Most creators continue to have problems with voiceovers that are flat, robotic, and just unenthusiastic in 2026. Poor narration kills the retention of the viewer at once, regardless of how outstanding the pictures are. Taping yourself is time-consuming, requires a costly microphone, needs perfect sound, and requires indefinite retakes. A single cough, a single background, a single off-day, and the entire take is destroyed.
This issue is totally avoided by the CapCut text to speech AI. It transforms any written script into a studio-quality, emotionally charged, natural-sounding narration within a few seconds – and not even one recording session. The result? Releases and Shorts, which sound more professional and engaging than 99% of human voice-overs, are all recorded in less than 5 minutes.
Why Top Reel Creators Switched to CapCut’s Text to Speech AI
Professional Narration in a Snap
You can stop wasting hours recording and editing your voice. The text-to-speech AI by CapCut produces crystal-clear and human-like speech with natural breathing, emotion, and perfect pacing each time.
Save Hours Per Video
One click can now take the place of 2–4 hours of recording, cleaning audio, and retakes, so it is now possible to post 1020 Reels per day instead of 12.
Consistent Brand Voice Across All Content
Choose a signature voice (deep and dramatic, warm and friendly, excited Gen-Z) and use it indefinitely. When you open the video, your audience immediately knows who you are because of your sound.
Sound 10× Better Than Most Human Creators
Select between 150+ high-quality voices with emotion control, excited, mysterious, sarcastic, calm, ASMR, and motivational, and apply studio effects such as reverb or phone filter to the voice to get the agency of a viral.
Go Global Instantly
Single script becomes instantly translated into Spanish, Hindi, French, Arabic or any local accent and conquer the world tendencies.
Next Level with a Talking Avatar
If you want your Reel to feel even more personal and thumb-stopping, pair the text to speech AI narration with CapCut’s AI avatar. With one extra click, you get a lifelike talking host that lip-syncs perfectly to the voice you just generated, no filming required.
Key Features of CapCut’s Text to Speech AI That Make Reels Go Viral
Over 150 ultranatural voices: male, female, deep, and young with regional accents.
Complete control of emotion and tone: excited, calm, dramatic, whispering, storytelling.
Studio effects: reverb, echo, noise reduction, fade in/out, volume automation.
Breathing and pauses are natural and not artificial sounds of a real individual.
Perfect sync: works perfectly well with trending audio and videos.
Step-by-Step: Generate Natural Voice Narration with CapCut’s Text to Speech AI
This article provides detailed instructions on how to use CapCut to create natural voice narration using the Text to Speech AI.
Step 1: Open CapCut Desktop and Start Your Project
Install CapCut Desktop (free on Windows/Mac) → Select Create Project > add or Import your B-roll, text overlays, or trending videos.
Step 2: Add Your Script
On the left sidebar, click on Text / Default text, and paste your entire script of the Reel in the box. Make it brief, sharp, and conversational. AI reads the most natural writing.
Step 3: Convert Text to Natural-Sounding Speech
Having chosen the text, click in the right panel Text to speech and select the voice of your dreams (e.g., Deep Dramatic Male, Excited Female Gen-Z, Mysterious Whisper) → Change the speed, pitch, emotion, and add pauses where required and apply such effects as slight reverb or phone filter to get the additional vibe.
Step 4: Fine-Tune and Export
Drag the audio created to fit your visuals exactly. → Use fade-in/fade-out and volume balance, click Export, select a vertical 1080/1920 resolution, and Download or Post to TikTok/Reels.
Practical Tips from Creators Getting High Engagement
It is important to always begin your script with a hook question or shocking statement, the AI will pronounce this with exact intensity.
Include dramatic pauses in your text using either [pause=2s] or [..] to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
First 8 seconds: Excited tone, after that, switch to Storytelling.
Place the AI voice on top of a trending sound at 1520 percent volume to get that authentic viral experience.
Batch 20 Reels: paste all the scripts simultaneously, modify the voice/effect only, and export everything within less than 45 minutes.
Upgrade hooks with AI Avatar. After generating your voice, drag an AI avatar from the library, hit “Add Speech”, and select the exact same TTS voice you just created. You instantly get a talking digital host that boosts watch time 20–40% on most Reels.
Conclusion
Quit wasting time doing mediocre voiceovers. The text to speech AI of CapCut provides you with professional, emotional, and natural-sounding narration that will sound better than most humans in a few seconds, and at no cost.
You do not need a microphone in your next viral Reel. It only requires a script and 5 minutes in CapCut. Install the CapCut PC immediately, enter your hook, select your voice, and press generate. The For You page has never been closer.
There’s this moment — you’ve seen it — when someone slows down outside a shop without meaning to. They’re mid-walk, maybe thinking about dinner or the cold or whatever’s buzzing in their pocket, and then… something in the window catches them. A warm light. A bit of greenery.
Retail analysts keep repeating the same number: well-designed holiday windows can bump foot traffic by up to 23%. That’s not theory. That’s measurable human behavior shifting on the street.
So, if foot traffic matters — and it always does — here are five tactics that actually move people.
1. Build a Window That Makes People Linger
A window shouldn’t just show products. It should feel like a small scene. Not perfect. Not overly polished. Just… lived in.
People slow down when they feel a story unfolding, even a quiet one. That 23% lift happens because the brain reacts to narrative cues faster than it reacts to price tags.
You don’t need a movie set. A single “hero” object — a lantern, a gift box with a slightly crooked ribbon — can anchor the whole thing.
2. Use Lighting to Change Mood, Not Brightness
Warm light doesn’t scream for attention; it pulls it. There’s a difference.
Research shows that elements of store atmosphere — like lighting, layout, décor, and general ambience — significantly impact customer mood, time spent inside, and purchase intentions.
A few extra minutes inside your store changes the math of conversion completely. If the outside feels welcoming, people trust the inside before they even cross the threshold.
3. Add Depth with Natural Textures
You know that feeling when you walk past a display, and something in your chest says, “That looks… warm”? Texture does that.
Rough wood. Soft greenery. Metal with a hand-crafted look rather than a mass-produced shine. These details signal intention, which shoppers read as quality. Instantly.
One of the easiest ways to do this is with seasonal botanicals. Not plastic-y ones. Real-looking ones. Pieces that feel like someone shaped them purposely.
That’s why some retailers quietly use décor like the handcrafted botanical wreaths and greenery arrangements you find when you shop seasonal wreaths by H Potter — they have this forged-metal, heirloom vibe that adds depth to a window without overpowering it.
4. Add Small Motion — Even a Tiny Flicker Works
Movement hits the peripheral vision like a tap on the shoulder.
Doesn’t matter if it’s big or small. A rotating ornament. A flickering candle bulb. A short 5-second loop on a mini screen tucked into the corner. Anything that shifts slightly will pull eyes toward the display long enough for curiosity to take over.
Retail designers love to talk about “micro-motion.” It’s boring jargon, but it works. People can’t ignore motion. Biology wired us that way.
5. Refresh the Display Before It Gets Stale
Here’s the part retailers skip — and it’s such an easy win.
If you refresh even one element mid-season (a new wreath, a color change, a swapped-out prop), you trigger what’s basically a pattern interrupt.
Shoppers notice. Stores that update windows even twice over the holiday period report meaningful bumps in engagement and return visits.
It doesn’t need to be dramatic. Change one object. Adjust the lighting angle. Add something with texture or shine. People like the feeling that something new is happening.
The Quiet Power of Warm Details
Holiday displays aren’t about being loud. They’re about warmth and small signals: texture, light, motion, and the feeling that someone cared enough to arrange something beautiful.
Funny how a single handmade wreath or a soft light can stop a stranger mid-step. But it does. And that’s where the traffic comes from.
Santorini Design at West Edmonton Mall. Photo: Santorini Design
Saskatoon-based jewelry brand Santorini Design has opened its second brick-and-mortar store, marking its tenth anniversary with an important milestone: a prime location at West Edmonton Mall. Founded by mother-daughter duo Khadijah Ahmed and Hanna Erci, the growing jewelry company has become a symbol of family-driven entrepreneurship, creative resilience, and Canadian retail ambition.
“It definitely wasn’t easy,” said co-founder Hanna Erci. “But we loved the mall, and we loved the people that run it. I knew I wanted to get bigger, so this was the right move for us.”
Hanna Erci and Khadijah Ahmed at Santorini Design at West Edmonton Mall. Photo: Santorini Design
The 1,000-square-foot boutique sits on the second floor of West Edmonton Mall, above the Ice Palace and across from Zara, Starbucks, and Tim Hortons. The new store introduces Santorini’s warm, welcoming design aesthetic to one of Canada’s busiest shopping destinations.
From Wholesale Beginnings to a Beloved Retail Brand
Santorini Design’s story began in 2015, when Ahmed, then a single mother, transitioned from wholesale into retail. Having worked in the industry since the early 2000s, she was looking for stability and community after years of international trade shows.
“I started Santorini as a wholesale company,” she said. “But it meant a lot of traveling. I wanted to stay home and raise my daughter, so we opened a small store in Midtown Plaza to clear out inventory. It ended up doing so well that we never looked back.”
That first retail space in Saskatoon quickly became a community favourite. Over time, the brand evolved into a fine jewelry destination recognized for its timeless design and personalized service. Erci, who began working in the business at fifteen, joined full-time while still in high school. “I always grew up in retail,” she recalled. “I’d nap in the back room of my mom’s old store. It’s been my world since I was little.”
Santorini Design at West Edmonton Mall. Photo: Santorini Design
A New Generation of Retail Leadership
Now 22 and a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s global management program, Erci represents a new generation of Canadian retail leadership, blending traditional values with digital fluency.
“I bring in newer education, fresh technology, and marketing ideas,” she said. “My mom has all the experience and intuition from years in retail. We balance each other perfectly.”
That generational balance proved essential when the pandemic hit. While many retailers faced closures, Santorini Design thrived online. “COVID was actually our best year,” said Erci. “I focused on our website, grew our marketing, and connected through friends and community. People supported us because they believed in what we were doing.”
Erci’s digital-first approach helped transform Santorini Design into a modern, omnichannel business. She introduced a men’s jewelry line after friends expressed interest, which now accounts for 60 to 70 percent of total sales. “It started with my high school friends asking for chains,” she said with a laugh. “Now it’s a huge part of what we do.”
Santorini Design at West Edmonton Mall. Photo: Santorini Design
Aesthetic and Brand Philosophy
Santorini Design’s aesthetic is defined by timelessness, simplicity, and longevity. “Our jewelry is young, clean, and designed to last forever,” said Erci. “We don’t chase trends. Everything we design has to feel classic.”
That ethos extends to the new West Edmonton Mall store, which reflects the brand’s warm and inclusive sensibility. “We didn’t want cold white lights and glass cases,” she explained. “We went for warmer tones — wood floors, soft lighting, and mirrors that make the space feel cozy. I wanted people to feel at home.”
Even the seating was carefully considered. “We brought in these beautiful ottomans,” she added. “It’s about comfort and connection, not intimidation. Jewelry should be approachable.”
Santorini Design at West Edmonton Mall. Photo: West Edmonton Mall
Global Craftsmanship with Local Heart
Santorini’s products are sourced from trusted partners across Italy, Turkey, Thailand, Korea, and China, combining international artistry with in-house design. “We’ve built strong relationships with suppliers over the years,” said Ahmed, noting that much of the brand’s inspiration draws from the Mediterranean region.
Despite its global network, the company remains rooted in Saskatoon. The name “Santorini” was chosen in 2015 to evoke warmth, beauty, and universal recognition. “A friend suggested naming it after the island,” Ahmed recalled. “Santorini felt right. It’s elegant, familiar, and timeless.”
Today, that timelessness is mirrored in the product line itself, which spans sterling silver, gold vermeil, and solid gold collections. Prices range from affordable gifts to fine jewelry pieces valued at several thousand dollars. “We’re a mid-grade brand,” said Erci. “We have things for $30 and things for $7,000. It’s important to us that anyone can walk in and find something beautiful.”
That inclusivity is central to the founders’ philosophy. “We came from humble beginnings,” she said. “My mom’s from Iraq. She built this from the ground up. So for us, it’s not just about business—it’s about kindness, community, and opportunity.”
Santorini Design at West Edmonton Mall. Photo: West Edmonton Mall
The Role of Social Media and Technology
Social media has been pivotal to Santorini Design’s success. Erci manages much of the brand’s online marketing, noting that engagement has evolved significantly.
“People don’t always like or comment anymore, but they’re still watching,” she said. “You see the impact in sales, not necessarily in likes. That’s something a lot of retailers need to understand. The audience is there, even if they’re quieter.”
Her approach to digital retail emphasizes consistency and authenticity. “We’re not influencers; we’re a business,” she said. “Our followers are customers. That changes how you communicate.”
Ahmed added that the mix of e-commerce and physical retail has strengthened the brand’s reach. “The online side has been amazing,” she said. “But nothing replaces meeting people in person, hearing their stories, and helping them choose something meaningful.”
Midtown Plaza and the Path to Expansion
While West Edmonton Mall marks the brand’s most significant expansion to date, Midtown Plaza in Saskatoon remains its home base. “It’s still the number one mall in the city,” said Ahmed. “There’s been a lot of change downtown, but the center continues to do well.”
She credits new management with bringing fresh energy to the property. “They’ve worked hard to elevate Midtown and attract new stores,” she said. “It’s nice to see that commitment to the community.”
Santorini’s roots in Saskatoon are personal as well as professional. “That’s where everything started,” said Erci. “It’s our foundation, and it’s where we learned how to build relationships with customers.”
Santorini Design at West Edmonton Mall. Photo: West Edmonton Mall
A Warm, Inclusive Retail Experience
The West Edmonton Mall location embodies the duo’s shared vision for the brand’s future. “This store represents everything we want Santorini to be,” said Erci. “It’s warm, youthful, and elegant. It feels alive.”
Ahmed agreed. “It’s a big step for us,” she said. “We’re grateful to West Edmonton Mall for giving us this opportunity. They believed in us.”
The two co-founders are already planning additional stores, with hopes to expand eastward in the coming years. “Toronto or Montreal would be amazing,” said Erci. “We already have a lot of online orders from those cities, so it’s the natural next step.”
For her, the expansion isn’t just about business growth, it’s also about representation. “As a younger retailer, it’s sometimes hard to be taken seriously,” she said. “But this shows that we can do it. We can build something strong.”
Family, Perseverance, and a Shared Dream
Throughout the conversation, it became clear that Santorini Design’s success is as much about family as it is about fashion. “We move at the same speed,” said Erci. “If something needs to be done, we do it together.”
Ahmed smiled at the memory of their shared long hours. “When you work late and get hungry, you get cranky,” she joked. “So we take a break, grab coffee, and start again.”
Their collaboration extends beyond the store floor. The pair often travel together for sourcing trips, something Erci describes as deeply meaningful. “It makes me emotional sometimes,” she said. “I think about how my mom did all this on her own when I was little. Now I get to go with her. It’s full circle.”
That full-circle moment is one the duo shares with their growing customer base. “People come in and tell us they’ve followed our journey since the beginning,” said Erci. “That means everything. It reminds us why we started.”
Muskoka Supply Co. - one of the newly awarded program that extends 42 locations at Pearson Airport. Photo: Paradies Lagardère
Paradies LagardèreToronto Pearson operations will expand significantly over the next several years following a new seven-year contract extension at Canada’s largest and busiest airport. The renewal, awarded by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, ensures that one of North America’s dominant travel retailers will remain deeply embedded in the commercial fabric of Toronto Pearson International Airport while introducing a wave of updated and reimagined stores designed to reflect the character of the city.
The Atlanta-based company, which serves millions of travelers across Canada and the United States, will continue running dozens of shops as part of the updated program. The extension reinforces an already long partnership between Paradies Lagardère and Toronto Pearson, which the company regards as one of the most important locations in its North American network.
“We value and appreciate our strong partnership with Toronto Pearson and are thrilled at the opportunity to continue that relationship through this extension,” said Gregg Paradies, chief executive officer of Paradies Lagardère. He noted that many of the forthcoming concepts were developed to deepen the company’s connection to Toronto’s communities through locally inspired design and products.
Deborah Flint, president and chief executive officer of Toronto Pearson, said retail remains central to how the airport shapes the traveler journey. “Experiences at airports are shaped by the vitality of the retail offerings,” she said. “We’re pleased to continue our partnership with Paradies Lagardère to provide travelers with shopping options that range from gourmet gifts, exclusive products and Canadian souvenirs, as well as the ‘got it’ relief for that important item in travel essentials.”
New Stores That Reflect a Growing City
Under the renewed agreement, the Paradies Lagardère Toronto Pearson portfolio will include 42 locations across the terminals. Twenty-one stores will be rebranded or significantly enhanced, and seven new retail concepts will be introduced. The changes amount to one of the most extensive refreshes of Pearson’s commercial landscape in recent years and are intended to align with the airport’s long-term investment plans, which include expanding terminals and accommodating rising passenger volumes.
A core feature of the new program is the emphasis on Canadian makers and Toronto culture. Shops @ The Six, Muskoka Supply Co. and Greetings from Toronto will spotlight gourmet foods, gifts and artisan products sourced from more than 30 makers, among them Totally Toronto Art, Mitchell’s Soup Co., Drip Candle Studio and The Doodle Diary. Airport officials believe the stores will help create a sense of place for travelers passing through an international gateway that often serves as their first point of contact with the country.
Retailer Shops@The Six will feature gourmet treats and gift items from more than 30 Canadian makers. Photo: Paradies Lagardère
Other concepts lean into Toronto’s identity as a design-driven and outdoor-oriented city. Hip & Humble, a women-owned boutique, will appear in a Canadian airport for the first time. Sky to Trail will carry brands such as Herschel Supply Co., KÜHL, Cotopaxi, Yeti and Tentree, catering to travelers preparing for excursions or seeking functional lifestyle products.
Longstanding favourites will remain, including The Scoreboard, a shop focused on merchandise from Toronto sports teams, and RELAY, a globally recognized travel-essentials label. iStore Express will continue offering technology accessories for passengers who may need last-minute devices or power solutions before boarding.
A Key Player in Global Travel Retail
The investment at Toronto Pearson aligns with Paradies Lagardère’s status as a major force in travel retail. The company operates more than 700 retail stores, restaurants and bars in over 90 airports across North America. It is the regional division of Lagardère Travel Retail, which manages more than 5,000 points of sale in over 50 countries worldwide and generated 7.6 billion euros in sales in 2024 on a managed basis.
Founded in 1960 by brothers Jim and Dan Paradies as The Paradies Shops, the company grew into one of the most decorated airport retailers in North America, routinely winning industry awards related to traveler satisfaction, merchandising and customer service. It became Paradies Lagardère in 2015 following its acquisition by Lagardère Travel Retail in a deal valued at about $530 million USD.
Today the company employs roughly 10,000 associates and continues to expand. Its presence in Canada includes operations in 12 airports, making the Paradies Lagardère Toronto Pearson partnership one of its most strategically significant contracts.
The Changing Landscape at Toronto Pearson
The renewed agreement arrives at a moment of growth and reinvestment for Toronto Pearson International Airport. The airport processed about 46.8 million passengers in 2024 and roughly 35.8 million in the first nine months of 2025, maintaining its position as the busiest airport in Canada and one of the most important hubs in North America. It supports a network of more than 50 airlines flying to over 180 destinations and serves as a main global hub for Air Canada while supporting operations for WestJet, Porter Airlines, Air Transat and numerous international carriers.
Pearson’s commercial transformation is part of the GTAA’s broader LIFT program, which focuses on long-term terminal improvements and increased capacity for security, U.S. preclearance and retail. Airport executives view retail as essential to both financial sustainability and the overall traveler experience. As passenger expectations increase and dwell times rise, airports across the world have sought to elevate their retail mix to resemble urban high streets rather than traditional travel corridors.
Paradies Lagardère Toronto Pearson updates are central to that shift. The forthcoming stores are designed to be visually distinct, flexible and relevant to a wide cross-section of travelers, whether they are purchasing essentials, looking for gifts or browsing specialty items before a departure.
Toronto Waterfront BIA. Photo: Löyly Floating Saunas
The Toronto Waterfront BIA is closing out 2025 with a busy slate of openings, activations and evolving streetscapes that are pushing the district closer to its goal of becoming a true year-round destination. From floating saunas and virtual golf to new parks, community facilities and hospitality concepts, the waterfront is seeing a wave of experiential uses that build on its residential growth and strengthen its retail mix.
“We are trying our best to keep the area vibrant all year round,” said Dorsa Alizadeh–Shabani, Manager of Operations at the Toronto Waterfront BIA. “People still see us as a summer destination, and it is nice to finally have more reasons for them to come down even when it is cold.”
Dorsa Alizadeh-Shabani
For the Toronto Waterfront BIA, the narrative this fall and winter is about momentum, diversification and the long game of neighbourhood building in a district that is still filling in.
New East Bayfront Connections and Community Hub
On the east side of the district, the completion of the Aqualuna condominium has helped unlock another key piece of the public realm. The Water’s Edge Promenade has been extended further east, creating a continuous path from Sugar Beach all the way to the Parliament Slip, a distance of roughly 500 meters.
“Now you can walk out at Sugar Beach and go all the way east past the new Marché Leo’s, past that beautiful Aqualuna building and all the way around the Parliament Slip,” noted Executive Director Tim Kocur. “It is slowly filling in, and it hints at how much more connected the waterfront will be once the new bridge to the Port Lands is in place.”
Tim Kocur
The extended promenade also ties directly into the new East Bayfront Community Centre. The BIA recently used the facility as the anchor for a Halloween-themed movie night that attracted a strong crowd and demonstrated the potential for more community-oriented programming in the growing residential pocket.
“We had about three hundred people for a community event, which is a good sign,” said Kocur. “People are clearly willing to come to the neighborhood for activities, not just to walk along the water.”
Parks, Pickleball and Dogs at 50 Queens Quay East
Just steps away, the new temporary park at 50 Queens Quay East is already proving that green space can be a powerful draw in colder months. The site is technically “temporary,” but in waterfront terms that can mean anything from a couple of years to a full five-year run.
“The park has two pickleball courts and a huge dog run, and even though it opened later than planned in the fall we have already seen it perform well,” said Alizadeh–Shabani. “Every time we walk by there are people playing pickleball and the dog run is always filled with dogs.”
Picnic tables with custom artwork add to the sense of place, and the BIA sees the space as an important bridge between residential towers, the water’s edge and the commercial units at grade. While many people still associate waterfront parks with patio season, the early response suggests a deeper shift in how the district is being used.
“For the time of year we are in, which is pretty cold, that park is doing really well,” she added. “It gives residents and visitors a reason to linger rather than just pass through.”
Opening of 50 Queens Quay E Temporary Park. Photo: Oliver Hierlihy/Toronto Waterfront BIA
Grocery, Fashion and A New Kind of Daily Retail
One of the most closely watched openings in recent months has been Marche Leo’s, a next-generation grocery concept that has brought new life to the east side. The store has generated strong buzz not just for its prepared foods and local sourcing but for an unexpected fashion play.
“They have a Hugo Boss retail clothing section inside the store, which is really interesting,” said Alizadeh–Shabani. “We lack clothing stores in the neighborhood, so it is nice to see that here, even if it is in an unusual format.”
Further east, another experiential anchor is getting ready to welcome guests. World Swing, a virtual golf bar at the base of the T3 Bayside building, is in the final stages of fit-out and is expected to open soon.
Recently opened Marché Leos store on Toronto’s Waterfront. Photo: Toronto Waterfront BIA/Instagram
“It is super exciting to have another destination business in our neighborhood,” said Alizadeh–Shabani. “A place like this generates more foot traffic during the cold months, and it complements everything else that is happening in East Bayfront.”
T3 Bayside itself is one of the district’s notable new office buildings, with a contemporary tall-timber design that reflects a broader shift toward sustainable construction along the waterfront. While another timber building in the area is dedicated to institutional use for George Brown College, T3 Bayside is largely commercial and signals confidence in the waterfront as an office address.
For the Toronto Waterfront BIA, attracting tenants such as World Swing to these podium spaces is central to building an all-day, all-season economy that serves workers, residents and visitors.
Hugo Boss men’s clothing section in the recently opened Marché Leos store on Toronto’s Waterfront. Photo: Toronto Waterfront BIA/Instagram
Winter Programming Aims to Shift Perceptions
The waterfront’s winter season has traditionally been a challenge, with many Torontonians assuming the area is best enjoyed in summer. The BIA is using programming to counter that perception.
On the west side, Harbourfront Centre’s Winterfest continues to be a major draw, complete with a skating rink and free skate rentals on Saturdays. The BIA also supports another skating rink at Sherbourne Common South, which encourages cold-weather visits on the east side.
Photo: Harbourfront Centre
New Year’s Eve fireworks are returning to the waterfront as well, with the city expanding programming to run after the fireworks rather than ending precisely at midnight. “They are adding more programming after the fireworks so not everything bottlenecks at Union Station at the same time,” said Alizadeh–Shabani. “They are slowly improving the timing and the overall experience so it is enjoyable for everyone.”
Within the hospitality sector, waterfront operators are leaning into winter as an opportunity rather than an off-season. One major restaurant and bar with a retractable-roof patio has transformed its south-facing garden into a Winter Garden, complete with festive decor designed to entice repeat visits from summer regulars.
“They are very good at getting people to come back,” said Alizadeh–Shabani. “Now that it is winter they have a new interior, new decorations and a whole different mood, which gives people another reason to make a night of it on the waterfront.”
Photo: Loraine Luong
Experiential Retail: Climbing Gyms, Culture and More
The Toronto Waterfront BIA has spent the past several years advocating for more experiential businesses along Queens Quay, arguing that unique activities will help the district stand out in a crowded citywide landscape of entertainment districts. That push is now bearing fruit.
“We are seeing more experiential businesses, which is what our ideal retail mix looks like,” said Alizadeh–Shabani. “Experiences entice people to come down, even when it is cold.”
Ethos, the new climbing gym in the neighborhood, is one example. The facility adds another indoor anchor that brings regular foot traffic during evenings and weekends. The Museum of Toronto has also opened an exhibit at Harbourfront Centre focused on children’s television from the twentieth century, adding a family-friendly cultural layer to the district’s offer.
“These are all open through the winter,” noted Kocur. “A year ago, one of our biggest challenges was changing people’s perception about coming here when it is cold. As these things draw more people, we hope that perception will change.”
Photo: Ethos Climbing Gym
Retail Churn and Broker-Led Recruitment
Despite the positive momentum, the waterfront is not immune to the churn affecting urban retail across Canada. As some of the first new buildings reach the five-year mark, a handful of tenants have chosen not to renew.
“There have unfortunately been some closures,” acknowledged Kocur. “We have seen a cannabis shop close and a Popeyes location close, and we know those brands are closing stores elsewhere as well. It is important to be honest that this is still a neighborhood in progress.” (Editor’s note: Popeyes has closed several Toronto locations recently, not just in the waterfront).
At the same time, he noted that the Toronto Waterfront BIA’s retail review this past spring showed that replacement tenants and net-new arrivals continue to outpace closures. The BIA has responded by building a more proactive recruitment model, keeping detailed data on available spaces and maintaining regular contact with brokers and property managers.
“We are trying to promote the waterfront as an exciting space for new businesses,” said Alizadeh–Shabani. “We have had businesses reach out and tell us what they are looking for, and then we compare that with our database and connect them with the right broker or property manager.”
For prospective retailers, having a BIA act as a concierge is a differentiator. “I do not think other neighbourhoods are doing that,” said Kocur. “It shows that we are serious about curating a mix that works for residents and visitors, and for the businesses themselves.”
Photo: Löyly Floating Sauna
Löyly Floating Sauna Bring Nordic Wellness to Lake Ontario
The most eye-catching addition this winter sits directly on the water. Löyly Floating Sauna, a Canadian wellness company inspired by Finnish sauna traditions, is preparing to open at 275 Queens Quay West at Reese Street. The concept combines a moored floating sauna structure with an outdoor plunge pool that offers the same bracing chill as Lake Ontario, without actually sending guests into the lake itself.
“Their business model is not about a one-time bucket list experience,” said Alizadeh–Shabani. “They want people to fit it into their weekly routine so it becomes part of their lifestyle.”
Founded on Okanagan Lake, Löyly has built its reputation on minimalistic design, deep steady heat and the mental and physical benefits of hot-cold contrast. The Toronto location, the brand’s first on the Great Lakes, will offer seventy-five-minute public sessions priced at $45, along with private bookings starting at $465 for up to twelve guests. The sauna remains moored rather than cruising, which keeps the experience stable and accessible in all weather.
The structure is already turning heads along the waterfront. “People see it and they want to be part of it,” said Alizadeh–Shabani. “We have heard stories about joggers and people out for walks stopping to ask what it is and when it will open.”
Kocur believes it is exactly the type of operator the Toronto Waterfront BIA has been hoping to attract. “We would love to see more experiences that engage directly with the water,” he said. “Löyly really does that. You are sitting in a warm sauna, looking out at the lake and the islands, and then doing a cold plunge right on the slip. It is a powerful way to remind people that this is a waterfront, not just another part of downtown.”
A Long-Term Vision for Toronto Waterfront Retail
Formally established in 2004 and expanded in 2016, the Toronto Waterfront BIA covers the commercial corridor along Queens Quay from roughly Stadium Road in the west to Cherry Street in the east, including the Toronto Islands. The association is funded through a levy on commercial and industrial properties and governed by a board of local business and property owners.
Its mandate is broad, stretching from destination marketing and event programming to advocacy on public-realm design, wayfinding, transit connections and waterfront infrastructure. In recent years, the BIA has published a series of retail and visitor-experience studies, including a detailed retail review and broker package that outlines ideal tenant mixes and highlights under-performing spaces.
“We position ourselves as a unifying voice for businesses along the waterfront,” said Kocur. “That means supporting the existing merchants, but also helping shape future development so that we end up with a continuous, engaging retail experience from west to east.”
With multi-phase projects such as the Port Lands redevelopment and Queens Quay East transit extension still ahead, the Toronto Waterfront BIA is playing a long game. The new promenade segments, pop-up parks and experiential tenants arriving this month are early glimpses of what a more connected, animated waterfront can look like.
Grocery chain METRO has confirmed it has signed the Canadian Grocery Industry Code of Conduct.
Eric La Flèche, Metro’s president and CEO
“Since 2021, we have actively contributed with the Retail Council of Canada and industry stakeholders to the development of the Code of Conduct to promote principles of fairness and predictability”, said Eric La Flèche, President and Chief Executive Officer, METRO, in a statement.
“In 2025, we continued our efforts with the Code Office to ensure its success and we look forward to its implementation in the years ahead.”
The grocer said the Code of Conduct sets clear standards for commercial relationships within the grocery sector and aims to create transparency and certainty in commercial transactions.
The Code applies to a wide range of businesses in the sector, not just major retailers and brand manufacturers, but also processors, suppliers, and distributors, including smaller and independent businesses. The Code is principle based and, by providing clear standards and an accessible framework for dispute resolution, the Code strengthens trust across the industry and supports long-term competitiveness, according to the Canada Grocery Code.
Karen Proud
“The Canada Grocery Code is essential for fostering trust, ensuring fairness, and strengthening collaboration across the grocery supply chain. By promoting transparency and timely dispute resolution, the Code supports all businesses, from major national grocers and regional independents to primary processors and small-scale suppliers, in building a more predictable and equitable industry where everyone can thrive,” said Karen Proud, President and Adjudicator of the Canada Grocery Code.
With annual sales of more than $22 billion, METRO Inc. is a food and pharmacy leader in Québec and Ontario, providing employment to more than 97,000 people. Its purpose is to Nourish the health and well–being of our communities. As a retailer, franchisor, distributor, manufacturer, and provider of eCommerce services, the company operates or services a network of some 1 000 food stores under several banners including Metro, Metro Plus, Super C, Food Basics, Adonis and Première Moisson, and some 640 pharmacies primarily under the Jean Coutu, Brunet, Metro Pharmacy and Food Basics Pharmacy banners.
CF Market Mall has launched its Winter Warm-Up experiences, running to December 21.
The celebration brought the thrill of the slopes directly to Calgary with a lineup of high-energy and interactive winter elements. Highlights include an exciting outdoor Snow Stunt Show featuring professional freestyle skiers and riders which took place on the weekend, an indoor curling rink with expert instruction, and special meet and greets with Canadian Olympic stars. The mall’s holiday décor will be enhanced with exciting, immersive winter displays for spectacular photo opportunities.
“This winter, we’re introducing a full slate of fun, high-energy and entertaining experiences designed to bring the community together,” said Paige O’Neill, General Manager, CF Market Mall. “From thrilling snow stunt shows featuring top notch freestyle skiers and riders to immersive indoor curling, our goal is to create memorable moments that truly capture and celebrate the vibrant Canadian winter spirit, both indoors and out.”
CF Market Mall. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi
To kick off the winter season, CF Market Mall partnered with Sunshine Village to host the thrilling Banff Sunshine Village Snow Stunt Show from December 6 and 7.
The two-day event brought the intense action of the slopes directly to Calgary, featuring professional skiers and snowboarders performing incredible freestyle tricks and aerial stunts on a custom-built terrain park. The high-energy show was located in the East Parking Lot, along Shaganappi Trail, offering a limited-time opportunity to witness world-class talent and high-impact action live and outdoors.
CF Market Mall. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi
The Canadian winter spirit continues inside with a variety of hands-on activities and exclusive experiences:
Indoor Curling with Curling Alberta: Bay Court will be transformed into a beautiful, photo-worthy winter playground featuring a miniature curling rink. Guests can learn the basics of curling with expert instruction and demos provided by Curling Alberta from Friday to Sunday and open rink play during the week, offering a fun, skill-building activity right inside the mall.
Immersive Photo Moments: Capture unforgettable memories at two stunning, immersive photo displays. The Mountain Escape displays, located in front of Alo Yoga and in Bay Court, feature a real-life Sunshine Village chairlift and gondola, snow-capped evergreen trees, and authentic ski equipment. These displays add excitement and entertainment to complement the mall’s traditional holiday décor. Visitors can snap a photo in Sunshine Village’s luxurious Super Angel chairlift and tag @cfmarketmall and @sunshinevillage on Instagram for a chance to win a Banff Sunshine Village Family Season pass worth over $3,800. Sunshine will choose a winner after activation ends on December 21st.
Olympic Athlete Meet & Greets: As the official Home of Team Canada, CF Market Mall is also proud to partner with the Canadian Olympic Committeeand welcome former Olympians and Calgary-natives, Cheryl Bernard and Brad Spence. Cheryl, a silver medalist in curling, was available at the curling rink on November 25. Additionally, top Canadian alpine skier, Brad, is scheduled to appear at the Mountain Escape display on December 13 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. This will give guests the incredible chance to meet these inspiring individuals and take photos against an exciting backdrop.
CF Market Mall. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi
The Winter Warm-Up experiences, including the thrilling snow stunt show and interactive curling, serve as the perfect complement to CF Market Mall’s full holiday lineup. This season, guests can also enjoy traditional Santa visits, stunning immersive decor throughout the property, live musical performances, and much more, said the shopping centre.
EQB Inc. and Loblaw Companies Limited have entered into a definitive agreement where EQB will acquire President’s Choice Bank, PC® Financial Insurance Agency Inc., PC® Financial Insurance Brokers Inc. and certain other affiliated entities of PC Bank.
In connection with the closing of the acquisition, EQB will enter into a long-term strategic relationship with Loblaw pursuant to a commercial agreement to become the exclusive financial partner of the PC Optimum™ loyalty program. The transaction will unite two of Canada’s most innovative banking brands, redefining the sector by delivering extraordinary value, products and services to Canadians, according to a news release.
EQB will acquire PC Financial for 1.15x book value at closing, excluding excess capital above a 13% CET1 ratio, for consideration estimated at $800 million. The consideration will be satisfied by the issuance to one or more subsidiaries of Loblaw of 7.2 million common shares of EQB, representing approximately 16% of EQB’s issued and outstanding common shares as at the date hereof on a pro-forma basis, and the remainder in cash. In addition, prior to the closing of the transaction and subject to regulatory approval, Loblaw will release and receive approximately $500 million of excess capital and other value from PC Bank, for estimated total value of $1.3 billion to Loblaw.
Loblaw will own a minimum of 17% of EQB’s issued and outstanding common shares on closing of the acquisition. Closing is expected to occur within 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
EQB will acquire PC Financial’s products and services, including the PC Mastercard™ portfolio – one of the largest and most recognizable credit card portfolios in Canada with more than two million active accounts. The acquisition is expected to expand EQB’s total customer base to nearly 3.5 million Canadians and add $5.8 billion in assets with more than $800 million in direct retail deposits.
Chadwick Westlake
“(The) announcement marks a new era for banking in Canada. By combining EQ Bank’s exceptional digital platform and product shelf with PC Financial’s spending solutions, distribution and expertise in loyalty, we’re creating a better banking ecosystem for all Canadians that prioritizes innovation and value,” said Chadwick Westlake, President and CEO, EQB. “Fueled by our combined digital strengths and new ways to connect with customers, this transaction offers a unique opportunity for Canada’s Challenger Bank to redefine what Canadians should expect from their banks. We couldn’t be more excited to bring challenger banking to more Canadians and look forward to welcoming Loblaw as a shareholder and valued long-term partner.”
Richard Dufresne
“This new relationship between EQB and Loblaw will yield significant benefits to our customers, and those of EQ Bank. PC Financial’s products will be better positioned for long-term growth under EQB’s ownership, while maintaining the high level of quality and care our customers expect,” said Richard Dufresne, Chief Financial Officer of Loblaw. “Bringing together EQB’s digital platform with PC Optimum’s reach and personalization will bring more value and more rewards to Canadians.
This year’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday (BFCM) proved to be another record-breaking holiday shopping weekend, where consumer traffic and demand spiked, and the Adyen platform delivered, processing a total volume of $43 billion across the BFCM weekend (up 27% vs. last year), while maintaining an exceptional 99.9999% uptime.
Transactions per minute on the Adyen platform reached a peak of 199,000 on Black Friday. Additional insights from this year’s BFCM are available on Adyen’s BFCM Unboxed Insights page.
How People Are Paying
Consumer habits have permanently changed, and flexibility at checkout is no longer a luxury. It’s essential: 54% of consumers globally will leave a store or abandon an online checkout if they cannot pay using their preferred method, said Adyen.
This BFCM, the data revealed some clear trends, it said:
Mobile Wallets Soar: Digital wallets are establishing themselves as a key payment method at the Point-Of-Sale (POS). During this year’s Black Friday, the share of POS revenue paid with digital wallets reached 33%, up from 21% last year, and this momentum is expected to accelerate.
Contactless Continuing as the Undisputed Norm: Contactless payments continue to gain ground worldwide. During last year’s Black Friday, 81% of in-store POS transactions were contactless, rising to 85% this year, further cementing contactless as the standard.
Local Payment Methods Remain Highly Relevant: Their share is stable at 14-15% year-on-year across channels, underscoring the necessity for merchants to implement fitting regional options like Carte Bancaire, iDeal, and PayPal.
Shoppers Continued to Embrace Flexible Payment Options During the Peak Period: The volume of online payments made via Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) on Black Friday rose 43% compared to the previous month and matched last year’s Black Friday levels, underscoring consumers’ preference for flexible financing during major spending events.
Photo: Adyen
The Value of In-Store Purchases
“Physical retail continues to hold a key advantage for high-value purchases during holiday sales. In 2025, the average basket size (ATV) from in-store Black Friday purchases was 28% higher than online. Overall, the ATV in Retail increased by 22% on Black Friday 2025 in comparison to a typical Friday,” said the company.
From the US to Everywhere: The Global Embrace of Black Friday
While Black Friday originated in the US, it has grown in significance across other markets as well. This year, it tracked significant transaction volume uplifts compared to typical Fridays across key international markets:
Dr. Phone Fix Canada Corporation says it has closed the previously announced acquisition of substantially all the business assets of Geebo Device Repair Inc., a leading mobile-device repair chain operating six retail service locations across Nova Scotia.
“This is a major milestone for Dr. Phone Fix and an important step forward in our national expansion strategy,” said Piyush Sawhney, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dr. Phone Fix. “With this acquisition, we are officially entering Atlantic Canada with an established regional platform, a strong and loyal customer base, and a dedicated team that will help accelerate our growth coast-to-coast.”
Under the terms of the asset purchase agreement governing the acquisition, Dr. Phone Fix said it has acquired substantially all of Geebo’s business assets, which span six operating stores and one operating facility and include leases that provide optionality for future expansion. The total purchase price consists of a base consideration of $1.35-million, subject to customary adjustments, plus an amount equal to the value of saleable inventory at closing.
Piyush Sawhney
“Closing this transaction immediately strengthens our national footprint, expands our OEM-certified repair capabilities, enhances insurance-partner relationships and supports our commitment to sustainable device-care practices. With this foundation in place, Dr. Phone Fix is well positioned to scale meaningfully as we advance our goal of expanding from approximately 35 corporate locations to more than 70 stores nationwide within the next 12 to 18 months,” said Sawhney.
Following closing, said the company, Geebo’s team and management will remain with the business to ensure operational continuity and maintain the high standard of service customers have come to expect.
Dr. Phone Fix said it continues to focus on expanding its network of corporate-owned stores across major provinces while pursuing further acquisitions and partnerships to solidify its position as Canada’s leading coast-to-coast device-care and circular-economy brand.
Founded in 2019, the company now operates 41 corporately owned retail locations nationwide.
