Home Blog Page 24

Leger and Plus Company Introduce Smart Persona for Real-Time Consumer Insights

By
Craig Patterson
-
Smart Persona, powered by Leger. Image: RI/Leger

The research industry is undergoing a fundamental shift as artificial intelligence begins to
reshape how organizations understand consumers. Traditional methods such as surveys and focus
groups remain essential, but they often require time, budget, and planning that do not align with
the pace of modern decision-making. In response, companies are exploring new ways to generate
insights faster while maintaining methodological rigour.

In this context, Leger has partnered with Plus Company to introduce Smart Persona, an AI-
powered solution designed to deliver real-time consumer insights through interactive, data-
driven personas. The platform represents a notable evolution in how research can be conducted,
particularly for retailers and marketers navigating increasingly dynamic environments.

Bridging Speed and Research Rigor

Smart Persona enables users to engage in real-time conversations with synthetic personas built
from Leger’s segmentation data and a broad set of validated data sources. Rather than relying on
static personas presented in reports, the platform transforms audience profiles into interactive
tools that can be queried on demand.

“Integrating Smart Persona enhances our offering while remaining true to our approach and
methodological rigour,” said Sarah Mottet, Vice-President, Transformation and AI at Leger.
“This innovation is a natural extension of our research work and enables our clients to fully
maximize the value of their studies.”

Sarah Mottet, Vice-President, Transformation and AI at Leger

The solution is designed to address a growing challenge within the industry. As decision cycles
shorten, organizations often need directional insights within hours rather than weeks. Smart
Persona allows users to test ideas, validate assumptions, and explore consumer reactions in near
real time, supporting faster and more informed decision-making.

At the same time, Leger emphasizes that the tool is intended to complement, not replace,
traditional research methodologies. High-stakes decisions still require validation through
established approaches such as surveys or focus groups, ensuring that speed does not come at the
expense of accuracy.

Turning Data into Conversations

A defining feature of Smart Persona is its conversational interface. Users can ask questions, test
creative concepts, or evaluate product ideas by interacting directly with personas that reflect
specific audience segments.

According to materials provided by the company, the platform is built on a synthetic population
model enriched by more than 25 data sources, including demographic, behavioral, and
transactional inputs. Each persona can incorporate thousands of attributes, allowing for nuanced
and contextually relevant responses.

This approach enables teams to move beyond surface-level insights. Instead of receiving a single
data point, users gain access to explanations and underlying motivations, offering a more
complete understanding of consumer behaviour.

The system is also designed to mitigate common concerns associated with generative AI. By
grounding responses in structured data through a retrieval-augmented architecture, Smart
Persona aims to limit hallucinations and improve consistency.

Applications Across Retail and Marketing

The implications for retailers are significant. In practical terms, Smart Persona can be used to test
marketing campaigns, evaluate product concepts, and refine in-store experiences before
committing resources.

For example, marketing teams can assess different creative executions for digital advertising and
receive immediate feedback on which approach is more likely to resonate with a target audience.
Similarly, merchandising teams can explore consumer reactions to new product ideas, helping to
prioritize concepts before formal testing.

The platform can also support broader strategic decisions. By simulating how different customer
segments might respond to pricing changes, brand repositioning, or promotional strategies,
organizations can identify potential risks and opportunities earlier in the process.
This ability to generate directional insights quickly is particularly valuable in retail, where timing
can directly impact performance and competitive positioning.

A Collaborative Approach to Innovation

The development of Smart Persona reflects a broader trend toward integrating artificial
intelligence into established research practices. Plus Company brings technological expertise in
AI and data modelling, while Leger contributes decades of experience in market research and
analytics.

“Our objective is to integrate artificial intelligence in a practical, meaningful and complementary
way,” said Jean-Marc Leger, President and Founder of Leger. “By combining our
complementary expertise, we are pushing the boundaries of research and delivering augmented
intelligence to our clients.”

The concept of “augmented intelligence” underscores the positioning of Smart Persona as a tool
that enhances human decision-making rather than replacing it. By making research more
accessible and interactive, the platform aims to democratize insights across organizations,
allowing more teams to incorporate consumer perspectives into their daily work.

The Future of Consumer Insight

As the research landscape continues to evolve, tools like Smart Persona highlight the potential
for AI to bridge the gap between speed and rigor. The ability to interact with data in real time
introduces new possibilities for how insights are generated, shared, and applied.

For retailers and brands operating in competitive markets, this shift could have meaningful
implications. Faster access to consumer feedback enables more agile decision-making, while
data-driven validation helps reduce uncertainty.

Smart Persona represents an early example of how artificial intelligence can be integrated into
research workflows in a way that aligns with industry standards. As adoption grows, it may also
signal a broader transformation in how organizations approach consumer insight in the years
ahead.

For more information on Smart Persona, visit: leger360.com/smart-persona-powered-by-leger

Daily Synopsis: May 20, 2026

By
Retail Insider
-

Welcome to the Daily Synopsis by Retail Insider. We hope you enjoy the 10 articles we’ve published covering key developments in Canadian retail.

Toronto-based PLANTA closed its Yorkville and Queen West restaurants to focus on expansion in the U.S. DUER is expanding its brand to Banff, Alberta, tapping into the city’s tourism market. Boston Pizza launched Live & Local, turning its restaurants into live music venues across Canada to support local artists with tours through Labour Day.

 

Luxury resale continues to grow rapidly as Canadian consumers increasingly view pre-owned high-end fashion as strategic purchases, redefining the luxury market. Meanwhile, Tropoly reached over 1,000 live automations reflecting growing AI use by retailers to improve operational efficiency. Retail Insider also published insights on grocery pricing shifts, FIFA World Cup supply chain readiness, and new U.S. growth plans for a snack brand using upcycled produce.

🗞️ The Day’s Retail Insider Article List

 

🌐 Canadian Retail News From Around the Web

PLANTA Closes Toronto Restaurants in Yorkville and Queen West

By
Craig Patterson
-
Sign at the former PLANTA restaurant at 1221 Bay St. in Toronto, May 20, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson

Toronto-founded restaurant brand PLANTA has closed its two Toronto restaurants, marking a major shift for a company that helped bring upscale plant-based dining into the city’s mainstream nearly a decade ago.

The company confirmed this week that its PLANTA Yorkville and PLANTA Queen restaurants officially closed on May 19 as it continues to focus on growth in the United States. The closures affect prominent locations in Yorkville and on Queen Street West, two of Toronto’s most competitive restaurant corridors.

For many Toronto diners, the closures represent the end of a defining chapter in the city’s restaurant scene during the late 2010s, when ambitious hospitality concepts, rising consumer interest in wellness-focused dining, and Toronto’s growing international profile transformed the local market.

Former PLANTA restaurant at 1221 Bay St. in Toronto on May 20, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson
 

PLANTA Rose Alongside Toronto’s Hospitality Boom

When PLANTA opened its first Yorkville restaurant in 2016 near Bay and Bloor streets, Toronto’s dining landscape was changing rapidly. Restaurants were becoming increasingly design-conscious, consumers were embracing healthier dining options, and operators were building concepts with Instagram-era audiences firmly in mind.

At the time, premium vegan dining remained relatively uncommon in Canada. PLANTA entered the market with a polished concept that combined chef-driven menus, sophisticated interiors, and a broad lifestyle appeal that attracted customers beyond traditional plant-based diners.

The Yorkville restaurant quickly became one of Toronto’s best-known plant-based dining destinations and helped elevate vegan cuisine within the city’s mainstream hospitality market.

PLANTA later expanded across Toronto with additional concepts, including PLANTA Queen in the former Nota Bene space on Queen Street West, as well as PLANTA Cocina in Yorkville, which continues to operate.

The company was co-founded by Steven Salm and chef David Lee, whose culinary reputation helped establish credibility for the brand in its early years. As PLANTA gained momentum, the company expanded aggressively into major U.S. markets including Miami, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Inside the former PLANTA restaurant at 1221 Bay St. in Toronto on May 20, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson
 

Rising Costs Continue to Pressure Toronto Restaurant Operators

The closures also reflect the increasingly difficult economics facing restaurant operators in Toronto, particularly in premium urban districts where occupancy costs, labour expenses, and overall operating costs have continued to climb.

Yorkville remains one of Canada’s most expensive restaurant and luxury retail districts, while Queen Street West has experienced considerable turnover among hospitality operators in recent years as businesses adapt to changing consumer spending patterns and post-pandemic market conditions.

Industry-wide pressures have intensified across North America as consumers become more cautious with discretionary spending amid ongoing economic uncertainty. Premium dining concepts have faced particular pressure as operators attempt to balance rising costs with softer traffic and heightened competition.

The plant-based dining category has also evolved significantly since PLANTA first launched. While consumer demand for vegetarian and vegan menu options remains strong, many mainstream restaurant operators now offer expanded plant-based selections, creating a far more competitive market than existed a decade ago.

Inside the former PLANTA restaurant at 1221 Bay St. in Toronto on May 20, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson

Prime Hospitality Spaces Return to Market

The closures place two prominent restaurant spaces back onto the market in highly visible Toronto retail corridors where demand for premium hospitality space remains relatively strong.

The former Yorkville restaurant occupied a sought-after location surrounded by luxury retailers, hotels, and upscale restaurants in the Bloor-Yorkville area. Meanwhile, the Queen Street West location sits within one of Toronto’s busiest shopping and dining districts, where well-positioned hospitality spaces rarely remain vacant for long.

PLANTA said the move will allow the company to focus resources on opportunities in the United States, where it has built a growing presence over the past several years. The company did not provide details regarding future Canadian expansion plans.

For Toronto’s restaurant industry, PLANTA’s pullback highlights how dramatically the hospitality market has changed since the company first entered Yorkville during a period of rapid growth and optimism for the city’s dining sector.

Former PLANTA restaurant at 1221 Bay St. in Toronto on May 20, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson

More from Retail Insider:

Remote Patient Monitoring in Neurology: CPT Coding Guide

By
Retail Insider
-

Neurology care is quietly changing outside the clinic walls. A few years ago, most neurologists relied almost entirely on episodic visits, patient recall, and occasional diagnostic testing. Today, patients often arrive already wearing devices that track sleep quality, tremors, gait irregularities, migraines, seizure patterns, and movement behavior around the clock.

That consumer wearable trend is doing more than improving visibility into neurologic conditions. It is creating a new upstream pipeline for billable remote monitoring services. For neurology practices, the real opportunity sits at the intersection of wearable adoption and reimbursement strategy.

Wearables Are Turning Passive Patient Data Into Billable Care

The explosion of retail neuro-wearables has changed patient behavior. Many people with Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, chronic migraines, sleep disorders, or post-stroke complications now monitor symptoms continuously long before a physician formally enrolls them in a remote care program.

That matters because neurology is one of the few specialties where symptom fluctuations between visits directly affect treatment decisions.

A patient’s gait instability on Tuesday may never appear during a scheduled appointment two weeks later. Tremor severity may vary hour by hour. Migraine triggers often emerge through long-term tracking rather than isolated encounters.

Remote physiologic monitoring (RPM) and remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) finally give neurology practices a reimbursement structure for managing that ongoing visibility.

RPM Codes Reward Continuous Physiologic Monitoring

RPM billing revolves around CPT 99453 through 99458. These codes support the collection and management of physiologic data transmitted through qualifying connected devices.

The Core RPM Codes Neurology Practices Use

  • CPT 99453 covers device setup and patient education. This includes onboarding patients to approved monitoring equipment and documenting training.
  • CPT 99454 applies to device supply and data transmission during a 30-day monitoring cycle.
  • The management side begins with CPT 99457, which requires at least 20 minutes of treatment management time during the calendar month. CPT 99458 captures each additional 20-minute increment.

For neurologists, these codes work particularly well in conditions requiring continuous symptom observation, including:

  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Post-stroke recovery
  • Sleep-related neurologic disorders
  • Mobility and gait dysfunction
  • Blood pressure-related neurologic risk management

The 16-Day Rule Creates Operational Pressure

One detail frequently missed by practices entering RPM is the data threshold requirement. Most payers expect at least 16 days of device-generated monitoring data within a 30-day reporting period. The device must also transmit data automatically. Pure patient self-reporting generally does not qualify under RPM rules.

That distinction becomes important as consumer wearables flood the market. Not every retail device satisfies RPM compliance requirements on its own.

RTM Opens the Door for Therapy-Based Neurology Monitoring

RTM billing, which runs through CPT 98975 through 98977, follows a different philosophy. Unlike RPM, RTM allows the inclusion of patient-reported information. That flexibility makes it increasingly useful in neurology settings where treatment adherence and rehabilitation participation matter as much as physiologic measurement.

Neurology practices now use RTM for:

  • Migraine treatment adherence
  • Cognitive rehabilitation engagement
  • Neurologic physical therapy programs
  • Home exercise compliance
  • Chronic pain management support

The challenge is that payer interpretation still varies widely. Some commercial insurers reimburse RTM broadly for neurologic care management. Others still treat RTM as primarily therapy-focused and apply narrower coverage standards. That inconsistency is why many practices struggle after launching remote monitoring programs without specialty-specific billing oversight.

Neurology Practices Are Learning That Monitoring Revenue Depends on Workflow Discipline

Remote monitoring looks simple from the outside. In reality, reimbursement depends heavily on documentation precision. Practices must verify device eligibility, maintain defensible time logs, document medical necessity clearly, and separate RPM workflows from RTM workflows operationally. Even small compliance gaps can trigger denials.

That operational burden is pushing many neurology groups toward specialized revenue cycle support. Companies like Transcure, with their neurology billing services, are increasingly helping practices structure RPM and RTM workflows around payer requirements, monitoring thresholds, and specialty-specific documentation standards.

The Retail-to-Clinic Pipeline Is Only Getting Larger

The most important shift is not the CPT codes themselves. It is the fact that wearable adoption is now happening before the clinical encounter even begins. Patients are bringing neurologic data into the healthcare system from retail ecosystems that barely existed a decade ago.

For neurology practices, RPM and RTM are becoming the financial bridge between that consumer wearable world and long-term chronic care management. The clinics that adapt early will not just improve monitoring visibility. They will build an entirely new recurring reimbursement channel around continuous neurologic care.

How Chat-Based AI Is Transforming Esports Analysis and Event Tracking

By
Retail Insider
-

Esports has evolved into a global phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers, professional players, and dedicated analysts. With tournaments happening across multiple regions, games, and time zones, staying updated has become increasingly complex. Fans and professionals alike are now turning to artificial intelligence to simplify how they track events, analyze matches, and engage with competitive gaming.

Among the emerging tools, Use AI, a chat-based AI platform, is gaining attention for its ability to streamline esports information and provide real-time, personalized insights.

The Growing Complexity of Esports Ecosystems

Modern esports is no longer limited to a handful of tournaments. Today, the ecosystem includes:

  • Multiple game titles (FPS, MOBA, battle royale, etc.)
  • Dozens of leagues and circuits
  • Frequent roster changes and transfers
  • Continuous match schedules across time zones

For fans, this means juggling multiple platforms to follow their favorite teams and players. For analysts, it requires processing vast amounts of data quickly and accurately.

Traditional tools—websites, forums, and social media—are useful but often fragmented. This creates a need for a more centralized, intelligent solution.

What Is a Chat-Based AI Platform?

A chat-based AI platform allows users to interact with data through natural language. Instead of searching manually, users can ask questions and receive immediate, context-aware responses.

Key Features:

  1. Instant Answers – Get match results, schedules, and stats in seconds
  2. Context Awareness – Understand follow-up questions without repeating details
  3. Personalization – Tailor responses based on favorite teams or games
  4. Data Synthesis – Combine information from multiple sources into clear insights

This conversational approach is particularly valuable in esports, where information changes rapidly.

Introducing Use AI in the Esports Space

Use AI stands out as a versatile platform that adapts to various use cases, including competitive gaming. It has been positively discussed in online communities for helping users better understand how different AI models perform in real-world scenarios.

You can explore the discussion here: Use AI

Why It Works for Esports Enthusiasts

Use AI enables users to interact with esports data in a more intuitive way. Instead of navigating multiple tabs, fans can simply ask:

  • “What are today’s major esports matches?”
  • “Who won the last series between Team A and Team B?”
  • “What’s the current meta in this game?”

The platform delivers concise, relevant answers instantly.

Practical Applications in Esports

1. Real-Time Event Tracking

Keeping up with live tournaments can be challenging. Chat-based AI simplifies this by providing:

  • Match schedules
  • Live score updates
  • Tournament brackets

Users no longer need to switch between multiple platforms.

2. Match Analysis and Insights

For analysts and dedicated fans, understanding the “why” behind results is crucial. Use AI can help by:

  • Summarizing match outcomes
  • Highlighting key plays and strategies
  • Comparing team performance over time

3. Player and Team Research

Roster changes and player stats are central to esports. AI tools make it easier to:

  • Track player histories
  • Analyze performance trends
  • Compare teams across tournaments

4. Meta and Strategy Updates

Game updates constantly shift the competitive meta. With AI assistance, users can:

  • Get summaries of patch changes
  • Understand emerging strategies
  • Identify trending picks and tactics

Comparison: Traditional Esports Tracking vs AI-Driven Approach

AspectTraditional PlatformsChat-Based AI
NavigationMulti-site browsingSingle conversational interface
SpeedModerateInstant
PersonalizationLimitedHigh
Data InterpretationManualAutomated insights
User ExperienceFragmentedSeamless

This shift significantly improves how users consume esports content.

Benefits for Different Users

Casual Fans

  • Stay updated without deep research
  • Follow favorite teams بسهولة

Hardcore Enthusiasts

  • Dive deeper into match analysis
  • Track multiple tournaments simultaneously

Analysts and Content Creators

  • Generate insights quickly
  • Save time on data collection

Bettors and Strategists

  • Access relevant statistics
  • Make more informed decisions

Enhancing Engagement Through AI

One of the most important impacts of AI in esports is increased engagement. By reducing the effort required to access information, platforms like Use AI allow users to focus more on enjoyment and strategy.

Examples of Engagement Boost:

  • Interactive Q&A about matches
  • Personalized recommendations for streams
  • Instant explanations of complex plays

This creates a more immersive experience for fans.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite its advantages, AI in esports is not without challenges.

Key Considerations:

  • Data Accuracy: AI depends on available and updated data sources
  • Context Gaps: Some niche or emerging scenes may have limited coverage
  • Over-Reliance: Users should verify critical information when necessary

AI should be viewed as a powerful assistant, not a complete replacement for dedicated esports platforms.

The Future of AI in Competitive Gaming

The integration of AI into esports is only beginning. Future developments may include:

  • Real-time AI commentary during matches
  • Predictive analytics for match outcomes
  • Voice-controlled esports assistants
  • Deeper integration with streaming platforms

As these innovations evolve, the way fans interact with esports will continue to transform.

Conclusion

Esports is fast-paced, data-driven, and constantly evolving. Keeping up requires tools that are equally dynamic and intelligent. Chat-based AI platforms are stepping in to meet this demand, offering faster, more personalized access to information.

Use AI exemplifies this new approach by providing a conversational, efficient, and adaptable way to engage with esports content. Whether tracking tournaments, analyzing matches, or exploring strategies, it empowers users to stay ahead in an increasingly complex landscape.

As competitive gaming continues to grow, tools like Use AI will play a crucial role in shaping how fans, analysts, and professionals interact with the world of esports.

Best Couples Rings And Alternative Ring Styles

By
Retail Insider
-

Modern jewelry choices are shifting toward meaning and individuality. Many couples now prefer rings that reflect their story instead of choosing identical designs. This change has made couples rings more creative and personal. Matching no longer means wearing the exact same style.

Some sets use shared details instead. Engravings, textures, stone accents, and coordinated finishes create connection without looking identical. This approach gives each person a ring that suits their style while keeping the pair linked. Recent jewelry trends also show growing interest in personalized elements and symbolic designs.

Top Alternative Engagement Rings Styles To Know

Alternative engagement rings continue growing because people want something outside traditional solitaire designs. Unique gemstones, sculptural settings, colored stones, and vintage inspired details are now common choices. These styles feel more individual and often tell a personal story. They also give buyers more design freedom.

Many modern rings use shapes like pear, marquise, emerald, and kite cuts instead of classic round stones. Colored center stones have also become more popular. Sapphire, moss agate, alexandrite, and black diamonds appear frequently in alternative designs.

Best Matching Ideas For Couples Rings

Engraved Ring Sets

Engraving remains one of the simplest ways to personalize rings. Initials, dates, short phrases, or coordinates create meaning without changing the appearance. Hidden engravings inside bands keep the design clean. Small details often have the biggest impact.

Many couples combine engraving with subtle textures. Brushed finishes, grooves, or small stone accents add character. This creates rings that feel connected while keeping each design unique.

Mixed Metal Combinations

Matching metals are no longer required. Yellow gold paired with white gold or silver creates a modern look. Mixed metal couples rings have become more common because they feel flexible and stylish. Each person can keep their preferred finish.

This option also works well for stacking rings later. Mixed metals pair easily with other jewelry pieces. The contrast creates interest without making rings look too bold.

Top Gemstones Used In Alternative Engagement Rings

Diamonds still remain popular, but many buyers now explore other gemstones. Sapphire offers color and depth. Moss agate brings natural patterns. Black diamonds create contrast, while moonstone adds a softer look.

Alternative engagement rings often use gemstones because they help create individuality. The stone itself becomes part of the story. Colored gems also work well in vintage and nature inspired settings.

Best Ring Settings For Everyday Wear

Comfort matters because engagement rings are worn daily. Bezel settings remain popular because they protect the center stone. Three stone designs and sculptural settings are also growing trends. These styles combine appearance with practicality.

Band thickness matters too. Slightly thicker bands often provide better support for larger stones. Simple settings may also feel easier during daily activities. Choosing balance helps maintain both comfort and appearance.

Minimal styles continue leading modern collections. Smooth bands with small accents remain popular because they suit everyday wear. Many couples also choose textured finishes or hidden details. Simplicity often lasts longer than heavily decorated designs.

Stackable rings are another growing option. Couples can add anniversary bands later without replacing the original set. This creates flexibility while keeping the initial design meaningful. Personalized trends also continue growing across ring collections.

Best Alternative Engagement Rings For Unique Styles

Vintage Inspired Rings

Vintage details remain popular in nontraditional designs. Milgrain edges, antique cuts, and engraved bands add character. These features create timeless pieces without following standard styles.

Many alternative engagement rings use vintage elements with modern stones. This balance gives a fresh appearance while keeping classic details. Antique inspired settings also pair well with colored gemstones.

Toi Et Moi Designs

Toi Et Moi rings symbolize two people through paired stones. The style continues growing because it feels meaningful and distinctive. Different gemstone combinations make each design unique.

Many couples choose contrasting stones for extra personality. The design works with diamonds, sapphires, moonstones, and other alternatives. It also fits modern and vintage aesthetics.

Top Metal Choices For Couples And Engagement Rings

Yellow gold remains a classic option because it feels warm and timeless. White gold creates a cleaner appearance. Rose gold gives a softer look that pairs well with vintage details.

Alternative engagement rings adapt easily to different metals. Couples rings also benefit from metal flexibility because matching finishes are no longer necessary. Choosing metal based on lifestyle often creates better long term satisfaction.

Best Ways To Choose Rings Together

Start with daily lifestyle. Active routines may need lower settings and durable bands. Comfort should always come before decorative details. Trying different widths also helps.

Then discuss design preferences. One person may prefer minimal styles while the other likes texture or stones. Couples rings work best when both styles feel represented. Shared elements create connection without forcing identical designs.

Why Alternative Designs Keep Growing

People now want jewelry that reflects personality. Traditional styles still matter, but unique designs continue gaining attention. Colored stones, sculptural settings, and custom details help create that individuality. Personal meaning has become part of the design process.

Alternative engagement rings support this shift because they allow more creativity. Couples rings follow the same direction through customization and symbolic details. The result feels more personal and lasting.

FAQs

What are couples rings?

Couples rings are matching or coordinated rings that symbolize connection between two people.

Yes, many people choose unique stones, vintage details, and nontraditional settings.

Which gemstones work for alternative engagement rings?

Sapphire, moss agate, moonstone, alexandrite, and black diamonds are common choices.

Can couples rings be different styles?

Yes, many sets use shared details instead of identical designs.

Which ring setting works best for daily wear?

Bezel and secure low profile settings are often preferred for everyday use.

George Minakakis Says Municipalities Must Modernize Like Businesses

By
Craig Patterson
-
Photo: Town of Milton

Across suburban Canada, municipalities are struggling to keep pace with rapid population growth, rising infrastructure costs, affordability pressures, and increasingly complex operational demands.

For George Minakakis, those challenges increasingly resemble the same transformations reshaping modern business.

The longtime retail executive, strategic advisor, and current Milton Town Councillor officially announced his candidacy for Mayor of Milton this month, positioning his campaign around affordability, economic development, fiscal responsibility, and modernization as one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities continues to evolve.

For many in the retail, commercial real estate, and consumer sectors, Minakakis is already a familiar figure. Over a career spanning decades, he held senior leadership positions with Luxottica Group across Canada and Asia, including serving as CEO in China and Hong Kong and overseeing retail operations tied to brands such as Sunglass Hut. He later founded Inception Retail Group, an advisory firm focused on retail strategy, AI integration, digital transformation, and organizational growth.

His experience managing retail operations in rapidly evolving global markets helped shape his perspective on how large organizations adapt to growth, infrastructure pressures, technology shifts, and changing consumer behaviour.

Today, Minakakis argues municipalities increasingly face many of those same realities as communities become larger, more expensive, and more operationally complex.

“When you’re in the consumer-facing space and dealing with the public, you’re doing the same thing in municipal government,” Minakakis said in an interview with Retail Insider. “Ultimately who you serve is the public.”

Milton as a Case Study in Canadian Growth

Milton has become one of the clearest examples of the pressures reshaping suburban Canada.

Located along Ontario’s Highway 401 economic corridor west of Toronto, the municipality has experienced years of rapid residential expansion, industrial growth, and intensifying development as the Greater Toronto Area continues pushing outward.

According to figures cited by Minakakis, Milton’s population grew from roughly 32,000 residents in 2000 to approximately 152,000 25 years later. Long-term projections suggest the municipality by 2051 could eventually exceed 400,000 residents.

That pace of expansion has transformed Milton from a traditional suburban community into a rapidly evolving economic and infrastructure hub anchored by logistics, warehousing, residential intensification, and growing commercial development.

For Minakakis, however, growth alone is not enough.

“What it really means is growth that improves quality of life,” he said. “You can’t simply focus on increasing population without ensuring infrastructure, services, and employment opportunities keep pace.”

His concerns reflect broader conversations taking place across municipalities throughout Canada as communities attempt to balance housing growth, infrastructure demands, affordability pressures, and economic competitiveness.

Minakakis argues that municipalities cannot afford to become primarily commuter-based residential markets dependent on external employment centres.

He pointed to data suggesting Milton has a significantly lower percentage of residents working locally compared to neighbouring municipalities within Halton Region.

In his view, communities built primarily around residential expansion without corresponding economic diversification risk weakening local commercial ecosystems over time.

“Warehousing contributes to the tax base, but communities also need employers that create broader economic activity and long-term local employment,” he said.

Milton Town Hall. Photo: Town of Milton

Why Economic Development Matters for Retail and Affordability

For retailers, restaurants, developers, and service providers, the strength of a local economy often determines everything from daytime foot traffic to discretionary spending and long-term commercial vibrancy.

Communities dominated by long commuting patterns often struggle to sustain strong daytime restaurant traffic, local shopping activity, and walkable mixed-use commercial districts as large portions of the workforce leave each morning for employment elsewhere.

At the same time, post-pandemic shifts around hybrid work and changing commuting patterns are forcing many municipalities to rethink how local economies function and where future growth opportunities may emerge.

Minakakis argues that reducing commuting dependency could have broader economic benefits extending beyond transportation alone.

“The average Canadian spends somewhere between $500 and $900 a month commuting,” he said. “If people can work closer to home, that income goes back into households, improves quality of life, and creates discretionary spending that can support the local economy.”

That relationship between employment, affordability, and local commerce has become increasingly visible across many suburban Canadian communities as inflation, housing costs, and transportation expenses continue affecting household budgets.

Minakakis also pointed to rising food insecurity across Halton Region as another sign that municipalities need to think more strategically about economic diversification and affordability.

“People feel economic pressure long before governments do,” he said. “Businesses are now beginning to feel many of those same pressures as well.”

He also believes municipalities will increasingly compete not only for residents, but for employers, investment, talent, and knowledge-based industries capable of supporting long-term economic resilience.

During the interview, Minakakis discussed the importance of municipalities positioning themselves competitively as economic development strategies evolve nationally and internationally.

AI and the Future of Municipal Operations

Artificial intelligence and operational modernization also form a significant part of Minakakis’ broader vision for municipal governance.

Over the past several years, Minakakis has become an outspoken commentator on AI adoption within retail and consumer industries, particularly around operational efficiency, predictive systems, and organizational transformation. He believes municipalities will increasingly need to embrace similar technologies as public systems grow more complex and service expectations continue rising.

“We can’t apply twentieth century solutions to twenty-first century problems,” Minakakis said during the interview.

The discussion comes as governments and municipalities across North America increasingly explore AI-assisted systems, automation, and data-driven technologies aimed at improving service delivery, accelerating approvals, and reducing administrative bottlenecks.

During the interview, Minakakis pointed to the City of Edmonton’s use of AI within planning and approval systems as an example of how municipalities could significantly improve productivity and reduce timelines.

According to Minakakis, Edmonton reduced some approval timelines from approximately 20 days to one day through AI-assisted systems.

For retailers, developers, landlords, and commercial real estate operators, municipal approval timelines can directly affect project costs, expansion schedules, tenant openings, and investment decisions.

Minakakis believes AI could eventually assist municipalities in areas ranging from planning approvals and bylaw prioritization to traffic analysis, infrastructure planning, and broader operational management.

“That’s innovation and technology being used in a practical municipal setting,” he said.

The discussion reflects how AI is increasingly moving beyond the private sector and into core civic infrastructure, potentially reshaping how municipalities process approvals, allocate resources, and deliver public services over the coming decade, and reduce the local tax burden.

Milton ON. Photo: Destination Toronto

A Different Approach to Municipal Leadership

Alongside his private-sector experience, Minakakis has spent years involved in governance and public service, including serving as Chair of Milton Hydro and as a Milton Town Councillor.

He frequently compares municipal governance structures to corporate governance models, where councils function similarly to boards overseeing budgets, infrastructure, long-term planning, and operational accountability.

“We’re no longer managing yesterday’s town,” Minakakis said. “The next phase requires leadership that understands the scale and complexity of what communities are becoming.”

Part of that, he says, involves establishing clearer priorities, improving execution, and modernizing how municipalities operate internally as growth accelerates.

Municipal leaders across Canada continue debating how communities can balance growth, affordability, infrastructure spending, public safety, and economic competitiveness as suburban regions expand.

For Minakakis, leadership increasingly requires understanding operations, governance, technology, investment attraction, and the changing relationship between economic development and quality of life.

“Housing growth and economic development have to advance together,” he said.

As suburban municipalities across Canada continue evolving into larger and more economically sophisticated urban centres, the debate may no longer be whether local governments need to modernize, but how quickly they can adapt to changing economic, technological, and demographic realities.

For George Minakakis, the future of municipal leadership may increasingly resemble the operational transformation already reshaping business itself.

More from Retail Insider:

VIDEO: Soul7 Produce eyes U.S. growth with affordable snacks made from upcycled produce

By
Mario Toneguzzi
-
Soul7 Produce photo
Soul7 Produce photo

Soul7 Produce is betting that affordable, nutritious snacks made from upcycled produce can carve out a larger place in Canada’s growing health-food market as the company expands into the United States.

The Vaughan, Ont.-based company, founded about 12 years ago by Sherri Belton and her husband Tim, produces fruit-and-vegetable snack squares containing protein and fibre. Belton said the idea emerged from her experience as a mother of four who was frustrated by heavily processed breakfast foods that left children unsatisfied.

Drawing on her background in health sciences and her husband’s experience in the food industry, Belton said the company wanted to create a convenient snack made with real ingredients and without additives or preservatives.

Soul7 Produce uses fresh fruits and vegetables that might otherwise be discarded because of appearance issues, including bruised bananas, irregular sweet potatoes and blemished oranges. Belton said the company’s upcycling approach helps reduce costs and allows it to keep prices lower than many competing health-focused snack products.

Belton said affordability is central to the company’s philosophy at a time when consumers are struggling with rising grocery prices, particularly for fresh produce. She said the company aims to make healthier food accessible to people from all income levels.

The company also donates products to food banks in communities where its snacks are sold. In addition, Soul7 Produce operates an inclusion program that brings in adults with intellectual disabilities every week to help assemble trays and packaging.

Belton said the business began in a small kitchen in the family basement and has since expanded into major grocery chains, including Loblaws, Sobeys, Longo’s, Farm Boy and Healthy Planet. The company is also preparing to launch products in Metro stores and has secured a retail partnership in Florida as part of its U.S. expansion plans.

She said entering large retail chains has been challenging for a small business, but the company remains focused on growth across Canada and the United States.

More from Retail Insider:

Luxury Resale Growth in Canada Signals Consumer Shift

By
Craig Patterson
-
Image: Mine & Yours

Luxury resale is rapidly gaining ground in Canada, emerging as a powerful force within the broader fashion economy as consumer behaviour shifts and traditional retail faces mounting pressure.

Vancouver-based resale retailer Mine & Yours is seeing that change firsthand. The company reported approximately 40% year-over-year growth, even as some primary luxury brands have experienced softer demand in recent periods. The performance points to a broader structural shift in how Canadians are approaching high-end fashion purchases.

Courtney Watkins, Founder of Mine & Yours, said the company has not experienced a slowdown despite economic uncertainty.

“We increased sales by about 40% last year over the year before,” she said. “We’re not seeing a decline at all.”

Affluent Consumers Drive Resale Adoption

The growth of luxury resale in Canada is no longer being driven primarily by budget-conscious shoppers. Instead, affluent consumers are increasingly turning to resale as a strategic way to access high-end fashion while managing spending more carefully.

Watkins said that the shift has become more pronounced in recent years.

“Where I think the growth of the industry is happening the most is actually with that luxury client shopper,” she said. “Years ago, it was more the younger client thrifting, but now that same customer is getting more disposable income and moving into luxury resale. At the same time, more traditional luxury shoppers are also entering the space.”

This convergence is reshaping perceptions of resale, moving it away from its historical association with necessity and positioning it as a normalized part of modern luxury consumption.

Courtney Watkins in front of the Toronto Mine & Yours at 79 Yorkville Avenue. Photo supplied

According to the 2026 ThredUp Resale Report, the global secondhand apparel market is projected to reach $393 billion by 2030, growing at roughly twice the pace of the broader apparel market. The report points to rising consumer interest in value, sustainability, and resale-driven shopping habits across North America.

Resale Becomes a Mainstream Shopping Behaviour

Consumer sentiment has shifted significantly, with resale now widely accepted across demographics. A recent April 2026 survey found that 66% of Canadians view thrifting as part of mainstream shopping culture, while 83% say purchasing secondhand goods makes economic sense given the current cost of living.

Importantly, stigma around resale continues to fade. About 60% of Canadians report feeling proud to showcase secondhand purchases, reflecting a cultural shift in how pre-owned fashion is perceived.

Watkins said the current economic environment may be accelerating that behaviour.

“When people are a little tighter on money, they think, ‘Maybe I won’t buy it new. Maybe I’ll find it secondhand so I can save,’” she said. “We’re actually seeing that help our business.”

Courtney Watkins on the main floor of the Yorkville Mine & Yours store in Toronto. Photo supplied.

The Rise of the “Resale Flywheel”

One of the most significant changes in the market is how consumers are interacting with their wardrobes. Rather than viewing clothing as a sunk cost, many shoppers now see luxury items as assets that can be resold and reinvested.

Industry data shows that as many as 60% to 67% of consumers consider resale value before purchasing an item new, while 57% are actively reselling items to generate income. This behaviour has created what industry observers describe as a “resale flywheel,” where consumers buy, resell, and reinvest in a continuous cycle.

Watkins said this dynamic is visible within Mine & Yours’ customer base, where sellers often accumulate store credit and apply it toward high-value purchases.

“We’re seeing a lot more of our sellers stack their store credit and put it toward a big purchase like a Birkin or a Kelly,” she said.

This shift is influencing not only resale but also primary retail, as consumers increasingly factor future resale value into their purchasing decisions.

Classic Luxury Brands Continue to Lead

Despite evolving consumer behaviour, demand within resale remains anchored by established luxury brands. Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci continue to dominate sales at Mine & Yours, particularly in handbags.

Watkins noted that demand for Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags remains strong, even as some industry commentary has suggested otherwise.

“I keep hearing that Birkins and Kellys are over, but I don’t find that at all. We’re selling more than we ever have,” she said.

At the same time, apparel is gaining traction in the resale market, particularly for brands with strong current collections. Watkins pointed to Miu Miu as an example of a label whose clothing is holding value well on the secondary market, in contrast to the historical trend of steep depreciation in apparel.

Image: Mine & Yours

Technology and Trust Accelerate Growth

Advancements in authentication and digital tools are also helping to fuel the growth of resale. Technologies such as AI-driven authentication platforms have reduced concerns around counterfeit goods, while online platforms now account for approximately 70% of resale transactions.

At the same time, physical retail locations continue to play a critical role for higher-value transactions, offering customers confidence and immediacy when buying or selling items valued at several thousand dollars.

For companies like Mine & Yours, this hybrid model has become central to operations, combining digital reach with in-store expertise.

A Parallel Luxury Economy Emerges

The continued growth of resale suggests that the sector is evolving into more than a complementary channel to traditional retail. Instead, it is becoming a parallel market that operates alongside primary luxury, with its own dynamics and drivers.

In some cases, resale may even influence primary market behaviour. As more consumers assess items based on their future resale value, brands that hold value well on the secondary market may gain an advantage in attracting buyers.

For retailers and brands, the implication is clear. Luxury resale is no longer a niche category or a secondary consideration. It is an increasingly central part of how consumers engage with fashion, manage spending, and define value.

More from Retail Insider:

DUER expanding brand to Banff, Alberta

By
Mario Toneguzzi
-
DUER photo
DUER photo

DUER, the Vancouver apparel brand behind Performance Jeanswear,  DUER has found a way to build an international customer base by staying in Canada.

It will be opening its 13th North American store on the iconic Banff Ave in Banff, Alberta in late June. The thinking behind it traces back to Victoria, a smaller market that is performing on par with Vancouver, its home market, doubling what the brand expected. 

A significant share of that store’s customers is arriving on cruise ships, discovering a Canadian brand, and taking it home with them. It’s been a quiet proof of concept for a tourism-driven retail thesis.

Banff is the next move in that same strategy, at a larger scale. Four million visitors a year, a strong international mix, and a customer who is active, outdoors-oriented, and spending. For DUER, it’s a way to earn a global customer before it ever opens an international storefront.

This is part of a deliberate push. DUER opened four stores last year and is on track for six this year, and just wrapped its strongest quarter since pre-COVID with 40% year-over-year growth.

Gary Lenett, company Founder, said the brand is already in 25 countries through wholesale.

“So this isn’t about proving there’s a global customer. We know there is. What Victoria and Banff give us is something harder to manufacture. When someone travels to Canada and walks into a DUER store, the fact that this brand was built here actually means something. That context makes the story land differently than it does sitting on a rack in an overseas account. Tourism hubs like Banff are one of the best places to connect with a global audience while building our home base in parallel,” he said.

“Victoria surprised us, in the best way. Smaller market, reasonable expectations. It’s doubled them. It now rivals our Vancouver store which has had years to build in our home market. A significant share of that customer is arriving on cruise ships from international markets, discovering a Canadian brand for the first time, and the product is converting them. That gave me real conviction that Banff is the next step in a thesis we’ve already proven out.”

Gary Lenett. Photo by Juno Kim
Gary Lenett. Photo by Juno Kim

When someone experiences DUER somewhere memorable for the first time, that’s a strong foundation to build on, said Lenett. 

“And the infrastructure is there to support them (a tourist) when they get home, whether that’s finding us through a wholesale retailer in their market or shopping our UK and EU ecom sites,” he added.

DUER  is accelerating store growth while many apparel brands remain cautious about brick-and-mortar retail. 

“What a lot of people got wrong is they conflated “bad retail” with “retail is bad.” When someone walks into a DUER store and tries something on, we convert 80% of the time. Nothing online comes close to that. Retail is still one of the best brand-building tools there is,” said Lenett. 

With 40% year-over-year growth and six stores planned this year, how does DUER balance rapid expansion with maintaining the authenticity and operational discipline that helped build the brand?

“I’ve lived through what happens when you grow faster than your foundation can hold. I’m not doing that again. We’ve been profitable since year three and it’s probably the most important thing about how we run this business,” he said.

“A big part of that is how we choose where to grow. We don’t go into a market cold and instead look for places where our wholesale and ecom business has already established a customer. That gets us to the flywheel faster meaning all channels working together, each one feeding the others. 40% growth is exciting but it only matters if the brand on the other side of it is still worth something.”

More from Retail Insider:

1...232425...1,333Page 24 of 1,333