersecurity (IEC 62443, NIS2 compliance), HPC for simulation — Eviden runs supercomputer infrastructure used by automotive clients for crash simulation and generative design and PLM cloud migration for Siemens Teamcenter or PTC Windchill.

Who to Call for What

  • OT/IT convergence, legacy systems → DXC, Hitachi Vantara, Atos/Eviden
  • Process manufacturing (chemicals, LNG, pharma) → Worley, Hexagon
  • German/Central European automotive supply chain → msg group, Atos
  • Custom IIoT application development → Persistent Systems
  • Asia-Pacific operations → Hitachi Vantara
  • Quality inspection automation → Hexagon AB

Most serious automation programs involve more than one vendor. DXC for ERP, Hexagon for quality, Persistent for custom apps — a realistic combination. The harder question is who owns the integration between them.

FAQ

What does manufacturing IT services cover? ERP and MES systems, IIoT platforms, OT cybersecurity, automation consulting — anything that directly affects how a factory plans, runs, and tracks production.

How long do these projects take? A focused IIoT pilot — 50 machines connected to a monitoring system — can go live in three to four months. A full SAP S/4HANA migration across multiple sites is an 18–36 month commitment.

Does automation make sense for mid-size manufacturers? More than it did five years ago. Cloud-based MES and IIoT platform costs have dropped enough that plants with 200–500 employees can make the numbers work.

What goes wrong most often? Treating it as a pure IT rollout. The projects that fail most visibly are the ones where operators find out about new systems at go-live rather than during design.

10 Best Inventory Liquidation Companies in the USA (Trusted Buyers)

By
Retail Insider
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Inventory ages. And the longer it sits, the more it costs you. Storage fees accumulate, capital stays tied up, and space that could be moving product is instead holding product that isn’t selling.

Multi-channel retail has made this harder to manage. Demand shifts fast, return rates stay stubbornly high, and even a single forecast miss can leave you holding pallets of overstock, discontinued SKUs, or packaging that’s already been replaced. These aren’t edge cases. For most brands, they’re a regular part of doing business.

The question isn’t whether you’ll have excess inventory. It’s what you do with it.

That’s where experienced inventory liquidation buyers earn their keep. Rather than grinding through markdowns or handing product off to speculative marketplace listings, brands that work with the right buyers get predictable recovery, faster warehouse clearance, and a process that doesn’t create new problems around channel conflict or brand exposure.

This guide covers the top 10 inventory liquidation companies of 2026, vetted for process, execution, and the ability to actually move volume. If you’re a retailer, e-commerce seller, or brand looking for the right partner, this is a solid place to start.

The Top 10 Inventory Liquidation Companies

These companies were selected based on factors including industry reputation, buyer network size, inventory categories accepted, geographic reach, transaction transparency, and overall liquidation capabilities.

1. Overstock Trader

Overstock Trader is a leading inventory liquidation company that helps brands and retailers efficiently and discreetly manage surplus inventory. With a vast buyer network and extensive industry expertise, they provide transparent and reliable solutions for businesses looking to recover top value on excess inventory. Their reputation for driving measurable recovery has positioned them as a strong option for companies seeking to maximize value on excess inventory while maintaining discretion.

2. Total Surplus Solutions

Total Surplus Solutions offers a streamlined and effective approach for larger companies looking to liquidate various types of excess inventory. This includes surplus stock, customer returns, and salvage items. As an all-in-one direct buyer, they purchase inventory outright and handle the entire downstream process, giving companies a single point of contact and immediate clarity. With a flexible, easy-to-navigate approach, they work directly with businesses to move surplus goods quickly and efficiently while maintaining discretion and operational simplicity.

3. Merchandise USA

Merchandise USA is a reliable company in the closeout business. They help businesses liquidate both large and small inventory lots. They are known for their integrity and excellent customer service, offering transparent pricing and accurate information about the condition of the inventory throughout the process. Their ability to work with businesses of all sizes, combined with a reputation for reliable and efficient liquidation services, makes them a strong option for companies looking to manage excess stock effectively.

4. Pink Liquidation

Founded in 2020, Pink Liquidation focuses on selling off fashion and lifestyle products for retailers and eCommerce businesses throughout the UK. They provide customized solutions to help businesses sell seasonal and branded inventory quickly and easily. With a strong 82% sell-through rate for end-of-line stock, Pink Liquidation aims to maximize recovery value for clients. They are known for their quick response times, often answering inquiries within an hour, and can collect surplus stock from locations across the UK within 24 hours.

5. BULQ

BULQ is a well-established liquidation marketplace owned and operated by Optoro, offering customer returns, overstock, and shelf pulls across categories such as apparel, electronics, and home goods. One of its standout features is a 98% manifest accuracy guarantee, ensuring buyers receive detailed product descriptions and condition grades that match actual lot contents, or BULQ refunds the difference. With fulfillment centers strategically located across the country and flat-rate shipping nationwide, BULQ is a transparent and reliable solution for businesses looking to recover value from surplus inventory.

6. ViaTrading

ViaTrading is a versatile liquidation company that offers a wide range of products, including electronics, clothing, and home goods. They cater to businesses across various industries. With a solid reputation and extensive customer base, ViaTrading utilizes its vast network of pallet buyers to bulk liquidate surplus inventory. Their expertise and reliable services make them a solid choice for both small retailers and large enterprises looking for straightforward inventory liquidation solutions.

7. AAA Closeout Liquidators

AAA Closeout Liquidators helps retailers efficiently liquidate unsold merchandise, particularly large quantities of excess, discontinued, or outdated merchandise. They are known for their capability to manage substantial inventories and utilize a wide network of buyer connections to facilitate quick liquidations. Their expertise in handling large-scale inventory, combined with strong relationships, makes them a good option for businesses seeking effective liquidation solutions.

8. We Buy Overstock

We Buy Overstock specializes in overstock liquidation, purchasing surplus, closeout, and discontinued products directly from retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and online sellers. They buy a wide range of merchandise, including electronics, apparel, home goods, health and beauty products, tools, and general merchandise, and are known for their straightforward process, fair pricing, dependable logistics, and fast, confidential service trusted by businesses of all sizes and industries nationwide.

9. 888Lots

888Lots is an effective platform for liquidating excess inventory, providing clear pricing and transparent transactions. Their online catalog system allows companies to easily browse and select liquidation lots, with accessible information on product conditions ensuring complete transparency. Flexible buying options cater to diverse needs, making 888Lots a convenient and customizable option for companies looking to get rid of unsold inventory.

10. BlueLots

BlueLots is a popular option for small to medium-sized businesses that want to sell inventory effectively. It is known for its strong support for sellers, wide marketplace reach, and clear information about product conditions and pricing. BlueLots offers a simple process that connects sellers with various buyers. Their focus on customized solutions and building trust makes them a dependable platform for handling surplus stock.

Conclusion

Excess inventory can tie up capital, consume valuable warehouse space, and reduce profitability if left unmanaged. Partnering with a reputable inventory liquidation company allows businesses to recover value quickly while maintaining operational efficiency. Whether you are managing customer returns, overstock liquidation projects, discontinued products, or seasonal inventory, the companies featured in this guide offer a range of solutions to help move excess stock effectively. By evaluating your inventory type, recovery goals, and preferred liquidation model, you can select the partner that best aligns with your business needs.

Inside Zellers’ New Toronto Store as Crowds Turn Out for Opening Day

By
Craig Patterson
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Zellers store at 80 Orfus Road in Toronto, June 18, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson

A giant inflatable Zeddy Bear towered above Zellers‘ new Toronto store Thursday morning as customers gathered in the rain for the opening of the retailer’s latest standalone location.

The weather did little to dampen enthusiasm. Shoppers, media representatives and social media influencers assembled outside the store at 80 Orfus Road ahead of a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Zellers Chief Operating Officer Joey Benitah and his father, Isaac Benitah, and other family. As the ribbon was cut, the crowd applauded and cheered before customers quickly streamed inside. Throughout the morning, he and members of his family greeted customers, spoke with media and helped host the opening-day celebrations.

The turnout was notable given the conditions. Despite steady rain, customers arrived early for the opening, while major media outlets including CBC and Global News were also on hand to cover the event.

Retail Insider walked through the store, noting key merchandise categories, value pricing and experiential features such as the Zellers Diner on Wheels and the return of the kiddie ride.

Zellers store/food truck at 80 Orfus Road in Toronto, June 18, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson

A New Home for the Standalone Zellers Concept

The Toronto location occupies a building owned by the Benitah family that previously housed Designer Depot, a discount retail concept that operated at the site for years. Today, little evidence of the former retailer remains.

The building has been extensively transformed, featuring a bright red exterior, prominent Zellers branding and a fully redesigned interior. The result feels like a dedicated retail destination rather than a temporary concept.

Unlike many major retail openings in Toronto, the store is located in a commercial district near Yorkdale Shopping Centre rather than within a traditional enclosed mall. Most visitors are likely to arrive by automobile, making the location more of a destination shopping experience than a typical mall-based department store.

Bright Interior, Modern Presentation

Inside, the store is bright, spacious and well organized. High ceilings, wide aisles and modern fixtures contribute to an open shopping environment that feels larger than the store’s approximately 25,000-square-foot footprint might suggest.

Dedicated departments for men’s, women’s and children’s apparel occupy much of the perimeter, while home furnishings, toys, collectibles confectionary, and seasonal merchandise are positioned prominently throughout the centre of the store.

The presentation is clean and contemporary. Bold department signage, coordinated fixtures and consistent branding create a shopping environment that feels distinctly different from the Hudson’s Bay shop-in-shop Zellers locations that launched in 2023.

The checkout area near the front of the store was fully staffed for opening day, reflecting the importance of the Toronto launch.

Kiddie ride in the Zellers store at 80 Orfus Road in Toronto, June 18, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson

Customers Explore the Merchandise

Once the doors opened, customers quickly dispersed throughout the store. The home furnishings department appeared particularly busy during Retail Insider’s visit, while toy and collectibles sections also attracted considerable attention.

Licensed merchandise tied to Disney and other entertainment properties was prominently displayed, alongside apparel, home goods and private-label merchandise developed by the Benitah family.

Families with children were among those attending the opening, though the crowd reflected a broad mix of ages and backgrounds. One shopper in his mid-70s told Retail Insider he wanted to see whether the new store captured the spirit of the Zellers locations he remembered from decades ago.

Front cash desk in the Zellers store at 80 Orfus Road in Toronto, June 18, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson

While nostalgia clearly played a role in attracting visitors, shoppers appeared equally interested in the merchandise itself. Customers could be seen carrying baskets through the store and leaving with purchases in Zellers-branded shopping bags. Several shoppers commented positively on the product assortment and pricing.

Retail Insider observed aggressive pricing across multiple categories. Disney graphic T-shirts, for example, were priced at $10, while apparel throughout the store featured value-oriented pricing intended to appeal to budget-conscious consumers.

The assortment combines national brands, international labels and private-label merchandise, creating a mix that balances recognizable names with exclusive offerings.

Familiar Elements Return

Several familiar features from the Zellers brand were integrated into the opening-day experience. Near the entrance, a red kiddie ride quickly attracted attention from families. Children climbed aboard while parents stopped to take photos, creating some of the morning’s most memorable scenes.

Zeddy was equally popular. The mascot spent much of the morning greeting customers, posing for photographs and interacting with shoppers throughout the store. Visitors of all ages stopped for photos and videos, while others shared the experience on social media.

Adding to the atmosphere was a soundtrack featuring popular music from the 1980s, reinforcing the nostalgic tone that surrounded the opening.

Diner on Wheels Draws Steady Lineups

Outside, the Zellers Diner on Wheels proved to be one of the day’s most popular attractions.

The branded food truck serves menu items inspired by the retailer’s former in-store restaurants, including the Big Z Burger, Hot Gravy Chicken Sandwich and other diner favourites.

Approximately 20 people were waiting in line during Retail Insider’s visit, with customers eager to sample menu items that have been frequently requested since the Zellers brand returned.

The lineup underscored the continued emotional connection many Canadians have with the retailer while adding another experiential element to the opening-day festivities.

Zellers store at 80 Orfus Road in Toronto, June 18, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson

Strong Interest Despite the Weather

The strongest impression from opening day was the level of customer interest despite the rain.

People arrived early, lined up outside, explored merchandise throughout the store and waited for food at the Diner on Wheels. Customers took photos with Zeddy, children tested the kiddie ride and shoppers filled baskets with merchandise.

Many visitors undoubtedly arrived because of their connection to the Zellers name. What stood out, however, was the degree to which customers appeared engaged with the retail offering itself.

Zellers store at 80 Orfus Road in Toronto, June 18, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson

For a retailer working to establish a national standalone chain, that may be among the most encouraging signs from the Toronto opening.

The new store combines familiar elements from the brand’s past with a modern retail environment focused on value, merchandise and customer experience. Based on opening-day response, shoppers appear willing to give the concept a serious look.

As Zellers continues its expansion across Canada, the Toronto location offers the clearest indication yet of how the next phase of the retailer’s revival is taking shape.

More from Retail Insider:

Zellers store at 80 Orfus Road in Toronto, June 18, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson
Zellers store at 80 Orfus Road in Toronto, June 18, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson
Zellers store at 80 Orfus Road in Toronto, June 18, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson
Zellers store at 80 Orfus Road in Toronto, June 18, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson
Zellers store at 80 Orfus Road in Toronto, June 18, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson

Empire Company sees sales reach $31.95 billion in Fiscal 2026, more growth planned for FreshCo brand

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Exterior of FreshCo grocery store. Photo: Supermarket News
Exterior of FreshCo grocery store. Photo: Supermarket News

Empire Company Limited announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended May 2, 2026. For the quarter, the company said it recorded net earnings and adjusted net earnings of $212 million ($0.94 per share) compared to $173 million ($0.74 per share) last year, an increase of 22.5% (or 27.0% on a per share basis).

Empire reported that sales reached $31.95 billion in its fiscal year and $7.8 billion in Q4.

Since fiscal 2018, the company said it has been expanding its FreshCo discount banner to Western Canada and its significant growth has been driven by store conversions and regional expansion.

“The value proposition and strong multicultural assortment, along with the addition of the Scene+ loyalty program, has supported the growth and expansion of the Discount banner across Ontario and Western Canada. In fiscal 2027, the company will open its first FreshCo stores in Atlantic Canada,” it said.

Empire Company Limited is a Canadian company headquartered in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. Empire’s key businesses are food retailing, through wholly-owned subsidiary Sobeys Inc., and related real estate. With approximately $32 billion in annual sales and $17 billion in assets, Empire and its subsidiaries, franchisees and affiliates employ approximately 130,000 people.

As at June 17, 2026, FreshCo has a total of 161 FreshCo stores, 53 stores operating in Western Canada and 108 stores operating in Ontario. The company expects to have opened 65 FreshCo stores in Western Canada over the next couple of years. In fiscal 2027, the Company expects to open approximately 15 new FreshCo stores across Western Canada, Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

“We delivered a solid finish to fiscal 2026, with adjusted EPS growth of 27 per cent, reflecting disciplined execution and continued progress against our strategic priorities,” said Pierre St-Laurent, President & CEO, Empire. “As we enter fiscal 2027, our focus remains on driving growth within our existing network, advancing key growth engines, and continuing to elevate our value proposition for customers in what remains a challenging economic environment.”

Pierre St-Laurent
Pierre St-Laurent

Empire said its ambition is to be the best retailer in Canada, providing quality and value with differentiated offerings and seamless experiences, with a strong focus on serving local cultures in every community.

“Empire recently launched its new three-year corporate strategy which is anchored to four core priority focus areas: Customers, Stores, Growth, and Cost Efficiency. Empire’s belief is that long-term success is driven not solely by scale or market presence, but by the quality of the relationships the teammates in stores build with customers and the experiences they consistently deliver,” it explained.

“Technology is a critical enabler of Empire’s strategy. Advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and modern digital platforms are being applied thoughtfully across the business to enhance the customer experience, support better decision making and improve how Empire’s teams work every day.”

Food sales for the quarter increased by 2.1%, primarily driven by positive growth across the business, particularly in the Full-Service and Discount banners and the Company’s national wholesale distribution network, said Empire, adding that fuel sales for the quarter increased by 4.9%, primarily driven by higher fuel prices.

Food sales for the fiscal year increased by 2.8% primarily driven by positive growth across the business, particularly in the Full-Service banners, the Company’s national wholesale distribution network, and in the Discount banner. Fuel sales for the fiscal year decreased by 6.9% driven by lower fuel prices due to the removal of the government carbon tax.

Empire said gross profit for the quarter increased by 2.0% primarily driven by higher food sales, strong performance and operational discipline in Full-Service and Discount banners. Gross margin for the quarter remained consistent with the prior year at 27.6%. Excluding the mix impact of fuel sales, gross margin for the quarter increased by 1 basis point.

It said gross profit for the fiscal year increased by 3.4% primarily driven by higher food sales and strong performance and operational discipline in Full-Service and Discount banners. Gross margin for the fiscal year increased to 27.1% from 26.8% in the prior year, primarily driven by strong performance in Full-Service and Discount banners as a result of disciplined execution and several targeted efficiencies in our stores, including initiatives aimed at inventory control and reducing shrink, and better promotional mix control and the mix impact of lower fuel sales, partially offset by the mix impact of higher wholesale distribution sales, it explained.

Photo: FreshCo

The company said it invested $260 million and $842 million in capital expenditures for the quarter and fiscal year (May 3, 2025 – $233 million and $721 million), respectively including renovations and construction of new stores, investments in advanced analytics technology and other technology systems.

“In fiscal 2027, capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $850 million, with approximately 50% of this investment allocated to store renovations and new store expansion (including approximately 1.5% growth in store footprint expansion driven by new stores), approximately 25% on IT projects and business development projects and the remainder allocated largely to logistics and sustainability. The company is planning to renovate approximately 20% to 25% of the network between fiscal 2027 and fiscal 2029,” said Empire.

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No Frills opens Brockville location, marking 200th store in Ontario

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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No Frills photo
No Frills photo

No Frills, one of Canada’s leading hard-discount grocery retailers, has opened new location in Brockville, marking a major milestone for the banner as its 200th store in Ontario.

Located at 2 Windsor Drive, Sheldon’s No Frills brings Brockville customers the great value, quality groceries and everyday low prices No Frills is known for, in a fresh new store format designed to make discount grocery shopping feel brighter, warmer and more welcoming, said the company in a news release.

The brand is part of the Loblaw group of companies.

The Brockville store is part of No Frills continued evolution of the discount grocery experience, one that keeps affordability at the centre while creating a shopping environment customers can feel proud of. Featuring an innovative hybrid timber and steel design, the new format offers a modern take on the traditional warehouse-style store, while maintaining the efficient, value-driven model that helps keep prices low, said the brand.

No Frills photo
No Frills photo

“Opening this No Frills in Brockville is an incredible milestone, both personally and for the No Frills brand,” said Sheldon Veenstra, Store Owner. “This area has always felt close to home for me, so it’s a real privilege to bring something new to Brockville, create local jobs, and build lasting relationships in the community for years to come.”

Sheldon’s No Frills offers a wide selection of groceries tailored to the Brockville community, including multicultural foods, fresh ready-to-eat meals, hot rotisserie chickens, and freshly baked bread and pastries. Customers can also take advantage of the PC Optimum program to earn points on eligible purchases and help stretch their grocery budgets further, it said.

“As Ontario’s 200th No Frills store, Brockville represents an exciting moment in the growth of our banner and the future of discount grocery,” said Jennifer Teixeira, SVP, No Frills Operations. “We know value matters more than ever, and customers shouldn’t have to choose between affordability, quality and a great shopping experience. This new format allows us to deliver the low prices No Frills® is known for in a space that feels fresh, warm and welcoming.”

No Frills photo
No Frills photo
Jennifer Teixeira
Jennifer Teixeira

Beyond groceries, the company said the opening represents an investment in the Brockville community, creating 120 new local jobs and supporting important community programs.

To celebrate the grand opening, Sheldon’s No Frills will donate $1,500 to The Brockville and Area Food Bank and $1,500 to The Salvation Army to support essential programs and services for local residents.

Sheldon’s No Frills will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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No Frills photo
No Frills photo
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