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RONA to Complete Final RONA+ Store Conversions in 2026

By
Craig Patterson
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New RONA+ store at Emerald Hills in Sherwood Park, Alberta. Photo: Christa Patterson
New RONA+ store at Emerald Hills in Sherwood Park, Alberta. Photo: Christa Patterson

RONA inc. is entering the final stage of a multi-year transformation that will see all of its corporate and affiliated stores aligned under a unified national brand. The Canadian home improvement retailer announced that 10 additional locations will be converted to the RONA+ banner during 2026, marking the conclusion of a sweeping rebranding effort that began following Lowe’s exit from the Canadian market.

The latest announcement includes one RONA L’entrepôt location and nine RONA Home & Garden stores, with conversions planned across British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Once completed, the move will bring RONA’s entire retail network into alignment under either the RONA+ or RONA banners, eliminating the remaining legacy formats that have persisted through several ownership and strategic transitions.

 

“These last conversions mark the end of an important phase, as all our stores will now be aligned with the RONA+ and RONA banners across the country. Our customers appreciate our RONA+ stores and our teams are very committed. I am so proud of the many milestones we’ve reached over the past 24 months. We are continuing our transformation to provide our customers with a unique experience by offering them the right product, at the right price, with great service,” said J.P. Towner, President and Chief Executive Officer of RONA inc.

Final Stores Slated for Conversion Across Canada

The stores scheduled for conversion reflect a mix of major urban centres, suburban markets, and regional hubs, underscoring RONA’s intention to deliver a consistent retail experience nationwide. Locations confirmed for conversion include Kelowna in British Columbia, Toronto’s Stockyards district, Barrie, Kingston, Scarborough, and Nepean in Ontario, as well as Calgary in Alberta and Saskatoon and Regina in Saskatchewan.

RONA confirmed that all 10 locations will be converted during 2026, although individual timelines have not yet been disclosed. The company noted that store teams will remain in place throughout the process, ensuring continuity for customers while the physical environments are refreshed and modernized.

Inside the RONA+ store at Emerald Hills in Sherwood Park, Alberta. Photo: Christa Patterson
 

What the RONA+ Format Brings to Stores

The RONA+ banner has been positioned as an upgraded retail concept designed to better serve both professional contractors and do-it-yourself customers. Converted stores are expected to feature expanded PRO departments, enhanced kitchen programs with additional demonstrations, refreshed seasonal sections, and broader modernization throughout the sales floor.

“At RONA+, PRO customers and DIYers can enjoy an enhanced shopping experience. In addition to great prices and flexible payment options, soon-to-be-converted stores will feature an expanded PRO department, a new program in the kitchen department with more demos, a revamped look in the seasonal section and a general modernization of the store. Our goal is to offer more to our customers, while keeping the same teams of experts they know and love,” said Sylvain Proulx, Senior Vice-President, Store Operations at RONA inc.

The emphasis on service, layout clarity, and professional-focused offerings reflects wider changes in the home improvement sector, where retailers are competing not just on price, but on experience, expertise, and convenience.

The Long Road Back to a Unified Canadian Brand

The completion of the RONA+ store conversions brings closure to a period of significant upheaval that began when Lowe’s Companies Inc. acquired RONA in 2016 and later struggled to integrate its Canadian operations. That experiment ended in late 2022 when Lowe’s sold its Canadian business to Sycamore Partners, effectively exiting the market after years of underperformance.

Following the sale, RONA re-established itself as an independent Canadian company, headquartered in Boucherville, Quebec, and quickly moved to simplify a complex network of banners that included Lowe’s, Réno-Dépôt, RONA, and Dick’s Lumber. The strategy focused on restoring a clear Canadian identity while improving operational efficiency and reducing customer confusion, as detailed in the background material provided.

Since 2023, RONA has rolled out successive waves of RONA+ store conversions across the country, gradually phasing out legacy formats. In late 2024, the company confirmed that RONA would become its sole retail brand in Canada, formally closing the chapter on the Lowe’s banner.

A National Network With Local Strength

Today, RONA inc. operates and services more than 425 corporate and affiliated stores under the RONA+, RONA, and Dick’s Lumber banners, supported by approximately 21,000 employees nationwide. A distinguishing feature of the business remains its hybrid model, which combines corporate-owned locations with a large network of independent dealer-owned stores supplied through RONA’s wholesale operations.

That structure allows RONA to maintain a strong presence in both major urban markets and smaller communities, while preserving long-standing local relationships that have defined the brand for decades. The company has emphasized that its dealer network continues to play a central role in its national footprint.

More from Retail Insider:

BRP showing why retail store experience is key for consumers

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo: Francis Hamel photographer | iDA Productions
Photo: Francis Hamel photographer | iDA Productions

Many people these days are saying the retail store is dead. But what if the brands winning loyalty in 2025 are the ones prioritizing the physical experience – not abandoning it? 

That’s exactly what BRP, the Québec-based company behind Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo and Can-Am, is proving. While much of the retail world races to digitize, BRP has quietly turned its global network of 2,700+ dealerships into experience hubs – places where customers come to ride, connect and belong. 

In powersports, 80% of customer interactions still happen face-to-face, and BRP sees that as its competitive edge. Dealerships have become community spaces that blend design, service, and storytelling – more like flagship brand destinations than sales floors. It’s a bold counter-narrative to the “online-only future” myth driving so much of retail discourse. 

Audra Macon
Audra Macon

Audra Macon, BRP’s Director of Global Retail & Dealer Experience, said the company is headquartered in Valcourt (Québec) and is a global leader in the world of powersports. 

“Through its portfolio of industry-leading brands featuring Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and pontoons, Can-Am on- and off-road vehicles and Rotax powertrains, BRP unlocks exhilarating adventures and provides access to experiences across different playgrounds. With more than 2,700 dealers worldwide,” she said.

“BRP has annual sales of CA$7.8 billion from over 130 countries and has approximately 16,500 employees as of January 31, 2025.”

Macon said BRP creates innovative ways to move people in every way, on snow, water, dirt, asphalt, and everywhere in between. 

“In powersports, 80% of customer interactions still happen face-to-face at the dealer level. Knowing that, customer experience in dealerships becomes a major growth lever and a competitive advantage,” she explained.

“Across our dealer network — more than 2,700 dealers around the world– we have a unique opportunity to spark an emotional connection and ignite passion on showroom floors. That’s why, for example, we showcase dynamic action shots of our riders conquering different playgrounds: riding through the mountains with their Can-Am side-by-side, riding in deep snow with their Ski-Doo snowmobile, doing a road trip with their 3-wheel vehicle or making waves out at the lake with their Sea-Doo personal watercraft. 

“We don’t just sell machines, we make adventure happen. In today’s competitive retail environment, we believe it’s no longer enough to focus on product-centric layouts. The future belongs to experience-driven concepts. Think, for example, about immersive zones that transport customers into the brand story, interactive displays to drive curiosity, and activations like pop ups or influencer-led events to give a reason for people to come back. 

Photo: Francis Hamel photographer | iDA Productions
Photo: Francis Hamel photographer | iDA Productions

“It’s more than creating spaces, it’s creating moments that matter in the customer journey. At BRP, we do not sell units online but a consumer can leverage the online tools to build a perfect unit and decide on a brand prior to visiting the dealer. With e-commerce offering such convenience, customers get comfortable at home and are now demanding a reason to visit a BRP dealership. They expect more than just a transaction and we need to deliver a premium experience worth the trip.”

Macon said providing premium customer experience drives loyalty. Buying a powersports vehicle isn’t just about buying another consumer product, it’s about unlocking freedom, adventure, and thrill. 

“It’s literally an experience to create long lasting memories with friends and family. When a dealer can connect with the consumer’s emotions, you go from selling a product to selling an adventure, even a lifestyle. In fact, BRP exists to create new ways to move people, so that experiences are measured in emotions, rather than distance,” she said.

“And to keep that excitement going, at BRP, we encourage our dealers to host events such as Open Houses, Demo Days, and trail rides. Riders like to share their adventures and bond with others that have the same passion. Emotional loyalty builds trust, engagement and leads to repeat purchases. Bringing enthusiasts that share that same passion continues to fuel the heartbeat of the customers that ride BRP products.”

Photo: Francis Hamel photographer | iDA Productions
Photo: Francis Hamel photographer | iDA Productions

What can other industries learn from powersports about re-humanizing the customer journey?

“Dealers selling “want” products, like a Sea-Doo for pure fun, have a unique advantage: the ability to create personalized, unforgettable experiences. Unlike ‘need’ purchases, like buying a car to go to work, where the decision is automatic, discretionary purchases bring hesitation. Customers ask, “Should I spend?” That’s where you come in by delivering an experience so compelling that the answer becomes an easy yes,” she said.

“If a retailer, regardless of its industry, can connect human emotion to the product, making the sale just got easier. Short perspective on building lasting loyalty.

“In powersports, rational specs matter far less than emotional connection. The brands with the deepest loyalty aren’t always the fastest or the cheapest, they are the ones that make their customers feel like they belong to something bigger than a transaction. Every touchpoint counts with the customers. Our riders power our brands. At BRP, we believe that loyalty isn’t just a repeat purchase, it is continuously earning the trust of our riders by holding true to the values of passion, drive, ingenuity and trust that we live by at BRP, while maintaining our sense of adventure as our guiding star.”

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Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For December 16, 2025

By
Retail Insider
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Canadian Retail News From Around The Web

News at a Glance

Retail Insider is streamlining its Canadian retail news from around the web to include a handful of top news stories that can be viewed quickly during the day. Here are the top stories from the past 24 hours.

Food prices rise at fastest pace in two years, though inflation rate holds steady (Financial Post)

The grocery code of conduct takes effect next month. Its first enforcer has a ‘big job’ ahead (Globe & Mail)

No Frills expands presence in the GTA with latest store opening (Toronto.com)

Holiday Markets Boom as Canadians Reject Online Deals for Authentic Experiences (6ix Retail)

OP-ED: The checkout line at the grocery store is not the crime scene (Juno News)

Too many clothes. This northern Ontario thrift store hasn’t accepted new donations for months (CBC)

Buying local helps create jobs in regions: Quebec small businesses (CityNews Montreal)

Oshawa mall owner confirms Sears location to be partially demolished, new tenants coming to Bay site (InSauga)

It takes a village: How Vancouver plans to make its neighbourhoods feel more ‘connected’ (Vancouver Sun)

UFA president says Peavey Mart was close competition to their farm stores (PA Now)

Maxi celebrates the opening of its 200th store (Grocery Business)

Mid-Century Modern Furniture Brand Mim Concept Opens Queen Street West Flagship (6ix Retail)

Mars turns former Hudson’s Bay windows into eye-candy in time for holiday season (CP24)

Former Pattison Food Group president hints at run for B.C. Conservative Party leadership (Grocery Business)

Police charge 5 in relation to Hamilton jewelry store theft, say they stole from stores across Ontario (CBC)

Peavey Mart Plans Saskatchewan Return in Spring 2026

By
Craig Patterson
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Peavey Mart in Red Deer, Alberta (Image: Peavey Mart)

Peavey Mart has confirmed plans to return to Saskatchewan in 2026, marking the next phase in the revival of one of Canada’s most established rural retail brands. The company says its upcoming slate of store reopenings will include locations in Assiniboia and Yorkton, alongside a new store in Red Deer, Alberta, where the retailer was originally founded.

While specific opening dates have not yet been finalized, Peavey Mart has indicated that the target timeframe for these stores is spring 2026. The announcement follows the reopening of four reconfigured Peavey Mart locations in Alberta earlier this month, representing the first physical stores to operate under the revived banner since the chain’s nationwide shutdown earlier this year.

For Saskatchewan communities that lost Peavey Mart stores during the company’s sudden collapse, the news signals a notable development. Thirteen Peavey Mart locations closed across the province in January, leaving many rural and small urban markets without a key destination for agricultural, livestock, and outdoor supplies.

A Phased Comeback Takes Shape

The Saskatchewan reopenings form part of a deliberately scaled-back comeback strategy compared with Peavey Mart’s former national footprint. Prior to entering creditor protection, the chain operated 90 stores across Canada, supported by a centralized distribution network and a broad assortment designed to serve both rural and suburban customers.

That model ultimately proved unsustainable amid rising costs, inventory challenges, and weakening consumer demand. Under new ownership, Peavey Mart is now pursuing a phased reopening plan focused on a smaller number of markets where the brand historically performed well and where competition from large big box retailers remains limited.

The planned stores in Assiniboia and Yorkton reflect that approach, reinforcing Peavey Mart’s continued emphasis on serving agricultural communities and smaller population centres. The Red Deer location, meanwhile, carries both operational and symbolic significance, as the city has long been central to the company’s identity and history.

From Creditor Protection to Revival

Peavey Mart entered creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act earlier this year, triggering the immediate closure of all 90 Peavey Mart locations and six MainStreet Hardware stores nationwide. The announcement sent shockwaves through the Canadian retail industry, particularly given the company’s long operating history and its role as a cornerstone retailer in many rural communities.

The closures affected approximately 1,900 employees and left numerous towns without a primary supplier of farm and ranch goods. In Saskatchewan alone, 13 communities lost their local Peavey Mart stores, underscoring the retailer’s importance to the province’s rural economy.

In April, an investment group acquired the rights to the Peavey Mart name and related intellectual property. By August, the new owners confirmed plans to relaunch the brand in select markets, positioning the comeback as a more focused and disciplined operation rather than a return to the previous national scale.

Alberta Stores Signal a New Direction

The reopening of four Alberta stores earlier this month provided the first indication of how the revived Peavey Mart intends to operate. Those locations feature a tighter merchandise mix and a renewed emphasis on core rural categories, rather than the broader assortment carried by the former chain.

According to the company, the Saskatchewan and Red Deer stores will follow a similar model, reflecting a shift toward operational efficiency and clearer market positioning. Red Deer’s inclusion in the next round of openings reinforces the retailer’s intention to remain anchored in Western Canada as it rebuilds.

The Alberta reopenings are also being closely watched as a test case for the viability of the new structure, with future expansion expected to depend on performance and execution rather than aggressive growth targets.

More from Retail Insider:

Food Prices Push Canada’s Inflation Pressures Higher

By
Retail Insider
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Grocery store in Alberta. Photo: Craig Patterson

Rising grocery prices remained a central pressure point for Canadian consumers in November, even as overall inflation showed little movement. According to new data from Statistics Canada, the annual inflation rate held steady at 2.2 per cent last month, suggesting a degree of macroeconomic stability that masked growing stress in everyday essentials.

Food purchased from stores, however, told a different story. Prices rose 4.7 per cent year over year in November, up sharply from 3.4 per cent in October. The increase marked the strongest pace of food price growth in nearly two years and reinforced concerns that Canada food inflation is becoming increasingly detached from broader price trends.

Regional figures showed some divergence. In Quebec, inflation slowed to 3.0 per cent in November from 3.2 per cent the previous month. While the easing offered some relief, food costs continued to climb nationally, limiting the practical impact for households navigating higher grocery bills.

Statistics Canada said the renewed acceleration in food prices was driven primarily by fresh fruit, particularly berries, which have been affected by supply pressures. Prices also rose across the broad category of prepared foods, including items such as soups and crisps, further adding to household costs.

Beef and Coffee Prices Surge

Among individual categories, meat prices stood out. Prices for fresh or frozen beef jumped 17.7 per cent in November compared with a year earlier. The agency cited declining cattle inventories across North America as a key factor behind the increase.

Coffee prices also rose sharply. Refined coffee prices were up 27.8 per cent year over year, reflecting the combined impact of United States tariffs and challenging weather conditions in major coffee-producing regions. These pressures have continued to feed into Canada food inflation, particularly in categories that rely heavily on imported agricultural products.

Gasoline Falls Annually but Rises Month to Month

Energy prices offered a mixed picture. Gasoline prices declined on a year-over-year basis, helping to temper overall inflation. Month to month, however, gasoline prices rose 1.8 per cent in November, largely due to disruptions at oil refineries, according to Statistics Canada.

The volatility underscored how short-term supply issues can still influence consumer costs, even as longer-term energy prices remain lower than a year ago.

Travel Costs Decline as Demand Shifts

In contrast to food and fuel, travel-related costs moved lower. Package tour prices fell 8.2 per cent in November compared with the same month last year, reflecting reduced travel by Canadians to the United States.

Accommodation costs also declined, falling 6.9 per cent year over year. Statistics Canada noted that the decrease was especially pronounced in Ontario, where Toronto had hosted Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concerts in November 2024, a factor that had previously pushed accommodation prices higher.

Housing and Services Show Mixed Signals

Rental price growth slowed in November, offering a modest reprieve for tenants after several years of sharp increases. That relief was partly offset by accelerating costs for mobile phone services, highlighting continued pressure in certain service categories.

Together, these movements illustrated the uneven nature of inflation, with essentials such as food continuing to rise faster than discretionary or travel-related expenses. The persistence of Canada food inflation has become a key concern for policymakers and consumers alike.

Bank of Canada Holds Rates Steady

The November inflation data were released just days after the Bank of Canada decided to hold its benchmark interest rate at 2.25 per cent. The central bank has signaled that while overall inflation has moderated from earlier peaks, underlying pressures, particularly in food and services, remain closely watched.

For retailers and consumers, the figures suggest that relief at the checkout may remain elusive in the near term. Even as headline inflation stabilizes, food prices continue to climb, reinforcing the sense that inflation’s most painful effects are now concentrated in the essentials Canadians buy every week.

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The Modern Choice for Ottawa Homes: Metal Roofing

By
Retail Insider
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If you’re thinking about getting a new roof in Ottawa, more folks are going with metal roofing. It lasts longer and works great. Metal roofing Ottawa isn’t just for barns anymore; they look good and hold up well in our crazy Canadian weather. One reason people pick metal is that it can last way longer than regular asphalt shingles.

If looking at affordable metal roofing in Ottawa, the price might seem high at first, but it’s worth it in the long run. Companies such as MRoof do great work at competitive prices, which is a good deal. A big plus is that many companies take care of everything, offering comprehensive packages with installation included. It means you do not have to worry about finding different people for the job and can be sure it’s done right. Check out MRoof’s metal roofing Ottawa page to find out more about what they offer and how they do things.

So, what makes a metal roof Ottawa so smart? Let’s check out the main reasons.

Unmatched Durability and Weather Resistance

Ottawa weather can be brutal on buildings. Think heavy snow, freezing and thawing, and summer storms; your roof’s got to hold up. Metal excels in this arena as it is snow and ice resistant.

Significant Energy and Cost Savings

Besides being tough, metal roofs are an energy efficient roof option. They bounce back a lot of sunlight, which keeps your house cooler in the summer. Expect lower AC bills. In the winter, they help keep the heat in too.

The financial benefits are clear:

1. Lower energy bills throughout the year.

2. Increased property value due to the roof’s longevity and appeal.

3. Potential insurance discounts in some areas for having a fire-resistant roof material.

4. Minimal repair costs over its decades of service.

Ottawa’s weather presents a real challenge for any building material. From heavy snow loads and freeze-thaw cycles to summer storms, your roof needs to withstand it all.

Versatility in Application and Style

Metal roofs are a popular pick for commercial buildings and homes because they last and can cover big areas. For houses, you can find them in lots of styles, colors, and finishes to match any design.

So, getting a metal roof in Ottawa is a smart move for worry-free, money-saving, long-term value. If you get it from a good place like MRoof, which has good stuff, fair prices, and does the whole install, it’s even easier to decide. If you want a roof that can handle snow, ice, and time, a metal roof in Ottawa is the way to go.

The Best Retail Shops & Shopping Areas in Toronto

By
Retail Insider
-

Toronto is one of the best cities in Canada for shopping. From high-end boutiques to quirky vintage finds, luxury fashion to lively street markets, the city offers something for every shopper. If you’re visiting or new to Toronto, knowing where to go can make all the difference. Whether looking for luxury, bargains, or unique local flavor, these are the best retail shops and areas to check out.

Meanwhile if you want to explore card game online, visit GZone today.

Malls & Major Shopping Centers

Toronto’s vast array of shopping malls provides plentiful options under one roof. Ideal when you want diversity, comfort, and a mix of brands.

Toronto Eaton Centre
This is arguably the most iconic mall in Toronto, located right downtown. With over 250 retailers, including mainstream global brands (Zara, H&M, and Uniqlo), tech shops, fashion boutiques, and a huge food court, Eaton Centre offers a complete shopping experience. 

Yorkdale Shopping Centre
If you are after luxury and premium brands, Yorkdale is Toronto’s high-end destination. With flagship stores, designer labels, and carefully curated boutiques, it’s where fashion lovers go. The mall also has excellent transit access and periodic airport-style design updates. 

Sherway Gardens
This mall strikes a balance between luxury and more accessible brands. Located in the west end, it features upscale fashion, home goods, and seasonal promotions. For shoppers driving in from outside downtown, Sherway offers ample parking and a more relaxed environment than downtown malls.

CF Shops at Don Mills
An open-air shopping complex that blends retail with community and design. With stores like Anthropologie and Structube, along with good dining options, this is a great mall for fashion, home decor, and relaxed browsing. 

Luxury & Designer Retail Districts

If you’re chasing luxury, bespoke fashion, or designers, these districts are must-visits.

Bloor-Yorkville / Mink Mile
Perhaps Toronto’s premier luxury shopping zone. High fashion brands, designer boutiques, and spectacular store windows line Bloor Street and surrounding Yorkville Village. Labels like Gucci, Prada, Hermès, Chanel, and local high fashion labels make their homes here. Walking around Yorkville gives you a mix of elegance, art galleries, fine dining, and exclusive boutiques. 

Queen Street West
For trendy, artsy, and independent style, Queen Street West is a go-to. You’ll find flagship stores, vintage clothing shops, galleries, and local designer spots. Whether you want something avant-garde or just unique, the boutiques here tend to be creative and fashion-forward.

Markets, Indie Shops & Unique Finds

Sometimes, the charm is in the smaller shops, markets, and local flavor. These spots are perfect for souvenirs, local art, food, or just exploring off the beaten path.

Kensington Market
Very bohemian, colorful, multicultural, and full of personality. Vintage clothing, artisanal products, specialty food shops, and street vendors make this a fun place to discover unique items. Great for vintage, quirky gifts, and people-watching. 

St. Lawrence Market
More food-oriented, but also with shops selling crafts, kitchen goods, local produce, art, and jewelry. It’s a great place if you want to mix shopping with tasting local flavors. Great for gifts or artisan wares. 

The PATH
Toronto’s underground network of pedestrian walkways connects office buildings, malls, and shops. With over 1,200 stores and services, it’s perfect for shopping during bad weather. It includes many smaller boutique shops, fashion, accessories, and transit-friendly options. 

Leslieville
If you want an indie, hipster vibe, Leslieville is a neighborhood that offers boutique fashion, antiques, galleries, cafés, and more. It’s less mall, more strolling, and more discovery. For local designs, vintage pieces, and relaxed shopping, Leslieville is ideal.

Specialty & Niche Retailers

While malls and districts cover broad options, Toronto has several shops that are known for specializing in niche areas.

Gotstyle
Ready-to-wear menswear (and now womenswear) with a strong emphasis on tailored design, fashion, and customer experience. A well-known name in Toronto for quality menswear and curated items.

Independent vintage & curated shops
Found in Queen Street West, Parkdale, Kensington, and beyond. These shops may specialize in vintage clothing, rare records, antiques, or handmade jewelry. If you enjoy browsing and collecting unique items, these will be among your favorites. As people often comment online, “Queen St. West … vintage” is a frequent phrase.

What Makes These Shops & Areas Stand Out

To help you choose where to go based on what matters to you, here are the features that make these areas great:

  1. Variety of brands—from luxury to affordable, from global chains to indie boutiques.
  2. Accessibility—Easy to reach by public transit, parking availability, or walkability.
  3. Atmosphere – Malls offer climate control and convenience; markets and streets provide character and discovery.
  4. Food & Amenities – Many of these areas double as social or food hubs—cafés, restaurants, live events.
  5. Seasonal and special events—Holiday markets, designer pop-ups, and outdoor seasonal street fairs add extra value.

Tips for Smart Shopping in Toronto

  • Pick your timing: Weekdays are less busy. The holiday season is busy but offers better sales.
  • Believe in sales & outlets: Malls like Yorkdale and Sherway often have luxury sales; outlets (like Toronto Premium Outlets) are good for deals. 
  • Explore side streets: Sometimes, the best curated boutiques or vintage shops are off the main drags.
  • Use public transit/PATH: Especially downtown, PATH helps avoid cold in winter or heat in summer.
  • Watch for local brands & Canadian designers: Toronto has many hidden gems—local fashion, accessories, and artisans. Supporting them gets you unique items.

Why Toronto Is a Top Retail Destination

Toronto’s shopping scene stands out in Canada and internationally because of:

  • Cultural diversity: Influences from many ethnic communities create vibrant retail offerings—everything from Asian design and Afro-Caribbean fashion to South Asian stores and European style.
  • Blend of luxury and accessibility: You can spend on high-end brands but also enjoy affordable plus-size, sustainable fashion, or vintage pieces.
  • Large population & frequent tourists: High foot traffic supports many niche or boutique shops.
  • Shopping districts with character: Areas like Kensington, Yorkville, and Queen Street West aren’t just about stores—they’re about ambiance, public art, street food, and experiences.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in Toronto and want the best retail experience, mix and match: try one big mall for breadth, one luxury district for style, and one market or indie area for character. Each of these types will give you something different.

To sum up, the top retail shops and areas of Toronto you shouldn’t miss include:

  • Toronto Eaton Centre – all-rounder mall central downtown
  • Yorkdale Shopping Centre & Sherway Gardens – for high-end and luxury
  • Bloor-Yorkville / Mink Mile – designer boutiques and exclusive fashion
  • Queen Street West & Leslieville – for trendy, indie, vintage
  • Kensington Market & St. Lawrence Market – food + artisan shopping
  • The PATH—practical, weatherproof shopping core

Toronto’s retail scene is rich, varied, and always evolving. For tourists or locals, there’s always something new to discover.

GrowME Marketing: A Calgary Vision Built for Businesses That Expect to Win

By
Retail Insider
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The story of GrowME began with a single question on a quiet beach: “Could businesses grow faster if they had the right tools, the right strategy, and the right story?” That question followed Tarek Mohajer, GrowME’s CEO, back to Calgary, where it became the spark for an agency built to move ideas, brands, and businesses forward. It started in a tiny office, with a modest budget and a couple of people on the team, but nothing outweighed the goal: to turn ambition into measurable growth and give businesses the power to reach further than they imagined.

Over the next decade, GrowME Marketing grew beside the city around it. Tech companies, builders and construction firms, e-commerce brands, and professional service businesses needed to be seen, found and chosen, and GrowME made it happen. 

Today, GrowME Marketing agency is a full-service digital marketing and advertising agency based in downtown Calgary, located one minute from the Calgary Tower. With 40+ professionals on the team, hundreds of clients across North America, and accolades from industry leaders, GrowME has become a force in shaping brands that grow.

The Three Forces Every Successful Business Depends On

A business can offer brilliance. It can hold expertise, talent, legacy, and potential. None of it matters until people know who you are, can find you, and trust you enough to choose you. GrowME’s work centers around three forces that decide whether a business grows or disappears inside the noise.

  1. Advertising: The First Spark

Advertising is often the first moment a business earns someone’s attention, and that moment is crucial. GrowME approaches it as an exercise in intention rather than volume. Campaigns are built with a clear understanding of when people make decisions, what motivates them, and how to present an idea at the exact point where interest can become movement.

Whether it’s generating demand for a new Calgary development, giving a tech founder the reach they need to introduce something unfamiliar, or helping a brand break through crowded online spaces, GrowME turns attention into action through performance-driven strategy and creative built for results.

  1. SEO: The Underground Power Line of Growth

GrowME treats SEO as the foundation of digital credibility.  The approach is rooted in structure: an organized site, intelligent content, and a footprint that signals reliability to both people and algorithms. By preparing content for large language models, ChatGPT, and AI recommendation systems, GrowME ensures brands surface where people are asking, evaluating, and deciding.

When this foundation is in place, businesses stop chasing visibility and start holding it. Local service companies become the answer to common questions. National e-commerce brands find consistency across markets. Professional services gain the authority that earns trust before any conversation begins. 

The strength of SEO is not its flash but its endurance. It turns a business into something stable, discoverable, and chosen on purpose.

  1. Web Design: Where Trust Is Won or Lost

A website is the only place where a business controls the entire experience. It is the room customers step into before they ever speak to a human being. GrowME’s design team builds websites that people want to stay in, explore and take action. 

“Every decision behind the design is intentional. Structure supports comprehension. Navigation follows a logic that feels natural rather than forced. Content is organized so that the most important ideas surface without effort, while visuals reinforce meaning,” says Jules Mercado, Art Director at GrowME. 

This level of clarity serves many types of companies. Developers rely on it to present new communities with accuracy and transparency. Retailers use it to streamline the path from discovery to purchase. Businesses with technical or multifaceted services benefit from layouts that turn complexity into something understandable. When a website is built with this kind of discipline, trust forms quickly and visitors progress toward action without hesitation.

The System That Holds Everything Together

The Growth Marketing System is the core of GrowME’s work, a proprietary framework built to turn ambition into growth. It organizes complexity without losing energy. Strategy flows into creative, creative informs execution, and execution feeds insight. The system watches, learns, and evolves with each campaign, shaping growth that feels inevitable rather than forced.

For Calgary businesses and clients across North America, it turns marketing into a force that moves as one. Campaigns reach audiences with uncanny timing. Search lifts brands into view where they cannot be overlooked. Websites invite trust, spark curiosity, and compel action. As a result, ideas take shape, investments compound, and growth emerges as something measurable and unstoppable.

A Calgary Agency Built on Belief and Relentless Work

GrowME’s story is not about luck or timing. It’s a reminder that hard work, vision and collaboration of like-minded people can turn into a force that transforms businesses and communities alike.

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AIRE Ancient Baths Opens First Canadian Location in Toronto

By
Craig Patterson
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AIRE Ancient Baths in Toronto. Photo: AIRE Ancient Baths

AIRE Ancient Baths has officially opened its first Canadian location in Toronto, marking a major milestone for the internationally recognized Spanish wellness brand and adding a new experiential destination to the city’s evolving retail and hospitality landscape. Located at 510A Front Street West in the Fashion District, the 23,000 square foot facility becomes AIRE’s 10th global location and one of the largest in its international portfolio.

The Toronto opening brings the brand’s signature candlelit bathing rituals into a dramatically reimagined heritage property, housed within a 1912 Edwardian building whose original brickwork, exposed beams, and industrial structure have been carefully preserved. Behind the historic facade, the space has been transformed into a quiet, immersive environment designed to encourage disconnection from the pace of daily life.

“What sets AIRE apart is the way timeless bathing rituals come to life inside restored historical buildings,” says Amadeo Serra, CEO of AIRE Ancient Baths. “These places have a soul, they tell stories. When you’re floating in a candlelit bath in a space with a century of history, time slows, the mind quiets, and you feel part of something much bigger.”

AIRE Ancient Baths in Toronto. Photo: AIRE Ancient Baths

A Heritage Building Adapted for a Modern Wellness Experience

AIRE’s Toronto location follows the brand’s established approach of repurposing historic structures into immersive wellness environments rather than building from scratch. The original architectural framework of the Edwardian building remains visible throughout the space, framing the bathing areas with exposed brick, wood, and steel that contrast with warm stone surfaces and softly lit water.

The result is an intentionally intimate atmosphere, despite the scale of the facility. Candlelight, silence, and flowing water replace signage and digital distractions, reinforcing the brand’s focus on sensory immersion and stillness. The design allows guests to move through the space without urgency, encouraging personal pacing rather than a scheduled or transactional experience.

This approach has become a defining element of AIRE’s global identity, with each location adapting its design to the character of its host building while maintaining consistency in the overall guest experience.

Ancient Bathing Traditions at the Core of the Experience

At the centre of AIRE Ancient Baths Toronto is a complete thermal circuit rooted in contrast therapy, an ancient wellness practice that involves moving between hot and cold water to stimulate circulation, reduce stress, and support physical recovery. The Toronto facility features nine thermal baths, each offering a distinct temperature, texture, and sensory effect.

Guests progress through the experience at their own pace, guided by candlelight and the natural rhythm of the space. The circuit includes the Tepidarium, Caldarium, and Frigidarium, each designed to create gradual shifts in temperature and physical sensation. The Balneum, known as the Thousand Jets Bath, delivers an invigorating hydrotherapy experience, while the Flotarium’s saltwater environment allows for effortless flotation and deep relaxation.

A standout feature unique to Toronto is the Palestra Outdoor Bath, an open air soaking pool that brings the bathing experience outside, offering a rare moment of calm within the urban setting of the Fashion District.

Beyond the thermal baths, the facility also includes a dry sauna, a vaporium, 12 massage rooms, and two warm marble beds. Every element has been intentionally designed to feel removed from the surrounding city, reinforcing the idea of wellness as a retreat rather than a service.

“My recommendation is simple. Allow yourself to truly disconnect,” says Serra. “Leave your phone behind, let go of your schedule, and just listen to your body. And if you can, share the experience with someone you care about. There’s something magical about discovering silence together.”

AIRE Ancient Baths in Toronto. Photo: AIRE Ancient Baths

A Toronto-Exclusive Ritual Inspired by the Boreal Forest

To mark its Canadian debut, AIRE has introduced a Toronto-only experience titled The Signature Boreal Forest Experience. Designed as a 150-minute ritual, the experience draws inspiration from the stillness and purity of Canada’s northern landscapes and reflects AIRE’s philosophy of grounding wellness in natural elements.

The ritual begins with a guided thermal circuit rooted in contrast therapy, followed by a 15-minute Canadian pink salt exfoliation performed on warm marble. Guests then receive a 60-minute massage using cedar essential oil and jade hot stones, designed to promote deep muscular relaxation. A restorative scalp massage follows, with the experience concluding with sparkling wine, chocolates, and forest berries.

Created exclusively for the Toronto location, the Boreal Forest Experience adds a distinct Canadian dimension to AIRE’s global offering while remaining consistent with the brand’s emphasis on simplicity, ritual, and sensory balance.

Entering Canada With International Recognition

AIRE Ancient Baths arrives in Toronto with significant international recognition, having been named one of the “Best Spas in the World” by ELLE Magazine and ranked among USA TODAY’s Top 10 Day Spas. The brand operates locations across Europe and the United States, and the Toronto opening serves as a strategic bridge between its established U.S. presence and future international expansion.

The Toronto facility employs approximately 120 staff members, positioning it as a meaningful contributor to the local service economy while supporting the continued evolution of the Fashion District as a destination for experiential retail and hospitality. The scale of the investment also signals confidence in the Canadian market, particularly as consumer interest in wellness-driven experiences continues to grow.

The opening of AIRE Ancient Baths Toronto coincides with the holiday season, a period when demand for wellness and experiential gifting typically increases. Gift cards are available in a range of denominations and can be used toward any bathing experience or ritual offered at the location.

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SSENSE Receives Court Extension as Restructuring Continues

By
Craig Patterson
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Montreal SSENSE store. Image supplied

SSENSE has secured additional court protection as it works to stabilize its business and navigate a complex restructuring process. On Friday, the Superior Court of Quebec granted the Montreal-based luxury e-commerce retailer an extension of its stay of proceedings under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act until Feb. 19, providing the company with more time to restructure operations and pursue strategic alternatives while shielding it from legal action by creditors.

The ruling represents the latest in a series of stay extensions since September, when SSENSE sought creditor protection amid mounting losses, a deteriorating balance sheet, and escalating pressure from lenders. While the company continues to operate during the process, the repeated extensions highlight the scale of the challenges facing one of Canada’s most prominent digital-first fashion retailers SSENSE Bankruptcy Report.

Founded in 2003 by brothers Rami, Firas, and Bassel Atallah, SSENSE grew over two decades into a globally recognized destination for luxury fashion. The Montreal-based retailer built its reputation through a digital-first model that combined high-end fashion with editorial storytelling, attracting an international customer base.

The company’s trajectory accelerated during the pandemic as consumers shifted to online shopping and discretionary spending surged. By 2021, SSENSE was reportedly valued at $5 billion following a minority investment from Sequoia Capital, positioning it as one of Canada’s most valuable privately held fashion companies. That momentum, however, proved difficult to sustain once market conditions shifted.

Post-Pandemic Pressures Expose Structural Weaknesses

As in-store shopping resumed and inflation began to weigh on discretionary spending, demand for online luxury softened. For SSENSE, the normalization of consumer behaviour exposed vulnerabilities that had been masked during years of rapid growth.

Court filings show the company recorded substantial losses over multiple consecutive years, steadily eroding liquidity. By mid-2024, SSENSE was carrying hundreds of millions of dollars in liabilities, including significant obligations to banks, brand partners, and other trade creditors. Rising interest rates further increased the cost of servicing that debt, narrowing the company’s financial flexibility.

SSENSE store in Old Montreal. Image: David Chipperfield Architects

Inventory and Margin Challenges Come to the Fore

Inventory management emerged as a central contributor to the company’s financial stress. During the pandemic, SSENSE expanded purchasing to meet elevated demand expectations. When those expectations did not materialize, the company was left holding large volumes of unsold inventory.

Clearing excess merchandise required extensive discounting, which supported near-term cash flow but materially compressed margins. The combination of lower profitability and high operating costs placed additional strain on an already stressed balance sheet.

Lender Pressure Triggers Court Proceedings

By August 2024, tensions between SSENSE and its lenders reached a breaking point. Members of the lending syndicate moved to initiate their own CCAA application, seeking to force a sale of the business in order to recover outstanding debts.

The move prompted a swift response from the company’s founders. SSENSE filed a competing application to place the business under creditor protection while retaining operational control. After negotiations, the parties reached a consensual restructuring framework that allowed the company to remain under the leadership of the Atallah brothers while entering formal court supervision.

Interim Financing Provides Short-Term Stability

On Sept. 12, the Superior Court of Quebec approved SSENSE’s CCAA filing and appointed Ernst & Young as the court-appointed monitor. The court also approved $40 million in interim financing, providing critical short-term liquidity.

The financing included contributions from both the lending syndicate and the company’s founders, signalling continued commitment from management despite the severity of the financial challenges. The initial stay order was granted for a limited period, with subsequent extensions approved as restructuring efforts continued.

Company Continues to Pursue Strategic Alternatives

Alongside operational restructuring, SSENSE has been exploring a range of strategic options. The company is fielding potential investment and refinancing proposals and has launched a sale and investment solicitation process to evaluate interest from third parties.

Earlier this month, the deadline for qualified bidders was extended to Dec. 8, suggesting that discussions remain active. In September, CEO Rami Atallah told employees that a sale was not off the table and that he and his brothers intend to submit their own bid for the company, adding further complexity to the process.

In a statement, a company spokesperson said, “Extensions to the stay of proceedings will continue to be requested, as required, to the Court until SSENSE successfully emerges from CCAA.”

Cost-Cutting and Operational Reset Underway

As part of the restructuring, SSENSE has implemented significant cost-control measures. Workforce reductions over the past two years have affected hundreds of employees, and the company has streamlined operations across logistics, marketing, and merchandising.

Purchasing practices have been tightened, with greater focus on margin discipline and inventory control. Marketing spend has been reduced, with emphasis placed on core markets and efficiency rather than aggressive expansion. These measures are intended to preserve cash while the company works toward a longer-term solution.

Impact on Suppliers and the Broader Fashion Ecosystem

SSENSE’s restructuring has implications beyond the company itself. Court documents show that the retailer owes tens of millions of dollars to brand partners and other trade creditors, many of whom are independent designers or smaller fashion houses.

For those suppliers, the outcome of the CCAA process will determine recovery levels and may influence future wholesale relationships. The situation highlights how financial distress at a major retail platform can ripple through the broader fashion ecosystem.

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