Conestoga Mall is sharing some exciting news for the Waterloo region – three new retailers have opened in the shopping centre, Swatch, Kiokii and Levi’s.
The Swatch and Kiokii stores are the first for the brands in the Waterloo Region.
Swatch and Kiokii open their first Waterloo Region locations
As part of its continued evolution, Conestoga Mall said it is expanding its retail lineup with exciting new fashion and beauty destinations.
The arrival of Swatch and Kiokii — each opening their first location in the Waterloo Region exclusively at Conestoga Mall — along with Levi’s, a leader in denim wear, adds to the vibrant mix that makes the centre a must-visit destination for sought-after brands, it said.
New retailers include:
Swatch – The iconic Swiss watchmaker debuts a 1,200-square-foot store featuring innovative and standout design elements
Kiokii – Canada’s go-to for Asian beauty and skincare opens a 3,000-square-foot location
Levi’s – A global leader in denim is now open with its most-loved fits and essentials in a new 2,900-square-foot location
Conestoga Mall, located in Waterloo, ON, offers its 7.4 million annual visitors a range of experiences all under one roof whether its shopping at 130+ stores and services including the trade area’s only Apple, lululemon, Browns Shoes, Build-A-Bear and Nespresso, dining in a landmark Food Court, entertainment at Galaxy Cinema, or exploring history at the City of Waterloo Heritage Museum.
Source: Conestoga Mall
The shopping centre has announced a two-day Back-to-School Block Party, featuring LEGO®-powered immersive and hands-on experiences with over 12,000 blocks for kids to build, create, and play.
The Back-to-School Block Party takes place on August 16 and 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Winners Court. Families can enjoy hands-on fun with STEM and robotics workshops, LEGO® Inspiration Tables, and interactive game lounges. Daily Robotics Workshops run at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. and LEGO® Building Workshops at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. each day, giving kids the opportunity to build, code, and create. Guests can also capture share-worthy photo moments at the Giant Throne, play in the Block House or recharge in the Relaxation Lounge. There’s also a daily giveaway for a chance to win a LEGO® backpack from Journeys, said the shopping centre.
Source: Conestoga Mall
Patrick Fleurantin
“Back-to-school is a big moment for families, and we hope our fall programming at Conestoga Mall gives the community a fun and memorable way to make the season feel special.” said Patrick Fleurantin, Marketing Manager, Conestoga Mall. “Alongside the Back-to-School Block Party, our new retail openings arrive at the perfect time, enhancing the fall shopping season and reinforcing the centre’s position as a go-to destination in the region.”
“Thoughtfully designed with a shopping-friendly layout, interactive play stations, and fresh finds from the beloved brands you know and love, this new store is an inspiring step forward in how we engage with children, parents, and communities,” said John Bayliss, CEO of Mastermind Toys.
John Bayliss
“This flagship represents more than just a retail space, it’s a celebration of creativity, discovery, and imagination.”
Bayliss, formerly a senior executive with Walmart Canada, has been in his current role since mid-May.
“It’s been a phenomenal experience. Mastermind is an exceptional brand with very passionate store managers and play experts. We raised our kids with weekend visits to Mastermind, so it’s an exciting role with lots of opportunity to bring a great Canadian icon back to the forefront,” said Bayliss, of the brand which faced financial difficulties just a few years ago.
In December 2023, Mastermind Toys, the largest independent specialty toy and children’s book retailer in Canada, announced that it had entered into an asset purchase agreement with Unity Acquisitions Inc., a company owned by Canadian retail pioneers Joe Mimran, Frank Rocchetti and David Lui.
Under the terms of the transaction, Unity purchased the majority of Mastermind Toys store locations..“Mastermind Toys is a beloved Canadian retailer with a loyal customer base driven by quality, curiosity and play,” said Joe Mimran, at the time. ”The acquisition aligns with Unity’s strategy to enhance and grow extraordinary Canadian brands. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the team at Mastermind Toys and take the brand and the business to the next level.”
Today, there are 47 locations operating coast to coast across the country.
“We’re in every province except Quebec. That said, we do have a business called Coco Village, a digitally native brand headquartered in Quebec. Joe and Frank and Unity acquired it about a year ago and folded it into Mastermind. They specialize in product design and offer an exceptional range of products that we sell at Mastermind, but they also sell to other retailers and direct to consumers around the world,” explained Bayliss.
Source: Mastermind Toys
“We’ve been in Pickering for a while. It’s a grand reopening. The mall has been undergoing redevelopment, and we had the opportunity to reimagine our store in a refreshed space. That end of the mall has been rejuvenated with new stores like Sephora, JD Sports, and lululemon.
“We moved into a smaller footprint, about 3,000 square feet, down from 5,000, which gave us the chance to redesign the store in line with our mission: to inspire kids to play, learn, and grow. The new layout is more engaging for kids to explore and interact, while also creating a great shopping experience for parents and grandparents.”
Bayliss said the brand hasn’t opened any new stores yet this year, but it does have plans in the works for a series of pop-ups, which it hopes to announce in the next few weeks for the holiday season.
“Right now, we’re reviewing the right formats and communities for future growth because we believe there are still many opportunities for Mastermind,” he said.
A brand like Mastermind has several benefits of being part of a larger group like Unity.
“With Frank and Joe at the helm, we benefit from their incredible product and design expertise. Their strengths in visual merchandising and design are evident across the portfolio . . . We’re also fortunate to have onboarded a new investor, Stéphane Tétrault. He owns Import Dragons, McFarlane Toys, and recently acquired EB Games Canada (formerly GameStop Canada). He brings deep knowledge of the toy industry and the specialty/collector side of the business, which is incredibly valuable. This year has really been about injecting that expertise and thinking into the business so we can better deliver value to Canadian families heading into peak season.”
Bayliss said the Pickering store also represents the brand returning to its heritage, focusing on strong curation, innovation, quality, creativity, and developmental value.
Source: Mastermind Toys
“When you walk into a Mastermind, you’ll see great STEM kits, classic wooden toys, and something for every curious child’s mind. We’re also featuring more Canadian brands and unique items that you won’t find elsewhere,” he noted.
“Design-wise, this is part of a broader effort to rejuvenate our retail footprint. Last year, we renovated the store in Mount Pleasant, the first step in rethinking our design and layout. We’re continuing that work at our stores on Yonge Street, Etobicoke, The Beaches (currently under renovation), and Bayview Village. We’ll start applying this new blueprint to key locations across the country.
“So, really, this is about building back a great Canadian brand and delivering a great experience in every community we serve.”
When Denise Dow founded Strong & Free Emblem Inc. in 2007, she was inspired by a vision that began decades earlier. Growing up in New Brunswick, Dow often wondered why Canada lacked a unifying symbol similar to the American eagle. Her father, a proud member of the Canadian Coast Guard, instilled in her a deep appreciation for national identity.
“I used to visit my cousins in Massachusetts and see American eagles on buildings,” said Dow. “I thought, why doesn’t Canada have something like that?”
Denise Dow
The answer came to her in high school in the 1970s. Dow began sketching maple leaves from her backyard and pairing them with the phrase “Strong and Free,” drawn from the Canadian national anthem. It wasn’t until her own children reached high school that she finally acted on the idea.
“That was the push,” she explained. “I wanted my kids to be part of something meaningful, and I wanted to create a business I could pass on to them.”
In 2007, Dow trademarked the Strong & Free phrase and emblem, establishing a foundation for what would become a distinctive Canadian brand.
From Backyard Sketch to National Symbol
The first Strong & Free products were plaques featuring the emblem, sold through Canadian Tire and later adopted by Bradford Exchange and specialty retailers. Over time, the brand expanded into apparel and accessories, building a reputation for quality Canadian-made products.
“I kept the model simple,” said Dow. “We started with plastic plaques, then aluminum plaques made from Canadian aluminum, supporting local resources. From there, we added apparel and hard goods.”
Today, Strong & Free products include hoodies, t-shirts, hats, crests, pins, decals, and more. The company has also created custom items such as hockey sticks and leather portfolios through partnerships with Canadian manufacturers.
“Our hoodies were originally made in Nova Scotia using the same machines that Roots started with,” Dow noted proudly.
Image: Strong & Free
A Business Built on Partnerships and Licensing
Strong & Free operates on a licensing and trademark model, allowing Canadian manufacturers and artisans to produce goods under its brand. This approach enables the company to maintain a lean structure while scaling its reach.
“My goal was to build something that could sustain my family,” Dow explained. “Licensing just made sense—it allowed us to grow without losing control of quality or identity.”
This strategy has led to partnerships with companies such as Stanfields for apparel and various artisans for hard goods. The brand’s presence spans airports, duty-free shops, and military-run CANEX stores, making it a staple in Canadian tourism and patriotism markets.
“Duty-free was a perfect fit,” Dow said. “The red, white, and black colourways really stand out, and travelers love bringing home something that represents Canada.”
At its peak, Strong & Free was in nearly 90 percent of duty-free locations across Canada, including major airports and land borders. The pandemic disrupted that momentum, but Dow pivoted to online sales and has since regained traction.
Image: Strong & Free
Made in Canada, Staying in Canada
In an era when many brands outsource manufacturing, Strong & Free remains committed to Canadian production. Products are crafted from Canadian aluminum, pewter, and fabrics, reinforcing the brand’s patriotic roots.
“This isn’t just about business, it’s about supporting Canadian jobs and resources,” said Dow. “From Sherbrooke to Ontario to Nova Scotia, we’ve built a network of local partners who share our values.”
That commitment resonates with consumers who value authenticity. “When customers tell me what Strong and Free means to them, their family and their military service, it keeps the fire burning,” Dow said.
Image: Strong & Free
Tackling Trademark Challenges
Owning a powerful phrase like “Strong and Free” comes with its challenges. Dow frequently encounters unauthorized use of the trademark, often from businesses unaware of the infringement.
“I always reach out personally,” she said. “Most people don’t realize, and 95 percent of the time we resolve things amicably.”
Recent political and cultural movements have amplified the phrase’s visibility. In early 2025, a viral campaign featuring “Canada’s Not For Sale” merchandise included hats labeled Strong and Free, sparking a surge in interest for Dow’s brand.
“Strong and Free will always be relevant,” she emphasized. “It’s unique—there’s nothing else like it that represents Canada the same way.”
Recent Collaborations and New Horizons
In January 2025, Strong & Free entered a licensing partnership with Jackpine Dynamic Branding Inc., a Canadian collective focused on patriotic messaging. The collaboration aims to expand distribution and create co-branded initiatives that connect with Canadians nationwide.
The brand has also partnered with Canadian music legend Alan Frew, lead singer of Glass Tiger. Frew recently recorded a song inspired by Strong and Free, which he performs at concerts across Canada.
“It feels like a Canadian anthem,” said Dow. “It captures the spirit of who we are as a nation.”
Additional initiatives include a free downloadable colouring book for children, featuring Canadian symbols, provincial tartans, and the national anthem in English and French. “It’s about educating kids in a fun way and building pride in our country,” Dow explained.
Image: Strong & Free
Looking Ahead: Passing the Torch
After nearly two decades at the helm, Dow is considering the future of the brand. “I’ll be 70 in a few years,” she said. “Eventually, the right person or organization will come along to take Strong & Free to the next level.”
For now, she remains committed to growing the company and expanding partnerships. “I love what I do, and when you love what you do, it’s not work—it’s a passion,” she said.
Grocery store shopping cart. Image: Pixabay/Pixels
When Canadians think of food price hikes, they tend to picture meat, coffee, produce, or even chocolate. Rice rarely comes to mind. Yet in 2025, rice has quietly become the single fastest-rising food product in Canadian grocery stores—up 48.9% since January, according to Statistics Canada. That’s not a rounding error. A standard two-kilogram bag of white rice now sits close to $10, a hefty increase for one of the most affordable global staples.
The reasons are layered. While Statistics Canada’s price index paints a broad picture of “white rice,” much of the pressure comes from specific market dynamics. For several months, Canadian tariffs on U.S. rice imports squeezed processor margins. Dainty—the 143-year-old Montreal-based company that remains Canada’s only rice milling facility—imports rice from multiple countries, cleans, mills, and packages it domestically. Since no rice is commercially grown here, all Canadian supply chains are exposed to global shocks.
Basmati rice, Canada’s top-selling variety by volume, is a key driver. Pre-packaged imports from India are highly sensitive to international commodity swings, and India’s temporary export restrictions last year sent global prices upward. By March, the average retail price of a two-kilogram bag in Canada had pushed well past $10 under tariff pressure, marking a peak in the white rice category. Since tariffs were lifted, prices have eased slightly, but not enough to offset the year’s cumulative rise—and it remains unclear whether they will drop further in the months ahead.
Rice is not a marginal food in this country. Roughly one in ten Canadian adults—about 2.2 million people—consume rice as their primary grain, driven largely by cultural and dietary traditions. The market’s scale depends on how it’s measured: Bonafide Research estimates more than $600 million in annual retail sales, while broader industry figures that include food service, processing, and imports put the figure above $16 billion. The gap highlights an important point for policymakers—rice may seem like a niche product in household terms, but economically, it carries weight.
Immigration and shifting consumption patterns will likely push demand higher in coming years. Nutritionally, however, the picture is mixed. White rice—by far the dominant variety on Canadian shelves—is primarily a carbohydrate source and, unless enriched, offers little in the way of fiber or micronutrients. Brown, red, and black rice varieties, which retain their bran and germ, deliver higher fiber, B-vitamins, and antioxidants. Wild rice, while not botanically rice, offers even greater protein density. Rice is naturally gluten-free and, when paired with legumes, forms a complete protein, but over-reliance on unenriched white rice can displace more nutrient-dense grains from the diet. For Canadian consumers, the takeaway is clear: variety matters—for both nutrition and long-term health outcomes.
Could Canada ever grow its own rice? While far from becoming a rice powerhouse, niche production is not inconceivable. Controlled-environment agriculture and greenhouse production could make small-scale cultivation possible in water-abundant regions such as British Columbia or southern Ontario. Still, the economics are challenging: Canada would be competing against low-cost giants like the U.S., India, and Vietnam, and rice is notoriously water-intensive. Climate change may eventually reshape growing seasons, and technology could lower barriers, enabling boutique production for specialty markets—much as Canada has done with wine grapes, wasabi, and even bananas.
The real question for Canada is not whether rice can be grown domestically, but whether doing so would make economic and environmental sense. Until then, rice will remain a barometer of global trade shifts, climate shocks, and policy decisions—reminding us that even an overlooked staple can tell a big story about our food economy.
For over three decades, Spirit of Math has carved out a unique niche in Canadian education. Based in Toronto, the company has become a national leader in after-school math enrichment for high-performing students, and now it’s gearing up for global expansion.
“We’ve been incorporated for 30 years, actually working for about 32 years,” said Kim Langen, CEO and founder of Spirit of Math. “It started as a system of after-school schools for high performing students in mathematics. Basically, we take kids from the top of the class to the top of the nation.”
Kim Langen
Langen is clear that Spirit of Math isn’t a tutoring service. “We actually have classes that kids attend, so they come for an hour and a half class once a week, and we teach them mathematics at a higher level,” she said. “They do need to be highly motivated or high performing – not necessarily gifted. A lot of people think, ‘Oh, this is a gifted program.’ No, it’s not necessarily a gifted program. It is for kids who actually are looking for more.”
The program currently serves just under 12,000 students through 27 campuses – 26 brick-and-mortar locations and one virtual. “Our after-school classes are in campuses, so centres. We have 26 centres throughout Canada, and one virtual so 27 in total,” Langen explained. Spirit of Math also runs math contests across 15 countries and offers a drill app and technology stream.
The origin story of Spirit of Math traces back to Langen’s father. “He did this program, first of all, in the North York School Board,” she recalled. “His kids were scoring much higher on all the testing, in the school board and also in the contests and really, what they found was that when the kids left his program, they were thinking very differently than others, and they were far ahead.”
Recognizing the potential, Langen took the reins. “I was a high school teacher at this point and I thought this would be really fascinating to work as a business, and to start in the basement of my home, because we couldn’t let this idea disappear.”
Source: Spirit of Math
From those humble beginnings with 35 students, Spirit of Math grew rapidly. “Grew it to over 80 in their first year,” she said. “The parents kept asking for it in different areas. So I said, ‘Okay, let’s franchise.’”
That franchising model has been in place now for two decades. “Right now we have 12 different franchise locations, the rest are corporately owned, to make it a total of 26,” Langen confirmed. With growth on the horizon, the company has now chosen to “start scaling the franchising, rather than corporate, as we go global.”
But franchising with Spirit of Math isn’t for everyone.
“We have very high skill set requirements just to even enter into this,” she said. “People have to have a degree to work with us. They have to have an understanding not just any teachers. A lot of our teachers just don’t even pass to get into our stream.”
Langen emphasized that growth must come with purpose. “To expand quickly isn’t necessarily what we would call success, each of our franchise centres is very successful in terms of the number of students and in terms of their profitability.”
Source: Spirit of Math
Currently, many campuses are in the Greater Toronto Area, with others in Ottawa, Alberta, Winnipeg, and British Columbia. Expansion within Canada continues, but global efforts are ramping up, particularly through Spirit of Math’s international contest partners.
“We did have some campuses in Pakistan, but COVID kind of really squashed that,” said Langen. “We’re actually doing a new expansion model once we get to know (our global partners), then we’re going to be offering it globally.”
A key component to Spirit of Math’s franchise success has been its relationship with the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA).
“They provide the proper context on what franchising is to begin with, they give the expertise, and they have the people who can provide you with the expertise to know what to look for,” said Langen. “Franchising people don’t necessarily understand the implications. It’s not just the legal implications, but it’s even the operational implications and how to set up your business properly so that you can do an expansion properly.”
Langen said CFA membership is a signal to potential franchisees that “there’s a standard, and we’re not just out there, just doing anything we want.”
So, is franchising the best route for business growth?
“Yes, not always. It’s a great way,” she said. “It depends on your business but it’s very good for scale.”
Crock A Doodle, Canada’s premier pottery painting studio, is steadily expanding its footprint across the country with more growth planned.
“We have 40 in Canada, one in the U.S.,” said Annette Brennan, CEO of Crock A Doodle. The U.S. location is in Bentonville, Arkansas – “home of Walmart,” Brennan noted.
Annette Brennan
Founded in 2002 at Blue Mountain, Ontario, Crock A Doodle’s concept is simple yet powerful. There are locations in Alberta and Manitoba but the bulk are in Ontario.
“We’re a pottery painting studio,” Brennan explained. Customers of all ages choose from a variety of pottery pieces – “mugs and plates and piggy banks and bowls” – then paint them with the support of the studio staff. The pieces are then glazed, fired, and finished into bright, shiny, food-safe, and functional keepsakes.
But Crock A Doodle is much more than a pottery studio.
“We want to wrap this experience in a big hug and make people feel welcome and like they belong,” Brennan said. “Everyone says, ‘I’m not creative,’ but you are. We cultivate a sense of community where everyone belongs, and a comfort and confidence in just playing with colour.”
This joyful, accessible experience is designed for “every age, every ability.”
The average Crock A Doodle location is roughly 1,200 square feet with an open studio layout. Many studios feature dedicated party rooms or areas to accommodate the brand’s popular birthday parties and corporate events. “We get a lot of group bookings,” Brennan confirmed.
Source: Crock A Doodle
Growth through franchising has been a core strategy.
“Franchising has been a really good model for growth for us,” Brennan said. “There was certainly a lot of work to set it up right and understand that not everyone should be a franchisee. It’s about having a really strong partnership between franchisor and franchisee in terms of commitment and mutual obligation.”
After some COVID-related slowdowns, Crock A Doodle is now back on track with plans to open eight locations this year and cross the 50-location mark next year.
Looking ahead, Brennan outlined the company’s expansion plans: “We want to complete Ontario, focus on markets where we know there’s demand, then go east, then go west.”
When scouting locations, Crock A Doodle targets neighbourhood shopping plazas with grocery anchors and family amenities.
“We want to be part of a family destination in the shopping centre,” Brennan said. The brand also strategically targets resort communities such as Blue Mountain, Unionville, Canmore, and Niagara Falls to tap into the tourist market hungry for experiential activities. “People are hungry for activities, and we’re an experience,” Brennan noted.
Their Canmore location, part of a newly built shopping centre called The Shops of Canmore, is currently just outside downtown, but a downtown relocation is planned to be “where the action is.”
Source: Crock A Doodle
Crock A Doodle currently operates 40 franchises, with two corporate locations in Cambridge and Woodstock, Ontario. The Woodstock studio will be franchised once established.
With its unique blend of creativity, community, and strategic franchising, Crock A Doodle is poised for continued growth as Canada’s go-to destination for pottery painting experiences.
Vancouver-based Stripped Wax Co is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, marking a significant milestone for the female-founded brand that has grown from a single Yaletown location in 2010 to seven studios across British Columbia’s Lower Mainland.
Founded by Susan Vu, the company has become one of BC’s most recognized names in personal care and professional waxing. What began as a small boutique concept has evolved into a trusted brand with a reputation for expertise, inclusivity, and exceptional client care.
Susan Vu
“This feels like such an amazing milestone for us,” Vu told Retail Insider in an interview. “When we turned 10, it was during COVID, so we couldn’t really celebrate. Now the world feels lighter, and we can finally take a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come.”
From Yaletown Boutique to Beauty Pioneer
Vu’s entrepreneurial journey began not in beauty but in fashion. In 2010, as the Vancouver Winter Olympics energized the city, she operated a small clothing boutique in Yaletown. While running the shop, she observed an emerging trend in specialized beauty services such as blow-dry bars and lash lounges.
“I knew I wanted to be part of that movement,” Vu explained. “It was such an exciting time. These niche service concepts were opening everywhere, and I felt strongly that the next big opportunity would be waxing.”
With no prior experience in the beauty industry, Vu began researching the market. A serendipitous opportunity presented itself when the chiropractor next to her boutique announced he was closing his practice. The space, already divided into treatment rooms, was ideal for a waxing studio.
“It just made sense,” Vu said. “We renovated, hired our first waxer, and launched the concept. The wax bar took off immediately. Within months, I knew this was where I needed to focus.”
Image: Stripped Wax Co
Rapid Growth and a Strong Team Culture
Stripped Wax Co’s first five years were marked by steady expansion. After the original Yaletown studio, the company opened locations in Kitsilano, Lonsdale, Port Moody, and Burnaby, adding a new site almost every year.
By 2016, Vu had built a five-location network across the Lower Mainland.
“Our initial goal was to get to five locations in five years,” she said. “Once we achieved that, we took a break to stabilize operations.”
That pause lasted several years and included a major global disruption: the COVID-19 pandemic. But in 2023, the company returned to growth, adding two suburban studios in Langley and Surrey.
Today, Stripped Wax Co operates seven locations, including a larger flagship in Yaletown with six treatment rooms. While the brand explored franchising, Vu ultimately decided to maintain corporate ownership to ensure service consistency and team culture.
“Franchising didn’t feel right for us,” she noted. “We value being hands-on and growing in a way that aligns with our standards and values.”
Yaletown location in Vancouver. Image: Stripped Wax Co
Navigating the Pandemic and Industry Change
The pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for the personal care industry, forcing salons to close temporarily and rewrite operating protocols. For Vu, it was a turning point.
“COVID was difficult, but it also forced us to raise the bar on safety and hygiene,” she said. “Those protocols are now deeply ingrained in our operations, and clients appreciate that commitment.”
While the company survived the shutdowns, the economic ripple effects remain. Rising wages, new provincial regulations, and cost-of-living pressures have reshaped the business environment for salons.
“The service industry has faced a lot of change post-COVID,” Vu acknowledged. “Wages, sick-day regulations, and health taxes have all had an impact. But we’ve adapted and stayed strong.”
Expanding into At-Home Care
As part of its growth strategy, Stripped Wax Co has developed a proprietary line of professional-grade waxing and aftercare products, available both in salons and for at-home use.
“We launched our wax kits during COVID because clients couldn’t come in,” Vu explained. “They became so popular that we decided to keep them as part of our offering.”
The kits include microwave-safe wax containers, strips, applicators, and post-care products designed for easy use. Later this year, the company plans to expand the line with new scents and formulations, catering to customers who enjoy DIY beauty.
“We’re having fun with it,” Vu said. “Our clients might still visit us for Brazilians, but they can do quick touch-ups at home.”
The product line also includes feminine hygiene and post-wax care items, such as exfoliating treatments and pH-balanced washes.
An Inclusive Approach to Personal Care
Image: Stripped Wax Co
From the outset, Stripped Wax Co set out to create a space that welcomed all genders, a concept that was uncommon when the brand launched.
“When we opened, most salons catered almost exclusively to women,” Vu said. “We wanted men to feel comfortable too, so we designed our spaces to be modern and gender-neutral.”
Today, male clients account for roughly 20% of the company’s business, up from just 5% in its early years.
Specialized services for men, including Brazilian waxing, are available across all locations, supported by a rigorous training program for staff.
Looking Ahead: Measured Growth, Strong Values
As Stripped Wax Co enters its 15th year, Vu remains committed to sustainable growth rather than aggressive expansion.
“We’re happy with where we are,” she said. “There might be room for one or two more locations in BC if the opportunity is right, but we’re not chasing numbers. For us, it’s about quality, team culture, and enjoying the life we’ve built.”
While national expansion is off the table for now, the company’s evolving product line and established reputation position it well for continued success in a competitive market.
“Our focus has always been on creating an approachable, professional experience,” Vu said. “Fifteen years later, that vision hasn’t changed.”
If you are researching business analyst courses to further your career, the CBAP certification course is one of the most valuable credentials you can earn. Given the competitive job market, and that in today’s current job market, being a business analyst, you need to stand out with a niche skill set and industry recognition. As we all know, the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) certification by IIBA is to verify your skills and improve your knowledge of key Business analysis concepts, techniques, tools and practices.
This article will cover how getting CBAP certified helps to advance your business analyst career and pave the way for better jobs, pay grades, and growth in your profession.
What is CBAP Certification?
The CBAP Certification is a Global Standard for Experienced Business Analysts. It focuses on experienced business analysts who are looking to get their knowledge formalised but also signal to employers that the candidate knows their stuff. This includes requirements management, business process improvement, solutions assessment and stakeholder engagement.
Typically, to qualify for the CBAP certification, candidates are required to have experienced 7,500 hours of business analysis work within the last decade and complete either 35 professional development training hours with recognised business analyst courses or a specific CBAP preparation program.
Advantages of Enrolling in a CBAP Certification Course
Picking the correct CBAP certification course is important to assist you not just in getting ready for the examination efficiently, but also in discovering concrete skills you can instantly use in your work. Simplilearn provides an end-to-end CBAP certification course that incorporates everything from bookish information to cover points of use cases, and expert instruction supported by real between time tests.
When you sign up for an organised CBAP certification training program, you get:
Familiarity with the BABOK Guide (Business Analysis Body of Knowledge), which to a large part provided the foundation of CBAP exam content
Tangible tips on important skills such as requirements elicitation, solution evaluation and business process modelling
Test-taking strategies, as well as mock tests to practice for and improve your confidence in passing the CBAP exam on your first attempt
Expert Instructors and Community for doubt resolution and discussions.
Career Benefits of CBAP Certification
Enhanced Professional Credibility
As a professional, it elevates your credibility. Holding a CBAP certification instantly makes you more credible. It indicates to all the employers, clients and colleagues that here you have a validated proficiency and renowned dedication towards BAs. And, in many aspects, leads to greater responsibility, leadership and influence at your company.
Higher Salary Potential
CBAPs typically earn more than their non-certified peers. According to industry salary surveys, having the certification can boost your pay by 15-25%, depending on where you live and how experienced you are. Certification is a “big deal” for employers, as it demonstrates a level of expertise that can be brought to bear upon complex projects and business transformations.
Better Job Opportunities
Since applications of structured business analysis frameworks by several organisations are becoming common, possessing a CBAP certification can truly push your job resume into the limelight amidst a cluttered job market. It gives opportunities to senior business analysts, business analysis managers, product owner and consultant roles.
Greater Good Global companies and consulting firms hire CBAP-certified individuals to steer their important initiatives that could be impacting digital transformations, process re-engineering or stakeholder engagements.
Improved Business Analysis Skills
Preparing for the CBAP exam through a course can help reinforce your knowledge of fundamentals and key business analysis concepts as you navigate the path toward certification. You will be improving your skills at problem solving, conducting business analysis and stakeholder identification to the end of solution recommendation — all these directly contribute towards getting projects to succeed.
Networking Opportunities
When you participate in CBAP-focused communities and training programs, you gain access to a group of professionals looking for you. Your peers and thought leaders who attend can provide you with mentorship, partnerships, and great industry knowledge to help speed up your career.
Why Simplilearn’s CBAP Certification Course?
Simplilearn is a leading provider of a suite of professional certification courses that address the unique learning needs of working professionals. So why is their CBAP certification course one you should consider for your next move up the business analyst career ladder?
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Real-world scenarios, examples and practice exercises
Certification Support: Tips for the exam, mock tests and post-course support to make sure you pass.
Starting or Kicking Off Your CBAP Journey
Evaluate Your Eligibility: Lights, Camera, Verify your Work Experience + Training Hours. Check the CBAP Exam Prerequisites for getting acquainted with them.
Select the Appropriate Course: Register for a legitimate CBAP certification training course, and also make certain you have structured preparation, like Simplilearn.Transactional Analysis for Project Managers
Go through the BABOK Guide: Start with the standard and learn key concepts.
Mock test: Take a mock test to know where you need more practice.
Register for the exam: Send your application to IIBA and plan your exam when you are ready.
Practice Continuing Professional Development: Following becoming certified, focus on continuing learning to keep up with others who hold your credential and trends in your industry.
Conclusion
Accredited Business analyst courses, along with following the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) certification course, are a wise step to enhance your business analysis career. The CBAP certification is an important certification that can help you become certified as a business analyst and open the door to many new job opportunities, higher salaries, as well as serve as a professional endorsement.
So, if you are dedicated to propelling your career as a business analyst further ahead, then enroll in Simplilearn today with its CBAP certification. Get the skills and credentials top employers like Cisco are looking for with new growth opportunities in your career.
Movin’ Ebikes, a Toronto-based Canadian manufacturer of electric bicycles, is strengthening its position in the urban mobility market with a strategic expansion of its sales network. On June 3, 2025, the company opened its first U.S. store in New York, marking a significant step in bringing its durable, urban-focused e-bikes to American consumers. While the New York store showcases a variety of models, the company’s latest innovation, the Pulse e-bike with a 200 km range powered by a Dual Battery Max system (48V20Ah+48V25Ah), is currently available exclusively in Canada. Additionally, Movin’ Ebikes is addressing safety concerns with UL2271-certified batteries and inviting businesses to join its growing dealer network across North America.
Expanding Across Borders
Founded in 2021 by Parwaiz Nijrabi, Movin’ Ebikes emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as a response to urban transit challenges. The company quickly gained traction in Canada, with over 3,000 riders logging millions of kilometers on its e-bikes, as noted on Movin’ Ebikes website. Its reputation for producing reliable, high-performance e-bikes has fueled its growth, leading to the opening of a flagship store in Toronto in 2023 and now the Manhattan location in 2025. The New York store, open six days a week from 10 AM to 8 PM, offers test rides and showcases models like the Tempo and Mini, designed for urban commuters and those with limited storage space. This expansion reflects the growing demand for sustainable transportation in cities like New York, where traffic congestion and environmental concerns are pressing issues.
Pulse: A Long-Range Leader in Canada
A key highlight of Movin’ Ebikes’ recent developments is the Pulse model, equipped with a Dual Battery Max system (Samsung 48V20Ah and 48V25Ah, totaling 45Ah), which delivers an impressive range of up to 200km on a single charge. Available exclusively in Canada, as detailed on the Pulse product page, this model is tailored for long-distance commuters and delivery workers. Its fat tires and reinforced rear rack make it suitable for heavy loads and varied terrains, earning praise from Canadian riders. For example, Toronto-based delivery driver Bibin K reported that the Pulse’s battery remained at full capacity after a 17.8km ride, highlighting its efficiency and reliability. While the Pulse is not yet available in the U.S., its success in Canada underscores Movin’ Ebikes’ focus on meeting the needs of urban riders.
E-Bike Model Comparison
Model
Price (Discounted)
Range
Weight
Key Features
Best For
Pulse
$2,299.00
200km
80-90 lbs
Dual battery (48V20Ah+48V25Ah), fat tires
Long rides, deliveries (Canada only)
Tempo
$1,699.00
60km
50 lbs
Low step frame, easy mount
City commuting, scenic rides
Mini
$1,499.00
40km
35 lbs
Foldable, carbon belt drive
Commuters, small-space living
Addressing Safety Concerns
Recent incidents of e-bike battery fires in Canada have heightened public and regulatory scrutiny, prompting Movin’ Ebikes to prioritize safety. All its models, including the Pulse, are equipped with UL2271-certified batteries, which meet rigorous safety standards to prevent overheating and fire risks. This certification, emphasized in a June 2025 press release, ensures that Movin’ Ebikes’ products are safe for urban use, addressing concerns raised in cities like Toronto. Parwaiz Nijrabi, the company’s founder, has publicly supported stricter safety regulations, stating in a recent interview, “Certified batteries protect riders and communities, ensuring trust in our products.”
Dealer Opportunities for Growth
To support its expanding sales network, Movin’ Ebikes is actively recruiting dealers across North America. The company’s dealer program, accessible via the dealer locator page, offers businesses the opportunity to distribute high-quality e-bikes backed by a two-year comprehensive warranty and robust customer support. With e-bike sales surging due to urban demand for cost-effective and eco-friendly transportation, Movin’ Ebikes is positioning itself as a trusted partner for retailers. In Canada, where the average annual cost of car ownership exceeds $10,000, e-bikes like the Pulse, Tempo, and Mini provide significant savings, making the dealer program an attractive proposition.
The Role of E-Bikes in Urban Mobility
Movin’ Ebikes’ expansion comes at a time when cities are increasingly embracing e-bikes as a solution to urban challenges. E-bikes reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and offer an affordable alternative to car ownership. In New York, where navigating busy streets can be daunting, models like the Tempo and Mini provide flexibility and ease of use. The Pulse, while currently limited to Canada, exemplifies the potential of e-bikes to transform long-distance urban travel. Customer reviews, available on reviews page, highlight the durability and comfort of these models, with riders like Helo Hile noting the Pulse’s sturdiness after a year of daily use.
The Manhattan store’s strategic location near transit hubs enhances its appeal, allowing customers to integrate e-bikes into their daily routines. Movin’ Ebikes also offers free shipping and financing options, making ownership more accessible. As cities invest in bike-friendly infrastructure, such as dedicated lanes and secure parking, the demand for reliable e-bikes is expected to grow, positioning Movin’ Ebikes for continued success.
Movin’ Ebikes’ expansion into New York and the launch of the Pulse in Canada signal its ambition to shape the future of urban mobility. By combining innovative design, safety-focused engineering, and a commitment to sustainability, the company is addressing the needs of modern city dwellers. Founder Parwaiz Nijrabi emphasized this vision, stating, “Our goal is to provide practical, eco-friendly solutions that make urban travel easier and more sustainable.” As Movin’ Ebikes continues to grow its sales network and refine its offerings, it is well-positioned to lead the e-bike market in North America, contributing to cleaner and more efficient urban transportation.
Worried about long-term lifestyle stability? The right financial planning habits that support long-term lifestyle stability can make all the difference. This article will show you essential habits to adopt, like managing spending, saving for emergencies, and automating savings, to ensure a secure future.
Understanding the Impact of Everyday Spending
Every day, spending habits greatly affect your financial health and long-term stability. Small purchases can add up and disrupt your budget. For example, many Gen Z individuals struggle with unexpected living expenses, which impact their spending habits.
While many are cutting costs by dining out less and choosing cheaper groceries, over half still indulge in discretionary spending, risking financial strain. Balancing essential expenses with occasional treats is key to reaching financial goals.
Tracking your spending helps identify overspending and supports informed decisions to reduce unnecessary costs. Awareness and control of daily expenses are the first steps toward better financial habits and long-term stability.
Building an Emergency Fund for Financial Security
An emergency fund is a critical financial safety net that can cover unexpected expenses such as medical bills, car repairs, or job loss. Over half of Gen Z struggle to maintain sufficient emergency funds, with 55% lacking enough to cover three months’ worth of expenses. Establishing an emergency fund ensures financial stability by providing a buffer against life’s uncertainties.
Creating a dedicated savings account for emergencies helps protect against unexpected financial shocks. Start small if saving for an emergency fund seems overwhelming; setting aside a little each month can gradually build your safety net. Setting specific savings goals can motivate you to contribute regularly and provide a clear target to aim for.
Automating your savings is one of the most effective ways to build an emergency fund. Key steps and benefits include:
Using automatic transfers to simplify the process and make it easier to set aside money consistently.
Monitor your savings progress regularly to encourage continued contributions and keep you motivated.
Establishing an emergency fund to avoid unnecessary debt and ensure financial preparedness for unexpected expenses.
Strategic Debt Management
Managing debt strategically is crucial for maintaining financial stability. Key points to consider include:
Differentiating between good and bad debt to influence your financial decisions and prioritize repayment strategies; not all debt is created equal, including your financial obligations.
Prioritizing high-interest debt for repayment to reduce liabilities effectively.
Understanding the types of debt you have to create a reduction plan with actionable steps.
Utilizing strategies like loan consolidation and exploring debt consolidation options can help tackle debt more effectively. By consolidating multiple debts into a single loan with a lower interest rate, you can simplify your payments and potentially reduce the total interest costs while focusing on debt reduction. Creating and adhering to a household budget can further aid in maintaining control over debt and savings.
Assessing your debt-to-income ratio is crucial for understanding how much debt you can manage. Staying consistent in your efforts to manage and reduce debt is key to achieving financial stability. Freeing up resources that would otherwise go towards debt repayment allows for more savings and investments, paving the way for a more secure financial future.
Automating Savings and Investments
Automating retirement savings and investments can significantly enhance your financial health by ensuring consistent contributions towards your financial goals without requiring conscious effort. Setting up automatic transfers to tax-advantaged retirement accounts increases savings rates and removes the temptation to spend money that is automatically allocated to savings.
The practice of automating investments can foster discipline, helping investors stay committed to their financial goals over time. Automated contributions also help mitigate the emotional impulses that often lead to poor investment decisions. Dollar-cost averaging, a method where regular investments are made regardless of market conditions, allows you to buy more shares when prices are low and fewer shares when prices are high, decreasing the overall average cost per share.
To start automating your savings, set up a direct deposit into a savings account each payday. Automation is a key method for ensuring consistent savings and investment contributions, which are crucial for long-term success and stability. Committing to automated savings and investments helps build a robust financial safety net and secures your financial future.
Choosing the Right Financial Tools
Selecting the right financial tools is essential for managing expenses and building credit effectively. For example, comparing credit cards based on perks or rewards can help you choose the best option for your needs, such as the best OCBC credit card, which may offer features that support your everyday spending goals.
Engaging with a financial advisor can enhance the quality of your financial planning and help align decisions with your life goals. Utilizing professionals and tailored products helps reduce financial stress and ensures that your financial decisions support long-term lifestyle stability.
Consistent Financial Reviews and Adjustments
Regular financial reviews are crucial to staying aligned with your financial objectives. Monthly evaluations of your financial plans can help identify and resolve minor issues before they escalate. Conducting brief weekly financial reviews promotes proactive management of your financial situation.
Using technology can enhance the effectiveness of financial monitoring, making tracking easier and more efficient. Regularly reassessing your financial plans is essential to ensure they reflect your changing life stages and goals. As life circumstances change, it’s important to adjust your financial plan to stay on track and maintain long-term stability.
Having a structured review process allows you to proactively manage your investments and savings. Regularly review and adjust your investment portfolio and financial plan to ensure that your strategies continue to support long-term goals and provide peace of mind.
Planning for Unexpected Events
Planning for unexpected events is a vital component of a robust financial plan. Having appropriate insurance coverage can help mitigate financial risks associated with unforeseen events like job loss or property damage. Homeowners insurance, for example, safeguards against property damage and liability claims, protecting your most significant asset.
Preparing for emergencies such as job loss and home damage ensures that you can maintain financial balance even during challenging times. For those looking to protect their homes, it’s wise to buy house insurance that ensures financial coverage in the face of unexpected incidents.
Planning for the unexpected helps cover unforeseen expenses and avoid unnecessary debt, ensuring financial security while preparing for unexpected costs. This proactive approach to risk management supports long-term lifestyle stability and peace of mind.
Aligning Financial Decisions with Life Goals
Aligning your financial decisions with your life goals is crucial for long-term financial stability. A holistic view of your finances contributes to peace of mind and empowers effective decision-making. A comprehensive wealth strategy aligns with both immediate and future objectives, allowing for flexibility in financial strategies.
Life insurance is essential for individuals with dependents, ensuring their financial stability in the event of the policyholder’s death. Disability income insurance is also crucial for maintaining income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. Health insurance protects you from significant medical expenses and financial hardships due to serious health issues.
Planning well enables the freedom to make lifestyle choices with confidence. As life stages require financial flexibility to accommodate changing personal circumstances and priorities, regularly reassessing your financial plans and tools ensures they continue to support your evolving financial freedom goals and your future self, keeping you financially prepared.
The Power of Small, Consistent Habits
Creating financial stability through small, consistent actions is crucial for successful financial management. Focusing on small, consistent actions can lead to substantial financial changes over time. Incremental financial changes can lead to a compounding effect, similar to how compound interest works.
Practical habits that can significantly contribute to financial growth when practised regularly over time include:
Monthly budget reviews
Emergency savings contributions
Automated investments
Intentional spending
These habits benefit personal life choices, such as delaying gratification and buying quality over quantity.
Committing to better financial habits promotes personal growth and improves mental health and physical health. Consistent habits build a strong foundation for long-term financial stability and support a prosperous future.
Educating Yourself About Personal Finance
Continuous financial education fosters self-sufficiency and boosts overall financial well-being. Utilizing a variety of educational resources can tailor financial learning to individual preferences and schedules. These resources include:
Podcasts
Articles
Books
Online courses can help improve financial literacy.
Financial literacy involves understanding crucial elements like earning, saving, and protecting assets. A key benefit of financial literacy is the improved ability to make smart financial decisions.
Educating yourself about personal finance builds a strong foundation for financial health and security. This financial knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions, avoid unnecessary debt, and achieve your financial goals. Seek professional advice when necessary to navigate complex financial situations and ensure long-term success.
Summary
Proactive financial planning supports long-term lifestyle stability by fostering better financial habits, strategic debt management, and informed decision-making. Building an emergency fund, automating savings and investments, and choosing the right financial tools are essential steps towards securing your financial future. Regular financial reviews and planning for unexpected events ensure that your financial strategies remain aligned with your evolving life goals.
Incorporating these financial planning habits into your daily life can significantly reduce financial stress and provide peace of mind. As you adapt these habits, you’ll shape a more resilient tomorrow, ensuring that your financial journey supports a prosperous and stable lifestyle.
