Groupe Boucher says it will relocate and significantly expand its Sports Experts–Atmosphère store at Place Ste-Foy, a project the retailer describes as a key step in its Québec City–area growth plans scheduled for completion in 2026.
The company said construction will begin in the coming weeks, with the store moving within the Place Ste-Foy mall to the former Saks Fifth Avenue space near the Métro entrance. The relocation will increase the store’s total floor space by more than 50 per cent, enabling a broader product assortment and a redesigned in-store layout.
Expansion within Place Ste-Foy
The project involves both relocation and expansion of the existing store rather than the opening of an additional location. Groupe Boucher said the larger footprint will allow it to restore a full range of equipment categories at the Place Ste-Foy site, including hockey, cycling and skiing.
The retailer said the expanded space will also support a complete clothing, footwear and gear offering for children, alongside adult products. According to the company, the changes reflect customer feedback and shifts in the product mix at Place Ste-Foy over the past five years.
Groupe Boucher said the new layout will include branded shop-in-shop concepts from Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Columbia, The North Face, Oakley and Arc’teryx. The company added that the store will continue to carry products and services that have been part of its offering at the location for more than two decades.
Construction timeline and transition period
While construction is underway, the current Sports Experts–Atmosphère store at Place Ste-Foy will continue operating until it closes ahead of the relocation. Groupe Boucher said a closing sale at the existing location will run from Jan. 7 to March 29.
The company said the new Sports Experts–Atmosphère Place Ste-Foy store is scheduled to open on Wednesday, April 1.
Groupe Boucher characterized the project as a long-term investment in its store network and customer experience in the Québec City region. The company said the expansion is intended to modernize the store environment while increasing capacity for products and services.
Broader retail operations
Groupe Boucher owns and operates 28 franchise locations under the Sports Experts, Atmosphère and Entrepôt du Hockey banners. The company is also the majority shareholder of Mathieu Performance, a cycling-focused retailer with locations in Québec City and Lévis.
The retailer said it employs more than 1,000 people across its operations. Its stores are primarily located in Eastern Québec, where the company said it emphasizes local engagement in the communities it serves.
Founded in 1967, the Sports Experts banner now includes more than 100 stores across Quebec, all operated by franchisees based in the province. Groupe Boucher said it has been operating for 38 years and continues to pursue growth through expansion and acquisition projects.
Since 2021, the company said it has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies.
Focus on network investment
The Place Ste-Foy project represents one of Groupe Boucher’s larger single-store investments in recent years, based on the scale of the expansion and relocation. By consolidating operations into a larger, more central mall location, the company said it aims to better align the store with its current product strategy.
The retailer said the increased floor space will allow it to balance equipment categories with apparel and footwear, while also accommodating branded in-store concepts that require dedicated areas.
The company did not disclose the cost of the project or provide financial forecasts related to the expansion. It also did not indicate whether similar relocations or expansions are planned for other locations in its network.
Groupe Boucher said the Place Ste-Foy store will resume full operations in its new location following the April 2026 opening, marking the completion of the transition.
Decathlon is temporarily removing return rights on some of its best-selling running shoes in Canada this month as part of a New Year’s initiative that ties purchases to a commitment to stay active.
The sporting goods retailer said customers who buy certain running shoe models between Jan. 1 and Jan. 31, will be asked to waive their right to return the product, with the company framing the move as a way to encourage follow-through on fitness resolutions.
Decathlon
January-only return waiver
Under the program, purchases of Decathlon’s best-selling running shoes during January will be designated as “unreturnable” once customers agree to the terms at checkout. The offer applies to KIPRUN men’s and women’s versatile, water-repellent running shoes, 500 WR, sold online and in Decathlon stores across Canada.
Decathlon said customers will see a warning on the product page stating that by completing the purchase they are agreeing not to return the shoes as part of a pledge to maintain their New Year’s resolution to keep moving.
The initiative includes a loyalty incentive. Members who make the purchase will receive 1,000 bonus loyalty points and will retain those points provided the shoes are not returned for 30 days.
The company positioned the program as a response to the early drop-off many people experience with New Year’s resolutions.
“Decathlon’s mission goes deeper than convenience as we genuinely care about our customers’ sustained well-being and their ability to commit to themselves. The unreturnable shoe is our playful way of intervening at a pivotal moment, turning a simple purchase into a powerful act of self-commitment, and we’re sweetening the deal with an advantageous point incentive.”
Decathlon cited the prevalence of failed resolutions as part of its explanation for the campaign, noting that the phenomenon has led to the coining of “Quitters Day,” which falls on the second Friday of January. The company also referenced data from Drive Research from 2024 indicating that 92 per cent of adults ultimately do not see their resolutions through.
How the program works
To participate, customers must purchase one of the eligible running shoe models either through decathlon.ca or at a Canadian Decathlon store during the January window. At checkout, they must agree to the condition that the shoes cannot be returned, which the company said represents a symbolic pledge to maintain an active routine.
The 1,000 bonus loyalty points are issued at the time of purchase. Customers keep the points if the shoes are not returned within 30 days, which Decathlon described as the period required to complete the commitment tied to the program.
The company said the initiative is open to anyone interested in beginning the year with a focus on movement, regardless of fitness level.
Decathlon
Broader positioning
Beyond the January campaign, Decathlon said it offers products and support designed to accommodate a range of sports and fitness levels. The company directed customers to its website for additional information about committing to movement throughout the year.
Decathlon operates as a multi-specialist sports brand, designing and manufacturing sporting goods for beginners and elite athletes. The company said it employs more than 100,000 people globally and operates 1,750 stores worldwide. Founded in 1976, Decathlon said its stated ambition is to encourage participation in sport and physical activity.
The unreturnable footwear program is limited to January 2026 purchases and applies only to the specified running shoe models sold in Canada.
Over half of U.S. shoppers are now willing to let artificial intelligence handle the entire shopping process, including the final purchase, according to Adyen’s 2026 retail report, signaling a shift in consumer behaviour that could influence retailers’ strategies and operations.
The report highlights that AI adoption among U.S. shoppers has accelerated sharply over the past year. Usage of AI assistants more than doubled, rising from 12 per cent to 35 per cent, with 66 per cent of users saying it saves time and 62 per cent reporting it helps cut through online noise. The same share of shoppers said they want retailers to use AI for proactive product recommendations.
AI moves to the checkout
The willingness to let AI complete purchases is particularly strong among Millennials, with 59 per cent saying they would allow it. Gen X and Gen Z shoppers follow closely at 55 per cent and 48 per cent, respectively, while over a quarter of Baby Boomers (26 per cent) are also open to the approach.
Trust remains a key factor in adopting AI as an autonomous purchasing agent. When asked what is most important to trust AI with the final purchase, 45 per cent of respondents want to be confident the AI is optimised for the lowest price and best value, another 45 per cent seek clarity on accountability if the wrong item is purchased, and 41 per cent want transparency on how the AI selected one product over others.
“Over half of shoppers are ready for AI that not only suggests products but actually completes the purchase. This shift will fundamentally reshape how commerce operates, influencing retailers’ end-to-end business strategies, from customer acquisition through loyalty and retention. To support this transformation at scale, the underlying infrastructure, including payments, must evolve accordingly.”
Protecting brand relationships
The report also raises concerns about the impact of AI on brand loyalty. While 59 per cent of shoppers say they are more likely to buy from brands offering loyalty discounts or benefits, AI-managed purchases could weaken the direct relationship between consumers and retailers. Over one quarter of retailers surveyed cited loss of the customer relationship as a major barrier to adopting AI-powered purchasing.
Retailers recognize the tension between automation and customer engagement. Brand apps that facilitate checkout and loyalty points remain popular, particularly among Millennials (35 per cent) and Gen Z (33 per cent). Without careful design, AI purchasing could disrupt these mechanisms, affecting repeat purchases, upselling opportunities, and brand equity.
Retailers balance growth with safety
Despite these concerns, 60 per cent of U.S. retailers plan to expand AI investments in the next year to improve customer experience. Eighty-eight per cent are open to enabling AI to shop on behalf of consumers, with 56 per cent viewing it as a top strategic priority and 37 per cent planning to invest in the technology within 12 months.
However, many retailers are prioritizing safety over speed. Among factors guiding adoption, 38 per cent cited seamless system integration, 37 per cent highlighted data security, and 31 per cent of those resisting AI adoption cited fear of incorrect or unpredictable purchases leading to financial loss or mistakes.
Carlo Bruno
“While over half of US retailers are prioritizing this technology, many of those who are holding back fear losing that personal connection with the customer,” said Carlo Bruno, vice-president of product at Adyen.
“The way forward is to make sure AI is a powerful additive channel that offers shoppers a new way to transact, while ensuring the retailer remains in control of the customer relationship and data. The biggest hurdle isn’t the technology, it’s the relationship.”
Adyen, which provides global payment and financial technology solutions, said its research was conducted by Censuswide among 2,000 U.S. consumers and 500 retail merchants in late November and early December 2025.
Zucora announces the appointment of David Cohn as Vice President of National Sales.
With more than 13 years of proven leadership experience and a consistent focus on revenue growth, David has played a pivotal role in Zucora’s continued success and market expansion.
In this expanded role, David will lead the company’s sales strategy, supporting continued growth and strengthening partnerships with key market partners. He will also continue to lead and coach Zucora’s national sales team, ensuring our representatives and agents remain focused on helping home furnishings retailers drive meaningful growth and lasting success.
“David is relentlessly focused on creating value for our retail partners. His genuine care for people, combined with his strategic mindset, has been instrumental in helping build Zucora into Canada’s leading product protection company.” said Brad Geddes, President and CEO.
Commenting on his appointment, David added “As Vice President of Sales, my focus is simple: helping our partners win. By staying true to our philosophy of people helping people and putting people first, we have the opportunity to support more partners, strengthen relationships, and make a positive, lasting impact.”
This appointment reflects Zucora’s ongoing commitment to partner success, sustainable growth, and engaging in leadership that supports its long-term vision.
About Zucora
For more than 45 years, Zucora has partnered with Canada’s leading home furnishing and appliance retailers to deliver innovative protection plans that add value and help Canadians protect the home investments they’ve worked hard for.
ZUCORA nomme David Cohn au poste de vice-président, Ventes
London (Ontario) — 1er janvier 2026
Zucora annonce la nomination de David Cohn au poste de vice-président, Ventes nationales.
Fort de plus de 13 années d’expérience en leadership et reconnu pour son approche axée sur la croissance des revenus, David a joué un rôle déterminant dans le succès continu de Zucora et dans l’expansion de sa présence sur le marché.
Dans le cadre de ces fonctions élargies, David sera responsable de la stratégie nationale des ventes de l’entreprise. Il soutiendra la croissance continue de Zucora tout en renforçant les partenariats avec les acteurs clés du marché. Il continuera également à diriger et à accompagner l’équipe nationale des ventes, afin que les représentants et agents demeurent pleinement engagés à aider les détaillants de meubles et d’électroménagers à générer une croissance durable et des résultats concrets.
« David est animé par une volonté constante de créer de la valeur pour nos partenaires détaillants. Son attention sincère portée aux gens, combinée à sa vision stratégique, a été déterminante dans la croissance de Zucora et dans sa position de chef de file canadien en matière de plans de protection », a déclaré Brad Geddes, président et chef de la direction.
Commentant sa nomination, David Cohn a ajouté : « À titre de vice-président, Ventes, ma priorité est simple : aider nos partenaires à réussir. En restant fidèles à notre philosophie et en plaçant les gens au cœur de nos décisions, nous avons l’occasion de soutenir davantage de partenaires, de renforcer nos relations et d’avoir un impact positif et durable. »
Cette nomination témoigne de l’engagement continu de Zucora envers la réussite de ses partenaires, une croissance durable et un leadership aligné sur sa vision à long terme.
À propos de Zucora
Depuis plus de 45 ans, Zucora collabore avec les principaux détaillants canadiens de meubles et d’électroménagers afin d’offrir des plans de protection novateurs qui créent de la valeur et aident les Canadiens à protéger les investissements qu’ils ont faits pour leur domicile.
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 24 hours.
Lululemon on Robson Street in Downtown Vancouver. Photo: Lee Rivett.
Lululemon Athletica Inc. is entering early 2026 with momentum from a strong holiday selling season, even as the company navigates leadership change and an intensifying governance dispute involving its founder and activist investors.
The Vancouver based athleticwear retailer said Monday that it expects both net revenue and diluted earnings per share for its fourth quarter to land at the high end of previously issued guidance, signalling resilience during one of the most closely watched periods of the retail calendar.
Lululemon chief financial officer Meghan Frank said the updated outlook reflects the company’s performance over the holiday season, which spans some of the busiest shopping periods of the year, including Black Friday, the week leading up to Christmas, and Boxing Day.
The fourth quarter began in early November, and the company had earlier forecast revenue in a range of US$3.5 billion to US$3.56 billion, with diluted earnings per share between US$4.66 and US$4.76. Lululemon said it is now tracking toward the high end of both ranges.
The company did not revise its outlook for gross margin, selling, general and administrative expenses, or its effective tax rate, suggesting that operating assumptions remain intact despite a volatile external environment.
Main floor (women’s) at Lululemon, Yonge & Bloor in Toronto. Photo: Craig Patterson
Strong Results Arrive Amid Leadership Transition
The positive holiday update comes at a pivotal moment for Lululemon, which is preparing for a major leadership transition. On December 11, the company announced that chief executive officer Calvin McDonald will step down at the end of January.
McDonald, who assumed the role in 2018, oversaw a period of significant expansion that included deeper penetration into menswear, major sports league partnerships, and meaningful international growth. At the same time, the brand has faced growing scrutiny around innovation cadence and competitive positioning.
Rivals such as Alo and Vuori have gained traction in the premium athleisure space, while analysts and investors have raised concerns that Lululemon has struggled to deliver sufficient product newness, particularly in colourways, fabrics, and silhouettes that resonate with repeat customers.
Activist Pressure and Founder Criticism Intensify
Lululemon’s strong holiday quarter performance is unfolding against the backdrop of renewed criticism from founder Chip Wilson, who left the board in 2015 but has remained an outspoken critic of management and governance decisions.
Wilson has accused the company’s board of eroding the brand’s premium positioning and destroying shareholder value, and has argued that the search for McDonald’s successor should be led by new, independent directors. In late 2025, he escalated his campaign by indicating his intention to nominate three candidates to Lululemon’s board at the 2026 annual meeting.
Those nominees include Marc Maurer, former co chief executive of Swiss performance footwear brand On Holding, Laura Gentile, former chief marketing officer at ESPN, and Eric Hirshberg, former chief executive of Activision. Wilson has framed the slate as a necessary reset to restore creativity, brand relevance, and long term value creation.
Elliott Management Adds Another Layer of Complexity
Adding to the governance pressure, activist investor Elliott Management has built a stake of more than US$1 billion in Lululemon. Elliott is reportedly advocating for Jane Nielsen, a former Ralph Lauren executive, to be named the company’s next chief executive.
The presence of both Wilson and Elliott has heightened the stakes around the CEO search and board composition, increasing the risk of a prolonged and distracting proxy contest at a time when the company is also addressing slowing growth in North America.
Board Defends Strategy and Governance Record
Lululemon has pushed back against claims that its board lacks independence or experience. The company has noted that more than a third of its directors have joined in the past four years and that the board has overseen nearly US$9 billion in revenue growth and roughly sixfold growth in operating income over the past decade.
In a December 29 press release, the company said, “The Lululemon board of directors will continue to take actions that we believe are in the best interests of all the company’s shareholders.”
The retailer has said it engaged with Wilson to better understand his concerns and sought information about his proposed nominees. At the same time, it has warned that installing his slate and moving to annual board elections could significantly increase his influence and result in a costly proxy fight.
Apple, an American technology company, is celebrating a record-breaking year for its services in 2025. The company has seen remarkable growth marked by innovations and global expansions that have enhanced user experiences. Significant milestones include increased engagement across key platforms like Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Pay during the past year.
As part of their achievements, Apple services engaged over 850 million average weekly users globally. Apple Music reached all-time highs in listenership and subscribers, while Apple TV saw a substantial increase in viewer hours, achieving a 36% growth compared to the previous year. Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services, remarked on the enthusiasm customers showed during the holiday season, with records set in the App Store and Apple Pay.
Key Highlights from 2025
The App Store facilitated extensive developer earnings, surpassing $550 billion since its inception in 2008. The platform saw unprecedented engagement, particularly between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, along with record customer spending on digital goods and services.
In 2025, Apple Pay played a crucial role in securing transactions, eliminating over $1 billion in fraud. It also generated more than $100 billion in additional merchant sales globally, significantly contributing to the peak holiday shopping period. As Apple introduces Digital ID in Wallet, users can expect enhanced security and convenience when making transactions.
Innovations and Expansions
Apple services have seen transformative updates, improving personalization and user engagement. Apple Maps expanded its Detailed City Experience to new locations and incorporated intelligent features that make navigation more intuitive. New tools in Apple Music, like Lyrics Translation and Enhanced Dialogue, have made the platform more engaging and accessible.
Apple Arcade also saw a boost, launching more than 50 new family-friendly titles without ads, solidifying its place as a leading gaming service. In addition, Apple Fitness+ expanded into 28 new markets, making it more accessible to international users. This move included introducing digital dubbing in multiple languages, further enhancing its appeal.
Looking Ahead
Apple’s performance in 2025 has laid the groundwork for continued innovation. The company aims to maintain its growth trajectory while upholding a commitment to user privacy and exceptional customer experiences. As Apple looks ahead, the focus will remain on developing new functionalities across its service platforms to enrich user engagement.
With an unwavering drive to innovate, Apple aims to enhance its services while expanding its global reach, making 2025 a remarkable year in its history.
Kits Eyecare Ltd. says it has appointed Angela (Scardillo) MacInnis as chief marketing officer, adding a senior marketing executive to its leadership team as the company continues to scale its operations.
The Vancouver-based eyecare company said the appointment took effect Jan. 6. MacInnis joins the executive leadership team and assumes responsibility for the company’s marketing strategy and brand development.
Image of Angela MacInnis, CMO (CNW Group/KITS Eyecare Ltd.)
Executive appointment
Kits said MacInnis brings more than 15 years of senior leadership experience at Best Buy Canada, including time as senior vice-president of marketing, along with more than 16 years in agency leadership roles at DDB.
The company said her background includes experience in ecommerce, brand building and scaling customer-focused businesses. In her new role, Kits said MacInnis will help shape long-term strategy while strengthening the company’s market presence.
Roger Hardy
“Angela brings a rare combination of brand leadership, operating rigor, and customer obsession,” said Roger Hardy, co-founder and CEO of Kits Eyecare. “Her experience scaling an iconic consumer brand while maintaining a relentless focus on the customer makes her an excellent fit for KITS as we continue to grow and expand our reach.”
Leadership perspective
MacInnis said the company’s customer-focused approach and growth potential were key factors in her decision to join.
“I was drawn to KITS because the brand is built around the customer and makes eyewear easy,” said MacInnis. “It’s a business designed to scale, and I’m excited to join Roger and the leadership team to help take the brand even further from here.”
Kits said MacInnis will be a key member of the executive team as the company moves into its next phase of growth.
Growth context
The company said the appointment comes during a period of strong momentum as it continues to scale its business. Kits did not provide financial details or specific growth targets in the announcement.
Kits trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol KITS.
Company overview
Kits Eyecare describes itself as a vertically integrated eyecare provider offering prescription glasses and contact lenses through a digital platform. The company said it operates in-house lens manufacturing and uses a digital fitting experience powered by OpticianAI.
Kits said its products are designed in Canada and delivered to customers worldwide. The company did not disclose employee counts, revenues or other operational metrics in the announcement.
Canadians are heading into the new year bracing for mounting financial challenges, with a strong majority (71%) expecting the cost of living to worsen. According to the latest MNP Consumer Debt Index conducted quarterly by Ipsos, this pessimism extends well beyond prices, reflecting a broader sense that economic conditions will deteriorate in 2026.
“There is a widespread sense that household finances will come under increasing pressure, fueling heightened anxiety about economic security in the year ahead,” explains Grant Bazian, president of MNP LTD, the country’s largest insolvency firm. “Canadians expect most aspects of daily life to worsen rather than improve in 2026.”
A majority believe the economy overall will worsen (59%) this year, and as many expect housing affordability to deteriorate (59%). Canadians also anticipate rising pressure from interest rates and inflation (54%), unemployment and the job market (52%), and Canada’s relationship with the United States (51%). Canadians believe everyday financial pressures will intensify, with the majority anticipating higher taxes (53%), and about half expecting transportation (50%) and healthcare costs (48%) to worsen. The majority also have concerns about rising poverty and inequality (62%) as well as worsening government deficit and debt (66%), said MNP.
While Canadians express pessimism about what may come this year, there is some cause for optimism. The MNP Consumer Debt Index edged up one point from last quarter to 87 points, marking the first time since its inception that the Index has improved in December and bucking the typical seasonal trend of deteriorating debt sentiment, it said.
Grant Bazian
Two in five Canadians (41%) say they are within $200 of not being able to pay their bills each month, down seven points from last quarter and the lowest level measured in the post-pandemic period. At the same time, the average amount Canadians have left after monthly expenses has risen by $163 since last quarter, now sitting at $907. While these gains point to modest financial relief, fewer than half of Canadians (47%) report having six months of emergency savings, leaving many households vulnerable to disruption, added the MNP report.
“Despite pessimism about 2026, there are signs of cautious optimism, breaking from the Index’s usual seasonal decline and suggesting that some households are entering the new year with slightly more financial breathing room,” said Bazian. “Whether Canadians respond to financial stress by taking action or avoiding their debt often comes down to how much financial flexibility they feel they have. For some, their breathing room has improved, enabling them to make adjustments and seek solutions. For others, ongoing economic uncertainty continues to drive debt avoidance. Sustained financial pressure is prompting both decisive action and withdrawal among Canadians.”
Financial Fight or Flight: How Canadians Are Responding to Financial Stress
As financial pressures intensify, Canadians are responding in markedly different ways. Nearly three in five (59%) are adopting a “fight” mentality, taking proactive steps such as adjusting their budgets (43%), attempting to consolidate debt (12%), or seeking advice from a financial professional (11%) as they try to regain control amid ongoing strain. At the same time, nearly one-third of Canadians (32%) are taking a “flight” response, including avoiding thinking about their financial responsibilities (12%), steering clear of financial discussions with family or professionals (15%), or relying on credit to cover essential expenses (17%). Meanwhile, fifteen percent (15%) say they feel financially frozen, unsure where to even begin when facing financial stress, explained MNP.
“Even when there are small signs of financial improvement, the concern with many Canadians being in financial flight mode is that it can create a false sense of short-term relief,” said Bazian. “Avoiding bills and conversations about finances or relying more heavily on credit can make financial stress feel manageable in the moment, but those behaviours often allow problems to grow quietly in the background. As Canadians head into an uncertain year, that can make it harder to regain control later on.”
Younger Canadians aged 18–34 are significantly more likely to lean toward a flight response (51%) when under financial stress, as are lower-income earners, with one-third of Canadians earning under $40,000 reporting similar behaviours (34%). This younger age group is also the most likely to feel financially paralyzed (23%) compared to other age groups, and is more likely to avoid discussing financial matters with family or professionals (22%), according to the report.
While the Bank of Canada held its last policy interest rate at 2.25%, rates remain a critical source of stress for Canadians. Nearly two in three (64%, +1 pt) say they urgently need interest rates to come down. Even then, relief may be limited: nearly half (48%, +4 pts) remain concerned about their ability to repay debt, and more than two in five (44%, +2 pts) fear that a future increase in rates could push them toward bankruptcy. For heavily indebted households, these concerns underscore just how thin the margin for financial stability remains as they look ahead to the coming year, said MNP.
“Even where Canadians see some improvement in their own debt situation, confidence about the year ahead remains fragile, particularly among those carrying high levels of debt,” noted Bazian. “For these households, ongoing affordability challenges and borrowing costs leave little room for error as they head into 2026.”
Debt Stress Runs High, Yet Professional Help Remains Underused
“Despite widespread concern about costs, debt, and the year ahead, relatively few Canadians are turning to professional support when facing financial stress. Just over one in 10 Canadians (11%) say they have sought advice from a financial professional as part of their efforts to fight back against financial strain. Fifteen percent (15%) avoid discussing financial matters with family or professionals altogether, while one in 10 (12%) avoid any kind of thinking about their financial responsibilities,” said the report.
“These findings echo a recent joint consumer alert from the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB) and the Canadian Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals (CAIRP), which highlighted how stress and stigma can prevent Canadians from asking for help and delay access to trusted, regulated guidance from Licensed Insolvency Trustees — professionals qualified to help individuals understand all available options and provide judgment-free support.”
“Too many Canadians are trying to navigate financial challenges in isolation. There are government-regulated professionals available to help indebted Canadians understand debt-relief options, make informed decisions, and prevent financial stress from escalating,” said Bazian.
Japanese apparel retailer Uniqlo has officially confirmed its long anticipated entry into the Winnipeg market, announcing the opening of a store at CF Polo Park Mall later this spring. The announcement marks another milestone for the brand’s Canadian expansion strategy and confirms Manitoba as the latest province to join Uniqlo’s steadily growing national footprint.
The CF Polo Park opening represents Uniqlo’s first officially announced Winnipeg location. However, it will not be the only one. Local media reports and previously disclosed permitting activity indicate that Uniqlo is also preparing to open a second Winnipeg store at St. Vital Centre. Retail Insider first reported on the St. Vital Centre location in December 2025, based on city building permits and landlord filings, positioning Uniqlo’s Manitoba entry as a two store rollout rather than a single site test.
Together, the two locations signal a confident market entry and reinforce Uniqlo’s strategy of launching with multiple stores in new metropolitan areas where demand, demographics, and mall infrastructure support scale.
CF Polo Park in Winnipeg. Image: Cadillac Fairview
CF Polo Park Anchors Uniqlo’s Official Winnipeg Debut
In its announcement, Uniqlo confirmed that the CF Polo Park store will open this spring, bringing the brand’s LifeWear concept to Manitoba for the first time. CF Polo Park is Winnipeg’s largest and most productive enclosed shopping centre, long regarded as the city’s dominant regional retail destination. Its tenant mix, traffic volumes, and central location align closely with Uniqlo’s preferred Canadian mall profile.
Uniqlo’s CF Polo Park store will be on the second level of the shopping centre as per the lease plan below. Uniqlo will occupy more than 18,000 square feet in space Y015 on the plan, and possibly in some adjacent vacant spaces.
Screen shot of level 2 of CF Polo Park in Winnipeg, via Cadillac Fairview
The retailer emphasized that the Winnipeg opening reflects growing customer affinity for LifeWear and positions the brand to serve Manitoba consumers more directly. Since launching in Canada in 2016, Uniqlo has consistently targeted high performing regional malls as entry points into new provinces, using flagship caliber locations to establish brand awareness and operational scale.
Yuya Tanahashi, Chief Operating Officer of UNIQLO in Canada, described the opening as a milestone moment for the company’s national growth.
“This is a massive milestone for UNIQLO in Canada. As UNIQLO continues to resonate with Canadian customers, Winnipeg offers exciting potential. We aim to deliver essential clothing that complements their lifestyles as building blocks of their wardrobe. We look forward to introducing our innovative LifeWear products here, and to engaging with new customers.”
The CF Polo Park store will offer Uniqlo’s full LifeWear assortment across men’s, women’s, kids, and baby categories. Shoppers can expect seasonal collaborations, the UT graphic T shirt range, and the same proprietary fabric technologies that have driven strong performance across Canada, including HEATTECH and AIRism. As with other Canadian locations, the Winnipeg store will be fully integrated with uniqlo.com, combining physical retail with omnichannel convenience.
Exterior of St. Vital Centre. Photo: St. Vital Centre
A Second Store at St. Vital Centre Underscores Market Confidence
While the CF Polo Park store represents Uniqlo’s official announcement, it is only one part of the brand’s Winnipeg strategy. Retail Insider previously reported that Uniqlo is preparing to open a store at St. Vital Centre, Winnipeg’s second largest enclosed shopping mall. Building permits issued by the City of Winnipeg confirmed a substantial interior renovation project designed to accommodate a large format Uniqlo store.
The permit documentation outlines the consolidation of multiple mall units into a single retail footprint, along with corridor modifications and mechanical and electrical upgrades. According to landlord filings, the space is being prepared specifically for Uniqlo, signaling a long term commitment rather than a temporary or experimental location.
St. Vital Centre serves Winnipeg’s southeast trade area and draws from both established neighbourhoods and rapidly growing suburban communities. With more than 900,000 square feet of leasable area, ample parking, and a strong regional draw, the mall fits Uniqlo’s Canadian site selection model closely.
The arrival of Uniqlo also fills a notable gap left by Hudson’s Bay, which closed its St. Vital location following its bankruptcy. For the mall, Uniqlo represents a contemporary global anchor capable of driving traffic, refreshing the tenant mix, and supporting the centre’s next phase of repositioning.
Nearly a Decade of Measured Growth in Canada
Uniqlo’s entry into Winnipeg builds on nearly ten years of carefully paced expansion across Canada. The brand entered the market in 2016 with two flagship stores in Toronto, at CF Toronto Eaton Centre and Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Those openings were positioned as long term investments and served as beachheads for a national rollout.
From Toronto, Uniqlo expanded westward and eastward in deliberate stages. Vancouver became an early priority, followed by Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal. Rather than pursuing rapid saturation, the company focused on high traffic malls, regional clustering, and operational consistency.
Uniqlo operates 37 stores across Canada, making it one of the most significant international apparel retailers in the country. Ontario remains the brand’s largest market, but recent expansions have emphasized geographic balance and underserved regions.
The opening of a store in Victoria at Mayfair Shopping Centre in late 2025 marked Uniqlo’s first location on Vancouver Island and underscored its coast to coast ambitions. Similar logic applies to Winnipeg, which represents a critical prairie market long absent from Uniqlo’s Canadian map.
A Strong Pipeline of New Canadian Markets
The Manitoba expansion fits squarely within Uniqlo’s broader North American growth strategy. Fast Retailing has set a target of reaching 200 stores across North America by 2027, with Canada playing a central role in that plan .
Uniqlo is expected to to continue filling geographic gaps across the country following the Winnipeg launch. Markets such as Halifax, Saskatoon, and Regina are increasingly viewed as logical next steps, particularly within leading regional shopping centres capable of supporting Uniqlo’s large format model.
A consistent force behind Uniqlo’s Canadian expansion has been Aurora Retail Group. Jeff Berkowitz, Co-CEO of the firm, has represented Uniqlo in Canada since the brand entered the country in 2016. He has negotiated every Uniqlo lease nationwide, playing a central role in site selection, landlord negotiations, and long term market strategy.
LifeWear and the Canadian Consumer
At the core of Uniqlo’s success in Canada is its LifeWear philosophy, which emphasizes simple, high quality, functional clothing designed to fit everyday life. Unlike traditional fast fashion models driven by rapid trend cycles, Uniqlo focuses on longevity, fabric innovation, and versatility.
The model has resonated with Canadian consumers seeking value, durability, and seasonally appropriate apparel. Products such as HEATTECH have proven particularly effective in cold climate markets, while AIRism and Ultra Light Down support year round layering and comfort.
Uniqlo’s vertically integrated SPA model allows it to control product development, manufacturing, and distribution, supporting consistent quality and pricing across markets. This structure has enabled the brand to scale while maintaining operational discipline.
Employment and Community Engagement in Winnipeg
As part of the Winnipeg launch, Uniqlo confirmed plans to expand its hiring efforts in the city. The company stated that it aims to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace, with multiple roles available across store operations and management.
Uniqlo will also host a series of career fairs in Winnipeg, providing opportunities for prospective employees to learn more about the organization and its culture. Interested applicants are encouraged to explore opportunities through Fast Retailing’s career platform: www.fastretailing.com/employment
