Payroll employment in retail trade decreased by 4,600 (-0.2%) in August, bringing the overall decline from January to August to 24,200 (-1.2%), according to a recent Statistics Canada report.
“The decline over this period was driven by food and beverage retailers (-8,600; -1.6%) and general merchandise retailers (-7,200; -2.8%). On a year-over-year basis, payroll employment in retail trade was down 33,000 (-1.6%) in August 2025,” said the federal agency.
“Payroll employment also decreased in wholesale trade in August (-3,300; -0.4%), following little change in June and July. On a year-over-year basis, payroll employment in wholesale trade was down by 10,200 (-1.2%) in August, driven by declines in machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers (-3,500; -1.5%) and personal and household goods merchant wholesalers (-2,700; -2.6%).”
The number of employees receiving pay and benefits from their employer—measured as “payroll employment” in the Survey of Employment, Payrolls and Hours—was little changed (+3,300; +0.0%) in August, following an increase of 25,600 (+0.1%) in July. On a year-over-year basis, payroll employment was up 31,500 (+0.2%) in August 2025, reported Statistics Canada.
“In August, payroll employment increases were recorded in public administration (+5,000; +0.4%), construction (+2,300; +0.2%), administrative and support, waste management and remediation services (+1,600; +0.2%), and management of companies and enterprises (+900; +0.7%). These gains were offset by declines in retail trade (-4,600; -0.2%), wholesale trade (-3,300; -0.4%), professional, scientific and technical services (-2,600; -0.2%), and other services (except public administration) (-1,500; -0.3%),” explained the federal agency.
Meanwhile, job vacancies in Canada edged down to 457,400 (-11,300; -2.4%) in August, the lowest number of vacancies since August 2017 (435,500). On a year-over-year basis, job vacancies were down 82,100 (-15.2%) in August 2025.
Kids trick-or-treating at Halloween. Photo: HealthPark Paediatrics
Halloween night 2025 brought an unexpected clash of Canadian priorities — free candy versus baseball. As Jeff Doucette, General Manager of Field Agent Canada, said that this year’s Halloween involved a “ clash of priorities with free candy and Halloween trick-or-treating versus Game 6 of the World Series — and it seems like the Jays might have stolen the show.”
Even with the distraction of Major League Baseball’s biggest night, Field Agent Canada’s latest survey found that 81 percent of Canadian households still welcomed trick-or-treaters on October 31. The nationwide study, conducted among 1,091 respondents, offers one of the first detailed looks at post-Halloween consumer behaviour and participation.
Jeff Doucette
Fewer Trick-or-Treaters at the Door in 2025
According to the data, 47 percent of households reported fewer trick-or-treaters than in 2024, while 28 percent saw an increase and 25 percent said the numbers remained about the same. Doucette said the timing of Halloween coinciding with Game 6 may have reduced activity in some neighbourhoods, though regional enthusiasm remained high.
The survey also revealed that the first trick-or-treater arrived around 5:30 p.m., with the last ringing the doorbell near 8:00 p.m., providing a snapshot of when most families participated.
The West Leads in Visitors and Generosity
Regional differences were pronounced this year. Western Canada recorded the highest average number of visitors, with 56 trick-or-treaters per household, outpacing other parts of the country. Households in the West were also the most generous, handing out an average of 132 pieces of candy.
Atlantic Canada averaged around 42 visitors, Quebec 46, and Ontario 50. The results suggest Halloween participation remains strongest in family-oriented suburban areas, particularly in western provinces where communities are more likely to engage collectively in the tradition.
When it came to what Canadians handed out, chocolate led overwhelmingly at 86 percent, followed by candy (61 percent) and chips or Cheezies (31 percent). Smaller shares of households provided cookies, granola bars, or other snacks. The enduring popularity of chocolate reflects a familiar pattern for Canadian Halloween baskets, consistent with previous years of Field Agent data.
Walmart and Costco Dominate Treat Purchases
On the retail front, Walmart (38 percent) and Costco (35 percent) topped the list of where Canadians purchased their Halloween treats, followed by Superstore (24 percent), Maxi/No Frills (17 percent), and FreshCo (7 percent).
These findings underscore the strength of mass-market retailers in seasonal spending categories. The ability to buy large-format packages and recognized national brands appears to continue driving consumer preference. While the report did not analyze promotions or pricing, the results suggest strong early stock availability and consistent value messaging played key roles in these retailers’ dominance.
Halloween Retail Trends in Canada Remain Resilient
Despite lower visitor counts for many households, Halloween 2025 reaffirmed its importance in Canadian retail culture. From coast to coast, the tradition continues to blend community participation with predictable seasonal spending on confectionery, snacks, and décor.
As Doucette’s team at Field Agent Canada continues to track household behaviour across key retail moments, Halloween remains a valuable barometer of consumer mood, showing how Canadians balance celebration, cost-consciousness, and even a bit of baseball fandom on one of the busiest nights of the year.
Canada’s tourism industry experienced a record-breaking summer in 2025, generating nearly $60 billion in revenue between May and August, according to Destination Canada.
The Crown corporation reported recently that the $59-billion total marked a 6 per cent year-over-year increase, driven by both domestic and international travel. The organization said the strong season “successfully spread economic benefits across the entire country.”
“The record revenue was driven by a strong base of Canadian travellers who chose to explore our country like never before, with the highest domestic growth coming from Canadians travelling outside of their home province,” Destination Canada said in a release.
Of the total, $44.4 billion came from Canadian travellers and $14.6 billion from international visitors. Overseas markets saw the biggest surge, with international visitor spending up 10 per cent and visitors spending more per trip overall.
Destination Canada described the growth as a “truly national economic contribution,” noting that 89 per cent of Canadian regions posted year-over-year gains. Fifty-nine per cent of those regions outpaced growth in major metropolitan areas. Atlantic Canada was cited as a standout performer, recording some of the highest growth rates in the country.
Domestic tourism spending rose 7 per cent over last year, with inter-provincial travel seeing the largest jump. The accommodation sector also saw broad gains, with national hotel occupancy reaching 80.7 per cent in August — the highest since 2014.
Both hotel and short-term rental occupancies increased despite expanded supply, a “clear sign of stronger travel demand,” the organization said. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) rose 6.6 per cent over the summer. Manitoba, Vancouver Island, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick recorded the sharpest occupancy increases.
“The overall strength, resilience, and geographic reach achieved this summer point to a new phase of opportunity for Canada’s tourism sector,” Destination Canada said.
Destination Canada said its $59-billion estimate was based on data from its Lodging Aligned Spending Report and Statistics Canada’s National Tourism Indicators, validated with accommodation industry statistics.
Inside a Loblaw Grocery Store (Image: Dustin Fuhs)
We’re now in November, and Canada’s so-called grocery “blackout period” has begun — that stretch when major grocers ask suppliers to hold off on price increases until February 1. On paper, it’s meant to stabilize prices during the holiday season. But in practice, consumers lose, big time.
Experts often blame inflation on global events, extreme weather, or the exchange rate. But much of our food price instability originates closer to home — in the way food suppliers and grocery retailers negotiate their contracts. An analysis of twenty-five years of Statistics Canada data shows a clear rhythm: food inflation reliably spikes in October and again in February. Since 2000, prices have risen an average of 0.05 percentage points more in October and 0.03 points more in February than in other months — the most inflationary periods of the year.
This is no coincidence. October is the final month before the blackout period. In those weeks, suppliers rush to finalize new contracts with Loblaw, Sobeys, Metro, Walmart, and others, seeking to pass along higher costs for transport, packaging, and commodities. Retailers resist to protect their margins and market position. The tug-of-war ends with adjustments that flow straight into the CPI data almost every year.
Take 2022, one of the most turbulent years on record. Food inflation jumped from 5.1 per cent in January to 8.1 per cent by June, eased slightly through summer, then spiked again in October as suppliers locked in final prices before the freeze.
Once the holidays pass, the cycle reverses. February, the first full month after the blackout, ushers in a fresh round of increases as new supplier contracts take effect and grocers restock inventories. The Canadian Dairy Commission’s annual February adjustment adds further pressure, often setting the tone for other supply-managed sectors. In February 2022, food inflation rose a full percentage point — from 5.7 to 6.7 per cent — largely driven by contract renewals and regulated price hikes.
The PepsiCo-Loblaw dispute of that same year illustrated the fragility of these relationships. PepsiCo briefly halted shipments after Loblaw rejected new wholesale prices, leaving store shelves patchy and consumers caught in the middle. The incident revealed what happens when corporate brinkmanship replaces coordination.
This pattern — October surge, holiday stability, February surge — has endured for decades. It’s not the weather or the war in Ukraine; it’s how the system itself is built. Consumers pay the price for volatility baked into the supply chain’s architecture.
That’s why the proposed Grocery Code of Conduct, developed jointly by industry and provincial governments, matters. It aims to formalize how cost increases are communicated, how disputes are handled, and how much notice suppliers must give before passing along hikes. By introducing transparency and fairness, the Code could help smooth out these seasonal swings. It won’t erase inflation — global markets still move — but it could make prices more predictable for everyone from farmers to families.
The numbers tell a simple story. Over the last quarter-century, October and February have been the most inflationary months for food in Canada, while December consistently records the steepest average price drop thanks to holiday promotions. This isn’t random; it’s structural.
The Grocery Code of Conduct isn’t only about supplier fairness. It’s about giving Canadians a steadier, more transparent food system. We don’t need miracles — just predictability. Implemented properly, the Code could replace volatility with stability and conflict with collaboration.
Retail Insider is streamlining its Canadian retail news from around the web to include a handful of top news stories that can be viewed quickly during the day. Here are the top stories from the past 48 hours.
Alex Tilley, the Canadian entrepreneur and inventor who created one of the nation’s most recognizable fashion and adventure accessories, passed away on October 28, 2025, at the age of 87. Best known as the founder of Tilley Endurables and the designer of the world-famous Tilley Hat, he leaves behind a lasting legacy rooted in craftsmanship, adventure, and authenticity.
Born on January 8, 1938, in Mount Albert, Ontario, Alex Tilley’s path to entrepreneurship was far from direct. Raised in Kitchener and Sudbury, he overcame a childhood brain injury and learning disabilities before earning a BA in Economics and Psychology at the University of British Columbia. His early career saw multiple failed attempts at business, but persistence ultimately paid off.
In 1980, while pursuing his passion for sailing, Tilley grew frustrated with the poor quality of existing hats. Taking matters into his own hands, he designed one that could withstand wind, water, and wear and, in the process, gave birth to the now-iconic Tilley Hat. Friends soon began requesting hats of their own, and what began as a hobby quickly evolved into Tilley Endurables, a full-fledged business manufacturing clothing and accessories designed for adventure.
Reinventing Practicality with Purpose
Tilley’s philosophy centred on combining utility and durability with a sense of humour and integrity. Each product was backed by a lifetime guarantee, reflecting his belief that customers should never have to replace a Tilley item because of poor quality. His legendary marketing stories, including tales of hats that survived being trampled by elephants or recovered after ocean voyages, became part of Canadian retail folklore.
Over the decades, Tilley Endurables built a devoted following among travelers, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts around the world. The brand’s hats were even supplied to Canadian soldiers during the Gulf War and worn by explorers like Sir Edmund Hillary.
July, 1992, Field and Stream Ad for Tilley Endurables
Building a Canadian-Made Legacy
Operating from Toronto for more than 35 years, Tilley prioritized domestic manufacturing and job creation. He cultivated a team dedicated to producing apparel and accessories that embodied Canadian craftsmanship. By the late 1980s and 1990s, Tilley Endurables had expanded internationally, operating company-owned stores in Canada, distributing in the United States, and shipping to countries like Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
The company became a pioneer in direct-to-consumer retailing with its catalog business, which reached thousands of loyal customers worldwide. Each catalog featured Tilley’s distinctive voice — humorous, honest, and unfailingly focused on quality.
Transition and Retirement
In 2015, Alex Tilley sold his company to the Canadian arm of UK-based Hilco Capital. Having achieved his vision, he retired to Muskoka, Ontario, where he devoted time to charitable work and community causes. Known for his optimism and generosity, he remained a source of inspiration to many.
His biography, The Endurable Alex Tilley by Nancy E. Beal, chronicles his life story and captures his remarkable resilience.
A New Era for a Heritage Brand
Following the sale, the Tilley brand entered a new chapter of evolution and growth. In 2018, Toronto-based investment firm Gibraltar & Company, led by Joe Mimran, acquired the brand. Mimran, known for founding Club Monaco and Joe Fresh, assumed the role of chairman and creative director, working closely with partner Frank Rocchetti and designer Kim Newport-Mimran.
Under Gibraltar’s ownership, Tilley underwent a thoughtful modernization while staying true to its heritage. Product design was refreshed with new silhouettes, technical innovations, and colour palettes appealing to younger consumers. The brand also expanded into winter apparel, performance outerwear, and loungewear.
Joe Mimran
The Spirit of Endurability Lives On
Today, Tilley stands as a revitalized Canadian lifestyle brand. Under Gibraltar’s leadership, the brand is supported by a strong e-commerce business and modernized retail presence.
The company remains headquartered in Toronto and continues to produce its signature hats locally. Joe Mimran, Chairman and Creative Director of Tilley, shared a heartfelt statement marking Tilley’s passing.
“It is with great respect and admiration that I share the news of Alex Tilley’s passing at the age of 87.
Alex was more than an entrepreneur — he was an inventor, an adventurer, and a true Canadian original. His quest to create a better hat — one that could endure every adventure — sparked a brand that became synonymous with quality, craftsmanship, and the spirit of exploration.
He built Tilley Endurables with an unwavering commitment to excellence, standing behind his work with a lifetime guarantee and a philosophy that combined practicality with purpose. That same spirit continues to guide us today as we evolve the brand for new generations while staying true to its timeless values of integrity, durability, and authenticity.
On behalf of the entire Tilley team, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Hilary and the Tilley family. Alex’s passion, humour, and integrity will always remain at the heart of the Tilley story.”
“A good man who made a better hat.” — Joseph Mimran, Chairman, Tilley
Designer Kim Newport-Mimran closes the Tilley Sport fashion show in Toronto on Tuesday, October 28. Photo: George Pimentel Photography
Tilley Sport and the Next Generation
The Tilley name continues to expand under Kim Newport-Mimran, who leads Tilley Sport, the brand’s performance-focused division. Merging technical innovation with refined design, Tilley Sport reflects the modern evolution of the brand — one that celebrates its founder’s adventurous spirit while embracing contemporary style.
On October 28, 2025, the same day of Tilley’s passing, Tilley Sport presented its Spring/Summer 2026 collection at a high-profile runway show in Toronto. The event showcased luxury technical fabrics and elevated performance wear designed for both sport and leisure. Newport-Mimran’s creative direction embodies the same dedication to durability and quality that defined Alex Tilley’s original vision.
Remembering the Man Behind the Hat
Alex Tilley’s story is one of perseverance, invention, and the power of authenticity. His entrepreneurial journey mirrors the essence of Canadian innovation — practical, purpose-driven, and quietly world-class. Through Tilley Endurables, he not only built a global brand but also championed a philosophy of craftsmanship and integrity that continues to inspire.
Though the man himself is gone, his influence lives on in every Tilley Hat worn on a sailboat, hiking trail, or city street around the world. His legacy is stitched into the brand’s DNA, a testament to his belief that quality and care never go out of style.
As Joe Mimran reflected, “Alex was more than an entrepreneur — he was an inventor, an adventurer, and a true Canadian original.”
Apple reported fiscal fourth quarter 2025 results on Friday, posting revenue of $102.5 billion, up 8% year over year, as the company pointed to record performance in iPhone and an all-time revenue high for Services.
The quarter ended Sept. 27, 2025, and Apple said the result marked a September quarter revenue record for the company.
“Today, Apple is very proud to report a September quarter revenue record of $102.5 billion, including a September quarter revenue record for iPhone and an all-time revenue record for Services,” CEO Tim Cook said in a statement.
For Canadian retailers, mobile carriers, and consumer electronics channels heading into peak shopping season, Apple’s Q4 results reinforce how heavily the company’s revenue mix is tied to premium smartphones and recurring services revenue, even as it continues to expand the breadth of its hardware lineup.
Apple Links Financial Momentum to Product Launch Cycle
Apple’s quarterly update closely ties the Q4 performance to major product launches and the start of its holiday ramp.
Cook said Apple’s newly launched lineup includes iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air, alongside AirPods Pro 3 and an “all-new” Apple Watch lineup. Apple also pointed to recently announced MacBook Pro and iPad Pro models featuring the M5 chip.
Apple framed this release cycle as one of its strongest heading into year-end demand, positioning the product breadth as a key driver for revenue through the holidays—particularly in markets like Canada where Apple remains a dominant player in premium smartphones, wearables, and tablets.
Full-Year Revenue Hits $416B, Installed Base Reaches New High
Chief Financial Officer Kevan Parekh said the September quarter closed out a record fiscal year, with Apple reporting $416 billion in annual revenue and “double-digit” EPS growth.
“Our September quarter results capped off a record fiscal year, with revenue reaching $416 billion, as well as double-digit EPS growth,” Parekh said.
Apple also said its installed base of active devices reached a new all-time high across all product categories and geographic segments, an indicator Apple frequently uses to highlight long-term ecosystem stickiness—particularly important as Services becomes a larger component of revenue and margins.
For Canada’s retail and telecom landscape, that installed base growth matters because it tends to translate into predictable upgrade cycles, accessory sales, and recurring spending on Apple subscriptions—pressuring competitors in both the hardware and digital services layers.
Dividend Declared at $0.26 Per Share
Apple’s board declared a cash dividend of $0.26 per share, payable Nov. 13, 2025, to shareholders of record as of Nov. 10, 2025.
The company will host its fiscal Q4 2025 earnings call via livestream, with a replay available for approximately two weeks.
What It Signals for the Canadian Market
Apple’s Q4 performance arrives as the company enters the most commercially important stretch of the year: the holiday quarter. With record iPhone revenue for the September period and Services hitting an all-time high, Apple appears to be reinforcing two priorities at once—hardware momentum driven by flagship launches, and ecosystem monetization driven by recurring subscription revenue.
For Canadian decision-makers in retail, electronics distribution, and telecom, the results suggest Apple continues to sustain premium demand while expanding the revenue contribution of Services, creating a dual-engine model that remains difficult for rivals to replicate at scale.
Michael Hill, one of Canada’s leading fine jewellery brands, is unveiling its new flagship boutique at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto on November 1.
This opening marks a significant milestone in the brand’s global refresh and ongoing evolution, said the retailer.
Founded in New Zealand, the retailer said it has long celebrated the role fine jewellery plays in life’s meaningful moments. The Yorkdale boutique brings this philosophy to life, offering customers an elevated experience that blends beauty, craftsmanship, and connection.
Jonathan Waecker
“We’ve been honoured to be part of thousands of stories since 1979,” said Jonathan Waecker, Chief Executive Officer. “Last year, we celebrated 45 years of heritage, and now we’re thrilled to share our refreshed brand with Canadian customers in a space that reflects modern, accessible luxury.”
The company said Canada has embraced Michael Hill for over two decades, and the Yorkdale flagship underscores the brand’s deep commitment to the market. At the heart of the new boutique are Michael Hill’s signature collections, including Pendant and Earring Bar, 101 Signature Diamond, LAB. bespoke collections made for you, and wedding band concierge – making it easy for every customer to find something personal and timeless, for moments big or small.
The store’s design is a refined interplay of space, light, and materials. Drawing inspiration from New Zealand’s lush landscapes, the palette features natural tones, raw timber, stone, and premium textiles. Every detail has been considered to create a multi-sensory experience. From the signature Michael Hill scent and curated playlist to dedicated consultation areas that invite guests to linger and explore, it explained.
Jo Feeney
“Our flagship stores are designed to engage all the senses,” said Jo Feeney, Chief Marketing Officer. “We’ve created a space where customers can truly feel the essence of our brand — thoughtful, elevated, and welcoming.”
A new brandmark, intertwining the M and H monogram, pays tribute to the original store windows and the founders, Sir Michael and Lady Christine Hill.
To celebrate the grand opening, Michael Hill will host two weekends of in-store events on November 1–2 and November 8–9. Guests will enjoy complimentary kiwi cupcakes — a nod to the brand’s New Zealand roots. Whether you are buying from the new Pendant Bar, or shopping for your wedding moment, all shoppers will receive a personalized holiday ornament with any purchase, and those spending over $300 can choose between a KORA Organics Algae Cleansing Balm or a Michael Hill pendant.
The design work for the Canadian flagships has been undertaken in partnership with Vancouver-based architectural firm Cutler, which is providing Architecture and Interior Design services for Michael Hill on various locations in Canada.
Zellers store at Londonderry Mall in Edmonton. Photo: Ulfhednar Hvedrungr
Zellers has officially reopened its doors in Canada, beginning a bold new chapter for the heritage retailer with the launch of its first reimagined store at Londonderry Mall in Edmonton. The opening on Thursday drew enthusiastic crowds and emotional shoppers, many expressing nostalgia and surprise that the beloved chain had returned once more.
For Joey Benitah, Chief Operating Officer of Zellers, the moment was the culmination of months of work and decades of family history in Canadian retail. “We’ve seen an overwhelmingly positive and heartwarming response,” said Benitah. “There’s so much love for the brand, and we’re humbled by how Canadians have welcomed Zellers back.”
Joey Benitah and Zeddy at the ribbon cutting of Zellers at Londonderry Mall in Edmonton, October 30 2025. Photo via Instagram screen shot
The new Zellers Londonderry Mall Edmonton location occupies one level of a former Hudson’s Bay department store. The Bay had been converted into a smaller outlet format during the pandemic, and shut permanently along with all Bay locations in June. That opportunity allowed Zellers’ leadership to debut its new small-format concept — a strategic shift designed to bring back the best of the brand in a sustainable, modern way.
A Phased Approach to Relaunching a Canadian Classic
Benitah emphasized that the new Zellers is not a simple revival but a careful reinvention. “This is an iconic brand with so much history, and we need to get it right,” he said. “We’re taking a phased approach. Lstening, learning, and adapting quickly to customer feedback.”
Zellers’ plan is to start modestly, refine its merchandise and store model, and expand gradually across the country. The phased rollout allows the company to remain nimble while ensuring the concept remains profitable long term.
“The objective,” Benitah explained, “is to find the sweet spot between offering Canadians the categories they love most at exceptional value, and maintaining a sustainable business model that works nationally.”
This strategy means that the Zellers Londonderry Mall Edmonton store will serve as an early iteration of what future stores may become. Over time, the retailer will adapt its assortment, store design, and brand partnerships based on customer feedback and performance.
Zellers store at Londonderry Mall in Edmonton. Photo: Mary Watson
Strong Community Ties and Local Partnership
Selecting Edmonton for the first relaunch was no accident. “Historically, Edmonton has been a fantastic market for Zellers,” said Benitah. “The customer base here has always been strong, and there’s a deep emotional connection to the brand.”
He credited the partnership with Londonderry Mall’s ownership Leyad as instrumental in bringing the concept to life. “The landlord was incredibly supportive and patient,” he added. “They understood the vision and shared our excitement about making Londonderry the first site of Zellers’ comeback.”
Londonderry Mall, one of Edmonton’s most established shopping destinations, has undergone major renovations and tenant diversification in recent years. Zellers’ addition marks a significant milestone for the property, adding to a tenant mix that includes La Maison Simons, H&M, Winners, and No Frills.
Zellers store opening at Londonderry Mall in Edmonton on Thursday. Photo: Londonderry Mall
Reinventing the Department Store for Today’s Shopper
The new Zellers format, known internally as Zellers 3.0, is a smaller value-focused department store ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 square feet. The layout features a curated selection of apparel, home goods, accessories, and seasonal items, designed to be easy to navigate and shop.
“We’re reintroducing Zellers as a family-first, approachable department store for today’s consumer,” said Benitah. “Customers have told us they want a smaller, more intimate shopping experience that still offers great value and the same warmth they remember.”
In Edmonton, shoppers will find apparel for men, women, and children, as well as home décor, bedding, bath, luggage, and giftable seasonal items. Early feedback, according to Benitah, has been extremely positive. “We’ve had people telling us all day how impressed they are by the prices,” he said. “It’s clear Canadians still appreciate value done right.”
Zellers store at Londonderry Mall in Edmonton
Zellers’ assortment includes brands such as Reebok, Spyder, Chaps, Canada Weather Gear, DKNY Kids, and character-themed children’s accessories from Nickelodeon, Marvel, and Disney. Footwear and additional product categories are expected to roll out as the brand evolves.
The Return of Zeddy and Community Connection
No discussion of Zellers is complete without mentioning its beloved mascot, Zeddy the bear, who will make his official comeback next year. The new Zellers store introduces Zeddy’s World, a dedicated family area where shoppers can purchase their own Zeddy and customize his clothing and accessories.
“We’re giving Zeddy a whole new life,” said Benitah with enthusiasm. “Customers will be able to change his outfits and interact with him in fun, creative ways. It’s a nod to nostalgia but also something exciting for a new generation.”
Beyond merchandise, Zellers plans to rebuild its community legacy through charitable partnerships. Benitah confirmed that the company is developing a national initiative to support pediatric oncology camps across Canada. “It’s something we feel very passionate about,” he said. “Zellers has always been about families, and this is an important way to give back.”
Zellers store at Londonderry Mall in Edmonton. Photo: Londonderry Mall
Balancing Heritage with Innovation
While the new Zellers draws heavily on nostalgia, its leadership team is focused on modernization. E-commerce will be an essential part of that evolution, with an online store expected to launch in 2026.
“We want to get it right,” said Benitah. “When we launch online shopping, the experience will be seamless and something Canadians truly love.”
Plans are also underway to reintroduce Club Z, the retailer’s historic loyalty program, though no specific timeline has been set. “It’s on the list,” he confirmed. “We know customers remember it fondly.”
Zellers’ pricing strategy will remain a core differentiator, balancing affordability with quality. “It’s not about being cheaper than Walmart or anyone else,” said Benitah. “It’s about being extremely competitive and offering real value across every category.”
Zellers store at Londonderry Mall in Edmonton.
Real Estate Strategy and National Growth Plans
In terms of expansion, Zellers’ team is leveraging opportunities in the wake of Hudson’s Bay’s collapse earlier this year. Former HBC sites are now vacant, providing accessible real estate options for Zellers to repurpose efficiently.
“Our initial focus is to partner with landlords to occupy one level of former HBC stores,” said Benitah. “Some of these spaces could take years to redevelop, so our goal is to bring them back to life in the interim.”
By using existing anchor spaces, Zellers can minimize build-out costs and reinvigorate key shopping centres across the country. Benitah confirmed that the company is exploring locations in major markets nationwide, with announcements expected in Spring 2026.
“It’s rare that such large, high-quality spaces become available,” he said. “This is a unique moment to restore activity and vibrancy to these properties.”
The Legacy of the Benitah Family in Canadian Retail
The Benitah family is no stranger to Canadian retail. Over the past five decades, they have operated well-known banners including Fairweather and International Clothiers. In 2019, Joey and his sister Rachel launched Wyrth, a contemporary home décor brand geared toward millennial shoppers in the Greater Toronto Area.
In August 2025, their company, Les Ailes de la Mode Inc., acquired the Zellers trademarks, logo, mascot, and the rights to Club Z and the portrait studio from Hudson’s Bay. The acquisition price has not been disclosed.
For Benitah, the value of the Zellers name goes far beyond its balance sheet. “Zellers means something to Canadians,” he said. “We see incredible potential in bringing it back the right way, with authenticity, warmth, and pride.”
Cash area at Zellers store at Londonderry Mall in Edmonton.
A New Chapter Rooted in Nostalgia
Zellers’ revival comes at a time when Canadian consumers are re-evaluating what value, community, and identity mean in retail. For many, the brand represents simpler times including family outings, affordable finds, and the unmistakable presence of Zeddy the bear greeting children at store entrances.
“I spent the day at the grand opening talking to as many customers as I could,” said Benitah. “The number of people who said ‘thank you for bringing Zellers back’ was incredible. The energy was contagious.”
As the company moves forward, the Zellers Londonderry Mall Edmonton store will serve as both a testing ground and a symbol of what’s possible in Canadian retail. For shoppers and industry watchers alike, its success could signal a broader trend, one where nostalgia meets smart, sustainable retail strategy.
“Canadians deserve Zellers back,” said Benitah. “And this time, we’re building it to last.”
Crate & Barrel recently opened the doors to its new and improved flagship location in Vancouver at 650 W 41st Ave in the Oakridge Centre.
The newly-renovated Vancouver store – the only Crate & Barrel location in B.C. and one of only five in Canada – takes its cue from local B.C. nature with dramatic coastlines and misty evergreens.
The retailer says this new space is designed to provide ease and inspiration to every customer’s visit.
More than just a retail space, the format of this new store allows for a personalized shopping experience supported by in-store experts that deliver Crate & Barrel’s best-in-class services, such as:
Floral Arrangements: The store offers an expansive botanical shop and an expanded assortment of faux and dried botanicals for DIY arrangements or on-site styling by an expert.
The Design Desk: Crate & Barrel offers free design and trade services that reach beyond the store walls. The designers bring our customer’s vision to life through collaborative conversations and technology, offering industry-leading service, state-of-the-art floor planning tools and shoppable mood boards.
Crate & Barrel Trade Program: Expanded home renovation products for every client, from bathroom vanities to dinnerware and entertaining options for restaurant trade.
Gift Registry: Expanded gift registry gives couples the opportunity to see more options as they create their registries along with exclusive events and personalized service appointments.
“Our Oakridge customers will have in-store access to our best-in-class design experts through multiple free services we offer. They can visit The Design Desk which provides free in-store and remote design services using professional grade interior design planning tools or explore our expansive botanical shop for DIY or expert-styled arrangements,” she said.
“Professional and local businesses can utilize Crate & Barrel’s Trade Program for home or business renovation projects with concierge service. Additionally, our gift registry services offer couples exclusive events and personalized appointments.”
She said the retailer’s updated, modern store format it introduced in 2023 emphasizes the ease of shopping while elevating the beauty of its products as well as each store’s unique architectural design.
Photo: Crate & Barrel
“Our reimagined Oakridge store has an expansive selling floor, but with an upgraded, modern feel. The open concept store format allows shoppers to see product categories grouped together for a streamlined experience that inspires customers,” she noted.
“We are excited that this reopening is an opportunity for us to reintroduce ourselves to the Vancouver market. We are proud to showcase our commitment to the community and how our brand exhibits beauty and functionality in a space that we have custom designed and built for today’s customer.”
