Loblaws store at Maple Leaf Gardens in downtown Toronto. Photo: Echo Chamber
As we enter 2026, several forces are converging to reshape Canada’s food economy. Consumer empowerment—amplified by social media—continues to accelerate, while geopolitics, particularly tensions with our southern neighbour, are becoming increasingly disruptive. Together, these dynamics will push food policy issues that once lived in technical silos into the public spotlight.
At the top of that list sits CUSMA and supply management. Prime Minister Carney has signaled firmness on market access, backed by legislation that shields supply management from parliamentary debate. That protection, however, is unlikely to endure. Even if the United States has little genuine interest in exporting more dairy to Canada—and even if Canadian consumers show limited appetite for it—President Trump now understands, far better than during his first term, that supply management is a potent political wedge. The system protects roughly 9,400 dairy farmers who exert disproportionate influence over agricultural policy, while compensation payments continue to flow without any meaningful reduction in production or market share. For a growing number of Canadians, this arrangement increasingly resembles a closed loop rather than a public good. The irony is that global demand for dairy is rising and Canadian milk should be part of that growth story. Instead, the system prioritizes insulation over ambition—a missed opportunity at a time when competitiveness should matter most.
January 1 also marks the formal implementation of new front-of-package nutrition labels. Although these symbols have been appearing on shelves for some time, many consumers either overlook them or misunderstand their purpose. Their real impact has been largely invisible to the public: they have already reshaped how food companies formulate products, invest in research, and redesign portfolios. Whether the labels meaningfully change consumer behaviour remains debatable, but their influence on product development is no longer.
The GLP-1 phenomenon will continue to exert structural pressure on the food sector. With generics entering the market early this year and a pill-based version recently approved in the United States, access is expanding rapidly. We estimate that the number of Canadians using GLP-1 medications could rise from roughly two million today to three or even four million by 2030. This is no longer a marginal health trend; it is a demand-side shock with implications for everything from snack foods to restaurant traffic.
Artificial intelligence will also play a larger—and more controversial—role in food retail. Differential pricing already exists online, with consumers paying different prices for the same products, at the same retailer, at the same time. The next frontier may be in-store dynamic pricing. While Canadians have largely accepted AI-driven pricing in airlines and hotels, food is different. The ethical and political stakes are far higher. How grocers deploy demand-side AI—not just the supply-chain tools they have relied on for years—will be one of the defining tests of trust in the sector.
January 1 also brings the long-awaited implementation of the grocery code of conduct. After years of negotiation, the industry has arrived at a voluntary framework whose effectiveness remains uncertain. If it works, the code should reduce disruptions upstream, improve commercial fairness, and support greater price stability and competition. For now, optimism must be tempered with realism. Only time will tell whether the code delivers outcomes or merely signals intent.
Finally, 2026 coincides with the United Nations’ International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists—a timely moment to reset the debate around meat consumption and livestock production. Rangelands underpin global meat systems by converting grasslands—often unsuitable for crops—into high-quality protein. In a world where demand for animal protein continues to grow, portraying livestock as inherently incompatible with sustainability ignores nutritional, economic, and ecological realities.
Well-managed grazing supports rural livelihoods, strengthens export economies, and can enhance biodiversity and soil health rather than undermine them. If policymakers are serious about food security, climate resilience, and affordability, 2026 should mark a shift away from apologizing for meat production and toward recognizing livestock as a strategic pillar of resilient food systems—not a sector to be regulated out of existence.
Frozen Food at Pet Valu Front Street in Toronto (Image: Dustin Fuhs
Pet food inflation isn’t a lifestyle story, at least, not anymore.
For years, pet ownership in Canada has been framed as a lifestyle choice. A dog is a companion. A cat is a comfort. In public discourse, pets are often treated as discretionary luxuries—nice to have, but optional. That framing is now badly outdated.
Today, roughly six in ten Canadian households live with at least one cat or dog. There are more than 16 million cats and dogs in the country. And a growing share of those animals are not owned by young families with rising incomes, but by seniors, people living alone, and households that explicitly view pets as family members and primary sources of companionship. This shift is unfolding alongside another profound demographic reality: Canadians are having fewer children. Fertility rates are at historic lows, household sizes are shrinking, and single-person households are becoming more common. In that context, pets are increasingly filling roles once occupied by children—emotionally, socially, and economically.
This matters—because the cost of feeding those animals has quietly surged.
Since 2020, pet food prices have risen by roughly 25–30 per cent on average, with some brands and formulations climbing far higher. For households on fixed or modest incomes, pet food inflation is not an abstract market trend. It is a weekly budgeting problem.
And the strain is now visible in the charitable food system. Across Canada, humane societies, SPCAs, and community organizations increasingly distribute pet food—sometimes through dedicated pet food banks, sometimes alongside human food. Traditional food banks, never designed to feed animals, are referring clients to these programs because demand exists. When pet food enters the emergency food system, it is a clear signal that it has crossed from discretionary spending into basic household necessity.
Contrary to stereotype, pets are not primarily owned by affluent, two-income households. Nearly half of Canadians aged 55 and over own a pet, despite lower overall incomes and rising healthcare costs. Singles and people living alone have among the highest pet-ownership rates, especially among younger adults and widowed seniors. Across age groups, companionship—not recreation or status—is the dominant motivation for owning a pet.
For many seniors, a pet is not a lifestyle accessory. It is daily structure. Emotional stability. A reason to walk, to engage, to stay connected. For singles, especially in high-cost urban markets, pets often substitute for family networks that are geographically distant or economically inaccessible.
When pet food prices rise sharply, these households do not simply trade down or opt out. They absorb the cost—or sacrifice elsewhere.
From an economic perspective, pet food behaves much more like a necessity than a discretionary good. Demand is relatively inelastic. Owners do not meaningfully reduce quantity when prices rise; instead, they cut back on their own consumption, delay veterinary care, or rely on charitable support.
Ignoring pet food inflation is not just socially tone-deaf—it is economically short-sighted. Pets play a measurable role in mental-health outcomes, especially for seniors and people living alone. When households are forced to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their animals, the downstream costs appear elsewhere: greater social isolation, higher healthcare utilization, and increased pressure on public services.
Pet food inflation may not dominate CPI headlines, but for millions of Canadians, it is real, personal, and increasingly unsustainable.
Digital 2026 reportingshows that Canada is now one of the most connected markets in the world, with internet penetration at 95% and more than 82% of the population active on social media.
With audiences so digitally saturated, marketers are looking for channels that break through the noise—and that’s where OOH (Out-of-Home) is seeing real momentum.
Vistar Media’slatest creative trends report highlights that brands are shifting toward contextual, dynamic creative and real-world experiences that feel more human and less algorithm-driven, making DOOH (Digital Out -of-Home) one of the fastest-growing environments for meaningful reach.
These behavioural shifts align directly with the OOH examples we’re seeing heading into 2026—from cultural-moment takeovers to retail media integrations and big-stage brand reveals (like Justin Bieber’s global album launch).
As brands navigate a more fragmented media landscape, Out-of-Home is becoming one of the most dynamic channels in Canada, and 2026 is shaping up to be a breakout year. Vistar Media Canada has identified five key trends set to define the space:
Cultural-moment OOH surges: brands reacting to real-time trends and amplifying social buzz.
OOH remains the go-to stage for major announcements, from album drops to big brand reveals. Think Justin Bieber’s global launch for his album earlier this year!
Retail media continues rapid growth, with DOOH playing a larger role in shopper journeys.
Location-based targeting heats up ahead of cultural events, letting brands capture fan traffic around venues without in-stadium price tags. With 3 Canadian teams in the NHL playoffs in 2025, brands were capturing Canadian pride!
Some examples Vistar Media Canada saw in 2025 which will continue through 2026, including:
Justin Bieber’s big OOH play announcing his latest album making a big splash across the world
The Brick’s cheeky response to IKEA and Sleep Country showcasing the flexibility of OOH
Canadian’s celebrating their pride, and their brands, with three Canadian hockey teams in the NHL playoffs
Brands building off the success of new concert venues (like Downsview Park’s concert venue) and the role OOH plays in attracting the right audiences to your brand.
“When every feed, inbox and screen is fighting for attention, brands are realizing they need moments that break through, not just more impressions. That’s where OOH and DOOH have re-emerged as essential channels.
What we’re seeing is a shift from “digital versus physical” to “digital plus physical.” Advertisers are starting to treat real-world screens as high-value attention environments, places where people are receptive, not scrolling,” he said.
“Whether it’s a commuter waiting for transit or a shopper in a high-intent retail zone, DOOH gives brands a way to reconnect in a more grounded, distraction-free setting. In a saturated digital world, physical spaces have become the new premium.”
Vistar’s report points to a shift toward contextual and dynamic creative. What does “more human, less algorithm-driven” advertising look like in practice?
“More human doesn’t mean less technology, it means using technology to create relevance that actually feels real. We’ve spent the last decade optimizing media around algorithms; now we’re optimizing around context,” explained Mitchell.
“In practice, that means ads that shift based on the world around them, creative that adapts to cultural signals, mood, environment, or even the time of day. Dynamic DOOH lets brands speak to people the way a great storyteller would: with timing, tone and context.
“Instead of blasting the same generic message everywhere, we’re seeing campaigns with 50–100 creative variations that reflect what’s happening in the moment. It’s technology enabling humanity, not replacing it.”
Mitchell said the big cultural moments have raised the bar for everyone.
Photo: Vistar Media
“A decade ago, DOOH was about reach and repetition. Now it’s about spectacle, coordination and real-time amplification. Activations like Bieber’s album launch proved that DOOH can be global, synchronized and culturally loud, a way for brands to insert themselves into the moments people are already talking about. And because DOOH pairs so well with social, these campaigns don’t just live on physical screens; they create the kind of content people actively share. The expectation now is that DOOH shouldn’t just “run.” It should participate in culture,” he said.
With internet penetration at 95% and social media usage above 80%, what unique advantages does OOH offer that digital and social channels can no longer deliver on their own?
“OOH delivers two things the digital ecosystem can’t: trust and presence.
First, OOH is inherently brand-safe and fraud-free. When nearly all Canadians are living online, the physical world becomes one of the few places where brands can guarantee real human exposure,” noted Mitchell.
“Second, presence matters. Seeing a brand in the real world creates a different level of credibility, it signals scale, permanence and cultural relevance in a way that digital simply can’t replicate.
“OOH also benefits from being the “interruptor people don’t resent.” There’s no skip button, no feed fatigue, just a well-placed moment that lands because it’s part of the environment, not an intrusion.”
Mitchell said that by 2026, OOH will feel much more like the rest of the modern marketing stack, measurable, targetable and fully integrated, but with the added benefit of real-world scale.
“We’re moving into an era where DOOH will be tied directly to outcomes: store visits, purchases, app behaviour, even loyalty engagement. Attribution will be clearer, and brands will be able to personalize at the audience-segment level without ever becoming “creepy” at the individual level,” he said.
“And as retail media networks grow in Canada, OOH will play a bigger role in connecting awareness to action. A shopper might see a DOOH ad on their commute and then encounter the same brand message at the point of sale, that’s incredibly powerful. Ultimately, the evolution of OOH is about impact. More intelligence, more creative flexibility, and more ways for brands to show up meaningfully in people’s everyday environments.”
Apple, an American technology company, is enhancing its Fitness+ platform to help users keep their fitness resolutions in 2026. New programs, motivational challenges, and Artist Spotlight features are designed to support user engagement and consistency throughout the year.
Starting January 5, Fitness+ will introduce four innovative workout programs. These programs include a Make Your Fitness Comeback series, which focuses on strength, HIIT, and yoga, tailored for users returning to exercise routines. Each program offers weekly training plans to simplify workout planning and maintain motivation.
The study, conducted over four years with nearly 100,000 participants, reveals that Apple Watch users significantly increase their daily exercise levels in January and maintain these improvements well into the spring. Specifically, over 60 percent of participants who logged their workouts elevated their activity by over 10 percent compared to their December averages, sustaining this increased activity through Quitter’s Day and beyond. Nearly 80 percent of users who boosted their exercise in January continued this trend into February and March.
New Features and Programs
In addition to the new workout programs, Fitness+ introduces a limited-edition award called Ring in the New Year, which rewards users for closing their Activity rings for seven consecutive days. Furthermore, Apple Watch users can engage in a “Quit Quitting” challenge via Strava, logging a minimum of 12 workouts throughout January to earn a badge in the app.
Apple aims to expand user engagement with a diverse range of music integrated into workouts. The new Artist Spotlight series includes training sessions accompanied by playlists featuring artists like KAROL G and Bad Bunny, ensuring an immersive experience for users.
Available Devices and Pricing
The latest Apple Watch models, including the Series 11 and Ultra 3, offer advanced health and fitness tracking features, pricing starting at $549 CAD and $1,099 CAD, respectively. Fitness+ is available as a monthly subscription or can be bundled with the Apple One Premier plan, providing access to multiple Apple services.
With its innovative features and ongoing research into fitness trends, Apple continues to position its Fitness+ platform as a leader in the digital wellness space, attracting users looking to enhance their health and fitness journeys in 2026.
In today’s rapidly changing job market, students are constantly seeking opportunities that can provide them with the skills, experience, and flexibility they need as they balance their education with their future career aspirations. One industry that has long been a common starting point for many students is retail. Retail offers a wide variety of roles that can be appealing for students, whether they are looking for part-time work or considering a full-time career after graduation. This article explores the reasons why so many students begin their careers in retail and how it can serve as a stepping stone to future professional growth.
Flexibility and Convenience
One of the main reasons why students are drawn to retail jobs is the flexibility they offer. Many students need part-time jobs that allow them to manage their academic schedule, and retail positions are often structured to accommodate this. Retail jobs, particularly in customer service roles, can be scheduled around classes, making them an ideal option for students who need to work while still focusing on their studies. Retail jobs often offer evening and weekend shifts, which means students can still earn money without compromising their academic responsibilities. This flexibility is crucial for students who may have unpredictable schedules and need a job that works with them rather than against them.
Skill Development and Experience
Retail jobs provide a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable experience and develop a wide range of transferable skills that will benefit them in any future career. Working in retail allows students to build strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and customer service expertise. These are all highly valued qualities by future employers across a wide variety of industries. Retail positions can also offer students the chance to gain leadership experience, particularly if they work in supervisory or managerial roles. Through hands-on experience, students can also develop time management skills and learn how to work in a fast-paced environment. Many students appreciate that retail jobs teach them not just how to sell products, but also how to engage with customers in a way that can lead to repeat business and long-term relationships.
In addition to the personal development students gain from retail jobs, many find that they can balance their academic responsibilities by outsourcing some of their more time-consuming tasks. For example, students working in retail might find themselves overwhelmed with coursework, and in these situations, some may turn to online academic help services. If a student is swamped with assignments and deadlines, they might decide to do my assignment, which allows them to focus on work while keeping up with their educational requirements.
Networking and Professional Connections
Another reason why students choose to start their careers in retail is the opportunity to network and establish professional connections. Retail environments bring together individuals from various backgrounds and industries, and students can take advantage of these opportunities to learn about different careers, expand their professional network, and perhaps even find a mentor. Many retail managers and supervisors have extensive experience in the business world and can provide valuable career guidance to students. Additionally, students working in retail often have the chance to meet professionals from various industries who are customers or clients, allowing them to expand their network beyond the confines of their immediate circle. These connections can open doors to internships, future job opportunities, and other professional development avenues.
Financial Independence and Work Ethic
For many students, financial independence is an essential motivator for taking on a retail job. While some students rely on financial support from family, others are keen to cover their own living expenses and tuition fees through their own earnings. Retail jobs offer an accessible way for students to earn money while learning how to manage their finances, budget, and save for future goals. In many cases, the financial rewards of a retail job go beyond just the paycheck. Students often learn the importance of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance while juggling the demands of both work and school. Retail jobs are often fast-paced and require employees to stay on their toes, which helps students build a strong work ethic that will serve them in any career they pursue.
Opportunities for Advancement
Retail offers numerous opportunities for career advancement, which is another attractive aspect for students. Many students start in entry-level positions but are able to work their way up the ladder through hard work, dedication, and the acquisition of new skills. Retail companies often have structured training programs that provide employees with the tools they need to advance within the organization. Whether students aspire to become store managers, district managers, or even regional directors, retail offers a clear path for upward mobility. Additionally, students who prove themselves in retail often have the opportunity to gain experience in various areas of the business, such as inventory management, sales, marketing, and human resources. This wide exposure can be invaluable for students looking to develop a well-rounded skill set.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the retail industry remains a popular choice for students starting their careers due to the flexibility, valuable skills development, networking opportunities, and financial rewards it provides. Retail jobs offer students the chance to balance their academic commitments with work while gaining experience that will benefit them in any future profession. For students, retail jobs also serve as a stepping stone toward career advancement, with numerous opportunities for growth within the industry. While the nature of the work may vary, the experiences students gain from retail positions are often transformative, preparing them for success in both their personal and professional lives. Ultimately, starting a career in retail allows students to gain crucial skills, network with professionals, and work toward financial independence, all while laying the foundation for future career success.
When we think of a luxury perfume, we usually imagine something refined and effortless to wear. Not loud or attention-seeking, but composed and well-made. At the same time, luxury perfumery covers a wide range of styles, moods, and interpretations, which can make the choice feel less obvious. The tips below are meant to help you navigate that variety and choose a fragrance with more intention, beyond first impressions.
#1 Look for Structure, Not Shock
Many luxury perfumes are not built around a single dominant note or an instantly recognizable signature. Instead, they rely on structure, how the opening, heart, and base relate to each other, and on materials that reveal depth gradually.
Because of this, two fragrances can smell similar at first spray yet feel completely different once they settle. Sweetness, strength, or immediate projection are often poor indicators of quality in this context.
#2 Judge the Dry-Down, Not the Opening
The way a perfume wears depends heavily on context. Temperature, humidity, movement, and even clothing can change how a scent comes across. A fragrance that feels elegant indoors may become overwhelming outside, while a quiet opening can gain warmth and presence over time.
Because many luxury perfumes are designed to sit closer to the skin, their effect is often subtle and personal. Wearing a scent through a full day, rather than judging it in the first few minutes, gives a far more accurate sense of whether it fits your routine and style.
#3 Pay Attention to Material Quality
Luxury perfumes often reveal their quality through feel rather than volume. Instead of focusing on how strong a scent is, it helps to notice how it behaves on the skin.
Smoothness of transitions
Notes shift without sharp edges. The change from fresh to warm, or from light to dense, feels natural rather than abrupt.
Clarity, not clutter
Even complex compositions tend to feel clean and intentional. Each element has space, and nothing feels overloaded.
Comfort over time
High-quality materials are usually easier to wear for hours. They are less likely to feel scratchy, heavy, or tiring as the scent develops.
Restraint as a choice
Many high-end perfume brands invest in materials that don’t need to shout. The quality is sensed up close, not announced across the room.
This shift in focus is often what makes a luxury perfume enjoyable to wear over time.
#4 Test on Skin, in Real Conditions
Luxury perfumes are shaped as much by the environment as by their composition. Testing them properly means stepping outside the controlled setting of a store.
Temperature and humidity matter – Heat can amplify sweetness and density, while cooler air can mute certain notes. What feels balanced indoors may behave very differently outside.
Movement changes perception – Walking, commuting, and daily activity affect how a scent lifts, settles, and reappears over time.
Clothing and proximity play a role – Fabrics, layers, and how close others are to you influence how the fragrance is perceived, both by you and by those nearby.
Wearing a perfume through a normal day reveals far more than a quick test. It shows whether the scent adapts naturally to your routine or feels out of place once real life begins.
#5 Ignore Gender Labels, Focus on Character
Luxury perfumery often treats gender as secondary to mood, material, and expression. Many fragrances are created with a specific atmosphere or personality in mind rather than a strict category.
Notes don’t have a gender
Woods, florals, spices, and resins shift character depending on how they’re used. Context matters more than labels.
Marketing doesn’t define wearability
Gendered branding often reflects who the brand imagines wearing the scent, not who actually can.
Personal response comes first
How a fragrance feels on your skin and fits your presence is more relevant than whether it’s listed as “for him” or “for her”.
Approaching perfume this way opens up more options and makes it easier to choose a scent that feels natural rather than prescribed.
#6 Evaluate Evolution, Not Just Longevity
Longevity is often measured in hours, but in luxury perfumes, how a scent evolves matters just as much. After two to four hours, the fragrance should feel settled and coherent, not flat or heavy. A perfume that simply lingers without staying pleasant adds little value.
#7 Understand the Brand’s Point of View
Behind every luxury perfume is a clear point of view. Some houses are driven by minimalism and restraint, others by richness, tradition, or artistic expression. This philosophy influences everything from ingredient choices to how a fragrance evolves on the skin.
Brands with a clearly defined aesthetic and material focus, like Xerjoff, tend to follow a consistent creative direction across their collections, which makes their fragrances feel coherent even when styles vary.
Consistency across the line
Brands with a strong identity tend to share a recognizable feel, even when individual perfumes differ in style.
Style over trends
A defined point of view often means less reaction to short-term trends and more focus on longevity and coherence.
#8 Know When to Stop Sampling
With luxury perfumes, having more options doesn’t always lead to a better choice. Smelling too many fragrances in one session can blur distinctions and make even well-built scents start to feel similar. Instead of comparing endlessly, it helps to narrow the selection to a few candidates and spend real time with each one.
A short break before revisiting a fragrance often reveals details that were easy to miss at first and clarifies how it truly feels to wear. This approach reduces decision fatigue and makes it easier to recognize the scent that stays with you naturally, rather than the one that simply stood out in the moment.
A Scent of You
At a certain point, choosing a luxury perfume becomes less about comparison and more about recognition. You stop asking whether it’s impressive enough and start noticing whether it feels right. When that happens, the fragrance no longer feels like a decision, but something that settles in naturally and stays.
In interior design, function is influenced by and enhanced by the design of the space. While paint colors, furniture, and lighting often get the most attention, one of the most transformative elements in interior design can be the rug. Specifically, custom rugs offer a tailored approach to home décor that enhances both the visual and functional qualities of a space.
Store-bought rugs don’t offer the custom sizing and designing that custom rugs do. Gone are the days of buying a rug that does not fit or work with a space. Now, the perfect rug can be built online by customers.
Techniques to enhance durability and special materials like wool are available through custom rug websites, making custom rugs a durable, long-lasting option for any room.
Custom Rugs for Interior Design
The personalization aspect of custom rugs is key. Angela Lawton writes for Retail Insider, “As consumers become more savvy and discover that they have more choices than ever, retailers must examine their practices to stay relevant and credible.” Customization bridges the gap between customer need and retailer relevance. But what do customers need?
Customers likely desire a rug that can be guaranteed to fit a space, regardless of the dimensions. Oddly sized or shaped rooms can pose a challenge for a homeowner to find a rug for the area. Custom rugs take the stress out of the process, allowing customers to build their perfect rug for their dream home, anchoring furniture layout, and enhancing spatial flow.
Custom rugs allow customers to design a rug tailored to their space, using their preferred color palette. Unique patterns or artwork can be designed in the rug at the customer’s choosing and the manufacturer’s ability, creating cohesion or intentional focal points.
Choosing the Right Custom Rug
Blogger and interior designer Sarah Gibson offers valuable tips on the placement and arrangement of rugs in an interior space. In social spaces, such as the living room or a general gathering area, she suggests choosing a rug large enough to fit at least the front legs of all major furniture pieces, because this visually connects the furniture and rug.
Considering functionality, allowing at least 24 inches of rug space beyond the table in a dining area accommodates pulled-out chairs. This is to ensure that they do not get caught on the edge of the rug with movement.
Where to Order Custom Rugs Online
In the age of the internet, quality craftsmanship and personalization have never been more accessible. Leading online platforms can offer tools to create custom rugs tailored to an individual’s needs, all from the comfort of their couch.
It is essential to look for companies that offer high-resolution previews of their designs, eco-conscious materials, transparent production timelines, and live customer support.
Why Quality Matters in Custom Rugs
Not all custom rugs are created equal. Materials, weave quality, and origin significantly impact a rug’s longevity and appearance. Wool, silk, and cotton provide durability and elegance.
Custom rugs can be sourced from craftsmen whose expertise ensures customers receive a high-quality, well-made product. Hand-tufted or hand-knotted techniques result in denser, longer-lasting rugs compared to machine-made ones.
FAQs
Q: What size rug should I get for my living room? For most living rooms, an 8×10 or 9×12 rug works well. All front furniture legs should ideally rest on the rug to create a cohesive layout.
Q: Are custom rugs more expensive than store-bought ones? While the initial cost may be higher, custom rugs are often more durable and better tailored to your needs, offering greater long-term value.
Q: How long does it take to get a custom rug? Depending on the complexity and manufacturer, custom rugs may take 4–10 weeks from design to delivery.
Q: What materials are best for custom rugs? Wool is highly durable and ideal for most spaces. For a more luxurious feel, silk or wool-silk blends are also popular.
Businesses rely on their products making a safe journey from the warehouse to retail shelves. However, the vulnerabilities are too high to ignore the threats. Organised criminal networks constantly target cargo, leading to multimillion-dollar losses. The good news is your company can take action and minimise risk. Here are seven strategies to protect your operation from retail supply chain theft.
1. Increase Physical Security
Physical security is paramount to retailers because it serves as a deterrent to outside threats. By upgrading the security devices on your property, you can deter criminals before they think about trespassing. Experts recommend installing cameras around sensitive areas and entrances to ensure an effective first line of defence, as monitored systems let you record evidence and spot suspicious activity in real time.
Bright lights are another essential physical deterrent for your business. A thief may feel exposed and vulnerable under the bright light, so implement motion-activated devices throughout the property, particularly in areas with limited lighting. Back corners, alleyways and fence lines are wise places to install floodlights, considering they’re a psychological deterrent.
2. Use Best Cybersecurity Practices
While physical barriers are helpful, your team should also prioritise cybersecurity health. American law enforcement officials said internet crimes exceeded US$16 billion in 2024, which is a 33% increase from the previous year. Criminals are becoming more sophisticated — they can breach digital systems and access logistics data to see which products are shipped and which routes your fleet takes.
Your company’s strategies should include regular security audits. Vulnerability scans and penetration tests are essential tasks for identifying outdated software and other security flaws. Multifactor authentication is another critical aspect for your employees. If a thief obtains a password, it becomes less valuable because the code is sent to a cell phone or an email address.
3. Enact Strict Access Control
Access control is crucial in preventing retail supply chain theft, regardless of its origin. The digital environment is a primary target for thieves, so it helps to implement role-based access control protocols. For instance, a logistics coordinator should only be able to see the regional schedule but not the financial data. Meanwhile, warehouse associates can only see the manifest for specific trucks.
Physical access control is the next line of defence. As a business owner, you should control and monitor your locations through zoning. This strategy divides warehouses and distribution centres and limits access to sensitive areas. It’s wise to limit access to server rooms or loading docks with key fobs or biometric scanners so you can instantly grant and revoke access.
4. Implement GPS Tracking
Cargo theft across Canada and the U.S. has risen at alarming rates. A recent study indicated that incidents rose by 27% in 2024, which concerns industry experts. Therefore, it’s essential to go above and beyond by using countermeasures like GPS trackers.
These devices provide real-time visibility during the entire trip and emphasise the importance of active processes. They also prevent retail supply chain theft through geofencing, which creates virtual boundaries around your routes and distribution centres. It sends alerts to your phone if a fleet vehicle deviates from the path or enters a high-risk area. Once you have the information, you can verify the situation with the driver or contact law enforcement for further assistance.
5. Leverage Data Analytics
Preventing theft is typically a reactive approach, as it involves responding to external threats, but you can make it more proactive and intelligent through data analysis. Internal research can reveal actionable information and critical patterns. For example, analytics tools display the locations of past thefts and high-risk zones, indicating where the majority of thefts occur.
Forecasters anticipate a US$83.79 billion value for data analytics in 2026, signalling more popularity among industries. These tools are essential for retailers because they enable targeted security strategies. You may review the research and devote extra resources to protecting TVs or car batteries. Businesses can go a step further by applying this information to future shipments and flagging specific products.
6. Thoroughly Vet Employees
External threats are significant and should be taken seriously, but it’s just as essential to safeguard your business from internal risks. Protection starts with comprehensive background checks and should include searching for patterns. For instance, hiring managers should review drivers and security personnel for traffic violations and records of violence.
The background check should also extend to the worker’s employment and professional history. Your team should be thorough in contacting previous employers and asking targeted questions. Make it robust by implementing periodic evaluations, especially for staff in high-risk positions.
7. Practise Incident Response Plans
Retail supply chain theft prevention tactics are crucial to maintaining a secure perimeter. However, your business must be ready when incidents arise. A swift and methodical response can be the difference between manageable losses and catastrophes.
Make a plan for your team so everyone understands their roles. If they have a checklist, they can execute it immediately:
Notify the first point of contact.
Call law enforcement officials.
Preserve the evidence.
Secure the area by locking doors and gates.
Open the incident log to document all actions.
Confirm law enforcement has been contacted.
Preventing Retail Supply Chain Theft in the Digital Age
Theft is becoming more organised and sophisticated, so proactive approaches are necessary to create a resilient and formidable defence. Asset protection requires a commitment to physical deterrents, cybersecurity strategies and internal processes. Advanced technologies and meticulous vetting can go a long way in reducing vulnerabilities and protecting supply chain security.
An apparel business that wants to grow needs more than a generic enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Styles come in many colors and sizes, new products launch often and margins are tight. A basic system will struggle to keep up. A reliable apparel ERP connects inventory, production, sales and finance in one place so everyone views the same data. The best ERP software for apparel is the one that matches how industry teams work daily and meets logistics expectations.
Why Apparel Businesses Need a Specialized ERP
Inventory isn’t simply about quantity and stock-keeping units (SKUs). Each style breaks down into multiple colors and sizes, and sometimes fits or lengths. Without a matrix-based system, teams end up with spreadsheets to track variations, increasing the risk of stockouts in key sizes or overstock in slow movers. A specialized apparel ERP uses style, color and size handling to keep this matrix under control and reduce manual work.
Seasonal demand is also an issue. Collections roll out by season and trends can shift quickly. According to retail and apparel experts, seasonal peaks put stress on planning and replenishment, and companies are moving toward advanced forecasting tools to keep up with demand swings and new product introductions. An apparel ERP that supports seasonal forecasting and delivery changes helps teams buy and produce with confidence.
The supply chain behind a garment is often global and fragmented. Brands and wholesalers work with mills, trim suppliers, factors and logistics partners spread across regions. Industry analysis shows apparel companies relying on tech platforms for end-to-end visibility, from product planning through sourcing and manufacturing to distribution. An ERP can track materials, production status and inbound shipments, so potential delays are identified early.
Must-Have Features in an Apparel ERP
It helps to focus on a few core capabilities that support daily operations across merchandising, production, finance and logistics. Certain features should be core to the choice.
Real-Time Inventory Visibility
The system should provide a single view of stock by category across stores and warehouses. Multi-location visibility helps brands lower shipping costs and reduces fulfillment delays by routing orders to meet the most suitable facility. For apparel, that same visibility needs to reach down to the size level so planners see actual availability.
Production and Materials Planning
The ERP should support bills of materials, fabric and trim requirements, cut tickets and production orders. This setup lets teams see material shortages before they affect deliveries and synchronize purchasing with product schedules. For seasonal collections, planning tools should handle future deliveries and multiple drops for the same style, so launches stay on track.
Supplier and Order Management
A strong apparel ERP will manage purchase orders, monitor supplier performance and handle import logistics, such as landed cost tracking and lead times. The complete supply chain should be visible from purchasing through shipment and receipt, so companies can react faster to disruptions.
Integrated Financials
Sales orders, purchases, inventory movements and returns should post directly into the general ledger and subledgers. This setup cuts manual reconciliation and supports better margin analysis by style, collection and channel, which matters when planning for incoming seasons and negotiating with suppliers.
Scalability and Integration
As the business grows, the ERP should have the capacity to handle more SKUs, warehouses and users without any performance issues. Integration with e-commerce platforms and marketplaces, such as Amazon and Shopify, plus point-of-sale (POS) and electronic data interchange (EDI) systems, has become a standard for apparel brands seeking unified data across channels.
What Is the Best Apparel ERP Software? 3 Top-Rated Vendors
Three vendors stand out in apparel for combining deep industry functionality with broad ERP capabilities. This list was selected for the companies’ apparel-specific capabilities, years of experience, customer ratings and ease of implementation.
1. FDM4
FDM4 is a long-established apparel ERP software provider with a browser-based platform built specifically for apparel, footwear and related industries. It offers cloud deployment and licensed models, and can host the application in its own infrastructure or work with a client’s preferred hosting partner.
FDM4’s strengths begin with apparel-centric design. The system handles detailed product style, color and size structures, pre-packs, and assortments. It includes demand and forecasting modules, and provides comprehensive supply chain visibility from purchasing through distribution. Because it develops its own software and provides in-house support, customers have a single point of contact for software, database, hardware, network and security concerns.
It serves small brands to large enterprises, especially those with complex wholesale and distribution needs. Pricing models typically include software-as-a-service (SaaS) subscriptions and licensing, with specifics depending on user count, modules and hosting choices.
2. ApparelMagic
ApparelMagic is a modern cloud-based ERP that focuses on ease of use and quick adoption for apparel brands. It runs in the browser and specializes in visual product management and integrations with popular sales channels. These make it well-suited to small and medium-sized brands that need structure around product development, sales and inventory without a heavy IT footprint.
Feature-wise, it covers core apparel workflows, including style creation, materials management, pre-production and costing. It integrates with popular e-commerce and B2B platforms, which helps growing brands sync orders and inventory across multiple channels. Its user interface is designed to be accessible for teams that may not have deep ERP experience, reducing training time and improving adoption.
3. BlueCherry by CGS
BlueCherry by CGS is an enterprise-level suite built for global apparel and consumer lifestyle companies. It is known for handling high transaction volumes and complex international operations. This makes it suitable for large enterprise and high-growth brands managing multi-country sourcing, extensive wholesale networks and large internal teams.
BlueCherry offers end-to-end supply chain visibility. Its solution is highly configurable, with options for different production models, sourcing strategies and compliance requirements. Pricing is typically quote-based.
Making a Smart ERP Choice for Your Apparel Business
Shortlist a few apparel ERP vendors then run focused demos using real scenarios, like new season launches, late fabric deliveries and multi-channel fulfillment. Ask for references from brands similar in size and segment, and confirm how the system performs after going live. Use those insights to choose the ERP that best supports workflows and growth plans.
Toronto’s retail community is mourning the loss of Karl Dodham, a longtime visual presentation leader whose work helped define the holiday experience at the Hudson’s Bay Company Queen Street flagship for decades.
Karl died on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, surrounded by family. His passing follows a year of profound change for many former Hudson’s Bay employees, after the Queen Street flagship and the company’s entire Canadian store network closed in June 2025. For those who worked inside the building, the loss of the store and the loss of Karl feel closely connected.
Karl Dodham
For generations of Torontonians, the Queen and Yonge building was where Christmas began. Families gathered outside to see the windows, then flowed inside to wander immersive holiday environments that felt closer to theatre than traditional retail. Behind that experience were craftspeople who treated visual merchandising as a public responsibility. Colleagues say Karl was one of the people who carried that responsibility most seriously.
A Life Defined by Integrity, Faith, and Care
“It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of Karl. He went home to be with his Maker and Lord on Wednesday December 3, 2025. Karl was surrounded by family in his final hours,” his obituary reads.
Those closest to him describe a man guided by strong values and quiet generosity.
“Karl was a man of great integrity who was true to his word. He lived by his core values, and they were evident in his words and actions,” the family wrote. “Karl based his life on the love of God, family, and purposeful living. He felt he had a role in life to open his arms and home to others.”
Creativity extended well beyond his professional life.
“He was a creative genius who found ways to make everything beautiful. An avid gardener, a loving daddy to his fur baby Darcy, a formidable host, and a lover of nature.”
The family expressed deep gratitude to the Sunnybrook Hospital Cardiac ICU team, noting that staff treated Karl “with great respect and care as if he was one of their own family members.” In lieu of flowers, donations were requested for the Sunnybrook Cardiac ICU unit.
Holiday Displays in the Hudson’s Bay Queen Street store. Photo supplied
The Queen Street Flagship as a Cultural Institution
The Queen Street flagship occupied a singular place in Toronto’s cultural memory. Originating as a Simpsons department store in the late 19th century, the building developed an early reputation for elaborate Christmas windows that drew crowds long before experiential retail became industry shorthand.
Under Hudson’s Bay, that tradition continued. The windows became a seasonal marker for the city, and the interior holiday environments extended the story inside the store. For those who built them, these displays were not simply visual merchandising exercises. They were moments of civic connection.
That is where Karl’s work lived.
Holiday window displays in the Hudson’s Bay Queen Street store. Photo: James Doiron
“He Looked at the Windows as a Stage”
Agata Salvatore, a former Visual Presentation Specialist at the Queen Street store, worked with Karl for more than 30 years. She describes a department that handled everything from mannequins to in-store marketing to windows, shifting constantly with the needs of the business.
“In the visual department, the work covered everything, from dressing mannequins to in-store marketing to helping with the windows,” she said.
Karl, she explained, brought a distinct sensibility shaped by his love of theatre.
“He came from a theatrical background. Even though he studied early childhood education, theatre was his real passion, and he brought that sensibility into the store.”
That perspective influenced how he approached window design.
“He always looked at the windows as a stage,” Agata said. “He thought carefully about sightlines and whether customers could see something clearly from a particular angle. If something looked messy, it had to be concealed.”
It was a meticulous approach, and one that helped elevate the Queen Street windows beyond simple decoration.
‘Christmas Street’ on the 5th floor in the Hudson’s Bay Queen Street store, early 2000s. Photo supplied
Christmas Street and the Art of Escape
Inside the store, Karl became closely associated with Christmas Street, the immersive holiday environment that once drew visitors deep into the building. Agata said he was involved from its earliest days and gradually became central to its creative direction.
“From the beginning, Karl was involved with Christmas Street,” she said. “It became part of who he was, and he was exceptionally good at it.”
At its height, Christmas Street featured themed rooms that transformed retail space into something closer to an installation.
“At one point, we had full theme rooms,” she said. “Karl was deeply involved in developing those concepts.”
Christmas Street on the 5th floor of the Hudson’s Bay Queen Street store in the early 2000s. Photo:: James Doiron
One theme remains particularly vivid in her memory.
“There was one called Tsarina, which had a Russian feel inspired by the colours of the ornaments we received,” she recalled. “He would look at what we had and build an entire atmosphere around it. That’s how he worked.”
Those environments were unique to Queen Street.
“That level of immersion was exclusive to the flagship,” she said. “You did not see that elsewhere.”
More importantly, she remembers how the space made people feel.
“People would come in during lunch or after work and just wander,” she said. “For a while, they forgot about their day. It was a happy place for them.”
Christmas Street on the 5th floor of the Hudson’s Bay Queen Street store. Photo: James Doiron
A Builder Who Could Make Ideas Real
Ana Fernandes, former Creative Director at Hudson’s Bay, worked with Karl across seasonal roles and window presentations. She remembers him as being most fulfilled when leading the annual Christmas shop.
“I worked with Karl in many capacities throughout my career with Hudson’s Bay, from seasonal in-store to window visual presentation, but he was truly at his best, and happiest, when leading our annual Christmas shop,” she said.
For Ana, Karl’s defining strength was his ability to turn imagination into reality.
“If a prop did not exist, he would build it. His imagination, craftsmanship, and dedication were unmatched.”
She also described a shared creative philosophy that shaped the holiday windows.
“Karl and I shared a deep appreciation for whimsy,” she said. “A window was never complete without thoughtful final details, the elements that made people pause, smile, laugh, and feel a sense of wonder.”
One moment captures that spirit for her.
“One of my most cherished images of Karl is a photograph I took during the installation of exterior foliage for our animated windows. Despite the minus-10 temperature, his smile never faded.”
Display in the Hudson’s Bay Queen Street store. Photo supplied
Protecting the Experience for the Public
Raymond Chan, former Senior Visual Merchandising Manager at Hudson’s Bay, said Karl’s career spanned more than four decades, beginning at Simpsons before he joined Hudson’s Bay, where he spent over 35 years.
“Karl spent more than 40 years in the retail industry,” Raymond said. “He began at Simpsons and then moved to Hudson’s Bay, where he dedicated the majority of his career.”
Raymond described Karl as someone who specialized in home, hard goods, and, above all, Christmas. During the flagship’s strongest years, Karl led large-scale holiday builds.
“In the early years, he had the resources to design everything from scratch,” Raymond said. “He oversaw construction and worked with teams of 10 to 12 people to bring those spaces to life.”
What stood out most, Raymond said, was how fiercely Karl protected the public’s opportunity to experience the finished work.
“He always pushed to keep the displays up longer,” he said. “Families were travelling from out of town, from places like Sudbury, specifically to see the windows and Christmas shop.”
For Karl, those visits mattered.
“He wanted everyone to have a chance to appreciate the experience,” Raymond said. “He truly believed in what the holiday season meant at the Queen Street store.”
Regal Holiday display in the Hudson’s Bay Queen Street store. Photo supplied
A Year-Round Vision, Not a Seasonal Switch
Former Queen Street General Manager Richard Montgomery, who led the flagship for nearly 12 years until 2020, shared a similar view of Karl’s role behind the scenes. In his assessment, Christmas at Hudson’s Bay was never a seasonal project that simply appeared in November. It was a year-round undertaking shaped and refined long before the first decorations arrived.
Montgomery said Karl approached the holiday season with a rare combination of creative instinct and operational discipline. From early strategy and concept development through to final execution on the floor, Karl was deeply involved in every stage. The result was a holiday experience that reflected care, precision, and respect for a tradition that many customers held dear.
In Montgomery’s view, Karl’s contribution was so central that it is difficult to imagine the Queen Street holiday program without him. Had Hudson’s Bay continued as an operating retailer, he said, Karl would have remained irreplaceable, and his absence would have been felt immediately by anyone who truly understood how the Christmas season came together inside the flagship.
Holiday Displays in the Hudson’s Bay Queen Street store. Photo supplied
A Teacher and Mentor
Beyond the spectacle, colleagues consistently return to Karl’s generosity with knowledge.
“He was very creative, but he was also an excellent teacher,” Agata said. “If someone didn’t know how to do something, he took the time to show them.”
That mentorship mattered in a hands-on discipline where skills are passed through practice and patience. For many younger team members, Karl represented a standard of craftsmanship and care that shaped how they approached their own work.
Karl Dodham and team in the Hudson’s Bay Queen Street flagship store. Photo: Raymond Chan
A Legacy That Endures
The closure of Hudson’s Bay in 2025 marked the end of a historic chapter in Canadian retail. The Queen and Yonge building remains, and holiday displays have since returned under new stewardship, but the culture that once lived inside the store has dispersed.
For those who built the tradition, the legacy is not just architectural or visual. It is human.
Karl Dodham was a craftsman who understood that retail could be joyful, immersive, and meaningful. He built experiences that asked nothing of visitors except that they stop, look, and feel something.
For a city that grew up with those windows, that is a lasting gift.
