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Peavey Mart Returns with Prairie Relaunch in Fall 2025

Peavey Mart in Red Deer, Alberta (Image: Peavey Mart)

Peavey Mart, once one of Canada’s most recognizable farm and ranch retailers, is preparing to relaunch in Western Canada this fall after shuttering all 90 of its locations earlier in 2025. Backed by a new group of investors under the name 2707162 Alberta Ltd., the revived retailer will open four Alberta stores in Spruce Grove, Westlock, Camrose, and Lacombe in late 2025, with plans to expand into other prairie markets as capital and operational momentum grow.

The relaunch marks a dramatic turnaround for a brand with deep prairie roots that abruptly disappeared earlier this year. Once celebrated for serving farmers, ranchers, acreage owners, and homesteaders, Peavey Mart’s nationwide closure left a gap in rural communities that had relied on it for decades.

“We know that the closure of Peavey Mart stores left a gap for many customers,” said Doug Anderson, who is part of the leadership team behind the relaunch. “Our investors and ownership group recognizes the importance of Peavey Mart in the Canadian retail landscape, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to relaunch the brand in these communities.”

A Leaner, More Focused Strategy

Unlike its previous iteration, which pursued a national presence with 90 locations, the new Peavey Mart will focus on a smaller, regional footprint. The ownership group has outlined plans to open between seven and twelve stores in Alberta and Saskatchewan, rebuilding the business with more financial discipline and an emphasis on profitability.

Kurt Schultz, Lead Merchant and a member of the new operations team, noted that the relaunch will centre on Peavey Mart’s traditional core customers. “We’re bringing back the Peavey Mart that people know and love,” he said. “A Peavey Mart focused on the needs of the farmer, rancher, acreage owner, homeowner and homesteader, with a strong emphasis on providing value for dollars spent in our stores.”

That model will be supported by a new 40,000-square-foot distribution facility in Red Deer County, designed to handle supply chain needs and ensure consistency in operations. Recruitment has already begun for warehouse staff and store-level employees, with information posted on the company’s careers website.

When doors reopen, customers will find many of the brands they once associated with Peavey Mart returning to shelves. Labels such as Harvest Goodness, Rolling Acres, Scotts, Dickies, Pit Boss, and Shell are expected to feature prominently. At the same time, the new ownership group has pledged to emphasize high-quality, unique, and locally sourced items that reflect the entrepreneurial character of Western Canada.

Liquidation signs at Peavey Mart’s former Red Deer store on Saturday, January 25, 2025. Photo: Joel Graham via Facebook

Lessons from Collapse and Path to Recovery

Peavey Mart’s sudden downfall in early 2025 sent shockwaves through the Canadian retail industry. Parent company Peavey Industries LP sought creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) after struggling with soaring inflation, supply chain challenges, and weakening consumer confidence. At its peak, the chain had nearly 100 outlets across Canada, including 90 Peavey Mart stores and six MainStreet Hardware locations.

Store closing sales began in February 2025, leaving thousands of employees and loyal customers in limbo. For rural communities in particular, the disappearance of the retailer created immediate challenges, as alternatives for agricultural and homesteading supplies were limited.

By April 2025, investors moved to secure the rights to the Peavey Mart name and intellectual property with the intention of preserving the brand in a more sustainable format. The approach, targeting a smaller set of profitable prairie markets rather than a national footprint, reflects an effort to avoid repeating past missteps.

Building an Agile Business Model

A recurring theme in the relaunch is agility. The ownership group has emphasized the importance of creating a culture that allows for quick pivots and close collaboration between store teams, distribution staff, and office leadership.

“Creating an agile business model is critical to our success,” Schultz explained. “This will ensure we can pivot quickly to meet customer expectations and build a profitable operation that lasts.”

Anderson echoed the sentiment, noting that the company’s mandate is to ensure a collaborative approach that adapts to customer needs while maintaining financial discipline. By scaling growth carefully and avoiding heavy debt loads, the ownership group hopes to create a leaner and more resilient version of Peavey Mart.

While the first four stores will open in Alberta, expansion into Saskatchewan is already under consideration. As a second group of investors joins the ownership structure, more locations in historically strong markets are expected to follow.

The relaunch strategy suggests a slow and deliberate growth trajectory, with each new store evaluated for long-term sustainability. Unlike the aggressive expansion of the past, the new Peavey Mart will prioritize community demand and operational stability over sheer scale.

A Legacy of Prairie Retailing

Peavey Mart’s legacy stretches back to 1967, when it began serving prairie customers with hardware, tools, and agricultural supplies. Its identity has long been tied to grit, resilience, and the rural way of life in Western Canada. That cultural connection, combined with decades of customer loyalty, makes the relaunch an emotionally charged one for both communities and employees.

The company’s emphasis on returning to its roots reflects an awareness that Peavey Mart’s value proposition lies in serving everyday needs of rural Canadians rather than competing directly with larger national chains.

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Rental industry growth slows to 2.5% in 2024: Statistics Canada

Photo: Statistics Canada
Photo: Statistics Canada

The consumer goods rental and general rental centres industry groups saw a slowdown in revenue growth in 2024 following two consecutive years of double-digit increases, according to new data released by Statistics Canada.

Total operating revenues for the industry rose by 2.5 per cent to $3.9 billion in 2024. Operating expenses increased at the same rate, reaching $3.1 billion, while the overall operating profit margin remained steady at 21.2 per cent.

Ontario accounted for the majority of industry activity, contributing 60.9 per cent of total operating revenues and 77.7 per cent of the nominal growth in 2024. British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec together represented 14.3 per cent of the growth, with the remaining 8.1 per cent coming from other provinces and territories.

Individuals and households made up the largest customer base for the sector, generating 66.3 per cent of sales in 2024. This marked a slight decrease of 0.9 percentage points from 2023. Businesses accounted for 29.3 per cent of sales, while governments, not-for-profit organizations, public institutions and foreign clients made up the remaining 4.3 per cent.

The three largest components of operating expenses in 2024 were salaries, wages, commissions and benefits (28.9 per cent), amortization and depreciation (21.6 per cent), and the cost of goods sold (15.9 per cent).

The consumer goods rental industry group, which primarily rents or leases personal and household goods such as electronics, furniture and appliances, reported operating revenues of $3.0 billion in 2024, an increase of 2.8 per cent from the previous year. Operating expenses for the group rose 2.6 per cent to $2.3 billion, resulting in an operating profit margin of 23.4 per cent.

The general rental centres industry group, which rents consumer, commercial and industrial equipment, recorded operating revenues of $879.8 million in 2024, up 1.6 per cent. Operating expenses rose to $758.3 million, yielding a profit margin of 13.8 per cent.

Statistics Canada noted a modest rise in residential construction investment, with housing starts in the first half of 2025 up 2.3 per cent over the same period in 2024.

Looking ahead, the agency stated, “The consumer goods rental sector may be positively affected by lower interest rates, with the Bank of Canada cutting its policy rate by 2.25 percentage points since June 2024, along with easing inflationary pressures.”

Statistics Canada said a complete financial picture for the 2025 reference year will be available when survey data are published in 2026.

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Exploring the Benefits of Asset Tracking Systems

Effective asset management has become essential for businesses today that do all they can to ensure increased productivity while minimizing loss. Asset tracking systems provide businesses with real-time visibility and control over their assets. In this article, we will discuss the benefits these systems offer to businesses, regardless of size.

Enhanced Efficiency

These systems can help you fast-track your asset tracking by automating the processes involved in asset management, increasing operational efficiency. Manual tracking is prone to errors, time-consuming, and expensive. Automated asset tracking systems help businesses run operations and ensure assets are allocated where and when they are needed most. This creates a system that functions smoothly, minimizes downtime, and increases productivity.

Real-Time Monitoring

Real-time monitoring is one of the major features of asset tracking systems. Companies are able to instantly see where their assets are and how they are being used and monitor their status and condition. Access to this information allows for quick decision-making, improving the allocation of your resources and minimizing your risk. Having access to this data in real time means managers can quickly respond to any issues, minimizing the chances of losing or misplacing an asset.

Cost Reduction

Using an asset tracking system can save you a lot of money. It helps reduce cases of position blocks, allowing for more effective resource allocation. Moreover, tracking systems minimize loss from theft or mismanagement. Accurate information on how assets are being used and an overview of underused resources can help businesses make sound decisions.

Improved Accountability

In asset management, we know that accountability matters. Tracking systems create a detailed log of where, when, and how assets are being used. By having everything out in the open, employees can be held accountable for the resources they manage. Increased accountability not only prevents misuse of assets but also encourages more careful use.

Simplified Maintenance

Maintenance of assets is necessary to ensure their long life and performance. Asset management systems regularly send reminders to teams to schedule maintenance, ensuring equipment remains in optimal shape. Monitoring these systems for maintenance and servicing history can help businesses avoid sudden failures, which reduces downtime and maintenance expenses.

Enhanced Security

For organizations that manage high-value assets, the security of those investments is their top priority. Tracking systems also add security to your devices, as they send alerts in case of unauthorized movement or use. This functionality enables businesses to act quickly to minimize potential losses due to theft or misuse. Moreover, tracking the location and the movement of assets allows users to retrieve the assets that might have gone missing or those that may have been stolen.

User-Friendly Interface

Modern asset tracking systems are easy to use. They usually have a simple user interface, ensuring employees spend fewer hours learning how to navigate the system. By implementing a user-friendly asset tracking system, you can drive universal adoption and make sure all members of the team can use it properly.

Scalability and Flexibility

As your business grows, so do its asset management requirements. Asset management systems are scalable and will adapt to an increase in the number of assets without you having to switch to another provider. This adaptability allows for businesses of any size to remain in operation. By selecting a system that grows with the company, organizations ensure that they remain in charge of their assets.

Data-Driven Insights

In addition to tracking assets, these systems also provide valuable data that benefits strategic planning. It allows businesses to allocate resources and plan for investments with the knowledge of trends and patterns. Data leads to optimal use of assets that bring maximum financial gain and strategic growth.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Good asset management can also help with sustainability. By utilizing resources more effectively, companies can minimize waste and help reduce their environmental impact. An organization can track its environmental indicators within its environmental management system, facilitating resource conservation and environmentally friendly practices.

Conclusion

Asset tracking systems offer many advantages, like increased efficiency and sustainability. Real-time monitoring, increased accountability, and data-driven insights make these systems powerful tools for business resource management.

What Ice Types Drive Drink Sales in Convenience

The variety of ice a convenience outlet provides can substantially influence beverage revenue, customer contentment, and operational productivity. While numerous retailers concentrate on fountain beverage flavors and pricing approaches, the frozen water that occupies those containers serves a vital function in the complete customer encounter and can generate quantifiable increases in income. Here are ice varieties that drive drink sales in convenience settings.

Nugget Ice

Nugget ice, alternatively referred to as chewable ice or “Sonic ice,” has become a transformative element for convenience outlets aiming to boost beverage revenue. Foodservice operators have documented revenue increases exceeding 25% when transitioning from cube to Chewblet ice. This considerable revenue growth originates from the distinctive characteristics that render nugget ice extremely attractive to customers.

Its gentler, chewable consistency is desired by customers. Its porous structure enables it to soak up beverage flavor, providing a flavorful crunchy snack after the beverage is finished. This flavor saturation generates additional worth for customers, who effectively receive a flavored ice snack as a component of their beverage acquisition. The chewable quality also indicates customers eat more ice, potentially enhancing their perceived worth of the beverage.

When evaluating equipment for distributing nugget ice, retailers should assess how various Manitowoc ice makers and other commercial manufacturers manage the specific properties of this ice variety, especially its inclination to aggregate and the requirement for specialized distribution systems.

Cube Ice

Cubed ice represents the most prevalent ice form. It frequently appears in dining establishments, taverns, and convenience outlets. These ice cubes deliver a 100% ice-to-water proportion. Ice formed in a cube offers a neat appearance due to its consistent form and dimensions. Conventional cube ice continues to be favored among retailers because of its operational benefits, including reliable dispensing properties and productive storage.

Cube ice provides reduced melting speeds compared to nugget alternatives, which can prove beneficial for customers who favor their beverages to remain cold for extended periods without substantial dilution. Nevertheless, the firmer consistency means reduced flavor saturation and no chewable attraction, potentially restricting its capacity to generate repeat acquisitions based on ice preference exclusively.

Flake Ice

Flake ice appears soft and powder-like, containing a 73% ice-to-water proportion. It chills quickly and can be readily shaped. While less typical in convenience outlet fountain beverages, flake ice performs excellently in uses demanding swift cooling, such as mixed beverages and smoothies. Its extensive surface coverage permits quick temperature decrease, rendering it perfect for frozen beverage creation.

The swift melting properties of flake ice render it less appropriate for typical fountain beverages where customers anticipate extended cooling. However, for convenience outlets with substantial frozen beverage offerings, flake ice can improve product quality and creation velocity.

Operational Trade-offs and Regional Considerations

Each ice type presents distinct operational implications for convenience store operators. Cube ice offers the longest storage life and lowest waste rates, making it cost-effective for stores with moderate beverage volume. The predictable melting pattern allows for accurate portion control and inventory management.

Nugget ice requires more frequent production cycles due to higher customer demand and faster consumption rates. The increased customer preference often justifies higher operational costs through improved sales volume and customer loyalty. 

Stores implementing nugget ice typically need to plan for 30-40% higher ice consumption compared to cube ice operations. Dispense speed varies significantly between ice types. This affects customer wait times during peak periods.

Endnote 

Successful convenience outlet operators acknowledge that every component of the customer encounter, including seemingly insignificant details like ice variety, contributes to comprehensive sales results. By comprehending how various ice types influence texture, dilution speeds, and customer contentment, retailers can make knowledgeable choices that directly affect their profitability while improving the customer encounter that stimulates recurring business.

Conversational Commerce May End Traditional E-Commerce Sites

OpenAI’s Instant Checkout Courtesy of OpenAI

OpenAI’s newly announced partnerships with Etsy and Shopify mark a turning point for global e-commerce, and potentially the beginning of the end for traditional online storefronts as we know them.

With the introduction of “Instant Checkout” inside ChatGPT, consumers can now discover products, evaluate options, and complete purchases directly within a conversation, without ever visiting a merchant’s website. This is not a marginal feature update. It is the emergence of an entirely new commerce channel.

For years, retailers optimized around a familiar funnel. Discovery happened through Google search or social media, consideration took place on product pages, and transactions were completed on owned websites. Conversational commerce collapses that entire journey into a single dialogue.

This shift is far more significant than learning how to optimize content for AI-generated responses. What OpenAI has created is a new paid media channel, one that will fundamentally reshape how consumers discover and buy products online.

At launch, U.S.-based ChatGPT users can complete single-item purchases from Etsy sellers directly in chat. Shopify integration, which will extend this capability to more than one million merchants worldwide, is expected shortly. Brands ranging from digitally native startups to global names will suddenly find themselves selling inside an AI interface rather than their own sites.

The implications are enormous.

The most important change here is economic, not technical. OpenAI will take a fee on every transaction completed through ChatGPT. That alone places AI platforms in direct competition with Google, Meta, Amazon, and other established paid media ecosystems.

Retailers are no longer paying for impressions or clicks that drive traffic back to their own properties. They are paying a platform fee for transactions that occur entirely within someone else’s environment. In practical terms, this looks a lot like Amazon’s marketplace model, except it is embedded in conversation rather than search results.

The market reaction has been swift. Etsy’s stock surged following the announcement, reflecting investor optimism about the revenue potential of this new channel.

Shopify stands to benefit significantly as well. The underlying infrastructure powering Instant Checkout is the Agentic Commerce Protocol, developed by OpenAI in partnership with Stripe. Stripe’s role is especially strategic. By powering the payments layer and open-sourcing the protocol, Stripe has positioned itself at the center of AI-driven commerce. Competing payment providers will need to respond quickly or risk being sidelined.

While the initial rollout supports only single-item purchases, OpenAI has already indicated plans to introduce shopping carts and expand internationally. This is clearly just the first phase.

For many merchants, the most uncomfortable implication is what this means for their websites.

If a consumer can ask ChatGPT for the best hiking boots under $150 and complete the purchase instantly, what incentive remains to visit a retailer’s site? Long-standing investments in SEO, site optimization, and conversion rate optimization become less central when transactions no longer happen on owned digital property.

Over time, websites may evolve into branding, storytelling, and customer service hubs rather than primary sales engines. That shift will force retailers to rethink how they allocate digital budgets and measure success.

There are also unresolved concerns around bias and transparency. OpenAI has stated that product rankings inside ChatGPT will be unsponsored and based on relevance. That may be true today. History suggests it will not remain so indefinitely.

As platforms scale, pressure to monetize through sponsored placement and algorithmic prioritization becomes unavoidable. When that happens, conversational commerce risks inheriting the same pay-to-play dynamics that now dominate search and social media, with even greater influence due to the closed nature of conversational interfaces. Smaller merchants could find themselves pushed aside by those able to generate higher platform fees.

For retailers, the takeaway is clear. Conversational commerce is no longer experimental. It is not optional. It demands immediate strategic attention.

Merchants will need to structure product data for AI comprehension, factor new platform fees into their financial models, and rethink the role of their owned digital assets. Payment providers must prepare for a future where transactions increasingly flow through AI-powered protocols rather than traditional checkout flows.

Meanwhile, competing platforms including Google, Amazon, and Meta are almost certain to respond with their own conversational shopping ecosystems. A race is now underway to define who owns commerce at the interface layer.

For consumers, the experience will be faster and more seamless. At the same time, it raises important questions about transparency, privacy, and commercial influence in AI-generated recommendations.

Looking further ahead, OpenAI has already signaled interest in agentic commerce, where AI assistants make autonomous purchases based on predefined preferences.

Imagine setting rules once, such as preferring organic, locally sourced groceries under $50, and having those items ordered automatically every week. That is the direction this technology is moving.

The Etsy-ChatGPT partnership represents a defining moment for retail. Commerce is moving out of websites and into conversations.

The future of e-commerce will not be won on landing pages. It will be won in dialogue.

The only real question is which retailers will adapt quickly enough to remain part of that conversation.

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Special Edition 27: The Future of Ecommerce and Digital Retail 

Etsy-ChatGPT Deal Signals the End of E-Commerce Websites

OpenAI’s Instant Checkout Courtesy of OpenAI

OpenAI has announced a landmark partnership with Etsy and Shopify that introduces “Instant Checkout” to ChatGPT, allowing users to purchase products directly within conversations without leaving the platform. This development has been described as a revolutionary shift in the e-commerce landscape, and according to Canadian retail expert David Nagy, it may signal the beginning of the end for traditional e-commerce websites.

“This partnership introduces something far more transformative than optimizing content for AI-generated responses,” said Nagy, founder of eCommerce Canada. “It represents the creation of an entirely new paid media channel that will fundamentally reshape how consumers discover and purchase products online.”

David Nagy, founder of eCommerce Canada

For years, the e-commerce journey followed a predictable flow: discovery via Google searches or social media, followed by transactions completed on merchant websites. The Etsy-ChatGPT partnership collapses this entire funnel into a single seamless conversation.

As Nagy explained, “Conversational commerce represents a fundamental shift in the buyer journey. Unlike traditional e-commerce, where discovery happens on search engines or social media and the purchase occurs on a merchant’s site, conversational commerce collapses the entire funnel into one dialogue.”

At launch, U.S.-based ChatGPT users can complete single-item purchases from Etsy sellers within the chat. Shopify integration, covering more than a million merchants including global names like Glossier, SKIMS, and Spanx, will follow shortly.

The New Paid Media Channel

The most significant change, according to Nagy, is not simply technical but economic. OpenAI will take a fee from every transaction completed through ChatGPT. That dynamic effectively transforms AI platforms into new paid media channels, rivaling Google, Meta, and Amazon.

“Here’s what retailers must understand: you’re no longer just paying for impressions or clicks. You’re paying a platform fee for transactions that happen entirely in someone else’s environment,” Nagy said. “It’s similar to Amazon’s marketplace model, but happening within a conversational interface.”

The market reaction has already been sharp. Etsy shares jumped as much as 16 percent following the announcement, reflecting optimism around the revenue potential of this new channel.

Shopify and Stripe’s Role

Shopify, the Canadian e-commerce giant, is set to become a major beneficiary of the integration as its merchants gain access to this new channel. The underlying technology, called the Agentic Commerce Protocol, was developed by OpenAI in partnership with payments processor Stripe.

Stripe’s role is crucial, according to Nagy: “Their infrastructure powers the Instant Checkout process, and because the protocol is being open-sourced, Stripe has positioned itself at the center of this transformation. Competing payment providers will need to adapt quickly or risk losing relevance.”

The initial rollout only supports single-item transactions, but OpenAI has plans to add shopping carts and expand internationally.

The Decline of the Traditional Website

Perhaps the most unsettling implication for merchants is the diminished role of e-commerce websites.

“When users can ask ChatGPT for the best hiking boots under $150 and complete the purchase right there, why would they visit your site?” Nagy asked. “The traditional playbook including SEO, site optimization, conversion rate optimization, becomes less relevant when the transaction doesn’t happen on your property.”

This raises urgent questions for retailers who have invested heavily in building and optimizing their websites. Increasingly, those digital storefronts may serve branding and customer service functions rather than driving transactions.

Concerns Over Bias and Transparency

OpenAI has said that product rankings within ChatGPT will be unsponsored and based purely on relevance. Yet Nagy warns that this neutrality may not last.

“Let’s be realistic. These platforms will inevitably face pressure to monetize through sponsored placements and algorithmic favoritism,” he noted. “That threatens the democratization of commerce online. Smaller merchants could be pushed aside in favour of those who generate higher fees.”

Such a shift would mirror the “pay-to-play” dynamics already seen on Google and Meta, but potentially with even greater influence given the closed conversational environment.

Implications for Stakeholders

For retailers, the message is clear: ignoring conversational commerce is no longer an option. “This isn’t experimental or niche. It’s a seismic shift requiring immediate strategic response,” Nagy emphasized.

Merchants will need to optimize product data for AI understanding, factor new platform fees into their financial planning, and rethink the role of their websites. Payment providers, meanwhile, must prepare for a future where transactions increasingly flow through AI-powered protocols.

Competing AI platforms, including Google, Amazon, and Meta, are expected to respond quickly by rolling out similar features. Nagy predicts fierce competition to recruit merchants and establish dominant conversational shopping ecosystems.

For consumers, the shift promises a more seamless shopping experience but raises concerns about transparency, privacy, and the potential for commercial bias in product recommendations.

From Assisted to Autonomous Shopping

The long-term trajectory points toward even more dramatic changes. OpenAI has signaled interest in “agentic” commerce, where AI agents could make autonomous purchases based on user preferences.

“Imagine telling your assistant once that you prefer organic, locally sourced groceries under $50, and it just orders them every week,” Nagy explained. “That’s the direction this is heading.”

Such automation could fundamentally alter not only how people shop but also how they interact with brands and retailers.

The Etsy-ChatGPT partnership represents a defining moment in retail history, one that moves commerce from websites into conversations.

“The future of e-commerce won’t be won on websites. It will be won in conversations,” said Nagy. “The question is whether retailers will be part of those conversations or left out entirely.”

With Shopify integration imminent, and other platforms sure to follow, the message for Canadian retailers is clear: develop an AI commerce strategy now, or risk falling behind.

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AI and Privacy: Navigating Risks and Opportunities in Retail

AI privacy and retail. Image: Shutterstock/licensed

Artificial intelligence is fast becoming a priority for Canadian retailers, but the enthusiasm around new technologies is colliding with serious challenges around data privacy, governance, and regulatory compliance. In the absence of comprehensive legislation in Canada and the United States, experts warn that companies need to proceed carefully if they are to protect consumer trust and safeguard their long-term operations.

Vancouver-based privacy consultant and lawyer Ritchie Po, who advises organizations on ethical AI and technology practices, says that CEOs are increasingly pushing their teams to adopt AI solutions, sometimes at the expense of due diligence. “There is pressure from the top to implement AI into systems quickly, but that can mean the due diligence may be overlooked,” he said. “Without proper preparation, you risk building systems that will not stand the test of time.”

Ritchie Po

Retailers in North America face a fragmented and incomplete policy and regulatory environment. Unlike Europe, which passed the EU AI Act in 2024, there is no equivalent comprehensive framework in Canada, and only two American states, Colorado and Utah, have enacted AI-specific regulations. California’s Bot Disclosure Law addresses only a narrow slice of the issue.

Canada’s own attempt at comprehensive legislation collapsed with the failure of Bill C-27, leaving the country without a formal AI Act. Instead, businesses must turn to voluntary guidelines such as the Digital Governance Council of Canada’s ethical AI usage standard, which provides a framework but no enforceable requirements.

“This is the wild west in terms of governance,” Po said. “There are some helpful resources, but without clear laws, much of the responsibility falls on retailers themselves.”

Privacy Laws as a Foundation

Despite the regulatory gaps, Po emphasizes that privacy laws still form the bedrock of AI compliance. “At its core, AI is about personal information—how you collect it, use it, disclose it, and store it,” he said. That means organizations must ensure they have consent, avoid “scope creep” in data usage, retain only the necessary data, and anonymize personal information where necessary.

Canada’s PIPEDA legislation governs the federal private sector, while Quebec’s Law 25 aligns more closely with Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Meanwhile, American retailers contend with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and a growing patchwork of state-level privacy laws that have strikingly similar requirements.

For global retailers, the picture is even more complex. Markets such as Japan, Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines have comprehensive frameworks, with South Korea leading in future-proofing requirements. Big data companies like Samsung and LG are subject to additional data protection obligations due to the sheer scale of personal data they handle.

Due Diligence Before AI Adoption

Po stresses that retailers need to carry out a full due diligence cycle before deploying AI systems. This includes a thorough review of how personal data is processed, a clear understanding of consent and revocation, and the implementation of a privacy management program.

“Before you introduce AI, you should already have a privacy impact assessment for high-risk systems, cyber liability insurance, and a strategy that embeds Privacy by Design principles,” he explained. Cross-border compliance is also key, since customers in different jurisdictions may have additional privacy rights that companies must respect.

Retailers often overlook the contractual dimension of AI adoption, according to Po. “It’s not enough to sign up for a free version of an AI tool,” he said. “You need robust service agreements that ensure the vendor has a data privacy protection and organizational IT security measures in place, and complies with applicable laws and security best practices.”

Such agreements should cover everything from how data is stored to how an organization responds meaningfully in the event of a breach. Without them, retailers risk liability for lapses that occur within third-party systems.

Building AI Governance Into Retail Experiences

Po recommends that retailers develop both internal and external policies to guide AI use. Internally, ethical AI usage policies should govern how employees handle personal data in AI systems. Externally, companies may need to expand their privacy policies or introduce standalone AI policies for customers.

The consumer experience is also part of the equation. “When you integrate AI into your retail journey, customers need to understand what they are agreeing to,” Po said. “If AI enhances their experience while still protecting their privacy, you strengthen brand loyalty. But if you erode their trust by misusing their data or not having strong security and incident response, you could lose them permanently.”

The Evolving Commerce Landscape

These issues come into sharp focus as AI begins to play a more direct role in retail transactions. OpenAI’s new “Instant Checkout” feature, developed in partnership with Etsy and Shopify, allows U.S. users to purchase products directly within ChatGPT. Built on the Agentic Commerce Protocol and powered by Stripe, the feature removes friction from the retail process by keeping consumers inside the chat interface.

The move signals a broader shift toward conversational commerce, where shopping takes place within AI-driven interactions rather than through search engines or dedicated e-commerce platforms. Stocks for Shopify and Etsy surged after the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in this new channel.

For retailers, however, the integration of AI into customer-facing transactions raises the stakes for privacy and compliance. “If AI is directly processing purchases, the need for strong governance is even more urgent,” Po said. “Retailers must ensure that these systems meet privacy obligations across multiple jurisdictions. Without implementing cross-border legislative compliance, you’ll never expand into new markets with stringent privacy requirements and laws.”

The Business Case for Privacy-Respecting AI

Po’s ultimate message for retailers is clear: privacy and innovation are not at odds. “If you build out robust AI functionalities that respect privacy, you can build consumer trust and loyalty,” he said. “In a competitive marketplace, that can be the deciding factor.”

He argues that privacy-first AI can even enhance the customer experience. By creating secure, transparent, and ethical systems, retailers can position themselves as leaders in a landscape that remains uncertain but full of opportunity.

“In this economy, consumers want to know that their data is safe,” Po said. “If you can give them that assurance, you’re not just protecting yourself legally—you’re investing in long-term customer relationships. That’s how you create a legacy clientele.”

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Concerns Over Data Privacy Compliance as Retail Industry in Canada Accelerates Shift to Digital Channels [Feature]

Steam Whistle marks 25 years with green bottle tradition

Photo: Steam Whistle
Photo: Steam Whistle

Steam Whistle Brewing is marking its 25th year in business while maintaining its commitment to its iconic green glass bottle, says co-founder and CEO Greg Taylor.

Founded in 2000 by three former employees of the Upper Canada Brewing Company, Steam Whistle has grown from its original downtown Toronto location into a business with a second production facility and a strong presence in Ontario’s evolving retail beer market.

Greg Taylor
Greg Taylor

“We moved in [to the Roundhouse] in 1999,” Taylor said. “That was where we started. Our first brew was brewed there and released on March 22, 2000.”

The company’s original brewery is located at the Roundhouse, at the base of the CN Tower, near the Ripley’s Aquarium and Rogers Centre. The downtown facility includes a restaurant, a taproom, multiple patios and an event centre that can host up to 1,000 people. Taylor said the company hosts more than 300 events annually, including about 80 weddings.

“If you’re coming to visit Toronto, most likely you’re going to come down to that area,” he said. “It’s become a really important part of that neighbourhood.”

To meet increasing production demands and navigate downtown traffic challenges, Steam Whistle opened a second brewing facility in Etobicoke in 2019.

“Manufacturing across from the CN Tower at some point became unrealistic,” Taylor said. “Traffic is just incredibly bad.”

Taylor said the beer industry in Ontario has shifted significantly in recent years, particularly due to changes in retail availability. With beer now sold in grocery and convenience stores, the number of retail outlets in Ontario has grown from about 1,000 to nearly 6,000.

“Beer retail is no longer limited to purchasing from the Beer Store and the liquor store,” he said. “It’s now become ubiquitous.”

The company has also adapted to changing packaging preferences. While Steam Whistle once focused solely on bottles, cans now make up 68 per cent of its packaged product. However, Taylor said the brewery is committed to keeping its distinctive green bottle, which he believes is tied to both the brand’s identity and environmental sustainability.

“We didn’t want to give that up,” he said. “We want to retain the history, the important history, of our brand in that bottle.”

The bottle is central to the look and feel of Steam Whistle. It speaks to the company’s sustainability roots — the green bottle is made with 33 per cent more glass and can be re-filled a minimum of 45 times (versus the industry-standard brown bottle that can be refilled 12 to 15 times). The label is painted right on the glass, eliminating contaminants from paper, dye and glue. 

From the perspective of the beer drinker, the thick glass keeps beer colder for longer and the crimp-style cap gives the bottle a better mouthfeel. 

Photo: Steam Whistle
Photo: Steam Whistle

As Greg likes, to say, Steam Whistle out of a bottle just hits different. It’s a classic.

Taylor explained that the decision to use a heavier, retro-style green bottle was inspired by a vintage 7-Up bottle he found in a small-town Ontario antique store. After researching its history and acquiring the original moulds, the team adopted the bottle as part of their effort to create a high-quality, nostalgic product.

“We sort of used some of the theories from the ’40s and ’50s, which are very applicable today,” he said. “It was one of the most efficient recycling programs in North America at the time.”

Taylor said Steam Whistle receives about 85 per cent of its bottles back through the Beer Store’s return system and uses painted labels, which eliminate the need for paper and glue.

Photo: Steam Whistle
Photo: Steam Whistle

“We’re now going to be the only Canadian premium beer in a green bottle,” he said. “We’re Canada’s green bottle, and we’re very proud of that.”

Bromlyn Bethune
Bromlyn Bethune

To celebrate staff who have been with the company for five years, Steam Whistle has a Five-Year Service Award, which includes an all-expenses paid trip to Europe which is highlighted by a visit to Pilsen (the birthplace of the pilsner-style of beer that is Steam Whistle’s one-and-only specialty) and Prague in Czechia, as well as a stop in Germany to partake in the legendary Oktoberfest celebration in Munich — the world’s largest beer festival and the home of a rich brewing history and tradition.

“This is more than just a company perk,” said Bromlyn Bethune, President of Steam Whistle Brewing. “It’s a cultural immersion that honours staff commitment and strengthens the spirit of the Steam Whistle team.”

The appreciation program is a key pillar in Steam Whistle’s commitment to employee engagement and retention. In an era where talent retention is a critical HR challenge, Steam Whistle believes providing unique experiences like the European trip sets a new standard for recognizing staff service.

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Canada Post risks losing nearly two-thirds of small business customers if the strike continues: CFIB

Photo: Canada Post

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is urging the federal government to immediately end the Canada Post strike.

Dan Kelly

“The government’s announced reforms to modernize Canada Post are long overdue and desperately needed. It is extremely disappointing that the union has chosen to punish Canada Post’s remaining customers rather than work with the corporation and government on a plan to implement the critical changes needed to make the postal service viable,” said Dan Kelly, CFIB president.

“Ottawa must step in immediately to end the strike and push forward with the announced reforms.”

Last year’s strike, which lasted from November 15 to December 17, cost small businesses over $1 billion, said the CFIB.

According to CFIB data, 13% of small businesses have stopped using Canada Post since the last strike. Nearly two-thirds said they would do the same if there’s another strike. 

“Small businesses are one of the last groups of profitable customers for Canada Post. Every time there is a service disruption, more and more businesses leave Canada Post for good. The strike will make the job of saving Canada Post much more difficult,” said Kelly.

CFIB said its Business Helpline is receiving many frantic calls from business owners concerned about the return to strike action. These include:

•    A native plant nursery in Alberta has live plants in the mail that will die before they reach their destination. The company says it will have to replace the products and reship them at a more expensive rate.
•    A print shop in British Columbia has seen its revenue evaporate with no way to get its products to customers and no viable option to move greeting cards, small art prints or cultural goods by freight.
•    A dairy farm in Ontario has moved most of its payments online after the last strike but currently has a cheque worth thousands of dollars delayed in the mail.
•    An architecture firm in Alberta that relies on Canada Post for 85% of its accounts receivables and payables is concerned about paying consultants, tradespeople and staff while cheques are delayed in the mail.

Corinne Pohlmann
Corinne Pohlmann

“It’s been a tough year for small business owners, with rising costs and massive uncertainty over trade, and so we desperately need some stability as we begin the critical holiday shopping season,” said Corinne Pohlmann, executive vice-president of advocacy at CFIB. “We urge the federal government to quickly step in and ensure Canada Post workers are back on the job, so businesses can count on reliable services while reforms are being implemented.”

Small business owners impacted by Canada Post strike are encouraged to share their stories by visiting cfib.ca

The CFIB is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 100,000 members across every industry and region.

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