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Wine Rack and Farm Boy enter a new partnership (Photos)

By
Mario Toneguzzi
-
Photo: Wine Rack
Photo: Wine Rack

 Wine Rack and Farm Boy, two brands deeply rooted in supporting local and committed to delivering excellence to their consumers, are entering a strategic partnership. The collaboration features a series of new boutique Wine Rack locations inside Farm Boy stores in Toronto, Newmarket and Ottawa.

Quality meets convenience as these spots offer a perfect pairing destination for the best of Ontario-grown produce and a premium Canadian wine assortment, said the companies in a news release.

John Boynton
John Boynton

“The partnership between Wine Rack and Farm Boy is a natural fit, uniting two brands that share the same core values, from championing local Ontario products to providing an informative and distinctive experience for shoppers,” said John Boynton, president and CEO at Arterra Wines Canada.

“The selection of wines available at Farm Boy Wine Rack stores has been curated with Farm Boy consumers in mind—featuring premium quality VQA products and winemaker stories that highlight our local growers and makers. Many of these wines are crafted from grapes grown in vineyards just a few hours’ drive away, truly embodying a ‘farm to bottle to table’ experience for our customers.” 


In addition to a hand-picked wine portfolio, limited edition products will be available during the grand openings, including Inniskillin Montague Vineyards Chardonnay VQA ,Pinot Noir VQA, and Inniskillin Blanc de Franc VQA. Farm Boy customers can also expect ongoing limited-edition releases from some of the finest local Ontario estates. 

 “At Farm Boy, we’re always looking for ways to elevate our fresh-market experience while staying true to our roots of fresh, local, and high-quality products at excellent value. Our partnership with Wine Rack brings together two Ontario-grown brands that share a passion for quality and craftsmanship,” said Shawn Linton, President and General Manager, Farm Boy Company Inc.. “We’re excited to offer our customers a curated destination where they can discover exceptional local wines alongside the fresh food they love.”

Shawn Linton
Shawn Linton

The Wine Rack boutiques will feature a bespoke, eye-catching design, bringing the vine to table concept to life. The elevated designs include custom fixturing, a mobile wine tasting cart allowing for store-side sampling opportunities, wine category navigation, a refrigerated ‘grab & go’ chilled wine section and distinct wine merchant uniforms.

The Wine Rack boutiques will also have knowledgeable team members assisting customers in wine selections, aligning with the exceptional customer service and fresh-market experience that Farm Boy is known for, explained the companies.

Photo: Wine Rack
Photo: Wine Rack

Similar to Farm Boy’s InSeason Vendor Profiles, the Wine Rack stores will feature monthly winemaker and winery estate stories. Top local wineries, winemakers and products will be featured in celebration of the local estate, encouraging Farm Boy shoppers to learn about the teams behind the wines. The current estate feature is Prince Edward County’s Sandbanks Winery, and next month, consumers can look out for features from Jackson Triggs and Inniskillin.  

Farm Boy Wine Rack locations can currently be found at:

Wine Rack has 164 wine boutiques throughout Ontario and four new boutiques launching at Farm Boy. It carries over 150 products. Wine Rack employs approximately 1,000 staff across Ontario and is the retail division of Arterra Wines Canada, Inc.

Founded in Cornwall in 1981, Farm Boy has grown from a small produce store to 51 locations across Ontario, with further expansion plans on the horizon.

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Photo: Wine Rack
Photo: Wine Rack
Photo: Wine Rack
Photo: Wine Rack
Photo: Wine Rack
Photo: Wine Rack

Retailers must prioritize knowing their customers to stay competitive: EY Canada

By
Mario Toneguzzi
-
Photo: Borko Manigoda
Photo: Borko Manigoda

Retailers are facing a more complex and competitive environment than ever before, and the key to staying relevant is recognizing the value of customers they already have rather than focusing solely on acquiring new ones, says a recent report from EY Canada.

EY and Shopify’s latest report reveals that the real growth opportunity isn’t attracting new customers — it’s recognizing the ones they already have.

Key insights from the report:

  • Scattered customer data across channels (in-store, online, offline) is making it harder for retailers to understand shoppers and build loyalty.
  • Known customers — those whose identity, preferences, and behaviours are organized across channels, allowing for continuous personalized engagement — drive 76% of in-store sales growth and spend 3x as much as anonymous shoppers.
  • Known customers are 61% more likely to make repeat purchases
  • Privacy meets personalization: 57% of consumers will share data for personalized offers, but 65% worry about misuse. Responsible data activation is now a brand differentiator.
  • Despite more touchpoints, retailers are drowning in data but starved for insights. EY’s unified commerce model and Shopify POS help unify fragmented data into actionable customer profiles.

The full report can be found here: https://www.ey.com/en_ca/alliances/shopify/unlocking-retail-growth-the-power-of-known-customers

Fragmented Data Is Holding Retailers Back

“The retail landscape has become increasingly complicated for retailers to sort of connect and provide relevant offers and relevant products to customers,” said Brian Peterson, Partner with EY Canada. “There’s a lot of data available. There’s a lot of touchpoints that you might have with a prospective buyer of a product. But oftentimes, those data sources are fragmented, if you will.”

Brian Peterson
Brian Peterson

Peterson co-leads the EY-Shopify global alliance and EY’s data analytics and monetization efforts for the Technology, Media and Telecommunications practice.

He pointed to the importance of truly understanding customer behaviour, and how platforms like Shopify are helping retailers do that more effectively.

“What’s interesting is the power of being able to really understand and know your customer and to provide relevant offers for them,” he said. “Shopify has some really interesting, inherent capabilities that allow retailers to truly understand who their customers are and then to leverage that understanding to provide relevant offers and products to them.”

Peterson added that this ability is not only a competitive differentiator for Shopify but also a critical advantage for retailers in general. “It allows a retailer to truly know who their customers are and to become increasingly relevant to them in a world where there’s a ton of fragmentation.”

A Growth Story That Benefits Everyone — Not Just the Business

Samantha Rizzi, Manager in EY’s Business Consulting team, emphasized that data-driven customer insights don’t just benefit the bottom line—they create value across the entire retail experience.

“It’s not just something that benefits a business. The story really affects all pieces,” said Rizzi. “There’s the business benefit because you get the insights and the learnings. There’s the customer benefit because you feel that you’re more understood in a store setting or by your retailers that you enjoy shopping at.”

She added: “There’s also the store associate setting that often gets overlooked, where you’re equipping the people that you’re actually employing to feel empowered to help and service customers. It’s really just a positive growth story overall where you’re not only going to benefit all these three attributes, you’re not only going to ultimately increase your revenue, but you’re allowed to actually grow as a business with what you know about your customers, how you’re helping your store associates and growing as a business overall.”

Samantha Rizzi
Samantha Rizzi

Loyalty Must Evolve Beyond Discounts

Retailers must evolve their approach to loyalty, said Peterson, and that starts with moving beyond rudimentary discount-driven strategies.

“Traditional loyalty strategies would be: somebody comes in and we offer them a discount. It’s a very rudimentary sort of perspective around loyalty, which I think still is pervasive around a lot of retailers,” he explained. “The retail landscape now can afford retailers to be a little bit more sophisticated.”

Peterson urged retailers to “invest in technologies and programs and processes that allow them to differentiate their loyalty programs and to build their relationships with customers.”

He highlighted two key paths forward: manually understanding customer data from various sources or leveraging platforms like Shopify to make the process easier and more effective.

“If you have good customer data that is actually actionable, then you have a higher likelihood of being able to grow as a retailer in a highly competitive retail environment,” he said.

In-Store Data Is the Overlooked Opportunity

Rizzi pointed out that retailers often focus too heavily on digital channels, overlooking the untapped potential of in-store data.

“In our area, we focus on in-store customer data, and I think that’s probably something that’s often overlooked,” she said. “A lot of people are investing in online because it’s easy to understand immediately where the technology comes into play.”

She emphasized the friction that occurs in-store, where data collection often relies on human input from store associates. “You’re relying on them to make sure they’re asking the right questions, capturing it in the right way. And so you can easily lose data.”

Rizzi noted that standardizing and activating this data is essential. “Just having all that data isn’t going to help you if you’re not finding ways in the backend to make sure that you’re capturing it, you’re organizing it, and then you’re actually activating it to re-engage that customer,” she said.

Apparel Sector Leading the Charge

When asked which segments of the retail industry are leading in leveraging customer data, Peterson pointed to apparel.

“Apparel is an area that I think lends itself very well to leveraging customer data to create unique buying experiences,” he said. “Buying experiences that tend to be consistent across different platforms.”

He added that Shopify has established a strong footprint in the apparel space, sharpening its offerings as a result. “Apparel retail is kind of at the forefront of this and they increasingly have to be because it’s an increasingly competitive environment.”

Peterson noted the unique challenges apparel retailers face from both ends of the market, digitally-native brands entering brick-and-mortar and legacy retailers trying to improve their online presence.

“It’s fundamentally where knowing your customer can really make a difference,” he said. “Customers are super fickle in that segment. If I have a really incredible experience with a retailer, I’m going to measure every other interaction with any other retailer based on that bar.”

“That leads to repeat purchases,” he added. “It’s a really important strategy for retailers to get right.”

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Bath Depot Opens 1st Manitoba Store

By
Lee Rivett
-
Bath Depot in Winnipeg. Image: Bath Depot via Google Maps

In a city where long winters often sharpen the focus on home interiors, Bath Depot has planted its first flag in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Quebec-based retailer of bathroom, kitchen, and lighting fixtures opened its newest store on August 19, a 4,586-square-foot location on Regent Avenue West that is both a showroom and a statement of national ambition.

The store is laid out with the company’s typical clarity: vanities set against clean walls, bathtubs placed like sculptures, aisles of faucets glinting under bright light. It is the 48th Bath Depot to open in Canada since the company was founded in 2008 by four brothers from Montreal’s North Shore, and the first to cross into the Prairies.

An Expansion Shaped by Family Roots

Bath Depot was conceived by Marc, François, Guy and Gilles Nadeau, who brought two decades of experience in plumbing distribution to their venture. Their idea was to create a retailer that sat between big-box hardware chains and boutique showrooms — accessible in price, but attentive to style.

They built their business as manufacturer, distributor and retailer, a rare vertical integration that allowed them to manage costs and move products from factory to floor without the markups typical in the industry. The model, tested first in Quebec, proved effective. Stores multiplied, moving quickly into Ontario, where Bath Depot became a fixture in suburban plazas.

The opening in Winnipeg marks a fresh phase. For the Nadeaus, it is not only about geographic reach but also about testing the resonance of their brand outside the dense markets of Central Canada.

Inside the new Bath Depot store in Winnipeg. Image: Bath Depot

Positioning in a Competitive Landscape

The Canadian home improvement market has been dominated for decades by multinational chains such as Home Depot, Lowe’s and Rona. Against such scale, Bath Depot has carved a niche by offering curated, design-focused selections at competitive prices.

The company’s decision to expand into Manitoba comes at a moment when Canadians, facing high housing costs and limited mobility in real estate markets, are increasingly renovating rather than relocating. Winnipeg, with its mix of historic housing stock and new suburban development, offers fertile ground.

The store’s opening also reflects a broader shift: specialty retailers that once clung to regional markets are now pressing for national presence, helped by e-commerce infrastructure that supports cross-country distribution.

Inside the Winnipeg Store

Located at 1530 Regent Avenue West, Unit 3, the new store offers both the essentials and the aspirational. Homeowners can browse shower bases, lighting fixtures, and sinks in one visit, with staff on hand to advise on both minor upgrades and full-scale bathroom renovations.

The layout is intended to reduce the intimidation that often accompanies such projects. Rather than wandering through cavernous warehouses, customers encounter a showroom arranged for comparison and inspiration, part of Bath Depot’s strategy to demystify home renovation.

A National Brand in the Making

Since its founding, Bath Depot has built itself into a recognizable brand in Quebec and Ontario, its name underscored by a distinctive jingle that has made it familiar in its core markets. The company has also steadily broadened its product line, adding lighting to its bathroom and kitchen offerings.

In the past decade, Bath Depot has refined its logistics, investing in warehouse management and point-of-sale technology that allow it to support both in-store sales and an expanding e-commerce platform. The Winnipeg store, though new to the Prairies, is tied into that network.

Industry analysts note that this opening may foreshadow a march further west, into Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. Each province presents distinct retail landscapes, but all are part of the company’s stated ambition to be present nationwide.

Looking Ahead

For Bath Depot, growth has always been intertwined with family management. The Nadeau brothers remain closely involved, their ownership ensuring continuity in culture and decision-making. That structure, unusual for a retailer with nearly 50 stores, has allowed the company to balance expansion with a personal sense of stewardship.

The Winnipeg opening is not likely to be the last. The company has signaled its intention to enter the Maritimes and deepen its presence across Western Canada. 

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Retail trade sees increase in operating profit: Statistics Canada

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo: Anna Tarazevich
Photo: Anna Tarazevich

In retail trade, operating profit increased by $446 million (+4.4%) in the second quarter, reaching $10.6 billion. The increase was led by clothing, sporting goods, and general merchandise stores, which saw operating profit rise by $286 million (+9.1%), driven mainly by a gain of $1.1 billion (+2.5%) in operating revenue in the quarter, reported Statistics Canada on Monday.

But the federal agency said second quarter operating profit for Canadian corporations declined $3.2 billion (-1.7%) from the first quarter, totalling $190.9 billion. The decline was primarily driven by reduced profit in non-financial industries. Despite the quarterly drop, operating profit rose by $2.9 billion (+1.6%) compared to the same quarter last year.

“Operating profit for the non-financial industries fell by $4.0 billion (-3.8%) to $100.8 billion in the second quarter. Decreases were recorded in 13 of 39 non-financial industries,” explained Statistics Canada.

“In contrast, operating profit for the financial industries rebounded after two consecutive quarters of decline, rising $776 million (+0.9%) to $90.1 billion in the second quarter, with 6 of 13 industries posting quarterly gains.”

Statistics Canada said the oil and gas extraction led the non-financial industries’ decline, reporting reduced quarter-to-quarter operating profits of $2.9 billion (-26.2%) in the second quarter. This decrease was driven by falling crude oil prices  amid concerns over a potential global oversupply, along with lower exports and wildfire-related production shutdowns during the quarter.

The pipeline transportation industry saw its operating profit decline by $283 million (-17.3%) in the second quarter, partly driven by a temporary shutdown of a pipeline in the northern United States following a rupture, it said.

“Financial industries report gains in operating profit. Among financial industries, property and casualty insurance carriers led the increase in operating profit, up $903 million (+26.8%) in the second quarter. The increase was attributable to lower claims, in part due to favourable weather conditions,” noted Statistics Canada.

“Credit card issuing, sales financing and consumer lending was up $336 million (+8.3%) in the second quarter due to higher operating revenues from its non-interest income segment.

“The banking and other depository credit intermediation industry’s operating profit declined by $566 million (-2.1%) in the second quarter. The decrease was largely due to higher expenses from provisions for credit losses (+30.6%), though this was partially offset by higher net interest income (+1.2%), supported in part by growth in residential mortgages.”

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Retail market showing resilience despite headwinds: Morguard’s Keith Reading

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo: Antoni Shkraba Studio
Photo: Antoni Shkraba Studio

Despite mounting economic headwinds and high-profile retail closures, Canada’s retail sector is showing signs of resilience and adaptability, according to Keith Reading, Senior Director of Research at Morguard.

“It’s sort of an interesting time for retail,” says Reading. “On the one hand, there’s certainly been some successes over the last couple of years. Retail’s outperformed expectations in terms of growth and expansion. Rents have held up pretty well. We’ve got shortages of high quality space in several markets. So it’s been a good run.”

However, Reading notes that conditions have shifted in recent months.

Keith Reading
Keith Reading

“In the last six months or so, we’ve had some pretty significant headwinds begin to show themselves,” he explains. “And those are not just from a macro standpoint in terms of what’s going on with our friends in the south and what that will mean economically. Concerns with inflation and prices rising. Interest rates are still, although they’ve come down, a little bit restrictive.”

Among the challenges, Reading highlights a wave of retail closures, including major names.

“We’ve had some closures that are pretty high profile. Hudson’s Bay being one of them. But not just Hudson’s Bay. We’ve seen a few others.I mean, the Beer Store, those locations. There’s a pretty good list of closures. We’re now seeing the closure of a couple of Whole Foods in Toronto, which I think, who would’ve thought that?”

Still, he points to bright spots within the sector.

“We’ve also seen some pretty healthy growth, particularly in service retail and discounters,” says Reading. “We’re seeing condos built across the country. They’re not necessarily filling up as quickly as we’ve seen in the past and we all know the issues with the condo market. But some pretty healthy growth with respect to grocery stores in some of those condos and other types of service retail, banks, nail salons, all the things that people need on an everyday basis.”

Looking ahead to the rest of the year, Reading anticipates continued market movement and adjustment.

“We’re seeing quite a lot of churn in the market,” he says. “With those closures and openings, we’re seeing quite a few companies adjust to things like higher costs of product, particularly imported product. So I think you’re going to see a lot of churn still over the balance of the year.”

Economic uncertainty continues to weigh on retail decision-making.

“You’ve got retailers that are concerned again about inflation, concerned about interest rates, concerned that the job market’s kind of taken a bit of a nosedive as well. So what that’s going to mean for retail sales and particularly discretionary spending,” says Reading. “So I think retailers are going to be quite wary. And I think you’ll see a little bit of pullback on expansions just as retailers sort of adopt a wait-and-see stance with respect to the rest of the year.”

Retailers are hoping for stabilization in trade and supply chains, but Reading says confidence remains shaky.

“The hope is that, in an ideal world, we’ll get a trade deal with the U.S., things will settle down, and then the retailers, the supply chains, the wholesalers will adjust accordingly,” he notes. “Right now there’s so much uncertainty. I saw a CEO survey the other day where the consensus was that it’s not if we’ll have a recession, it’s when. And so I think those types of headlines, retailers look at those and say, ‘Okay, we’ve expanded in the past couple of years. Now’s maybe the time to wait a little bit.’”

As for market performance, Reading predicts a temporary cooling.

“I think the retail market will slow a little bit,” he says. “But as we’ve seen for quite a few years now, the Canadian consumer has been more resilient than I think we expected. So I think we’ll just see sort of a flattening or a leveling off over the balance of the year. And then I think we’ll see what happens at the holiday season. And then I think in 2026, hopefully things will start to look much better.”

On the investment side, recent activity is signaling longer-term confidence in the sector.

“We’ve seen a few significant malls sell recently, particularly in Quebec, but in other parts of the country as well,” Reading adds. “And I think that’s a real signal that there is some optimism with regard to the medium to long term in terms of just where we think retail will be.”

Reading says many of these acquisitions involve repositioning plans and mixed-use development strategies.

“We’ve had quite a few private capital buyers buy malls, the intention is to add some residential, reposition the mall a little bit,” he says. “So I think there is a real sense of optimism for the medium to long term. I just think we’re in for a little bit of choppy waters, I think, over the next six to 12 months.”

The recent Morguard report on real estate can be found here.

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Peavey Mart Set to Relaunch Under New Ownership

By
Lee Rivett
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Image: Peavey Mart

Peavey Mart, once the largest farm and ranch retailer in Canada, is preparing for a revival after shutting down operations earlier this year. Backed by a group of well-capitalized investors, the company will reopen select prairie locations in late fall 2025, beginning with stores in Spruce Grove, Westlock, Camrose, and Lacombe.

The new owners, operating under 2707162 Alberta Ltd., have acquired the rights to the Peavey Mart name and associated intellectual property from the now-defunct Peavey Industries LP. According to a statement, the relaunch will proceed without bank debt, an approach designed to ensure greater financial stability.

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

Building a New Foundation

The investors have secured 40,000 square feet of distribution space in Red Deer, Alberta, which will serve as the operational hub for the relaunched chain. The group has also assembled a leadership team, with Kurt Schultz overseeing operations.

Schultz emphasized that the revived Peavey Mart will remain focused on its traditional core customers. “We’re bringing back the Peavey Mart that people know and love, a Peavey Mart focused on the needs of the farmer, rancher, and homesteader with a strong emphasis on providing value for dollars spent in our stores,” he said.

The new iteration of Peavey Mart will carry many of the familiar brands that defined its product mix, including DeWALT, Dickies, Scotts, Harvest Goodness, Rolling Acres, and Pit Boss. At the same time, the company has signaled a greater emphasis on high-quality, unique, and locally sourced items that align with the Canadian entrepreneurial spirit.

Image: Peavey Mart

A Canadian Retailer with a Tumultuous Past

Peavey Mart’s return comes just months after the chain abruptly shuttered all of its more than 90 stores across the country. Based in Red Deer, Alberta, the retailer had long been a cornerstone for rural and small-town customers, offering agricultural equipment, hardware, workwear, and home improvement products.

The company’s history stretches back to 1967, when it was founded in Winnipeg as National Farmway Stores by the Minneapolis-based Peavey Company. After its rebranding as Peavey Mart in 1974, the business expanded across Western Canada. In 1984, following ConAgra’s acquisition of the Peavey Company, Canadian management acquired Peavey Mart outright, making it a wholly Canadian-owned retailer.

The company grew further after acquiring Ontario-based TSC Stores in 2016 and later expanding its presence in Manitoba. In 2020, Peavey Industries secured the Canadian master license for Ace Hardware, adding more than 100 locations to its retail portfolio.

From Expansion to Collapse

Despite its ambitious growth, Peavey Mart struggled in the years leading up to its closure. Early in 2025, the company began shutting down underperforming locations in Ontario and Nova Scotia. By spring, all stores nationwide were liquidated.

Industry analysts pointed to multiple challenges: declining consumer confidence, inflationary pressures, rising operating costs, supply chain disruptions, and increased competition from Canadian Tire and Home Depot. The retailer sought creditor protection as it faced mounting financial troubles, and by April 2025, every store had closed.

The collapse was particularly felt in rural communities, where Peavey Mart often served as a primary supplier for essential farm and ranch products. While many customers expressed dismay at the closures, some admitted to shopping less frequently, with liquidation events drawing more traffic than regular operations.

Image: Peavey Mart

A Focused Path Forward

The new ownership group aims to avoid repeating the missteps of the past. Plans call for reopening a core group of 7 to 12 locations across Alberta and Saskatchewan, rather than attempting a broad national footprint. The goal, according to Schultz, is to create an agile culture where store teams and operations work closely together to respond to customer needs.

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

By scaling back to a manageable regional footprint and avoiding heavy debt, the investors hope to create a leaner, more sustainable version of the brand. Whether this new chapter succeeds will depend not only on financial discipline but also on winning back customers who once relied on the retailer as part of daily rural life.

Community Expectations

The relaunch signals an important test for Canadian retail in the prairies. As large chains continue to dominate, Peavey Mart’s comeback represents an effort to preserve a distinctly regional model that caters to farmers, ranchers, and homesteaders.

The company’s focus on locally sourced products also reflects a broader consumer trend toward supporting Canadian-made goods. By aligning itself with that movement, Peavey Mart may carve out a more resilient niche in a competitive market.

Still, the road ahead will be difficult. National chains retain a significant advantage in scale, pricing, and logistics. Peavey Mart’s survival may depend on its ability to maintain strong community ties while adapting to modern retail realities.

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Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health commits $1.75M to support further advances in women’s health equity

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Source: Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health
Source: Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health

There’s a crisis in women’s health: only 7% of national funding is allocated to women’s health research yet 70% of patients with “medically unexplained symptoms” are women. The disparity in research funding and increased burden of disease for women is leading to a lack of access to high quality care – and putting women’s lives at risk. Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health has invested $1.75 million through its Community Grants Program to help improve the state of women’s healthcare across Canada.

The work of the 27 organizations receiving grants valued up to a maximum of $100,000 this year spans the women’s health landscape addressing areas including improving access to health supports for women experiencing homelessness, gender-based violence, and those in remote or rural communities, as well as initiatives focused on maternal health, menstrual equity, and mental health, it said.

“The funding delivered across Canada through our Community Grants program supports vital local charitable programs, awareness initiatives and improved access to care for women,” said Paulette Minard, Director of Community Investment at Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health. “Working together with these grant recipients, Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health is committed to making care more equitable and accessible so that all women in Canada can lead healthier lives.”

Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health – the charitable arm of Shoppers Drug Mart – is committed to helping Canadian women lead healthier lives, by making care more equitable and accessible. The Foundation will invest $50M by 2026 to address some of the most pressing health inequities facing women, including lack of representation in health research, barriers to accessing mental healthcare, and the urgent consequences women disproportionately face due to poverty and domestic violence.

Since 2022, the Foundation has supported 99 community-led organizations including The BC Society of Transition Houses (BCSTH) through its Community Grants Program. BCSTH supports an extensive network of member organizations that represent anti-violence workers throughout British Columbia who provide services in women’s transitional housing, safe homes and PEACE counselling programs for children and youth. With a donation of $100,000 from Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health, BCSTH was able to address menstrual education and equity as well as increase support through its BCSTH Menstrual Equity Project, said the Foundation.

“We are proud to partner with Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health to address critical gaps in women’s healthcare,” said Amy S. FitzGerald, Executive Director at the BC Society of Transition Houses. “Violence impacts not only women’s safety and health, but also creates significant financial barriers to equality and well-being. With this grant, we were able to provide menstrual products to nearly 5,000 women, many in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. This initiative has helped ease some of the burdens faced by women and girls living with violence, and we are deeply appreciative of the continued support from Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health.”

Photo: Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health
Photo: Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health

The full list of recipients of this year’s Community Grants program include:

Access to Care 

Gender-Based Violence   

Maternal Health

Menstrual Equity  


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Solving the Sourcing Disconnect: How retailers can reclaim control of their import networks: TradeBeyond (Op-Ed)

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo: Sam Lion
Photo: Sam Lion

By Rob Garrison, Senior Director of Enterprise, TradeBeyond

When Amazon pioneered “one click” purchasing and delivery, it radically changed how products were sold. How many clicks does it take for an importer to buy their products? For decades, major retailers have invested in enterprise systems that promised efficiency, transparency, and cost control. Today, however, those systems are being tested like never before. Two-thirds of American consumers are cutting back on discretionary spending, even before many tariff-driven price increases hit the shelves, while middle-income suburban households, once a reliable source of seasonal revenue, are acting increasingly price sensitive. At the same time, retailers are accelerating shipments, adjusting sourcing strategies, and expanding private label lines to protect margins. At present, legacy workflows and disconnected tech stacks leave retailers struggling to respond quickly to market shifts, rising costs, and rapidly evolving consumer expectations. The result is a sourcing disconnect that threatens speed to market, margin, and customer engagement unless upstream supply chain visibility and collaboration are radically improved. 

In many global sourcing organizations, the systems of record (whether ERP, PLM, or order management platforms) do their job well enough raising the order. However, upstream from order placement, chaos often reigns. Teams working on sourcing, product development, vendor management, compliance, order management, and logistics are using manual tools or legacy systems that don’t communicate with each other. Data is locked in static spreadsheets, feedback loops are slow, and collaboration is superficial. 

Rob Harrison
Rob Harrison

Consider the stakes, high margin private label products often take 225 days from design to deliver. The complexity of managing the network is outpacing manual solutions. Beyond inefficiency, this has a significant adverse impact on sales. Time to market is critical in order to remain competitive in an always on sales environment.

This fragmentation creates heightened risk in today’s retail environment. As retailers rush shipments to avoid tariff increases, recalibrate sourcing to manage rising costs, and expand private label assortments to appeal to value-conscious consumers, a lack of real-time visibility into supplier performance, timelines, and costs makes agile decision-making nearly impossible. Retailers may miss opportunities to optimize product mixes, adjust pricing ladders, or launch new offerings that align with shifting consumer expectations. 

The Case for an Operational Backbone

Retailers don’t need more systems, they need smarter connectivity between the systems and stakeholders they already rely on. What’s required is an operational backbone that bridges the gap between internal teams and external partners across the globe. 

A centralized, modular platform enables real-time collaboration across product development, sourcing, quality control, ethical compliance, and logistics tracking while integrating seamlessly with existing ERP, PLM, and warehouse systems. It must orchestrate the entire supplier ecosystem and be intuitive enough for non-technical users, whether a merchandiser in New York, a factory manager in Dhaka, or a sourcing partner adjusting production for private label strategies. Such a platform ensures that cost, quality, and lead-time data are visible to all stakeholders, helping retailers react quickly to tariffs, price fluctuations, and changing consumer sentiment.

Driving Change Without Disruption

Digital transformation doesn’t have to mean ripping out existing infrastructure. The most effective solutions augment what’s already in place, bringing structure and visibility to areas that have been historically underserved by technology. Implementation can be tackled in phases, with a focus on quick wins such as supplier onboarding, milestone tracking, or digital sample rooms, to build momentum. The goal is to create a single version of the truth of one shared hub where all stakeholders can access accurate, up-to-date information about products, timelines, and supplier performance. 

Importantly, use adoption must be at the core of any rollout. Suppliers and vendors need localized training, mobile accessibility, and in some cases, integrations with platforms they already use (such as messaging tools or regional portals). If partners can’t or won’t use the system, the value is lost. 

Real-World Impact

Retailers who have embraced this type of upstream connectivity are seeing measurable results like:

  • Improved time to market to enhance sales outcomes
  • Significant reductions in product development and sourcing timelines
  • Faster, more informed decision across merchandising and operations
  • Improved vendor compliance and fewer quality issues
  • Reduced reliance on spreadsheets, manual rework, and email chains
  • Greater flexibility to respond to market and supply chain volatility

One major retailer onboarded more than 18,000 vendors within six months by focusing on supplier enablement and internal alignment. Others have used similar platforms to cut days, (or even weeks) from their seasonal calendars, all while improving collaboration across functions. 

As retail continues to transform, big players face a choice between continuing to patch legacy workflows with manual processes, or invest in a unified operational layer that gives them full control and visibility into the early stages of the supply chain. Contrary to popular belief, transformation doesn’t begin with data, it begins with better collaboration. For large retailers juggling speed, scale, and sustainability, there’s never been a better time to connect the dots.

Related Retail Insider stories:

Canadian Retail Sales Rise 5.9% in June on Travel Shift

By
Retail Insider
-
Summer tourists in Banff, AB. Image: Banff Tourism

By J.C. Williams Group

June proved to be a robust month for Canadian retail as total sales grew by an impressive 5.9% YOY. Stripping away automotive, food, and pharmacy categories reveals an even more striking growth of 7.1% YOY.

Despite being down -1.1% YOY for June, alcohol sales showed surprising resilience relative to their prolonged slump throughout 2025. American wine imports, which fell by a staggering 94% in April, set the tone for a broader alcohol market influenced by both economic and consumer shifts. With many retailers struggling to source affordable imported wine, consumers appear to be choosing budget-friendly Canadian alcohol options or even abstaining from purchasing alcohol altogether. Wine, in particular, is under extra pressure, with sales down 13% YOY from March to June.

Interestingly, Cannabis Stores (up 18.4% YOY) have emerged as a bright spot, easily outpacing alcohol. There’s reason to think tighter access to American alcohol may have prompted some consumers to explore cannabis as an alternative leisure option. Additionally, the growth might reflect improved market maturity, possibly due to new cannabis retailers being added to the data set during the month.

Retail benefitted significantly from Canadians prioritizing domestic travel over international getaways, a trend amplified by the ongoing boycott of travel to the U.S. During June, Canadian travel to the United States fell by a sharp 28.7% YOY, and this regional redirection translated into growing sales in key provinces. For example, British Columbia (up 7.0% YOY) showed strong retail momentum, much of which is likely tied to increased activity around Vancouver’s (up 8.7% YOY) bustling tourism industry. The Maritimes posted 5.0% growth YTD, underscoring their success in attracting nature-hungry travelers seeking oceanside relaxation.

Interestingly, Toronto—a staple for both domestic and international tourism—saw sales rise by only 2.0% YOY. While still positive, this smaller bump may hint that Canadians are favoring outdoor and regional experiences over city-oriented travel destinations.

As we approach fall, JCWG is currently thinking about:

  • How aggressively will tariffs influence back-to-school shopping patterns, particularly for categories like apparel and electronics?
  • Prime Day was a strong contender in July—will it dampen traditional brick-and-mortar sales data?
  • Vacancies driven by Hudson’s Bay closures are reshaping the real estate footprint across Canada. How will this space be repurposed, and who will fill the gap?
  • Will Simons’ recent expansion in Ontario translate into sustained retail success, setting the stage for new competitors in fashion and home goods?
  • With holiday creep ramping up earlier every year—Harrods in London is already showcasing Christmas displays—how will these extended seasons affect consumer spending on fall categories?
  • How are YOU preparing for the upcoming fall season?

Retail Sales by Product Category, Same Month Comparison

Sales for the Month of JuneJun-25Jun-24YOY
All Stores72,745,12568,724,6225.85%
Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers20,521,75818,571,81910.50%
Gasoline Stations6,303,5506,713,505-6.11%
All Stores Less Automotive45,919,81743,439,2985.71%
Food and Beverage Stores13,517,35813,334,1681.37%
Supermarkets and Other Grocery Stores*9,488,4659,307,4561.94%
Convenience Stores750,351764,762-1.88%
Specialty Food Stores992,322949,7004.49%
Beer, Wine and Liquor Stores2,286,2192,312,250-1.13%
Health and Personal Care Stores5,961,8505,420,07110.00%
All Stores Less Automotive, Food, and Pharmacies26,440,60924,685,0597.11%
General Merchandise Stores9,771,6759,308,0044.98%
Furniture, Home Furnishings, Electronic and Appliance Stores3,543,0603,385,0184.67%
Furniture Stores1,218,4211,169,1374.22%
Home Furnishings Stores737,224664,03211.02%
Electronics and Appliance Stores1,587,4141,551,8492.29%
Clothing and Accessories Stores3,855,4243,494,27510.34%
Clothing Stores3,019,0502,726,48010.73%
Shoe Stores423,047407,5163.81%
Jewellery, Luggage and Leather Goods Stores413,326360,27914.72%
Sporting Goods, Hobby, Book and Music Stores4,186,3393,822,0629.53%
Building Material and Garden Equipment5,084,1114,675,7008.73%
Miscellaneous Store Retailers2,798,2382,499,14111.97%
Cannabis Retailers480,203405,71218.36%

Retail Sales by Store Category, Year to Date Comparison

Year-to-Date Sales Ending JuneJun-25Jun-24YTD
All Stores403,454,909384,665,4844.88%
Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers115,324,627106,567,4808.22%
Gasoline Stations36,521,43638,017,724-3.94%
All Stores Less Automotive251,608,846240,080,2804.80%
Food and Beverage Stores76,665,57274,625,3702.73%
Supermarkets and Other Grocery Stores*55,489,74753,596,1973.53%
Convenience Stores3,995,1294,201,305-4.91%
Specialty Food Stores5,380,4995,030,9726.95%
Beer, Wine and Liquor Stores11,800,19811,796,8970.03%
Health and Personal Care Stores35,369,48532,685,8638.21%
All Stores Less Automotive, Food, and Pharmacies139,573,789132,769,0475.13%
General Merchandise Stores53,233,80551,084,5514.21%
Furniture, Home Furnishings, Electronic and Appliance Stores20,850,04020,045,4404.01%
Furniture Stores6,905,6576,612,9244.43%
Home Furnishings Stores4,182,4833,930,9096.40%
Electronics and Appliance Stores9,761,9009,501,6082.74%
Clothing and Accessories Stores19,988,27918,269,5149.41%
Clothing Stores15,507,07814,119,7269.83%
Shoe Stores2,140,2442,139,6060.03%
Jewellery, Luggage and Leather Goods Stores2,340,9542,010,18116.45%
Sporting Goods, Hobby, Book and Music Stores22,456,01420,850,8197.70%
Building Material and Garden Equipment23,045,65122,518,7212.34%
Miscellaneous Store Retailers15,155,15613,554,54111.81%
Cannabis Retailers2,683,7332,446,3029.71%

Ecommerce Sales

Jun-25Jun-24
Ecommerce Sales, YTD23,864,06321,945,8678.74%
Ecommerce Sales, YOY4,063,0593,914,6673.79%

Regional Sales, Year to Date Comparison

RegionYear-to-Date, 2025Year-to-Date, 2024YTD
British Columbia55,429,67451,786,9937.03%
Vancouver28,255,25525,991,3248.71%
Alberta52,482,48749,686,1595.63%
Prairies*26,945,68725,546,0775.48%
Ontario150,098,116143,848,8514.34%
Toronto66,341,48465,012,9862.04%
Québec89,490,92786,175,8823.85%
Montréal44,458,70142,906,8203.62%
Atlantic Canada27,544,83726,235,9674.99%
Territories1,463,1831,385,5585.60%

Thank you J.C. Williams Group for this report.

More from Retail Insider:

The Timeless Appeal of Outdoor Living: Why CopperSmith Fire Pits Elevate Every Space

By
Retail Insider
-

Creating a home that is open to the outdoors is very much at the forefront of what homeowners are after. For peaceful evenings at home with the family or large get-togethers with friends, the fire pit has become the star of the show in modern patios and gardens. Beyond being a source of heat, they also create a community feel and ambiance, and they are very attractive. Out of the large number of options that are out there today, CopperSmith Fire Pits stand out for their artistry, durability, and classic design.

The Enduring Popularity of Fire Pits

For ages, people have gathered at fires for warmth, food, and connection. Today we see the modern fire pit, which continues that ancient tradition yet at the same time fits into present-day living. Its growing appeal is due to many factors:

  • Ambiance: Firelight creates a warm and very private ambiance, which no other feature does.
  • Versatility: From small city patios to large backyards, fire pits can be tailored to.
  • Functionality: Into the cooler seasons they do so.
  • Social Connection: A fire pit is great for conversation, storytelling, and togetherness.

These issues are what are behind the trend of homeowners investing in high-quality fire pits as a great outdoor upgrade.

Why Use Copper in Your Fire Pit?

In terms of selection of fire pits, material plays a key role in performance and longevity. Copper has become the premier choice for its special blend of strength, beauty, and easy care. Also, copper’s advantages include:

  • Durability: Copper does better than many metals in terms of exposure to the elements; it stands up to corrosion and weather wear.
  • Timeless Aesthetics: Over time as copper ages it changes from it’s bright initial state into rich warm earth tones. This which is it’s natural finish also gives it character and a touch of luxury.
  • Heat Conductivity: Copper heat distributes evenly, which in turn improves the comfort at the fireside.
  • Sustainability: Copper is the choice for green-conscious homeowners and is also a sustainable metal.

For which these materials, copper, are practical as well as stylish choices, which is what we see in the case of those that play on function and artistry.

Craftsmanship Matters: The CopperSmith Difference

While there are many fire pits out there few compare to the craftsmanship and design of CopperSmith Fire Pits. CopperSmith is known for their artisan touch which they apply to pieces that go beyond the basic outdoor fixture they create works of art which are built to last a lifetime.

Each fire pit is a custom creation by skilled artisans who put a great deal of attention to detail and structure in to. These are not produced like the mass market models, instead each one has a unique touch which brings together modern design with traditional artistry.

Customization Options

CopperSmith is also known for the personalization of their designs. The company offers a large choice in terms of size, shape, and finish from which homeowners may choose what best fits their outdoor theme.

From a modern patio that needs a simple design to a weather-worn back garden that calls for a more natural look, CopperSmith gives the choice to create a very unique piece.

Quality That Lasts

Built with the best quality copper, CopperSmith Fire Pits are designed for beauty and durability, which the company stands behind.

CopperSmith has gone with a very robust design for dependability and also included the element of the living copper patina, which only improves the piece’s look as time goes on.

Fire Pits as a Lifestyle Investment

Invest in a fire pit, and you are doing more than just adding a decorative touch—you are improving your lifestyle. Homeowners that put in a high-quality unit extend the use of their outdoor areas, which in turn are enjoyed all year round. Also see that:

  • Year-Round Enjoyment: In all seasons a fire pit extends the living space outdoors.
  • Increased Home Value: A well-landscaped outdoor space that includes a fire pit does greatly to increase property value.
  • Health & Wellness: Spending time in nature, which includes by fire, does wonders for relaxation and stress reduction.
  • Entertainment Hub: From marshmallow roasting to elaborate cocktail parties, a fire pit is a host’s dream.

For those who seek out beauty as well as function, the CopperSmith Fire Pit is the best investment.

Styling Your Outdoor Space Around a Fire Pit

To increase a fire pit’s impact, homeowners may thoughtfully design their outdoor space to put it at the core of the design. Here are some tips for which to use them best:

  • Seating Arrangements: Round or semi-round seating, which enhances the conversation at the fire pit.
  • Complementary Materials: Pair copper fire pits with stone, wood, or neutral outdoor pieces for balance.
  • Lighting: Subtle landscape lighting keeps the fire pit the star of the evening ambiance.
  • Functional Additions: Also include side tables, weather-resistant rugs, or planters, which will tie the space together.

Through use of the fire pit as a focal point, homeowners are able to transform their total outdoor space.

Conclusion

Fire pits do more than serve as outdoor accessories—they are in fact timeless gathering spots that improve your daily outdoor experience. CopperSmith takes fire pits past the ordinary in terms of durability, look, which changes with time, and artisanship, which brings grace and utility to any setting.

For the things that are out of the ordinary, Copperleaf’s artisans provide custom design, which is bringing patios and backyards to life in a very welcoming and warm way. In putting this into a home, the family will be the stars of that which fire has brought together people since time out of mind, which in turn creates unforgettable memories. 

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