“The narrative around the temporary foreign worker program has totally lost the plot over the past few months,” said Dan Kelly, CFIB president.
“There are dozens of legitimate reasons why small businesses use the TFW program to fill persistent labour market gaps, often to the benefit of Canadian workers in the business. Temporary workers are always more costly than hiring locally available workers. Vilifying the businesses that need TFWs to fill the positions that Canadians don’t want does nothing to address program gaps, nor tackle the real issues weighing down our economy.”
CFIB said the snapshot, Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada: Myths vs Realities, challenges five common misconceptions, including: Employers are addicted to TFWs; TFWs take jobs from Canadians and especially young Canadians; TFWs supress Canadian wages; TFWs strain local housing, and abuse is widespread and goes unchecked.
The CFIB is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 100,000 members across every industry and region.
Christina Santini
“The TFW program is structured around ensuring TFWs are not replacing Canadians. There are rigid processes and hefty costs that employers go through to fill a position. Simply scrapping or restricting the program won’t solve Canada’s labour market challenges,” said Christina Santini, CFIB’s director of national affairs. “We need a sensible, sustainable approach to this program that takes small business realities into account.”
Over half (52%) of small business owners using the temporary foreign worker program said that TFWs enabled them to continue employing Canadians and providing Canada with essential goods and services. One in five respondents in Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)’s employer survey also found that hiring TFWs improved their ability to hire more Canadians.
To keep supply chains moving and to help small businesses fill critical labour gaps, CFIB recommends policymakers:
Retain a focused TFWP and reject the misinformation.
Facilitate the retention of TFWs already in Canada through a grandfathering clause.
Provide a pathway to permanent residency for lower-skilled TFWs who have maintained their legal status, acquired work experience in Canada, and paid taxes.
Let employers make their case as to why they are unable to hire a Canadian for their position instead of issuing a blanket refusal to process policy.
Reduce the program’s administrative burden.
Consult employers and the business community in advance of future reforms.
Walmart Canada is bringing back its limited-edition holiday home and decor collection in collaboration with lifestyle influencer and cookbook author Tori Wesszer.
The Fraiche x Walmart Canada line launched on Wednesday, Oct. 22, both in select Walmart Canada stores and online at Walmart.ca. The seasonal collection features new holiday-themed pieces as well as returning favourites, with prices starting at $3.98.
Krista Thomas
“We’re ecstatic to bring back this beloved collection with Tori Wesszer, now with new additions for the home,” said Krista Thomas, vice-president of home and hardlines at Walmart Canada. “With her signature eye for detail, the curated line keeps holiday style both inspiring and affordable for Canadians.”
The second holiday release builds on the success of last year’s debut collection and Wesszer’s more recent spring offering. According to Walmart Canada, the new collection blends Parisian-inspired elegance with classic holiday designs, offering home décor and entertaining essentials such as glass trees, bells, bows, food-themed ornaments, dinnerware, mini houses and wreaths.
Fraiche x Walmart Canada (CNW Group/Walmart Canada)
For the first time, the collection also includes a 7.5-foot LED tree.
“Having the opportunity to bring back this collection, in a new light, gives me another chance to share my love for the holidays,” said Wesszer. “This collection captures the essence of festive cheer, with a classic Parisian flare. I’m beyond thrilled to be able to work with Walmart Canada again and collaborate on a collection that showcases my style for the holidays.”
The exclusive line aims to make holiday decorating accessible, offering what the company describes as “chic, versatile and affordable” pieces.
MEC Vancouver Store with line ups for community event 2024. Photo: MEC
As Canada’s outdoor retail landscape faces contraction, MEC (Mountain Equipment Company) stands out as a rare exception by expanding its footprint, investing in its people, and strengthening its position as one of the country’s most trusted outdoor retailers. Under new Canadian ownership since May 2025, MEC continues to chart a path of steady growth through disciplined operations, innovative brand partnerships, and renewed community connection.
“Over the past five years, we’ve navigated one of the most volatile retail cycles in history,” said Peter Hlynsky, CEO of MEC, in an interview with Retail Insider. “Now, it finally feels like we’re in the most normal part of the cycle. And for us, that means leaning into growth again.”
Peter Hlynsky
MEC’s resurgence underlines how purpose-driven business and profitability can coexist in the Canadian retail environment. The company’s return to Canadian ownership earlier this year marked a symbolic and strategic reset. Acquired by a consortium of private Canadian investors led by Toronto-based entrepreneur and textile executive Tim Gu, the transition restored MEC to domestic hands after five years under U.S. ownership by Kingswood Capital Management.
Gu, who also chairs Unisync Corp., has emphasized the importance of restoring MEC’s Canadian identity and investing in local manufacturing through his apparel firm, E.star International Inc. “Our goal is to ensure MEC remains an essential part of Canada’s outdoor culture for generations,” Gu said at the time of the acquisition.
According to Hlynsky, Canadian consumers have responded enthusiastically to the change. “I think our timing was perfect,” he said. “The Canadian ownership message has a lot more meaning right now. Canadians are focused on buying locally, supporting homegrown brands, and reconnecting with what makes this country unique.”
He added that while ownership has changed, operations have not: “We’ve always been operated by Canadians. Our head office, our design and development teams, and all our stores are based here. What’s changed is the pride and resonance that comes from once again being 100 percent Canadian-owned.”
MEC Vancouver Bouldering Wall 2024. Photo: MEC
Strategic Store Expansion Across Canada
MEC continues to grow strategically. Its upcoming Nanaimo, British Columbia store, opening in December 2025, reflects careful market analysis and community alignment. “Nanaimo has been on our radar for years,” said Hlynsky. “The Island is an epicentre for the outdoors. You have mountains, ocean access, lakes, and climbing all within reach. It’s a natural fit for MEC.”
The new store will complement MEC’s successful Victoria location and expand access to Vancouver Island’s northern region.
In Quebec, MEC is relaunching its Laval store following a complete remerchandising and staffing upgrade. “That store was never given the proper assortment when it opened,” said Hlynsky. “We’ve transformed it into a premier store to reflect the Laval market’s potential. Customers will see new products, new energy, and a more robust service experience.”
The Laval renovation demonstrates MEC’s commitment to revitalizing existing assets alongside opening new ones. Hlynsky described the location as “a gateway to the outdoors, similar to what North Vancouver is to Vancouver,” citing its proximity to nature and strong suburban demographics.
MEC Vancouver Flagship store community event line up. 2025. Photo: MEC
Moving the Headquarters Above Vancouver Flagship
In a development shared exclusively with Retail Insider, Hlynsky confirmed that MEC will move its head office above its flagship Vancouver store at 111 East 2nd Avenue in Olympic Village early in 2026. The relocation will bring the company’s design, development, and operations teams together under one roof for the first time.
“It’s going to be fantastic to have our R&D centre right above the flagship,” said Hlynsky. “Designers will be able to go down to the sales floor, talk directly to members, and see how products perform in real time. It’s a perfect environment for collaboration.”
The flagship itself, which opened in 2020, is a 60,000-square-foot architectural showcase built to LEED Gold standards, featuring mass timber construction, rainwater harvesting, and one-third lower energy consumption than national code requirements. With its bouldering wall, gear rentals, and community programming, the store embodies MEC’s evolution as both retailer and cultural hub.
MEC Vancouver Store bouldering wall, 2024. Photo: MEC
Strengthening Leadership and Expertise
The company’s growth is supported by new leadership talent. Industry veteran Paul Reid, formerly of Bootlegger, recently joined MEC as Senior Vice President of Operations. Reid brings 35 years of experience in scaling national retail brands.
Paul Reid
“Paul has a long history of developing talent and driving operational excellence,” Hlynsky said. “Our focus is on ensuring that every member who walks into a store interacts with knowledgeable, passionate staff. That’s the MEC experience, and Paul’s leadership will help us elevate it even further.”
Hlynsky credited MEC’s success to its people: “Our staff are incredibly tenured. When consumers look for value, they go where they can get both great service and trusted expertise. That’s what keeps MEC strong through every cycle.”
Brand Partnerships and Product Innovation
MEC’s recent collaboration with Arc’teryx marks an important milestone in its product strategy. The partnership introduced six Arc’teryx shop-in-shops across the country, offering customers the opportunity to explore the brand’s full collection in one dedicated space.
“These shop-in-shops allow us to tell the full brand story,” Hlynsky explained. “Customers can see and compare the entire Arc’teryx line and understand how it integrates into their broader outdoor experience—whether it’s climbing, skiing, or backcountry camping.”
Hlynsky noted that the model could extend to other premium brands in the future, creating deeper, more educational in-store experiences. “It’s about connecting the gear to the lifestyle. Our members value innovation, and we want to showcase products that truly perform.”
The brand is also testing the return of MEC’s printed catalogue, a nostalgic nod to its co-op roots. “Members have been asking for it for years,” said Hlynsky. “This is our way of seeing if print still resonates. People are overloaded with digital information, and having something tangible they can flip through and share feels refreshing again.”
MEC Mountains Logo Vancouver Store 2025. Photo: MEC
Omnichannel Strategy and Technology Integration
While e-commerce remains a key growth driver, MEC is taking a measured approach to digital transformation. Rather than chasing trends, it is focusing on meaningful integration between online and in-store experiences.
“Omnichannel gets used as a buzzword,” said Hlynsky, “but for us, it’s about merging the expertise of our staff with the convenience of online. We’re updating our website to better reflect what customers experience in-store, and we’re introducing new digital tools to enhance shopping on both sides.”
These tools include mobile tablets for store associates and interactive kiosks that allow members to compare products and check availability. “We don’t want to be overly technical,” Hlynsky said. “It’s about providing the right information in the right way. We’re modernizing without losing our organic, authentic feel.”
Reinvesting in People and Culture
When asked about MEC’s priorities heading into 2026, Hlynsky returned repeatedly to one theme: people. “Everything starts with having the best people,” he said. “We’re investing heavily in training and development because our in-store expertise is what sets us apart.”
He pointed to the company’s evolving merchandising strategy, which emphasizes both innovation and heritage. “Our MEC-label products continue to improve, and we’re introducing new designs that align with sustainability and Canadian conditions. At the same time, we’re keeping the core products our members have relied on for decades.”
Upcoming initiatives include new product launches in technical apparel and outdoor equipment categories. While Hlynsky remained tight-lipped on details, he confirmed that several innovations will debut in early 2026. “We have some pretty exciting projects in the pipeline,” he said. “It’s all about staying true to our roots while moving forward.”
MEC Staffer in climbing shoe area. Photo: MEC
MEC’s Broader Role in Canadian Outdoor Culture
Founded in 1971, MEC has been a cornerstone of Canada’s outdoor culture for over half a century. Once the nation’s largest consumer co-operative, the company’s 2020 restructuring and sale to U.S. ownership sparked widespread debate about its future. Five years later, the brand’s full-circle return to Canadian control marks a new chapter.
“MEC has always been an institution in Canada,” said Hlynsky. “We look back to understand what made us great, and we use those principles to guide us forward. Our approach might differ from others, but we’re focused on innovation, sustainability, and service.”
With a national network of stores averaging 20,000 square feet and strong online operations, MEC’s growth trajectory contrasts sharply with the retrenchment seen elsewhere in the sector. As global players like Decathlon and REI recalibrate, MEC is proving that locally rooted, community-oriented retail still has room to thrive.
Looking ahead, Hlynsky envisions a measured but optimistic expansion strategy. “We see a lot of white space in the Canadian market,” he said. “We’re not fixated on opening a specific number of stores each year. It’s about finding the right locations and continuing to build meaningful connections with our members.”
He added that MEC’s ongoing success reflects the enduring power of purpose-driven retail. “We’ve shown that you can be profitable while doing the right thing by your people, your customers, and your country. That’s the balance we’re proud of.”
Woman shopping for eggs in a grocery store. Image: eggs.ca
Nearly a decade after Canada’s largest grocery chains pledged to go fully cage-free by 2025, a new report from Mercy For Animals reveals that the country’s major retailers have largely failed to deliver on their promises. The findings, outlined in Beyond the Commitment: Evaluating Cage-Free Progress Across the Canadian Retail Sector, show that none of the top grocers assessed have met their targets or published a detailed plan to do so.
In 2016, members of the Retail Council of Canada (RCC) including Loblaw, Sobeys, Metro, and Costco, committed to transitioning to 100% cage-free eggs by the end of 2025. The collective pledge aligned with a global movement toward higher animal welfare standards and was presented as a milestone moment for Canadian retail. However, in the years that followed, the sector’s progress slowed dramatically.
The turning point came in 2017, when the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC), a body dominated by agricultural industry interests, released new codes of practice endorsing “enriched” battery cages as acceptable alternatives. These modified cages offered slightly more space than conventional ones but continued to confine hens, limiting their ability to engage in natural behaviours such as foraging or stretching.
Following the release of those codes, egg producers began shifting to enriched systems, and many retailers quietly weakened or abandoned their cage-free goals, according to Mercy for Animals.
Report Findings Reveal Widespread Inaction
Mercy For Animals’ new assessment ranks 16 of Canada’s largest grocery retailers on a 200-point scale measuring policy strength, progress, and transparency. The report also awards bonus points for publishing a public roadmap and penalizes companies for promoting enriched battery cages. The results paint a bleak picture for Canada:
No major retailer has met its 2025 cage-free goal.
Eight companies, including Sobeys, Loblaws, and Costco, received failing grades.
Costco, which is 97% cage-free in the United States, reports only 21.3% in Canada.
Loblaws sits at 16% cage-free, far short of its 100% pledge.
Sobeys has made virtually no progress in four years, maintaining just 17% to 18% cage-free sourcing.
Other brands receiving failing grades include Farm Boy, Calgary Co-op, IGA, Safeway, Nesters Market, and Natures Fare Markets, each scoring zero points. Only a handful of retailers achieved moderate or strong results:
Whole Foods Market earned an A (200 points), reflecting its complete commitment to cage-free sourcing.
Save-On-Foods and Couche-Tard each received a C, with 68 and 60 points respectively — the highest scores among traditional Canadian grocers.
The Cost Barrier Debate
Many retailers cite cost as a barrier to meeting their cage-free commitments. Yet, according to U.S.-based research referenced in the report, producing cage-free eggs costs only 19 cents more per dozen. Despite this, Canadian consumers often pay significantly higher premiums at the checkout for cage-free options.
Financially, the nation’s leading grocery corporations earn billions annually. The report highlights annual revenues of Loblaws ($61.14 billion), Costco ($34.87 billion), Empire Company, parent of Sobeys, Safeway, and Farm Boy, ($30.7 billion), and Metro ($21.84 billion).
Mercy For Animals argues that these figures demonstrate the issue is not about affordability but about priority. “Their revenues show that the cost of cage-free eggs is a matter of priority, not a barrier,” the organization states.
The Enriched Cage Myth
The new data underscore a wider misconception about so-called “enriched” cages, according to the group. These systems, despite being marketed as a humane alternative, offer minimal improvements over conventional cages, they say.
A typical enriched cage provides 116 square inches of space per bird, about the size of a microwave oven. By comparison, traditional cages allot just 67 square inches, being roughly the area of a toaster.
This marginal difference still confines hens in crowded environments, where they cannot walk freely or perform basic behaviours such as dustbathing or stretching. The promotion of enriched cages has stalled what advocates describe as meaningful welfare progress.
“Enriched cages are essentially repackaged battery cages — only slightly larger and offering minimal enrichments,” the report notes. “Their promotion as a ‘humane alternative’ has stalled meaningful welfare progress.”
Canada Lags Behind Global Peers
The Mercy For Animals findings place Canada well behind other major markets in cage-free adoption. According to the report:
United Kingdom: 82% of egg production is cage-free.
European Union: 62% cage-free.
United States: 45% cage-free.
Canada: only 20% cage-free.
While international peers have largely met or are nearing full transition, Canada’s pace has been slowed by policy loopholes and a lack of retail leadership, according to the group. Between 2016 and 2024, the proportion of hens housed in enriched cages rose by 29 percentage points, while the share of cage-free hens increased just 10 points.
Mercy For Animals says this data reflects a decade of stagnation, with the NFACC’s endorsement of enriched cages and the RCC’s withdrawal from leadership contributing to Canada’s slow progress.
Retail Transparency and Accountability
With only two months remaining before the December 31, 2025, deadline, Mercy For Animals is calling for urgent transparency and renewed action. The organization urges retailers to publicly recommit to their 2016 cage-free pledges and publish detailed roadmaps outlining how they will achieve them.
The group emphasizes that multinational retailers can play a decisive role in transforming supply chains. Costco’s stark disparity, with 97 percent cage-free eggs in the United States compared to 21 percent in Canada, illustrates how corporate decisions and national policy frameworks can either drive or delay progress.
“Canadian retailers must end delays, be fully transparent, and take meaningful action,” Mercy For Animals concludes. “The report demands that retailers honour their 100% cage-free commitments and publish clear roadmaps for fulfilling them.”
Global financial technology firm Adyen has partnered with Groupe CH to process all payments at the Bell Centre, which began with the Montreal Canadiens’ home opener on Oct. 14.
As part of the agreement, Adyen will serve as the official payments partner for the venue, streamlining transactions during Canadiens games and other events.
“With the largest capacity in the NHL and one of the most passionate fans, the Bell Centre records tens of thousands of transactions each game, particularly during peak times,” Adyen said in a release.
To manage high-volume purchasing before puck drop and during intermissions, the partnership includes new payment terminals designed for enhanced speed, reliability and security. The agreement also introduces a new feature for box-level spectators, allowing them to pre-authorize payments at the start of the game and finalize them later.
Elise Castagnier
“Game nights involve huge spikes in traffic in short windows, and every second counts,” said Elise Castagnier, vice-president of IT at Groupe CH. “Adyen’s platform ensures that every transaction will be processed quickly and flawlessly, even during peak periods.”
“What makes a night at the Bell Centre so special is the experience our fans have,” said Carola. “By collaborating with Adyen, we’re enhancing that experience, whether it’s purchasing a drink, a snack, or a promotional item. Seamless payments allow our fans to focus on what matters most: cheering on the team.”
“This partnership perfectly illustrates how payments can enrich the spectator experience,” said Meijers. “The Bell Centre is an exceptional showcase to demonstrate our technology, and we are proud to help deliver an experience that lives up to the Canadiens’ legacy.”
The companies described the collaboration as both a milestone in Adyen’s growth in Quebec and a benchmark for large-scale spectator events.
In today’s retail landscape, customer experience is what sets successful businesses apart. Whether browsing online, interacting on a mobile device or checking out in-store, shoppers expect speed, convenience and consistency at every touchpoint. However, while meeting these expectations can feel overwhelming for small and independent retailers, even small changes can make a big impact on daily operations.
Adopting the right tools and approaches can help streamline processes, boost loyalty and position your business to compete with larger brands. Here are three practical ways to create a smoother, more memorable shopping experience that keeps customers coming back.
Streamline by connecting your systems
Running a retail business often means wearing many hats. From managing inventory and staff to connecting with customers and planning for growth, each responsibility demands focus and adaptability. Simplifying daily operations starts with unifying your tools and systems. When payments, sales and inventory management work together seamlessly, retailers save time, reduce manual errors and gain a clearer picture of their business performance.
The benefits of integration extend beyond operations. A unified system ensures consistency across sales channels, creating a cohesive shopping experience whether customers visit in-store or browse online. That consistency builds trust and reinforces your brand’s reliability, which are important qualities that keep shoppers returning.
Choosing tools that unify key retail functions, like Moneris Go Retail, don’t just simplify operations, they give you back time to focus on growth and customer relationships. Consistency across every channel builds trust and loyalty, ensuring shoppers return again and again. With the right system in place, you can manage your business confidently and deliver the seamless experience customers expect.
Photo: Mike Jones
Know your customers’ payment preferences
Contactless and mobile payments are growing fast, driven by technology, mobile adoption and changing consumer habits. According to Moneris data, contactless transactions accounted for 75% of all debit and credit card payments as of August 2025, underscoring how deeply tap-and-go behaviour is embedded in the way Canadians pay.
Customers have grown accustomed to fast, frictionless checkouts that let them complete purchases with a single tap–whether through a card, phone or smartwatch.
For retailers, understanding this preference is about more than keeping pace–it’s about delivering a checkout experience that matches modern expectations for speed, ease and security. Enabling contactless and mobile wallet payments helps create a seamless, trustworthy experience while reducing lineups and transaction times. By embracing contactless and mobile payments, retailers deliver the speed and security customers expect—building trust and loyalty with every transaction.
Simplify the checkout process
A smooth checkout is often the final step that determines how customers feel about their shopping experience. Complicated or slow systems can frustrate both staff and shoppers, creating unnecessary friction at the point-of-sale (POS). Retailers can improve efficiency by using intuitive POS systems that make transactions quick and efficient.
Simplicity at checkout also pays off behind the counter. With the holiday season approaching, many retailers are hiring and training new staff to manage the increased foot traffic from shoppers. Easy-to-learn systems reduce onboarding time, minimize errors and help ensure staff can focus more on serving customers. The right technology not only supports a smoother customer experience but also makes it easier for businesses to scale up effectively when it matters most.
Creating an exceptional customer experience is an ongoing journey, not a one-time effort. By combining smart strategies with the right tools, retailers can transform everyday interactions into memorable experiences that foster loyalty, strengthen their market presence and drive sustainable growth. In a competitive marketplace, these meaningful connections can become a retailer’s most valuable asset.
Survey Uncovers Canada’s ‘Homebody Economy’ Boom: Living Rooms Are the New Hotspot (CNW Group/Samsung Electronics Canada)
A new national survey commissioned by Samsung Canada suggests Canadians are increasingly turning to their homes—specifically their living rooms—as the centre of their entertainment and cultural lives.
According to the survey, conducted by Edelman Canada among 1,500 Canadians, 85 per cent of respondents now prefer movie nights at home over going out. More than half (55 per cent) say they would rather invest in their home entertainment setup than spend money on external experiences. Additionally, 47 per cent consider their entertainment space the most important room in their house.
Pat Bugos
“The rise of the homebody economy is changing the way Canadians live and spend,” said Pat Bugos, senior vice-president, sales and marketing, Consumer Electronics Division, Samsung Canada. “We’re seeing living rooms become the new theatres and stadiums, and increasingly, the new gaming arenas. TVs are no longer just for watching shows and sports; they’re the gateway to a broader world of immersive entertainment at home.”
The data indicates that generational differences are contributing to this trend. Among Gen Z respondents, 51 per cent seek a true theatre experience at home, while 38 per cent view their TV as central to a connected lifestyle. Younger Canadians are also more likely to plan purchases around cultural events, including sports.
“On the product front, that’s exactly what we’re addressing with Samsung OLED and Vision AI,” Bugos said. “Samsung OLED delivers the exceptional picture quality Canadians value most, while Vision AI adapts viewing in real time enhancing movies, sports, and gaming in ways that can rival and even surpass out-of-home experiences.”
As Canadians navigate a fragmented media landscape, 65 per cent report feeling overwhelmed by the number of streaming platforms available. Nearly half (49 per cent) say they are drawn to televisions that offer personalized content recommendations. Across age groups, picture quality remains the top consideration when choosing a television, ranking ahead of price and screen size.
The survey was conducted online in English and French between July 28 and August 6, 2025, using a representative sample from the Léger opinion panel.
By donating to The Salvation Army Thrift Store, Canadians actively participate in extending the lifecycle of pre-loved goods, reducing waste, and supporting a circular economy. (CNW Group/The Salvation Army Thrift Store – National Recycling Operations)
The Salvation Army Thrift Store is encouraging Canadians to donate gently used clothing and household items rather than sending them to landfills, as part of a national campaign running until the end of October.
The initiative comes in response to findings from a study commissioned by the National Association for Charitable Textile Recycling (NACTR) and partly sponsored by Environment and Climate Change Canada. The study revealed that of the 1.3 million tonnes of used apparel generated annually in Canada, approximately 76 per cent — nearly one million tonnes — ends up in landfills.
“By donating to The Salvation Army Thrift Store, you actively participate in extending the lifecycle of these goods, reducing waste, and supporting a circular economy.”
The organization reported that from April 2024 to 2025, it diverted more than 80 million pounds of clothing and household items from landfills through its 95 Thrift Stores and 114 Donor Welcome Centres across the country.
In addition to its environmental focus, the campaign underscores the broader social impact of donations. Proceeds from donations and sales support various Salvation Army programs across Canada, including foodbanks, shelters, addiction rehabilitation, anti-human trafficking initiatives, and emergency relief services.
“Our Thrift Stores are more than just retail spaces; they are an integral part of our mission to serve and uplift our communities across Canada,” Colyn said.
With continued high demand for affordable clothing and housewares, the organization is calling on the public to contribute gently used items.
“We hope that individuals keep us in mind and consider donating their pre-loved items, knowing that each contribution makes a significant difference in preserving our planet and caring for local communities,” Colyn added.
Donations can be made at any Salvation Army Thrift Store Donor Welcome Centre. Locations and hours are available at thriftstore.ca/locations.
Toronto’s Distillery Winter Village will return this November with its most ambitious season to date, transforming the Distillery Historic District into a world-renowned holiday destination that attracts more than a million visitors each year. Presented by L’Oréal Paris, the 2025 edition will run from November 13, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring expanded programming, new culinary attractions, and exclusive partnerships with global brands including Netflix and Visit Costa Rica.
Now in its 16th year, the Distillery Winter Village has become one of Toronto’s signature seasonal celebrations. The event’s combination of European-style charm, culinary diversity, and live entertainment has earned it international recognition among the world’s best Christmas markets.
“This will be one of our most exciting years yet,” said Rik Ocvirk, Vice President of The Distillery Restaurants Corp. and Director of Experiences and Events at The Distillery Historic District. “Our programming combines culinary creativity, family-friendly entertainment, and charming design in a way that captures what makes The Distillery Winter Village so special during the holidays. And we’re proud to partner with L’Oréal Paris, a brand that shares our belief in making beauty, joy and memorable experiences accessible to everyone.”
Opening Night to Light Up Toronto
The 2025 festivities begin on Thursday, November 13, when Santa takes the stage to light what it calls Canada’s most iconic Christmas tree. The opening night ceremony, beginning at 6:00 p.m., will feature a live performance by the internationally acclaimed vocal group The Tenors, setting the tone for the weeks ahead.
All ticket proceeds from opening night will benefit local charities, continuing the event’s commitment to community giving. For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be livestreamed on YouTube at youtube.com/@distillery_to between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
The lighting of the tree officially marks the start of the holiday season in Toronto, as the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District glow with thousands of lights and festive décor across 13 acres of heritage architecture.
Expansive Lineup of Performances and Holiday Music
Live entertainment has long been central to the Distillery Winter Village experience, and this year’s program features an expanded roster of Canadian performers and institutions.
Highlights include:
The Tenors performing on opening night with a special concert of holiday classics.
The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir appearing November 30 for two evening performances at 7:00 and 8:00 p.m.
The Canadian Opera Company, performing December 5 and 6, with a program that includes a family-oriented musical interpretation of Ezra Jack Keats’ The Snowy Day.
A Very Merry Mirvish Concert on December 7, featuring cast members from & Juliet, The Sound of Music, and We Will Rock You.
A Super Simple Christmas with Caitie & Tobee!, returning for multiple performances between November 17 and December 17, offering interactive sing-alongs and meet-and-greet sessions for young audiences.
Adding to the atmosphere are the McGregor Carollers, who will perform throughout the village during the holiday season, and the Crane Creations Theatre Company, entertaining families every Sunday with their popular puppet characters Bunny, Squirrel, and Crane.
All performances are included with admission, further establishing the event as one of Toronto’s most accessible and inclusive seasonal attractions.
Photo: Distillery Historic District
Netflix’s Stranger Things 5 Immersive Experience
In a major new collaboration, Netflix will bring the world of Stranger Things to life in an exclusive immersive experience at the Distillery Winter Village.
Visitors will step inside a life-sized recreation of the Byers’ living room from the hit series, complete with the haunting alphabet wall and signature string of flickering Christmas lights. The installation offers fans a photo opportunity and a chance to relive one of the show’s most iconic moments.
The activation coincides with the release of Stranger Things 5, the series’ final season, which will premiere in three volumes this winter — November 26, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
The collaboration underscores the Distillery Winter Village’s reputation for merging traditional holiday charm with contemporary cultural experiences.
The Pura Vida Chocolate Experience
Visitors can escape Toronto’s winter chill and step into the tropics through The Pura Vida Chocolate Experience presented by Visit Costa Rica, a new installation at the Archeo patio.
The space will be transformed into a lush, tropical setting complete with rainforest décor, surfboard tables, and a symbolic ceiba tree surrounded by parrots, sloths, and tree frogs. Guests can indulge in hot chocolate served in real coconuts, try the “mochanut” (a mix of coffee and hot chocolate), dip tropical fruit in chocolate fondue, and explore a creative colouring station for children.
This sensory-rich experience invites visitors to embrace the warmth and culture of Costa Rica’s “pura vida” lifestyle, adding a distinctly international flavour to the Toronto event.
Photo: Pura Vida
Santa’s Village Returns with a New Look
One of the most anticipated attractions each year, Santa’s Village inside Soulpepper Theatre returns with a reimagined design inspired by Narnia, the beloved story by C.S. Lewis.
Guests will enter through a wardrobe into a shimmering blue-and-silver winter wonderland, where children can meet Santa and his elves, take photos, and encounter costumed characters from the world of Narnia.
The updated experience adds new theatrical touches, continuing the Winter Village’s tradition of combining art, performance, and imagination to create family-friendly holiday magic.
Culinary Offerings Reach New Heights
Food and beverage experiences remain a major draw, and 2025 will mark the event’s largest food program ever, featuring 40 food vendors and nine themed outdoor bars.
New additions include Santa Spuds (spiralized potatoes on a stick), Robata-style meat skewers, Dubai Chocolates, and a Craig’s Cookies pop-up. Returning favourites include Cluny Bistro’s viral torched s’mores hot chocolate, Nepalese momos, Swiss raclette, Japanese tacos, and fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate.
The food lineup continues to reflect the event’s growing role as both a cultural and culinary destination in the heart of Toronto.
Chef’s Lane: New this year, Chef’s Lane will transform Pure Spirits Mews into an open-air showcase for Canadian culinary talent. Four leading chefs will create exclusive dishes available only during the Winter Village. The full lineup will be announced in the coming weeks, offering visitors a taste of Canada’s evolving fine-dining scene within a festive street setting.
Themed Bars: The nine outdoor bars each feature a unique atmosphere and seasonal menu. Among the standouts are:
The Ugly Sweater Patio Bar, located at Cluny Bistro, where guests are encouraged to wear their most festive holiday attire.
The Peppermint Patio at Madrina Bar y Tapas, a red-and-white installation marked by a 10-foot candy cane wreath and striped arches.
The Naughty or Nice Bar, illuminated by 80,000 twinkling white lights, one of the village’s most photographed spots.
The Distillery Winter Village. Image: The Distillery District Toronto
Holiday Shopping and Artisan Vendors
The Distillery Winter Village 2025 will include 47 vendor cabins and more than 85 permanent retailers, offering everything from handcrafted ornaments and jewelry to gourmet products and home décor.
The mix of local artisans and established boutiques creates an immersive shopping experience that mirrors the charm of traditional European markets. Visitors can also browse seasonal pop-ups and exclusive collaborations throughout the historic district’s brick-lined storefronts.
The event remains one of Toronto’s most photographed holiday destinations. In addition to its centrepiece Christmas tree, visitors will find numerous backdrops for festive photos, including The Heart of Christmas display, Santa’s Sleigh and Reindeer, The Candy Cane Wreath, and the Countdown to Christmas clock.
Professional photos by The Photo Spot will once again be available for purchase, providing families with keepsake memories against the village’s glowing holiday lights and heritage façades.
Ticketing Details
Tickets are required for peak times including opening night, Fridays through Sundays after 4:00 p.m., Thursdays in December after 4:00 p.m., and daily from December 15 to 31. Admission for children aged nine and under remains free.
Tickets start at $15 (plus service charge and HST), with four tiers available, including a bundled pass that includes entry to Illuminarium’s Mythos, a new immersive digital experience. Tickets and scheduling details can be found at TheDistilleryWinterVillage.com.
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