RONA inc., one of Canada’s leading home improvement retailers operating and servicing over 425 corporate and affiliated stores, says it is positioning itself as a technology leader in its industry.
“After investing in streamlining its supply chain, developing its private brands, establishing a strong position among construction professionals and RONA affiliated dealers, and increasing the RONA brand awareness through marketing and store conversions, the company is collaborating with strategic partners such as Google Cloud and DoorDash to propel its shift to artificial intelligence and enhance its omnichannel experience,” said the brand in a news release on Tuesday.
RONA said it chose Google Cloud to maximize the impact of artificial intelligence across all its operations and accelerate its growth through the cloud.
J.P. Towner
“We are very proud to reach this milestone with Google Cloud. We are automating our processes, modernizing our retail operations and enhancing the customer experience by integrating cutting-edge technologies such as Google Distributed Cloud Edge and AI. This collaboration allows us to position ourselves at the digital and technological forefront of our industry,” said J.P. Towner, President and Chief Executive Officer at RONA inc.
This relationship with Google Cloud will enable RONA to succeed in an ever-changing retail sector.
“We are rethinking the ways our stores operate, how our teams interact with customers, and how technology can support every stage of the in-store experience. Google Cloud’s expertise will be of great benefit to us, to our customers and to our employees,” said Martin Thibodeau, Senior Vice-President and Chief Information Officer at RONA inc.
RONA said it is the first company in its industry to offer a rapid delivery solution with DoorDash to reflect consumers’ new shopping habits.
“We are eliminating the barrier between store and customer by innovating and making home improvement more accessible, more connected and quicker,” added Towner. Thousands of products are now available for purchase on the platform to meet the needs of today’s consumers.
In recognition of its search engine marketing efforts, the home improvement and construction retailer won the Rising Star Award in the Performance Marketing Excellence category at the 2025 Google Search Honours Awards ceremony, which was held in Toronto on November 13. The Rising Star Award is a new series of awards introduced by Google this year to recognize companies that have made remarkable strides in the Measurement and Analytics Leadership and Performance Marketing Excellence categories, the company explained.
“To offer a more customized experience at each step of the customer’s journey, we completely overhauled our approach to search engine advertising. This transformation allows us to help our customers quickly find the products they’re looking for while also discovering solutions that are adapted to their projects,” said Catherine Laporte, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer at RONA inc.
Catherine Laporte
“By leveraging real-time data and historical performance, we can now optimize our advertising investments according to demand and market trends. Artificial intelligence plays a pivotal role in the dynamic adjustment of our strategies, enabling us to react even more rapidly to changes in consumer behaviour and easily identify unforeseen fluctuations in demand.”
RONA inc. is one of Canada’s leading home improvement retailers, headquartered in Boucherville, Quebec. The RONA network operates or services more than 425 corporate and affiliated stores under the RONA+, RONA and Dick’s Lumber banners.
Rolex has opened a new boutique at Royalmount in Montreal, unveiling what is now the largest Rolex store in Canada and marking a defining moment in the country’s luxury retail landscape. The nearly 5,500 square foot boutique, operated in partnership with Raffi Jewellers, introduces Montreal to a dedicated space that reflects the brand’s global retail design standards. It also arrives as part of a broader national push, with Rolex preparing to open another large store at Oakridge Park in Vancouver in March 2026 that will be operated by Global Watch Company.
The launch of the Rolex Royalmount boutique underscores the momentum behind the brand’s presence in Canada, a market that has seen steady growth in demand for Swiss luxury watches and a corresponding rise in premium retail environments. Royalmount, positioned as Montreal’s emerging luxury district, provides a stage for Rolex that blends architectural drama with the renewed energy of a market embracing high-end brands.
A Space Designed to Immerse Customers in the Rolex World
The new boutique was designed in close collaboration with Rolex architects, with nine distinct areas laid out to create what the brand describes as an immersive experience into its universe. Travertine clads the exterior façade, its sculptural shapes echoing the links of a Rolex bracelet. Inside, watches sit against three-dimensional, faux-leather backdrops crafted by artisans, forming a curated backdrop that highlights the precision and aesthetic of the collection.
Warm lighting softens the contemporary architecture. Walnut paneling and Verde Alpi marble appear throughout, the latter illuminated in a way that evokes the marine world deeply tied to Rolex’s heritage. Visitors enter a reception area anchored by a chandelier inspired by the sunray finish of Rolex dials, suspended above a presentation table and travertine counter that together offer a sense of ceremony before visitors move deeper into the boutique.
A custom stucco mural on the back wall depicts Montreal’s historic Bonsecours Market. The artwork, designed for the space, grounds the store in its new city and adds a layer of local narrative to a global brand environment.
Two lounge areas provide space for extended conversations and private appointments. Green velvet seating and lighting shaped to resemble the Cyclops lens create a subtle dialogue with the brand’s watch design language. More intimate sales lounges, paneled in American walnut, offer a quieter backdrop for clients selecting timepieces.
Every detail in the store, from furnishings to decorative installations, was crafted to reflect Rolex’s approach to precision and artisanship. The design places the boutique firmly within the company’s worldwide network of refined retail spaces.
Canadian design-build firm SAJO brought the Rolex space to life. SAJO has been the construction-design firm for luxury stores globally, and is also building a Tiffany & Co. store at Royalmount that will open early next year.
Rolex at Royalmount in Montreal. Photo: Rolex
After-Sales Care Coming in 2026
A full after-sales workshop will open inside the boutique in the spring of 2026. The workshop will be visible from one of the lounge areas, allowing guests to observe Rolex-certified watchmakers at work. These specialists are exclusively authorized to service Rolex timepieces, and the company presents their presence as a commitment to ongoing care and precision for clients in Quebec.
The addition of an on-site service centre is expected to make the Rolex Royalmount boutique a long-term hub for the maintenance and preservation of timepieces in the region.
Exhibition Introduces the Story of the Daytona
To celebrate the opening, Rolex and Raffi Jewellers have introduced a dedicated exhibition on the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona. The presentation will run from November 2025 to June 2026 and traces the chronograph’s origins in motorsport, beginning with Daytona Beach and the racetrack inaugurated in 1959. Themes explore the model’s enduring links to racing, the evolution of its design, and its iconic cultural status, supported by figures like Paul Newman whose association helped cement the Daytona’s place in horological history.
Visitors may view models chosen from the current collection, including pieces featuring the calibre 4131, an in-house movement that reflects Rolex’s approach to performance and precision. The exhibition reinforces the boutique’s dual identity as both a retail environment and a place of discovery, where the history of one of the brand’s most recognizable watches is brought forward for a Canadian audience.
Rolex at Royalmount in Montreal. Photo: Rolex
Rolex’s Broader Retail Footprint in Canada
While the Montreal boutique represents a milestone in size and design for the company in Canada, it joins a small but influential network of Rolex locations across the country. In downtown Vancouver, Global Watch Company operates a 2,500 square foot boutique on Alberni Street (currently being renovated), a key address in the city’s luxury district. In Toronto, Royal de Versailles operates a Rolex boutique at 101 Bloor Street West, a longstanding presence in one of Canada’s leading shopping corridors.
Together with these stores, the incoming flagship at Oakridge Park in Vancouver will form a west–east constellation of Rolex spaces that reflects the brand’s expanding reach.
Rolex’s Canadian retail partners note that the national market has grown increasingly sophisticated, with collectors and new buyers seeking immersive environments that match the caliber of the timepieces themselves. The Rolex Royalmount boutique plays a prominent role within that shift.
Rolex at Royalmount in Montreal. Photo: Rolex
Rolex’s Legacy and Manufacturing Philosophy
Rolex uses the opening to highlight its status as an integrated and independent Swiss watch manufacturer. Based in Geneva, the brand oversees nearly every stage of production across its Swiss facilities, from the casting of gold alloys to the machining and assembly of movements, cases, dials, and bracelets. The company’s Oyster Perpetual and Perpetual watches are certified by COSC and then tested again in-house under Rolex’s own criteria as part of its Superlative Chronometer designation.
The company notes that “Perpetual,” inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch, is more than a technical description. It reflects a philosophy that guided founder Hans Wilsdorf and continues to inform the brand’s values, from innovation to precision. Rolex emphasizes milestones such as the Oyster case of 1926, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch, and the 1931 invention of the Perpetual rotor. The brand has registered over six hundred patents in its history and continues to expand its facilities, including a fifth site scheduled to open in Switzerland in 2029.
Rolex also remains active in supporting initiatives across arts, culture, science, sports, and environmental preservation.
Royalmount’s Rise as a Luxury Destination
Royalmount, developed by Carbonleo with L Catterton Real Estate as a key investment partner, has quickly shifted the geography of luxury retail in Montreal. The district is described as one of the largest private mixed-use developments underway in North America and is positioned as Canada’s first carbon-neutral mixed-use project. Built around a pedestrian-focused model and a “15-minute city” philosophy, Royalmount blends retail, dining, entertainment, office space, and eventual residential components.
The main retail complex opened in September 2024 with just over fifty stores and will continue expanding toward a planned roster of about one hundred seventy retailers and sixty restaurants and cafés. The district has attracted first-in-Quebec boutiques for Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Versace, Saint Laurent, Moncler, RH, and others. A Tiffany & Co. boutique will open next year, joining an expanding lineup of watch and jewellery brands, including TAG Heuer, Omega, Montblanc, and the first TimeVallée in Canada.
Fashion and lifestyle brands such as Zara, Mango, Sandro, Maje, Alo Yoga, Uniqlo, Canada Goose, Veronica Beard, and multiple Montreal-based labels add further depth. Dining options include the European-inspired food hall Le Fou Fou and new-format locations for celebrated local establishments such as Olive et Gourmando.
The opening of the Rolex Royalmount boutique affirms the positioning of the development as a destination designed to complement rather than compete with downtown Montreal’s existing luxury offering at Holt Renfrew Ogilvy.
The cost of living in Canada has continued to increase amid growing unemployment, yet consumers haven’t stopped spending at retailers. Essential spending on groceries and personal care has remained steady, with much of Canada’s retail strength this year driven by discretionary spending on goods such as clothing and jewelry, as well as spending on experiences like dining out at restaurants.
Why?
Higher interest rates and affordability constraints are the culprit. Fewer people have been buying homes over the past few years, and consumer surveys increasingly show that Gen Z, the age cohort born between approximately 1997 and 2012, and the large Millennial demographic are increasingly giving up their aspirations for homeownership, and instead turning to luxury goods.
Labeled by sociologists as “doom spending,” the shifts in spending signal short-term positivity for this season’s holiday spending, but longer-term concerns for the economy.
“Young people are coming to terms with the fact that home ownership is out of reach for them. In the past housing was 3-4X income. Given where home prices were in the past, saving for a downpayment was a realistic goal to be done in your 20s and 30s. Then you could move on to a traditional life cycle – ie., have a family, take vacations, buy furniture etc. Today, home prices are 9-11X income,” he said.
“No matter how hard young people try to save for a downpayment, high house prices make that endeavour out of reach. As a result, many young people feel that the better trade off is to skip trying to save for a home and just spend their money on things that make them feel happy. Forget delayed gratification. The mantra now is “you only live once” – YOLO.
“So buying luxury goods, taking expensive trips are what more and more young people are focused on. Social media has only reinforced this behaviour. Wealthy boomer parents (with plenty of equity) are also helping to accommodate that. Another result of this is the breakdown of traditional families as young people stop marrying, having kids etc.”
Gomez said all age groups are doing some form of retail therapy.
“Economic anxiety may force all age groups to spend more than they would these days, However, young people are most vulnerable. Home ownership is further out of reach for this demographic group (average age of homeownership today is now in the 40s not the 20s). Job growth is also the weakest at this age group, while assets are fairly negligible,” he said.
“Social media tells them to spend to feel better and they do that without the safety net of personal financial security unless they have wealthy parents looking out for them. This is all reflected in elevated social anxieties/mental health challenges prevalent among this demographic group today.”
Gomez said Canada’s economy is sitting on very fragile ground.
“With the external side of the economy under pressure to restructure due to the US trade war, domestic demand needs to hold up economic growth. It’s been doing that over the past year, thanks to significant immigration, largely of young people and solid consumer spending,” he said.
“Now that immigration has been curbed and without real income growth generated through productivity, that spending cannot continue indefinitely without fueling more household consumer debt. With government’s fueling debt growth now too, doom spending may only lead to a doom loop, ever increasing debt, higher rates on debt, printing money to support falling asset prices but increasing inflation and the cost of living.”
Photo: Filipe Sabino
Gomez said more economic anxiety, more consumers are prone to things like retail therapy, doom spending and rising debt.
“This is even a reality in the US, where the economy is on firmer ground than in Canada.
“Savings rates are still elevated versus recent trends. Will be watching to see if there is erosion in this should real income growth fail to materialize. What we should all be watching in Canada is whether businesses start to make the key investments to drive up currently sagging productivity growth to help raise real income levels.
“I suspect this will happen at more glacial levels than immediate. In the meantime, the wealth divide across generations could only grow wider. Baby boomers with considerable equity and assets, will benefit, and may pass along some of this wealth to their children to give them a “head start”. But for others, their ability to grow their standard of living and acquire wealth may remain challenged. Watching indicators of the wealth divide would be a key one to watch in that regard.”
Odd Burger Corporation has made some strategic moves it says are designed to strengthen the company’s operating model, enhance liquidity, and support long-term growth across its franchise network.
“As part of the Company’s strategy to improve efficiency and position the Company for future growth, Odd Burger is transitioning away from operating its in-house manufacturing facility, previously managed by its wholly owned subsidiary, Preposterous Foods,” said Odd Burger in a news release.
“Effective December 1st, the Company will begin shifting to an asset-light, outsourced manufacturing model supported by established food manufacturers and innovation-driven suppliers. This model enables Odd Burger to benefit from greater production efficiency, enhanced product consistency, and access to a broader pipeline of innovation — while eliminating the capital intensity associated with running its own facility.
“The decision follows a comprehensive assessment of the Preposterous Foods facility, which has equipment nearing the end of its useful life, limited space to support future production scale, and a lease term that ended on November 30th, 2025. Rather than reinvesting significant capital into a facility that could not meet the Company’s growth trajectory, Odd Burger is electing to transition to outsourced production through experienced co-manufacturers and leading industry suppliers.
“By partnering with external food technology companies, Odd Burger will be able to leverage advanced production capabilities and outsource research and development to innovators in the plant-based space. This approach allows the Company to bring new products to market more quickly across its restaurant network, while benefiting from improved consistency, potential reductions in cost of goods sold, and access to an expanded innovation pipeline.”
Image: Odd Burger
In October 2025, Odd Burger said it conducted a successful trial of a grilled chickUn burger made with Swap Foods’ plant-based chicken protein. Swap Foods is widely regarded as a leader in the plant-based space, and customer feedback on the new product has been overwhelmingly positive, it said, adding that the results of this trial gave Odd Burger’s operations team strong confidence that transitioning to external suppliers would significantly enhance the company’s menu offering and help drive increased sales across the system.
The transition of Preposterous Foods products to external suppliers will commence in the coming weeks, with new products introduced gradually to ensure a seamless supply chain shift with no disruption to restaurant operations, it said.
James McInnes
“Our transition to external suppliers marks a major step forward in shaping the future of Odd Burger,” said James McInnes, CEO and Co-Founder of Odd Burger. “By partnering with leading food technology companies, we are transforming Odd Burger restaurants into a true hub for innovation–creating a platform where collaboration can thrive and breakthrough products can reach customers much faster.
“This approach empowers us to expand our menu, push the boundaries of plant-based cuisine, and unlock a new level of consistency and scalability across our system. We’re building not just a restaurant brand, but an innovation ecosystem designed for the next decade of growth, creativity, and global impact.”
Odd Burger said it will intensify its focus on franchise success by investing in operational training, menu consistency, marketing support, and scalable systems that drive strong store-level performance. As part of this effort, the company plans to collaborate with established plant-based brands and leverage their marketing networks to further increase awareness and expand the reach of the Odd Burger brand, it explained.
“Demand from prospective franchise partners continues, and the Company remains committed to expanding its footprint with a disciplined, strategic approach. Odd Burger is also pleased to confirm the upcoming opening of its new Woodbridge, Ontario location. Construction at this location is substantially complete, and the final municipal permits are now in the closing stages. Once finalized, the restaurant will proceed into its final pre-opening preparations,” it said.
“With the transition to a distributed manufacturing supply chain, the Company is also revisiting its plans to expand into the United States. Previously, exporting products from the Preposterous Foods facility in Canada posed logistical and tariff-related challenges. By leveraging external manufacturing partners, Odd Burger now has increased sourcing flexibility and reduced tariff uncertainty, creating a far more scalable and sustainable foundation for potential U.S. market entry,” said Odd Burger.
“As part of its broader shift to an asset-light operating model, Odd Burger is evaluating opportunities to unlock liquidity and strengthen its balance sheet through both traditional and non-traditional capital strategies. This includes the potential monetization of non-core assets — such as production-related equipment no longer required under the co-manufacturing model and the sale of select underperforming corporate restaurant locations. The goal is to strengthen the Company’s balance sheet and reinvest proceeds to produce an alternative revenue stream for the Company. The Company plans to leverage the extensive capital markets experience of its CEO and key stakeholders to effectively deploy this strategy.”
Canada’s economy is showing clear signs of stabilization, buoyed by easing inflation and strategic interest rate cuts. This improving environment has sparked a wave of business confidence and investment, evidenced by a rebound in new credit activity, says a new report by Equifax Canada.
Despite headwinds like the August trade deficit, businesses are leveraging this newfound stability to grow: average business debt rose 19.6 per cent year-over-year to $30,855, driven largely by an 83 per cent surge in balances for newly established firms. This willingness to take on capital — particularly the 26 per cent jump in industrial trade originations — suggests that new ventures are positioning themselves for future growth, it said.
The Canadian Small Business Health Index — a joint initiative between Equifax Canada and Business Development Bank of Canada that provides a quarterly snapshot of the health of Canadian Small and Medium Businesses — rose by 2.83 per cent compared to the previous quarter, largely driven by the improvement of business sentiment in the outlook. Recent interest rate cuts and the approaching holiday season have potentially instilled a renewed sense of optimism among small business owners.
“Small business owners are walking into the holiday season with cautious optimism,” saidJeff Brown, Head of Commercial Solutions, Equifax Canada. “Lower interest rates and improving business sentiment seem to be helping, but many owners are still relying on credit to manage higher costs and keep shelves stocked,” noted Brown.
Jeff Brown
The report said the manufacturing sector emerged as a key driver in the recent surge in business credit demand, directly correlating with intense cost pressures despite broader economic moderation. An extraordinary 13.8 per cent jump in gold and metal ores contributed to a 1.6 per cent month-over-month rise in the Raw Materials Price Index (RMPI), alongside a 6.0 per cent year-over-year rise in the Industrial Product Price Index (IPPI). This environment of soaring input costs fueled the sector’s contribution to the overall 8.83 per cent year-over-year increase in credit demand inquiries, as manufacturers sought financing to stabilize inventory and maintain production levels, offsetting the cautious decline seen in other industries. This proactive financing need is further set against the backdrop of a challenging year for the sector, which posted a 1.5 per cent quarterly and 2.1 per cent annual decline in its health index in Q3 2025.
“The shift in payment priorities observed in the previous quarter has solidified in the third quarter, with businesses favouring supplier payments over financial debts. Overall, 60+ day delinquency rates for financial trades rose to 3.5 per cent in Q3, up 7 per cent compared to last year. Conversely, the rate for industrial trades fell to 4.92 per cent, marking a 18.7 per cent improvement year-over-year. This opposing trajectory indicates that businesses are prioritizing essential supplier invoices to secure inventory for the holiday season, leaving financial trade obligations vulnerable to elevated delinquency rates,” explained Equifax.
“While this financial stress is visible nationally, regional disparity is most outstanding in Ontario, where the economic strain on small businesses has become increasingly concentrated. Ontario continues to drive the highest financial trade delinquencies, reaching 3.86 per cent in Q3 — a significant increase of 10.5 per cent year-over-year and 6.5 per cent quarter-over-quarter. This underperformance is potentially attributed to the province’s heavy exposure to the manufacturing sectors and financial services sectors, which have been disproportionately impacted by recent trade tensions, high operating costs, and high financial challenges for consumers. On one hand, the financial and insurance industry is seeing one of the steepest increases in 60+ day delinquency rates, surging 17.5 per cent year-over-year. On the other hand, the manufacturing component of the Canadian Small Business Health Index indicated that business sentiment in the sector stands at 80.2 per cent in Q3, down by 11.2 per cent compared to last year.”
Photo: fauxels
“The next few weeks will be critical. Strong holiday demand can give businesses the momentum they need to start 2026 on firmer ground, but elevated debt levels mean the margin for error remains thin,” said Brown.
Province Analysis – 60+ days Delinquency Rates (Account Level)
Province
Delinquency Rate: Financial Trades(Q3 2025)
Delinquency Rate Change: Financial Trades(Q3 2025 vs. Q3 2024)
Delinquency Rate: Industrial Trades(Q3 2025)
Delinquency Rate Change: Industrial Trades(Q3 2025 vs. Q3 2024)
Time Out Market Vancouver, the food and cultural market set to open in Spring 2026 at Oakridge Park, has unveiled the first chefs and restaurateurs to join its culinary lineup.
Time Out Market said it will bring the best of the city together under one roof: a curated mix of the best chefs and restaurateurs, drinks and cultural experiences – showcasing top local talents in a casual, uniquely-designed space.
Julien Lavoie
Julien Lavoie, General Manager of Time Out Market Vancouver said: “At the heart of Oakridge Park will be Time Out Market Vancouver – this is where we will bring the best of the city together under one roof: a carefully curated mix of the best chefs, drinks and entertainment. We are dedicated to making the Market a new destination, packed with outstanding culinary and cultural experiences, for both locals and visitors – a vibrant community gathering place for the city, like a collective kitchen table. Oakridge Park is a fantastic place for this unique experience.
“We have revealed the first vendors to join Time Out Market Vancouver: alongside established and award-winning names, we are proud to spotlight emerging talent and much-loved local favorites. While everything within the Market will be of high-quality, it will be accessible and appeal to a wide audience – from fine-dining at affordable prices, to really good fried chicken or a juicy burger.”
Across 50,000 square feet, Time Out Market Vancouver said it will offer food from local award-winning and rising culinary talents as well as much-loved local gems across 18 kitchens, one dessert and one coffee counter – there will also be three bars, multiple event spaces, around 1,000 seats and a large outdoor terrace facing onto a public park.
“Guests – whether they visit with family, friends or on their own – will get to enjoy a hugely diverse variety of food options while coming together around communal tables, surrounded by open kitchens with chefs in action. The Market will also host a vibrant, year-round cultural program alongside its curated food and drink offerings, providing an experience that will be both accessible and affordable,” it said.
“Time Out Market is the world’s first food and cultural market curated by local experts to bring the best of the city together under one roof. In 2014, a historic market building in Lisbon was turned into the first Time Out Market. Today, there are 13 Markets globally in cities including New York, Montreal, Dubai, Cape Town and Osaka, with more to come – the execution of each is distinctly local to give a true taste of the city it is in. The Vancouver location marks the second Time Out Market in Canada.”
Time Out Market Vancouver is located at Oakridge Park, a major redevelopment project in Vancouver’s Oakridge neighbourhood, comprising residential, retail, office, green spaces, civic, and cultural components. At the intersection of West 41st Avenue and Cambie Street, Time Out Market is conveniently located between Vancouver’s downtown and YVR Airport which makes it easily accessible to locals and visitors alike.
The first six vendors revealed to join Time Out Market Vancouver
From beloved local institutions to award-winning and rising talents, the first six outstanding chefs and restaurateurs to join Time Out Market Vancouver’s curated lineup have been revealed. More vendors, how the beverage program and culture will be part of the experience, and the opening date will be announced in the lead up to opening:
Robert Feenie
Chef Robert Feenie will launch Feenie’s at Time Out Market Vancouver to serve gourmet burgers
As Executive Chef and Partner of Le Crocodile and, prior to that, of Lumiere, Feenie is one of Vancouver’s most iconic culinary talents. His long list of accolades includes winning Iron Chef America and being a four-time winner of Iron Chef Canada. For the Market, he is launching Feenie’s, which will serve gourmet burgers, specifically creating a menu of outstanding, approachable, and casual items, such as the Chef’s well-known and loved Classic Burger, and a signature Time Out Market Burger with house-ground wagyu and gruyeré, based on Le Crocodile’s Burger De Maison.
Chanthy Yen
Chef Chanthy Yen joins with Mee Bar – a celebration of his Cambodian heritage
Local Vancouverite and winner of Top Chef Canada 2024, Chef Yen has spent over 20 years honing his craft in some of the most highly respected restaurants across Canada and globally. Celebrated for his innovative approach to Cambodian cuisine, he will continue to push culinary boundaries with a new Cambodian concept for Time Out Market called Mee Bar, offering exciting dishes such as Mee Kola (a fresh take on a rice noodle bowl) topped with charcoal grilled meat and seafood, Cambodian-style chicken wings with lime and Kampot pepper, and Nom Banh Chok (traditional Cambodian curry broth, rice noodles, fresh vegetables and herb salad).
Nguyen Thi
Lunch Lady is coming to Time Out Market with its renowned Vietnamese street food
An instant sensation since opening its doors in Vancouver in 2020, Lunch Lady quickly evolved from a much-loved neighbourhood spot to a Michelin-recognized restaurant across North America. Inspired by and in collaboration with Vietnamese culinary legend Chef Nguyen Thi Thanh (the original “Lunch Lady” of Saigon Street food fame), Co-Owners Michael Tran, Victoria Tran and Benedict Lim brought the concept to Vancouver. Now, the Bib Gourmand-honoured Lunch Lady will join Time Out Market to present its flavour-packed menu, including menu items like Steak Lúc Lắc, Garlic Fried Noodles, and much more.
Nutcha Phanthoupheng
At the heart of MaKaam is modern Artisan Thai cuisine from Baan Lao’s Chef-Owner Nutcha Phanthoupheng
MaKaam is a new concept for Time Out Market Vancouver from Chef-Owner Nutcha Phanthoupheng of famed Baan Lao, which was recognized as Canada’s Best Restaurant at the World Culinary Awards in 2024 and 2025 (the first Canadian restaurant to win twice) and ranked #12 on North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list. With the extraordinary attention to detail that defines Royal Thai cuisine and prepared with innovative twists, MaKaam at Time Out Market will focus on a modern artisan Thai menu featuring highlights such as their iconic pad Thai, reinvented with aged tamarind water buffalo milk gouda.
Doug Stephen
DownLow Chicken will serve its iconic crispy fried chicken
This small but mighty chicken shack has been an institution in Vancouver since it was launched in 2018 by Doug Stephen and Lindsey Mann, bringing its legendary take on Nashville Hot Chicken to the city. DownLow Chicken will serve its much-loved, well-executed fried chicken at Time Out Market, with The OG Sando, Signature DL Mac n Cheese, Fries on the Downlow, and more on the menu.
Jonah Joffe
Barnacle by Bar Bravo will offer a selection of raw and cooked seafood
An offshoot of Bar Bravo, a beloved neighbourhood gem nestled in Vancouver’s Fraserhood, Barnacle by Bar Bravo is a new concept for Time Out Market which will showcase the acclaimed seafood of Head Chef Jonah Joffe. Since opening in 2023, Bar Bravo has earned top accolades, including 2024 and 2025 Michelin recognition, and “the best seafood in Vancouver” award from Vancouver Magazine. At the Market, the team will serve a selection of raw and cooked seafood, with a menu that balances bold, punchy flavours with seasonal, fresh, and sustainable ingredients. Guests can look forward to beautiful dishes such as Local Oysters, Signature Jonah Crab Cocktail, and a Seafood Tower.
Canadian clean-beauty brand Om Organics has opened its first dedicated retail store in Calgary’s Marda Loop neighbourhood.
The Invermere-based skincare company also has plans to debut an exclusive new product alongside this significant expansion.
Located at 1942 33 Avenue SW, the store will offer the full Om Organics collection and employ five staff members. The space features a consultation area where customers can receive personalized skincare recommendations and test products before purchasing.
The Calgary expansion comes as founder Kari Asselin, a former esthetician who launched Om Organics in 2016, looks to connect directly with customers in their largest Alberta market. After a year-long search across Calgary neighbourhoods, Asselin selected Marda Loop for its high concentration of fellow independent retailers, vibrant energy, and strong sense of community spirit.
Kari Asselin
“This store represents a turning point for Om Organics,” said Asselin. “For nearly a decade, we’ve been building relationships with customers online and in our flagship space, which operates as our apothecary, but there’s something irreplaceable about being able to hand someone a product, answer their questions face-to-face, and guide them through their skincare journey in real time. Opening in Calgary feels like the natural next step as we head into our tenth year and we’re excited to have a space where customers can experience our formulations in person.”
Upon opening the 965-square-foot store, Om said it will also launch its new Resurfacing Glow Tonic. Two years in the making, this landmark new product boasts a 100% natural formula combining BHA (salicylic acid), AHA (lactic acid), and niacinamide to address uneven texture, breakouts, and dullness by promoting gentle exfoliation. The $52 tonic will be available exclusively in-store at the Calgary location from December 2-9 before its online release on December 9 at omskin.com, said the retailer.
Om Organics products are handcrafted in small batches in Invermere, B.C., and sold across Canada. The brand is certified cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny), vegan, pregnancy-safe, and CertClean-certified. Om Organics uses glass packaging, offers refills on select products, and donates 1% of profits to the Beagle Freedom Project, said Asselin.
With ambitious plans for growth, Om said it hopes to follow a successful Calgary launch with the addition of several new storefronts across Canada in the coming years.
More than 225 artisans, makers and designers from across the country will set up shop at the U of A Butterdome from December 4–7 for Alberta’s largest holiday craft market. Celebrating 35 years, the Butterdome Craft Sale gives Edmontonians a one-of-a-kind chance to support local small businesses, celebrate diverse Canadian heritage and, in the time of tariffs and shipping delays, put their money where it counts.
Since 1990, the Butterdome Craft Sale has become Alberta’s premier holiday shopping event, allowing visitors to meet passionate creatives in person, hear their stories, and feel their works first-hand—all the while enjoying drinks and snacks, live music, and festive decor, say organizers.
Across the country, this year’s artisans have been selling more than ever, and the 2025 Butterdome Craft Sale spotlights a slew of products that speak to a growing Canadian pride: wild rose hip soap (Prairie Soap Shack); cork wall maps featuring NHL arenas (Wanderlust Creatures); maple garlic sauces and jellies (Voisin’s Maple Products); Lake Louise-inspired porcelain earrings (Heatgust); moose-patterned flannel baby bibs (Gracious Gifts); and maple leaf stained glass suncatchers (A Touch of Glass). It’s no surprise that the show’s Christmas trees will be topped with maple leaves in lieu of stars, they said.
Photo: Butterdome Craft Sale
“Alongside other concessions and delicious artisan samples, this year’s Craft Sale will also host the CBC’s Make the Season Kind food truck from Dec 5 to 7, with acclaimed Edmonton chef Daniel Costa (Olia Ristorante, Bar Henry, Bar Bricco) curating a by-donation dish in support of Edmonton’s Food Bank and Food Banks Alberta. (Spoiler: The Zuppa di Ceci, or chickpea soup, cleverly incorporates key pantry items that food banks need this time of year.),” according to organizers.
“Since the tariffs conversation began, we’ve seen a clear surge in demand for locally made goods, both online and in-person at markets and events,” says Ray Ma of Honest Dumpings. “Our customers are more intentional than ever about buying Canadian. They want to know the story behind the food—who made it, where the ingredients came from, and how their purchase supports jobs in their own community.”
Photo: Butterdome Craft Sale
“Recently, I’ve noticed that customers value “Canadian-made” and “handmade” more than ever, seeing my work not just as functional mugs but as pottery that carries a Canadian story—a piece many customers say feels distinctly Canadian,” says potter Moon Kim of MoonK Studio. Her mugs, bowls and serving trays often reflect Canadian wildflowers, camping life, and mountains (Canmore’s “Three Sisters” are a fan favourite!) with clay and materials sourced from Canada and her native Korea.
Google's Senior VP of Engineering John Giannandrea speaks onstage
Apple is preparing for a major leadership transition in its artificial intelligence organization, announcing that John Giannandrea, the company’s senior vice president of Machine Learning and AI Strategy, will step down from his role and transition to an advisory position before retiring in the spring of 2026.
The company also said it has hired Amar Subramanya as vice president of AI, reporting to Apple’s software chief Craig Federighi, as Apple signals a tighter integration between AI development and its core software and product roadmap.
The move comes as Apple continues to push further into AI-enabled features under its Apple Intelligence banner, while attempting to strengthen internal execution on foundation models, product integration, and safety evaluation.
Amar Subramanya Joins Apple From Microsoft
Subramanya, described by Apple as a “renowned AI researcher,” most recently served as corporate vice president of AI at Microsoft, and previously spent 16 years at Google, where he was head of engineering for Gemini Assistant.
Apple said Subramanya will lead several of the company’s most critical AI areas, including:
Apple Foundation Models
Machine learning research
AI safety and evaluation
For Canadian business and technology decision-makers, the appointment stands out as a sign Apple is still actively recruiting top-tier AI leadership talent in a market defined by intense competition from Microsoft, Google, OpenAI, and Meta.
Apple Reassigns Portions of Giannandrea’s Organization
Alongside the leadership change, Apple said “the balance” of Giannandrea’s organization will shift under Sabih Khan and Eddy Cue, moving pieces of the AI group closer to parallel internal teams.
The restructuring indicates Apple is not only replacing leadership but also adjusting reporting lines to align AI work more tightly with areas like operations, product delivery, and services—suggesting a push to turn AI research into deployable features at scale.
Giannandrea’s group has included responsibilities such as:
Apple Foundation Models
Search and Knowledge
ML Research
AI Infrastructure
A Strategic Shift Under Craig Federighi’s Software Leadership
Apple CEO Tim Cook framed the changes as both a leadership transition and an acceleration of Apple’s long-term AI strategy, emphasizing Federighi’s growing role in shaping Apple’s AI execution.
“AI has long been central to Apple’s strategy,” Cook said, adding that Federighi has been instrumental in driving Apple’s AI efforts and is overseeing work to deliver a “more personalized Siri” next year.
For Apple, placing AI leadership under Federighi is a clear signal that the company’s AI ambitions are moving further into the mainstream of its software platform strategy, rather than remaining primarily a standalone research function.
What It Means for Canada’s Apple Ecosystem
For Canadian retailers, carriers, and enterprise IT buyers, Apple’s AI leadership changes matter less as a corporate reshuffle and more as a signal of product direction. As Apple expands AI features across iOS, macOS, and iPadOS, demand is expected to increasingly shift toward newer hardware capable of running AI-enabled experiences smoothly and securely.
Giannandrea’s retirement also marks the closing chapter of a leadership era that began with Apple’s 2018 effort to build a stronger AI and machine learning engine internally—at a time when voice assistants, on-device intelligence, and contextual computing were becoming core platform priorities.
With Subramanya joining, Federighi’s oversight expanding, and internal reporting lines being reorganized, Apple appears to be laying the foundation for its next phase in AI: one focused on foundation models, product integration, and trusted deployment at global scale.
Läderach at 110 Bloor Street West in Toronto. Note: at time of photo, Läderach was waiting for exterior signage to be installed, hence the temporary sign. Photo: Craig Patterson
Läderach’s newest Canadian boutique has opened its doors on Toronto’s luxury run, bringing fresh Swiss chocolate to street level on one of the country’s most important retail corridors. The Läderach Bloor Street store, located at 110 Bloor Street West, quietly began trading ahead of a grand opening on Thursday, November 27 that featured a ribbon cutting and a chocolate giveaway for the first 200 customers.
The debut marks Läderach’s first street-front location in Canada and the latest step in a broader North American expansion that now spans malls, airports and high streets. The premium chocolatier already has a presence in key Greater Toronto Area shopping centres and recently entered British Columbia, but Bloor-Yorkville adds a different type of visibility, with constant foot traffic from local residents, tourists and office workers.
“We are thrilled to expand our presence of fresh Swiss chocolate in Canada on historic Bloor Street,” said Warren Dunkelberger, President of Läderach North America. “This location represents an important step in our commitment to making our fresh, artisan Swiss chocolate more accessible across the country.”
Läderach at 110 Bloor Street West in Toronto. Photo: Craig Patterson
Läderach lands on Canada’s premier luxury corridor
The boutique at 110 Bloor sits in a narrow, street-facing space of just over 1,100 square feet between the Winners/HomeSense entrance and the Alexander Wang boutique. The building, owned by ProWinko and managed by Salthill Capital, has been attracting new tenants in recent times, including a large Saint Laurent flagship, Paris Baguette and Mandy’s Salads.
Leasing for the Läderach Bloor Street boutique was completed by Casdin Parr of Odyssey Retail Advisors and Jason Richter of Capricorn Retail Advisors, who represented the tenant. The property was co-listed by CBRE’s Urban Retail Team alongside Carmen Siegel of Cushman & Wakefield.
Canadian construction firm BUILD IT brought the space to life — BUILD IT works with various leading brands on store build-outs.
For Läderach, it is a deliberate move into a neighbourhood that already caters to luxury shoppers. Bloor-Yorkville is in the midst of another wave of investment, with new flagships underway and existing retail boxes being rethought for high-end uses. Tiffany & Co. is preparing a major new corner store nearby, while other global brands continue to reshape the street.
“This is definitely a statement for us,” said Jorge Chon, Regional Operations Manager for Läderach in Toronto, during an in-store interview. “We have been wanting a Bloor Street store for about four years. We needed the right space and the right neighbours, and this location gives us both. The demographics, the foot traffic and the character of the street make it a perfect fit.”
The shop joins an existing network of Läderach locations in the Toronto region, including CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Yorkdale Shopping Centre, York Mills Centre, Square One in Mississauga and CF Sherway Gardens. The company also recently opened at CF Richmond Centre near Vancouver, with more western Canadian locations on the way.
Läderach at 110 Bloor Street West in Toronto. Photo: Craig Patterson
A boutique built around fresh chocolate
Inside, the design leans into chocolate as both product and inspiration. The walls and fixtures follow a palette of warm browns and neutrals, with subtle textures intended to evoke the look of poured and tempered chocolate. The layout is compact but carefully organized, reflecting a newer global store concept that Läderach has refined through test locations in Switzerland.
“We bring the elements from our 2.0 concept, but this is a more refined evolution,” said Chon. “We learned that we do not need gigantic stores to deliver the full experience. It is about flow, assortment and making sure customers feel close to the product from the moment they walk in.”
The centre of the boutique is dominated by the brand’s signature FrischSchoggi counter, where large slabs of chocolate are displayed in an almost sculptural way. Produced in Switzerland, the slabs are poured, mixed and finished by hand or with light mechanical assistance, then shipped to Canada by air on a weekly basis to maintain freshness.
“In our factory, the chocolate is pumped onto trays, mixed and spread, then quickly cooled and tempered,” Chon explained. “Everything is made in Switzerland and we bring it in weekly. Customers choose the flavours they want and we break off pieces by hand, sold by weight. It is like going to a cheese shop and asking for a hundred grams of your favourite cheese, but with chocolate.”
Alongside the FrischSchoggi display, the boutique carries a broad assortment of pralines, truffles, single-origin bars and seasonal gift items. A seasonal table at the front of the shop highlights limited-time collections that are geared to holidays and occasion-driven traffic on Bloor Street.
Läderach at 110 Bloor Street West in Toronto. Photo: Craig Patterson
Pistachio leads a growing flavor lineup
One of the surprise stories in Läderach’s Canadian growth has been the strong demand for pistachio, particularly in Toronto. The flavour has become a bestseller across several locations, including Eaton Centre and Yorkdale, and is expected to perform especially well in Bloor-Yorkville given the neighbourhood’s taste for specialty products.
“We brought the milk pistachio chocolate last December and people went crazy,” said Chon. “We thought it would be a trend that lasted a few weeks or maybe a month, but it has not stopped. That is why we introduced the dark pistachio version too. It is a little less sweet, but with the same filling, and people love it.”
Ingredient sourcing is a key part of the story Läderach tells in its boutiques. Pistachios come from Iran, hazelnuts from Piedmont in Italy, and almonds from California, with Swiss milk and tightly controlled production processes in the company’s home country.
“We try to source the best ingredients and we do not use preservatives,” Chon noted. “Everything is made fresh in Switzerland, brought in by air and sold quickly. That is what sets us apart and why we focus so much on freshness in every store.”
Läderach at 110 Bloor Street West in Toronto. Photo: Craig Patterson
Expansion strategy across Canada and beyond
The Läderach Bloor Street store is part of a broader expansion strategy that has seen the company build density in key markets before moving into new regions. In Canada, that has meant starting in Toronto and then extending westward.
Läderach entered the country in December 2019 with a flagship at CF Toronto Eaton Centre. The Yorkdale store followed in late January 2022, taking over a former Godiva space as part of a wider North American deal. York Mills Centre joined the network by early 2024, offering a convenient stop for commuters and residents in a high-income pocket of North York. Square One in Mississauga opened in summer 2024, followed by CF Sherway Gardens in August 2025.
On the West Coast, CF Richmond Centre became Läderach’s first British Columbia location in 2025. Chon confirmed that the company has already secured additional sites.
“We are going into CF Pacific Centre in Vancouver, which is very exciting for us,” he said. “We also have a planned store inside the McArthurGlen designer outlet by the airport in Richmond, and we are working on getting into well known centres. After that, we are exploring Calgary and Edmonton.”
Outlets are also on the radar, with locations such as Niagara, Vaughan Mills and Toronto Premium Outlets under consideration for future phases.
“First we focus on the main cities and the main shopping centres,” said Chon. “Then we can get creative about where else we can go. We do not have a fixed number in mind for how many stores Canada will eventually have. Time will tell. It is more important to grow in an organized way so we can support each store properly.”
Läderach at 110 Bloor Street West in Toronto. Photo: Craig Patterson
Events, partnerships and a neighbourhood role
Although the boutique is compact, it is designed to host events and private tastings. Läderach has already tested this format at other locations, including a recent event at CF Toronto Eaton Centre for a Swiss corporate group that paired wine with chocolate-based canapés.
“We had foie gras with chocolate, special creations from a catering company and wine pairings,” Chon said. “Then we did a chocolate experience in the store. Those events work very well and we see this Bloor Street location as perfect for that type of activity.”
The company is also looking to build relationships with the Bloor-Yorkville BIA and nearby businesses.
“We are exploring partnerships with the local BIA to understand what the plans are for the summer and the rest of the year,” he said. “The neighbourhood is very supportive. Our neighbours like Saint Laurent, Gucci and others have already expressed interest in doing VIP events or collaborations. That is how retail works. A strong mix of tenants helps everyone.”
The timing of the opening, just ahead of the holiday season, is another advantage. Bloor Street sees significant gifting traffic in November and December, with locals and visitors alike seeking premium products that can serve as host gifts, corporate presents or personal indulgences.
“Right in time for gifting season, the products fly off the shelves,” Chon said. “People love their chocolate and they want something special. This store gives them that, right in the middle of the luxury run.”
Läderach at 110 Bloor Street West in Toronto. Photo: Craig Patterson
A Swiss brand with global reach and local ambitions
Läderach remains a family-owned business, founded in 1962 in the Swiss canton of Glarus. The company oversees its value chain from the cocoa bean through production to the final product, with all manufacturing kept in Switzerland. That level of control, combined with a focus on freshness, has helped Läderach become the largest chocolate retailer in Switzerland and a prominent name globally.
Today, the brand operates more than 200 boutiques in over 20 countries and supports those physical locations with an expanding e-commerce platform. It also counts the reigning World Chocolate Master among its leadership, a credential that reinforces the company’s emphasis on craftsmanship and innovation.
In Canada, the Läderach Bloor Street store underlines the company’s intention to compete seriously in the premium chocolate segment. Positioned alongside leading international fashion and luxury brands, the boutique gives Läderach a high-profile stage from which to build deeper recognition among both local residents and visitors.
“This is a neighbourhood store and a flagship address at the same time,” said Chon. “We have local customers who live around the corner and come in for gifts or treats, and we have tourists who discover us while exploring Bloor Street. It is a powerful combination.”
