Longo’s newest store in Etobicoke marks the grocer’s 43rd location as the company continues a measured expansion beyond the Greater Toronto Area.
President Deb Craven said the retailer had been hoping to enter the Etobicoke market “for a long, long time,” noting the area’s mix of families, new condominiums and proximity to downtown Toronto made it a strong fit for the brand.
Deb Craven
“It is our first store in Etobicoke, and the initial results seem to be proving it out,” Craven said in an interview. “It just seems to be our sweet spot in terms of the community that we really do well in.”
The store, which opened in November, measures about 37,000 square feet, a size Craven said has become the company’s standard for recent builds. She said it is large enough to house the full Longo’s offering while remaining easy for customers to navigate.
The Etobicoke opening follows other recent expansions.
Longo’s Queensway, located at 1055 The Queensway (November 19, 2025)
Longo Kleinberg, Vaughan, located at 6530 Major MacKenzie Drive W (April 3, 2025)
Longo’s Kitchener, located at 1950, Unit F, Fischer-Hallman Road (November 21, 2024)
Craven said the company is taking a deliberate approach as it pushes beyond the region.
“We’re trying to be responsible and reasonable,” she said. “As we’re expanding our footprint to these outside-of-GTA stores, (we’re) making sure we’ve got the infrastructure, the logistics to support that.”
The next new store is planned for Welland with an opening scheduled for May 2026.
“There’s never a dull moment around here. It’s an exciting company to be part of,” she said.
Craven said Longo’s business performance over the past year has been “very good” with strong same-store sales growth and additional gains from store openings. She added that the company’s long-standing focus on local suppliers has helped it navigate concerns that arose around tariffs.
The grocer, founded in 1956, will mark its 70th anniversary in 2026. Craven said the past year reaffirmed the value of the company’s historic approach.
Photo: Longo’s
“The family and the business have always been about local—relationships with local farmers, vendors and suppliers,” she said. “We didn’t really have to change much because we’ve always focused on local.”
She said customers increasingly wanted to know where products were sourced, prompting more shelf signage to make those details clear.
“It really reinforced for me that what the family’s been doing for 70 years has been the right long-term strategy,” Craven said.
AFA United in Style 2026, taking place February 8 to 10 in Toronto, is built around one central goal: creating a productive environment where buyers and brands can connect and drive business forward. The event brings together a mix of established companies and emerging labels, giving retailers access to a wide cross-section of the market. The show floor is designed to help decision-makers meet the right partners and discover new products that strengthen their upcoming seasonal strategies.
Retailers arrive with clear priorities. They want fresh product, strong value and reliable service. Exhibitors understand these expectations and come prepared with complete collections and the information needed to support buyers as they plan for the year ahead. For brands, the event presents an opportunity to expand their reach by engaging directly with retailers who are actively sourcing inventory. The conversations that take place at AFA United in Style often shape business relationships that continue long after the show closes.
Photo: AFA United in Style
The ability to see product in person remains one of the strongest advantages of the event. Categories like footwear and apparel rely on tactile evaluation, and buyers value the chance to compare fit, quality, fabrication and design side by side. This hands-on approach leads to better decisions and stronger vendor relationships. AFA United in Style 2026 offers a marketplace where business happens efficiently and where companies can build the partnerships they need for long-term success. For retailers and brands looking to grow, the show provides one of the most important commercial touchpoints on the Canadian calendar.
The event takes place at the Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Road, from February 8-10, 2026.
Retail Insider is working with AFA on a promotional campaign ahead of the event. To work with Retail Insider, contact Craig Patterson at craig@retail-insider.com
Iconic retailer POP MART has officially launched in Canada with the company’s first store atCF Richmond Centre near Vancouver and a senior executive describes the Canadian market as vibrant and diverse, suiting the brand’s further expansion in the country.
“POP MART was founded in 2010 in Beijing by entrepreneur Wang Ning. The brand began as a general lifestyle store. In 2014, it pivoted to focus exclusively on designer toys and developing original IPs,” Luis Barrientos, Executive VP of Business Development, POP MART Americas, said in an interview with Retail Insider.
Luis Barrientos
“This model quickly gained traction, helping POP MART become a global leader in art toys and pop culture collectibles. Original IPs such as Labubu, SKULLPANDA, and MOLLY have built a passionate fan base, paved the way for more original artist IPs, and fueled rapid international growth.”
He said POP MART currently operates over 570 physical stores and more than 2,500 Robo-Shops, vending-machine-style kiosks, across 30+ countries and regions, including major markets in Asia, Europe, the U.S., and now Canada.
“We have built an expansive international retail footprint while also driving strong online sales and community engagement through social media, events, and IP collaborations,” explained Barrientos.
“Canada offers a vibrant, diverse consumer base that’s deeply engaged with global pop culture and increasingly interested in designer collectibles. We see strong demand among both long-time fans and new audiences, especially Gen Z collectors drawn to POP MART’s distinctive aesthetic, storytelling, and IP universe.
“The market’s openness to new trends, art-driven products, and experiential retail makes it an exciting and natural next step for our North American expansion.”
He said the retailer is starting with a foundational rollout of key stores in strategic cities in Canada and will continue to grow based on consumer demand and brand momentum.
“Our goal is to build a meaningful, sustained presence in Canada over time, expanding our retail footprint, increasing access to new product drops, and cultivating a strong local fanbase. Canada is a priority market as we scale POP MART’s presence across North America,” noted Barrientos of the Beijing-based collectibles company.
Jeff Berkowitz
A previous Retail Insider story said the 1,325 square foot Richmond store will be followed immediately by a second location at Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby. According to Jeff Berkowitz of Aurora Retail Group, who represents POP MART in Canada, the Metrotown store is scheduled to open within days of the Richmond launch.
A third location at Toronto Premium Outlets in Halton Hills is expected to open later this year.
Hudson's Bay Stripes collection at Canadian Tire [Toronto, 839 Yonge Street]. Photo: Craig Patterson
Canadian Tire brought the Hudson’s Bay brand back into Canadian retail on Friday morning with the release of a limited Hudson’s Bay Stripes capsule, an assortment that quickly drew a strong response from shoppers across the country. The launch, which began in stores early on December 5, marked the brand’s first appearance at retail since the closure of the Hudson’s Bay department stores earlier this year and served as Canadian Tire’s first public step in reviving one of Canada’s most storied national brands.
Retail Insider visited a store and spoke to shoppers from several provinces Friday morning, who described brisk traffic and early selldowns of the most recognizable pieces, particularly ornaments, small gift items and accessories. Pricey Point blankets were available upon request, held at the back of the store. Because the products were sourced from earlier Hudson’s Bay assortments and produced in limited quantities, availability varied by store and restocking was not guaranteed.
Canadian Tire has positioned the holiday capsule as an introductory offering ahead of a broader expansion for 2026. The launch was intentionally kept offline, with no e-commerce availability, to encourage Canadians to visit stores to see the reintroduced brand firsthand.
Hudson’s Bay Stripes collection at Canadian Tire [Toronto, 839 Yonge Street]. Photo: Craig Patterson
A National Icon Returns to Shelves
The arrival of the Hudson’s Bay Stripes capsule represents a turning point in the transition of the historic brand. Canadian Tire acquired the Hudson’s Bay intellectual property in a court-approved deal in the spring of 2025 for about $30 million, gaining ownership of the Hudson’s Bay name, its classic multicoloured stripes, the coat of arms, and several former private labels. The Zellers brand was not included in the acquisition.
With the department stores now closed, Canadian Tire’s debut of the Stripes marks a continuation of a brand that many Canadians feared would disappear from daily retail life. The classic green, red, yellow and indigo striping carries cultural significance dating back to the eighteenth century when the Hudson’s Bay point blanket was introduced. The resale demand that followed the department store closures earlier this year illustrated the lasting affection Canadians feel for Hudson’s Bay branded goods.
Canadian Tire’s decision to launch the Hudson’s Bay Stripes capsule during the holiday season underscores both emotional and commercial opportunity. The holiday period is tied to traditions and gift giving, and the Stripes have long been associated with winter, cottages, family gatherings and seasonal décor. That association proved evident as customers sought out the classic items on Friday morning, with many arriving specifically for the blanket, knitwear or ornaments.
Canadian Tire [Toronto, 839 Yonge Street]. Photo: Craig Patterson Hudson’s Bay Stripes collection signage at the main entrance of Canadian Tire [Toronto, 839 Yonge Street]. Photo: Craig Patterson
Inside the December 5 Collection
Canadian Tire has curated a 26 item assortment for the launch, working with many of the same suppliers that previously produced goods for Hudson’s Bay. The assortment includes the unmistakable point blanket, striped bedding, knit accessories, totes and various seasonal items suitable for gifting. Espresso sets and decorative ornaments were singled out by store staff as products that sold quickly among early shoppers.
The retailer merchandised the Hudson’s Bay Stripes capsule prominently within stores to help customers identify the assortment immediately. Many locations placed the products prominently where foot traffic is concentrated. The displays were supported by signage that reintroduced the heritage brand to customers who may not have expected to see Hudson’s Bay goods return to mainstream retail so soon after the closure of the former department store chain.
Hudson’s Bay Stripes collection at Canadian Tire [Toronto, 839 Yonge Street]. Photo: Craig Patterson
Because the products in the Hudson’s Bay Stripes capsule were either sourced from prior assortments or manufactured on a compressed timeline, inventory levels were intentionally modest. Availability differed across the network, and staff in several markets told Retail Insider that customers who arrived later in the day might not find certain items that sold quickly as shoppers visit stores.
Flourishan, an expert in eco diamonds and innovative jewelry design, has brought its sustainable luxury to Calgary, partnering with Vena NovaDiamonds — the city’s only dedicated lab-grown diamond store and a recognized pioneer in the market.
This collaboration marks Flourishan’s first North American location and a major milestone in its global expansion. Calgary consumers can now experience Flourishan’s globally celebrated craftsmanship and commitment to sustainability locally. Most of the Flourishan diamonds are created by renewable energy, announced officials in a recent press release.
Photo: PARKER media
“We’re thrilled to bring Flourishan to Calgary,” said Justin Ng, Founder, Vena Nova. “As Canada’s first exclusively lab-grown diamond jeweler, it’s an honour to collaborate with a brand that shares our values of transparency, innovation and environmental responsibility. Together, we’re redefining what it means to own a diamond.”
Flourishan was founded by famous artist from Hong Kong Rosina Lam, and it has earned international recognition for its stunning, ethically made diamonds grown with cutting-edge technology and nearly zero environmental harm. Each Flourishan diamond is identical in beauty, brilliance and durability to mined diamonds but without the social and ecological cost of traditionally sourced diamonds, explained officials.
Photo: PARKER media
“Flourishan believes Lab-grown diamonds are setting the modern trend in jewelry style. Through the latest market research, Calgary consumers ranked the top in spending on lab-grown diamond with 92% of Calgary consumers say they plan to purchase lab-grown diamonds in the next 12 months. Based on the data, Flourishan picked Calgary as the first city to launch its collection. Flourishan will bring the latest collection, LOOP which gives customers the opportunity to personalize their bracelet and necklace to create unique and beautiful pieces,” it said.
Officials said the global lab-grown diamond market is on track to surpass USD $50 billion by 2030, driven by younger generations prioritizing sustainability and value. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 14.11% over the forecast period, according to Fortune Business Insights.
Woman shopping in a grocery store. Image: iStock/licensed
Canada’s Food Price Report (CFPR) 2026 forecasts that overall food prices will increase by 4% to 6%. The average family of four is expected to spend $17,571.79 on food in 2026, an increase of up to $994.63 from last year.
Food prices are 27% higher than they were five years ago. Annual food price increases are currently within the range predicted in the 2025 report (4%), however meat increased at a faster rate than predicted (5% to 7%). Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec are forecasted to experience food price increases above the national average next year, added the report from Dalhousie University.
Sylvain Charlebois
“Despite steadier inflation, Canadian families are still feeling the squeeze at the grocery store,” said Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Project Lead, Dalhousie University. “Our forecast for 2026 makes one thing clear: food affordability will remain a major pressure point in the year ahead.”
Officials said this marks the 16th edition of Canada’s Food Price Report (CFPR),an annual publication produced collaboratively by Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University, University of Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton University, the University of Guelph, the University of Alberta, Université Laval and the University of Saskatchewan.
Evan Fraser
“Prices are only one piece of Canada’s complex food industry story. Prices increase year over year but reports like this one help us understand that our food sits in the middle of shifting disputes, behaviours, and policies,” said Dr. Evan Fraser, Director of the Arrell Food Institute, University of Guelph. “It remains critical that we continue to collaborate across Canada to track new trends, because affordable access to food is a matter of security.”
The report outlined the following key factors that significantly affected the food economy in Canada this year:
GST/HST Holiday
From mid-December 2024 to mid-February 2025, the Canadian government implemented the All Canadians Act (Bill C-78), which removed Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) charges on select product purchases, including most food and beverages. This contributed to a large decrease in food inflation, dropping to -0.6% in January (the first time this has been a negative number in over eight years). In other words, Canadians spent much less on food over this two-month period.
United States Trade Dispute
In early 2025, the new American administration announced tariffs on most goods and energy imported from Canada. The Canadian government implemented substantial counter-tariffs in response. Since coming into effect in March 2025, the tariffs, the food industry has experienced increased costs and price volatility.
Buy Canadian Movement
In a show of national patriotism, many Canadians pledging to keep their dollars at home by purchasing domestically grown and produced products. Retailers assisted by highlighting Canadian goods through special maple leaf and Canadian flag labels. However, research shows that price is still the main driver of Canadian food purchases.
A woman shopping with her son in a grocery store. Photo: Unsplash
Interest Rate Cuts
To boost economic activity, the Bank of Canada lowered interest rates approximately 75 points throughout 2025, with the latest cut in late October bringing the rate down to 2.5%. Lower rates allow food businesses to access more affordable loans, making expansion and acquisition easier.
Changes to Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
The Canadian government has implemented a 10% cap on the number of workers in low-wage positions at a single work location. They have also announced plans to reduce the number of temporary residents from 7% to less than 5% of the population by 2027.
Beef Prices
The price of beef soared in 2025, with a 19% increase in the first quarter alone. This stabilized in later seasons, but prices were still up 23% from the five-year average.
Stuart Smyth
“While all food prices will experience slight increases, meat and beef witnessed the largest increase,” said Dr. Stuart Smyth, Campus Lead, University of Saskatchewan. “Nearly a decade of drought in the leading beef producing area of Canada has resulted in the smallest number of cattle since the late 1980s. Reduced supply and consistent demand creates upward pressure. Canadian beef is high quality and consumers intending to keep buying it will need to be increasingly conscious of optimum purchasing opportunities.”
Food Manufacturing Under Threat
The food manufacturing industry employs over 300,000 people in Canada. In 2025, many large corporations, including Kraft-Heinz and Dr. Pepper Kellogg, restructured and downsized, laying off thousands of workers. The volume of food sold in Canada has reduced considerably and production costs have risen, leading to a 1.9% decrease in food manufacturing growth.
Stacey Taylor
“Food inflation is putting Canadians under a lot of pressure, forcing people to make trade-offs every day. These trade-offs range from switching to a cheaper brand to delaying making purchases altogether,” said Dr. Stacey Taylor, Assistant Professor, Business Analytics, Cape Breton University. “Not only is there an issue with food security, but there is also a lot of concern over nutritional security and being able to afford a healthy diet.”
What can Canadians expect for 2026, according to the report?
Inflation is likely to further decrease, settling around 2% and holding steady. Canadian GDP growth will continue to slow to approximately 1.2% to 1.4%.
The US trade dispute is ongoing, although a recent rollback of tariffs on more than 200 agricultural and food products is a promising pivot.
The TFWP reforms could lead to labour shortages, and the agricultural industry relies heavily on seasonal workers. This could increase costs for businesses already operating on tight margins, with those extra costs being passed onto customers.
The One Canadian Economy Act passed in July 2025 should stimulate trade between provinces, reduce costs, encourage labour mobility, and strengthen domestic competition.
The Grocery Code of Conduct becomes fully operational in January 2026. It remains to be seen if it will be effectively enforced. The top four grocery chains control at least 72% of the national market share.
As of January 1st, 2026 it will be mandatory for all food that surpasses a pre-determined threshold for sodium, sugar, and saturated fat to include front-of-pack labelling. This will help consumers make better choices and could encourage product innovation. Also, Health Canada mandated that by December 31st, 2025 dairy milk must be fortified with nearly double its current amount of Vitamin D.
Chicken prices are set to rise substantially in 2026. Customer demand for chicken has increased due to the higher cost of beef. Canada has strengthened beef import partnerships with Mexico and Australia. This should help stabilize prices, but the squeeze is expected to continue until at least 2027.
Increasingly severe and unpredictable weather events around the globe will continue to disrupt agricultural production, creating supply challenges.
American Express and the International Downtown Association Foundation have announced the 20 grantees of the 2025 Backing International Small Restaurants program in Canada, an initiative that honours restaurants that have demonstrated a positive impact in their local communities. Globally, the initiative will award over US $1.4 million to 97 small and independently owned restaurants across 14 cities in the UK, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, Spain, and France.
This year’s grantees are more than places to eat–they’re crossroads where communities connect through food, art, and shared experiences. Led by passionate and resilient owners, the grants will help modernize dining spaces, improve kitchen operations, and enhance digital tools, empowering them to grow, adapt, and thrive while fueling local economies and enriching the soul of their cities.
Nicaroma Café is one of the 2025 Canadian grantees. Located in the heart of Oakwood Village in Toronto, it’s a vibrant family-run spot serving Nicaraguan coffee, breakfast, quick bites, and desserts, and serving as a gathering space for the Latin American community. “With support from the Backing International Small Restaurants program, we’ll be able to upgrade our equipment and expand our operations, allowing us to welcome more guests while maintaining the heart and authenticity that define who we are,” said Rebecca Alberico, co-owner of Nicaroma Café.
Rutba is another 2025 Canadian grantee, based in Montreal. It blends authentic North Indian recipes with modern influences, while building a warm, inviting space for the city’s communities. With the grant, Rutba plans to make essential improvements, including interior renovations, upgraded kitchen tools, staff training, and a strengthened marketing presence to reach more of the community. “This grant will help us continue to share soulful Indian flavours with the city and strengthen the bridge we’re creating through our food, stories and community.”
Kerri-Ann Santaguida
“Small restaurants play an essential role in their local communities and their stories of resilience and passion inspire us every day,” said Kerri-Ann Santaguida, Vice President and General Manager of Merchant Services at Amex Canada. “Through the Backing International Small Restaurants grant program, we’re proud to support business owners who bring connections and vibrancy to their neighbourhoods.”
David Downey
“As we celebrate the fourth year of the Backing International Small Restaurants program in Canada, we are continually inspired by the resilience and positive impact of the small, independent restaurants selected as this year’s grantees”, said David Downey, Executive Director, International Downtown Association Foundation. “These restaurants are the heart and soul of their neighbourhoods, and through the generous, sustained support of American Express, we are proud to help strengthen the fabric of local communities across Canada and the world.”
This initiative complements American Express’s Backing Historic Small Restaurants program, which has provided over $8 million to 180 restaurants across all 50 U.S. states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands since its creation in 2021. Together, these programs have delivered over $11 million to support more than 410 small restaurants globally. American Express has long championed small businesses, launching Small Business Saturday 15 years ago and founding Shop Small, now a global movement across the UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, Mexico, France, Spain, New Zealand, and more, according to a news release.
Employment increased by 54,000 (+0.3%) in November, driven by gains in part-time work. The employment rate rose 0.1 percentage points to 60.9%, while the unemployment rate fell 0.4 percentage points to 6.5%. Employment growth was concentrated among youth aged 15 to 24 (+50,000; +1.8%). There was little change in employment for core-aged people (25 to 54 years) and people aged 55 years and older, reported Statistics Canada on Friday.
In November, employment increased in health care and social assistance (+46,000; +1.6%), accommodation and food services (+14,000; +1.2%) and natural resources (+11,000; +3.4%). On the other hand, employment decreased in wholesale and retail trade (-34,000; -1.1%). Employment was up in Alberta (+29,000; +1.1%), New Brunswick (+5,500; +1.4%) and Manitoba (+4,500; +0.6%). Employment was little changed in the other provinces. Average hourly wages among employees increased 3.6% (+$1.27 to $37.00) on a year-over-year basis in November, following growth of 3.5% in October (not seasonally adjusted), said the federal agency.
“Employment rose by 54,000 (+0.3%) in November, the third consecutive monthly increase. Cumulative increases in September, October and November (+181,000; +0.9%) followed a slow start to the year, with little net employment change from January to August. The employment rate—the percentage of the population aged 15 years and older who are employed—increased by 0.1 percentage points to 60.9% in November, the third consecutive monthly increase. Compared with 12 months earlier, the employment rate was unchanged. The number of private sector employees rose by 52,000 (+0.4%) in November, while there was little change in the number of public sector employees and self-employed workers,” explained Statistics Canada.
Photo: Amina Filkins
It said employment growth in November was driven by a rise in part-time employment (+63,000; +1.6%). Over the past three months, part-time employment has increased at a faster rate (+2.7%; +103,000) than full-time employment (+0.5%; +78,000).
“The unemployment rate fell 0.4 percentage points to 6.5% in November, following a 0.2 percentage point decline in October. The unemployment rate had previously trended up through most of 2025, reaching 7.1% in September—the highest level since May 2016 (excluding 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic),” it said.
“There were 1.5 million unemployed people in November, a decrease of 80,000 (-5.1%) from the previous month.
“Among people who were unemployed in October, 19.6% had found work in November. This job finding rate was up slightly compared with the same months in 2024 (18.6%), indicating that job searchers were more likely to find work in November 2025 than a year earlier (not seasonally adjusted). In comparison, increases in the unemployment rate earlier in the year had been associated with lower job finding rates.”
The layoff rate in November (0.7%) was virtually unchanged compared with 12 months earlier (0.8%) and comparable to the average November layoff rate from 2017 to 2019 (0.8%) (not seasonally adjusted). This rate represents the proportion of people who were employed in October and had become unemployed in November as a result of a layoff. The layoff rate has varied little on a year-over-year basis throughout 2025, it said.
“The total number of people in the labour force edged down (-26,000; -0.1%) in November. The participation rate—the proportion of the population aged 15 and older who were employed or looking for work—fell by 0.2 percentage points to 65.1%.”
An Verhulst-Santos, President & CEO of L'Oréal Canada received the WXN Most Powerful CEO Award on November 27th. (CNW Group/L'Oréal Canada Inc. (Only Use For Wire))
An Verhulst-Santos, President and CEO of L’Oréal Canada, has received three esteemed recognitions, solidifying her position as a leading force for positive change, impactful leadership, and business excellence within Canada and globally.
These significant accolades include selection in the Meaningful Business 100 (MB100), recognition as an Impact Leader by the Réseau des Femmes d’Affaires du Québec, and the prestigious Canada’s Most Powerful CEO award from the WXN (Women’s Executive Network), said the company, adding that these honors underscore Verhulst-Santos’ unwavering commitment to purpose-driven leadership, fostering an inclusive environment, and steering L’Oréal Canada towards remarkable success and societal impact.
Her vision and dedication have not only propelled the company forward but have also inspired countless individuals across various sectors, it said.
An Verhulst-Santos
“These recognitions are truly humbling, and I accept them on behalf of the 1,750 employees at L’Oréal Canada,” said Verhulst-Santos. “They are a testament to our collective dedication to creating the beauty that moves the world, to our shared values, and to the relentless pursuit of excellence and positive impact in everything we do. It’s the passion and hard work of our teams that truly make these achievements possible, and I am incredibly proud to lead such inspiring teams.
“As the first woman President and CEO of L’Oréal Canada, I am proud of the diversity within our teams. I am strongly committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, innovate, and lead change.”
L’Oréal Canada is a subsidiary of the L’Oréal Groupe, the world’s leading beauty company. The Canadian subsidiary, established in 1958, includes a head office, plant and distribution centre in Montreal, a sales office in Toronto, and employs 1,750 people from 73 different nationalities. The products from its 39 iconic brands are available in all distribution channels, including hair salons, department stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, medi-spas and e-commerce.
The company said the inclusion of Verhulst-Santos in the Meaningful Business 100 (MB100), an elite global community of leaders combining profit and purpose, highlights her dedication to sustainable practices and responsible business. This recognition celebrates her strategic initiatives that prioritize environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and ethical governance, a mission she champions with her teams every day, thanks to L’Oréal brands’ social causes and the L’Oréal for the Future program, helping 110,000 Canadians each year.
“Evaluated by a panel of expert judges representing organizations like Google, Mastercard and the World Economic Forum, the winners were selected from over 900 nominations, across 86 countries and scored across five key areas: equity, impact, innovation, leadership and scalability.
Tom Lytton-Dickie
Commenting on the 2025 MB100, Tom Lytton-Dickie, Founder & CEO, Meaningful Business said: “Firstly, a big congratulations to An Verhulst-Santos, whose inspiring work at L’Oréal Canada demonstrates how combining profit and purpose can tackle complex social and environmental issues. The caliber of this year’s applications was exceptionally high, and we’re honored to have An join our global community.”
Verhulst-Santos was also celebrated as an Impact Leader at the Gala of the Réseau des Femmes d’Affaires du Québec. A true driving force, Verhulst-Santos leads a full ecosystem that generates 20,500 jobs in Canada and an economic contribution of $5.2 billion in the Canadian economy, explained the company.
And Verhulst-Santos was honoured with the Canada’s Most Powerful CEO award from the WXN. The company said the esteemed award celebrates Canada’s most powerful women who have made significant contributions to Canadian society. It recognizes her exceptional strategic acumen, innovative spirit, and her ability to lead L’Oréal Canada to new heights, all while cultivating a vibrant and engaged workforce.
As the final season of Stranger Things begins rolling out on Netflix, Telus is inviting fans into its own version of the Upside Down. In select stores across the country, the telecommunications company has introduced immersive displays that re-create scenes from the series, drawing on the show’s familiar 1980s atmosphere to promote its Stream+ bundle. The activation marks one of the more ambitious examples of experiential marketing to appear in Canadian telecom retail as the streaming landscape becomes increasingly competitive.
The first four episodes of the season are now available on Netflix, with another three scheduled to arrive on Christmas Day and a two-hour finale released on New Year’s Eve. Telus has timed the pop ups to track the staggered rollout, keeping the installations open until January 19. By placing the displays at high-traffic malls during the holiday rush, the company hopes to reach fans at a moment when interest in the franchise is at its peak.
Stranger Things pop-up signage at Telus, CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Image: TELUS
Immersive Displays in Four Canadian Cities
Each Telus Stranger Things pop up features a compact walk-through experience housed inside the carrier’s stores. The installations include a Demogorgon photo display and a set of bikes arranged to evoke memorable moments from the series. Visitors can pose with the props, share photos online and enter a national draw for a prize pack valued at $700. The items include a branded record player, a Hawkins Tigers bomber jacket and a themed holiday sweater, all designed to appeal to fans of the show.
The displays are located at CF Toronto Eaton Centre from December 3 to January 19, Calgary Southcentre Mall from December 5 to January 19, Quebec’s CF Fairview Pointe-Claire from December 4 to January 19 and Kelowna’s Orchard Park Mall from December 6 to January 19. While the installations are modest in scale, they offer a brief opportunity to step into Hawkins, creating a retail destination that aims to mix entertainment with product education.
During the visit, staff will explain how Stream+ works. The bundle includes Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video and begins at $10 per month for ad-supported tiers or $25 per month for premium ad-free access. Telus has been promoting the package as a way to consolidate streaming costs, noting that the bundle offers significant savings compared to paying for each service individually.
Stranger Things pop-up at Telus. Image: TELUS
Entertainment and Telecom Interests Converge
For Netflix, the partnership enables a physical presence during a critical moment for one of its biggest global properties. The Stranger Things franchise has long incorporated experiential activations into its marketing campaigns, often drawing large audiences at retailers such as Target, Primark and Aldo. These installations serve as opportunities for fans to interact with props and environments that loosely mimic the show, sustaining conversation and social media activity between episode drops.
By collaborating with Telus, Netflix extends this strategy into Canadian telecom retail, a setting where customers are often reviewing subscriptions or making decisions about content platforms. The Telus Stranger Things pop up therefore functions as a cultural touchpoint inside a venue that is traditionally more associated with data plans and phone upgrades than themed displays.
The partnership also reflects a broader shift in how streaming services approach promotional opportunities. With many households reconsidering which platforms they subscribe to, Netflix gains visibility in an environment where consumers are already thinking about digital entertainment. The pop ups are positioned to catch attention from holiday shoppers as well as existing Telus customers who may not yet be familiar with Stream+.
