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 the weekend.
Japanese apparel retailer UNIQLO has reopened its flagship Canadian store at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre following extensive renovations.
The store, which first opened in 2016 as UNIQLO’s inaugural Canadian location, has undergone a comprehensive refresh aimed at enhancing the customer experience and showcasing its LifeWear clothing line.
According to UNIQLO, the updates include upgraded change rooms, new floors and ceilings, updated mannequins, lightboxes, and digital screens. The renovations are part of the brand’s ongoing efforts to elevate its in-store environment while aligning with the LifeWear philosophy — clothing designed with simplicity, quality and longevity in mind.
To mark the reopening, the retailer planned a weekend of community-focused events, special in-store offers, and giveaways. The celebration began on Friday, Sept. 19, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and opening speeches. The first 300 customers in line received complimentary madeleines from Japanese bakery Uncle Tetsu and coffee from local roaster De Mello. The first 100 shoppers were also given a $10 UNIQLO gift card.
photographer Alex UA
Throughout the weekend, customers will be invited to participate in a “Maple Tree” prize draw. Each purchase grants an opportunity to pull a ribbon revealing a guaranteed prize, which may include gift cards, branded water bottles, snacks, and beverages.
“Through the lens of innovation, LifeWear is designed to make everyone’s life better,” the company said in a release.
The store continues to offer its full range of LifeWear apparel for men, women, children, and babies, along with seasonal collaborations and its UT line of graphic T-shirts. The location also integrates UNIQLO’s online store for a combined in-store and digital shopping experience.
UNIQLO currently operates 33 stores across Canada and more than 2,500 worldwide. The brand is part of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., a Japanese retail group with global sales of approximately ¥3.1 trillion for the 2024 fiscal year.
Southland Mall in Regina is marking its 50th anniversary with an evolving mix of tenants, strategic upgrades, and a renewed focus on community engagement. The centre, owned and managed by Toronto-based Salthill Capital, has emerged as one of the strongest retail destinations in the city, outpacing many of its competitors with a strategy that blends national anchors, local entrepreneurs, and family-friendly amenities.
Opened on March 19, 1975, the fully enclosed shopping centre has grown into a hub for residents in Regina’s south end, drawing visitors with over 75 retailers, restaurants, and services. Anchored by Canadian Tire, Safeway, Indigo, SportChek, and Cineplex Odeon, the shopping centre continues to attract a wide demographic, supported by convenient access to highways and proximity to the University of Regina.
“Having the right anchors and retail mix has been essential,” said Petr Kafka, Principal, Leasing at Salthill Capital. “We don’t pretend to have cracked the code, but we see a pattern and have merchandised strategically. Canadian Tire, Safeway, Indigo, Dollar Tree, and Cineplex all contribute to a diverse mix, and they help drive steady traffic throughout the day and into the evening.”
Petr Kafka, Principal of Leasing at Salthill Capital
Building on Anchor Strengths
In Regina, shopping centres live and die by their anchor tenants. Southland Mall has managed to retain stability despite the exit of Walmart years ago, shifting its mix toward mid-size anchors and specialized retailers. Cineplex Odeon brings evening foot traffic that helps sustain food and beverage tenants, while banks and national restaurants on the centre’s pads add further strength.
Salthill Capital, which owns and manages the property, has also invested in the success of its tenants. “We’ve worked on creating the right environment,” Kafka explained. “Part of that is making sure the shopping centre feels safe, well maintained, and accessible.”
Suburban Regina malls such as Northgate and Victoria Square have struggled with high vacancy rates, while Cornwall Centre downtown faces challenges tied to safety perceptions. By comparison, Southland has leveraged its location and a strong tenant mix to remain competitive.
Aerial view of Southland Mall in Regina. Photo: Salthill Capital
“The goal has always been to offer a wide variety of options for the community, encouraging our visitors to spend more time at the shopping centre.” said Shawn Pharasi, Vice President of Asset Management at Salthill Capital.
A Platform for Local Entrepreneurs
Shawn Pharasi, Vice President of Asset Management at Salthill Capital
One of the defining features of Southland Mall’s recent strategy has been its commitment to local businesses. Salthill created “The Spot,” a dedicated platform for entrepreneurs and community organizations to showcase products and services through pop-ups and activations, and host local-focused events.
“Our strategy has really paid off,” Pharasi said. “We’ve worked hard to identify the main players in Regina across different categories, and we’ve successfully relocated several popular local businesses into Southland.”
These include Nico Lady + Baby, a higher-end children’s clothing and equipment store with a loyal social media following, as well as Dots Fashion, which has a strong digital presence and devoted customer base. Specialty retailers like Cutting Edge that relocated from Victoria Square have also seen strong performance in their new Southland location.
“Having tenants who are plugged into Facebook groups, Instagram, and the active online community creates a ripple effect,” Kafka explained. “It builds on their loyal following, drives events, and creates a sense of belonging. That grassroots energy often attracts attention from national brands.”
Southland Mall in Regina. Photo: Salthill Capital
Family-Friendly Amenities
Recognizing the realities of Regina’s climate, Southland Mall has invested in family-oriented amenities. A new play area, combined with a branch of the Regina Public Library inside the centre, provides valuable year-round spaces for families.
“In Regina, temperatures swing from plus 40 to minus 40,” Kafka said. “We wanted to provide a safe enclosed space where families could come together all year round. The library, the play area, and The Spot all serve that purpose. They create an environment where parents and children feel welcome and safe, which in turn drives more visits and dwell time.”
Salthill views these investments as part of a long-term strategy to make Southland more than just a retail centre. “If we can create reasons for families to come and spend time here, then our tenants benefit from higher sales and more consistent traffic,” Pharasi added.
New Tenants and Redevelopment
The property has also benefited from reinvestment by national tenants. Chop Steakhouse & Bar has undertaken a relaunch, with a grand opening set for this fall, while Montana’s has completed a renovation. A new Shoppers Drug Mart is currently under construction, signalling confidence from one of Canada’s largest pharmacy chains.
“Whenever you see national brands doubling down, it’s a sign of strength,” Kafka noted. “At the same time, we continue to curate our tenant mix by handpicking operators who are innovative and community-minded.”
Pharasi highlighted the strong performance of the shopping centre’s restaurant pads and suggested more announcements are forthcoming. “We’re in discussions with another national brand for a pad site. While I can’t share details yet, we’re optimistic about continuing to diversify our offering.”
Southland Mall in Regina. Photo: Salthill Capital
Competing with Downtown
For decades, downtown Regina’s Cornwall Centre has been regarded as the city’s dominant shopping destination, drawing higher-end fashion and national brands that favoured its central location. Retailers such as Sephora and Lululemon have gravitated to the downtown mall, cementing its position as the go-to for elevated categories. Cornwall also historically benefitted from housing Regina’s Hudson’s Bay department store, a once traditional retail anchor for downtowns across the country. That space is now expected to be occupied by an unconfirmed new tenant.
However, shifting habits and concerns about downtown safety are altering the competitive landscape. “If it’s going to be higher-end fashion, those brands still gravitate toward Cornwall,” Pharasi acknowledged. “But in recent years, the safety, accessibility and parking in downtown has become an issue.”
Southland Mall in Regina. Photo: Salthill Capital
Looking Ahead
Southland Mall’s leadership sees continued opportunity in blending retail, entertainment, and services. Fitness is one category under active consideration, and Salthill’s strategy will continue to prioritize community activation and tenant diversity.
“We’re seeing shoppers who are purposeful,” Kafka said. “They come in knowing what they want, often after researching online, and they make purchases quickly. That’s why it’s so important for us to curate the right mix of retailers, provide engaging events, and ensure a safe and welcoming environment.”
As Southland Mall celebrates 50 years in Regina, its formula of strong anchors, community partnerships, and consistent reinvestment positions it well for the future. While other centres in the city face vacancy and reinvention challenges, Southland Mall has remained steady by adapting to local needs and fostering a tenant mix that reflects both national strength and grassroots energy.
“Our focus is simple,” Pharasi concluded. “Provide options, support our tenants, and keep improving the experience. That’s how Southland Mall will continue to thrive.”
Retail sales decreased 0.8% to $69.6 billion in July. Sales were down in eight of nine subsectors and were led by decreases at food and beverage retailers, reported Statistics Canada on Friday.
Core retail sales—which exclude gasoline stations and fuel vendors and motor vehicle and parts dealers—were down 1.2% in July. In volume terms, retail sales decreased 0.8% in July, said the federal agency.
“Following an increase of 2.2% in June, core retail sales fell 1.2% in July on lower sales at food and beverage retailers (-1.3%). This subsector’s decrease was led by lower receipts at supermarkets and other grocery retailers, which were down 2.5% in July following an increase of 2.6% in June. Beer, wine and liquor retailers (+3.2%) were the only store type within this subsector to post an increase in July,” explained Statistics Canada.
“Lower sales were also recorded at clothing, clothing accessories, shoes, jewelry, luggage and leather goods retailers (-2.9%) in July. Clothing and clothing accessories retailers (-3.2%) led the decrease in this subsector.”
On a seasonally adjusted basis, retail e-commerce sales increased 2.2% to $4.3 billion in July, accounting for 6.1% of total retail trade, compared with 6.0% in June, it said.
“Statistics Canada is providing an advance estimate of retail sales, which suggests that sales increased 1.0% in August. Owing to its early nature, this figure will be revised. This unofficial estimate was calculated based on responses received from 50.1% of companies surveyed. The average final response rate for the survey over the previous 12 months was 89.6%,” said the report.
Shelly Kaushik
Shelly Kaushik, Senior Economist, BMO, said: “While the July retail sales figures were soft, a decent August suggests Canadian consumers didn’t stay down for long. Despite ongoing trade uncertainty and further weakening in the labour market, the economy looks to be on track for a modest recovery to start the third quarter.”
Maria Solovieva
Maria Solovieva, Economist, TD, said: “Volatility in the data remains exceptionally high, however nominal sales in Q3 are now tracking 1.1% annualized growth despite July’s outsized weakness.
“Cooling employment and softer wage gains are likely to catch up with consumers in Q3, reinforcing a more frugal mindset. While wealth effects could continue to buoy services spending among higher-income households, another leg up in domestic tourism and related spending appears unlikely. Goods demand, meanwhile, looks set for a sizeable contraction, with vehicle sales likely to pull back in in the third quarter.”
Construction has officially begun on the highly anticipated Regina Costco Westerra location, marking a step toward transforming the city’s west end into a major commercial and residential hub. Heavy equipment rolled onto the site at 8701 and 8201 Dewdney Avenue this week, just months after city council approved a $6.78 million financial incentive to secure the development.
The new Costco will be the second for Regina, joining the existing east-end warehouse that has served the city since 1993. Developers and city officials have described the project as a critical retail anchor that will stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and support the adjacent Coopertown neighbourhood, which also broke ground this week.
The path to the Regina Costco Westerra development was far from straightforward. Earlier this year, negotiations appeared to falter when Costco considered an alternative location at the provincially controlled Global Transportation Hub (GTH), where land costs were lower. Concerned that the city could lose a major retail catalyst, developers Forster Harvard and Dream Developments petitioned council to approve a financial package that would make the Westerra site more attractive.
City council ultimately agreed, offering $6.78 million in incentives, which will be repaid through property tax revenue over a seven- to eight-year period. The agreement requires Costco to purchase the land by the end of 2025, with an option to extend to 2026, and to open the store within 48 months of closing.
Officials framed the decision as an investment in the city’s future growth.
Construction Plans and Site Features
Once complete, the Regina Costco Westerra location will include the retailer’s signature warehouse-format store, a fuel station, and approximately 1,200 parking stalls, including 16 accessible spots. The development will resemble other new-generation Costco builds in Canada, which often feature larger floorplates and modernized layouts.
The project is expected to bring as many as 300 jobs to the area, ranging from full-time warehouse roles to part-time and seasonal positions. The influx of employment is anticipated to boost the local economy and support new residential construction in nearby communities.
The timing of the Costco build coincides with the launch of Coopertown, a major master-planned neighbourhood led by Dream Developments. At a groundbreaking ceremony this week, developers celebrated the start of grading work on the first 220 acres of what will eventually become a community of 36,000 residents.
Housing construction in Coopertown is slated to begin in fall 2026, with plans for 8,000 single-family homes, 6,000 multi-family units, and 50 acres of retail space. Costco’s presence is expected to play a pivotal role in attracting both residents and additional retailers to the area, accelerating the westward expansion of the city.
Community Response and Anticipated Opening
Public response to the development application for 8701 Dewdney Avenue has been overwhelmingly positive, with more than 90 percent of feedback supporting the addition of a second Costco. Residents have long requested a west-side location to reduce travel times and congestion at the existing east Regina warehouse, which was relocated to a larger site in 2018 to accommodate growing demand.
Although an official opening date has not been announced, construction is proceeding on schedule, and Costco is expected to meet the timeline set out in its agreement with the city.
Part of a Larger National Expansion
The Regina Costco Westerra project is part of a broader wave of expansion for the retailer across Canada. Costco operates 110 warehouses nationwide, with Ontario leading the count at 41 locations, followed by Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia. New stores have opened or are under construction in Brantford, Newmarket, Oakville, and Rimouski, among other cities.
Globally, Costco is planning 29 new warehouses in its current fiscal year, a reflection of continued consumer demand for bulk goods, low prices, and ancillary services such as gas stations, pharmacies, and optical centres.
Natural Pet Food Group, the New Zealand-based company behind K9 Natural and Feline Natural, has announced a significant partnership with Pet Valu, Canada’s largest specialty retailer of pet food and supplies. The collaboration will see the brands’ premium freeze-dried, canned, and supplement lines distributed nationwide, bringing science-backed, high-protein pet diets to a wider audience.
The partnership with Pet Valu is a milestone for Natural Pet Food Group as it aims to make its products more accessible to Canadian pet owners. Pet Valu’s extensive retail network, with more than 830 locations under several banners, provides a platform to introduce K9 Natural and Feline Natural to a broader customer base.
“As demand for health-focused pet foods continues to grow, Pet Valu is the perfect partner to help us expand our reach and impact,” said Michael Harrison, Sales Executive for Western Canada at Natural Pet Food Group. “Together, we’re empowering pet parents across Canada with access to nutritionally superior, high protein diets that support long-term health and vitality.”
The portfolio includes complete diets and targeted supplements designed to support pets with sensitivities, allergies, and chronic conditions. The products are made with ethically sourced proteins from New Zealand and formulated under the guidance of leading animal nutritionists.
Image: K9 Natural
Meeting a Rising Demand for Premium Pet Food
Pet food is one of the fastest-growing segments in Canada’s consumer goods market, driven by pet owners seeking better health outcomes for their animals. According to industry data, sales of premium and natural pet foods have outpaced traditional offerings, reflecting a shift toward transparency, sustainability, and ingredient quality.
Natural Pet Food Group’s focus on ethically sourced proteins and science-based recipes positions it to meet this growing demand. By partnering with Pet Valu, which is known for its knowledgeable in-store staff and community presence, the company is betting that Canadian consumers will respond to products that combine convenience with high nutritional value.
Founded in Toronto in 1976, Pet Valu has become a publicly traded company (TSX: PET) and a leading retailer for pet owners across Canada. The company operates under banners including Bosley’s by Pet Valu, Total Pet, Paulmac’s Pets, and Tisol Pet Nutrition & Supply, serving both urban and rural communities.
With over 7,000 products in its assortment and a mix of corporate-owned and franchised stores, Pet Valu is known for its in-store “Animal Care Experts” who provide guidance on nutrition and wellness. The company also supports adoption events, health programs, and fundraising efforts, having raised more than $32 million for animal charities and helping over 51,000 pets find homes since 2010.
Image: Feline Natural
Building on North American Growth
The collaboration with Pet Valu follows Natural Pet Food Group’s recent expansion in the United States through a partnership with Pet Food Experts (PFX). Together, these efforts underline the company’s mission to make high-quality nutrition accessible to pet parents across North America.
For Natural Pet Food Group, the Canadian rollout represents both a business opportunity and a step toward shaping the future of pet health. The company’s leadership has emphasized its commitment to providing products that not only nourish but also improve the overall well-being of pets.
The Pet Valu partnership positions K9 Natural and Feline Natural as key players in the competitive Canadian pet food market, where consumer expectations continue to rise. With Pet Valu projecting between $1.17 and $1.2 billion in revenue for 2025, and with its ongoing expansion into new markets, the retailer offers a platform for sustained growth.
Designed to reflect the shared energy of two global icons, Jollibee and KATSEYE are launching a partnership to create joyful new connections with their North American fans.
“Launching through its continued partnership with global girl group, KATSEYE, both brands are again daring to break the mold. Jollibee invites fans and EYEKONS to get their hands on this unique flavor, exclusively available at Jollibee locations nationwide while supplies last,” said the brand.
“Marking Jollibee’s sauciest collab yet, the new menu items center on a bold fusion of sweet and savory flavors with a spicy kick. This next-level sauce features a soy glaze and gochujang, offering a vibrant flavor that seamlessly complements Jollibee’s signature chicken. The KATSEYE Special Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich is served on a toasted brioche bun and topped with fresh cucumber slices, thinly sliced red onion and cilantro, adding a bite of freshness to the crave-worthy sandwich. For fans that prefer a bone-in option, the KATSEYE Special Korean BBQ Fried Chicken offers the same signature crispy and juicy fried chicken Jollibee is known for, hand-dipped in the unforgettable Korean BBQ sauce,” said the global brand.
BEE SAUCY! Jollibee debuts its deliciously bold KATSEYE Special: Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich and Fried Chicken, in collaboration with the global girl group sensation.
“KATSEYE, fresh off their 2025 MTV Video Music Awards win and continuously recognized for their groundbreaking artistry, influential global presence, and undeniable flair, embodies the very essence of what it means to “Bee Saucy.” The six-member girl group elevates everything they touch, from the pop music genre to their electric dance moves, and now Jollibee’s new Korean BBQ menu items. This launch isn’t just about a deliciously iconic piece of fried chicken, it’s also about connecting food, fashion, and self-expression. The partnership invites individuals to embrace their bold characteristics, much like the new Korean BBQ Chicken itself.”
Marking Jollibee’s sauciest collab yet, the new Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich and Fried Chicken is only available for a limited time.
“Jollibee is known for serving up crispy and juicy fried chicken —and now saucy, just like KATSEYE. This collaboration, celebrating the expressive spirit that both Jollibee and KATSEYE embody, was a seamless fit,” said Luis Velasco, Senior Vice President and Marketing Head at Jollibee North America. “Our new Korean BBQ menu items are made with Jollibee’s signature quality in mind and a truly crave-worthy sauce. For all the Jollibee fans, EYEKONS, and people who aren’t afraid to express themselves and ‘Bee Saucy’ — the new Korean BBQ flavor is for you.”
“The Korean BBQ Chicken items are our new favorites on the menu! Just like our music, this new flavor is bold, dynamic, and full of personality,” shared KATSEYE. “We can’t wait for EYEKONS to taste it and join us in embracing their ‘saucy’ side.”
The KATSEYE Special Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich and Fried Chicken are available across North Americafor a limited time. Customers can order exclusively through Jollibee’s website and the new mobile app, available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Photo: KATSEYE website
Jollibee and KATSEYE’s explosive partnership kicked off in August with a stylish merch collaboration, which sold out in less than three hours, celebrating flavor, culture, and the shared joy of being unapologetically unique. Now, both Jollibee lovers and EYEKONS can experience the joy of eating through this deliciously different and saucy collab. In the coming weeks, fans can expect more surprises from these beloved brands as the partnership continues to bring fun and flavor to their dedicated followers, said the brand, which is the flagship brand of the Jollibee Group.
KATSEYE – comprising Daniela (Cuban/Venezuelan-American, from Atlanta, GA), Lara (Indian, from New York, NY), Manon (Ghanaian-Italian, from Zurich, Switzerland), Megan (Chinese-American, from Honolulu, HI), Sophia (Manila, Philippines), and Yoonchae (Seoul, South Korea) – has quickly risen to international prominence with their captivating performances, unique sound, and dedicated fanbase. A powerhouse of diverse talent, KATSEYE embodies the spirit of modern pop, inspiring millions with their music and message.
The next-level Korean BBQ sauce features a soy glaze and gochujang, offering a vibrant flavor that seamlessly complements Jollibee’s signature chicken.
Adyen, the global financial technology platform for leading businesses, is supporting LVMH, the world leader in luxury goods, in a major international initiative: the unification of payment systems across all of its Maisons.
Adyen’s solutions are live in nearly 50 of the group’s Maisons around the world, spanning fashion and leather goods, exceptional hospitality, watches and jewelry, beauty, and department stores.
As part of a strategy to strengthen synergies, LVMHs said it is driving the adoption of best practices across its Maisons (locations). The objective is to leverage the group’s most effective initiatives and scale them, while preserving each Maison’s unique identity and standards of excellence.
It was in this spirit that LVMH selected Adyen as its global payments partner in 2020, with the goal of unifying in-store and online payment infrastructures and delivering a seamless, high-end customer experience, it said.
The company said implementation of Adyen’s solutions has delivered concrete benefits from the very first deployment phases, including:
A premium, frictionless in-store experience, notably with mobile terminals and Tap to Pay technology
A significant reduction in manual entry, saving time and minimizing errors
Automation of reconciliation and end-of-day processes
A unified approach to payments with a single partner covering all channels, geographies, and methods, through a harmonized integration
With more than 1,000 stores rolled out worldwide across Europe, APAC, the Americas, and more, the project’s success also relies on tailored, boutique-by-boutique support, said the company.
“This project is part of our broader ambition to deliver a flawless customer experience, reflecting the quality of our products and the craftsmanship of our Maisons,” said Arnaud Bodzon, Group Payment Director, LVMH.“This applies not only to end customers but also to the sales advisors using the solutions. They can now focus fully on their core role—advising and supporting our clients—without having to worry about payment processing.
“Hands-on support is a key success factor when managing integration projects in a group like LVMH. Adyen’s expertise has enabled them to meet and adapt to our specific needs.”
Ethan Tandowsky
“Our partnership with LVMH reflects a shared vision: creating meaningful and effortless experiences for customers in the world of high-end retail,” commented Ethan Tandowsky, CFO at Adyen. “Beyond facilitating payments, we’re working together to elevate every touchpoint across LVMH’s Maisons to make sure shoppers have an experience which matches the luxury goods they are purchasing. I cannot wait to see what we can achieve together with LVMH in this next chapter.”
Jimmy John’s, the American sandwich chain known for its freshly baked bread, premium ingredients, and famously fast service, will open the doors to its first Winnipeg location on September 19. The store is located at 1740 Pembina Highway, a busy south Winnipeg corridor.
The opening represents a milestone in the brand’s Canadian expansion plan under master franchisor Foodtastic. The Québec-based franchisor, which operates more than 1,200 restaurants across multiple brands, has ambitious plans to open up to 200 Jimmy John’s locations in Canada over the next decade, with three Winnipeg stores expected by the end of 2025.
“Jimmy John’s is a real gem in our restaurant roster,” says Peter Mammas, President and CEO of Foodtastic and the driving force behind Jimmy John’s entry into Canada. “We’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – we bring the bread, the flavours and the value offering, you bring the appetite. As we expand to new cities and communities, you have my assurance we’ll be working non-stop to keep the integrity of this winning formula.”
Image: Peter Mammas
Mammas has emphasized that each new store opening is about more than simply adding units. It represents a deliberate push to create local jobs, introduce a new fast-casual option to Canadian diners, and adapt Jimmy John’s to Canadian tastes where appropriate. One notable example of this adaptation is the introduction of toasted sandwiches, a feature unique to Canadian locations and a nod to local preferences.
A Menu Built on Freshness
Jimmy John’s is renowned for its straightforward menu, which focuses on high-quality ingredients and a simple promise: “freaky fresh” sandwiches served quickly. Winnipeg diners will be able to enjoy popular choices like the Beach Club, Club Lulu, and Italian Night Club, alongside classics such as The Pepe, J.J.B.L.T., and Turkey Tom.
The brand is equally well known for its bread, baked fresh throughout the day, and for its practice of slicing vegetables in-house daily. For guests seeking a lighter option, sandwiches can be ordered as an “Unwich,” a lettuce wrap alternative that eliminates bread altogether. Jimmy Chips, kettle-cooked potato chips that have developed a loyal following in the United States, are also available in Canada.
The new Pembina Highway location includes a drive-thru window, catering to customers seeking quick service without leaving their vehicles. This drive-thru feature is part of Jimmy John’s strategy to meet Canadian consumer expectations for convenience while still focusing on quality.
Winnipeg will not be a single-market experiment for the chain. Two more locations are scheduled to open this fall: one at 1430 Ellice Avenue and another at 360 Broadway in the city’s downtown core. The clustering of three locations signals confidence in the Winnipeg market and aims to create brand visibility and operational efficiency.
Canadian Market Rollout
Entrance to the new Winnipeg Jimmy John’s. Photo supplied
Jimmy John’s Canadian journey began in November 2024 with the opening of its first location at 197 North Queen Street in Toronto, near CF Sherway Gardens. The launch was followed by the opening of a store at Niagara Falls’ Fallsview Casino in August 2025, where local promotions and grand-opening events attracted significant attention.
Foodtastic plans to expand beyond Ontario and Manitoba with locations in Ottawa, Edmonton, Barrie, and Windsor over the next year. The company’s strategy is to grow rapidly but sustainably, selecting locations that combine strong demographics, traffic counts, and access to drive-thru infrastructure.
Brand History and Global Context
Founded in 1983 by Jimmy John Liautaud in Charleston, Illinois, Jimmy John’s started with just four sandwiches and an emphasis on delivery at a time when few competitors offered the service. By the mid-1980s, Liautaud had purchased his father’s stake in the business and began expanding across Illinois.
Franchising began in 1994, setting the stage for rapid growth. By 2002, Jimmy John’s had more than 200 locations, and today, the chain boasts over 2,700 restaurants across the United States, with more than 98 percent operated by franchisees. The “freaky fast” delivery model became a cornerstone of the brand, building a loyal following among consumers seeking quality and speed.
In 2019, Jimmy John’s was acquired by Inspire Brands, the parent company of Arby’s, Dunkin’, and Sonic, giving the sandwich chain additional resources and national synergies to support international expansion.
IKEA Canada reaches significant zero emission milestone as electric vehicle truck home deliveries take the lead over diesel (CNW Group/IKEA Canada Limited Partnership)
IKEA Canada says it has reached a significant milestone in its sustainability journey. In August 2025, 72% of its big and bulky truck home deliveries were completed using electric vehicles (EVs), surpassing deliveries made by internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles for the first time. This marks a strong step forward in support of Ingka Group’s global ambition to achieve more than 90% zero emission (ZE) home deliveries by 2028, report the company.
IKEA Canada’s progress toward ZE home deliveries is made possible through strong collaboration with delivery service partners who share the company’s vision for innovative solutions that support healthier cities and a healthier climate. Investments in EV charging infrastructure have also played a critical role in enabling this transition and sustaining momentum, said the retailer.
Liz Wilson
“Our investments in EV charging infrastructure provide our delivery service partners with dedicated, reliable and safe access to power, ensuring they start each day fully charged and ready to deliver,” says Liz Wilson, Head of Customer Fulfilment.
“Having more of our truck home deliveries fulfilled by EVs than diesel trucks in August 2025 is an incredible milestone in advancing IKEA Canada’s sustainability goals. This progress wouldn’t be possible without the strong collaboration with our delivery service partners, who share our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. Most importantly, we’re proud that IKEA customers never have to pay a premium for zero emission deliveries, reflecting our dedication to making sustainable choices both accessible and affordable for the many.”
IKEA Canada said it has invested $3.75 million, supported by $1.175 million in funding from Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) and utility partners, to have EV fleet chargers installed at all 17 IKEA home delivery fulfilment units across Canada. This coast-to-coast rollout ensures every location offering home delivery services, including IKEA stores and Customer Distribution Centres (CDCs), is equipped with dedicated EV charging infrastructure for its delivery partners.
IKEA said customers never pay a premium for zero emission home delivery. It’s part of the company’s commitment to making sustainable choices easy and accessible for the many, while continuing to deliver the high-quality service customers expect. Aligned with Ingka Group’s global ambition to reach 90% zero emission home deliveries by 2028, IKEA Canada is driving progress through innovative solutions and strategic collaborations that support its sustainability journey and respond to evolving customer needs.
Founded in 1943 in Sweden, the retailer is a leading home furnishing retailer. IKEA Canada is part of Ingka Group which operates 482 IKEA stores in 31 countries, including 16 in Canada. Last year, IKEA Canada welcomed 28 million visitors to its stores and 166 million visitors to IKEA.ca.
