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A Step-by-Step Guide to Leasing Commercial Retail Space

By
Retail Insider
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Leasing commercial retail space is one of the most important decisions a business owner will make. The right location can bring steady foot traffic, increase visibility, and set your business up for long-term success. However, navigating lease agreements, hidden costs, and legal obligations can be overwhelming without proper preparation. Unlike residential leases, commercial leases involve complex terms, financial commitments, and long-lasting implications. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the essential stages of leasing a retail space, with a focus on legal protection, financial planning, and insurance requirements to help safeguard your investment.

Determining Your Business Needs

Before you begin searching for retail space, it’s critical to identify your business requirements. Think about the size and layout you need, whether you need room for displays, storage, or seating. Location is equally important: consider the demographics of your target audience, accessibility, and proximity to competitors.

You should also keep scalability in mind. Will the space accommodate your business in three to five years, or will you quickly outgrow it? Asking these questions early ensures you select a space that supports not only your immediate needs but also your long-term goals.

Budgeting and Understanding Lease Costs

Commercial leases come in different structures, such as gross leases, net leases, or percentage leases. Each structure defines how expenses like property taxes, utilities, and maintenance are split between landlord and tenant. It’s crucial to understand the details of each type and how they affect your bottom line.

Beyond rent, factor in hidden costs such as insurance, signage, build-out expenses, and common area maintenance fees. Setting a realistic budget will help you avoid financial strain later on. Make sure your lease terms align with your business projections to ensure sustainability throughout the lease period.

Working with a Real Estate Lawyer

Commercial leases often include complex clauses that can impact your business in significant ways. This is why working with a real estate lawyer, such as Sullivan McMullan, is highly recommended. A lawyer can review and negotiate lease agreements to protect your interests and identify potential pitfalls.

For example, certain clauses may hold you responsible for repairs, early termination penalties, or limitations on subleasing. Without professional guidance, these terms may go unnoticed until it’s too late. Having legal expertise ensures you understand every detail of the contract, giving you peace of mind before committing to the property.

Reviewing Insurance Requirements

Insurance is a vital component of leasing retail space. Landlords often require tenants to carry specific types of coverage, such as general liability and property insurance, to protect against potential risks. Beyond meeting lease requirements, business owners should also consider additional coverage like business interruption insurance, which provides financial support if operations are halted due to unforeseen events.

Choosing the right coverage can feel overwhelming, but the right support makes it easier. For expert guidance, you can contact Nation West for Winnipeg insurance broker services to ensure you have policies tailored to your retail business. Insurance not only protects your assets but also safeguards your financial stability, allowing you to focus on growth and success.

Negotiating Lease Terms

Once you’ve found the right space, it’s time to negotiate terms that work for your business. Key areas for negotiation include rent, renewal options, and maintenance responsibilities. For example, you may want flexibility in subleasing options if your business grows and you need to move.

Don’t hesitate to compare multiple properties before finalizing your choice. Having alternatives strengthens your negotiating position. Securing favorable lease terms can provide financial predictability and long-term stability, setting the stage for your business to thrive.

Preparing for Move-In and Store Setup

After signing the lease, the focus shifts to preparing the space for your business. This may involve renovations, interior design, or signage installation. Make sure all modifications comply with the terms of your lease, as landlords may have specific guidelines on renovations and property alterations.

It’s also important to plan a timeline for permits, inspections, and store setup to avoid delays. With careful preparation, you can create an inviting retail environment that aligns with your brand and enhances customer experience from the first day of business.

Smart Marketing Investments Every Business Owner Should Consider

By
Retail Insider
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Marketing is no longer a luxury for businesses, it’s a necessity. In today’s competitive landscape, companies must find ways to stand out, connect with customers, and create lasting brand impressions. But not every marketing tactic provides the same return on investment (ROI). Smart business owners know where to allocate their resources for strategies that generate both immediate results and long-term growth. From traditional branding tools like custom signs to modern digital approaches like business video, let’s explore some of the smartest marketing investments every business owner should consider.

Building a Strong Online Presence

The first step in a winning marketing strategy is establishing a strong online presence. A professional website is the foundation of your brand’s digital identity. It should be visually appealing, user-friendly, and optimized for search engines (SEO) so customers can easily find your business when they search online.

Equally important is social media. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn allow you to connect directly with your audience, share updates, and showcase your brand personality. Consistency in posting and engaging with followers builds trust and credibility.

When combined, a website and social media presence give your business the digital visibility it needs to compete in today’s marketplace. Without them, even the best local branding efforts could fall flat.

Custom Signs: Creating Lasting Impressions

Even in the digital age, custom signs remain one of the most cost-effective and powerful marketing tools available. A well-designed sign can draw in foot traffic, communicate professionalism, and create a strong first impression that lasts. Storefront signs, vehicle wraps, and banners serve as constant advertisements for your business, visible to potential customers 24/7.

Consistency in branding is key. Matching colors, fonts, and logos across signage reinforces brand recognition and builds customer trust. More than just decoration, signs function as silent salespeople, working tirelessly to communicate your message without saying a word.

For businesses looking to elevate their signage, professional partners like SpeedPro Canada provide high-quality design and printing services. Their expertise ensures your signs are not only eye-catching but also durable enough to withstand the elements. With the right signage strategy, you can capture attention and leave a lasting impression that directly contributes to growth.

Business Video: Engaging and Converting Audiences

Video has quickly become one of the most influential tools in the marketing world. Today’s consumers are drawn to dynamic, visual content that’s easy to consume and share. A well-produced business video can highlight your products, share customer testimonials, or provide behind-the-scenes insights that build authenticity and trust.

Videos also perform exceptionally well on social media and websites. Research shows that businesses using video are more likely to see increased engagement, higher retention rates, and stronger conversions. Whether it’s an explainer video to clarify a service or a promotional clip to launch a new product, video can directly drive sales.

For businesses in Toronto and beyond, working with professionals ensures quality results. If you’re considering adding video to your marketing toolkit, you can contact Mainspring Agency for video production in toronto. Their expertise in storytelling and production quality can help bring your brand vision to life, making your video marketing efforts more effective and memorable.

Leveraging Content Marketing and Email Campaigns

Content marketing is another investment with long-term benefits. By creating valuable blogs, guides, or infographics, you position your business as an authority in your industry. Customers trust brands that provide solutions, not just sales pitches.

Email campaigns are equally powerful. With a direct line to your customer’s inbox, email allows you to share promotions, updates, or personalized messages. When done right, email marketing is one of the most cost-effective ways to nurture relationships and encourage repeat business.

Paid Advertising and Analytics for Smarter Decisions

While organic strategies are essential, paid advertising accelerates growth by putting your business in front of targeted audiences. Google Ads and social media platforms offer tools to reach customers based on demographics, interests, and behavior.

However, the smartest investment isn’t just in advertising itself, it’s in measuring results. Analytics help you track ROI, showing what’s working and what isn’t. By using data-driven insights, you can refine campaigns, reduce wasted spending, and maximize returns.

Putting It All Together: A Balanced Marketing Strategy

The most successful businesses don’t rely on a single marketing channel, they combine multiple tools to create a comprehensive strategy. Custom signs build local visibility, business video drives digital engagement, and online platforms ensure you stay relevant in today’s fast-moving marketplace. Pairing these with content marketing, email campaigns, and targeted advertising creates a well-rounded approach that fosters both customer trust and brand growth.

When it comes to marketing, the smartest investments are those that balance tradition with innovation. By blending offline visibility with digital engagement, business owners can ensure their brand remains strong, recognizable, and competitive for years to come.

A Comprehensive Guide to the Skilled Chiller Rental Services Offered by CTCA

By
Retail Insider
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Companies in a variety of sectors look for economical and effective cooling solutions. With major operational and financial benefits, renting a business chiller is a wise choice instead of buying one. This thorough tutorial examines the reasons why renting a chiller instead of buying one could be a wise move for your company, highlighting the financial advantages of commercial chillers, flexibility, and lower risks involved in renting as opposed to purchasing. In addition to carrying equipment from top manufacturers like Trane and Chillers, CTCA chiller rental services also offers a variety of accessories to meet your building’s cooling requirements, including electrical cables, chill water hoses, pumps, heat exchangers, disconnect switches, and transformers if necessary.

When businesses have damage or malfunctions with their internal chiller systems, we frequently provide chiller rentals for emergency situations. CTCA offers rental chillers that can supply chiller plants for scheduled maintenance or planned shutdowns for upgrades.

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Your building or facility will get dependable temporary cold water thanks to our chillers. Since 1977, CTCA has specialized in the commercial HVAC sector, making it more than simply another rental company. To meet all of your rental cooling needs, we offer a full range of rental air conditioners and air handlers, diesel generator rentals, and rental chillers. Your needs for commercial HVAC and chiller rentals can be promptly met by CTCA, which can also offer a comprehensive rental solution to keep your facilities operating. To meet the various needs of our customers, CTCA offers both portable water-cooled and portable air-cooled chiller plants. 

Types of Equipment Available for Rental

Chiller Rentals Depending on your cooling requirements, there are a number of choices available for chiller rentals. Industrial chiller rental services, which offer strong, energy-efficient cooling solutions, are frequently the greatest choice for major industrial projects. These mobile units are perfect for temporary cooling solutions because they can be easily moved and set up at your facility or job site. Whether you’re in charge of a building project, a big event, 

Rental Plants for Water-Cooled Chillers

The water-cooled chillers from CTCA use around half as much electricity as the majority of air-cooled chiller rentals. To fully avoid the extra expenses of renting a generator, our team of chiller specialists will assist you in determining your electrical requirements so that you can meet your chilling needs using just your facility’s current power source. Our water-cooled chiller rental rates range from 100 to 500 tons for individual chiller plants and 300 to 1,500 tons for skid-mounted units. To reach the required tonnage, we can combine several units. rental chiller plants are self-contained, equipped with cooling towers and pumps, and are all trailer-mounted for prompt delivery. They only need a single power outlet connection.

Rental of Air Handlers

For any heating or cooling installation, our air handler units are perfect. Rental air handlers are made to fit into small spaces and are intended to be utilized with water hookups from your boiler or chiller. You can rent boilers or chillers from CTCA to meet all of your heating and cooling requirements. For your heating or cooling projects, AIR Handler Rentals can be tailored to your unique requirements. To satisfy the requirements of your heating or cooling project, air handler rentals can be outfitted with temperature controls and VFDs.

conclusion

For Temporary Needs Cost reductions are a major factor in why companies choose to hire chillers or temporary boilers. Industrial-grade equipment can be very costly to buy, so renting it becomes a lot more cost-effective option if it will only be used temporarily. By renting, you may only pay for the equipment when you need it, avoiding the hefty upfront costs associated with purchasing it.

Apple Expands Self Service Repair and Genuine Parts Distributor Programs to Canada

By
Lee Rivett
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Apple, the American technology giant best known for its global network of Apple Stores, announced today the expansion of its Self Service Repair and Genuine Parts Distributor programs to Canada. The move will provide consumers and independent repair professionals nationwide with broader access to the manuals, diagnostics, and genuine Apple parts needed to repair iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

Expanding Repair Access in Canada

The Self Service Repair program, first launched in 2022, is designed for individuals confident in handling their own device repairs. Participants gain access to detailed repair manuals, Apple Diagnostics, and tool rental kits, alongside the option to purchase genuine parts. The program recently expanded to cover iPads in addition to iPhone and Mac, and is now available in 34 countries and 25 languages.

This expansion into Canada represents another step in Apple’s ongoing strategy to support product longevity and repair accessibility.

Support for Independent Repair Providers

Alongside Self Service Repair, Apple also introduced its Genuine Parts Distributor program in Canada. This program enables independent repair providers who do not have a direct service agreement with Apple to access genuine parts for iPhone and iPad repairs — including displays, batteries, and charging ports — through the authorized wholesale distributor MobileSentrix.

The Genuine Parts Distributor program debuted in the U.S. last year and expanded into Europe earlier this year, where it has already been adopted by thousands of repair businesses. Its arrival in Canada strengthens Apple’s position within the independent repair industry.

Focus on Sustainability

“Expanding Apple’s repair programs in Canada is another milestone in our mission to make repairs easier and more accessible around the globe,” said Brian Naumann, Apple’s vice president of AppleCare Service and Repair. “With today’s announcement, we’re taking a meaningful step toward broadening device longevity, reducing waste, and empowering both customers and repair professionals with quality, secure repair options.”

Apple has highlighted that with its growing repair network, 80 percent of the Canadian population is now within a 30-minute drive of either an Apple Store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP), or an Independent Repair Provider (IRP).

Carl Boutet on Simons’ Historic Yorkdale Opening

By
Craig Patterson
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Mall entrance to La Maison Simons at Toronto's Yorkdale Shopping Centre, August 14, 2025. Photo: Craig Patterson

When La Maison Simons opened its first Toronto store last week at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre, retail expert Carl Boutet described it as more than a retail milestone. For him, the launch signalled a historic moment for Canadian retail, a continuation of legacy, and proof that a family business nearly two centuries old can remain both relevant and surprising.

“Some store openings are about square footage and sales projections. This one is about history, vision, and the rarest of qualities in retail, staying relevant for nearly two centuries while still finding ways to surprise us,” Boutet said, reflecting on the significance of the August 14 debut.

Carl Boutet at Emsphere in Bangkok, Thailand, June 2025. Photo: Carl Boutet

Boutet noted that the Yorkdale store opening felt in many ways like a celebration of Canada’s new legacy retailer. “With thousands on hand, it also was in ways a fitting celebration of what replaces HBC as Canada’s most historic retailer,” he explained.

He added that spending time with Peter and Richard Simons, along with President and CEO Bernard Leblanc, underscored what sets the Quebec City-based brand apart. “I told them how impressed I’ve been over the years, not just with their results, but with their ability to grow nationally without losing the personality and values that have defined them since 1840,” he said.

Ten Years in the Making

The Yorkdale opening had been in planning for at least a decade, according to Boutet. Along the way, the process overlapped with Nordstrom’s entry into and departure from Canada. In an ironic twist, Simons now occupies the very space Nordstrom once held, though with a smaller footprint that better aligns with its philosophy of balance and scale.

“True to form, they took only the space they needed, not more, bringing their signature balance of scale and intimacy to one of Canada’s most prestigious malls,” Boutet said.

The new two-level, 118,000-square-foot store presents an immersive concept that merges art, design, and fashion under the theme “Perennial Ephemera.” Boutet described the experience as a carefully crafted journey.

He described the Yorkdale store as a a two-level, carefully considered space where every detail matters. Architectural lines invite exploration, Canadian art punctuates the journey, and immersive digital installations from Montreal’s Rodeo FX add movement and surprise, he noted.

The design integrates Nelio’s staircase mural “CIEL,” Rodeo FX’s large-scale digital artworks, and the Walk of Frames, which showcases 40 pieces by Canadian artists. The result, Boutet suggested, is a retail environment where shopping is inseparable from cultural discovery.

La Maison Simons at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, August 14, 2025. Photo: Craig Patterson

Competitive Edge in Canadian Retail

Boutet also pointed out the strategic impact of Simons’ presence in leading Canadian shopping centres. He argued that Simons’ unique formula may have contributed to Nordstrom’s exit from Canada.

“I have long believed that Simons’ success in Canada’s best shopping centres was part of the story behind Nordstrom’s retreat,” he explained. “In several markets, they competed directly, but with a sharper appreciation of what Canadian shoppers value most: beautiful design at a fair price, with an edited selection of luxury brands complementing a strong and distinctive private label offering.”

From Quebec to a National Brand

The Simons journey has been marked by strategic risk-taking and a willingness to grow beyond the comfort of its Quebec City roots. Boutet recalled advice the Simons brothers once received from their father: to stay in Quebec City where they “dominated that market.”

“Over twenty-five years ago, recognizing they would need to compete nationally to exist locally at their scale, Peter and Richard made a different choice. They left the comfort of home to open in Montreal, setting the stage for the coast-to-coast brand we know today,” he said.

That expansion, he noted, was supported by a significant investment in infrastructure, including a $215 million head office and e-commerce hub in Quebec. While the pandemic delayed its use, the facility today positions Simons for continued digital growth.

Community, Culture, and Symbolism

Boutet also emphasized Simons’ longstanding commitment to community investment, pointing to the family’s donation of the Fontaine de Tourny to Quebec City.

“That fountain, near their oldest store and across from Quebec’s parliament building, is much more than a civic gift. It’s a symbol of how Simons invests in the communities they serve; a blend of heritage, design, and permanence that reflects their approach to retail,” he said.

The Yorkdale store, he suggested, carries the same philosophy forward, blending commerce with cultural meaning.

The Yorkdale opening is just the beginning of a larger Toronto expansion. In September, Simons will open a second store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, also in a former Nordstrom space. At 112,000 square feet, it will complement the Yorkdale store and reinforce Simons’ presence in Canada’s largest retail market.

Together, the two Toronto stores are expected to generate approximately $100 million annually, adding to the retailer’s national sales of more than $650 million.

Women’s ‘Icone’ department on the main floor of La Maison Simons at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Photo: supplied

A Rare Global Legacy

For Boutet, Simons represents a rarity in the global retail landscape: a fifth-generation family-owned business, over 185 years old, that is still growing, innovating, and connecting with customers.

Simons is the oldest continually running family-owned retailer in the world. The only company that comes close is C&A in the Netherlands, founded in 1841, making it the second oldest. This distinction underscores the remarkable resilience of the Quebec-based brand and highlights the global significance of its story.

“Peter, Richard, Bernard and team have built something truly rare, possibly one of only ten in the world, an over 185-year-old, fifth-generation retailer that is still growing, still innovating, and still deeply connected to its customers,” Boutet said. “The Yorkdale opening is a promise that Canadian retail, at its very best, has a very vibrant future.”

As he reflected on the milestone, Boutet concluded with optimism: “Longue vie and God’s continued speed, Maison Simons. Here’s to another 185 years of success.”

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RCC Retail West 2025 is Where Bold Ideas Meet Retail’s Toughest Questions

By
Retail Insider
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On September 25, 2025, at Vancouver’s Hyatt Regency, Retail Council of Canada’s Retail West Conference will bring Western Canada’s most influential retail leaders and innovators into one room for a concentrated day of insight, strategy, and connection.

THEMES THAT MATTER NOW

RCC Retail West’s program is laser-focused on the realities and opportunities unique to retailers in this time of hyper personalization, AI-driven shopping, and customer centric engagement.

  • Reimagining Leadership in Dynamic Markets – Learn how retail executives are steering through uncertainty while positioning for growth.
  • Building Resilience Across Operations – Tackle supply chain vulnerabilities, adopt new payment technologies, and make your data work harder.
  • Predicting Consumer Needs with AI – Google shares how their AI Marketing Engine helps retailers anticipate what Western Canadian shoppers will want next and how to deliver it at the perfect moment.
  • Creating a 360° View of Today’s Shopper – Caddle and Environics Analytics show how combining rapid-response consumer insights with segmentation and modeling tools provides a complete picture of customer behaviour.
  • Retail as a Career– Senior retail leaders share their employee journeys, highlighting how internal advancement programs can be a competitive advantage in an industry challenged with retention and labour shortages.

INSPIRING RETAIL PERSPECTIVES FROM PROVEN LEADERS

This year’s mainstage speakers aren’t just sharing stories. They’re opening their playbooks, revealing the strategies, missteps, and breakthroughs that drive real results in today’s retail landscape.

  • Mat Povse, President of Best Buy Canada, on harnessing technology while keeping customer needs at the core of everyday operations.
  • Brian Hill, Founder and Executive Chair of Aritzia, on building a culturally magnetic brand with purpose.
  • Shannon Stewart, Chief Merchandising Officer of Harry Rosen in conversation with Cameron Conn, CEO of Champlain on anticipating consumer shifts and crafting premium experiences that resonate.
  • Hermanjit Mahil, Assistant GM, Human Resources at London Drugs, moderates a panel of colleagues in Marketing, IT, and Legal functions about their moves from frontline operations to impactful head office roles.

MORE THAN A CONFERENCE, IT’S A LAUNCHPAD FOR IDEAS

RCC Retail West is designed for deep, candid conversations—both on stage and in the networking spaces. Over breakfast, lunch, and the evening reception, retail decision-makers can connect with peers across sectors, swap strategies, and explore innovations from a curated exhibitor showcase offering targeted solutions. It’s the perfect setting to bring your team, learn from others’ hard-won insights, and leave with ideas you can put into action the very next day.

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON

The early bird deadline is August 28, 2025. Grab your tickets today and save $100. Teams of 5 or more save an additional 20%.

In a time of rapid change, RCC Retail West 2025 offers a forward-looking space to learn, connect, and create the strategies that will define retail’s next success stories in Western Canada.

The Salvation Army Thrift Store opens its 2nd location in Langley

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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By donating to The Salvation Army Thrift Store, Canadians actively participate in extending the lifecycle of clothing and household items, reducing waste, and supporting a circular economy. (CNW Group/The Salvation Army Thrift Store – National Recycling Operations)

The Salvation Army Thrift Store recently opened its newest location at 19700 Langley Bypass, Unit 301. This marks the organization’s second store in Langley and its 14th in the Vancouver mainland, expanding its reach and positive impact on the local community.

Situated across from Willowbrook Shopping Centre, the 10,900-square-foot store is conveniently located in a high-traffic area of the city, offering a great selection of gently used clothing, household items, electronics, books, art, and more, for everyone, it said.

Ted Troughton
Ted Troughton

“We’re excited to further expand our presence in Langley,” said Ted Troughton, Managing Director of The Salvation Army Thrift Store. “Every purchase and donation help fund local Salvation Army programs and services for those in need such as foodbanks, shelters, rehabilitation for those struggling with addictions and emergency relief efforts.”

The Salvation Army Thrift Store provides an accessible shopping experience for individuals looking to stretch their budgets while also making environmentally conscious choices and supporting their local community, it said.

“Beyond the funds generated through the sales of donated items, The Salvation Army Thrift Store raises money in stores through its GoodWorks@Work campaigns, which brought in more than $1 million in 2024. These initiatives support vital causes such as Send a Kid to Camp, modern slavery and human trafficking prevention, international development, and Christmas kettles,” it added.

The Salvation Army Thrift Store (National Recycling Operations) is a non-profit organization and the only national division of The Salvation Army. Through its 95 Thrift Stores across Canada, the organization offers savings on gently used clothing, textiles, and household items while generating funds to support local programs, services, and emergency relief efforts. As one of the country’s largest textile collectors and a leader in textile diversion in the charitable sector, the store diverted over 80 million pounds of items from landfills last year.

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Mississauga welcomes new Chick-fil-A restaurant at Heartland Town Centre

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo: Chick-Fil-A
Photo: Chick-Fil-A

A new Chick-fil-A restaurant is opening in Mississauga Heartland Town Centre on Thursday, August 28, creating approximately 100-120 full- and part-time jobs. Chick-fil-A, Inc. selected Mufuti Sanusi to be the local Owner-Operator of the new restaurant. 

Located at 5950 Mavis Road, Mississauga, Chick-fil-A Heartland will serve customers Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m.  to 10:30 p.m., offering dine-in, drive-thru and carry-out. 

“At my core, my true passion and purpose is to be a resource and a bridgebuilder,” said Sanusi. “I want to encourage others to dare to dream and help them achieve their goals in life, just like my mother did for me.”

Mufuti Sanusi
Mufuti Sanusi

Sanusi’s journey is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit, taking her from learning business principles from her mother and grandmother in Lagos, Nigeria, to earning her MBA in the United Kingdom, and now leading her second Chick-fil-A restaurant in Mississauga, said Chick-Fil-A. 

As the former Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Square One Shopping Centre, Sanusi is no stranger to the Mississauga community, as she has called the city home for the past 17 years. Sanusi is looking forward to continuing her impact on the community, and on the Team Members she’ll be working alongside, it said.

The company said Sanusi is committed to giving back to the Mississauga community by: 

  • Participating in the Chick-fil-A Shared Table™ program, which redirects surplus food to local non-profits and has helped to create more than 35 million meals to date. 
  • Celebrating the opening with a donation of C$40,000 from Chick-fil-A, Inc. to Second Harvest to support local hunger relief efforts in the greater Mississauga area. Since 2020, Chick-fil-A has donated approximately C$2 million (US$1.46 million) to Second Harvest to address food insecurity.

Chick-fil-A’s Pretzel Cheddar Club Sandwiches

Chick-fil-A, Inc. is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States, known for its freshly prepared food, signature hospitality and unique franchise model. More than 200,000 Team Members are employed by local Owner-Operators in more than 3,000 restaurants across Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico. Chick-fil-A opened its first restaurant in the UK in early 2025 with the goal of launching five locations across the UK within the next two years. The first Singapore restaurant is set to open in late 2025, marking the brand’s entry into Asia. The family-owned and privately held company was founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy.

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CoCo Bubble Tea expands deeper into North America with focus on smaller cities

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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CoCo Bubble Tea in Lethbridge, Alberta

Leading boba tea brand CoCo Bubble Tea recently announced a series of key expansion milestones across North America, with a new focus on smaller Canadian cities and continued momentum in the U.S. market.

These openings reflect the brand’s sustained popularity, cultural integration, and robust support for its franchise network, it said.

“As bubble tea becomes a staple refreshment in North America, we see significant potential for growth outside of major cities,” said Kody Wong, Director of Business Development at CoCo Bubble Tea. “From Alberta to Texas, CoCo’s franchise partners are bringing our brand to new communities and increasing access to authentic bubble tea for millions of North American consumers. We are immensely grateful to our partners for the passion and commitment it has taken to accomplish this.”

Already a top-three brand in Toronto with over 120 stores nationwide, CoCo is now reaching new heights of market penetration:

  • Recently opened: Lethbridge, Grand Prairie, Red Deer — bringing authentic CoCo bubble tea to new communities across Alberta.
  • Coming soon in 2025: Saskatoon, as the brand extends its footprint deeper into the Canadian Prairie provinces.
CoCo Bubble Tea in Red Deer, Alberta

CoCo opened its first overseas store in the United States in 2011, establishing itself as one of the pioneering new tea brands to expand globally. In 2025, CoCo has identified Texas as a key priority market in its U.S. growth strategy:

  • Dallas: Store opened in April 2025

“CoCo’s approach to franchising is rooted in trust, support, and building long-term relationships with partners. In Canada, the same franchise partners have been with CoCo for 11 years; in New York City, partners have grown alongside the brand for 14 years — both a testament to CoCo’s value-driven model and collaborative culture,” said the company.

CoCo Bubble Tea in Dallas, Texas

“To further spread pearl milk tea culture globally, the brand focuses on harnessing the popularity of the refreshment among younger consumers through social media. Also, employees and partners are referred to as ” Boba Squad”, a name embodying the resilience and vibrancy of the brand.

“In Canada, CoCo has invested heavily in synergies with local cultures. The brand has transformed fan-favorite drinks like its passionfruit series into popsicles now sold in T&T Supermarket locations across the country. In a collaboration with Barbie, CoCo brought “Strawberry Dreamer” drinks to over 100 stores across North America. This further showcases how the brand continues to innovate with purpose and reach younger audiences through pop culture.”

CoCo will exhibit at two upcoming major franchise expos in the region:

  • Franchise Expo West 2025
     Los Angeles Convention Center | Booth #525
     September 5–6, 10AM–4PM
  • Toronto Fall Franchise Show
     The International Centre | Booth #148
     September 13–14, 11AM–5PM

To support franchise partners, CoCo said it provides robust support tailored to its North American network, including:

  • Dedicated logistics and supply chain for the region
  • Local operations and consulting teams offering in-person support and business strategy
  • Regional training programs
  • Product R&D and adaptation for local tastes
  • A single-store program that empowers individual entrepreneurs to build community-driven success stories

For franchise inquiries in North America, visit: https://www.coco-tea.com/Franchise

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Motion picture theatre revenues increase in 2024: Statistics Canada

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko
Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko

Operating revenue in the motion picture theatres industry reached $1.6 billion in 2024, a 12.0% increase from 2022. As restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic affected the industry for part of 2022, the growth in 2024 was attributable in large part to a full return to normal operations. Despite these gains, the industry’s national operating revenue was 13.1% below that of $1.9 billion recorded in 2018—the highest amount on record since the beginning of the data series in 2014—underscoring the prolonged impact of the pandemic on the industry, according to a report released Tuesday by Statistics Canada.

Operating expenditures grew at a slower pace than operating revenue, increasing 10.3% from 2022 to $1.5 billion in 2024. As a result, the operating profit margin rose to 7.9% in 2024; however, this was well below the profit margin recorded in 2018, pre-pandemic (16.2%), said the federal agency.

Image: Statistics Canada
Image: Statistics Canada

“In response to rising cost pressures and stagnating theatre attendance, which climbed to two-thirds (66.6%) of the level seen in 2018, the average ticket price (calculated as total admission receipts divided by the number of paid admissions) rose to $12.57 in 2024. This represented a 5.5% increase from 2022 ($11.91) and a 31.9% rise from 2020 ($9.53),” said Statistics Canada.

“E-commerce sales in 2024 declined to $234.4 million, or 15.7% of total sales. This marks a significant drop from their 2022 peak of $307.2 million, or one-quarter (24.7%) of total sales. During the pandemic, e-commerce sales were buoyed by food sales made through delivery services and the widespread practice of booking seats online in advance. However, with the return to in-person experiences and a resumption of business as usual in 2024, more people began purchasing their tickets in person again.

“In 2024, the largest component of sales for the motion picture theatres industry was once again admission receipts, accounting for more than half (53.8%) of total sales. This was followed by sales of food and beverages, which increased their share to 38.0%.”

Canada’s motion picture industry continues its post-pandemic recovery, but it moves forward with measured caution. While pent-up demand and delayed theatrical releases led to revenue growth in 2024, the industry still faces significant long-term challenges, said Statistics Canada.

“The pandemic accelerated shifts in consumer habits and preferences, leading many audiences to favour the convenience of digital platforms over traditional cinema experiences. As streaming services capture an increasing share of viewer attention, box office revenues will continue to face growing competition, fundamentally reshaping how Canadians engage with film,” it said.

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