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Reitmans commits to providing one million meals through five-year food bank partnership

Food Banks Canada photo
Food Banks Canada photo

Reitmans (Canada) Limited has announced a five-year partnership with Food Banks Canada to provide one million meals to people facing food insecurity, as the Montreal-based apparel retailer marks its 100th anniversary.

The initiative will support Food Banks Canada, a national charitable organization that works to relieve hunger and prevent food insecurity through a network of more than 5,500 food banks and community organizations across the country.

The partnership forms part of Reitmans’ broader community engagement efforts as the company marks a century in business. The retailer said it has sought to make a positive impact beyond its stores since its founding in 1926.

Partnership marks 100 years in business

Lisa Reitman, vice-president of business development and environmental, social and governance (ESG) at Reitmans (Canada) Limited, said the initiative reflects the company’s history and its ties to communities across the country.

“RCL started as one community store in 1926 in Montreal, and we have grown to be a part of communities across Canada for a century,” said Reitman. “Helping to provide one million meals to people in need, from coast to coast, is a meaningful way to give back to the communities that have welcomed us for generations.”

The five-year commitment is intended to help address food insecurity, which the company identified as a significant challenge facing people in Canada. Reitmans said its community involvement is based on the belief that investing in local communities helps strengthen the social fabric.

Food Banks Canada will be the organization’s partner in delivering the initiative. The charity supports food banks and community organizations nationwide, with a mandate to address immediate hunger needs while working to prevent hunger in the longer term.

Food Banks Canada photo
Food Banks Canada photo

Food banks face continued demand

Kirstin Beardsley, chief executive officer of Food Banks Canada, said partnerships with businesses are important as food banks respond to demand for assistance.

“At a time when food banks across the country are facing historic demand, partnerships like this are more important than ever. With nearly 2.2 million visits to food banks each month, the need for support continues to grow in communities from coast to coast,” said Beardsley.

“We are incredibly grateful to RCL for stepping up to help meet this moment. Their generosity will help food banks provide essential support today while bringing us closer to our mission of relieving hunger today and preventing hunger tomorrow. Together, we can ensure more people in Canada have access to the food and support they need to thrive.”

The company announced the partnership on Oct. 14, coinciding with its 100th anniversary celebrations. 

Claudia Galella, Vice President, Partnerships, Food Banks Canada (left), and Lisa Reitman, Vice President, Business Development & ESG, RCL (right)
Claudia Galella, Vice President, Partnerships, Food Banks Canada (left), and Lisa Reitman, Vice President, Business Development & ESG, RCL (right)

Retail operations across Canada

Reitmans (Canada) Limited operates 385 stores across the country under three retail banners: Reitmans, PENN. and RW&CO. The company’s store network includes 216 Reitmans locations, 85 PENN. stores and 84 RW&CO. locations.

Founded in Montreal in 1926, the company operates in the women’s and men’s specialty apparel retail sector. Its anniversary initiative adds a national food security partnership to its community engagement activities.

More from Retail Insider:

Reitmans unveils “bold new era” for Canadian fashion

Reitmans (Canada) Limited reports Q2 financial results, net revenues decrease 1.9% y/y

How Shipping Disruptions Threaten Canadian Retailers’ Profits and Customer Loyalty

Presented in partnership with UPS Capital.

A Retail Insider webinar with Insureshield by UPS Capital examines the financial and customer-service consequences of lost, damaged and stolen shipments, and how retailers can better manage delivery risks.

Lost, damaged and stolen shipments can create significant financial and operational challenges for Canadian retailers, particularly during peak shopping periods when order volumes increase. Beyond replacing merchandise or issuing refunds, businesses may face additional transportation expenses, customer-service demands and the possibility of losing future sales from dissatisfied customers.

These issues were examined during an October 7 Retail Insider webinar presented in partnership with Insureshield by UPS Capital. The discussion featured Vishav Ranjan, a business development manager with UPS Capital Canada Insurance Brokers, and explored how retailers can manage shipping risks, protect their financial interests and respond when deliveries do not go as planned.

Shipping Problems Can Affect Customer Loyalty

A central theme of the webinar was the relationship between delivery performance and customer satisfaction. Although retailers frequently rely on third-party carriers, consumers generally expect the business they purchased from to resolve problems when merchandise arrives damaged or fails to arrive.

“Customers often do not separate the retailer from the delivery experience,” Ranjan explained during the presentation. He noted that order updates, delivery communications and problem resolution all contribute to the customer’s impression of the retailer, regardless of which company handles transportation.

The importance of this relationship was reflected in two audience polls conducted during the webinar. In the first, participants identified lost shipments as the shipping risk most likely to affect their businesses during peak season. A second poll found customer dissatisfaction was the leading concern arising from lost, damaged or stolen shipments, followed by additional shipping costs and lost repeat business.

The responses illustrate the concerns of businesses participating in the discussion. For retailers investing in customer acquisition, loyalty programs and omnichannel shopping experiences, a delivery problem can undermine the customer relationship after the transaction has already taken place.

The Financial Impact Extends Beyond Merchandise

Shipping failures can affect profitability through merchandise replacement, transportation expenses and the administrative work involved in resolving incidents. Retailers may need to investigate missing shipments, communicate with customers, gather documentation and coordinate refunds or replacement orders, all while managing their regular fulfillment operations.

These expenses can be particularly significant for businesses shipping higher-value merchandise or operating with limited margins. When an order must be replaced without generating another sale, the retailer incurs additional costs while receiving no corresponding increase in revenue.

Ranjan explained that a single shipping incident can affect profit, operational effort and customer loyalty simultaneously. Businesses therefore need to consider the full cost of an incident when evaluating their exposure to shipping disruptions, particularly during periods of elevated sales activity.

Peak season can make these challenges more difficult to manage. Higher order volumes create additional activity throughout fulfillment centres and carrier networks, while increased handling and transportation demands can complicate the movement of merchandise.

Canadian e-commerce activity provides context for the scale of retail operations that depend on delivery services. According to Statistics Canada, seasonally adjusted retail e-commerce sales reached $5.5 billion in July 2026, representing 7.5 per cent of total retail trade. Although that was a 3.5 per cent decrease from June, it illustrates the substantial value of retail transactions conducted through online channels.

UPS Capital’s InsureShield Offers Shipping Protection

During the webinar, Ranjan discussed InsureShield Shipping Insurance, offered through UPS Capital Canada Insurance Brokers, as one option for managing eligible financial losses associated with shipping disruptions.

The program is designed to provide coverage for qualifying loss and damage incidents across different carriers and transportation arrangements. This can be relevant for retailers using multiple delivery providers to serve different markets, manage transportation expenses or handle international orders.

According to UPS Capital, eligible coverage can provide reimbursement of up to the full invoice value of merchandise plus associated shipping costs, subject to policy terms and limits. For retailers, this can help address the financial consequences of a qualifying loss, including the margin that would otherwise be affected by replacing the original order.

The company also offers technology options intended to simplify insurance administration. Ranjan discussed integrations involving shipping and e-commerce platforms such as ShipStation, WooCommerce and Shippo, along with API-based solutions and spreadsheet uploads for businesses with different operational requirements.

Claims administration was another focus of the presentation. Ranjan explained that InsureShield customers can initiate claims through the insurance process, although businesses must follow applicable notification and documentation requirements. UPS Capital advertises a nine-month claims-filing window and a 90-day period for reporting concealed damage.

During the webinar, Ranjan said most fully documented claims are resolved within seven days. This is a company-reported processing measure, and individual claims may take longer depending on their circumstances and the information provided.

Package theft following delivery was also discussed. Ranjan clarified that porch-piracy protection is available through an optional endorsement, meaning retailers need to confirm that it is included in their particular insurance arrangement.

Coverage depends on policy conditions, exclusions, applicable limits and geographic eligibility. UPS Capital’s Canadian website currently states that the insurance services referenced there are available to businesses operating in Ontario, so retailers elsewhere in Canada should confirm availability directly before assuming they qualify.

Managing Cross-Border Shipments and Delivery Delays

The webinar’s question-and-answer session addressed several operational situations facing Canadian retailers, including cross-border shipments, the use of multiple carriers and the distinction between delayed and lost packages.

Ranjan explained that InsureShield can provide options for eligible shipments moving between Canada and the United States, as well as certain shipments transported entirely within the U.S. for qualifying Canadian businesses. The latter arrangement, known as foreign inland transit, can be relevant when a Canadian retailer sources merchandise from an American supplier and ships directly to an American customer.

He also discussed the challenge of determining when a delayed shipment should be treated as lost. During peak season, carrier tracking information may not be updated immediately, creating uncertainty for retailers deciding whether to wait, contact the carrier or send replacement merchandise.

Customer communication is particularly important in these situations. Providing realistic delivery expectations and explaining delays can help retailers manage customer concerns while investigating the status of an order, potentially avoiding unnecessary replacement shipments.

For smaller retailers, shipping protection may need to evolve as sales volumes and delivery requirements change. Ranjan discussed reviewing coverage arrangements periodically, including shipment values, applicable minimums and policy structures, so that protection remains appropriate for the business.

Insurance can help recover eligible financial losses, but it does not eliminate the need for reliable carriers, appropriate packaging, accurate shipment records and responsive customer service. These operational practices remain important when managing delivery problems and protecting customer relationships.

Preparing for Peak Shipping Periods

The webinar offered retailers practical information about how shipping risks affect operating costs, customer satisfaction and the financial consequences of replacing lost or damaged merchandise. It also examined insurance arrangements available to businesses seeking to manage those risks.

Retailers preparing for increased order volumes can review shipment values, carrier arrangements, destinations, claims documentation and procedures for responding when deliveries are disrupted. Those considerations can help determine where shipping insurance fits within a broader fulfillment and customer-service strategy.

The full Retail Insider webinar with UPS Capital includes additional information about InsureShield Shipping Insurance, claims procedures, technology integrations and questions raised by participating retailers.

More From Retail Insider:

Explore the Features and Benefits of Qlife Ebikes 

Qlife Ebike represents a revolutionary approach to personal transportation, combining the convenience of a bicycle with the power of an electric motor. In this article, we will delve into the world of Qlife Ebike, exploring its design, performance, battery life, safety features, and user experience. 

Design and Aesthetics The design of Qlife Ebike is a perfect blend of style and functionality. The frame is crafted with precision, using high – quality materials that ensure both durability and a sleek appearance. For example, the aluminum alloy frames commonly used in Qlife Ebikes are not only lightweight but also resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for various weather conditions. 

The overall shape of the bike is ergonomic, designed to provide maximum comfort during long rides. The handlebars are positioned at an optimal height and angle, reducing strain on the rider’s wrists and shoulders. The seat is also well – padded and adjustable, allowing riders of different heights and body types to find their most comfortable riding position. 

Qlife Ebikes come in a variety of colors and styles, catering to different aesthetic preferences. Whether you prefer a classic black for a more understated look or a bright, eye – catching color like red or blue to make a statement, there is a Qlife Ebike that suits your taste.  

Performance and Power One of the key highlights of Qlife Ebikes is their powerful electric motors. These motors are designed to provide smooth and efficient power delivery. For instance, a typical Qlife Ebike motor might have a power output of 250 – 500 watts, depending on the model. This power allows the bike to easily tackle hills and maintain a decent speed on flat roads. 

The gear system on Qlife Ebikes is also well – engineered. It offers multiple gears, which can be adjusted according to the terrain and riding conditions. When going uphill, riders can shift to a lower gear to reduce the pedaling effort, while on flat or downhill sections, a higher gear can be selected for increased speed.  

Acceleration is another area where Qlife Ebikes shine. The electric motor provides instant torque, allowing the bike to quickly pick up speed from a standstill. This is particularly useful in urban environments where riders need to navigate through traffic and make quick starts at intersections. 

Battery Life and Charging The battery is a crucial component of any electric bike, and Qlife Ebikes are equipped with high – quality lithium – ion batteries. These batteries offer a long range on a single charge. On average, a Qlife Ebike can travel between 30 – 60 miles on a full charge, depending on factors such as the terrain, rider’s weight, and the level of electric assistance used. 

Charging the battery is a simple process. Most Qlife Ebikes come with a standard charger that can be plugged into a regular household electrical outlet. The charging time typically ranges from 3 – 6 hours, depending on the battery capacity. Some models also support fast – charging options, which can significantly reduce the charging time. 

To extend the battery life, Qlife provides some useful tips. For example, riders can avoid over – discharging the battery and keep it at an optimal temperature. Additionally, using the electric assistance at a moderate level can also help conserve battery power. 

Safety Features Safety is a top priority for Qlife Ebikes. The bikes are equipped with high – quality brakes, such as disc brakes. Disc brakes offer superior stopping power compared to traditional rim brakes, especially in wet or muddy conditions. This ensures that riders can stop quickly and safely when needed. 

Another important safety feature is the lighting system. Qlife Ebikes come with bright front and rear lights. The front light illuminates the path ahead, making it easier for riders to see in low – light conditions, while the rear light makes the bike more visible to other road users, reducing the risk of accidents. 

Reflectors are also strategically placed on the bike, enhancing its visibility from different angles. Additionally, some Qlife Ebike models are equipped with a speed sensor that limits the maximum speed when the rider is not pedaling, ensuring a safe and controlled riding experience. 

User Experience and Customer Feedback Many users have reported positive experiences with Qlife Ebikes. Customers appreciate the ease of use and the convenience these bikes offer. For example, commuters find that Qlife Ebikes allow them to avoid traffic congestion and arrive at their destinations faster than traditional vehicles.  

The comfort of the ride is also highly praised. Riders with back or joint problems have found that the ergonomic design of Qlife Ebikes reduces pain and discomfort during long rides. The adjustable seat and handlebars make it easy for riders to customize the bike to their specific needs. 

Qlife also provides excellent customer service. They offer warranties on their bikes and have a responsive support team that can assist customers with any issues or questions. In case of mechanical problems, Qlife has a network of authorized repair centers, ensuring that customers can get their bikes fixed quickly and efficiently.  

In conclusion, Qlife Ebike is a great choice for those looking for an eco – friendly, convenient, and enjoyable mode of transportation. With its stylish design, powerful performance, long battery life, excellent safety features, and positive user feedback, it is no wonder that Qlife Ebikes are becoming increasingly popular.

Beyond the Filling: How Restorative Dentistry Saves Damaged Teeth and Protects Your Bite

A chipped tooth might seem like a minor inconvenience until chewing becomes uncomfortable. A large cavity may cause little pain initially, yet gradually weaken the remaining tooth structure. These problems are common, but ignoring them can turn relatively manageable dental repairs into more complicated treatments.

Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing damaged or missing teeth while preserving their function. The objective goes beyond improving appearance. A properly restored tooth should help maintain comfortable chewing, support the surrounding teeth, and protect long-term oral health.

Modern dentistry offers several treatment options, including fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants. Choosing between them depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains, where the damage is located, and the patient’s overall dental condition.

Understanding these differences helps patients make informed decisions before small problems become expensive ones.

Why Dental Crowns Are More Than Cosmetic Restorations

When a tooth has extensive decay, a large existing filling, or significant structural damage, another filling may not provide sufficient support. A dental crown covers the prepared tooth, restoring its shape and helping it withstand normal chewing forces.

Crowns are available in different materials, each with advantages and limitations.

For patients exploring these choices, The Dental Team compares five dental crown types, including gold alloy, porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, zirconia, and E-max restorations. Understanding these materials helps explain why dentists consider appearance, durability, tooth position, and individual bite forces before recommending a particular option.

A front tooth may require a highly natural appearance, while a heavily loaded molar may benefit from a material selected for strength.

Crowns aren’t suitable for every damaged tooth. Dentists must first evaluate whether enough healthy structure remains to support a reliable restoration.

The Problem With Repeatedly Repairing Large Fillings

Dental fillings are effective for treating many cavities, particularly when damage is limited and sufficient healthy tooth structure remains.

However, large fillings can create long-term challenges.

Every time an old filling requires replacement, additional tooth structure may need to be removed. Eventually, the remaining walls can become thin and vulnerable to fracture.

This doesn’t mean every large filling automatically requires a crown.

Dentists assess the location of the filling, remaining enamel and dentin, cracks, and the forces placed on the tooth during chewing.

In some situations, an inlay or onlay can restore damaged areas while preserving more natural tooth structure than a full crown.

The important distinction is whether a restoration can reliably protect the tooth rather than simply fill an empty space.

Preserving healthy structure should remain a priority whenever clinically possible.

How Missing Teeth Can Change Your Entire Bite

Losing a tooth creates more than a visible gap.

Neighboring teeth may gradually shift toward the empty space, while opposing teeth can move because they no longer contact their usual chewing partner.

These changes can affect bite alignment and make cleaning certain areas more difficult.

Missing teeth may also reduce chewing efficiency, particularly when several back teeth are absent.

Restorative options include dental implants, fixed bridges, and removable partial dentures.

Each approach has different requirements.

Implants involve placing a supporting fixture in the jawbone, while conventional bridges typically depend on adjacent teeth for support.

Removable appliances offer another option when fixed treatment isn’t appropriate or affordable.

A dentist should assess gum health, bone support, neighboring teeth, and personal preferences before recommending treatment.

Replacing a missing tooth isn’t always urgent, but understanding the potential consequences of leaving a gap untreated is worthwhile.

Why Root Canal Treatment Doesn’t Always Mean Losing a Tooth

Root canal treatment is often misunderstood as a procedure that weakens teeth beyond repair.

In reality, it is intended to preserve a tooth whose pulp has become inflamed or infected.

During treatment, the affected tissue is removed, the internal canals are cleaned, and the space is sealed.

The tooth may then require a permanent restoration to protect it.

Back teeth frequently need crowns after root canal treatment because they experience substantial chewing forces and may already have extensive structural damage.

However, not every root canal-treated tooth requires the same restoration.

The decision depends on remaining tooth structure, location, and clinical circumstances.

Delaying treatment for an infected tooth can allow the problem to worsen.

Persistent toothache, swelling, or sensitivity should prompt dental evaluation rather than reliance on temporary pain relief.

Choosing Crown Materials Without Focusing Only on Appearance

Patients frequently compare crowns according to how closely they resemble natural teeth.

Appearance matters, particularly for visible teeth, but material selection involves several additional considerations.

Gold alloy crowns are known for durability, although their metallic appearance makes them less desirable for some patients.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine a metal framework with a tooth-colored exterior, but the porcelain can chip and the underlying metal may become visible.

Zirconia offers high strength and can provide a natural-looking restoration.

Lithium disilicate ceramics, often associated with E-max restorations, are valued for their appearance and can be suitable for appropriately selected teeth.

No material is universally superior.

Bite forces, available space, tooth preparation, aesthetic expectations, and laboratory quality influence the outcome.

A discussion about these factors is more useful than choosing a crown solely because it looks attractive in photographs.

How Teeth Grinding Can Shorten the Life of Restorations

Bruxism, commonly called teeth grinding or clenching, places repeated pressure on natural teeth and dental restorations.

Some people grind during sleep without realizing it.

Possible signs include flattened tooth surfaces, chipped restorations, jaw discomfort, and morning headaches.

Excessive forces can contribute to crown fractures, loosened restorations, or wear on opposing teeth.

Dentists may recommend a custom nightguard for certain patients to help manage the effects of grinding.

However, a nightguard doesn’t necessarily eliminate the underlying behavior.

Other contributing factors, including sleep-related conditions, may require evaluation.

Patients receiving restorative treatment should mention any history of grinding or clenching.

This information can influence material selection, restoration design, and long-term maintenance recommendations.

Why Gum Health Determines Restorative Success

A beautifully manufactured crown cannot compensate for untreated gum disease.

Healthy gums provide important support for natural teeth and help maintain a stable environment around restorations.

When plaque accumulates near crown margins, inflammation and bleeding may develop.

If periodontal disease progresses, supporting tissues and bone can deteriorate.

Patients with dental implants also need to protect the surrounding gums and supporting bone.

Regular brushing, daily cleaning between teeth, and professional dental assessments help identify problems early.

Restorations require the same commitment to hygiene as natural teeth.

Crowns cannot decay themselves, but the natural tooth beneath a crown can develop decay around its margins.

Maintaining healthy gums and controlling plaque are therefore essential to protecting restorative work.

Making Restorative Dentistry Last Beyond the Treatment Chair

Completing a dental restoration is not the end of treatment.

Crowns, bridges, fillings, and implants require ongoing care and periodic evaluation.

Daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth, and attending recommended dental appointments help maintain oral health.

Patients should also avoid using their teeth to open packaging or bite extremely hard objects.

A restoration that feels loose, develops sharp edges, or causes persistent discomfort deserves professional attention.

The lifespan of dental work varies with material selection, bite forces, oral hygiene, and individual health factors.

Rather than expecting any restoration to last indefinitely, patients should view restorative dentistry as part of a continuing oral health plan.

The most successful approach combines timely treatment, appropriate materials, and consistent preventive care.

Ultimately, preserving a functional smile means protecting what remains healthy while repairing damage before it creates larger problems.

Daily Synopsis: October 14, 2026

Welcome to the Daily Synopsis by Retail Insider. We hope you enjoy the 13 articles we published covering key developments in Canadian retail. Here are a couple highlights with a full list of the day’s articles thereafter.

SMYTHE has appointed Ana Mihaljevic, former Canada Goose executive, as CEO to lead its commercial operations amid plans to expand its retail presence, including a new boutique at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in 2027. Browns Shoes is expanding its physical retail presence in Canada with a new flagship at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, larger stores, and openings planned across Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec through 2027. Levi Strauss & Co. is reshaping its Canadian retail approach following Hudson’s Bay’s 2025 closure, leveraging branded stores, mass-market outlets like Walmart and Mark’s, and premium partnerships with Holt Renfrew to reach diverse consumer segments.

Deloitte forecasts a 14 percent decline in Canadian holiday spending to a record low, driven by economic uncertainty and tariff concerns that push consumers toward value-focused shopping. Retailers must navigate heightened competition as customers visit more stores and prioritise discounts, transparency, and local ownership. Meanwhile, at the Retail Insider @ Rotman event, leaders from Harry Rosen, Roots, SMYTHE, and Absolutely Fabrics will share strategies for adapting to shifting consumer expectations and the changing role of stores.

🗞️ The Day’s Retail Insider Article List

🌐 Canadian Retail News From Around the Web

The Best Home Alarm Systems in Canada for 2026: Plans, Contracts and Deals Compared

The best alarm deal in Canada starts with one decision: own the hardware and answer alerts yourself, or pay a monitoring centre every month. Hardware-only kits win for buyers who want no monthly fees,

ThinkPro is the strongest no-contract monitored pick and TELUS is the go-to for professional monitoring in Quebec.

Every price and policy below was checked on each provider’s own website in October 2026. Where a company doesn’t publish a Canadian price, this guide says so instead of guessing.

Key Takeaways

  • Hardware-only kits skip the monthly bill, but the alert response is on you.
  • ThinkPro’s Value Package costs $19.99 a month plus a one-time $259.99 equipment purchase, with no term or contract.
  • TELUS charges $150 for professional installation, or a $100 self-install kit fee that’s refunded when you activate within 30 days.
  • Ring and Abode don’t offer professional monitoring in Quebec, while TELUS does.

What are the best alarm systems in Canada right now?

  1. Elder WiFi & 4G alarm kits: best no-monthly-fee deal
  2. ThinkPro: best no-contract monitored deal
  3. TELUS SmartHome Security: best for Quebec and bundled households
  4. Ring Alarm: best for homes already using Ring cameras
  5. Abode: best for Apple HomeKit homes and starting without a plan

Buying for a shop or small office

Independent retailers have more reason than ever to look at alarms.

Half of Canadian small business owners told CFIB that crime rose in their community over the past year, according to this report on small business crime.

ThinkPro sells dedicated business packages, and TELUS runs a separate Secure Business service. If you add cameras at a store, federal and provincial privacy commissioners advise that businesses position cameras to avoid capturing passers-by and tell people before they enter.

How much does an alarm system cost in Canada?

Expect two costs: the hardware and the monitoring. ThinkPro’s entry package is a good benchmark at $259.99 upfront and $19.99 a month.

TELUS works the other way on its longer agreements. Equipment is rented as part of the monthly fee, so your upfront cost is mostly the installation choice.

Hardware-only kits flip the model again, with one purchase and no monitoring bill.

Compare the best alarm systems in Canada

ProviderBest forMonitoringContractInstallationPro monitoring in QuebecDeal to look for
Elder alarm kitsNo monthly feesSelf-managedNoneDIYNo monitoring serviceRotating flash sale and open-box stock
ThinkProNo-contract monitoring24/7 professionalNoneDIY with live supportConfirm before orderingValue Package from $19.99/mo
TELUS SmartHome SecurityQuebec and bundlesProfessional or self3 or 5 years on Control + VideoPro install ($150) or DIY kitYesUp to $1,300 in rental equipment
Ring AlarmRing camera ownersProfessional with Ring Pro, or selfNone (monthly or yearly)DIYNo30-day free plan trial
AbodeHomeKit homesProfessional with Pro, or selfNone (monthly or yearly)DIYNoOften-discounted first-year plans with a hub

If you want a technician to handle everything, TELUS is the clearest choice with a published $150 install. The other four are built around mounting the sensors yourself.

Things to consider before you buy

Who answers the alarm

Professional monitoring means a central station sees the alarm and requests help when you can’t.

Self-monitoring sends the alert to your phone, which works well only if you reliably check it.

Contract terms and cancellation

No-contract plans let you leave without a penalty, though you usually buy the equipment upfront.

TELUS rental equipment has to be returned in good condition when you cancel, or you pay the replacement cost.

Internet outages

A burglar who cuts your internet shouldn’t be able to silence your system.

Ring and Abode include cellular backup on their monitored plans, and ThinkPro lists LTE cellular backup with a footnote, so confirm your package includes it.

Reviews: the best alarm systems in Canada

1. Elder WiFi & 4G alarm kits: Best no-monthly-fee deal

Best for: Budget buyers who want to own their hardware outright

Monitoring: Self-managed, with no monthly fees

Contract: None

Deal to watch: Rotating flash sale plus a certified open-box section

Elder’s smart home alarm kits come in 8, 13, 14 and 15-piece versions with WiFi and 4G connectivity.

Smaller kits use a touch panel while larger ones add a keypad and outdoor siren, and they work with Hey Google and Alexa.

The sharpest prices show up in the SecoMart flash sale, which also discounts alarm and camera bundles.

Orders over $120 ship free, returns or exchanges are risk-free and the 1-year warranty can be extended.

Watch out: Without a monitoring centre, nobody calls emergency services if you miss an alert.

2. ThinkPro: Best no-contract monitored deal

Best for: Renters and homeowners who want professional monitoring without a term

Monitoring: 24/7 professional, with LTE cellular backup listed subject to conditions

Contract: None

Deal to watch: Value Package at $19.99 a month plus $259.99 in equipment

ThinkPro pairs DIY wireless kits with a professional monitoring centre and never asks you to sign a term.

The Value Package covers a base system, pinpad, door sensor and pet-friendly motion sensor, and the company says most systems install in under 30 minutes.

The company is owned by a.p.i. ALARM, a central station monitoring provider.

A 30-day money-back guarantee and no installation fees take most of the risk out of trying it.

Watch out: ThinkPro’s site doesn’t spell out Quebec coverage, so confirm before you order.

3. TELUS SmartHome Security: Best for Quebec and bundles

Best for: Quebec homes and households already on TELUS services

Monitoring: 24/7 professional or self-monitored plans

Contract: 3 or 5 year agreement on Control + Video

Deal to watch: Up to $1,300 in rental equipment on Control + Video

TELUS now runs the former ADT Canada alarm business, and it offers professional monitoring in Quebec.

You can self-install with a $100 kit fee that’s refunded on activation within 30 days, or pay $150 for a technician.

Pro-monitored plans can add Guard Response for $5 a month, where a uniformed guard checks the alarm in person.

BrandSpark’s Canadian Trust Study named TELUS the most trusted home security brand from 2022 to 2026.

Watch out: Rental equipment must go back in good condition when you cancel, or you pay the replacement cost.

4. Ring Alarm: Best for Ring camera owners

Best for: Homes already using Ring doorbells or cameras

Monitoring: 24/7 professional with Ring Pro, or self-monitored

Contract: None, plans renew monthly or yearly until cancelled

Deal to watch: A 30-day free plan trial when you set up a device

Ring renamed its plans to Ring Protect in 2026. The Pro plan bundles 24/7 professional monitoring, alarm cellular backup and SOS emergency response, while the Solo and Multi plans focus on video history and arming modes.

Subscribers also get 10% off select products on Ring’s own store. That helps if you plan to add cameras later.

Watch out: Professional monitoring isn’t available in Quebec, and Ring’s public plan page lists U.S. pricing, so check Canadian rates before you budget.

5. Abode: Best for HomeKit homes

Best for: Apple HomeKit users and anyone who wants to start without a plan

Monitoring: Free self-monitoring, or professional with the Pro plan

Contract: None, billed monthly or yearly

Deal to watch: First-year plans bought with a hub, which Abode says are often discounted, plus a one-month Pro trial for new subscribers

Abode’s free tier lets you control and self-monitor the system, watch live video and use HomeKit, Alexa and Google Assistant integrations.

The Pro plan adds professional monitoring and cellular backup through a SIM card that ships preinstalled in every starter kit.

Abode’s two monitoring centres are in the U.S. Your plan follows your account if you move.

Watch out: Professional monitoring isn’t offered in Quebec because of French-language support requirements.

FAQ

Which alarm companies offer professional monitoring in Quebec?

TELUS offers professional monitoring in Quebec. Ring and Abode don’t, and ThinkPro doesn’t state its Quebec coverage, so ask before buying.

Is a no-contract alarm system cheaper?

Not always month to month, but it’s cheaper to leave. With a contract, the equipment is often rented into the monthly fee, while no-contract providers usually sell it upfront.

Will my alarm work if the internet goes down?

It will if the system has cellular backup. Ring Pro and Abode Pro include it, and ThinkPro lists it with conditions, so check your package.

Do I need professional monitoring?

You need it if you can’t always respond to an alert yourself. If you’re often away or travel for work, a monitoring centre closes that gap.

How we chose

We compared providers on upfront cost, monthly cost, contract terms, installation, outage backup, Quebec availability and the deals each one runs.

Every provider detail came from the company’s own website, checked in October 2026.

Some well-known brands were left out because their current Canadian pricing or availability couldn’t be confirmed on their own sites.

Final word

Prices and promotions change often, so confirm the current offer before you buy. For most Canadian homes, hardware-only kits are the cheapest way in if you’ll answer your own alerts, ThinkPro is the best-value monitored system and TELUS is the safest bet in Quebec.

Field of Screams Pulls Haunt Fans From New Jersey and New York to a Lancaster County Farm

Now in its 34th season, the Mountville attraction has become a destination drive for visitors across the Northeast corridor

Halloween fans in New Jersey and New York have no shortage of options close to home. Each fall, a steady number of them still make the drive to Mountville, Pennsylvania, for Field of Screams, a haunted attraction that has operated on the same Lancaster County farm since 1993.

From South Jersey, the trip takes under two hours by way of Philadelphia and Route 30. From North Jersey it is closer to two and a half hours, and from New York City about three. For many visitors, the distance is part of the appeal: a full night out on a working farm, far from the city.

Why people make the drive

Field of Screams packs four attractions onto one property. The Haunted Hayride carries guests by tractor through cornfields and a series of staged scenes. The Den of Darkness, home to this year’s new Midnight Masquerade scene, and the Frightmare Asylum run indoors. The Nocturnal Wasteland is an outdoor trail through the woods.

Nearly everything guests see is built on the property, from sets and animatronics to costumes and sound. The attraction draws more than 75,000 visitors a season and holds a 4.4-star average across roughly 5,000 Google reviews.

“We get visitors who have been to the big theme-park Halloween events, and they tell us this feels different,” said Jim Schopf, co-founder of Field of Screams. “You’re on a real farm, in real buildings, and everything you see was made by people who care about it.”

Thirty-four years on the same farm

The Field of Screams that brothers Gene and Jim Schopf founded in 1993 still operates on their family’s farm at 191 College Avenue in Mountville. As Halloween nears, the late-October weekends draw the biggest crowds of the season, and many out-of-state visitors plan their trip weeks ahead.

“People drive a long way to see us, and we never take that for granted,” Schopf said. “Every fall we’re out here on the same farm in Lancaster County, and this year is our 34th.”

Season details

The regular season runs on select nights through Saturday, November 7. The Extreme Blackout event follows on Friday, November 13, and the 14th annual Zombie Fun Run takes place on Saturday, November 14. The event runs rain or shine. Tickets and dates are available at fieldofscreams.com.

The Hidden Cost of Counterfeits: How Online Brand Abuse Erodes Retail Revenue and Customer Trust

Counterfeit goods have always been a problem for retailers. What has changed is the speed, scale, and number of digital channels available to counterfeiters.

A fake product no longer needs to be sold through a single physical market or obscure website. It can appear simultaneously across major marketplaces, social media accounts, paid ads, cloned storefronts, and fraudulent domains. By the time a retailer identifies one fake listing, the same seller or network may already be operating across several other platforms.

For retail brands, the impact goes far beyond the value of an individual counterfeit sale. Online brand abuse can divert revenue, weaken customer trust, increase enforcement costs, damage channel relationships, and create confusion about which digital properties consumers can actually trust.

The scale of the issue remains substantial. According to the OECD and EUIPO, global trade in counterfeit and pirated goods was estimated at $467 billion, representing approximately 2.3% of global imports. Clothing, footwear, and leather goods were among the most heavily affected categories, collectively accounting for 62% of seized counterfeit goods.

For retailers operating in an increasingly fragmented ecommerce environment, counterfeiting is no longer simply an intellectual property problem. It is a revenue, customer experience, and brand trust problem. Retail Insider has similarly highlighted the continuing impact of counterfeit and pirated goods on consumers and legitimate businesses. 

Counterfeits Compete Directly With Legitimate Retailers

The most obvious cost of counterfeiting is lost sales.

When a consumer purchases a counterfeit product instead of the genuine item, revenue is diverted away from the legitimate brand and its authorized sellers. Online marketplaces make this particularly challenging because counterfeit listings can appear directly alongside authentic products.

Fraudsters can use similar product photography, brand names, logos, descriptions, and heavily discounted pricing to attract consumers who may believe they are purchasing from an authorized seller.

But measuring the impact only in terms of diverted sales understates the problem.

Counterfeit activity can also affect:

  • Pricing integrity
  • Authorized distributor relationships
  • Marketplace performance
  • Advertising effectiveness
  • Customer acquisition costs
  • Customer service workloads
  • Brand reputation

This means the financial impact of counterfeit activity may continue even after the individual listing has been removed.

The Consumer Often Sees the Brand, Not the Counterfeiter

One of the most damaging aspects of online brand abuse is that consumers may not clearly distinguish between the legitimate retailer and the fraudster impersonating it.

A shopper who receives a poor-quality counterfeit product may associate that experience with the brand whose name appeared on the product or listing.

The same applies to fake ecommerce stores.

Fraudsters can create websites that imitate a legitimate retailer’s branding, product photography, navigation, and promotions. The domain may contain the company name combined with terms such as “outlet,” “sale,” or a geographic location, making the site appear credible at first glance.

If a shopper loses money, receives a counterfeit item, or has payment information stolen, the legitimate brand can still suffer reputational consequences even though it had no involvement in the transaction.

This is why effective online brand protection increasingly needs to address the full customer journey, not only intellectual property infringement on marketplaces.

The Threat Has Expanded Beyond Marketplaces

Marketplaces remain one of the most visible sources of counterfeit activity, but modern brand abuse rarely remains confined to one platform.

A counterfeit operation might use:

  1. A fake social media profile to attract shoppers.
  2. A paid advertisement using the retailer’s logo.
  3. A cloned ecommerce site to complete the purchase.
  4. Marketplace listings to provide additional credibility.
  5. Multiple domains or seller accounts to replace assets after they are removed.

This cross-channel behavior creates an important challenge for retail protection teams.

Looking at each incident individually can make a coordinated campaign appear to be dozens of unrelated infringements.

Retailers therefore need visibility not only into individual listings but into the relationships between threats.

BrandShield, for example, uses its AI.ClusterX™ threat clustering technology to identify similarities between digital assets and group related activity into coordinated threat clusters. This can help reveal when fake websites, marketplace listings, social accounts, or advertisements share common patterns rather than treating each incident as an isolated event.

For retail teams managing large volumes of infringement, identifying these connections can help prioritize the threats that represent the greatest risk.

Counterfeiters Are Becoming Better at Avoiding Basic Detection

Traditional monitoring often begins with keyword matching. That remains useful, but it is increasingly insufficient on its own.

Counterfeiters often alter how brands appear online to reduce their chances of detection.

They may:

  • Deliberately misspell a brand name
  • Insert spaces or symbols into trademarks
  • Use product images without mentioning the brand in text
  • Recreate logos within product photographs
  • Frequently change seller names
  • Launch multiple similar websites
  • Use localized domain names
  • Copy legitimate product photography

This means effective detection increasingly requires both visual and textual analysis.

Technologies such as image recognition, logo detection, OCR, favicon analysis, domain monitoring, and similarity analysis can help identify suspicious assets even when the retailer’s name is not used exactly.

The objective is not simply to search for a trademark. It is to identify the ways in which consumers encounter and recognize the brand.

Brand Protection Needs to Connect Detection With Enforcement

Finding counterfeit activity is only the first stage.

The business value comes from removing or disrupting it.

Retailers dealing with hundreds or thousands of potential infringements need an enforcement process capable of determining:

  • Which cases pose the greatest risk
  • Which intellectual property rights apply
  • Which platform or hosting provider should receive the complaint
  • What evidence is required
  • Whether multiple assets belong to the same seller or campaign
  • When a case needs additional escalation

Marketplace enforcement can be particularly complex because procedures vary considerably between platforms and jurisdictions.

A mature marketplace brand protection program therefore combines automated monitoring with structured enforcement processes and human expertise.

BrandShield monitors major platforms including Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, Temu, and more than 100 additional marketplaces, while combining AI-powered detection with enforcement by specialists experienced in intellectual property and trademark-related cases.

The importance of active marketplace enforcement is increasingly visible across the retail industry. Retail Insider has reported on both Amazon’s expanded anti-counterfeiting efforts and Temu’s participation in the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition’s Marketplace Advisory Council.

The goal is not simply to generate more alerts. It is to turn detection into measurable removal of harmful content.

Prioritization Matters More as Threat Volumes Increase

Another hidden cost of online counterfeiting is operational.

When monitoring systems generate large numbers of potential infringements, internal legal, ecommerce, security, and brand protection teams can quickly become overwhelmed.

Not every suspicious listing represents the same level of risk.

A seller with little traffic may deserve investigation, but a coordinated operation running dozens of fake stores, advertisements, and marketplace accounts may require immediate action.

This is where threat intelligence and clustering can become particularly valuable.

Instead of asking only, “Is this listing fake?”, teams can ask broader questions:

  • Is this seller connected to others we have already identified?
  • Is this website part of a larger network?
  • Are the same product images appearing across several channels?
  • Are newly discovered threats using infrastructure associated with previous abuse?
  • Is this activity expanding into new markets?

That shift allows retailers to move from reactive takedowns toward risk-based enforcement.

Counterfeiting Can Damage Long-Term Customer Trust

Retail is increasingly built around trust.

Consumers need to believe that the website, advertisement, social account, marketplace seller, and product they encounter are authentic.

Counterfeiters exploit precisely that confidence.

Retail Insider has highlighted the importance of consumer trust in both anti-counterfeiting initiatives and the growing fight against AI-enabled retail fraud. 

For retailers, this makes online brand protection part of the wider customer experience.

A strong protection program can help reduce the chances that consumers encounter:

  • Fake stores appearing in search results
  • Counterfeit listings alongside genuine products
  • Fraudulent social media profiles
  • Unauthorized advertisements using brand assets
  • Lookalike domains
  • Misleading promotions

The fewer fraudulent touchpoints customers encounter, the easier it becomes for a retailer to maintain a consistent and trustworthy digital presence.

What Retailers Can Do

There is no single action that eliminates counterfeit activity completely. The most effective approach is continuous and multi-layered.

Retailers should consider:

  • Monitoring major and regional marketplaces continuously
  • Watching newly registered and lookalike domains
  • Monitoring social networks and paid advertising
  • Using visual detection alongside keyword monitoring
  • Maintaining clear trademark and intellectual property documentation
  • Prioritizing high-risk cases instead of treating every alert equally
  • Looking for relationships between sellers, websites, accounts, and campaigns
  • Tracking takedown performance and repeat offenders
  • Educating consumers about official stores and authorized sellers

Most importantly, retailers should avoid viewing each channel independently.

The same threat actor may move between marketplaces, social media, websites, and advertising channels. Protection strategies need to reflect that reality.

Moving From Individual Takedowns to Brand Protection at Scale

Counterfeit activity is unlikely to disappear. The economics of ecommerce make it relatively easy for bad actors to create new accounts, domains, and listings when existing ones are removed.

The challenge for retailers is therefore not simply finding individual counterfeits.

It is reducing the time those threats remain online, identifying the networks behind them, and preventing fraudulent activity from repeatedly reaching customers.

That requires combining technology with enforcement expertise.

Solutions such as BrandShield’s AI-powered brand protection platform monitor marketplaces, websites, social media, paid advertising, and other digital channels to detect brand abuse, prioritize critical risks, and support enforcement at scale.

For retailers, the ultimate objective is straightforward: protect legitimate revenue while ensuring that consumers can trust the brand wherever they encounter it online.

Counterfeiting may begin with a fake product, but its true cost can extend much further. The retailers that recognize that broader impact will be better positioned to protect both their customers and the long-term value of their brands.

Retail Packaging Upgrades That Pay for Themselves, From Custom Boxes to Gift Card Sleeves

Independent retailers are under pressure from every side right now. Rent is up, shipping is up, and customers who shop online have learned to expect a parcel that looks as good as anything from a big chain. It is tempting to treat packaging as one more cost to trim. In practice, a handful of packaging changes do the opposite. They cut waste, reduce damaged orders and help sell more at the counter.

The trick is choosing the upgrades that return money rather than just looking nice. This article walks through the ones store owners and small online sellers mention most often, roughly in the order that they tend to pay back.

Stop Paying to Ship Empty Space

The fastest saving in most small businesses comes from the shipping box, not the product box. Carriers price a lot of parcels on dimensional weight, which means an oversized carton costs more to send even when the contents are light. Add the void fill needed to stop the product rattling around, and an ill-fitting box becomes an expense on every single order.

Right-sized boxes fix both problems at once. A box built to the product’s measurements needs little or no filler, packs faster at the bench and often drops a parcel into a cheaper shipping band. Many sellers find that the saving on postage and filler covers the extra cost of custom sizing within the first few shipments.

A quick way to see whether this applies to you is to pull a week of orders and note how many went out in a box that was more than a few centimetres larger than the product on any side. If it is more than a third, right-sizing is likely the best packaging money you will spend this year.

Buying Printed Boxes in Sensible Quantities

Printed boxes used to be an all-or-nothing decision with minimums in the thousands. That has changed. Several manufacturers now run printed boxes from about 100 pieces, which lets a small shop order a branded box for its best seller without filling a storeroom.

The better way to buy is in tiers. Order the box you use every day in a large enough run to get a good unit price, and keep seasonal or limited designs to short runs. Buying custom boxes wholesale for the core range and topping up with smaller orders for promotions keeps both cash flow and storage under control.

Board thickness is the other place where money leaks. Too thin and products arrive crushed, too thick and you pay for strength you don’t need. Manufacturers list paperboard by points and grams per square metre, and the common grades look like this.

Board gradeApproximate weightTypical use
14 pt250 GSMLight items such as cards and small accessories
16 pt300 GSMEveryday retail cartons
18 pt350 GSMCosmetics, candles and gift items
20 pt420 GSMHeavier retail products
24 pt460 GSMPremium boxes that need a solid feel in the hand

Ask the supplier for a sample in the grade you think you need, put your heaviest product in it and drop it from waist height a few times. It is a crude test, but it settles most arguments about board weight in five minutes.

When Plain Boxes Are the Smarter Buy

Not every box needs to be printed. For shipping cartons that customers open once and recycle, a plain box with a branded label, sticker or stamp often does the job for a fraction of the cost. It also gives a small business flexibility, because one plain carton can serve several products and the branding can change without reprinting anything.

Stock options such as blank cardboard boxes come in more forms than people assume. Mailer boxes, tuck-end boxes, two-piece boxes with lids, folding cartons and die-cut styles are all available unprinted, in single-wall or double-wall corrugated for heavier items. Minimums for plain boxes are commonly around 100 units, with discounted rates on bigger orders, and they can be made to custom dimensions so the right-sizing saving still applies.

Plain boxes make the most sense in a few situations.

  • The box is a shipper, and the product inside already has its own printed packaging.
  • The range changes often, so printed boxes would go out of date.
  • Storage is tight and one box size needs to cover several products.
  • A brand is still testing what its packaging should look like and doesn’t want to commit to print yet.

A good branded sticker on a clean kraft or white box looks deliberate. A plain box with a crooked shipping label and a strip of brown tape does not, so the small details still matter.

Gift Card Sleeves Turn a Plastic Card Into a Present

Gift cards are one of the easiest sales a retailer makes, but a bare plastic card handed across the counter feels like an afterthought. Customers buying a card as a present often hesitate because it looks too plain to give. A printed sleeve solves that for very little money, and it gives the card a place for the brand, a seasonal design and a short message.

Planning the run is where most shops go wrong. They print one design for December, run out in the second week and spend January handing cards over in envelopes. A better approach is to count gift card activations by month from last year, then split the order. One evergreen design goes in the largest quantity, one or two seasonal versions share the same dieline so only the artwork changes, and every version carries a blank box that staff can fill in by hand instead of printing one sleeve per value.

Ordering custom gift card sleeves in bulk for the evergreen design and short runs for the seasonal ones keeps the unit cost down without leaving the shop with stale stock. Minimums from one manufacturer start at 100 sleeves per design, which lets a small cafe or boutique test a holiday version without tying up cash, and production usually takes 4 to 6 business days after the proof is approved.

One practical warning. Standard sleeves are sized for a standard plastic card of about 3.375 by 2.125 inches, and thicker cards with a raised stripe, a wooden card or a cardboard card with a sticker can jam. Test one of your actual cards in a sample sleeve a dozen times before ordering in quantity, and leave a week of slack before your busiest gifting weekend.

A Simple Order of Priorities

Most small businesses can’t do every upgrade at once, and they don’t need to. Working through them in this order tends to give the quickest return.

  1. Measure what you ship and move to right-sized boxes for the most common orders.
  2. Switch shipping cartons to plain boxes with a branded label where printed boxes aren’t earning their cost.
  3. Put printed boxes on the products that sell best as gifts or carry the highest margin.
  4. Add gift card sleeves before the next big gifting season, with an evergreen design and one seasonal version.
  5. Review damage claims and returns after three months, and adjust board grades where products are still arriving hurt.

Measuring Whether an Upgrade Worked

Packaging changes are easy to judge by feel and hard to judge by numbers, so set a baseline first. Note the average shipping cost per order, the number of damaged deliveries per month, the hours spent packing and, for gift cards, how many were sold in the same period last year. Check the same figures after a full season.

Owners who do this are often surprised by where the gains come from. A right-sized box can save more on postage than a premium finish ever adds in sales, while a modest gift card sleeve can lift card sales at the counter more than any in-store sign.

The Upgrades Worth Making First

The best packaging spending for a small retailer is the kind that shows up on the bottom line. Fit the box to the product, print only where print earns its keep, use plain boxes where nobody keeps the carton, and give gift cards a sleeve worth handing over. None of it requires big minimums anymore, which means each change can be tested on a small run, measured over a season and scaled once it has proven itself.

Email and SMS Marketing Agency Picks: Which Message Goes by Text, Which by Email?

Ever sign up for texts, complete a purchase, then get the same 10 percent code by SMS and email? That duplication drains budget and irritates shoppers. Below are eight agencies that run both channels, followed by a simple guide to which message belongs in which channel and a short compliance note.

1. InboxArmy: best for email and SMS programs on any platform

InboxArmy is a full-service email marketing agency that does email and SMS only, across 40+ ESPs and 25+ industries. For texts, InboxArmy handles SMS strategy, segmentation, campaign management and automation, compliance and privacy management, and reporting, and integrates SMS with email campaigns. A cart abandonment automation for RC Juice increased monthly revenue by 400 percent, and London Store recorded 1,100 percent email revenue growth in nine months. Site-wide, the agency reports $1B+ in email revenue and $115M+ in SMS revenue generated. Its managed-service minimum is $1,500 per month.

2. First Pier: best for Shopify stores that want store and lifecycle work from one team

First Pier is a Shopify and ecommerce growth agency in Portland, Maine, that lists Klaviyo email and SMS marketing among its services. For Lamey Wellehan, a six-store Maine shoe retailer, it migrated and warmed the email list into Klaviyo, built a welcome series and abandonment flows, and split profiles into engaged, at-risk, unengaged, and staff segments. It also helped Wyman’s build a DTC channel that, per the client, went from essentially $0 to multimillion-dollar sales.

3. Pilothouse: best for brands that want email and SMS run alongside paid media

Pilothouse, based in Victoria, British Columbia, runs acquisition, retention, creative, and CRO under one roof. Its email and SMS lifecycle work runs on Klaviyo, Postscript, and Attentive, measured with GA4 and post-purchase surveys. For Journee, after an IP re-warm and a flow rebuild, Pilothouse reports a 239 percent increase in email-attributed revenue 278 percent more repeat revenue, and 254 percent more revenue per email sent in the first six months, year over year.

4. Sticky Digital: best for subscription, replenishment, and loyalty-driven brands

Sticky Digital is a Klaviyo Platinum Partner that works only in retention: email, SMS, loyalty, and subscription. It builds churn-reduction flows, cancellation interventions, and win-back sequences for brands on Recharge, Stay.ai, and Ordergroove. Nest New York grew its subscription program more than 200 percent in one year after the agency implemented subscription adoption and win-back strategies. The agency says it takes on a small number of clients at a time.

5. eCom2Win: best for growth-stage stores on Klaviyo or Omnisend

eCom2Win is an email and SMS agency that reports 250+ ecommerce brands served and $31M+ generated for clients, working on Klaviyo or Omnisend. Omnisend’s customer story on the agency describes a client migrated from Klaviyo to Omnisend in 24 hours. Its first Black Friday on Omnisend produced more than $113,000 in attributed email revenue, 53 percent of the brand’s total store revenue for that period.

6. Sweat Pants Agency: best for brands craving senior-led specialist support

Sweat Pants Agency, based in Nashville, works with DTC and subscription brands from $3M to $100M+, and clients work directly with senior operators. It runs month to month with no setup fees. Condition 1, a Texas maker of protective cases, recorded 679.9 percent revenue growth in its 2025 Black Friday Cyber Monday campaign, with SMS flows contributing 15.7 percent of attributed revenue. An organic-food brand’s first Earth Day sale with the agency produced about $32,000, with SMS driving about $10,500 of it.

7. Flowium: best for multi-channel retention programs

Flowium is a Klaviyo Master Elite partner based in Staten Island, New York, and a 2025 Inc. 5000 honoree. It runs email, SMS, push, WhatsApp, RCS, Instagram DM, and direct mail, and offers a free, no-commitment diagnosis. Klaviyo’s case study on Smile Brilliant, a Flowium client since 2023, reports a 39x ROI over the past year. Pricing is quoted after scoping, with a two-year price lock and no long-term contracts.

8. Chronos Agency: best for established DTC brands that want a multi-specialist team

Chronos, founded in 2017 with offices in Singapore and Sydney, is a Klaviyo Master Elite partner that reports work with 500+ DTC brands and $400M+ in attributable revenue. It assigns 6+ specialists per account and focuses on brands doing $100K+ a month. Organifi partnered with Chronos to revive its email and SMS programs and recorded a 234 percent increase in email revenue over six months. Kiyoko Beauty grew its email revenue 3.4x during BFCM 2024.

Which message goes by text, which by email?

  • Welcome: send a confirmation text the instant someone opts in, then an email within minutes with the brand story and how to redeem the offer. Use one discount code across both. 
  • Cart abandonment: email first with product images, then a one-line text a few hours later if the cart still sits. Stop every send once the order posts. 
  • Promotions: email explains the sale; SMS reminds high-intent segments before it closes. 
  • Transactional: email owns receipts and tracking; text only urgent updates such as a delivery change or payment failure. 
  • Retention: email rebuilds value; save texts for replenishment timing and lapsed VIPs.

A compliance note for Canadian and U.S. lists

Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) covers texts as well as email: each commercial message needs consent, sender identification, and an unsubscribe mechanism, and unsubscribe requests must take effect within 10 business days. The CRTC enforces the Act, with penalties of up to $10 million per violation for a business. In the U.S., ask who owns TCPA consent records and 10DLC registration with The Campaign Registry before the first text goes out.

Conclusion

The right agency decides which message deserves the speed of a text and which needs the depth of email, then runs both from one calendar so no shopper gets the same promo twice. Shortlist two or three, ask each for a 90-day sample calendar, and judge them on incremental revenue, not vanity attribution.