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Canada creates 54,000 jobs in November, but retail trade declines: Statistics Canada

Photo: cottonbro studio
Photo: cottonbro studio

Employment increased by 54,000 (+0.3%) in November, driven by gains in part-time work. The employment rate rose 0.1 percentage points to 60.9%, while the unemployment rate fell 0.4 percentage points to 6.5%. Employment growth was concentrated among youth aged 15 to 24 (+50,000; +1.8%). There was little change in employment for core-aged people (25 to 54 years) and people aged 55 years and older, reported Statistics Canada on Friday.

In November, employment increased in health care and social assistance (+46,000; +1.6%), accommodation and food services (+14,000; +1.2%) and natural resources (+11,000; +3.4%). On the other hand, employment decreased in wholesale and retail trade (-34,000; -1.1%). Employment was up in Alberta (+29,000; +1.1%), New Brunswick (+5,500; +1.4%) and Manitoba (+4,500; +0.6%). Employment was little changed in the other provinces. Average hourly wages among employees increased 3.6% (+$1.27 to $37.00) on a year-over-year basis in November, following growth of 3.5% in October (not seasonally adjusted), said the federal agency.

“Employment rose by 54,000 (+0.3%) in November, the third consecutive monthly increase. Cumulative increases in September, October and November (+181,000; +0.9%) followed a slow start to the year, with little net employment change from January to August. The employment rate—the percentage of the population aged 15 years and older who are employed—increased by 0.1 percentage points to 60.9% in November, the third consecutive monthly increase. Compared with 12 months earlier, the employment rate was unchanged. The number of private sector employees rose by 52,000 (+0.4%) in November, while there was little change in the number of public sector employees and self-employed workers,” explained Statistics Canada.

Photo: Amina Filkins
Photo: Amina Filkins

It said employment growth in November was driven by a rise in part-time employment (+63,000; +1.6%). Over the past three months, part-time employment has increased at a faster rate (+2.7%; +103,000) than full-time employment (+0.5%; +78,000).

“The unemployment rate fell 0.4 percentage points to 6.5% in November, following a 0.2 percentage point decline in October. The unemployment rate had previously trended up through most of 2025, reaching 7.1% in September—the highest level since May 2016 (excluding 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic),” it said.

“There were 1.5 million unemployed people in November, a decrease of 80,000 (-5.1%) from the previous month.

“Among people who were unemployed in October, 19.6% had found work in November. This job finding rate was up slightly compared with the same months in 2024 (18.6%), indicating that job searchers were more likely to find work in November 2025 than a year earlier (not seasonally adjusted). In comparison, increases in the unemployment rate earlier in the year had been associated with lower job finding rates.”

The layoff rate in November (0.7%) was virtually unchanged compared with 12 months earlier (0.8%) and comparable to the average November layoff rate from 2017 to 2019 (0.8%) (not seasonally adjusted). This rate represents the proportion of people who were employed in October and had become unemployed in November as a result of a layoff. The layoff rate has varied little on a year-over-year basis throughout 2025, it said.

“The total number of people in the labour force edged down (-26,000; -0.1%) in November. The participation rate—the proportion of the population aged 15 and older who were employed or looking for work—fell by 0.2 percentage points to 65.1%.”

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L’Oréal Canada CEO honoured with triple recognition

An Verhulst-Santos, President & CEO of L'Oréal Canada received the WXN Most Powerful CEO Award on November 27th. (CNW Group/L'Oréal Canada Inc. (Only Use For Wire))

An Verhulst-Santos, President and CEO of L’Oréal Canada, has received three esteemed recognitions, solidifying her position as a leading force for positive change, impactful leadership, and business excellence within Canada and globally.

These significant accolades include selection in the Meaningful Business 100 (MB100), recognition as an Impact Leader by the Réseau des Femmes d’Affaires du Québec, and the prestigious Canada’s Most Powerful CEO award from the WXN (Women’s Executive Network), said the company, adding that these honors underscore Verhulst-Santos’ unwavering commitment to purpose-driven leadership, fostering an inclusive environment, and steering L’Oréal Canada towards remarkable success and societal impact. 

Her vision and dedication have not only propelled the company forward but have also inspired countless individuals across various sectors, it said.

An Verhulst-Santos
An Verhulst-Santos

“These recognitions are truly humbling, and I accept them on behalf of the 1,750 employees at L’Oréal Canada,” said Verhulst-Santos. “They are a testament to our collective dedication to creating the beauty that moves the world, to our shared values, and to the relentless pursuit of excellence and positive impact in everything we do. It’s the passion and hard work of our teams that truly make these achievements possible, and I am incredibly proud to lead such inspiring teams.

“As the first woman President and CEO of L’Oréal Canada, I am proud of the diversity within our teams. I am strongly committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, innovate, and lead change.”

L’Oréal Canada is a subsidiary of the L’Oréal Groupe, the world’s leading beauty company. The Canadian subsidiary, established in 1958, includes a head office, plant and distribution centre in Montreal, a sales office in Toronto, and employs 1,750 people from 73 different nationalities. The products from its 39 iconic brands are available in all distribution channels, including hair salons, department stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, medi-spas and e-commerce.

The company said the inclusion of Verhulst-Santos in the Meaningful Business 100 (MB100), an elite global community of leaders combining profit and purpose, highlights her dedication to sustainable practices and responsible business. This recognition celebrates her strategic initiatives that prioritize environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and ethical governance, a mission she champions with her teams every day, thanks to L’Oréal brands’ social causes and the L’Oréal for the Future program, helping 110,000 Canadians each year.

“Evaluated by a panel of expert judges representing organizations like Google, Mastercard and the World Economic Forum, the winners were selected from over 900 nominations, across 86 countries and scored across five key areas: equity, impact, innovation, leadership and scalability. 

Tom Lytton-Dickie
Tom Lytton-Dickie

Commenting on the 2025 MB100, Tom Lytton-Dickie, Founder & CEO, Meaningful Business said: “Firstly, a big congratulations to An Verhulst-Santos, whose inspiring work at L’Oréal Canada demonstrates how combining profit and purpose can tackle complex social and environmental issues. The caliber of this year’s applications was exceptionally high, and we’re honored to have An join our global community.”

Verhulst-Santos was also celebrated as an Impact Leader at the Gala of the Réseau des Femmes d’Affaires du Québec. A true driving force, Verhulst-Santos leads a full ecosystem that generates 20,500 jobs in Canada and an economic contribution of $5.2 billion in the Canadian economy, explained the company. 

And Verhulst-Santos was honoured with the Canada’s Most Powerful CEO award from the WXN. The company said the esteemed award celebrates Canada’s most powerful women who have made significant contributions to Canadian society. It recognizes her exceptional strategic acumen, innovative spirit, and her ability to lead L’Oréal Canada to new heights, all while cultivating a vibrant and engaged workforce.

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Telus Unveils Stranger Things Pop Ups in Canada

Stranger Things pop-up at Telus. Image: TELUS

As the final season of Stranger Things begins rolling out on Netflix, Telus is inviting fans into its own version of the Upside Down. In select stores across the country, the telecommunications company has introduced immersive displays that re-create scenes from the series, drawing on the show’s familiar 1980s atmosphere to promote its Stream+ bundle. The activation marks one of the more ambitious examples of experiential marketing to appear in Canadian telecom retail as the streaming landscape becomes increasingly competitive.

The first four episodes of the season are now available on Netflix, with another three scheduled to arrive on Christmas Day and a two-hour finale released on New Year’s Eve. Telus has timed the pop ups to track the staggered rollout, keeping the installations open until January 19. By placing the displays at high-traffic malls during the holiday rush, the company hopes to reach fans at a moment when interest in the franchise is at its peak.

Stranger Things pop-up signage at Telus, CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Image: TELUS

Immersive Displays in Four Canadian Cities

Each Telus Stranger Things pop up features a compact walk-through experience housed inside the carrier’s stores. The installations include a Demogorgon photo display and a set of bikes arranged to evoke memorable moments from the series. Visitors can pose with the props, share photos online and enter a national draw for a prize pack valued at $700. The items include a branded record player, a Hawkins Tigers bomber jacket and a themed holiday sweater, all designed to appeal to fans of the show.

The displays are located at CF Toronto Eaton Centre from December 3 to January 19, Calgary Southcentre Mall from December 5 to January 19, Quebec’s CF Fairview Pointe-Claire from December 4 to January 19 and Kelowna’s Orchard Park Mall from December 6 to January 19. While the installations are modest in scale, they offer a brief opportunity to step into Hawkins, creating a retail destination that aims to mix entertainment with product education.

During the visit, staff will explain how Stream+ works. The bundle includes Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video and begins at $10 per month for ad-supported tiers or $25 per month for premium ad-free access. Telus has been promoting the package as a way to consolidate streaming costs, noting that the bundle offers significant savings compared to paying for each service individually.

Stranger Things pop-up at Telus. Image: TELUS

Entertainment and Telecom Interests Converge

For Netflix, the partnership enables a physical presence during a critical moment for one of its biggest global properties. The Stranger Things franchise has long incorporated experiential activations into its marketing campaigns, often drawing large audiences at retailers such as Target, Primark and Aldo. These installations serve as opportunities for fans to interact with props and environments that loosely mimic the show, sustaining conversation and social media activity between episode drops.

By collaborating with Telus, Netflix extends this strategy into Canadian telecom retail, a setting where customers are often reviewing subscriptions or making decisions about content platforms. The Telus Stranger Things pop up therefore functions as a cultural touchpoint inside a venue that is traditionally more associated with data plans and phone upgrades than themed displays.

The partnership also reflects a broader shift in how streaming services approach promotional opportunities. With many households reconsidering which platforms they subscribe to, Netflix gains visibility in an environment where consumers are already thinking about digital entertainment. The pop ups are positioned to catch attention from holiday shoppers as well as existing Telus customers who may not yet be familiar with Stream+.

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The Sartorial Shop Partners With Mario Bemer in Vancouver

Anastasia Besiou and Zahir Rajani at The Sartorial Shop Atelier in Downtown Vancouver. Photo: The Sartorial Shop

The Sartorial Shop in downtown Vancouver has formalized a partnership with Italian-based bespoke shoemaker Mario Bemer, marking a significant expansion of its offerings and introducing one of Italy’s most respected makers to the Canadian market in an official capacity.

The collaboration began in November 2024, when Bemer became the first true Italian shoemaker to visit Canada for client work and trunk show appointments. Unlike the common industry model where global brands send representatives or apprentices abroad, Bemer’s work remains fully handcrafted by him in Florence. He produces approximately 200 pairs of shoes per year, selecting each piece of leather directly at the tannery and constructing every pair by hand.

Mario Bemer footwear. Photo: The Sartorial Shop

According to co-founder and CEO Zahir Rajani, the partnership emerged during planning for The Sartorial Shop’s first Negroni Night event, alongside Cappelleria Bertacchi. “We had hats with Bertacchi, we had bespoke tailoring with our offering, but we did not have high quality luxury footwear,” Rajani says. “Knowing Mario’s story and the quality of his work, I reached out, and the partnership came together within minutes.” Bemer and his wife Sandra subsequently travelled to Vancouver for the event, which also became Canada’s first Italian shoemaker trunk show.

The Sartorial Shop has since hosted a second trunk show and its second annual Negroni Night featuring Mario Bemer as chief guest. The collaboration allows Canadian clients direct access to two of Bemer’s lines: a made-to-order programme, which incorporates custom adjustments to the last and requires 90 to 120 days to complete, and a full bespoke programme, which requires multiple fittings over a five- to nine-month period.

According to Deep Market Insights, the global bespoke luxury garment market is valued at approximately USD 58.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 89.7 billion by 2030. This growth positions bespoke apparel as one of the strongest segments within the broader luxury apparel category, which is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 7.6 percent from 2025 to 2030. Analysts attribute this trajectory to rising consumer demand for personalised fashion, increased awareness of craftsmanship, and technology that enhances fit precision and production capabilities. This industry context reinforces The Sartorial Shop’s decision to expand its offering and enter new categories such as bespoke footwear.

Co-founder Anastasia Besiou notes that the partnership aligns with the company’s broader expansion strategy as it prepares to introduce a bespoke womenswear collection in early 2026. The addition of Mario Bemer’s footwear supports the goal of offering a fully integrated sartorial experience and strengthens the business’s curated network of the world’s best international craft partners.

Bemer’s presence is notable in the global footwear industry. A founding member of Stefano Bemer, a company established in 1983 in Greve, Italy, he later launched Mario Bemer Firenze in 2014, operating under his own name from 2018 onward. His work has attracted a wide range of clients, including high-profile figures such as Daniel Day-Lewis, who apprenticed under him prior to filming Gangs of New York.

The Sartorial Shop’s partnership with Bemer complements several other developments underway at the business. Recent additions include Canadian-born actor Angelo Agalou as brand ambassador; the styling of the Sugarcane cast for the Oscars red carpet; the upcoming launch of a remote bespoke offering that will make services available globally; expanded manufacturing capabilities for boutiques worldwide; and the forthcoming womenswear collection overseen by Besiou.

These initiatives are designed to position the company for broader international reach while maintaining a controlled, high-touch service model rooted in bespoke craftsmanship.

About The Sartorial Shop

The Sartorial Shop, located in downtown Vancouver, is a by-appointment atelier specialising in custom and bespoke clothing for men and women. Founded by co-owners Zahir Rajani and Anastasia Besiou, the business has established a reputation for technical precision, incorporating more than 35 body measurements and detailed postural notes into each garment.

The company offers bespoke and semi-bespoke suiting, tuxedos, formalwear, overcoats, shirts, skirts, waistcoats, and vests. Fabric options include textiles from leading English and Italian mills such as Dormeuil, Holland & Sherry, Loro Piana, and Zegna.

Anastasia Besiou at The Sartorial Shop Atelier in Downtown Vancouver. Photo: The Sartorial Shop

The Sartorial Shop’s roots trace back to Tasleem’s, the Main Street clothing business founded by Rajani’s parents in 1984. A custom line of shirts and suits introduced in 2007 evolved into a referral-based model by 2010, marking Rajani’s entry into the tailoring sector. After a decade-long executive career in global real estate, he returned to bespoke tailoring in 2023, reopening the family business as Rajani Bespoke.

The company re-launched as The Sartorial Shop in August 2024 to align with its broader strategic direction, including expanded product categories and new international partnerships. The business continues to refine its process and scale its offering, supported by collaborations with premium fabric mills, manufacturing partners, and craft specialists such as Italian shoemaker Mario Bemer.

Today, The Sartorial Shop positions itself as an emerging leader in Canada’s bespoke clothing market, with plans to expand its atelier footprint, introduce remote bespoke capabilities, and further develop its womenswear and global manufacturing divisions.

The Sartorial Shop operates its by-appointment atelier at #706 – 602 West Hastings Street in Vancouver.

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Peavey Mart Reopens in Alberta After Year of Turmoil

Image: Peavey Mart

The return of Peavey Mart is now official as the well-known Canadian farm and ranch retailer has reopened four Alberta stores following an unexpectedly turbulent year that saw the company close all of its locations nationwide. The comeback represents a significant turnaround for a brand that had long held deep roots across the Prairies, and customers this week have already been welcoming the reopening of familiar stores in Lacombe, Camrose, Spruce Grove, and Westlock.

The relaunch marks the first phase of a renewed strategy funded by a group of investors operating as 2707162 Alberta Ltd., which acquired the name and intellectual property earlier in the year. Positioned as a leaner, more focused business, the company is working to rebuild goodwill and reconnect with long-time rural customers who relied on the retailer for decades. With this initial wave of openings now complete, executives say the priority is to reintroduce stores with familiar assortments, dependable service, and a renewed emphasis on core categories related to life on the Prairies.

Four Alberta Stores Welcome Shoppers Once Again

Peavey Mart reopens in Alberta at a time when rural consumers have been seeking a return to the type of assortment, convenience, and community presence the retailer once offered. On Tuesday, December 2, customers walked through the doors of the Lacombe and Camrose locations for the first time since the nationwide shutdown. Two days later, on December 4, the Spruce Grove and Westlock stores began operating as well, officially marking the relaunch of Peavey Mart in Western Canada.

These stores represent a milestone for the ownership group, which has been rebuilding the chain with a more disciplined approach after the turbulence that led to its collapse earlier this year. The stores now operate under 2707162 Alberta Ltd., a privately funded investment group that stepped in to rescue the brand with plans to open between seven and twelve locations across Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Customers returning this week found shelves stocked with many of the brands they remembered, including Harvest Goodness, Rolling Acres, Scotts, Dickies, Pit Boss, and Shell. Executives noted that additional assortments will continue to roll out as supply stabilizes through the company’s developing distribution infrastructure.

A Comeback Rooted in Prairie Communities

The story of how Peavey Mart reopens in Alberta begins with its abrupt disappearance in early 2025. After more than fifty years serving Canadians, the retailer entered creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act due to rising operational pressures, softening consumer spending, and the escalating costs of running nearly one hundred stores across the country. The closure left many rural communities without a familiar source for agricultural, hardware, home, and homesteading products, and the loss resonated deeply with shoppers and employees across the Prairies.

By the spring, a new set of investors signaled interest in purchasing the intellectual property with a plan to rebuild the company around a smaller and more agile footprint. Their objective was to revive the brand while avoiding the heavy debt and expansive national reach that had burdened the previous iteration.

Doug Anderson, part of the leadership group guiding the relaunch, previously stressed the importance of bringing the retailer back in a way that honours its history and customer base. He said the team recognized the depth of loyalty the brand had accumulated since its founding in 1967 and felt a responsibility to restore its presence where demand remained strong.

A More Disciplined Expansion Strategy

The new ownership group has been clear that the relaunch will not mirror the company’s previous national aspirations. Instead, the model focuses on a more disciplined, regional strategy that prioritizes operational sustainability and financial stability. While the first phase consists of four Alberta stores, plans are underway to open additional locations in Red Deer, as well as Assiniboia and Yorkton in Saskatchewan, in spring 2026.

This next wave is expected to coincide with the ramping up of a new 40,000 square foot distribution facility in Red Deer County. The warehouse is designed to support the company’s store network more efficiently than before and will play a crucial role in ensuring reliable inventory flow and streamlined logistics. Recruitment for warehouse staff and store employees is already underway, with the company actively working to rebuild its operational capacity.

The decision to grow gradually reflects lessons learned from the collapse of Peavey Mart’s previous parent company, Peavey Industries LP. As pressures mounted from inflation, supply chain volatility, and the complexities of operating close to one hundred stores across multiple provinces, the business struggled to maintain footing. The new ownership group says it intends to avoid a similar fate by growing in incremental steps and ensuring each store operates with a clear path to profitability.

Returning to Core Customers and Core Values

As Peavey Mart reopens in Alberta, the leadership team has emphasized that the revived chain will return to its traditional focus on farmers, ranchers, acreage owners, homesteaders, and homeowners who live and work in regional and rural areas. Lead Merchant Kurt Schultz has long underscored the importance of concentrating on the needs that first shaped the brand nearly sixty years ago.

The revived assortment includes a mix of recognizable labels and new local offerings that reflect the entrepreneurial energy of Western Canada. The company plans to expand its private label products as well, which historically played a key role in the brand’s reputation for value and quality.

Schultz noted that agility will be central to the company’s culture as it moves forward. He described a collaborative approach that will encourage store teams, distribution staff, and office leadership to act quickly to meet customer needs and find efficiencies in day-to-day operations. That mindset, he said, will help Peavey Mart build lasting relationships with customers and suppliers while ensuring the business remains financially viable.

Industry observers have also noted that Peavey Mart reopens in Alberta at a unique moment for Canadian retail. Rural markets remain underserved in many categories, and the closure of the original chain earlier this year created a notable service gap. The absence of strong competitors in certain product areas may provide the revived Peavey Mart with room to reestablish itself while capitalizing on brand familiarity.

Peavey Mart’s history stretches back to 1967, when it began serving prairie residents with hardware, agricultural supplies, and household essentials. Over the decades the retailer became known for its broad assortment, approachable in-store experience, and consistent focus on the needs of rural and small-town customers. At its peak the chain was the largest farm and ranch retailer in Canada.

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Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For December 5, 2025

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 could increase in 2026, with meat leading the way, say Dalhousie researchers (CBC)

Sleep Country Canada charting revival of Bed Bath & Beyond next year (Canadian Press)

Bryzgalski painting of snowshoers in striped coats star of HBC’s first online auction (CP24)

Aritzia founder calls for Ottawa to scrap duty-free imports to help Canadian retailers compete at home (Financial Post)

Toys “R” Us Canada is closing 50 stores, including multiple locations in Ontario (Inside Halton)

Telus Stores Are Turning into ‘Stranger Things’ Pop Ups: Here’s Where (iPhone in Canada)

Owner of Bathtub Bikes celebrates new business sign after five-year wait (Calgary Herald)

How shopping local boosts Revelstoke businesses at a critical time (Revelstoke Review)

Treat yourself: Brio, Duchess bakeries benefitting from rising Edmonton industry (CTV)

Pattison Food Group unveils Vancouver’s first wine department in a grocery store in Save-On-Foods (Grocery Business)

Manitoba to sell shelved U.S. booze with revenue going to holiday charities: premier (CBC)

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Expands With New Airdrie, Alberta Store (Restaurant News)

Sechelt coffee shop employees scared to go to work after front door set on fire (CBC)

Apple Names Former Meta Legal Chief Jennifer Newstead as Next General Counsel in Executive Shakeup

Apple Watch Ultra 3. Photo: Apple.

Apple is reshaping its senior leadership team, announcing that Jennifer Newstead will join the company as a senior vice president in January and become general counsel on March 1, 2026, following a transition from long-time legal chief Kate Adams.

Adams, who has served as Apple’s general counsel since 2017, will remain with the company through a transition period and is expected to retire late next year, Apple said.

The changes also include the retirement of Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president for Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, who will step down in late January 2026.

For Canadian business leaders, regulators, and consumer-facing retailers, the leadership moves signal a renewed focus on legal, regulatory, and policy execution at a time when Apple faces rising scrutiny globally—spanning privacy, competition policy, app distribution rules, and environmental compliance frameworks that affect product strategy and market access.

Apple said Newstead will assume oversight of both its Legal and Government Affairs operations, reflecting what the company described as increasing overlap between the two functions.

Following her March 2026 appointment, her title will become senior vice president, General Counsel and Government Affairs.

In the interim, Apple’s Government Affairs organization will transition to Adams, who will oversee the team until her retirement late next year. After that, leadership of Government Affairs will move to Newstead.

The reorganization consolidates two of Apple’s most strategically sensitive areas—legal defence and lobbying/policy engagement—under one executive, signalling a governance model designed to move faster amid growing regulatory complexity across major markets, including Canada.

Lisa Jackson’s Team to Report to Apple COO Sabih Khan

Apple said Jackson’s retirement will prompt further shifts inside the company, with the Environment and Social Initiatives teams now reporting to Sabih Khan, Apple’s chief operating officer.

Jackson has been one of Apple’s most public-facing executives on sustainability and social initiatives, often linked to the company’s climate targets, supply chain policies, and government engagement on topics such as energy transition and environmental regulation.

Cook credited Jackson with helping Apple reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60% compared to 2015 levels, and described her role as central to Apple’s international engagement with governments on issues affecting users.

Tim Cook Praises Adams’ Privacy and Innovation Focus

In announcing Adams’ transition and upcoming retirement, Apple CEO Tim Cook positioned the outgoing general counsel as a key figure in defending Apple’s privacy posture and its freedom to innovate through litigation and regulatory disputes.

Cook said Adams provided critical advice and was a consistent advocate for customer privacy—a longstanding Apple message that has become increasingly central as AI features, app ecosystems, and regulatory oversight converge.

In Canada, those themes remain highly relevant as policymakers continue to evaluate digital privacy rules, platform accountability, and competitive dynamics within mobile ecosystems.

Newstead Brings Deep Government and Big Tech Credentials

Newstead joins Apple from Meta, where she served most recently as chief legal officer. Apple is also emphasizing her prior U.S. government experience, including serving as legal adviser at the U.S. Department of State.

Earlier in her career, she held senior roles across the U.S. federal government and served as a partner at Davis Polk & Wardwell, advising global corporations on complex legal and regulatory matters.

The hire signals Apple’s preference for legal leadership that can operate across both corporate and geopolitical contexts—an increasingly critical skill set as technology regulation becomes more interconnected across jurisdictions.

Why the Leadership Changes Matter for Canada

Although Apple’s announcement focuses on executive appointments, the implications extend beyond corporate structure. Apple’s legal and government affairs functions are increasingly intertwined with market realities facing Canadian consumers and businesses, including:

  • evolving rules around app marketplace governance and platform fees
  • data protection and privacy compliance expectations
  • sustainability mandates and supply chain reporting requirements
  • cross-border digital services oversight, including taxation and competition policy

By consolidating Legal and Government Affairs under one future leader while moving environmental and social initiatives closer to core operations, Apple is signalling a more integrated approach to managing external risk—particularly as regulatory enforcement and political pressure rise globally.

Newstead’s appointment, alongside Adams’ planned retirement and Jackson’s exit, marks a significant transition in Apple’s senior leadership bench at a time when legal and policy outcomes increasingly shape how major technology companies can operate, innovate, and distribute products worldwide.

Apple Names Tiimo, Detail, and Essayist Among Winners of 2025 App Store Awards, Highlighting AI and Accessibility

Apple has announced the winners of its 2025 App Store Awards, recognizing 17 apps and games that the company says stood out this year for technical achievement, design excellence, and cultural impact.

The winners were selected by Apple’s App Store editorial team from a group of 45 finalists, with awards spanning iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Apple Arcade, and a dedicated Cultural Impact category.

“Every year, we’re inspired by the ways developers turn their best ideas into innovative experiences that enrich people’s lives,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a statement, adding that this year’s winners reflect the creativity that defines the App Store.

For Canada’s app economy—spanning software studios, digital agencies, and platform-driven retailers—Apple’s annual awards function as both a global signal and a commercial boost, often translating into higher App Store visibility and momentum for winning products.

AI-Powered Productivity Tools and Creator Workflows Take Centre Stage

A major theme across this year’s awards is the continued integration of AI-driven features into consumer-facing apps—especially tools aimed at productivity and content creation.

Apple named Tiimo as iPhone App of the Year, highlighting its visual planning experience and AI tools designed to help users translate goals into structured next steps. On iPad, Detail won iPad App of the Year, with Apple pointing to AI editing features that lower the barrier for video production and content creation workflows. For Mac, Apple selected Essayist as Mac App of the Year, framing it as an AI-enabled tool that reduces friction in academic formatting and writing.

Apple also recognized Explore POV as Apple Vision Pro App of the Year, emphasizing immersive travel experiences delivered through Apple Immersive Video.

Fitness, Streaming, and Wearables Remain Core App Store Categories

Apple also reinforced the continued strength of wearables and entertainment content within the App Store ecosystem.

Strava won Apple Watch App of the Year, reflecting how fitness tracking and community-driven performance tools remain a key driver of engagement. On Apple TV, HBO Max was named Apple TV App of the Year, with Apple calling out accessibility and inclusive viewing features alongside its broader content lineup.

For Canadian consumers, the winners reflect Apple’s push to keep the App Store aligned with usage patterns that continue to drive daily engagement: fitness, streaming, creator tools, and productivity.

Game Winners Span Mobile, Console-Grade, and Spatial Computing

On the gaming side, Apple’s 2025 winners ranged from mainstream franchises to premium experiences ported to Mac.

Apple named Pokémon TCG Pocket as iPhone Game of the Year, highlighting its mobile-friendly format and accessible design. On iPad, DREDGE won iPad Game of the Year, reflecting Apple’s continued interest in story-driven titles with strong visual and atmospheric design.

For Mac, Apple selected Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition as Mac Game of the Year, reinforcing the company’s push to make the Mac a more viable gaming platform as Apple silicon performance scales. On Vision Pro, Porta Nubi won Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year, while Apple Arcade’s top honour went to WHAT THE CLASH?

Cultural Impact Winners Spotlight Inclusion, Language, and Accessibility

Beyond app and game categories, Apple also named six Cultural Impact winners—titles recognized for creating positive social outcomes, building more inclusive communities, or encouraging understanding through design and storytelling.

The Cultural Impact winners were:

  • Art of Fauna (Klemens Strasser)
  • Chants of Sennaar (Playdigious)
  • despelote (Panic, Inc.)
  • Be My Eyes (Be My Eyes)
  • Focus Friend by Hank Green (B-Tech Consulting Group LLC)
  • StoryGraph (The StoryGraph)

This category remains one of Apple’s clearest signals that App Store success is being measured not only by engagement and revenue, but also by broader public value—particularly around accessibility and inclusive design.

Full List of 2025 App Store Awards Winners

Apps

  • iPhone App of the Year: Tiimo
  • iPad App of the Year: Detail
  • Mac App of the Year: Essayist
  • Apple Vision Pro App of the Year: Explore POV
  • Apple Watch App of the Year: Strava
  • Apple TV App of the Year: HBO Max

Games

  • iPhone Game of the Year: Pokémon TCG Pocket
  • iPad Game of the Year: DREDGE
  • Mac Game of the Year: Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
  • Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year: Porta Nubi
  • Apple Arcade Game of the Year: WHAT THE CLASH?

As Apple heads into the holiday period, the 2025 App Store Awards also serve as a showcase of where the company expects consumer demand to continue trending: AI-assisted productivity, creator tools, premium entertainment, and app experiences designed for new hardware categories like spatial computing.

Online Eyewear Retailers Compared by Product and Brand Variety – Canada, 2025

Canada’s digital eyewear market has grown rapidly, with shoppers increasingly turning to online retailers for a wider assortment than many local stores can offer. This 2025 comparison ranks the country’s leading optical e-commerce platforms by total frames and brand diversity, highlighting which companies provide the broadest choices for Canadian consumers. The landscape blends international giants with growing domestic contenders, each aiming to define the new standard for online eyewear.


Key Insights

  • SmartBuyGlasses.ca leads by a substantial margin with 49,000+ frames and 267 brands, giving it the most expansive catalogue overall.
  • Eyeglasses.com continues its strong global reputation for brand assortment, taking first place for brand count with 346 brands, despite a smaller SKU volume.
  • Canadian-based retailers such as Kits.ca and NewLook.ca show solid regional presence but remain far behind the scale of international multi-market platforms.

Online Glasses Retailers Ranked by Total Frames (Canada, 2025)

RankDomainTotal Frames
1smartbuyglasses.ca49,046
2eyeglasses.com17,692
3framesdirect.com8,910
4kits.ca3,521
5fashioneyewear.com3,234
6newlook.ca2,345
7zennioptical.com2,159
8eyebuydirect.ca1,627
9lenscrafters.ca1,430
10clearly.ca1,266
11specsavers.ca1,059
12glasses.com898
13warbyparker.com333
14oscarwylee.ca216
15baileynelson.com166
16iris.ca100
17sunglasshut.com3

Online Glasses Retailers Ranked by Total Brands (Canada, 2025)

RankDomainTotal Brands
1eyeglasses.com346
2smartbuyglasses.ca267
3framesdirect.com193
4kits.ca117
5fashioneyewear.com111
6newlook.ca101
7lenscrafters.ca38
8specsavers.ca32
9glasses.com27
10clearly.ca21
11iris.ca16
12eyebuydirect.ca9
13zennioptical.com5
14sunglasshut.com3
15warbyparker.com1
16oscarwylee.ca1
17baileynelson.com1

Cross-Border Dynamics Shape Canada’s Online Eyewear Industry

Canada’s eyewear e-commerce ecosystem remains closely interconnected with the U.S. market.

  • SmartBuyGlasses dominates both frame and brand availability, benefiting from its international supply chain.
  • Eyeglasses.com edges ahead in brand diversity thanks to its long-standing global vendor partnerships.
  • Local names such as Kits and New Look maintain strong brand recognition but operate at significantly smaller assortment levels.

As Canadian consumers grow more comfortable with international shipping and cross-border purchasing, catalogue depth and fulfilment consistency have become major competitive drivers — often outweighing domestic brick-and-mortar presence.


Beyond Assortment: What Matters Most to Canadian Eyewear Buyers

Given Canada’s size and regional dispersion, shoppers place considerable importance on:

  • localised customer service,
  • bilingual support,
  • clear prescription processes,
  • Canadian-based lens production,
  • and transparent return and adjustment policies.

Retailers that combine wide selection with reliable, Canada-friendly service often see higher retention and stronger long-term trust.


Methodology

  • Data was gathered in September 2025, reflecting the number of publicly listed frames and brands on each retailer’s Canadian website.
  • Only e-commerce domains actively shipping to Canada were evaluated.
  • Two metrics were measured:
    • Total Frames — all online SKUs for prescription glasses and sunglasses.
    • Total Brands — the count of unique eyewear brands offered.
  • Results come from a manual audit of product listings, ensuring consistency across markets and excluding duplicates, discontinued listings, and non-eyewear products.
  • The ranking assesses product variety only and does not reflect market share or revenue.

If you know of another Canadian eyewear retailer that should be included in future editions, feel free to send in a recommendation.

Corporate Space Meets Cultural Capital in the West Village at Via 13

The design of commercial space has changed. Corporate real estate strategy is no longer driven only by leases and square footage. Increasingly, the most influential decisions in property development are made in environments that do not resemble business meetings at all. These conversations happen at private dinners, inside restaurants where architecture supports attention, and across tables that allow people to speak without the urgency of deadlines. The city has discovered that space itself has become part of negotiation. Where people meet often determines what they decide.

In recent years, real estate leaders have begun using small curated events to test ideas before they become projects. Developers, capital partners, and cultural operators sit beside founders and nonprofit directors. Instead of pitch decks they examine settings. They talk about what atmosphere does to performance and whether the character of a neighborhood can match the ambition of a proposed build. The logic is simple. If the room works, it becomes easier to imagine the future of other rooms.

On October 30, that approach took shape in the West Village when Via 13 hosted a Champagne and Caviar Masquerade Mixer supporting Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education. The guest list included investors, architects, entrepreneurs, philanthropic partners, and sponsors such as RD Dubai, Electric Strategy, Moonride Capital, Bridge, CPF, Giapenta, BeLove, ALB Vertical, and LVH. The structure of the evening reflected the kind of design logic increasingly valued in real estate. The lighting was even. Sound moved in controlled layers. Movement was easy without being constant.

Dinner began with Lasagna Nigiri, a composed square of crisp pasta layered with béchamel, crème fraîche, caviar, and spicy tuna. Polpo Croccante followed with potato purée, hazelnut stracciatella, crispy pancetta, and Calabrian ’nduja oil. Guests chose either a three course or five course tasting menu. Dishes such as Tagliatelle Pistacchio e Tuna Tartare, Spaghettone Sea Urchin, Capesanta Scottata, Filet Mignon d’Oro, and Lobster Royale guided the pacing of conversation.

Throughout the night people discussed market cycles, geographic positioning, and the relationship between hospitality and development. Sponsors connected attendees who might otherwise never cross paths. Casita Maria remained present without interruption, giving the event a clear nonprofit purpose that stayed in circulation without ceremony.

The evening demonstrated a point becoming harder to ignore in corporate real estate. Space is not neutral. The right room at the right moment can influence how people think and what they decide. At Via 13, the model was simple. Create an environment where architecture and conversation meet, and let the work move forward at its own pace.