SHEIN X, the collaboration platform under global fashion and lifestyle online retailer SHEIN, has introduced its latest designer drop: a limited-edition capsule with modern womenswear label House of One.
Designed for women who dress with intention, the SHEIN X HOUSE OF ONE collection delivers timeless pieces that balance sophistication, comfort, and quiet confidence – all at accessible price points, said the retailer.
SHEIN X introduces its latest designer drop: a limited-edition capsule with modern womenswear label House of One.
Featuring clean lines, soft tailoring, and thoughtful details like pleats, piped edges, and cinched waists, the 50-piece collection offers refined wardrobe staples made to meet the moment – whether it’s a Monday meeting, an after-hours event, or a well-earned day of rest. House of One’s signature aesthetic – feminine, flattering, and quietly confident – is reimagined through SHEIN’s lens of global accessibility and innovation, explained the retailer.
“Our goal was to create pieces that bring ease and elegance to everyday life, helping women feel composed, confident, and fully themselves. Collaborating with SHEIN X gave us the platform to share that message on a global scale, combining thoughtful design with incredible reach.”
Ronaldo Engelbrecht
Rooted in a palette of warm creams, charcoals, camel, and soft blue, the collection draws inspiration from heritage minimalism and everyday grace. Structured silhouettes are softened by draped fabrics and breathable knits, while linen blends offer tactile richness that wears beautifully over time. From wide-leg trousers and tailored sets to softly pleated skirts and refined day-to-night dresses, each piece is designed to move with real life – and feel like a moment of indulgence in the middle of it, added SHEIN.
“Made for the woman who dresses with purpose and shops with care, SHEIN X HOUSE OF ONE invites customers to experience what House of One calls affordable indulgence: timeless design that feels expensive – without the price tag,” it said.
SHEIN X is a program under SHEIN – the global fashion and lifestyle online retailer – that collaborates with designers and creators to launch exclusive collections. Each release showcases the originality of talented creators worldwide and marries the essence of upscale fashion with affordability, giving a designer touch to all styles. SHEIN, headquartered in Singapore, is a global fashion and lifestyle online retailer, offering SHEIN, branded apparel and products from a global network of vendors, all at affordable prices.
Uniqlo at CF Fairview Pte-Clair near Montreal. Photo: Cadillac Fairview
Japanese global apparel retailer Uniqlo is accelerating its Canadian expansion with the opening of four new stores this fall, including its first-ever location in Victoria, British Columbia. The brand, known for its functional and affordable LifeWear apparel, continues to target key markets as part of its broader national growth strategy.
By the end of 2025, Uniqlo will operate 37 stores across Canada, strengthening its footprint in British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta, while reinforcing its presence in major urban and suburban shopping destinations.
The highlight of this expansion is Uniqlo’s debut in Victoria, a city with a metro population of about 400,000 residents. This marks an important milestone for the retailer as it taps into a smaller but affluent market on Vancouver Island. The new store will open at Mayfair Shopping Centre, a premier retail destination in Victoria that caters to a mix of fashion, lifestyle, and dining brands.
Victoria’s addition complements Uniqlo’s growing presence in British Columbia, where it already operates several stores in the Vancouver area. The move signals the company’s willingness to explore markets beyond Canada’s largest metropolitan regions, with a focus on communities showing strong retail performance and demand for global apparel brands.
Inside the new Uniqlo store at Royalmount in Montreal. Photo: Uniqlo
Expansion in Alberta and Quebec
In Alberta, two significant openings are planned. One will be at South Edmonton Common, one of Canada’s largest power centres, known for attracting heavy foot traffic and a diverse retail mix. This will be Uniqlo’s second Canadian location in a big-box power centre, following the success of its store at Heartland Town Centre near Toronto, which opened last year.
The second Alberta opening is at CrossIron Mills, a popular hybrid outlet destination north of Calgary. The centre combines outlet and full-price retail concepts, making it a strategic choice for Uniqlo’s value-driven yet quality-focused product offering.
Quebec City will also see its second Uniqlo location at Galeries de la Capitale, reinforcing the brand’s stronghold in the province. This follows the opening of a store at Place Ste-Foy this summer, marking Uniqlo’s continued investment in Quebec’s growing retail landscape.
Canadian Growth Since 2016
Uniqlo entered the Canadian market in 2016 with two flagship stores in Toronto at CF Toronto Eaton Centre and Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Since then, the retailer has expanded into major markets such as Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City, focusing on high-traffic shopping centres.
Over the past two years, expansion has accelerated. Notable openings included CF Rideau Centre in Ottawa, CF Sherway Gardens in Toronto, and Royalmount in Montreal.
By fall 2025, with the addition of the four new stores, Uniqlo will have achieved a network of 37 Canadian locations, making it one of the most significant international apparel chains operating in the country.
UNIQLO Centre Eaton de Montreal (705 Sainte-Catherine St. W.) Photo: Maxime Frechette
Why Victoria and Beyond?
The decision to enter Victoria reflects Uniqlo’s confidence in secondary markets with strong consumer spending power. Victoria is regarded as a lifestyle-oriented city with a steady influx of residents and tourists, offering a promising retail environment. The presence of Mayfair Shopping Centre as the region’s dominant mall further enhances the appeal.
Looking ahead, other mid-sized Canadian markets could be on Uniqlo’s radar. Winnipeg, with its population and retail strength, remains a strong candidate for future expansion. Similarly, markets such as Halifax and Saskatoon offer opportunities as the brand continues its national rollout. A downtown Vancouver store announcement is also expected.
Uniqlo’s Canadian site selection and lease negotiations have been spearheaded by Jeff Berkowitz, founder of Aurora Realty Consultants. Berkowitz has represented Uniqlo since its entry into Canada and was instrumental in securing the latest four leases. His firm has consistently guided the retailer toward locations in top-performing shopping centres and high-traffic nodes across the country.
Opening soon: Uniqlo at Union Station in Toronto. Photo: Dustin Fuhs/6ix Retail
Store Experience and Product Offering
As with its other locations, the new stores will feature Uniqlo’s signature LifeWear line, which emphasizes simplicity, quality, and longevity. Shoppers can expect a full range of apparel for men, women, kids, and babies, as well as seasonal collaborations and the UT collection of graphic T-shirts.
Uniqlo’s Canadian stores integrate a seamless omnichannel experience by combining in-store shopping with the convenience of uniqlo.com. The brand continues to invest in both digital and physical channels to deliver accessibility and consistency across its operations.
Uniqlo is also emphasizing job creation in these new markets. Recruitment campaigns and career fairs will accompany store openings, with roles ranging from sales associates to management positions. The company aims to build inclusive teams that reflect the communities they serve, aligning with its commitment to accessibility and diversity in retail.
A Global Retail Powerhouse
Uniqlo is a core brand under Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., one of the largest apparel companies in the world, operating more than 2,500 stores globally. With its headquarters in Tokyo, Fast Retailing’s portfolio includes other well-known labels such as GU, Theory, and Helmut Lang.
The brand’s continued success in Canada mirrors its global growth strategy of entering major cities while expanding into high-potential secondary markets. Its simple, functional, and affordable approach resonates with consumers seeking value without sacrificing quality.
The Canadian fashion industry’s most anticipated trade event is back. From August 12-14, 2025, the AFA Expo will once again bring together leaders in footwear, apparel, and accessories at the Toronto Congress Centre for three dynamic days of business, networking, and industry insights.
As Canada’s only national trade show dedicated exclusively to the footwear, apparel, and accessories sectors, AFA Expo is a must-attend event for retailers, buyers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and suppliers looking to discover new brands, strengthen partnerships, and stay ahead of emerging trends.
Key Details:
Dates: August 12-14, 2025
Location: Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Road, Toronto, ON
Show Hours:
August 12 & 13: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
August 14: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The 2025 edition will feature an expansive exhibitor lineup, showcasing hundreds of brands ranging from established global names to exciting emerging labels. Attendees can expect curated product displays, exclusive buying opportunities, and valuable networking with key decision-makers from across Canada’s retail landscape.
Whether you’re an independent boutique, a national chain, or a supplier seeking to expand your Canadian presence, AFA Expo offers a powerful platform to conduct business and connect directly with the people shaping Canada’s fashion retail future.
Registration is Now Open
Space is limited for both exhibitors and attendees. To register or learn more, visit the official website at: www.afacanada.com
Don’t miss your chance to be part of Canada’s leading fashion industry marketplace this August.
AFA Expo — Where Canada’s Fashion Industry Connects.
After a tumultuous first quarter, the outlook for the foodservice industry has moderated thanks to a cooling of tariff war rhetoric and a slight uptick in consumer confidence, but operators remain cautious, according to Restaurants Canada’s Q2 Quarterly Report.
Restaurants Canada said it expects real commercial foodservice sales to experience -0.5% to 0.5% growth in 2025 and a 0.1% to 0.6% decline in 2026.
In the first four months of 2025, commercial foodservice sales grew by a solid 6.6%, supported in part by the GST/HST holiday in January, explained the national organization. With headwinds picking up speed again and a majority of restaurants having to increase prices, Restaurants Canada is urging the federal government to permanently exempt all food, including restaurant meals, from GST/HST.
Kelly Higginson
“Keeping food affordable needs to be a top priority for the government. Canadians from all walks of life rely on restaurants to feed themselves, whether it’s parents grabbing dinner on the way home from soccer practice, an elderly person who needs a hot meal delivered, or a busy student getting a breakfast sandwich on the way to school,” said Kelly Higginson, President and CEO of Restaurants Canada.
“Removing the GST/HST from all food is a no-nonsense way to improve the quality of life of Canadians and support the foodservice industry.”
Quarterly Report at a glance:
Commercial foodservice sales are expected to reach between $98.5 billion and $99.5 billion in 2025, a slight improvement over last quarter’s forecast, but still below pre-tariff war expectations.
Seven in 10 restaurant operators rate the current economic conditions just fair or worse. Only 31% say they are “good” or “very good.”
While consumer confidence has improved slightly over last quarter, 48% of restaurant operators expect to be less profitable in 2025 than they were in 2024.
Food costs (83%), labour costs (80%) and a weak economy (55%) were the top three challenges cited by foodservice operators.
To deal with rising operating costs, foodservice businesses are raising menu prices (85%), cutting staff or hours (60%), increasing hours worked by owners or managers (54%), or changing suppliers or ingredients (53%).
Overall, 41% of foodservice businesses are operating at a loss or just breaking even. This is an improvement over 2024, but still far below 2019 levels, when only 12% reported operating at a loss or just breaking even. Only 9% of operators report making a profit above 10%, compared to 36% pre-pandemic.
While tariff uncertainty continues to weigh heavy on the foodservice outlook, consumer confidence, spending and debt levels are improving, offering a glimmer of hope for an upswing in mid-2026.
Restaurants Canada is a national, not-for-profit association advancing Canada’s foodservice industry. Restaurants are a $120 billion industry employing nearly 1.2 million Canadians and the number one source of first-time jobs in Canada, it says.
The Tavern Collective in Calgary. Photo by Mario Toneguzzi
On Monday, Statistics Canada reported that total sales in the food services and drinking places subsector increased 0.4% in May to $8.5 billion.
In May, the largest increase in sales came from full-service restaurants (+1.2%). Higher sales were also observed in special food services (+3.1%) and drinking places (+0.1%). Sales at limited-service eating places (-0.8%) declined, added the federal agency.
In May, eight provinces saw increased sales. Quebec (+1.1%) posted the largest increase in dollar terms, followed by Ontario (+0.5%). British Columbia (-0.4%) saw the largest decrease in dollar terms. Sales also declined in Saskatchewan (-0.6%) following two consecutive months of strong growth.
Odd Burger Corporation, a leading plant-based fast-food chain and food technology company, announced Monday the appointment of Vasiliki McInnes as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer, as well as the grand opening of its second Edmonton location on Saturday, August 2.
Vasiliki McInnes
Vasiliki McInnes is Odd Burger’s co-founder, former Chief Operating Officer, and largest shareholder. The company said she has played a critical role in the financial operations of the company since January 2024 and has led the company’s annual financial audit for the past two years.
Her deep understanding of the company’s strategic vision and her extensive experience in operations and financial leadership makes her an ideal fit for this role, said the brand.
“Vasiliki has been a driving force behind Odd Burger’s growth and financial discipline,” said James McInnes, CEO and Co-Founder of Odd Burger. “Her leadership, commitment, and deep alignment with our mission, positions her perfectly for the CFO role as we enter this next stage of expansion.”
James McInnes
The brand said its second Edmonton location is at 9518 Ellerslie Road. The grand opening will take place from 12 PM to 6 PM, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at noon to kick off the festivities.
Highlights of the grand opening include:
$1 plant-based soft serve available all day
25% of all sales donated to Farm Animal Rescue and Rehoming Movement (FARRM), a local sanctuary that provides a safe haven for surrendered and abused farm animals and cats near Wetaskiwin, AB
Free Odd Burger tote bags for the first 30 people in line
This new location continues Odd Burger’s mission to make sustainable, ethical, and delicious fast food more accessible across Canada and expands its footprint in Edmonton AB where it successfully operates a franchise location in the west end, added the company.
Odd Burger Corporation is a franchised vegan fast-food restaurant chain and food technology company that manufactures a proprietary line of plant-based protein and dairy alternatives.
New Look Vision location on Montreal's Rue Sainte Catherine. Photo: New Look Vision
Affirm, the payment network that empowers consumers and helps merchants drive growth, and New Look Vision Group, a leading North American optical retailer with over 475 stores in the US and Canada, today announced a new partnership in Canada, bringing Affirm’s “honest, transparent pay-over-time options” to customers shopping at New Look Eyewear, Greiche & Scaff, Vogue Optical, IRIS, and more.
Whether shopping for prescription glasses, sunglasses, or contact lenses, approved Canadian shoppers can select Affirm at checkout to split their purchases into biweekly or monthly payments. If approved, they can choose the customized payment plan that best suits their needs and never pay any late or hidden fees, said the companies in a news release.
Antoine Amiel
“We’re proud to partner with Affirm in Canada, advancing our vision of making high-quality vision care more accessible and affordable to consumers across the country,” said Antoine Amiel, President & CEO of New Look Vision Group. “Eyewear is often a necessary investment, and offering a flexible way to pay helps remove a meaningful barrier for many consumers. Integrating with Affirm helps us offer shoppers greater confidence and clarity over how they pay, without compromising on quality or experience.”
With this launch, New Look Vision Group joins nearly 360,000 merchants offering Affirm at checkout, including partnerships with leading Canadian retailers Amazon, Apple, Samsung, Brown’s Shoes, CheapOair, and more.
Wayne Pommen
“Eyewear and prescriptions are tailored to meet individual needs, and the way people pay should be no different,” said Wayne Pommen, Chief Revenue Officer at Affirm. “By teaming up with New Look Vision Group, we’re thrilled to offer personalized payment options without any late fees or hidden charges. Consumers should not have to worry about gotchas or fine print when shopping for vision care, and with Affirm they don’t have to.”
New Look Vision Group is a leading optical retailer operating at the intersection of healthcare and retail. Headquartered in Montreal, New Look Vision Group is present in Canada and the United States. New Look Vision Group has a network of 476 locations operating mainly under the Iris, New Look Eyewear, Vogue Optical and Greiche & Scaff banners and operates a lens manufacturing facility using state-of-the-art technologies located in Canada.
New data from VistaPrintand Wix shows that small business owners in the retail space are doubling down on their digital marketing efforts, with an eye towards creating unique customer experiences.
The 2025 Small Business Marketing Guide, based on a survey of 1,000 SBOs and 1,000 consumers, reveals that 40% of small business retailers say an online presence has had the biggest impact on their business in the last 12 months and 63% are more comfortable connecting online rather than in person.
Key findings for this sector:
Top digital marketing tactics include social media (58%), websites (48%) and online reviews (46%)
The top three methods of building loyalty among customers include engaging customers via social media (58%), offering personalized discounts (53%) and sending personalized thank you cards (45%)
Despite operating in a digital-first world, small business retailers still value traditional marketing tactics via business cards (53%), promotional products (35%) and attending events and tradeshows (33%)
“Looking ahead to the next 12 months, small business owners are united in their desire to continue expanding their marketing, while consumers agree that they want to see more community connections. And AI isn’t sci-fi anymore – it’s firmly in the marketing mix, but not everyone agrees on its uses or merits,” said the report.
“When it comes to the state of small business marketing in 2025, we can see that it’s anything but linear. There are ups and downs, challenges and opportunities, but the undeniable theme in this year’s data is that businesses and consumers are seeking the same thing: community.
“It’s the antidote to competition and the pathway to connection. For small business owners, it’s a loyal audience that shows up to support them every day. For consumers, it’s their local cafe, clothing store or electrician whose services and products they can count on and trust.
“Because great marketing isn’t just about clicks and conversions, it’s about building something that lasts, something that never stops, something that flows.”
Healthy Planet, Canada’s largest health and wellness e-commerce website and wellness retail store chain, is launching its Good Food Drive, a national back-to-school campaign running from August 1 to September 30, aimed at tackling childhood food insecurity head-on.
Recognizing that one in three food bank clients in Canada is a child, Healthy Planet said it is taking meaningful action by donating nutritious, minimally processed food to help support the health and well-being of children in need.
The Good Food Drive will donate 300,000 non-GMO, kid-friendly ingredients through local food banks in Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver to help families prepare healthy meals at home.
“We believe no child should have to rely on ultra-processed, low-nutrient food just because it’s all that’s available. The Good Food Drive is our way of giving families in need the same high-quality food we’d give our own children. It’s simple—when you shop with us, you’re helping feed your community.
“The call to action is clear: shop smart, give back. Every participating product purchased triggers a meaningful donation, transforming everyday grocery trips into opportunities to do good. Our core intent is to raise community awareness towards the right food selection even when we think about food donations.”
For every participating product purchased, identified by a special apple icon, Healthy Planet said it will donate one dollar worth of nutritious staples to local food banks, contributing up to $50,000 in product value during the nine-week Good Food Drive.
How it works:
In-store: All participating SKUs—every item in the Benefits by Nature brand, plus any items from partners such as Once Upon a Farm, KIND, and Vita Coco—will feature the apple icon on their shelf tags.
Online: A dedicated Good Food Drive shop will showcase the full list of eligible brands, and each qualifying item will feature the apple logo on its product page.
Neil Hetherington
“Access to wholesome food is critical for a child’s growth,” said Neil Hetherington, CEO of Daily Bread Food Bank. “Healthy Planet’s product donations help parents turn pantry staples into balanced meals.”
The company said the campaign highlights the growing concern over not just food insecurity, but nutrition insecurity—a situation where many families rely on food banks that lack healthy options. Over 50 per cent of calories consumed by Canadian children come from ultra-processed foods, contributing to poor dietary health. By focusing on non-GMO, minimally processed staples, Healthy Planet is ensuring donations support not only calories but also childhood development and long-term well-being, it said.
WeCook, Canada’s leading ready-to-eat meal delivery service, is bringing a taste of Montréal’s iconic Schwartz’s Deli to Toronto with a one-day-only immersive pop-up!
Schwartz’s by WeCook will open its doors on Wednesday July 30 from 4-8 PM at Avenue Diner, 222 Davenport Rd, Toronto.
Schwartz’s GM Frank Silva & WeCook Chef Gabriel Drapeau
Two new meals created by WeCook’s Executive Chef Gabriel Drapeau (former Executive Chef of Joe Beef Group) featuring Schwartz’s beloved smoked meat will be available at the pop-up.
The meals are also available to order on WeCook’s websitefor a limited time:
Schwartz’s Montréal Smoked Meat Poutine
Week of August 17 menu (available to order starting July 21)
Schwartz’s Montréal Smoked Meat Bolognese Pasta
Week of August 24 menu (available to order starting July 28)
The pop-up will feature the two dishes above for $5 each, prepared by Chef Gabriel himself. Seating is limited and first come, first served.
Sample findings that might be relevant for restaurateurs and other business operators include:
Sober-Curious Shift: 76% of Canadians who order alcohol for delivery have also opted for low or no alcohol options in the past six months.
Increased Personalization Appetite: 43% of Canadians say they want AI-powered, personalized recommendations for what to eat or drink. As digital discovery becomes even more tailored, it’s important for restaurants to show up smarter in front of consumers.
Emotions and Impulse: Nearly all Canadians (96%) have ordered delivery to satisfy a craving and 63% placed a last-minute delivery order in the last month.
Multitasking Dining: With 77% of consumers eating delivery meals while watching content, delivery has officially entered the age of background consumption.
“Every year, we survey thousands of consumers to find out what people are craving from their dining and delivery experiences. And every year, these decisions are influenced by the world around us,” said DoorDash.
“Our survey revealed that younger diners in particular want a taste of viral foods from social media, and more than half of consumers are open to having AI make ordering decisions easier – no matter their age. Health foods and sustainable options are high priorities for Gen Z and Millennials, along with non-alcoholic drink options to support a variety of lifestyles.
“Today, mealtimes look pretty different than they did a decade or two ago. Most diners eat their delivery food in front of the TV, and consider restaurant meals as a form of self-care that gives them a break from cooking and meal planning.”
