Del Monte’s bankruptcy this week stunned many who grew up with its canned fruit cocktail, peas, and corn lining their family pantry. After 139 years, the company has filed for Chapter 11 protection in the United States. But this isn’t a canary-in-the-coalmine moment for the entire sector—it’s more a case study in how legacy brands can fall out of sync with modern market dynamics.
In Canada, the Del Monte brand hasn’t truly been “Del Monte” for some time. In 2018, French multinational Bonduelle acquired the rights to use the Del Monte label for canned fruits and vegetables in Canada, merging it with its existing Arctic Gardens portfolio. While the branding remained familiar, the operational footprint and supply chains became distinctly European. Most Canadians never noticed.
The irony is that, despite the growing cultural emphasis on fresh and frozen foods, canned goods are enjoying a quiet resurgence. In Canada, sales in the “meals and soups” canned category have grown by more than 40% since 2018. In an era of persistent food inflation and rising food insecurity, shelf-stable, affordable, and convenient products like canned foods continue to offer real value. But for Del Monte, perception lagged behind this reality.
Over the past half-century, Canadian consumers have shifted decisively toward frozen and fresh alternatives. The quality gap has narrowed substantially as advances in flash-freezing have preserved nutrient content in ways canned products cannot match. Retail prices for frozen goods have also stabilized, giving consumers more choices and undermining the traditional value proposition of canned staples.
Del Monte’s problems, however, run much deeper than evolving consumer preferences. The company is facing over a billion dollars in debt and has failed to adapt its product lines and branding to meet modern tastes. It was also blindsided by geopolitical shocks. Steel and aluminum tariffs imposed during the Trump administration inflated packaging costs, which eroded already-thin margins. Few companies in this space were as exposed to those pressures as Del Monte.
Still, the brand isn’t going away. It will likely re-emerge under new ownership, streamlined and repositioned. But to thrive, it will need to diversify its SKUs, expand its footprint across more grocery categories, and find ways to compete in a center-of-store battlefield now dominated by agile private labels offering lower prices and faster innovation cycles.
This restructuring opens the door for smaller Canadian brands to grow—especially those producing fresh or locally-sourced options. For years, these companies have struggled to scale under the shadow of legacy incumbents like Del Monte. A realignment in the canned food aisle could finally give them the shelf space and leverage they need with major retailers.
One overlooked player in this shakeup is the food bank sector. Traditionally reliant on canned donations, food banks are also evolving. As societal understanding of nutrition deepens, they are shifting toward more diverse, fresh, and culturally relevant offerings. Canned goods still have a role, but no longer the central one they once held.
In the end, Del Monte’s bankruptcy is not a symptom of an industry in crisis. It’s a cautionary tale about brand inertia, trade exposure, and the failure to modernize in a volatile, value-driven food economy.
Customers contact companies regularly to purchase products and services, inquire about orders, make payments and request returns. Until recently, the most common way for customers to contact companies was through phone calls or by interacting with human agents via company websites and mobile apps.
The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has seen the proliferation of a new kind of interface: chatbots. A chatbot is an intelligent software program that can carry out two-way conversations with customers.
Spurred by the potential of chatbots to communicate with customers round-the-clock, companies are increasingly routing customers to chatbots. As such, the worldwide chatbot market has grown from US$370 million in 2017 to about US$2.2 billion in 2024.
As these tools become more embedded in customer service systems, understanding customer preferences and behaviours is crucial.
Most companies today use chatbots as the first point of contact. Only when a chatbot cannot answer a question or a customer asks to speak with someone does the conversation shift to a human agent. (Shutterstock)
Most companies today use chatbots as the first line of customer support. Only when a chatbot fails to provide the necessary information or a customer asks to speak with someone does the conversation shift to a human agent.
While efficient, this one-size-fits-all approach may be sub-optimal because customers may prefer a human agent for some types of services and a chatbot for others.
I used machine learning methods to conduct three analyses on the chat transcripts.
The first focused on why customers reach out to customer service in the first place. I found most inquiries fell into six main categories: orders, coupons, products, shipping, account issues and payments. Customers rarely turned to chatbots for questions related to shipping or payment, seemingly preferring human agents when their issue involves more detailed or sensitive information.
The second analysis measured how closely the language used by customer service agents — both human and bot agents — matched the language of the customers they were interacting with. It found human agents showed a higher degree of linguistic similarity to customers than chatbots did.
This result was unexpected. Given the sophistication of today’s AI, I had anticipated chatbots would be able to closely mimic customer language. Instead, the findings suggest human agents are better able to follow customers’ varied and dynamically changing language use.
Customers want to feel understood and supported — and for now, that often still means talking to a real person. (Shutterstock)
The third analysis tested the thesis that similarity breeds liking — a concept that suggests human agents’ similarity with customers should increase customer’s engagement.
I measured customer engagement by the average number of seconds between a customer’s consecutive messages during a chat. The results show that when human agents displayed higher linguistic similarity, customers responded more quickly and frequently. The more the customer felt “understood,” the more engaged they were.
Recommendations for companies
My research findings make three recommendations to companies. First, companies should identify the reason behind each customer inquiry before assigning that customer to a chatbot or a human agent. The reason should determine whether the company matches the customer to a bot agent or a human agent.
Second, both chatbots and human agents should be trained to adapt their language and communication style to match that of the customer. For human agents, this kind of mirroring may come naturally, but for chatbots, it must be programmed.
My research shows that customers are more engaged when they feel that the agent they are chatting with understands them and communicates in a similar way. Doing this will keep customers engaged and lead to more effective and efficient interactions.
Third, businesses should ask technology companies for evidence on how much their chatbots increase effectiveness and efficiency relative to human agents. Specifically, how do their chatbots compare to human agents in terms of efficiency and customer satisfaction? Only if the metrics exceed a certain threshold should companies consider using chatbots.
Customers want to feel understood and supported — and for now, that often still means talking to a real person. Rather than seeing chatbots as a wholesale replacement, companies should treat them as part of a hybrid approach that respects customer preferences and aligns the right tool with the right task.
About the Author:
Vivek Astvansh is an Associate Professor of Quantitative Marketing and Analytics at McGill University
Retail has changed. Big time. With all the tech advancements shaping the way we shop, from AI-driven personalizations to seamless online checkout experiences, retailers are scrambling to stay ahead of the curve. But here’s the catch: having the next big innovation isn’t enough. You’ve got to get the word out. That’s where public relations (PR) comes in. Think about it: if a game-changing technology launches but no one hears about it, does it even make a sound?
In this article, we’ll dive into how PR is helping retail tech companies stand out, get noticed, and really make a mark in a crowded, fast-paced industry.
The Growing Influence of Technology in Retail
Tech is transforming retail like never before. Take a moment and think about the last time you shopped, whether online or in a store. There’s a good chance your experience was shaped by something high-tech, even if you didn’t realize it. Retailers are using everything from AI to predictive analytics, creating a smoother, more personalized shopping experience for customers.
But here’s the thing: with so much innovation happening, companies have to figure out how to tell their story effectively. Why? Because if they don’t, it’s easy to get lost in the noise of new gadgets and shiny apps. And this is where PR plays a pivotal role. PR is all about crafting the right narrative and making sure the world knows how cool your tech actually is.
How Public Relations Helps Retail Tech Companies Stand Out
So, what exactly can PR do for retail tech companies? Well, think of it like this: imagine you have the next big thing in retail tech, but no one knows about it. A solid PR strategy can change that. It’s about creating buzz, building relationships with the media, and positioning your brand as a thought leader. When done right, PR doesn’t just help you get noticed, it helps you stay top of mind.
Through media placements, expert interviews, and strategic content creation, PR firms help retail tech companies shape the conversation around their products and services. And when the media is talking about you? That’s when the magic happens. Not only does it build credibility, but it also strengthens consumer trust. After all, if a product is being talked about by respected outlets, it must be worth checking out, right?
The Power of Thought Leadership and Media Coverage
Ever wondered why some brands seem to always be in the spotlight? It’s not a coincidence. They’re consistently being featured in industry publications, interviewed by experts, and writing thought leadership pieces that position them as leaders in their field. For retail tech companies, thought leadership is a game changer. It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about shaping the narrative around what’s next in retail.
Media coverage does wonders for visibility. But it’s more than just a headline. It’s about creating a story that resonates with both the media and the audience. Retail tech companies need PR strategies that highlight their expertise, showcase their products’ impact, and explain why they’re the ones to watch in the industry. Working with a retail tech PR agency is an excellent way to ensure that your brand’s story is reaching the right people in the right way.
Why PR is Essential for Retailers Embracing Technology
So, why should retail tech companies invest in PR? The simple answer is this: it works. In a tech-driven world where innovations are happening daily, PR can help businesses rise above the noise. Think about it. Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, a well-crafted PR strategy can boost your visibility, attract investors, and even drive sales.
For retailers, adopting new technology isn’t just about having the best tools; it’s about telling the right story around those tools. That’s where PR comes in. A strong PR strategy allows you to connect with your customers, build trust, and, most importantly, show them that you’re leading the charge into the future.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, technology is reshaping the retail landscape, and the companies that embrace it are the ones who will succeed. But having the best technology isn’t enough. You’ve got to communicate why your tech matters. And that’s where public relations steps in.
By partnering with the right PR firm, retail tech companies can tell their story, build relationships, and elevate their brand. So, if you’re in the retail tech space, ask yourself: are you ready to make your mark? If not, maybe it’s time to start thinking about how strategic PR can help you get there.
In this fast-paced, tech-driven world, PR is more than just a tool, it’s a necessity for staying ahead.
Often, people face such questions as the availability of specific documents and the cost and safety of their cars. We have decided to create a comprehensive guide for you, using the example of one of the most popular companies for international car shipping – Meest.
You will learn how to make an optometry of a working and non-working vehicle. Read carefully and study all the information thoroughly.
Preparing a Working Auto for International Car Shipping
Firstly, it is advisable to keep the vehicle clean. In this case, the employees of the carrier company will only be grateful to you.
Secondly, check all the corners inside the cabin and in the trunk. Look for things that are important to you. After all, sending them back will cost money.
Thirdly, it is advisable to have an unconditional check from the service station. This way, you will be sure that you have sent the car in perfect condition.
How to proceed and place an order for delivery to another country with a long distance:
Follow the link we indicated above and read all the information, including in the drop-down blocks. It will be helpful to know all the nuances of international car shipping.
Make an application on the website.
Agree to the terms as outlined in the received email.
Send the transport to the address indicated on the Meest website.
Enjoy low cost auto shipping overseas, monitor the tracking code, and inform the recipient about the shipment.
Preparing and Sending a Non-working Vehicle with Overseas Car Shipping
Don’t be afraid; some companies take care of all the hassle, such as Meest. You don’t need to call a tow truck and take your Porsche or Mercedes to the right place. All that is required is to take similar steps, which we described above:
Fill the form to send cargo abroad.
Confirm your order via email. The cheap pricing and other details will also be indicated there.
Wait for the Meest representatives who will pick up the auto.
Tracking the movement of cargo via the tracking code.
Ship car from Canada to Europe easily. Just look for a trusted company.
Remember that for greater confidence and reliability, you can insure your car delivery. The insurance amount is 2.5% of the indicated transport cost. This will give you more peace of mind about the safety of the cargo.
How to Choose a Carrier for International Car Shipping from Canada
It was not for nothing that we indicated Meest for several reasons. The service has been operating in the Canadian market for a long time, offering competitive prices, and the customer service is simply excellent, as judged by the reviews.
Here is what is essential:
Check if the company delivers to the port you require.
Calculate the cost using a simple calculator on the website.
Study the reviews if you are dealing with a company for shipping car overseas from Canada for the first time.
Prepare all the necessary documents. The list can be found on our website. Among the important ones are a technical passport, your identity card, a sales document, or a declaration of value.
Conclusions
Making a global shipment is not tricky. It is essential to calculate the quote accurately and specify from which point or address the shipment should be dispatched. We did not find anything cheaper than Meest so that the shipping charges will be reasonable.
Also, an affordable price is not always an indicator of poor quality. For example, Meest has been operating for many years, has well-established routes, and regularly delivers a massive amount of cargo. Therefore, the service is reliable and experienced. We hope the information was helpful.
The retail industry thrives on efficiency, customer satisfaction, and employee performance. While factors like training, technology, and store layout are often prioritized, the role of workplace furniture is frequently overlooked. However, the right furniture can significantly influence productivity, employee well-being, and overall retail success. Ergonomics, comfort, and functionality are crucial in shaping a productive retail environment.
Read on to learn how workplace furniture impacts retail productivity.
Improve Employee Performance
Retail workers face demanding shifts that require constant movement, such as standing for extended periods, bending to access merchandise, and repetitive motions at checkout stations. When workplace furniture fails to support these activities, it compounds physical strain. Poorly cushioned anti-fatigue mats, non-adjustable work surfaces, and unsupportive stools can contribute to muscle fatigue, joint stress, and distracted focus. Over time, this discomfort can manifest as decreased attentiveness to customers, slower response times, and increased absenteeism due to musculoskeletal issues.
As such, investing in well-designed workplace furniture solutions can enhance focus, reduce physical strain, and improve overall job satisfaction. For instance, ergonomic chairs, supportive standing mats, and bean bag furniture can alleviate back pain, while adjustable workstations allow employees to switch between sitting and standing positions, promoting better circulation.
Boost Retail Efficiency Through Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the science of designing workspaces to fit the user’s needs, minimizing discomfort and avoiding retail efficiency. In retail settings, this means providing furniture that supports natural posture and reduces repetitive strain. Cashier stations with adjustable heights, anti-fatigue mats, and supportive seating can prevent musculoskeletal disorders, ensuring employees remain productive throughout their shifts.
Additionally, breakroom furniture should encourage relaxation, allowing staff to recharge during downtime. Comfortable seating and well-designed tables can make breaks more restorative, improving focus when employees return to work.
Provide Psychological Impact
The influence of workplace furniture extends beyond physical comfort. It plays a vital role in shaping employee mindset and behavior. Poorly designed, cluttered, or outdated furniture can contribute to stress, fatigue, and disengagement, making employees feel undervalued and unmotivated. Conversely, thoughtfully chosen, visually appealing furniture fosters pride and well-being, reinforcing a positive work culture. When employees feel comfortable and respected in their environment, job satisfaction can improve, leading to more enthusiastic and attentive customer interactions.
Furthermore, a well-curated workspace can also enhance the overall retail atmosphere. Sleek, cohesive designs can convey professionalism and attention to detail, which customers subconsciously associate with product quality and service reliability. Elevated staff morale can translate into better teamwork, problem-solving, and sales performance.
By investing in modern, ergonomic, and aesthetically pleasing furniture, retailers can create a harmonious environment that benefits employees and shoppers, ultimately driving productivity, customer satisfaction, and business success.
Influence Customer Perception
Workplace furniture’s visual appeal and functionality play a crucial role in shaping customer perceptions. When shoppers see a well-designed, organized staff area, it can reinforce the retailer’s professionalism and commitment to quality. Stylish, cohesive furniture can convey attention to detail, making customers feel confident in the brand. On the other hand, worn-out, mismatched, or outdated furniture can create an impression of neglect, causing shoppers to question the store’s standards—potentially driving them toward competitors.
Beyond aesthetics, strategically placed comfortable seating in waiting areas, fitting rooms, or checkout zones can enhance the customer experience. When shoppers feel at ease, they can spend more time browsing, increasing sales opportunities. A pleasant environment can also reduce customer frustration, leading to fewer complaints, which, in turn, minimizes employee stress and improves productivity.
By aligning furniture choices with brand identity and customer comfort, retailers can create a welcoming atmosphere that fosters loyalty, boosts sales, and supports a more efficient workforce.
Offer Strategic Design and Functionality
Beyond aesthetics and ergonomics, workplace furniture can enhance retail productivity through strategic design and functionality. Mobile workstations with locking casters allow employees to quickly reconfigure spaces for seasonal displays or inventory management, improving operational flexibility. Height-adjustable checkout counters can accommodate employees of different statures, reducing strain during long shifts. Integrated charging stations and cable management systems in staff areas can keep devices powered and workspaces clutter-free, minimizing downtime. Sound-absorbing partition screens in open-plan back offices can create focused zones for administrative tasks without disrupting customer-facing interactions.
When staff need complete acoustic isolation for sensitive matters, such as addressing escalated customer complaints, conducting confidential HR discussions, or negotiating with vendors, office phone booths offer a practical solution. These self-contained units provide private communication spaces without the expense and permanence of traditional enclosed offices, allowing managers to handle delicate situations professionally while remaining steps away from the sales floor.
Additionally, modular storage solutions near sales floors can enable staff to access products efficiently, reducing retrieval time during customer requests. Collaborative furniture arrangements in break rooms can facilitate spontaneous team discussions, leading to process improvements. Durable, easy-to-clean materials can maintain professional appearances with minimal maintenance time.
Finally, branded furniture elements can subtly reinforce company culture, fostering team identity that translates to more engaged customer service. These thoughtful furniture implementations can collectively streamline workflows while supporting employee well-being.
Conclusion
The right workplace furniture is a critical yet often underestimated factor in retail productivity. From ergonomic designs that prevent fatigue to psychologically supportive layouts that enhance morale, every piece of furniture plays a role in shaping employee performance. Retailers who invest in thoughtful, high-quality furniture solutions can expect happier and more efficient staff and a more positive shopping experience for customers.
By keeping the information mentioned above in mind, businesses can create a workspace that fosters long-term success.
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.
It was a special delivery recently unlike any other when retired wrestling super star Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart teamed up with Amazon to deliver a donation of more than 100 essential items to the Children’s Cottage Society, a Calgary charity that provides support services to local families.
The items, including school supplies, shoes, apparel, electronics, and daily essentials, were part of a wish list that the charity created to mark the completion of their Caring Together campaign, which raised funds to build a new child and family centre in the city’s northwest, said Amazon.
Bret Hart. Photo credit: Amazon
The wish list was the perfect opportunity to put Amazon’s delivery speeds to the test. On June 23, Amazon announced the expansion of faster Same-Day and Overnight Delivery to Prime members in Calgary, Edmonton, and select surrounding communities. When the Children’s Cottage Society put out their request, Amazon sprung in to action, delivering the items that were eligible for Same-Day/Overnight delivery just in time for a celebration event marking the completion of Caring Together, it said.
Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart hopped aboard one of two delivery vehicles from RHAY Logistics, a local Amazon Delivery Service Partner, to help deliver the items. They were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of employees from Amazon’s local operations facilities, who helped unload the packages for the grateful charity, it added.
Danielle Ladouceur
“The Children’s Cottage Society is incredibly grateful for the tremendous support we receive from our caring community of donors and volunteers – and Amazon has been a longstanding partner, donating money, goods, and volunteer time,” said the charity’s CEO, Danielle Ladouceur. “We’re honoured that Amazon identified this opportunity to put their faster delivery speeds to the test with us – and we now have two delivery vans full of essential items that will be put to good use.”
A significant new entertainment destination is about to launch in Toronto as Forever Young Entertainment, a 55,000-square-foot indoor family attraction backed by Nations Experience, prepares to open this month at Centerpoint Mall at Yonge and Steeles. Located on the second floor of a former Target store—above the current Canada Computers—this expansive new concept will become the largest facility of its kind in the Greater Toronto Area.
Bringing together food, play, and party elements under one roof, the project is an independent expansion of the entertainment concept originally developed as ‘Happy Kingdom,’ now being used as a testbed for the entertainment portion of the upcoming Nations Experience flagship store expansion.
Introducing Forever Young Entertainment
Forever Young Entertainment will debut as a multi-attraction indoor amusement venue. At 55,000 square feet, the centre aims to set a new standard for family-oriented entertainment in the GTA, combining interactive experiences with social dining in a setting designed for all age groups.
The concept includes a wide array of offerings: arcade games and virtual reality experiences, golf simulators, interactive sports, and designated playgrounds for children of varying ages. For group gatherings and celebrations, party rooms will be available to rent, while adult visitors can enjoy a separate bar and lounge experience. Social dining zones will round out the venue, providing visitors with food options that complement the entertainment environment.
It is being developed by Frank Ho and his partners — the founders of Nations Fresh Foods, Nations Experience, and Happy Kingdom—a family play area within Nations’ Stockyards location that includes slides, arcades, and party spaces. Unlike Nations Fresh Foods at the Stockyards, Forever Young Entertainment functions as a standalone attraction, designed to drive traffic independent of a grocery anchor.
The entertainment brand is also set to play a larger strategic role within the Nations Experience portfolio. The company confirmed that Forever Young will serve as the official entertainment provider for the Nations Experience flagship planned for 2026, with ambitions to expand the format into other markets in North America.
Location of Forever Young Entertainment at Centerpoint Mall in Toronto. Image: Morguard
Strategic Partnership with Nations Experience
The new entertainment facility is also a formal extension of the Nations Experience brand. Nations, which launched in 2012 in Woodbridge, Ontario, has become known for its blend of multicultural grocery offerings and integrated dining experiences. The “foodertainment” model has proven successful at the retailer’s flagship Stockyards location, a 155,000-square-foot superstore that includes buffets, an expansive arcade, themed party rooms, and a kids’ playground.
Forever Young Entertainment takes that model a step further, detaching it from the confines of a grocery store and positioning it as a standalone attraction. The company confirmed that Forever Young will become the official entertainment brand within future Nations Experience locations, including an upcoming flagship site scheduled for 2026.
Centerpoint Mall: A Site of Reinvention
The choice of Centerpoint Mall as the launchpad for Forever Young is notable. Opened in 1966 and previously known as Towne and Countrye Square, the mall has seen numerous tenant transitions and anchor changes over the decades, including the recent closure of Hudson’s Bay in June 2025 following a national wind-down.
The former Target box where Forever Young will operate was briefly a Lowe’s before Canada Computers opened on the main floor in 2019. Now, with the top floor being repurposed into a family entertainment hub, the space is being revitalized once again.
Centerpoint Mall currently features over 140 stores, and the upcoming Yonge North Subway Extension promises greater accessibility and transit integration in the years ahead. With this context, Forever Young could play a pivotal role in the mall’s ongoing transformation into a more experience-led destination.
Centerpoint Mall in Toronto. Photo: Morguard
A Proven Model for Expansion
Forever Young Entertainment builds upon the operational lessons of Happy Kingdom, which has served as an anchor experience inside the Nations Stockyards location since its debut. At Stockyards, the 5,000-square-foot arcade with 135 games, a 13,000-square-foot playground, and themed party rooms have made the site a destination for families seeking more than just groceries.
That hybrid model has been a key differentiator in the increasingly competitive grocery sector. With five Nations Fresh Foods locations now open in Ontario—Woodbridge, Hamilton, Mississauga, Brampton, and Toronto’s Stockyards—the chain has demonstrated that combining shopping and entertainment creates stickier, more repeatable customer visits.
Forever Young’s move to operate in a standalone format marks a shift in scale and ambition. It opens the door to further North American expansion of the Nations Experience umbrella, using entertainment as a growth driver.
Photo: Nations Fresh Foods
A Vision for the Future of Retail and Entertainment
By integrating grocery, dining, and entertainment into cohesive destinations, Nations Fresh Foods and its sister company Oceans Fresh Food Market Group are helping reshape how urban Canadian families spend their time—and money.
At the core of this strategy is cultural relevance and community engagement. Nations stores reflect the diversity of Ontario’s population, with grocery items and prepared foods representing a wide range of cuisines and regions. From Chinese barbecue and dim sum to pizza, jerk chicken, and sushi, the prepared food offerings resonate across cultures and generations.
This multicultural, value-driven approach is also apparent in Forever Young Entertainment’s inclusive design. The new venue aims to serve everyone from young children to adults, with interactive sports, social lounges, and food and drink zones tailored to a wide demographic.
Roots recently opened its new flagship store at the intersection of Hornby and Robson in Vancouver.
The company said this location marks an expansion of its existing store at 919 Robson Street. Featuring its latest retail design, the new store offers a lighter, brighter space designed to inspire discovery and elevate the Roots shopping experience.
“Originally introduced at Cadillac Fairview Eaton Centre location last year, this innovative store concept has been thoughtfully customized to perfectly suit the unique character of this new flagship store in Vancouver,” said the retailer.
“Construction began in December 2024, and what emerged is not just an expanded space — but a statement about where (the company) is headed: modernizing brand presence, while staying true to heritage. Our most immersive and design-forward store to date, this location offers a modern interpretation of the iconic cabin aesthetic that (the brand) is known and loved for.
This new space blends nature, technology, and local inspiration into a one-of-a-kind retail experience, added the retailer:
A preserved moss wall and custom moss beaver sculpture pay tribute to Roots iconic logo inspired by Canada’s landscapes
A custom lightbox ceiling installation features an illuminated photograph of Stanley Park, commissioned specially for this store.
The only Roots store to feature holographic screens.
A large panel screen near the fitting rooms features scenic visuals inspired by Vancouver’s spirit of nature and adventure.
“Every Roots store is intentionally designed to mirror the culture and spirit of its neighborhood. The flagship store will offer our classic signature styles, plus a special section just for the Vancouver Collection—making it a place that feels truly connected to locals and welcoming to tourists,” said the brand.
Canadian fashion retailer Laura Canada is celebrating a remarkable milestone: 95 years in business. From a single boutique on Montreal’s St. Hubert Street in 1930 to more than 140 stores across the country today, the family-owned business has become a household name for women’s fashion in Canada. As the company celebrates its legacy, it is also making bold moves toward the future—with store expansions, digital innovation, and a national Summer campaign that proudly leans into its Canadian identity.
“Our model has always centred on meaningful relationships with customers and employees,” said Josh Fisher, Senior Vice President at Laura Canada and great-grandson of founder Laura Wolstein. “That focus has been key to our resilience, sustaining us long before, through and beyond the pandemic.”
Josh Fisher
A Legacy Built on Empowerment
Founded in 1930 by Laura Wolstein, a trailblazer for female entrepreneurs, the company opened its first store in Montreal at a time when women’s rights were still evolving—particularly in Quebec, where women only gained the right to vote provincially in 1940. Her approach, which focused on high-quality fashion and personalized service, struck a chord with women who were seeking both style and confidence. Building on this legacy, the brand continues to foster a sense of community by creating welcoming spaces where women feel seen, supported, and connected, both in-store and beyond.
That customer-centric ethos continues to define the brand nearly a century later. “Fashion is a universal language that unites us,” Fisher explained. “Our stores offer constant reminders of the power it has to create shared connection, joy and belonging.”
A National Retail Footprint—and Growing
Despite a challenging retail environment, Laura Canada has not only survived—it has thrived. The company operates over 140 stores across Canada under the Laura and Melanie Lyne banners, employing nearly 2,000 people and serving more than 12 million customers.
“It means the brands have continued to resonate deeply with our customers across the country,” said Fisher. “Many women get very frustrated trying to put outfits together, and find the typical shopping experience too cold and impersonal. By empowering customers to understand how to dress in ways that flatter them, our style advisors play a huge role in animating our stores.”
While other retailers are scaling back, Laura Canada is expanding. The company recently opened a Laura store at Orchard Park in Kelowna, B.C., and will soon open four more locations, including at Emerald Hills in Sherwood Park, just outside Edmonton. Two additional stores—a Laura and a Melanie Lyne—are also set to open at Kingsway Mall in Edmonton, which Fisher noted has significantly improved its tenant mix.
“We’ve just opened Laura at Orchard Park in Kelowna, where we knew we had the customer demand,” he added. “And the store is off to a terrific start, exceeding our projections.”
The company is also undertaking renovations, including an update at Galeries d’Anjou in Montreal, celebrating its 50th year. Meanwhile, a redesigned Melanie Lyne concept has rolled out at CF Fairview Mall (Toronto), CF Market Mall (Calgary), and Mapleview Shopping Centre (Burlington).
“Next year is shaping up to be busy as well, so we’re continuously optimizing our locations across Canada,” Fisher said.
Archival photo of the Laura store in Verdun, QC, featuring Lenard Fisher and Laura Wolstein, founder of Laura Canada (and an employee). Image supplied.
A Proudly Canadian Broadcast Campaign
In May, Laura launched a new national broadcast advertising campaign, its first to air on television. Originally developed as a digital initiative, the campaign evolved into a full-scale patriotic message timed with the NHL Playoffs and amid geopolitical tensions that had stirred national pride.
“When the trade war broke out, we saw how emotional and patriotic customers were feeling, and at the same time there was excitement among our customers and employees around six Canadian teams making the NHL playoffs,” said Fisher. “Everyone was so put off by some of the political narrative, and we felt that this was a way to remind Canadians that there is so much to be proud of when we reflect on the uniqueness of the Canadian experience.”
The campaign aired during high-profile moments like NHL games and has since garnered over a million views on YouTube, alongside widespread broadcast exposure. “Employees and customers were very proud of the message,” he added.
Digital Evolution Meets Human Connection
Though deeply invested in physical retail, Laura Canada has also embraced e-commerce and omnichannel strategies. Rather than viewing digital and in-store as competing forces, Fisher sees them as complementary.
“Stores remain a much more effective way for new customers to discover the brand, for inspiration and exploration, for interacting with style advisors,” he said. “There are times between stores visits when you want to check for new arrivals or get quick inspiration for how to style a top you bought, and a minute or two on your smartphone suffices.”
This summer, the company will roll out Shopify’s Point of Sale and payments system in stores, unifying its physical and digital retail ecosystems. It’s part of an investment in seamless, flexible shopping for customers, with features such as BOPIS (buy online, pick up in store), ship-from-store, online returns in-store, and real-time inventory visibility.
“Our customers aren’t Gen-Z who grew up with technology,” Fisher explained. “So we prioritize innovations that empower our teams to improve the shopping experience, rather than pushing customers to be early adopters of new tech.”
Laura Canada has also invested in clienteling tools that allow style advisors to maintain relationships with customers between visits, and has introduced personalized recommendations via its e-commerce platform and marketing automation.
“Personalization takes different forms,” Fisher said. “But the best form is when customers work one-on-one with a style adviser who understands what flatters her and helps her evolve her wardrobe with each new collection.”
Laura store at Galeries d’Anjou. Image supplied
Informed by Customer Insight
Customer feedback is at the heart of Laura’s merchandising and marketing strategies. The company regularly conducts focus groups, gathers digital survey data, and relies heavily on insights from in-store teams.
“Many of our style advisers started as customers,” Fisher said. “They felt so empowered that they decided to join Laura and help other women learn how to dress in a way that flatters them.”
Demographic data, ecommerce analytics, and real estate partnerships also play a critical role in expansion decisions. “We analyze demographic databases for matches with our CRM data, track ecommerce orders and website activity, seek advice from our store operations teams, work with our landlords, and are guided by our real estate advisors at Oberfeld Snowcap,” said Fisher.
Lessons from the Pandemic—and Beyond
Like many retailers, Laura Canada had to adapt quickly during the pandemic. But its long-standing focus on relationships and long-term value gave it a head start on navigating the uncertainty.
“The pandemic demanded agility across all industries, but it also reinforced that sustained retail success still hinges on long term thinking. The demise of The Bay is sad for Canadians who have fond memories working or shopping there, but it’s been sad for a while, ever since its leadership shifted focus to short term wins rather than lasting growth. Now there’s an exciting opportunity for the landlords to improve the tenant mix and drive more traffic to their properties. As a family owned and operated business, we’re able to lead with a long-term perspective.”
In contrast, he points to the struggles of once-dominant Canadian retailers like Hudson’s Bay. “It’s been sad for a while, ever since its leadership shifted focus to short-term wins rather than lasting growth,” he said. “Now there’s an exciting opportunity for the landlords to improve the tenant mix and drive more traffic to their properties.”
Laura Summer 2025 campaign image
A Legacy of Empowerment and Innovation
Laura Canada’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relevance. From its roots in a single Montreal boutique to a national presence in malls across nine provinces, the brand has remained committed to empowering Canadian women—through fashion that flatters, service that connects, and strategies that adapt to an ever-changing retail landscape.
As it approaches its 100th year, Laura Canada shows no signs of slowing down.
“We remain focused on building enduring value for the company and those who drive our success: our employees and customers,” Fisher said. “We’ve never closed a store due to ecommerce growth. In fact, when we open a store in a new market, online sales in that market increase.”
In a volatile retail environment, that kind of confidence is rare—and perhaps exactly what has kept Laura Canada thriving for 95 years.
