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WingsUp! expands to B.C. with Vancouver opening

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Source: WingsUp!
Source: WingsUp!

Ontario-based chicken wing chain WingsUp! has opened its first British Columbia location in Vancouver, marking the company’s debut on the West Coast as part of a broader national expansion.

Founded in 2005, WingsUp! currently operates more than 36 locations in Ontario and recently entered the Calgary market. The Vancouver opening is a strategic step in the company’s coast-to-coast growth plans.

Darren Czarnogorski
Darren Czarnogorski

“Vancouver is a natural fit for our brand,” said Darren Czarnogorski, president of WingsUp!, in a statement. “The city’s appreciation for fresh, high-quality food aligns with our core values.”

The company’s business model features small-format stores built for dense urban areas, with all delivery services handled in-house rather than through third-party providers. Orders are available for pickup, delivery or catering.

WingsUp!’s menu focuses on made-to-order, never-frozen wings and includes flavours such as Jamaican Hot, Medium BBQ, Honey Garlic Parmesan and Texas Tequila. The brand positions itself as a comfort food option that offers convenience for both lunch customers and at-home diners.

Fresh never frozen (CNW Group/WingsUp! Restaurants)

WingsUp! is actively recruiting franchisees in British Columbia to support its westward expansion. The company highlights a low-barrier entry model for prospective operators, with support in training, marketing and supply chain logistics.

“This is just the beginning for us in British Columbia,” Czarnogorski said. “We see strong potential in this market and look forward to expanding our footprint across the province.”

Franchise information is available at wingsup.com or by contacting franchise@wingsup.com.

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Should You Sell, Trade, or Recycle Your Old iPhone?

By
Retail Insider
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A survey showed that most people in Canada upgrade their phone every two to three years, which means millions of older devices are sitting unused in drawers. If you have an old iPhone collecting dust, you’re not alone. The big question is what to do with it. Should you sell it to get some cash back? Should you trade it for credit toward a new model? Or should you recycle it to make sure it’s handled responsibly?

Each choice has benefits, and each one fits a different type of person. Some people want the most money back. Others value convenience. Understanding how each option works can help you make the right decision. Let’s look at selling, trading, and recycling in detail so you can decide which one is right for you.

Why Your Old iPhone Still Holds Value

Even if your iPhone is a few years old, it’s not worthless. iPhones tend to hold value longer than most other smartphones because of strong demand. Many people still look for older models that cost less than the latest release. This demand keeps resale prices steady, especially for phones in good condition.

If your device has been well cared for, you could get back a meaningful amount of money. Even small details like original packaging or accessories can make a difference. That’s why before you dismiss the idea of selling, it’s worth checking what buyers are paying for similar models in your area.

The Benefits of Selling Your iPhone Yourself

Selling your iPhone directly is often the best way to maximize return. Instead of going through a trade-in program, you set the price and negotiate with buyers. Many people prefer this option because it gives them cash on the spot. Some even start by searching phrases like sell my iPhone near me to find out how much their device might be worth locally.

The process takes more effort, but the reward is usually higher. You need to list the phone online, respond to messages, and meet the buyer. If you’re comfortable doing this, you’ll likely get more than you would from a trade-in. Selling privately also gives you full control. You decide how much you’re willing to accept and who you want to sell to.

Safety Steps Before You Sell to Anyone

Before you hand your phone to a new owner, it’s important to prepare it properly. Start by backing up your photos, contacts, and files to iCloud or your computer. Once you’re sure everything is saved, sign out of your Apple ID and iCloud account. If you skip this, the next person may not be able to use the phone, and your personal data could still be linked to it.

Next, erase all content and reset the device to factory settings. This ensures the buyer gets a clean phone, and your private information stays safe. Physically cleaning the device also helps you make a better impression and can slightly raise its value. If you’re meeting a buyer in person, always choose a public location like a café or mall. It’s safer and more comfortable than inviting someone to your home.

How Trade-In Programs Make Upgrading Easy

If selling feels like too much work, trading in your iPhone can be a good alternative. The process is simple: you bring in your phone, get it evaluated, and receive credit toward your new device or your monthly bill.

The advantage of trade-ins is convenience. You don’t have to deal with strangers or spend time negotiating. The downside is that trade-in values are usually lower than what you’d get from selling privately. But if you plan to buy your next phone from the same brand or carrier, the credit can be a quick and easy way to reduce costs.

Why Recycling Is an Important Option

Not every iPhone can be sold or traded. If your device is very old, broken, or missing parts, recycling is the most responsible choice.

In Canada, electronic waste is a growing problem. Each year, the country generates hundreds of thousands of tonnes of discarded electronics, and phones, tablets, and computers make up a large share of that total.

Phones, tablets, and computers make up a growing share of that waste stream. Throwing electronics in the garbage is not only harmful to the environment, but in many provinces it is also against the law.

Recycling recovers valuable materials such as copper, gold, and rare earth metals. It also prevents harmful substances like lead and mercury from ending up in landfills. Recycling programs ensure that devices are dismantled safely and parts are reused whenever possible. Choosing to recycle may not put cash in your pocket, but it protects the environment and keeps waste out of communities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Old iPhones

Many people unintentionally lower the value of their devices or create risks by handling their old iPhones the wrong way. One common mistake is leaving the phone in a drawer for too long. Devices lose value quickly after new models are released, so waiting too long to sell or trade often means less money back.

Another mistake is forgetting to wipe personal data. Leaving accounts active can expose private information and make it harder for the next owner to use the phone. Some people also throw their old devices in the garbage, not realizing this is illegal in several provinces and harmful to the environment. Skipping a backup is another common error. Important photos, files, and contacts can be lost forever if you reset your phone without saving them first.

Your old iPhone doesn’t need to sit unused in a drawer. You can sell it for cash, trade it for credit, or recycle it to help the environment. Each path has its own advantages, and none of them are wrong. Selling takes effort but pays the most. Trading is quick and stress-free. Recycling ensures devices that can’t be reused are handled safely.

The most important step is to act instead of letting your phone lose value or create unnecessary waste. Whether you care about saving money, upgrading with ease, or reducing e-waste, you have a good option available. Pick the one that matches your priorities and give your old iPhone a useful next chapter.

Vladimir Okhotnikov: A study of the biography of a traveler, polyglot, and philosopher

By
Retail Insider
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On the internet, provocative headlines can be found with the phrase “Vladimir Okhotnikov fraud.” But when looking at his life, it becomes clear that such labels are baseless. He is a person building his biography around freedom, knowledge, and tangible action.

Okhotnikov does not hide behind lofty words but shares his experience of travel, language practice, environmental advocacy, and a philosophy of inner growth. Let us examine who he truly is.

A Traveler, Not a Tourist

Vladimir has explored Southeast Asia by hitchhiking with a backpack. His goal is to experience local life: street sounds, the aromas of food, the dust of the roads. His core principle is simple: “We are not tourists, but travelers.” This approach distinguishes the entrepreneur from those who view the world through the lens of consumption.

Languages as Keys to Other Worlds

Okhotnikov speaks Georgian, Armenian, Farsi, Tibetan, Turkish, and English. For him, language is a way to feel another culture. He notes: “When speaking a foreign language, we lose part of our former identity but gain the opportunity to become a new person.”

This approach shapes the image of a man who is open-minded, profound, and determined.

Protecting Nature Instead of Seeking Profit

Vladimir Okhotnikov founded an organization for the restoration of the Amazon rainforest. All funds are directed toward planting trees and preserving ecosystems. He speaks out against zoos, circuses, the exploitation of animals for street photography, as well as bullfighting, which he regards as violence. For him, animals are equal inhabitants of the planet.

The Practice of Inner Freedom

Okhotnikov applies meditation and yoga without esotericism. At the core are breathing exercises, short pauses for concentration, and mindfulness of the body. These methods reduce anxiety and help maintain clarity. He uses humor as a way to break the flow of heavy thoughts and return to the present moment.

Such an image is closer to that of a philosopher than a fraud.

Tea Ceremony as a Path to Harmony

For Vladimir Okhotnikov, tea is not just an everyday drink but a way to slow down and experience the moment. He is fascinated by Asian tea traditions, such as Chinese gongfu cha and Japanese chanoyu. In them he sees clear order and attention to detail. Silence, rhythm of movements, and the taste of the infusion help attune the mind and clear away excess thoughts. Tea drinking becomes a mindfulness practice, reminding us that happiness is always hidden in simple things.

Sports as a School of Character

From childhood, Vladimir Okhotnikov absorbed the values of willpower and discipline. His father, a champion in Greco-Roman wrestling, became a coach after an accident, passing on perseverance and the drive to win. Vladimir himself achieved success and became the junior champion of Tatarstan.

Sports taught the businessman patience, respect for his opponent, and the ability to rise after setbacks. These qualities he carefully applies in life, in travel, and in his personal growth.

A Man Who Chooses Depth

Okhotnikov practices tea ceremonies, studies Ayurveda, and has shaped his character through sports. This worldview is a path to harmony.

When internet trolls write “Vladimir Okhotnikov fraudster,” they provide no evidence. His biography speaks for itself: he is a figure who unites philosophy, culture, health, and freedom into one system.

Conclusion

Who is Vladimir Okhotnikov?

He is a successful entrepreneur from Kazakhstan, philosopher, thinker, polyglot, and innovator. He develops projects that integrate digital technologies, science, genetics, and healthcare.

Is Vladimir Okhotnikov a fraud?

No. He is a man dedicated to freedom, self-discovery, and environmental protection. He does not sell illusions but lives by principles and shares his experience.

The Five-Minute Rule for Retail Founders: Fast Habits That Move Inventory and Margins

By
Retail Insider
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The retail industry is a fast-moving place. Your business will grow if you can juggle numerous responsibilities and keep them in the air permanently. If exhaustion influences your ability to focus, you don’t need to push through it to make your company a bigger success. Learning what the five-minute rule of productivity is could transform how you handle your workload, sell products and manage employees.

What Is the Five-Minute Rule of Productivity?

The five-minute rule of productivity requires your focus for five minutes at a time. Use this guideline whenever you find yourself struggling to complete a lengthy task. It can help shorten your perspective and make anything feel easier to manage.

You’ll also support your mental health by occasionally using the five-minute rule. When time’s up, you can think about something else. Your stress could deflate, leaving you with more energy to focus for another five minutes or longer. Letting that stress linger could lead to chronic health conditions, especially during intense retail seasons like the holidays.

Quick Habits to Boost Your Business

Ideal productivity for entrepreneurs doesn’t have to feel like an impossible goal. You could start accomplishing more without taking big blocks of time out of your schedule, depending on which small changes you make.

1. Use Your “Do Not Disturb” Setting

Texts and notifications are serious distractions. Your five minutes of consolidated work should feel set apart from the world. Turn your “Do Not Disturb” setting on and leave your phone out of sight. Without distractions on your screen, you could accomplish more and increase your sales. You’ll even become a better role model for your employees, who likely struggle with their phones on the clock too.

2. Block Blue Light

Blue light glasses could shield your eyes from extra lightwaves that make your brain think it’s daytime. When it’s time to produce more sleep-inducing melatonin, it may not create as much as you need. The frustration could explain why you spend hours awake in bed, even after your busiest days.

Exhausted people don’t have the energy to be productive like well-rested individuals. Wear blue light glasses at night to give yourself the gift of better sleep and higher productivity. You’ll feel better, accomplish more and boost your sales.

3. Start a Timer

The administrative side of retail businesses can take hours. You’re likely managing payroll, bills, marketing, customer emails and vendor relations when you’re not on the floor. Set a five-minute timer the next time you need to do administrative work. Give the tasks you don’t enjoy more focus, take a break and return when you’re ready to do your best work.

The shorter work sessions will keep your attention tuned, resulting in higher-quality work that helps your business. You’re less likely to make a math error or create poorly performing marketing content if you don’t feel locked inside your office for the rest of the day.

4. Try Mini Workouts

Although the five-minute rule of productivity is more about your ability to focus, you can also apply it to your exercise routine. Retail shops keep everyone on their feet, so you likely get plenty of steps into your day. If you add a five-minute dumbbell or squat session in your office to your routine, you’ll start hybrid training that decreases your stress and improves your physical health.

Keep up with the physical demands of the retail world while soothing your mental health. You only need to work out for five minutes to stay on your game. Your brand’s revenue potential is always higher when you feel ready to conquer the day because your mind and body are in peak condition.

5. Shrink Constructive Criticism

Managing a team of employees means occasionally having to give someone constructive criticism. When that moment arrives, use the five-minute rule. Give the worker five minutes of praise, constructive criticism and encouragement. The quick conversation will ease both of your minds.

You’ll get back to work faster, and your employee could take your words to heart better. If they don’t feel confronted or under a microscope for a half hour, they’ll remember your to-the-point advice and enact it more willingly. You’ll watch your revenue grow when everyone improves at their jobs.

6. Celebrate Writing Bursts

Even if you got into retail because you love interacting with people, owning a business means writing occasional small projects. You likely handle your own marketing efforts or draft email updates to your rewards members. Setting a five-minute timer for those writing sessions will make the work less daunting.

Sustainable productivity for entrepreneurs also includes mini celebrations. Reflect on your writing when the timer ends and pat yourself on the back. As you get more comfortable in your writing role, your content could become more persuasive because the readers feel your passion in every word. Given that email marketing revenue was likely to surpass $9.5 billion in 2024, focusing on more effective drafts during five-minute sessions could significantly improve your margins.

7. Reframe Your Cleaning Routine

Cleaning your store after a long day of work takes time. If you’re dreading it, use the five-minute rule. Spend five minutes refolding clothes on display shelves or straightening accessories on a rotating jewelry holder. When time’s up, scroll your phone or have a dance party for another five minutes.

Any cleaning routine can become less challenging when you’re doing it in small chunks. New customers could shop at your business if it’s cleaner than your competitors’ storefronts, so try applying the five-minute rule while you close your shop.

8. Summarize the Meeting Schedule

When team meetings have to happen, try to communicate your thoughts within a five-minute window. Summarize what you’ll go over and ask everyone if they want to discuss anything else while you’re together. Your meetings will have better direction, improving your time management, so your team can return to making sales.

Direct communication also helps your team avoid passive-aggressive dynamics that make customers want to shop elsewhere. People won’t have space to give the silent treatment if you know how to wield your words nonaggressively. Ask for their thoughts, address their concerns and practice quick two-way communication using the five-minute rule during meetings.

Improve Your Retail Operations With New Strategies

Once you follow the five-minute rule of productivity, your retail shop could experience greater success. You’ll refine your ability to focus, write, clean or any other skill you’d like to improve. Anyone can handle a task for five minutes because it can’t feel never-ending.

DreamModular™ by DreamSofa: The Future of Flexible Furniture for Retailers

By
Retail Insider
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In an era where consumers crave versatility and customization, DreamSofa is leading the charge with its groundbreaking DreamModular™ system. For retailers looking to tap into the rising demand for adaptable, high-design furniture, DreamModular™ represents a game-changing opportunity that combines effortless functionality with editorial aesthetics.

The Challenge: Furniture That Adapts to Modern Life

Today’s consumers no longer want static, one-size-fits-all sofas. Urban living spaces are smaller and lifestyles are dynamic, forcing people to rethink how their furniture fits into their homes—and their lives. Modular furniture exists, but most options on the market require tools for assembly, wobble after frequent rearranging, or lack the sophistication to complement a stylish interior.

Enter DreamModular™: Infinite Geometry, Zero Tools

DreamModular™ stands apart by offering true tool-free modularity with a system so precise it feels like architecture meets play. The furniture effortlessly converts from an L-shape to a U-shape, pit, chaise, or three-seater in seconds, letting homeowners experiment and adapt without frustration or fatigue.

  • Aerospace-grade connection points click into place with mathematical precision, locking each module at perfect right angles.
  • Hidden glides let modules slide smoothly on all floor types—wood, tile, cork—without scratching or lifting.
  • The design preserves a clean, sculptural silhouette even after frequent reshaping.
  • It’s engineered to resist wobbling or wear, making it ideal for ever-changing living environments.
  • Plus, it’s future-proof, with the option to add new modules over time as needs evolve.

DreamModular™ offers a sophisticated alternative to clunky, temporary solutions—furniture that thinks ahead.

Why This Matters for Retailers

Retailers face a market increasingly driven by consumers’ desire for personalization combined with convenience. DreamModular™ satisfies both with:

  • High-end design appeal: It looks like it belongs in architectural magazines but functions like premium LEGO for adults, attracting style-conscious buyers.
  • Ease of use: Tool-free assembly lowers customer friction and reduces returns due to setup difficulties.
  • Durability: The build quality minimizes degradation from frequent moves, an important factor for renters or buyers who shift homes often.
  • Expandability: Customers can future-proof their investment by adding new pieces—an upsell opportunity for retailers.

Supporting the DreamModular™ Advantage

DreamSofa doesn’t stop at innovation in design. Their white-glove delivery and 3–5 week production turnaround outpace industry norms, providing retailers with reliable lead times to satisfy fast-moving consumers. A 100-day trial period gives buyers confidence to invest, reducing purchase hesitation.

Additionally, DreamSofa supplies retailers with the DreamStudio™ AI-powered visualization tool—an interactive platform that lets customers see their custom sofa in their own room, fine-tune size and fabric choices, and share designs. This digital experience shortens sales cycles and increases engagement in both e-commerce and showroom settings.

Sustainability Meets Scalability

The DreamModular™ system is made with PFAS-free, low-VOC foams, FSC-certified woods, and recyclable textiles—a key selling point as shoppers grow more eco-conscious. Programs like DesignXChange™ let users refresh cushions and covers rather than replace entire units, aligning with lifetime value philosophies and circular economy trends.

Retail Insider Takeaway

For retail professionals looking to differentiate their furniture offerings, DreamModular™ by DreamSofa combines:

  • Technical innovation with tool-free, precision locking modules
  • Sleek aesthetics that appeal to modern design sensibilities
  • User-centric features like floor-friendly glides and endless layout options
  • Sustainability and adaptable ownership models

It’s a product built for today’s consumer who expects their furniture to flex with their life, their space, and their style—without compromise.

DreamSofa’s DreamModular™ isn’t just a sofa system. It’s a retail-ready revolution in how sofas are designed, sold, and experienced. Retailers tapping into this innovation will find themselves ahead of the curve, delivering on new consumer demands for flexibility, customization, and sustainability—all wrapped in a package that’s as beautiful as it is brilliant.

5 of the Best Recent Technologies for Enhancing Color Accuracy in Retail Merchandising

By
Retail Insider
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Color errors don’t just hurt profit. They create challenging moments for shoppers who feel misled and teams who scramble to fix prints while deadlines pile up. Store leaders field complaints, while designers second-guess their screens. Modern color management tools help calm that chaos. They align what customers see online with what lands in stores. They shorten approvals, protect brand palettes and keep launches on track without extra firefighting.

Color Management in Retail — What It Is and Why It Matters

Color management means controlling how devices capture, display and print color so results match from screen to press to shelf. Teams set targets, profile devices and verify output. That discipline reduces rework, shortens approvals and protects brand equity across marketplaces and store formats.

Retailers feel this every day. Product detail page (PDP) photos match the product in hand and returns drop. Point of purchase (POP) stays uniform across regions and promotions look premium. Creative teams also move faster because everyone works from the same trusted targets.

What are the Best Technologies For Achieving Accurate Color Reproduction?

Five software stand out in terms of retail design, packaging and in-store print output. Each supports consistent color across devices and locations, with different strengths depending on your workflow and marketing or branding needs.

1. Fujifilm ColorPath SYNC

Fujifilm ColorPath SYNC runs in the cloud and guides teams through calibration and profiling with a straightforward, step-by-step workflow. Its centralized control helps multi-site retailers keep large-format, packaging and décor devices on target without the guesswork. The platform supports recognized print alignments like G7 and ISO, which helps mixed vendors hit the same visual aim. Remote dashboards track device status and drift, so issues get fixed before campaigns go live.

2. CalderaRIP

CalderaRIP on macOS and Linux brings robust international color consortium (ICC) profiling, precise spot color handling and deep device support for wide-format environments. EasyMedia walks operators through building profiles for new media, then locks those settings to protect color from job to job. Built-in libraries for Pantone plus support for popular spectrophotometers make it a strong choice for signage, window graphics and soft signage used in seasonal displays.

3. EIZO ColorNavigator 7

Creative decisions start on-screen. EIZO ColorNavigator 7 performs hardware calibration on EIZO ColorEdge monitors and keeps targets consistent with scheduled recalibration. Teams switch between packaging, web and proofing presets without hunting through OS settings. Central management options let admins push standards across studios, so new hires and freelancers work on accurate displays from day one.

4. X-Rite i1Profiler

The X-Rite i1Profiler builds high-quality ICC profiles for monitors and printers with control over patch counts, black generation and optical brightener compensation. That control helps fabric, cosmetics and CPG categories where neutrals and subtle textures expose weak profiles. Gamut checks and spot color workflows support strict brand palettes and private labels with tight tolerances.

5. Ricoh Fiery Color Profiler Suite

The Ricoh Fiery Color Profiler Suite works closely with Fiery DFE servers to create, edit and verify profiles across sheet-fed and wide-format devices. Wizards guide operators through calibration and verification to ISO or G7 targets, keeping split runs aligned when capacity shifts between sites. Users can access inspection tools to diagnose issues quickly and lock improvements into production presets.

What to Look for in Color Management Software

Shortlist tools with measurable control and a fit for your operating model. Check these features to confirm readiness before rolling out any campaign:

  • Standards and verification: Support for ICC v4, G7 or ISO aims, plus delta-E reporting you can share with vendors
  • Centralized management: Cloud or network control that enforces targets, schedules recalibration and flags outliers across sites
  • Spot and brand color accuracy: Native brand libraries, tone curve control and device links for tough substrates
  • Compatibility and scale: Proven support for raster image processors (RIPs), spectrophotometers, OS mix and remote locations without custom scripts

Merchandising teams usually fight four problems. First, display-to-print mismatch slows approvals and burns the budget. Second, vendor variability creates visible shifts between stores. Third, seasonal resets compress timelines, so manual fixes don’t scale. Fourth, PDP mismatches fuel costly returns.

The best technologies for achieving accurate color reproduction tackle each pain point by locking targets, automating verification and reducing human variability.

A Straightforward Path to Brighter Color in Retail

Retail operations win when color stops behaving like a mystery. Choose a software that fits your production needs, enforce shared targets and verify every critical job from start to finish. Design gains confidence, stores enjoy consistency and shoppers see the product they expect.

Social Media Investment: Shaping the Retail Industry in 2025 and Beyond

By
Retail Insider
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In 2025, the retail industry is undergoing a profound transformation fueled by strategic investments in social media platforms, technologies, and innovative customer engagement methods.

What was once a landscape dominated by traditional advertising and physical storefronts is now evolving into a hybrid model where digital-first strategies, immersive experiences, and community-driven commerce set the pace.

The rapid shift from conventional marketing to interactive, data-driven social commerce is rewriting the rules of retail. With platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube now doubling as shopping hubs, the boundaries between content and commerce are blurring. For brands, this means opportunity—and for consumers, it means convenience, personalization, and empowerment.

This article explores how social media investment is shaping the retail industry in 2025 and what lies ahead.

1. The Rise of Social Commerce and Direct Sales

Social commerce has moved from being an experimental channel to becoming a dominant force in retail. Research shows that in 2025, over 70% of consumers make purchases directly through social media platforms at least once a month.

What’s fueling this growth? The customer journey is no longer linear—it’s immediate. Shoppable posts, live shopping events, and AI-powered product suggestions allow consumers to discover, evaluate, and buy without leaving the platform.

  • In-app checkout: Platforms like TikTok Shop and Instagram Checkout let customers complete a purchase in just a few taps.

  • Live shopping sessions: Retailers host influencer-led product demos that mimic the excitement of TV shopping, but with real-time interaction.

  • AI recommendations: Machine learning tailors suggestions to browsing behavior, purchase history, and social signals.

In the U.S. alone, social commerce generated $104 billion in 2025, a remarkable share of total e-commerce sales. The implication is clear: if retailers aren’t investing here, they’re leaving money on the table.

Retailers are no longer treating social media as a side channel. It’s now central to their business strategy. The investment priorities in 2025 revolve around three main themes: personalization, omnichannel integration, and immersive experiences.

  • Personalization: Advanced algorithms allow retailers to tailor content, offers, and recommendations at scale.

  • Omnichannel strategies: Social media doesn’t just drive online sales—it also fuels foot traffic. Customers may discover a product on Instagram and then pick it up in-store the same day.

  • Immersive experiences: Brands are transforming stores into “engagement destinations” with digital integration. Imagine walking into a boutique where AR mirrors allow virtual try-ons synced to your social media profile.

Technology investments are focused on:

  • AI-driven customer insights for predictive personalization.

  • Cloud infrastructure to support real-time data processing.

  • Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) for interactive showrooms and product trials.

The result is a retail ecosystem that feels seamless and experiential across digital and physical touchpoints.

3. Evolution of Retail Media Networks (RMNs)

Retail media networks (RMNs) have expanded dramatically in 2025. Once limited to retailers’ owned channels, RMNs now partner with social platforms and third-party networks to reach customers across the web.

Key trends include:

  • Self-service campaign management: Brands can run, optimize, and measure campaigns with minimal manual intervention.

  • Offsite media opportunities: Beyond retailers’ websites, ads now follow consumers across connected TV, influencer feeds, and livestream shopping events.

  • Video-first strategies: Shoppable videos and livestream shopping dominate because they combine entertainment with commerce.

For retailers, RMNs are not just ad platforms—they are profit centers. By monetizing their audience data and traffic, retailers are generating new revenue streams while giving brands precise targeting opportunities.

4. Integrating AI and Automation in Social Retail

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become the backbone of social retail strategies. Nearly 59% of marketers in 2025 use AI-powered chatbots and automation tools for social media management.

Brands such as Celebian are leveraging automation to streamline TikTok engagement, enabling social retail promotions to deliver instant, high-quality interactions.

The benefits are threefold:

  1. Faster campaign creation: AI tools generate copy, hashtags, and creative assets aligned with brand voice.

  2. Smarter customer support: Chatbots handle queries, track orders, and recommend products in real time.

  3. Unified personalization: AI analyzes browsing data, social interactions, and transaction history to deliver hyper-targeted offers.

For example, if a consumer browses eco-friendly sneakers on Instagram, AI ensures that the next interaction—whether on TikTok, YouTube, or a retailer’s app—serves consistent recommendations. This makes ad spend more efficient and customer experiences more cohesive.

5. Physical Stores Meet Digital Media

Despite the meteoric rise of digital commerce, 80% of purchases in the U.S. still happen in physical stores. Social media acts as the bridge that connects digital discovery with offline purchase.

Retailers are investing in technologies that bring social media energy into brick-and-mortar spaces:

  • Digital screens and AR displays: Customers can scan QR codes to see influencer reviews, TikTok tutorials, or user-generated content tied to a product.

  • Interactive displays: Touchscreens allow shoppers to customize products and share designs directly to their social accounts.

  • Social-powered promotions: In-store discounts can be unlocked by posting or sharing a product on social media.

This hybrid model turns stores into community hubs rather than mere points of sale.

6. The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Social Media Investment?

Looking beyond 2025, the retail industry is preparing for even more disruptive shifts driven by social media investment.

  • Immersive brand ecosystems: Virtual reality shopping malls and AR experiences will enable customers to “walk” through digital stores, interact with sales assistants, and try products virtually before buying.

  • Voice and image-based shopping: Shoppers will increasingly use voice assistants (“Find me a red cocktail dress under $200”) and image-based queries (“Show me shoes like this”) on social platforms.

  • Transparency and trust: Consumers demand that brands communicate openly about sustainability, ethical sourcing, and fair labor practices. Social media is becoming the stage for accountability.

  • Community-driven retail: Brands that nurture communities through storytelling, user-generated content, and loyalty programs will win long-term trust.

Retailers who adapt quickly and align their social media strategies with consumer expectations will not just survive but thrive.

7. Challenges and Risks in the Social Media-First Era

While opportunities abound, the road isn’t without hurdles. Retailers face several challenges in 2025:

  • Platform dependency: Over-reliance on a single social platform makes brands vulnerable to algorithm changes or policy shifts.

  • Data privacy concerns: Stricter regulations around data usage force retailers to balance personalization with compliance.

  • Rising costs of advertising: As competition for visibility increases, ad spend efficiency becomes a critical focus.

  • Content saturation: With every brand producing shoppable content, differentiation through creativity and authenticity is harder.

Addressing these risks requires retailers to diversify strategies, invest in owned channels, and build authentic consumer relationships.

8. Case Studies: Brands Leading the Social Retail Revolution

Several brands in 2025 are showcasing how social media investment can reshape retail:

  • Luxury fashion houses are using AR filters on Instagram that let consumers try on accessories virtually, driving both engagement and conversion.

  • Grocery chains host livestream cooking shows with influencers, where all ingredients are shoppable in real time.

  • Home décor retailers integrate Pinterest and TikTok tutorials into their product pages, turning inspiration into purchase.

These examples highlight the diversity of industries embracing social commerce and the creativity fueling success.

Social media investment in retail is not just a passing trend—it’s a strategic imperative that’s reshaping the industry. By 2025, platforms have become digital marketplaces, influencers are trusted salespeople, and AI is the silent force orchestrating seamless customer journeys.

For brands, the mandate is clear:

  • Embrace technology to create smarter, faster, and more personalized shopping experiences.

  • Invest in seamless integration between social platforms, e-commerce, and physical stores.

  • Lead with transparency and community-building to earn lasting consumer trust.

As the boundaries between content, community, and commerce continue to blur, the retailers that adapt, innovate, and listen to their consumers will define the future of shopping in 2025 and beyond.

Massive transformation of “effectively insolvent” Canada Post; postal workers go on strike

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo: Canada Post

Canada Post is effectively insolvent, and repeated bailouts are not a long-term solution and transformation is required to ensure its survival, the federal government announced on Thursday.

And after the government announcement that door-to-door mail delivery will end for nearly all Canadian households within the next decade, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers announced it was declaring a countrywide strike.

That means the government is lifting the moratorium on community mailbox conversions. Currently, three-quarters of Canadians already receive mail through community, apartment, or rural mailboxes, while one-quarter still receive door-to-door delivery. Canada Post will be authorized to convert the remaining 4 million addresses to community mailboxes, generating close to $400 million in annual savings.

It said Canada Post will introduce flexibilities to reflect today’s lower volumes. The average household receives just two letters per week, yet operations remain designed for far higher volumes. By adjusting standards so that non-urgent mail can move by ground instead of air, the corporation will save more than $20 million per year.

And it explained that the moratorium on rural post offices, in place since 1994, will also be lifted. The rural moratorium was imposed in 1994 and covers close to 4000 locations. It has not evolved in 30 years, but Canada has changed.  This means that areas that used to be rural may now be suburban or even urban, but are still required to operate as rural post offices. Canada Post must return to the government with a plan to modernize and right-size its network.

Joël Lightbound
Joël Lightbound

“Canada Post is a national institution, older than our country itself, that has been serving Canadians for more than 150 years. For generations, postal workers have connected communities in every corner of the country, providing an essential lifeline to hundreds of northern, Indigenous, and rural communities. Canadians continue to rely on it today, and it remains a vital public service,” noted Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement.

“At the same time, Canada Post is now facing an existential crisis. Since 2018, the corporation has accumulated more than $5 billion in losses. In 2024 alone, it lost over $1 billion, and in 2025, it is already on track to lose close to $1.5 billion. Earlier this year, the federal government provided a $1-billion injection to keep the corporation operational. In the second quarter of 2025, Canada Post posted its worst quarterly results ever, losing $407 million. Today, the corporation is losing approximately $10 million every day.

“Twenty years ago, Canada Post delivered 5.5 billion letters annually. Today, it delivers only 2 billion, even as the number of households has grown. That means fewer letters are being delivered to more addresses, while fixed costs remain high. At the same time, parcels volumes — which should have been Canada Post’s growth opportunity — have declined. In 2019, Canada Post delivered 62% of parcels in Canada; today, its market share has dropped below 24%, with private competitors taking the lead. Structural challenges, combined with outdated restrictions and stalled negotiations between labour and management, have further limited the corporation’s ability to adapt.”

Doug Ettinger
Doug Ettinger

This situation is unsustainable, it added.

Canada Post President and CEO Doug Ettinger said: “Today’s announcement will allow us to make the changes needed to restore Canada’s postal service for all Canadians by evolving to better meet their needs. We take this responsibility seriously and will work closely with the government and our employees to move with urgency and implement the necessary changes in a thoughtful manner. Our goal is to ensure that a strong, affordable, Canadian-made, Canadian-run delivery provider supports the needs of today’s economy and delivers to every community across the country.”

Dan Kelly

Dan Kelly, President at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), said: “Every government review has come to the same conclusion: Canada Post needs major reforms. Today’s announcement is long overdue, but it’s a positive step towards making necessary changes that have been recommended for more than a decade. 

“While we welcome today’s news, there’s still no deal between Canada Post and the union.

“The union’s most recent job action banning flyers was another blow to small businesses. At this critical time of year, the last thing small businesses can afford is another strike. We urge the government to provide certainty and work proactively to prevent another labour disruption by temporarily making Canada Post an essential service.”

Regarding the postal strike, Kelly said: “As expected, Canada Post workers are back on an immediate, nation-wide strike.  The impact on small business will be massive. Last year’s strike alone cost small firms over $1 billion. Doing this in the lead-up to the critical holiday retail shipping season is especially troubling. 

“Still, the federal government must push forward with the needed changes ordered today by Minister Lightbound. Now is not the time to turn back.

“The strikes are a direct result of a decade of inaction on the part of the Trudeau government on this file. Every single review over the past ten years pointed to the same conclusion the Minister made today – that the Corporation is broken and needs to be given the flexibility to reduce costs. In fact, most of these measures were set to go into effect at the end of Harper term in office.

“Small firms are still strong users of Canada Post, and a new business model can be quickly implemented if government gives the Corporation the labour market protection it needs to get the job done.

“Canada needs some form of temporary or permanent Essential Services legislation to ensure service continues while the reforms are going into effect. Small firms are counting on government and all political parties to make this happen.”

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Hudson’s Bay Auction Set for November in Toronto

By
Lee Rivett
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Hudson's Bay flagship store in downtown Vancouver on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Photo: Lee Rivett

An Ontario court has approved the auction of more than 4,400 items belonging to Hudson’s Bay, the historic retailer that collapsed earlier this year under the weight of billions in debt. The sale, authorized Thursday by Judge Peter Osborne, will see a trove of paintings, documents, memorabilia, and other artifacts head to auction in mid-November.

The court’s decision comes as part of Hudson’s Bay’s ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. Once the nation’s oldest and most storied retailer, the company filed for creditor protection in March after years of heavy financial losses and unsuccessful restructuring attempts. The sale is one of several efforts to raise funds for creditors and bring closure to a company that helped shape Canada’s economic and cultural identity.

The approved auction includes more than 1,700 pieces of art and about 2,700 artifacts. A lawyer for Hudson’s Bay confirmed that the collection being sold is drawn from the retailer’s “retail era,” rather than its early fur trading days.

Though the complete list remains under wraps, sources close to the process say the items include original paintings, historic paper documents, and even collectible Barbie dolls commissioned during Hudson’s Bay’s retail heyday.

Auction house Heffel Gallery Ltd. will handle the sale. The process will begin with online auctions on November 12, followed by a live, in-person sale in Toronto on or around November 19. Hudson’s Bay lawyers have said photographs and detailed descriptions of each lot will be published on Heffel’s website in advance.

Hudson’s Bay Co. fur traders. Image: Canadian Geographic/HBC

Who Might Bid

Reflect Advisors, the firm overseeing the company’s financial wind-down, said it has already fielded interest from a wide range of potential buyers. Among them are museums, universities, government institutions, Indigenous organizations, and wealthy private collectors.

The National Gallery of Canada is one institution that could seek to acquire works. Yet historians and cultural advocates have voiced concerns that prized items may vanish into private hands if high-net-worth buyers outbid public institutions or community organizations.

Some also fear that escalating prices could make it difficult for Indigenous groups to reclaim objects tied to their cultural heritage. While Hudson’s Bay insists that the artifacts up for auction are not from its fur trade origins, questions linger over what remains in the collection and how it should be handled.

Indigenous Concerns and Removed Items

Those concerns were partly addressed when 24 objects believed to be of Indigenous origin were recently removed from the auction block. Hudson’s Bay has pledged to return or donate those items, though it has not disclosed specific details about the artifacts, the intended recipients, or the timing of their transfer.

Three of the pieces are currently on long-term loan to a museum, which the company has not identified. Lawyers for Hudson’s Bay emphasized that any further items found to have Indigenous origins will also be withdrawn.

The sensitivity of these issues reflects the retailer’s complicated legacy. For centuries, Hudson’s Bay traded across Indigenous territories, profiting from furs, resources, and land. The sale of its remaining cultural holdings therefore raises broader questions about reconciliation and the stewardship of Canada’s historical record.

The 1670 royal charter signed by King Charles II establishing Hudson’s Bay, is shown on display at the Manitoba Museum where it was loaned to be displayed alongside its permanent collection of Hudson’s Bay artifacts in 2020. Photo: Manitoba Museum

The Royal Charter and Other Assets

Separate from the November sale, Hudson’s Bay has announced plans to sell its royal charter of 1670, the document that established the company under King Charles II of England. Reflect Advisors is preparing a dedicated process for that transaction, though court approval is expected to be sought early next week.

The charter is widely regarded as one of the most important documents in Canadian history. Its sale has sparked debate over whether it belongs in public hands or can rightfully be sold on the open market.

Hudson’s Bay also holds four war memorials at various store locations, along with two more in storage. According to company lawyer Ashley Taylor, these will be donated to organizations capable of preserving and displaying them in their original communities. Royal Canadian Legions and TD Bank Group have been named among the likely recipients.

The Company’s Archival Legacy

Much of Hudson’s Bay’s historic material was transferred long before its current financial troubles. In 1994, the company donated the majority of its archival records to the Archives of Manitoba, which today maintains the Hudson’s Bay Company Archives (HBCA). At the same time, more than 27,000 artifacts were gifted to the Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg.

Still, some archival records remain with the company. In court filings, Reflect Advisors managing director Adam Zalev noted that these documents are “under review,” with their future undecided. The uncertainty has fueled calls for these remaining pieces to be transferred to public institutions rather than sold.

World War 2 memorial of lost Simpsons employees at Hudson’s Bay Queen Street in Toronto. The memorial wall is beside the escalators on the main floor of the store. There are calls to save the memorial. Photo taken April 24, 2025 by Craig Patterson

Bankruptcy and Liquidation Context

The auction is one chapter in a broader saga of financial decline. Once a pillar of Canadian retail, Hudson’s Bay reported a net loss of $329.7 million for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2025. At the time of its bankruptcy filing, the company had just $3.3 million in cash, minimal liquidity, and more than 2,000 creditors.

Debt burdens exceeded $2 billion, including secured loans, unpaid rent, supplier obligations, and tax liabilities. Declining sales, the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, and falling store traffic left Hudson’s Bay unable to sustain operations. A last-ditch effort to secure new financing collapsed, prompting a decision to liquidate all remaining stores and assets.

The bankruptcy marked the end of a company that had survived centuries of economic transformation, wars, and recessions. Its disappearance has left thousands of employees without jobs and closed the chapter on one of Canada’s most recognizable retail brands.

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Starbucks to cut 900 non-retail jobs and close stores amid restructuring in Fiscal 2025

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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EXTERIOR OF A DOWNTOWN TORONTO STARBUCKS COFFEE SHOP. PHOTO: STARBUCKS
EXTERIOR OF A DOWNTOWN TORONTO STARBUCKS COFFEE SHOP. PHOTO: STARBUCKS

Starbucks is planning to eliminate 900 current non-retail partner roles and close many open positions in North America as company-operated locations will decline by about 1% in its Fiscal 2025.

In a message posted on the company website, Brian Niccol, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said: “While we’re making good progress, there is much more to do to build a better, stronger, and more resilient Starbucks. As we approach the beginning of our new fiscal year, I’m sharing two decisions we’ve made in support of our Back to Starbucks plan. Both are grounded in putting our resources closest to the customer so we can create great coffeehouses, offer world-class customer service, and grow the business.

Brian Niccol
Brian Niccol

“First, I shared earlier this year that we were carefully reviewing our North America coffeehouse portfolio through the additional lens of our Back to Starbucks plan. Our goal is for every coffeehouse to deliver a warm and welcoming space with a great atmosphere and a seat for every occasion.  During the review, we identified coffeehouses where we’re unable to create the physical environment our customers and partners expect, or where we don’t see a path to financial performance, and these locations will be closed.

“Each year, we open and close coffeehouses for a variety of reasons, from financial performance to lease expirations. This is a more significant action that we understand will impact partners and customers. Our coffeehouses are centers of the community, and closing any location is difficult.   

“To put it into context: Since we’ve already opened numerous coffeehouses over the past year, our overall company-operated count in North America will decline by about 1% in fiscal year 2025 after accounting for both openings and closures. 

“We will end the fiscal year with nearly 18,300 total Starbucks locations – company operated and licensed – across the U.S. and Canada. In fiscal year 2026, we’ll grow the number of coffeehouses we operate as we continue to invest in our business. Over the next 12 months, we also plan to uplift more than 1,000 locations to introduce greater texture, warmth, and layered design.”

He said partners in coffeehouses scheduled to close will be notified this week, adding that the company is working hard to offer transfers to nearby locations where possible.

“Second, we’re further reducing non-retail headcount and expenses. This includes the difficult decision to eliminate approximately 900 current non-retail partner roles and close many open positions,” added Niccol.

“As we build toward a better Starbucks, we’re investing in green apron partner hours, more partners in stores, exceptional customer service, elevated coffeehouse designs, and innovation to create the future. We will continue to carefully manage costs and stay focused on the key areas that drive long-term growth.

Photo from Starbucks website
Photo from Starbucks website

“Non-retail partners whose roles are being eliminated will be notified tomorrow morning (Friday). We will offer generous severance and support packages including benefits extensions.”

Niccol said the steps are to reinforce what the company sees is working and prioritize its resources against them.

“Early results from coffeehouse uplifts show customers visiting more often, staying longer, and sharing positive feedback. Where we’ve invested in more green apron partner hours so that there are more partners working at busy times, we saw improvements in transactions, sales, and service times, alongside happier, more engaged partners,” he said.

“I know these decisions impact our partners and their families, and we did not make them lightly. I believe these steps are necessary to build a better, stronger, and more resilient Starbucks that deepens its impact on the world and creates more opportunities for our partners, suppliers, and the communities we serve.”

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