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Rains Opens Yorkdale Store as Canada Becomes Key Growth Market

By
Craig Patterson
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Rains at Yorkdale in Toronto. Photo: Yorkdale Shopping Centre

Danish lifestyle brand Rains has opened its second Canadian store at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, continuing a Canadian expansion strategy spanning retail, wholesale and e-commerce.

The store opened June 12 and spans about 1,600 square feet. It occupies the former Ecco location, positioned between the newly built Abercrombie & Fitch store and the new Massimo Dutti location in an established fashion corridor at Yorkdale.

Alexander Hilton, Chief of Staff at Rains with responsibility for the company’s North American retail operations, said the opening follows an encouraging response to its first Canadian store in Vancouver and continued growth within the brand’s wholesale business.

“Vancouver gave us confidence that Canadian consumers truly connect with the Rains brand,” Hilton said. “Combined with the strong development of our wholesale business across Canada, it reinforced our belief that it was the right time to invest in a second retail location.”

The Yorkdale store welcomed close to 1,500 visitors during its first weeks of operation and is supported by a retail team of eight employees.

Rains store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. Photo: Kevin Tablizo

Canada Emerges as a Growth Market

Founded in Denmark, Rains built its identity around contemporary waterproof outerwear before expanding into bags, apparel, footwear and accessories. Its collections combine Scandinavian design with materials intended for changing urban weather conditions.

Hilton said the Vancouver store confirmed that Canadian demand extends beyond the company’s traditional rainwear products.

“Vancouver confirmed that there is a strong appetite for Scandinavian design and functional outerwear in Canada,” he said. “We also saw that customers quickly embraced the broader collection beyond rainwear. Those learnings gave us confidence that the opportunity extends well beyond a single city and that Canada deserves a long-term investment.”

The company has been encouraged by the performance of its Canadian business to date.

“Canada has developed into an important growth market for us, and while we’re pleased with the early results, we still believe we’re only scratching the surface of the long-term opportunity,” Hilton said.

The Yorkdale store is larger than the Vancouver location, although both follow the same global retail concept. The assortment is adjusted for the local market and season, while the overall presentation remains consistent with the company’s international stores.

The interior uses muted tones, stainless steel display elements and textured surfaces, with the products and materials kept at the centre of the space.

“The Yorkdale store follows our global retail concept, which reflects the architectural identity of the brand,” Hilton said. “While each location naturally adapts to its surroundings, the focus remains on creating a clean, immersive environment where the products and materials take centre stage.”

Rains store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. Photo: Kevin Tablizo

Building a Canadian Platform

The Yorkdale opening builds on work Rains began in Canada in 2024, when the company established a wholesale showroom at 90 Wingold Avenue near the shopping centre while preparing its first corporately operated Canadian store in Vancouver.

The showroom was created to support existing retail accounts, introduce more of the Rains assortment to Canadian buyers and expand the company’s wholesale network. Rains also moved from working through a Canadian distributor to managing distribution directly, giving it greater control over retailer relationships and the presentation of the brand.

Canadian wholesale partners have included Holt Renfrew, Simons, Sporting Life, and independent retailers. The company’s strategy has combined owned stores with major retail accounts and smaller wholesale partners to build awareness within individual markets.

The Yorkdale store extends that approach into the Toronto market, close to the showroom that has supported the wholesale business.

Rains store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. Photo: Kevin Tablizo

Demand Expands Beyond Outerwear

Outerwear remains central to Rains, but Hilton said Canadian customers are increasingly shopping across the wider assortment.

“Bags remain one of our fastest-growing categories, and we’re also seeing encouraging demand for a full lifestyle collection as customers engage with Rains as a lifestyle brand rather than solely an outerwear brand,” he said.

Canada’s varied climate gives the company relevance across different seasons, although Rains does not approach the market solely through cold-weather products.

“Our assortment strategy is driven by providing solutions across different seasons rather than focusing exclusively on cold weather,” Hilton said. “Our collections are designed to perform in changing conditions while maintaining a clean, contemporary aesthetic.”

Rains is currently focused on bringing its full global collection to Canadian customers and has no Canada-exclusive products or colours to announce. Hilton said the Yorkdale store could also become a platform for future events, partnerships and other brand activations.

Stores Support Wholesale and E-Commerce

Hilton said physical stores play an important role alongside the company’s wholesale and e-commerce businesses.

“Retail is where customers truly experience the Rains universe,” he said. “It allows us to present the brand exactly as intended while supporting both our e-commerce and wholesale business. We don’t view the channels in isolation. They reinforce each other.”

At Yorkdale, Rains joins a stretch of the shopping centre that has recently welcomed new stores from Abercrombie & Fitch and Massimo Dutti. The brand occupies space previously held by Ecco, which has reduced its Canadian store network over the past year.

The location also places Rains among a broader mix of international contemporary and luxury retailers that have continued to expand at Yorkdale.

Rains store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. Photo: Kevin Tablizo

Further Canadian Expansion Under Consideration

Rains is evaluating opportunities for additional Canadian stores, although Hilton said the company intends to remain selective.

“Canada remains an important strategic market for us, and we’re always evaluating opportunities where we believe the brand can succeed,” he said. “That said, we’re disciplined in our approach and prioritize finding the right locations over expanding quickly.”

Before opening at Yorkdale, Rains had identified Toronto and Montreal as future retail markets as it developed its Canadian strategy. The company now has stores in Vancouver and Toronto, supported by wholesale distribution and e-commerce across the country.

Hilton said Canadian consumers have responded to products that combine practical performance with understated design.

“Canadian customers appreciate quality, functionality and timeless design, which aligns closely with the DNA of Rains,” he said. “Compared to some markets, we see customers taking a thoughtful approach to purchasing and showing strong interest in products that combine performance with everyday versatility.”

Canada is expected to account for a growing share of the company’s regional business.

“Canada is becoming an increasingly important pillar of our North American business,” Hilton said. “We see significant long-term potential across retail, wholesale and e-commerce, and expect Canada to play a growing role in our regional growth strategy over the coming years.”

“Our ambition is to continue increasing brand awareness, deepen our presence across all channels and establish Rains as one of the leading contemporary outerwear and lifestyle brands in Canada,” he added. “We’re still in the early chapters of that journey, and we’re excited about what lies ahead.”

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Rising costs outpace sales growth, eroding restaurant profitability: Restaurants Canada

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Nadin Sh photo
Nadin Sh photo

Canada’s restaurant industry is seeing stronger-than-expected sales growth in 2026, but rising operating costs continue to outpace revenue growth and erode profitability, leaving many operators at risk of closure and with less capacity to invest, according to Restaurants Canada’s Q2 Quarterly Report released on Monday.

The findings highlight the growing disconnect between sales and profitability and underscore the importance of an investment climate that enables restaurants to grow, invest, and create jobs, said the national organization.

Canada’s restaurant industry generates $125 billion in annual sales, contributes nearly four percent of Canada’s GDP, and generates $2.25 in economic output for every dollar spent—well above the national average. Restaurants are Canada’s fourth largest private sector employer, with 1.2 million workers, 40% of whom are youth, it said.

“Stronger sales are always welcome, but they aren’t enough to offset the cost pressures restaurants continue to face,” said Kelly Higginson, President and CEO of Restaurants Canada. “When restaurants are constantly managing rising costs and shrinking margins, investment slows, employment stagnates, new equipment isn’t purchased as quickly, renovation plans are delayed and plans to expand are put on hold. That has repercussions well beyond the restaurant industry.”

Quarterly Report at a glance:

  • Real commercial foodservice sales are expected to grow by 1.5% in 2026 (inflation-adjusted), a slight improvement over the Q1 forecast.
  • 64% of operators say their profitability is lower than last year.
  • 41% of operators are operating at a loss or breaking even, up from 36% in March.
  • Rising fuel prices are hitting restaurants twice, through increased food, transportation and operating costs, and reduced customer traffic and spending.
  • 73% of restaurant operators say current tax policies at all levels of government are limiting their ability to invest and grow.
  • 71% say they would be more likely to invest if restaurant capital investments were eligible for accelerated tax write-offs like in other sectors.
Kelly Higginson
Kelly Higginson

Despite ongoing profitability challenges, the restaurant industry continues to be a major engine of employment and economic growth. During the first half of 2026, the restaurant industry added approximately 50,000 youth to its workforce compared to the same period last year, making it Canada’s largest net creator of youth jobs, and reinforcing its role as the country’s leading source of first-time jobs, said Restaurants Canada.

“Restaurants continue to create opportunities for Canadians, particularly young people entering the workforce,” said Higginson. “But that success shouldn’t be taken for granted. It depends on an operating environment that allows businesses to invest, grow and create even more jobs.”

Sam Lion photo
Sam Lion photo

The organization said the report’s findings are clear—stronger sales alone won’t restore restaurant profitability. It requires addressing the cost pressures affecting Canadians and restaurants alike, while creating the conditions for restaurants to invest again.

Restaurants Canada is calling on the federal government to:

  • Permanently exempt all food, including restaurant meals, from the GST/HST to lower food costs for Canadians while supporting job creation and economic growth.
  • Establish permanent full first-year expensing for restaurant capital investments under the Accelerated Investment Incentive to encourage reinvestment, modernization and growth.

“The restaurant industry continues to be an economic driver in communities across Canada,” said Higginson. “With the right investment climate, restaurants can continue investing, creating jobs and contributing to Canada’s economic growth.”

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CFIB urges Premiers to champion tax relief and internal trade reform

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Ketut Subiyanto photo
Ketut Subiyanto photo

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is calling on Premiers to put small business tax relief and internal trade reform at the top of the agenda for this week’s Council of the Federation meeting in Prince Edward Island. 

“Small businesses across Canada are under mounting pressure from every angle,” said Keyli Loeppky, Senior Director of Interprovincial Affairs at CFIB. “Global trade uncertainty, rising costs, weak consumer demand, and limited access to capital have all led to three consecutive quarters where small business exits have outpaced entries. We’re in an entrepreneurial drought, and Canada cannot afford to keep losing entrepreneurs or discouraging business growth. Governments that want a stronger, more resilient economy must put small business priorities at the centre of their agenda.”

The CFIB said it is urging Premiers to focus on two immediate opportunities to support entrepreneurship and economic growth: help deliver federal small business tax relief and accelerate efforts to tear down internal trade barriers.

While many provinces have reduced their small business tax rates over the past year—bringing the national provincial average down to 1.6%—the federal government has not kept pace. The federal small business tax rate has remained frozen at 9% since 2019, and the Small Business Deduction threshold has been unchanged at $500,000 since 2009. If the threshold had been indexed to inflation, as federal personal income tax thresholds are, it would now exceed $700,000, said Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 103,000 members across every industry and region.

Reducing the federal small business tax rate and increasing the deduction threshold would provide much-needed relief. CFIB estimates that lowering the federal rate to 6% and increasing the deduction threshold to $700,000 would save small firms up to $33,000 annually, it added.

At the same time, governments must move more quickly to eliminate internal trade barriers that limit opportunities for businesses to expand and compete across Canada. Despite growing political commitments, progress on implementation has been slow. According to CFIB data, 69% of small businesses reported no improvement in the ease of doing business across provincial borders over the last 12 months, while 16% said conditions have worsened, explained the CFIB.

“Premiers have made important commitments to improving internal trade, but small businesses need to see results now,” said Loeppky. “One of the clearest examples is direct-to-consumer alcohol shipping. Despite broad support and repeated commitments, most provinces have yet to follow through even though the deadline was set for May. They are now 50 days late. When governments fail to deliver on agreed-upon reforms, confidence erodes and businesses are left bearing the consequences.”

Keyli Loeppky
Keyli Loeppky

To foster a better environment for entrepreneurial growth, CFIB said it is calling on all Premiers to:

•    Advocate to the federal government to reduce the small business tax rate from 9% to 6%, increase the deduction threshold from $500,000 to $700,000, and index it to inflation;
•    Quickly implement unilateral recognition of regulatory requirements affecting the sale and use of goods, services, and labour across Canada; 
•    Immediately implement overdue agreements such as the direct-to-consumer shipment of alcohol and the Canadian Mutual Recognition on the Sale of Goods, if not already implemented; and 
•    Hold one another accountable to collectively set internal trade agreement timelines and publicly identify where progress stalls.

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Consumer prices rise 2.8% year-over-year in June: Statistics Canada

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Ivan S photo
Ivan S photo

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 2.8% year over year in June, following a 3.2% gain in May. Prices for gasoline increased at a slower rate on a year-over-year basis in June compared with May, driving the deceleration in the headline CPI. Excluding gasoline, the CPI was unchanged in June compared with May, at 2.2%, reported Statistics Canada on Monday.

The CPI fell 0.4% month over month in June, the largest monthly decline since December 2024. On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, the CPI fell 0.1% in June, the first decline since April 2025 (-0.2%), said the federal agency.

“Prices at the pump increased at a slower rate on a year-over-year basis in June (+20.5%) compared with May (+33.2%). While gasoline prices remained elevated due to the conflict in the Middle East, diplomatic talks and an interim ceasefire arrangement contributed to an easing of global oil prices in June, leading to a 10.2% month-over-month decline. This was the largest monthly decline in gasoline prices since April 2025, when prices fell due to the removal of the consumer carbon levy,” noted Statistics Canada.

Prices for food purchased from stores grew at a slower pace on a year-over-year basis in June (+3.9%) compared with May (+4.3%). Despite the slowdown, June was the 17th consecutive month that grocery price inflation outpaced the all-items CPI, it said.

“The year-over-year deceleration in grocery prices in June was driven by slower price growth for fresh fruit (+1.7%), mainly due to lower prices for grapes (-0.6%). Moderating the slowdown in grocery prices were higher prices for fresh or frozen chicken (+5.7%), bread, rolls and buns (+6.0%) and frozen food preparations (+2.7%).”

Prices for traveller accommodation accelerated on a year-over-year basis in June, rising 10.1% compared with a 2.5% increase in May. Driving the acceleration were higher prices in Ontario (+19.4%) and British Columbia (+20.0%), mainly in Toronto and Vancouver, both of which were host cities for World Cup matches. At the same time, prices for the rental of passenger vehicles index rose 6.8% on a year-over-year basis, coinciding with higher demand for travel, it said.

Consumers paid 6.8% more for travel tours on a year-over-year basis in June, up from a 0.7% increase in May. In addition, prices for air transportation rose at a faster pace in June (+9.6%) compared with May (+7.4%) on a yearly basis, marking the largest increase since February 2023. Contributing to the price increase were higher jet fuel costs and greater demand for domestic travel, it added.

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Staples Canada and Canada Post partner to provide new shipping tools for small businesses

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Staples photo
Staples photo

Staples Canada is partnering with Canada Post to bring Canada Post Small Business Shipping Services to select retail locations in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.

Customers including small-medium sized businesses can now access these Canada Post services at nine locations in Ontario. Additional participating stores will launch in the coming weeks.

“Small businesses need convenient, flexible solutions that help them serve their customers and manage their day-to-day operations efficiently,” said Ryan Mair, Chief Services Officer, Staples Canada. “By adding Canada Post to our existing suite of shipping services, we’re making it even easier for entrepreneurs and growing businesses to access the carrier and support they need, all in one place.

With the addition of Canada Post Small Business Shipping Services, the retailer said customers can access convenient solutions, including domestic and international shipping, pre-labelled parcel drop-off, and the purchase of flat-rate boxes, envelopes and postage stamps.

As a leading destination for shipping services, the company said it already provides customers with convenient access to FedEx, Purolator, DHL and UPS. The addition of Canada Post further expands these offerings, giving small businesses access to the country’s most comprehensive network of shipping solutions in one convenient location.

To learn more about shipping services at Staples, visit staples.ca/ship.

The retailer is a Canadian company headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario, with about 300 stores across Canada and staples.ca, printing and shipping services at Staples Print, and Staples Studio co-working spaces.

In an interview with Retail Insider, Mair talked about the new initiative.

Question: What prompted Staples Canada to partner with Canada Post, and how does this fit into your broader strategy for serving small business customers?

Answer: Small businesses are looking for choice, convenience and value. Over the past five years, Staples has positioned itself as Canada’s only multi-carrier shipping destination. By partnering with Canada Post, we’re expanding the shipping options available in our stores, further strengthening our commitment to provide convenient, accessible shipping solutions for small and growing businesses in communities across Canada.

Q: Why was now the right time to add Canada Post alongside existing shipping partners like FedEx, Purolator, DHL and UPS, and what gap does it fill? 

A: We are continually evolving our services based on the needs of our customers. Adding Canada Post, a trusted and widely used shipping provider, complements our existing carrier network and gives customers more options in one convenient location. Alongside FedEx, Purolator, DHL and UPS, it makes it easier for customers to choose the shipping solution that best meets their needs – whether they prioritize convenience, coverage, value or speed.

Ryan Mair
Ryan Mair

Q: What are you hearing from small business customers about their shipping needs today, and how do you expect this new offering to improve their experience? 

A: Small businesses consistently tell us that they want easy, convenient solutions that help them save time and money. Adding Canada Post small business shipping services gives them another trusted shipping option and makes it easier to manage multiple business needs in a single visit when they come into a Staples store. 

We’re also seeing the needs of entrepreneurs evolve. More micro-businesses, home-based businesses, and side-giggers are selling through a variety of online marketplaces, social platforms, and their own e-commerce sites. These businesses need flexible, convenient shipping solutions that can keep up with their customers’ expectations for reliable delivery. By adding Canada Post small business shipping services to our existing shipping portfolio, we’re giving these sellers more choice, greater convenience, and a simple way to manage fulfillment close to where they live and work. Ultimately, it’s about helping Canadian small businesses spend less time on logistics and more time growing their business.

Q: Do you see this partnership driving more traffic to Staples stores, and are there opportunities to cross-sell other business services such as printing, technology, office supplies or coworking? 

A: Our focus is always on delivering value and convenience to our customers. Our shipping services often bring business customers to our stores, where they can also access other services like printing, technology support and workplace solutions, helping them accomplish more in one visit.

Q: Looking ahead, how do you see Staples Canada’s shipping and business services evolving, and are there plans to expand Canada Post Small Business Shipping Services to more locations or introduce additional offerings?

A: We’re a trusted partner to Canadian small businesses. Through our broad services ecosystem, national store network and omni-channel approach, we stay closely connected to entrepreneurs and business owners, which helps us understand their evolving needs and where we can add value. Our partnership with Canada Post is a great example of that approach, strengthening our ability to provide convenient, trusted business services in the communities we serve. As we continue to prove out the model, we’re eager to explore opportunities to expand the partnership across more locations and further enhance the solutions we offer to help Canadian businesses grow and succeed.

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High-end street-front retail investment coming to Calgary: Barclay Street Real Estate report

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Future Hermes store (former HSBC Bank) at 407 8 Avenue SW in Calgary. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi

Calgary’s retail market has entered the second half of 2026 with genuine momentum, according to a Barclay Street Real Estate report. 

“The confirmed Hermès boutique on Stephen Avenue is more than a single lease – it signals that high-end street-front investment is coming and that other global names are watching,” said the report, Calgary’s Second Quarter 2026 Retail Leasing Landscape.

“Vacancy is expected to remain range-bound as new community and mixed-used supply is absorbed by healthy pre-leasing and occupier demand. QSR expansion, experiential retail, and the potential Astra Real Estate Corp. redevelopment of the former Hudson’s Bay building will be defining themes. Alberta’s population growth and rising retailer confidence point toward continued stability and a strong second half.”

At the close of Q2 2026, Calgary’s retail market continued to demonstrate resilience and momentum. Overall occupancy held firm at 97.0%, while headlease vacancy ticked up modestly to 3.0% from 2.9%, remaining near the historically tight levels that have defined the past several quarters, said the report.

Overall availability was equally stable at 3.1%, with total available space seeing minimal movement, reflecting continued tight conditions across most of the city, it added.

“The headline of the quarter belongs to Hermès. The iconic French luxury house has signed a deal to open its first standalone Alberta boutique at 407 8th Avenue SW – a flagship store expected to open 2027. Hermès has chosen a street-front location in the heart of downtown, placing Calgary alongside Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver as one of the only four Canadian cities with a standalone Hermès boutique,” said the report. 

“The deal was brokered by our very own Bill Falagaris, Executive Vice President, with the support of Shirley Ganong, Vice President, Property Management at Barclay Street Real Estate. On the Quick-Service Restaurants (QSR) front, Foodtastic has secured the Dunkin’ brand for Canadian expansion, continuing a quarter of strong demand from food and beverages operators.”

Hermes concession at Holt Renfrew in downtown Calgary. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi

“Calgary is finally seeing the boom it deserves. Multiple U.S. brands are opening several locations here, some debuting concepts not yet seen in any other market — a first for Canada, and a clear signal of how strong this retail market has become,” said Joshua Gill, Senior Associate, Barclay Street Real Estate.

Southeast Calgary led the quarter with a 60-basis point improvement to 1.7% vacancy, driven by strong community shopping centre demand. Northwest Calgary tightened to 1.8% from 2.1%. The CBD edged up to 9.0%, where Astra Real Estate Corp’s acquisition of the Hudson’s Bay building warrants close attention given the scale of potential redevelopment. Southwest Calgary’s vacancy edged up to 4.2% – a natural reversion following Q1’s exceptional absorption – though it remains well above prior-cycle lows, added the report.

It said Power and Enclosed Shopping Centres remain effectively full at 0.1% vacancy. Community Shopping Centres – the market’s largest format at 29.0% of inventory – hold at 2.4% vacancy, supported by restaurant and daycare demand. Street Front tightened 60 basis points to 6.8%.

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Small businesses embrace the role of ‘creator’ to get seen in 2026: Constant Contact

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Gustavo Fring photo
Gustavo Fring photo

A new report by Constant Contact found that to stay visible while managing the daily hustle of running a business, small and medium-sized businesses are fundamentally rewriting their job descriptions to embrace the role of “creator” — and leaning on AI to get it all done.

Its Small Business Now report, a global study of over 5,000 small business owners and consumers, reveals that small business owners are stepping into a new role: the creator.

Their content has a job: to bring in customers, to drive sales and to keep the customers coming back who already love them.

While social media has emerged as the primary “front door” for discovery, AI and automation have become essential efficiency tools that allow owners to scale their efforts to be seen without burning out. In fact, 40% of SMBs are now strategically pivoting to these technologies to manage their marketing workload instead of simply spending more, said the report.

In an interview with Retail Insider, Frank Vella, CEO of Constant Contact, talks about the trend. 

Frank Vella
Frank Vella

Question: Your report found that 49% of consumers have cut back on shopping at small businesses because of inflation. What are the biggest factors driving that change, and are there any signs that consumer behavior is beginning to recover?

Answer: Our research shows consumers haven’t lost interest in shopping small: they’re just being more intentional about it. In fact, consumer preference for shopping at small businesses has nearly tripled compared to last year. People still want to support local businesses, but they need compelling reasons to do so. Businesses that stay visible, build authentic relationships both on and offline, and clearly communicate their value are much more likely to win those customers even in a price-conscious environment.

Q: Social media is now the top way consumers discover new small businesses. Which platforms are delivering the strongest results, and how should retailers adjust their marketing strategies?

A: One platform hasn’t won—consumers expect to discover businesses where they spend the most time online, which is through social content. 

For retailers, that means thinking less like advertisers and more like publishers. Show your personality, educate your audience, share customer stories, and create content consistently. People want to see authentic stories, products in action, behind-the-scenes content, and recommendations they can trust. AI can also help streamline content creation, making it easier for even the smallest teams to maintain a strong presence.

Vitaly Gariev photo
Vitaly Gariev photo

Q: Were there any findings in the report that surprised you or challenged conventional assumptions about how consumers are supporting small businesses today?

A: Our research found that 73% of small business owners now see themselves as creators, and that’s a meaningful shift. The businesses seeing the strongest results aren’t just promoting products. They’re consistently creating engaging content that builds relationships with customers.

We were also struck by how rapidly AI adoption has accelerated. In the U.S., AI usage among small businesses has reached 87%, which reflects how accessible these tools have become. Small businesses are using AI to save time, create better marketing content, and engage customers more consistently. Not to replace the human element, but to amplify it.

Perhaps most encouraging is that consumers still genuinely want to support small businesses. Success today isn’t just about offering the lowest price. It’s about staying visible, building trust, and creating meaningful connections.

Q: How are successful small retailers balancing the pressure of higher costs with consumers’ increased price sensitivity without undermining their brands?

A: The most successful retailers aren’t competing solely on price. They’re competing on value, experience, and relationships.

Instead of constant discounting, they’re investing in stronger customer engagement through email marketing, social media, loyalty programs, and personalized communications. They’re using AI to work more efficiently so they can spend more time serving customers and creating better experiences.

Consumers understand that small businesses face different challenges than large retailers. They’re often willing to pay a little more when they feel connected to a business and understand the value they’re receiving. Building that trust is just as important as pricing strategy.

Q: Based on the report’s findings, what are the three most important actions small retailers should take over the next 12 months to attract and retain customers?

A: First, embrace the creator mindset. Consumers are increasingly discovering businesses through content, so retailers should consistently show up through email and social media with authentic, engaging content that reflects their brand and values.

Second, use AI to work smarter. Automate emails, create the perfect subject line and schedule emails to land at the best time for their customers. The blank screen problem isn’t as much of a problem anymore, when you can connect your Canva account or ChatGPT to Constant Contact. 

Finally, invest in customer relationships. In today’s environment, the businesses that stay connected to their customers will be the ones that continue to grow, even when economic conditions remain uncertain.

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Gordon Brothers provides Birks Group with strategic financing to support growth

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo Credit: Olivier Blouin - Birks’ Royalmount store facade. (CNW Group/Birks Group Inc.)

Global asset experts Gordon Brothers have provided strategic financing to Birks Group Inc., one of Canada’s premier designers and retailers of fine jewelry, watches and gifts.

Chad Simon
Chad Simon

With more than a century of experience in the jewelry industry, Gordon Brothers said it partnered with Birks Group to deliver a tailored capital solution that will support the company’s growth strategy, providing enhanced liquidity and flexibility as the retailer builds on its strong market position and long-standing heritage. In addition to the financing package, Gordon Brothers said it will continue to provide strategic expertise, leveraging its deep retail and asset-focused capabilities as the brand’s needs evolve.

“Birks, founded in 1879, is one of Canada’s most iconic and well-established luxury brands,” said Chad Simon, Senior Managing Director, Transactions at Gordon Brothers. “Our decades-long relationship with the company, combined with our long history in the jewelry industry, meant we could deliver unmatched liquidity and flexibility to support the company’s strategic initiatives.”

Gordon Brothers said its heritage in the jewelry industry shaped the firm’s early expertise in the sector and, today, it works closely with companies across the luxury retail space to unlock value with confidence. Birks Group will use the new facility to implement development strategies to generate sales growth, including investments in store renovations, omni-channel capabilities, digital commerce initiatives and working capital requirements.

Marco Pasteris
Marco Pasteris

“What sets Gordon Brothers apart is their unique combination of industry knowledge and capital solutions,” said Marco Pasteris, Vice President, Business Development and Corporate Operations at Birks Group. “Our long-standing relationship allowed Gordon Brothers to have a comprehensive understanding of our goals and our strategic initiatives.”

“We value the opportunity to have partnered with Gordon Brothers on the Birks Group transaction,” said Peter Foley, Director at Wells Fargo Capital Finance. “Their asset expertise, speed, and flexibility were critical in structuring a solution that met client needs and drove a successful outcome.”

Gordon Brothers, which was founded in 1903, said its foundation in the jewelry industry shaped the firm’s early expertise in the sector, and today, it works closely with strong companies across the luxury retail space to unlock value through tailored financing packages. Gordon Brothers’ lending platform provides revolving credit facilities in addition to first-in, last-out loans, split-lien or stretch financing, bridge financing and in-transit financing, enabling the firm to offer creative liquidity solutions tailored to companies’ needs at any point in the business lifecycle. In addition, the lending team leverages all aspects of the firm’s asset expertise to provide advisory services and holistic solutions to clients.

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Healthy Planet expands to Midtown Toronto with new Yonge & Eglinton location

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Healthy Planet photo
Healthy Planet photo

Healthy Planet, Canada’s largest health and wellness e-commerce website and wellness retail store chain, says the grand opening of its new Yonge & Eglinton store in Toronto will be August 21, marking the company’s 45th retail location.

Located at 2529 Yonge Street, the company said the new two-storey store has been thoughtfully designed to provide an elevated and convenient shopping experience. The ground floor features fresh organic produce, natural groceries, refrigerated and frozen foods, while the upper level offers an extensive selection of vitamins and supplements, pantry staples, health and beauty products, and sports nutrition.

A major highlight of the lower level is the Healthy Planet Kitchen, designed to cater to the fast-paced lifestyle and daily needs of the Midtown community. Prioritizing wellness on the go, the kitchen serves freshly prepared items crafted with high-quality, organic ingredients. Customers can look forward to a delicious menu featuring nutrient-dense bowls, wraps, convenient grab-and-go foods, nutritious smoothies, premium coffees and much more, it said.

“Our goal has always been to make healthy living more accessible to communities across Ontario,” said Muhammad Mohamedy, General Manager of Healthy Planet. “We’re excited to bring Healthy Planet- including our fresh Healthy Planet Kitchen to the vibrant Yonge & Eglinton neighbourhood, providing customers with a convenient, one-stop destination for both nutritious meals and everything they need to support a healthier lifestyle.”

Muhammad Mohamedy, Healthy Planet
Muhammad Mohamedy, Healthy Planet

The new location offers customers access to Healthy Planet’s wide assortment of trusted wellness products, from fresh organic produce and natural foods to premium supplements, clean beauty products and sports nutrition. Its thoughtfully designed two-level layout allows shoppers to easily browse products across every stage of their wellness journey, added the company.

“Customers can also expect knowledgeable team members on-site to provide guidance and personalized recommendations, helping them make informed choices based on their individual health and wellness goals.”

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Daily Synopsis: Jul 17, 2026

By
Retail Insider
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Welcome to the Daily Synopsis by Retail Insider. We hope you enjoy the 9 articles we published today covering key developments in Canadian retail.

Mercedes-Benz launched an automotive and lifestyle studio inside Holt Renfrew’s Toronto flagship, offering vehicle showcases, fashion collaborations, and experiential programming to redefine luxury retail. Retail Insider also published that Decathlon reached 700 stores equipped with its digital price management platform Vusion, enhancing pricing accuracy and operational efficiency.

METRO Inc. sold its Première Moisson Group production facility to FGF Brands for $90 million while retaining brand ownership. Retail Insider also covered that the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada appointed Renée St-Jean as chair to continue advancing community pharmacy roles, and the CFIB reported internal trade improvements on paper with ongoing challenges in practical implementation for small businesses.

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🌐 Canadian Retail News From Around the Web

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