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Balenciaga Opens 1st Quebec Store at Royalmount in Montreal

Balenciaga at Royalmount in Montreal. Image: Balenciaga

Luxury fashion house Balenciaga has opened its first standalone location in Quebec at the Royalmount retail complex in Montreal. The new 4,000-square-foot boutique marks the brand’s fifth standalone store in Canada, strengthening its presence in the country’s fast-growing luxury market.

The Balenciaga store at Royalmount offers Quebec shoppers access to the brand’s complete selection of men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collections, footwear, bags, jewelry, eyewear, and accessories. The space reflects the brand’s avant-garde approach to fashion and design, incorporating its distinct ‘Raw Architecture’ retail concept.

The store design follows Balenciaga’s experimental Raw Architecture concept, a design philosophy that reimagines traditional luxury retail environments. By celebrating the raw structural components of the space and prioritizing the reuse of existing materials, the store reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Balenciaga’s storefront is marked by a minimalist white-lit logo set against a bare concrete façade. Inside, the interior blends contrasting materials and finishes. Polished concrete flooring, smoked-glass partitions, and exposed steel clothing racks create a utilitarian aesthetic, softened by beige carpeting, leather seating, and flowing ecru curtains. Elements such as raw metal tables, extruded aluminum shelving, and an exposed ceiling grid reinforce the store’s industrial tone.

A Strategic Move into Quebec’s Luxury Market

The arrival of the Balenciaga store at Royalmount represents a milestone for the brand in Quebec. Until now, Balenciaga’s Montreal presence had been limited to Holt Renfrew Ogilvy concessions for both men’s and women’s collections. This new standalone store allows the brand to fully showcase its creative identity while gaining greater control over the customer experience.

The store was built by Montreal-based Elevate Build Inc..

Royalmount, a major new luxury destination in the city, provides a fitting backdrop for Balenciaga’s Quebec debut. The brand joins other high-end names such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Versace, and Golden Goose, further positioning Royalmount as a leading centre for luxury retail in the province.

Balenciaga’s Canadian Expansion Strategy

Balenciaga’s entry into Quebec with its fifth standalone location underscores the brand’s commitment to the Canadian luxury market. The brand, which is owned by French luxury conglomerate Kering, has grown its Canadian footprint steadily over the past several years.

Balenciaga’s first direct-to-consumer Canadian venture launched in 2018 with a concession at Holt Renfrew in Vancouver. In 2019, it opened its first flagship location at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto, followed by a significant expansion in the Bloor-Yorkville area, including a 7,000-square-foot flagship on Yorkville Avenue in 2022 — its largest store in North America.

Other major openings include a 3,900-square-foot boutique at West Edmonton Mall in late 2023 and a 4,800-square-foot storefront at 1095 Alberni Street in Vancouver soon after. These locations reflect Balenciaga’s strategy of blending flagship locations with curated department store concessions to create brand consistency while reaching diverse consumer bases across Canada.

Thurlow Street facade of the new Balenciaga in Vancouver. Photo: Martin Moriarty

Royalmount: A New Epicentre of Luxury in Montreal

The Balenciaga store at Royalmount is part of a broader effort by luxury brands to tap into the opportunities presented by Carbonleo’s $7-billion mixed-use development in Montreal. Opened in September 2024, Royalmount has quickly become one of Canada’s most ambitious retail projects, transforming a 2.5 million square foot former industrial site into a modern urban village.

The 824,000-square-foot shopping precinct houses more than 170 retail stores and 60 restaurants. Nearly half of the dining and retail options represent first-time entries into the Quebec market. The development features a strong lineup of international luxury brands including Tiffany & Co., Saint Laurent, Moncler, Jimmy Choo, and Rolex, which will open its largest Canadian boutique on the site in September 2025.

Beyond retail, Royalmount offers immersive amenities such as the Le Fou Fou food hall, a multi-brand beauty space called Rennaï, a VIP cinema, and a curated public art trail. The centre is also connected to the Montreal Metro via a skybridge, adding a layer of convenience for both local and tourist shoppers.

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Rawcology Launches at Costco in Western Canada

Photo: Rawcology

Toronto-based Rawcology is reaching a major milestone with the launch of its organic grain-free granola at 38 Costco warehouse locations across Western Canada, beginning Monday, July 21. The launch introduces an exclusive 600-gram club-size bag of the brand’s best-selling Blueberry Grain-Free Granola, signaling a strategic expansion for the family-run food company that emphasizes healthy, inclusive snacking.

“This is a significant step for our company,” said Megan Loach Tomulka, co-founder of Rawcology. “We’ve been in business for eight years, and while we’ve had major launches in the past including a big one in the U.S. with Sprouts, this Costco rollout feels incredibly special. It’s a meaningful order and a new regional opportunity for our brand in Canada.”

Founded in 2017 by holistic nutritionist Tara Tomulka, alongside her sister Laura Powadiuk and sister-in-law Megan Loach Tomulka, Rawcology has built a national and international presence through a mission to make organic, allergen-friendly snacks accessible to a broad consumer base. The Costco launch marks the brand’s first entry into the club channel, with a product that has been sized and priced specifically for the warehouse format.

A Canadian-Made Exclusive for Costco Members

Rawcology co-owners and sisters. Left-to-right: Megan Loach Tomulka, Tara Tomulka, Laura Powadiuk. Photo: Rawcology

The product debuting at Costco features an exclusive 600-gram bag of Rawcology’s blueberry granola, made with wild blueberry powder sourced from Nova Scotia. “This is our first time producing a format of this size,” said Loach Tomulka. “It’s tailored for Costco members, who will enjoy about a 38 percent discount compared to the typical per-gram retail price.”

As part of the launch strategy, Rawcology will be conducting in-store demos across all 38 participating Costco warehouses during the first two weeks of rollout, particularly targeting the opening weekend. The brand’s co-founders will be visiting stores in the Vancouver area to support the initiative firsthand.

“There’s a strong health-conscious consumer base on the West Coast,” added Loach Tomulka. “We believe our grain-free, organic, and nut-free product fits perfectly with what shoppers in the region are looking for. It’s not just breakfast. It’s a snackable, versatile food that can be enjoyed post-workout, on top of yogurt, or even as a treat over ice cream.”

Manufacturing at Scale and Distribution Readiness

In preparation for the launch, Rawcology completed its largest production run to date. “We filled 72 pallets of product and shipped them out on three full trucks earlier this week,” said Loach Tomulka. “The final checklist was completed at midnight Monday, and the trucks left on Tuesday.”

The exclusive product is not only sizable, but represents the company’s ability to scale. “This rollout demonstrates to retailers that we have the manufacturing infrastructure to support high-volume orders,” she said. “It’s a significant growth point for our business.”

The current launch covers warehouses in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Rawcology is optimistic that a strong performance will pave the way for future rollouts in Costco warehouses across other Canadian regions, and possibly internationally.

Photo: Rawcology

Engaging New Customers and Expanding Reach

In addition to demos, Rawcology is working with influencers to generate buzz around the launch. “We’re putting on some purple suits and hitting the streets in Vancouver,” said Loach Tomulka, referring to the brand’s signature purple packaging. “It’s important to get the product in front of people, let them taste it, and create memorable moments.”

The unique blend of wild blueberries, organic ingredients, and lack of grains, nuts, and seed oils makes the product highly distinctive on the shelf. “We’re proud to be offering something different. Our granola is not only delicious but also aligns with many dietary preferences, from gluten-free to school-safe,” she said.

While the focus is currently on Costco, the company has already lined up additional retail expansions for the fall. “We’re launching in Fortinos, part of the Loblaws group, in September, and targeting other retailers we haven’t been in before,” she noted. “We’re especially concentrating on the West Coast, where there’s strong demand for clean-label snacks.”

Staying True to Canadian Roots

What sets this launch apart is not just the product size or retail scale, but the brand’s strong Canadian identity. “Our blueberry powder comes from a farm in Nova Scotia, and we’re proud to highlight that Canadian ingredient,” said Tomulka. “It’s a premium addition that brings both health benefits and a taste of homegrown quality.”

Founded and based in Toronto, Rawcology has always prioritized Canadian sourcing where possible. The brand uses oats from the Prairies and maintains a zero-waste manufacturing facility, where leftover production crumbs are either donated or repurposed. Even the packaging is recyclable, reflecting Rawcology’s broader commitment to sustainability.

“Costco’s global reputation for organic products makes this partnership especially meaningful,” said Loach Tomulka. “They’re the largest retailer of organic food in the world, and that aligns so well with our mission.”

Building on a Grassroots Foundation

From its origins at farmers’ markets and local health food stores, Rawcology has grown to be carried in over 1,500 retail locations across Canada, the U.S., and select international markets. In Canada, its products can be found at retailers including Loblaws, Sobeys, Whole Foods, Metro, and Farm Boy. The brand also has an active e-commerce presence through Amazon, Well.ca, and its own website.

In the United States, Rawcology partnered with Sprouts Farmers Market, and the brand continues to gain traction in the natural and specialty food channels.

“We’ve always taken a grassroots approach,” said Loach Tomulka. “We built strong relationships with local retailers and grew from there. This Costco launch is a leap forward and a validation of all that foundational work.”

Photo: Rawcology

Looking Ahead: Innovation and Expansion

Rawcology is not slowing down. A new sub-brand is in the works, and the company continues to explore product innovation, particularly in the snack and breakfast categories. The goal is to expand further across Canada and into new global markets, including Australia and the U.S. West Coast.

“Being part of the Costco family opens doors,” said Loach Tomulka. “Buyers in different regions are watching to see how the product performs. Success in Western Canada could lead to opportunities in other international Costco markets.”

For now, all eyes are on the July 21 launch. “We’re incredibly thankful for the support we’ve received from the Costco team and from our community,” she said. “It’s a big week for us, and we’re excited to share our story with more Canadians than ever before.”

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Choice Properties REIT releases financial results

Photo: Choice Properties website
Photo: Choice Properties website

Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust recently announced its consolidated financial results for the three and six months ended June 30.

Rael Diamond
Rael Diamond

“Choice Properties delivered another solid quarter, reflecting the strength of our portfolio and disciplined financial strategy,” said Rael Diamond, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Trust. “Robust demand for our grocery-anchored retail and well-located industrial assets supported our performance, and we advanced our strategic priorities through $427 million in transactions that further strengthened our position.”

2025 Second Quarter Highlights

  • Reported a net loss for the quarter of $154.2 million compared to net income of $513.2 million in the same prior year period. The loss in the current quarter is primarily due to an unfavourable fair value adjustment in the Trust’s Exchangeable Units.
  • Reported FFO per unit diluted of $0.265, an increase of 3.9% compared to the same prior year period.
  • Period end occupancy remained strong at 97.8%: Retail at 97.8%, Industrial at 98.0%, and Mixed-Use & Residential at 95.4%.
  • Achieved leasing spreads on long-term renewals of 13.2% and 38.9% in the Retail and Industrial portfolios, respectively.
  • Same-Asset NOI on a cash basis increased by 1.4% compared to the same prior year period.
    • Retail increased by 1.7%;
    • Industrial increased by 0.2%. Growth in the industrial segment was impacted by a bad debt provision reversal in the prior year following the resolution of a tenant dispute. Excluding bad debt expense, industrial increased by 4.2%;
    • Mixed-Use & Residential increased by 1.6%.
  • Completed $427.1 million of transactions in the quarter:
    • Acquired an industrial distribution centre in Ajax, ON from Loblaw for a purchase price of $182.9 million. Concurrent with the transaction, the property was leased back to Loblaw.
    • Acquired eight industrial outdoor storage sites located across Canada for a purchase price of $162.0 million.
    • Disposed of nine industrial sites located in Calgary, AB for proceeds of $73.4 million.
    • Acquired a mixed-use parcel in Toronto, ON for $6.0 million and disposed of a retail property in Halifax, NS for $2.8 million.
  • Transferred $13.9 million of properties under development to income producing status, delivering approximately 30,900 square feet of new commercial GLA (including 6,900 square feet associated with a ground lease) on a proportionate share basis through retail intensifications.
  • Invested $34.2 million of capital in development projects on a proportionate share basis.
  • Maintained healthy and stable debt metrics with Adjusted Debt to EBITDAFV of 7.2x, Adjusted Debt to Total Assets at 40.8%, and Interest Coverage ratio of 3.3x.
  • Maintained a strong liquidity position with approximately $1.3 billion of available credit and a $13.5 billion pool of unencumbered properties.

“Subsequent to quarter end, Choice Properties and Loblaw renewed 39 of a tranche of 41 leases expiring in 2026, comprising 2.52 million of 2.62 million square feet, at a weighted average spread of 8.6% and a weighted average extension term of 5.0 years,” said Choice.

Year-to-Date Results

Choice Properties reported a net loss of $250.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to net income of $655.5 million in the same prior year period. The decrease of $906.0 million was primarily due to changes in certain non-cash adjustments to fair value including: a $1,040.9 million unfavourable change in the adjustment to fair value of the Trust’s Exchangeable Units due to the increase in the Trust’s unit price; partially offset by a $96.8 million favourable change in the adjustment to fair value of investment properties; and a $57.6 million favourable change in the adjustment to fair value of the investment in real estate securities of Allied, driven by the change in Allied’s unit price in the quarter.

Photo: Choice Properties website
Photo: Choice Properties website

Outlook

“We are focused on capital preservation, delivering stable and growing cash flows and net asset value appreciation. Our high-quality portfolio is primarily leased to necessity-based tenants and logistics providers, who are less sensitive to economic volatility and therefore provide stability to our overall portfolio. We will continue to advance our development program, with a focus on commercial developments, which provides us with the best opportunity to add high-quality real estate to our portfolio at a reasonable cost and drive net asset value appreciation over time,” said Choice.

“We are confident that our business model, stable tenant base, strong balance sheet, and disciplined approach to financial management will continue to benefit us.”

In 2025, Choice Properties said it is targeting:

  • Stable occupancy across the portfolio, resulting in approximately 2%-3% year-over-year growth in Same-Asset NOI, Cash Basis;
  • Annual FFO per unit diluted in a range of $1.05 to $1.06, reflecting approximately 2%-3% year-over-year growth; and
  • Strong leverage metrics, targeting Adjusted Debt to EBITDAFV below 7.5x.

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Canada’s income gap hits record high as low-income wages decline: Statistics Canada

Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko
Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko

The income gap reached a record high in the first quarter of 2025; the highest income households gained from investments, while the lowest income households’ wages declined. Lower borrowing costs and easing inflationary pressures facilitated household saving and debt management, while declining real estate values weighed on the average wealth of younger age groups and the least wealthy, reported Statistics Canada.

“The income gap is defined as the difference in the share of disposable income between households in the top 40% of the income distribution and the bottom 40%. This gap reached a record high of 49.0 percentage points in the first quarter of 2025. The income gap increased each year following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A low of 43.8 percentage points was recorded in the first quarter of 2021,” said the federal agency.

“Households’ ability to maintain their economic well-being varies with macroeconomic conditions. In contrast with prevailing high interest rates in 2023, the Bank of Canada reduced its policy rate from 5.0% in April 2024 to 2.75% in March 2025 in response to easing inflationary pressures. Along with declining interest rates, household interest payments decreased for the first time since 2022, declining by 4.8% in the first quarter of 2025 relative to the first quarter of 2024.

“While declining interest rates can lead to easing borrowing costs for households, they can also lead to lower yields on interest-bearing investments, such as savings and deposit accounts. Lower income households are more likely to benefit from declining interest rates, as they tend to be more indebted relative to higher income households. However, they also tend to have less diversified investment portfolios that focus on interest-bearing instruments rather than other forms of investments, such as equities.”

Lower income households also tend to be more susceptible to job loss during economic downturns. Amidst economic uncertainty, labour market conditions have recently weakened. Data from the Labour Force Survey show that the employment rate—the proportion of the population aged 15 years and older who are employed—has been on a declining trend since early 2023, explained Statistics Canada.

“The lowest income households (bottom 20% of the income distribution) had the weakest growth in disposable income in the first quarter of 2025 relative to one year earlier (+3.2%). This is because they were the only group that had declining average wages (-$17; -0.7%), due mainly to reduced hours of work. Labour market conditions were notably weak for people working in mining and manufacturing,” it said.

“The lowest income households also had the largest reduction in net investment income, as a decline in investment earnings (-$399; -35.3%) more than offset lower interest payments (-$107; -7.1%).”

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New hospitality group Gaia House launched in Vancouver

Photo: Loula’s Taverna
Photo: Loula’s Taverna

Brothers Yianni and Petro Kerasiotis, the duo behind some of Vancouver’s most beloved neighbourhood restaurants, have unveiled their new hospitality group, Gaia House.

The brand brings together their family of establishments under one unified identity – from the newly opened Selene Aegean Bistro in Hastings-Sunrise, traditional Greek destination Nammos Estiatorio in Fraserhood, to contemporary Greek hotspot Loula’s Taverna on Commercial Drive, and Japanese-style speakeasy AMA

Named after the ancient Greek goddess of the Earth, Gaia is a symbol of creation, nourishment, and interconnectedness, said the company. 

Photo: AMA
Photo: AMA

“Our parents taught us what Greek hospitality, philoxenia, truly means. It’s about more than just good service; it’s about generosity, warmth, and making people feel like family,” said Yianni. “Now that we’ve opened several restaurants, we felt it was time to bring each concept together under one name. Gaia is our commitment to keep innovating in the industry while staying true to our roots.”

Yianni and Petro worked with award-winning Vancouver-based design firm, Glasfurd & Walker, to bring Gaia House to life.

Photo: Nammos Estiatorio
Photo: Nammos Estiatorio

Creative director Phoebe Glasfurd explained the inspiration behind the brand: “Every concept under the Gaia name draws from rich, cultural roots while offering something unexpected and new. From the family-style spirit of Nammos to the refined Japanese storytelling of AMA, each Gaia brand carries its own identity, yet is united by a shared ethos: meaning, beauty, and a fresh perspective on tradition.

“The Gaia brand is represented by a unique word mark inspired by traditional Greek signage as a nod to their roots, accompanied by illustrations that capture the diverse and layered narratives of each culinary experience. Symbols from each venue are woven into a single, enchanted tapestry. Each element speaks to a story, a place, a feeling they have created.”

“Gaia House is the culmination of everything we stand for – it represents the next chapter for us, a foundation to grow from, while staying connected to where we come from,” added Petro. “It gives us the freedom to dream bigger and to keep building meaningful experiences for our guests, family, and friends. We already have exciting new projects coming up and can’t wait to share when the time comes.”

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Dope Bakehouse ready for solo debut in Vancouver

Photo: Selene Aegean Bistro
Photo: Selene Aegean Bistro

Coffee, cocktails and community: Ellipsis set to launch in Vancouver (Photos)

Photo: Ellipsis
Photo: Ellipsis

Vancouver is set to welcome a new coffee and cocktail concept promoting taking the time to pause, gather, and connect, opening later this summer.

Anchored in inspiring customers to stop, sit, and stay a while, Ellipsis is a dual bar combining coffee, cocktails, and community under one design masterpiece, says the brand. 

“Positioned inside one of the final works of late Canadian architect Arthur Erickson, the reimagined space sits within The Waterfall Building, designed in 1996 in collaboration with Nick Milkovich. The geometrically striking building was originally conceived as an art gallery, and is defined by its soaring triangular form, abundant natural light, and a tranquil courtyard with a waterfall. Featuring expansive concrete walls and a dramatic glass canopy, the unique design encourages natural light to flood the interior, resulting in a beautifully quiet but assertive spatial presence,” said Ellipsis. 

It is at 205-1540 W 2nd Ave.

Designed to be a retreat from the hustle, “Ellipsis” symbolizes the ebb and flow of time, endless possibilities and the undefined potential of each individual experience. 

“In a world that moves faster and faster, I wanted to create a space that invites us to slow down, to pause, to meet in the moment,” explained owner Ming Yang. “It’s a café, it’s a bar, but more than that, it’s a space for presence, connection and meaning.” 

Photo: Ellipsis
Photo: Ellipsis

Located on the outskirts of Granville Island, the 2,882 square foot, 47-seat space is the brainchild of Yang, a renowned café owner with years of hands-on knowledge in crafting intentional, community-rooted hospitality. While this venture celebrates a completely new offering, the level of care and service will remain the same, noted Ellipsis.

“The thoughtful redesign pays tribute to the original modernist architecture and was led by SML Studio Architecture, in collaboration with Tetherstone Construction, to capture Erikson’s vision. Brushed stainless steel surfaces, geometric millwork, and primary shapes (circles, triangles and rectangles) echo Erickson’s formal language, while reflective elements are balanced with natural materials such as wood and fabric to evoke warmth and comfort. Burnt orange upholstery and warm ambient lighting softens the structural tones, and mirrors at the base of the feature bars extend the sense of continuity and spatial openness,” it said.

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Photo: Ellipsis
Photo: Ellipsis
Photo: Ellipsis
Photo: Ellipsis
Photo: Ellipsis
Photo: Ellipsis

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For July 21, 2025

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web

News at a Glance

Retail Insider is streamlining its Canadian retail news from around the web to include a handful of top news stories that can be viewed quickly during the day. Here are the top stories from the past several days.

Inside the death of Hudson’s Bay: Why former senior employees believe leader Richard Baker should take the blame (Toronto Star)

‘Let’s not take her for granted’: Billionaire mall owner Weihong Liu welcomed by former Hudson’s Bay employees at Toronto job fair (Toronto Star)

B.C. billionaire hosts job fair in Toronto amid bid for Hudson’s Bay leases (CBC)

Loblaw: Produce prices drop 3.1% in June with shift to local products; counter tariffs could reverse gains (Grocery Business)

Could publicly-owned grocery stores break Canada’s grocery oligopoly? (Riochet)

‘More than a store’: What this 135-year-old shop in Bass River means to the community (CBC)

9 Things Cheaper at No Frills Than Any Other Canadian Grocery Store (MSN)

The Vancouver-Based Coffee Shop That Inspired Starbucks (Tasting Table)

‘The $1M bathroom break’: Jewelry store owner claims insurer denied $1M claim because employee was in the bathroom during robbery (Toronto Star)

Quebec language watchdog targets barber for ‘too much English’ — on sign, website, even Instagram (Montreal Gazette)

The Bay’s departure leaves a gaping hole in downtown Toronto. What could fill it? (CP24)

Replacing Mindbender both challenge, opportunity for West Edmonton Mall: analysts (CTV)

Saskatchewan’s first pro hockey store launches grand opening event (CTV)

Store owner reflects on four decades of music, memories and vinyl (Village Report)

Pen Centre sold: Montreal-based firm buys Niagara’s largest shopping centre for $140 million (St. Catharines Standard)

Dope Bakehouse opens in North Vancouver (Foodology)

Come inside the century-old Montreal sewing supply shop that’s now a pop-up exhibit (CBC)

Hudson’s Bay fires back at lender seeking termination of Ruby Liu deal: court docs (CBC)

‘Keep your money in Canada’: Duty-free shop owner urges travellers to buy local (CTV)

Trump tariffs live updates: Canada struck with 35% tariffs, Trump floats higher blanket rates (Yahoo)

Aritzia Q1 revenue climbs 33% (Fashion Network)

Edmonton City Centre Mall ordered into receivership (MSN)

Loblaw opens 4 discount stores across 3 provinces (Fresh Plaza)

CHARLEBOIS: Everyone’s suddenly a supply management expert but few understand it (Yahoo)

New Maxi store opens in downtown Montreal (Grocery Business)

‘Not an easy decision’: The Beer Store is closing 10 more stores in Ontario, including 5 in the GTA (CP24)

ARI opens new Spectrum boutique at Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (Global Travel Retail)

Toronto BIA warns business owners of ‘point of sale’ scam after thousands of dollars in thefts (CBC)

B.C.’s Meiga Supermarket to close its doors this summer (Canadian Grocer)

‘It’s getting out of hand!’ Jewellery store owners speak out after a rash of recent break-ins (CityNews Toronto)

Roadwork is costing Montague businesses some customers, store owners say (CBC)

Newmarket Costco set to open in August (Grocery Business)

Supporting Driver Wellness with Dash Cams for Vans

Driving a van all day can be quite demanding. Stress, fatigue, and pressure significantly impact drivers. A dash cam helps keep drivers healthy and happy. These smart cameras monitor the road and the driver, identifying signs of trouble. From reducing stress to boosting confidence, dash cams make wellness a priority. Here’s how they help your drivers thrive.

Wellness Keeps Drivers Going

Contented drivers make a strong fleet. A dash cam for vans identifies issues that compromise wellness, like risky roads or long hours. They’re not just for safety—they support mental and physical health. Videos provide drivers with feedback to feel better on the job. A fleet that cares for its drivers retains them longer, building a loyal team.

Spotting Fatigue Early

Fatigued drivers are at risk. Dash cams with AI notice signs of drowsiness, like drooping eyes. Alerts prompt the driver to take a break. Managers get a heads-up, too, so they can intervene. This prevents burnout before it starts. Keeping drivers alert means they stay healthy and safe.

Reducing Stress with Clear Feedback

Driving under pressure feels challenging. Dash cams show how drivers handle tough spots, like busy traffic. Clips let you talk through stressful moments, not scold. For example, a video might show a driver rushing. You can suggest calmer routes. This feedback helps drivers relax, making their day easier.

Building Confidence with Protection

Drivers worry about being blamed in accidents. Dash cams provide proof. If a car swerves into a van, footage shows the truth. This protects drivers from unfair claims. Knowing they’re backed up reduces anxiety. Confident drivers focus better, feeling supported by their fleet.

Encouraging Healthy Habits

Harsh braking and other suboptimal driving habits stress drivers out. Dash cams catch these moves. AI points out harsh braking or fast cornering, helping drivers get better. Gentle coaching, backed by video, promotes smoother driving. Less jerky moves mean less physical strain, keeping drivers comfy.

Supporting Work-Life Balance

Long shifts tire drivers out. Dash cams track driving hours, helping you spot overworked drivers. Perhaps the data will highlight that a person’s time on the road is too long. Adjust schedules to provide them with breaks. This balance prevents exhaustion, letting drivers go home refreshed and ready for family time.

Easing Training for New Drivers

New drivers feel nervous. Dash cams make training more supportive. Videos show how they handle routes, like merging onto motorways. Use clips to guide, not judge. Praising good moves, like steady lane changes, boosts their mood. This builds skills without stress, helping newbies feel at home.

Keeping Fleets Legal and Drivers Safe

Rules demand safe driving hours. Dash cams help you comply. They log time on the road, ensuring drivers don’t overdo it. Pair this with telematics, like speed data, for a full picture. Audits? Your records are ready. This protects drivers from overwork and keeps your fleet legal.

Planning for Driver Comfort

Dash cams reveal tough routes that stress drivers. Footage might show a road with constant stops. Opt for smoother paths to ease their day. If a driver struggles with tight turns, offer training. These changes make driving less taxing, supporting mental and physical health.

Tech That Cares for Drivers

Dash cams are getting smarter. AI now spots distractions, like phone glances, and nudges drivers to focus. Future cams might track heart rates or stress levels. As your fleet grows, dash cams cover every van easily. This tech keeps driver wellness first, no matter how big you get.

Starting a Wellness Focus

Want drivers who thrive? Get a telematics system with dash cams for vans. Install them with ease—the installation’s a doddle. Show drivers how to use the app; it’s super simple. Start with a few vans. Check clips weekly to support your team. Soon, your drivers will feel cared for and strong.

A Fleet That Cares

Dash cams for vans put driver wellness first. They catch fatigue, cut stress, and build confidence. No more tired or anxious drivers slowing your fleet. With telematics, you create a team that’s healthy and proud. Make wellness the heart of your fleet, and watch it shine.

Canadian business sentiment likely stabilized in Q2 after earlier deterioration

Photo: RDNE Stock project
Photo: RDNE Stock project

The Bank of Canada’s Business Outlook Survey on Monday is expected to show early signs of stabilization in businesses’ expectations for future sales, input prices and hiring in Q2, says an RBC Economics report.

The likely improvement follows marked deterioration in Q1, and was during a survey period (Q2 typically spans from early to late May) when threats specifically targeting Canada had receded, said the report.

“Indeed, as much as Canada was a main focus of trade grievances earlier in Q1, it was excluded from the list of U.S. trade partners facing reciprocal tariffs in April. A duty-free exemption for trade compliant with the USMCA imposed in March also remains in effect,” said RBC.

“Indicators have broadly pointed to a stabilizing economic backdrop in Q2. Job openings from Indeed.com steadied into the summer following earlier declines. Business confidence in Canadian Federation of Independent Business surveys continued to improve in July after plunging in March.  

“We expect next week’s BOS will largely mirror these trends. More significantly, the survey could highlight a divergence between sectors directly exposed to trade headwinds (such as manufacturing and transportation), which will likely maintain a softer outlook, while other sectors, particularly consumer-facing businesses, that are more positive.”

The Bank of Canada will be watching inflation expectations closely, after a string of mostly hotter consumer price index reports raised concerns that resilience in consumer spending is also leading to resilience in inflation, said RBC.

“Inflation expectations already drifted broadly higher for businesses and consumers in Q1. The early estimate of retail sales was a 1.1% decline in May from April, but to levels that are still resilient relative to low consumer confidence. Our tracking of card transactions pointed to further resilience in June,” it said.

“Broadly, that kind of a backdrop—better than feared growth and higher than wanted inflation topped with in the prospect of significant fiscal stimulus spending in the year ahead —leaves an high bar for the BoC to make additional interest rate cuts this year. We do not expect further interest rate reductions from the BoC.”

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Back-to-School prices set to rise 12–15% as tariffs hit school supplies

Back to School at Winners (Image: Dustin Fuhs)

As families begin back-to-school shopping, retailers and consumers alike are quietly grappling with the ripple effects of the latest tariff wave.

David Warrick, EVP at Overhaul, a supply chain risk management company, who previously led global supply chain operations at Microsoft, is advising companies on supply chain risk and resilience at Overhaul, working directly with brands, carriers, and retailers facing tariff-related impacts.

David Warrick
David Warrick

“We’re starting to see price creep on everyday items—including school supplies—but the full impact of tariffs will likely cascade in phases. This growing pressure is driven by a mix of rising raw material costs, tariff exposure on components, and supply-demand imbalances created by uncertainty. School staples like backpacks, lunchboxes, pencils, tech accessories, and even glue sticks are particularly vulnerable, as they often rely on imported inputs—zippers from China, dyes and plastics from Southeast Asia, or packaging from Europe. Many of these categories are caught in the crossfire of the latest tariff expansions, and we’re expecting an average price increase of 12–15% across back-to-school essentials,” he said.

“Retailers have done a solid job front-loading inventory to delay price spikes—so for now, many shelves still reflect pre-tariff costs. But that buffer may run out by late summer or early fall. Sharper increases could land then or into early next year, depending on how long tariffs remain and whether additional goods are affected. Consumers should look for early signs: a name-brand notebook that’s 15% pricier than last year, fewer “3 for $1” deals, or school supply bundles with fewer items inside.”

Some of the most heavily impacted product areas include apparel and footwear—costing more to outfit kids for school—as well as electronics like laptops and calculators, where fluctuating semiconductor and component tariffs have raised costs by as much as 30% in some categories, added Warrick.

“Retailers may also quietly eliminate low-margin SKUs—like generic binders or budget pencil cases—due to shrinking profit potential under higher sourcing costs. That could mean fewer ultra-low-cost options, especially at discount and big-box stores,” he said.

“Supply is another challenge. Many retailers held off ordering due to tariff uncertainty, which softened manufacturing output earlier this year. Now, as demand ramps up, availability is tighter—adding yet another layer of inflationary pressure. Tariffs have disrupted traditional ordering cycles, turning once-routine procurement into a last-minute scramble that’s more expensive to execute.

“If parents want to avoid the brunt of any price increases, the smart move is to shop early while legacy inventory is still in circulation. You may also see some “tariff-beating” bundles as retailers move older stock—but overall, expect prices to rise steadily through the season. It’s less about one big sticker shock and more of a slow tightening of value—smaller packages, higher unit prices, and fewer markdowns.”

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