MINISO opens its first outdoor street-front store in Ontario at CF Don Mills (Photos)

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May 29, 2025

MINISO-s-New-Store-in-CF-Don-Mills--Toronto--Ontario — MINISO's New Store in CF Don Mills, Toronto, Ontario

Global lifestyle brand MINISO has opened its new store at CF Don Mills, marking a significant expansion of its presence in Ontario.

“This location stands out as the first plaza store and outdoor street shop for MINISO in the province. Situated within an upscale community shopping center at 28 Karl Fraser Rd, North York . . . this opening represents not just an increase in MINISO’s store count but also a pivotal step towards diversifying the retail experience and deepening local engagement,” said the retailer in a news release.

Creating an Immersive New Retail Experience that Blends Shopping and Play

“Spanning over 4,000 square feet, the Don Mills store is designed to offer a unique shopping experience that transcends traditional retail boundaries. The store features a diverse product selection, including popular categories like plush toys, blind boxes and more than 20 trending makeup and skincare brands celebrated for offering quality and style at accessible prices.

“Notably, by integrating entertainment and leisure elements into its layout, this location embodies MINISO’s “Joy Philosophy.” The immersive environment encourages social interaction while shopping. Among its many features is a dedicated area for claw machines that combines fun with consumerism, creating an engaging “shop-and-play” atmosphere.”

This new location marks MINISO’s first-ever store in Canada to offer an ice cream section, enhancing lifestyle consumption by providing customers with a comprehensive one-stop experience encompassing shopping, playtime activities, and refreshment options.

“During the grand opening, MINISO debuted its latest vinyl plush blind box collection, which quickly became a standout success, with over one hundred units sold in a short period. Beloved Disney characters such as Stitch and Winnie-the-Pooh emerged as fan favorites, drawing significant attention from shoppers and collectors alike. Excitement will continue to build as the new Stitch series is set to launch across all MINISO stores in Canada by the end of May, positioning these locations as must-visit destinations for dedicated fans of the iconic blue alien,” said the company.

Expanding a Global Retail Vision that Blends Lifestyle, Design, and Fun

The CF Shops at Don Mills serves as Toronto’s renowned high-end outdoor shopping destination that seamlessly blends boutique retailing with fine dining and recreational entertainment options. Its open-air design reflects modern lifestyle trends while establishing itself as a new urban landmark, a perfect match for MINISO’s youthful and playful brand identity. Looking ahead, plans are already underway for additional stores across Toronto and Edmonton to further solidify MINISO’s footprint in Canada’s dynamic market landscape, explained the retailer.

“As of March 2025, MINISO has successfully entered over 100 global markets with more than 7,400 stores worldwide, including over 370 locations across North America alone. The mission of the company emphasizes that “Life is for fun,” while aspiring to become the world’s leading IP design retail group through continuous focus on affordability, globalization efforts, and innovative product designs (IP Design). With these principles guiding operations globally, consumers everywhere can expect enhanced daily living experiences through engaging products offered by MINISO.”

Dedicated Area for Claw Machines in the Store

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Element by Westin Calgary Downtown hotel set to open early summer

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Mario Toneguzzi

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May 29, 2025

The Element by Westin Calgary Downtown hotel will open in the city’s west end early this summer, showcasing the first hospitality conversion of former office space.

The building, which was formerly Canadian Centre, has transformed 170,000 square feet of underutilized office space on 4th Avenue SW into a modern, eco-friendly hotel featuring 226 spacious suites.

Officials say the conversion is a key cornerstone of the City of Calgary’s Downtown Development Incentive Program, in partnership with PBA Group of Companies and Concord Hospitality.

The project is designed to meet the growing demand for hotel accommodation and stimulate economic activity in Calgary’s downtown core, they say.

“As Calgary’s first hospitality conversion, the Element embodies the spirit of transforming existing spaces to serve new, meaningful purposes,” said Patricia Phillips, CEO of PBA Group of Companies. “Revitalizing urban areas and embracing sustainable design features are both critical to reinforcing the strength and adaptability of Calgary’s downtown. As an award-winning hotel developer and longstanding member of the community for over 60 years, PBA is proud to support progressive urban development through this innovative project.”

The hotel will be a unique offering for guests looking to stay in downtown Calgary, with spacious suites featuring fully equipped kitchens, It will also provide bicycles for guests to use and is in a walkable location next to the Bow River.

Next to the lobby, guests will also find the gym, a bright space with tall ceilings and ample cardio equipment, weights and floor space. Each guest floor of The Element Calgary Downtown has a filtered water station next to the ice machine, and each room has refillable glass bottles, effectively eliminating plastic water bottle waste.

“Bringing a refreshed and exciting new offering to Calgary’s Downtown West neighbourhood has been an incredibly rewarding experience—one that’s only just beginning,” said General Manager of The Element by Westin Downtown Calgary, Tim Ostrem. “We look forward to introducing the Element brand to Calgarians as the ideal place to stay and relax with many wellness features, and as a place they can confidently recommend to friends and visitors.”

“The Element Calgary Downtown’s Studio Commons features four private bedrooms, all connected to a shared main space making it an ideal option for travelling families, wedding parties and small corporate or social groups. The hotel offers suites with fully equipped in-room kitchens, allowing for the comforts of home-cooked and healthy meals while away from home,” said the company.

Wander Coffee & Cocktails, located directly beside the hotel lobby, will be a bright and airy cafe space on street level with plenty of outdoor patio space. The café will be open to both hotel guests and the public.

The rooftop level of the Element will also be home to the newest west end restaurant, bar and patio lighting up Calgary’s dining scene – Bow & Bend. Located high above the Bow River on the 12^th floor, Bow & Bend will be an inviting social and dining experience with a view for Calgarians and hotel guests alike. The space will seat 150 guests, with indoor open-air seating, outdoor patio and private dining room options.

PBA Group of Companies is a full-spectrum real estate company based in Calgary, providing integrated commercial real estate solutions for the past 60 years. In 2021, PBA expanded its offerings by introducing a hospitality portfolio with the unveiling of The Dorian, a $115 million, 27-storey, dual-brand Marriott Autograph Collection and Courtyard Marriott hotel.

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Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For May 29, 2025

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Retail Insider

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May 28, 2025

News at a Glance

Retail Insider is streamlining its Canadian retail news from around the web to include a handful of top news stories that can be viewed quickly during the day. Here are the top stories from the past 48 hours.

After the Bay, what is the future for malls in Canada? (StarMedia)

71% of Canadians buying fewer U.S. grocery products: Survey (Grocery Business)

Quebec’s June 1 deadline for French signage, labelling is ‘unrealistic’ for retailers, business groups say (CityNews)

Want to buy a mannequin? Kelowna’s Hudson Bay hollowed out with closure days away – Kelowna News

Costco plans new business centre in Mississauga, Ont. (Grocery Business)

Emotional rally supports remaining Windsor Hudson’s Bay workers before store shutters (Windsor Star)

Epicurious: Fresh food finds a home in remote Gold Bridge General Store (The Spec)

Charlottetown Walmart celebrates grand reopening after renovations (Grocery Business)

Massive new Toronto record fair plans to unite Gen Z and boomers through music (Streets of Toronto)

Toronto’s Better™ Gift Shop Unveils Nike Air Max Dn8 Collab (House of Heat)

N.S. brothers ‘opening the eyes’ of many to Lebanese culture 1 Shawarma at a time (Global)

Academy Road retailer joins move online from brick, mortar (Winnipeg Free Press)

Toronto Hyundai and Genesis Yorkdale: a new era of automotive excellence begins (Yahoo)

Iconic brunch brand Mildred’s in Toronto launches its signature Wild Blueberry Compote in select retailers

By

Mario Toneguzzi

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May 28, 2025

With a reputation for serving up the best pancakes on the planet, iconic Toronto brunch spot Mildred’s announced Wednesday the expansion of its in-house Pantry brand into Ontario grocery boutiques.

Following last year’s retail debut of its best-selling Buttermilk Pancake Dry Mix, the companion favourite—Mildred’s Wild Blueberry Compote—is now available at select retailers, including all Summerhill Market locations and gourmet European deli Denninger’s.

“Although the restaurant industry suffered immensely during the pandemic, one of the silver linings for us was the demand for our pancakes with all the fixings as an essential that customers could make fresh at home. We recognized the enormous support and success from our loyal customers who are purchasing our
Pantry collection in-house and through our online store, and we saw an opportunity to bring our best-
selling products one step closer to consumers through their favourite local shops,” said Donna Dooher, Executive Chef and Owner of Mildred’s Temple Kitchen.

Featured on Mildred’s menu for over 35 years, the compote is also available for purchase, along with
a collection of make-at-home brunch items, at the restaurant in Liberty Village and online with
Canada-wide shipping through Mildred’s Pantry.

Through a partnership with food distributor Salt Gourmet, the Mildred’s Pantry collection is expanding to local Ontario stockists, with plans to introduce additional flagship products including its Lanark County-sourced maple syrup and select preserves,” explained the company.

“Handcrafted in small batches with 100% Canadian wild blueberries, Mildred’s Wild Blueberry Compote
is bursting with vibrant flavour and just the right balance of sweet and tart. A pantry staple, it’s a
natural match for pancakes, biscuits, and scones—but equally delightful spooned over yogurt, tucked
into a tart, or eaten straight from the jar. Priced at $13.50 for 250 ml, this multi-purpose treat is a must-
have for weekend mornings, holiday brunches, and everything in between.”

With plans for national grocery expansion and a 2026 cookbook release, Mildred’s aims to bring its
beloved brunch menu into the homes and kitchens of brunch aficionados—continuing to share the
brand mantra: Pancakes Make People Happy, it said.

Mildred’s opened in 2009 with a heartfelt philosophy: a love of food, people, and the simple pleasures
of life. Nestled in the heart of Toronto’s Liberty Village, Mildred’s reflects a commitment to locally
sourced, seasonal ingredients—simply and sumptuously prepared. Dooher was the founder of Mildred Pierce restaurant, host of Food Network’s The Cookworks, and co-author of the award-winning cookbooks Out to Brunch and Market to Table. Mildred’s Pantry offers Canada-wide shipping on its dry goods and local GTA delivery on frozen menu items.

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The Playbook Commons, vibrant new dining destination to open at Hotel X Toronto (Photos)

By

Mario Toneguzzi

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May 28, 2025

Interior Photo of The Playbook Commons; Photo Credit Daniel Neuhaus

The Playbook Commons is a new 180-seat culinary destination and sports theatre located on the ground floor of Hotel X (111 Princes’ Blvd) in Toronto. Blending the energy of a classic steakhouse and the comfort of Italian-American dining, The Playbook Commons is the city’s newest must-visit venue. It opens Thursday May 29.

Brought to life by Harlo Entertainment, the team behind beloved establishments like Kasa Moto, Roses and Valerie, The Playbook Commons said it strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and approachability. Reimagining the sports-viewing experience, the restaurant blends elevated dining with spirited camaraderie—serving timeless dishes and drinks while screening games, races and more. With a great view from every seat in the house, each guest will enjoy an immersive viewing experience as they dine.

Led by Culinary Director and Head Chef Jia Zou—whose résumé includes celebrated kitchens like Kasa Moto, Roses Social, and Valerie – The Playbook Commons menu pays homage to the heart of Italian steakhouses. Featuring handcrafted pastas, premium seafood and high-grade steaks, each dish is thoughtfully prepared, said the company.

Dishes at The Playbook Commons; Photo Credit Daniel Neuhaus

Among the standout offerings, the Bone In Filet, Branzino Crudo, Spicy Vodka Rigatoni, Truffle Tagliatelle, New Zealand Lamb Chops and Sword Fish Meuniere deliver bold flavours and an unforgettable dining experience, it said.

“We focus on fresh, quality ingredients and traditional techniques, with a bit of fun in the mix,” says Jia Zou.”Our goal is simple — to serve food that brings people together. Whether it’s a casual bite or a special night out, we want guests to enjoy the experience and feel at home.”

“Guests can also enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, fine wines, premium beers and signature pours that embody the craftsmanship and sophistication of the bar. From time-honoured classics to innovative house creations, each drink is designed to enhance every moment,” it said.

“The design-forward restaurant will also exclusively exhibit Ryan Koopmans and Alice Wexell’s latest digital artwork series ‘The Wild Within’ in Toronto. Exploring the theme of architectural history and its intricate relationship with the natural world, the artists bring new life into abandoned buildings through digital techniques and movement that create a sense of wonderment and tranquility.”

Interior Photo of The Playbook Commons; Photo Credit Daniel Neuhaus

For those looking to host private events, The Playbook Commons features multiple private hosting spaces including The Garden Bar and The Lounge, as well as full buyout options. The establishment can host intimate gatherings, lively celebrations and corporate events.

Founded in 2018, Harlo Entertainment is a division of Harlo Group, that owns, operates and invests in properties in the hospitality, entertainment, lifestyle, and technology industries.

“Taking a value-oriented approach to entrepreneurship and at the forefront of creating, innovating, and operating the most successful restaurant, nightclub and hospitality venues across North America, Harlo has a strong pulse on changing consumer preferences and focuses on bringing the modern metropolitan client an unrivalled experience. With a clear focus on operational and strategic optimization to drive performance and growth, the success is driven by four pillars; People, Disruption, Synergy, and Value Adds. Notable properties include Kasa Moto, Valerie, Roses Social, and Shake Shack Canada,” it said.

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Features and Cocktails at The Playbook Commons; Photo Credit Daniel Neuhaus

Signature Cocktails at The Playbook Commons; Photo Credit Daniel Neuhaus

KAYAK and Affirm partner into Canada

By

Mario Toneguzzi

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May 28, 2025

KAYAK, the world’s leading travel search engine, and Affirm (NASDAQ: AFRM), the payment network that empowers consumers and helps merchants drive growth, have announced the expansion of their exclusive partnership into Canada.

This builds on the companies’ successful collaboration in the U.S., which has empowered consumers to plan and pay over time for their travels since January 2023, according to a news release.

By selecting Affirm at checkout on ca.KAYAK.com, approved KAYAK travellers in Canada can split the total cost of flights, accommodations, and car rentals/sharing into monthly payments. From there, consumers go through a quick, real-time eligibility check. If approved, they can choose the customized payment plan that best suits their needs and never pay any late or hidden fees, it said.

“Consumers are increasingly turning to Affirm when booking their flights, hotels, rides, and more as flexible payment options remain a top priority for travellers across Canada,” said Wayne Pommen, Chief Revenue Officer of Affirm. “This expansion with KAYAK is a natural next step for our long-standing partnership as we look to offer even more travellers peace of mind when paying for their next trip using Affirm.”

“Our partnership with Affirm opens up possibilities for travellers who are looking for more flexibility in their payment options. With international flight prices averaging $1,270, travellers can plan and pay for those bucket list trips over time, without any hidden fees,” said Paul Jacobs, GM and SVP of KAYAK North America.

Expanding with KAYAK into Canada further builds on Affirm’s rapid growth worldwide, with over 350,000 merchants offering it at checkout, including partnerships with Booking Holdings brands Agoda, Booking.com, and Priceline. Leading Canadian retailers, including Amazon, Apple, Samsung, Brown’s Shoes, CheapOair, and more offer Affirm’s payment solutions to their customers, said the press release.

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WINNERS and HomeSense under one roof at Edmonton’s Skyview Power Centre

By

Mario Toneguzzi

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May 28, 2025

Winners-store-front — (PHOTO: WINNERS.CA)

WINNERS and HomeSense, Canada’s top off-price retailers, are set to open a new combo store at Skyview Power Centre in Edmonton on Monday, June 2 at 9 a.m.

Previously a standalone WINNERS store, the new combo store will be located at 13546 – 137 Avenue N.W., span more than 43,000 square feet and offer a never ending assortment of brand-name fashion and stylish home décor at exceptional savings.

“We’re excited to open a combo store in Edmonton and look forward to welcoming shoppers to our newest renovated location,” said Parul Bharadia, HomeSense. “Whether you’re updating your closet, redecorating your space, stocking up on beauty staples, or just browsing, this store has something for everyone at incredible prices.”

With the opening of the Skyview store, Edmonton is now home to 15 WINNERS and eight HomeSense locations. Regular store hours will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.

“Designed with convenience in mind, the store layout makes it easy for shoppers to explore and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish,” said the company.

With more than 160 HomeSense stores and over 300 WINNERS locations across Canada, both brands leverage their significant buying power and strong vendor relationships to offer high-quality, brand-name merchandise at unbeatable prices. With fresh arrivals daily, customers can always discover something new, ensuring that no two shopping experiences at WINNERS and HomeSense are ever the same, said the company.

The TJX Companies, Inc., a Fortune 100 company, is the leading off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the U.S. and worldwide.

“Our mission is to deliver great value to customers every day. We do this by offering a rapidly changing assortment of quality, fashionable, brand name, and designer merchandise at prices generally 20 per cent to 60 per cent below full-price retailers’ regular prices on comparable merchandise. We operate over 4,900 stores across nine countries, including TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Homesense, and Sierra, in the U.S.; Winners, HomeSense, and Marshalls in Canada; TK Maxx and Homesense in Europe, and TK Maxx in Australia. We also operate e-commerce sites for TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Sierra in the U.S. and three sites for TK Maxx in Europe. Our value mission extends to our corporate responsibility efforts, which are focused on supporting our associates, giving back in the communities we serve, the environment, and operating ethically,” said the company.

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‘Positive turnaround year’ for DAVIDsTEA in Fiscal 2024

By

Mario Toneguzzi

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May 28, 2025

DAVIDsTEA Inc., a leading tea merchant in North America, announced Wednesday its fourth quarter and full-year results for the period ended February 1, 2025, with year-over-year sales growth.

“Fiscal 2024 proved to be a positive turnaround year for DAVIDsTEA, marked by incremental sales growth, gross profit improvement and positive cash flow from operations,” said Sarah Segal, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Brand Officer, DAVIDsTEA. “These encouraging results reflect the disciplined execution of our omnichannel growth strategy by bringing our brand closer to consumers through the opening of two new retail stores and its spillover effect on wholesale and e-commerce sales. These results also confirm that our premium specialty teas remain a comforting purchase despite an unpredictable economic landscape.

“Demand for healthy tea and matcha products continues to expand globally. With a constant focus on being responsive to our customers, our results validate that moving fulfillment services in-house more than a year ago and transitioning to a more agile, cost-effective IT platform in recent months will positively affect the Company’s operations for years to come. We are pleased with the progress across our omnichannel business towards profitability, stabilizing the business and preparing for the next phase of growth.

“In the fourth quarter, brick-and-mortar revenues were stable year-over-year despite one less week of sales than the fourth quarter of 2023. For their part, wholesale and e-commerce revenues slightly declined mainly due to the shorter selling season and a strike at Canada Post, respectively. The highlight of the quarter was unquestionably our return to profitability with net income of $2.5 million. We are proud of reaching this latest milestone and are determined to drive profitable growth in 2025 and beyond.

“Looking ahead to the next three-year cycle, we intend to generate a sales compound annual growth rate between 10 and 12% on the strength of growing our number of Canadian retail stores, accelerating wholesale expansion in the U.S., and enhancing our online presence. We also plan to raise our gross profit margin to 48-50% on a sustained basis by taking advantage of our in-house fulfillment capabilities, focusing on innovation and differentiated product pipeline, and better absorbing our fixed costs on higher sales volume. Finally, we expect to leverage annual cost savings of $4 million from the end of the third quarter of 2024 through the shift to our newly deployed IT platform and tight control on discretionary spending. As a result, we believe that we can achieve an adjusted EBITDA margin in the low double digits by the end of fiscal 2027 from mid-single digits in 2024.”

DAVIDsTEA offers a specialty branded selection of high-quality proprietary loose-leaf teas, pre-packaged teas, tea sachets, tea-related accessories and gifts through its e-commerce platform at www.davidstea.com  and the Amazon Marketplace, its wholesale customers which include over 4,000 grocery stores and pharmacies, over 1,500 convenience stores in Canada and over 900 grocery stores in the United States, as well as 20 company-owned stores across Canada. It offers primarily proprietary tea blends that are exclusive to the company, as well as traditional single-origin teas and herbs. The company is headquartered in Montréal.

“We are entering fiscal 2025 in a far better position than last year, notwithstanding an uncertain trade environment,” said Frank Zitella, President, Chief Financial and Operating Officer, DAVIDsTEA.

“Key building blocks are in place to bolster sales growth; our brick-and-mortar, wholesale and e-commerce businesses are supported by strong unit economics; and we have added financial flexibility with a cash position of $16.2 million at the end of the fiscal year.

“The threat of U.S. tariffs remains a concern particularly the related impact on the Canadian economy; however, due to many years of diversifying our supply chains, we have demonstrated resilience in mitigating the direct impact to our business. It should also be noted that DAVIDsTEA has limited exposure to sales south of the border, which accounted for 14.3% of total revenue in 2024.”

Fiscal 2024
➢ Sales reached $61.8 million, up 2% year-over-year
➢ Net loss narrows to $3.2 million, a $10.6 million improvement
➢ Adjusted EBITDA turned positive at $3.9 million, up $9.3 million
➢ Free cash flow of $7.3 million with year cash of $16.2

Q4 2024
➢ Sales of $23.2 million
➢ Net income of $2.5 million, up $6.4 million, despite lower revenue
➢ Adjusted EBITDA of $4.0 million, a $3.5 million improvement

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EMERGE Commerce sees strong revenue and sales growth in Q1

By

Mario Toneguzzi

-

May 28, 2025

trulocal1_fb — PHOTO: TRULOCAL VIA FACEBOOK

EMERGE Commerce Ltd. , a premium, Canadian brand portfolio, announced Wednesday its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025, indicating increased gross merchandise sales and revenue.

Q1 2025 Financial Highlights

For the first quarter of 2025, compared to the first quarter of 2024:

Gross Merchandise Sales increased to $8.0M vs. $7.4M, an increase of 7%
Revenue increased to $5.0M vs. $4.7M, an increase of 8%
Gross profit of $1.94M vs. $1.96M, a decrease of 1%
Adjusted EBITDA improved to positive $32K vs. loss of $191K
Net loss from continuing operations improved to $20K vs. $82K
Cash on hand at March 31, 2025 was $2.7M

“Q1 2025 was our fourth consecutive quarter of organic revenue growth. Notably, we delivered positive Adjusted EBITDA for the first time under our EMERGE 2.0 strategy, reflecting our improved topline and our streamlined overhead expenses in place, now that the previously announced cost reductions have taken full effect,” said Ghassan Halazon, Founder and CEO, EMERGE.

“Our business model is uniquely positioned to thrive in the current macro backdrop. truLOCAL is a benefactor of the “Support LOCAL” movement sweeping the country, while our discount golf business continues to strengthen in this weakening economy as customers seek out more deals. We are also pleased to share that Q2-to-date, our first quarter including Tee 2 Green results, is exceeding management’s expectations on both revenue growth and profitability overall. Special thanks to our team, Board, and trusted partners on yet another quarter of disciplined execution and sustained operational excellence.”

EMERGE is a premium, Canadian e-commerce and retail brand portfolio. Its subscription, marketplace, and retail businesses provide its members with access to offerings across its grocery and golf verticals. truLOCAL is its flagship Canadian meat and seafood subscription service, connecting local farmers with a health-conscious audience. Its golf vertical includes its discounted tee-times/ experiences brand, UnderPar, and its discounted golf apparel and equipment brands, JustGolfStuff and Tee 2 Green.

On January 15, EMERGE completed the asset sale of Carnivore Club for a total purchase price of $500,000. Carnivore Club was a legacy, non-core asset.

On April 4, EMERGE closed the acquisition of all the issued and outstanding shares of Tee 2 Green Ltd. It said T2G is a profitable, discount golf apparel and equipment business with a 38-year track record of operations, focused on the Canadian market. T2G achieved revenue of $6.4M, Adjusted EBITDA of $1M and net income of $700K in 2024 (unaudited).

“EMERGE utilized the cash proceeds from the Carnivore Club transaction, as well as the previously announced sale of the premium, dormant SHOP domains to Shopify towards closing the T2G acquisition,” it said.

“For Q2 2025, EMERGE management expects to achieve double-digit revenue growth, and strong positive Adjusted EBITDA positive,” said the company. “truLOCAL, our Canadian meat and seafood subscription brand, continues to be a benefactor of the “Buy Canadian” sentiment. Our discounted golf experiences and products vertical is continuing to gain from the weakening macro climate given the recession-friendly nature of the business model, with golf season now in full swing.

“Q2 is the first time EMERGE will include T2G’s results. The addition of T2G, starting Q2 2025, is expected to substantially enhance the Company’s revenue, profitability and cash flow profile, and in the process, strengthen its balance sheet, and potentially improve its cost of capital over time.”

The following financial information has been summarized from the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements (excluding GMS and Adjusted EBITDA):

	Three months ended March 31,
		2025$	2024$
Gross Merchandise Sales¹		8,008,570	7,396,134
Total revenue		5,028,958	4,654,024
Adjusted EBITDA¹		32,299	(191,851)
Net loss from continuing operations		(21,609)	(82,088)
Net income		403,120	485,808
Basic and diluted loss per share from continuing operations and total		(0.00002)	(0.00066)
Total assets		6,585,339	7,995,766
Long-term liabilities		1,104,733	8,235,160

¹Non-GAAP Financial Measure. Refer to section “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information.

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Eataly Opens Storefront at Toronto’s Distillery District

By

Craig Patterson

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May 28, 2025

Eataly Hero — Eataly at the Distillery District in Toronto, May 2025. Photo: Eataly

Italian food marketplace Eataly has opened a seasonal pop-up in Toronto’s Distillery District, adding a new destination for coffee, sweets, and grocery items in one of the city’s most visited historic neighbourhoods. The temporary concept follows a successful activation during the Distillery Winter Village in 2024 and will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the warmer months.

The Eataly pop-up is located at 21 Trinity Street, in the lower level of the Gotstyle store as a sub-lease. It brings with it a curated menu of coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and gelato, alongside a retail assortment of imported Italian grocery products. Outdoor seating has been added to accommodate patio season and increase foot traffic from tourists and locals alike.

Coffee, Cannoli and Takeaway

At the Distillery location, visitors can order Illy coffee beverages, grab a traditional farcita sandwich, or indulge in Italian desserts such as cannoli and tiramisù. A range of gelato flavours is also available, as well as pre-packaged snacks and takeaway meals for those on the go.

The retail component of the space includes giftable sweets, artisanal pasta, olive oil, and other pantry staples from Eataly’s signature line. The format mirrors the brand’s pop-up activations seen in other global markets, designed to complement its larger flagship locations.

Eataly at the Distillery District in Toronto, May 2025. Photo: Eataly

Temporary Format, Long-Term Strategy

The launch of the Distillery District pop-up is part of a broader strategy by Eataly to grow its footprint in Toronto, which has become one of the most active markets for the Italian food and beverage brand in the world. The company now operates three permanent stores in the city and is preparing to open a fourth in the fall.

Eataly made its Canadian debut in November 2019 with a 50,000-square-foot flagship location at the Manulife Centre on Bloor Street. Spanning three levels, the store includes multiple restaurants, bars, and a cooking school, in addition to a full Italian grocery market.

A second location opened at CF Sherway Gardens in November 2023, offering a 25,000-square-foot format geared toward shoppers in Toronto’s west end. The third store opened May 30, 2024, at CF Shops at Don Mills, with a 10,000-square-foot layout, a 180-seat restaurant, and quick-service counters. A fourth store is slated to open at CF Toronto Eaton Centre in fall 2025, taking over a portion of the former Nordstrom space.

Once the Eaton Centre store opens, Toronto will become the city with the highest number of Eataly locations in North America, tied with Tokyo globally.

Brand Overview

Founded by Oscar Farinetti in 2007, Eataly operates more than 50 locations in 15 countries and employs over 5,000 people globally. The brand combines dining, grocery retail, and culinary education into a single experience that emphasizes premium Italian ingredients and the concept of “Made in Italy.”

In 2023, European investment firm Investindustrial acquired a 52% majority stake in the business, fuelling further international expansion. The brand has since opened new locations in markets including the Middle East and Europe, while reinforcing its presence in North America.

Why the Distillery District?

Toronto’s Distillery Historic District is a natural fit for Eataly’s pop-up concept. Once the home of the Gooderham and Worts Distillery—established in 1832—the site was revitalized in the early 2000s and is now one of Toronto’s most popular pedestrian-only cultural hubs.

The area is home to more than 40 retailers, many of which are Canadian-owned, along with a range of galleries, cafes, and performance venues. With cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and a growing residential population in the surrounding area, the district attracts both tourists and locals year-round.

Recent years have seen the addition of new residential towers and commercial tenants, strengthening the area’s positioning as a mixed-use destination. Seasonal activations such as the Winter Village and summer art festivals help sustain visitor interest throughout the year.

Eataly’s arrival adds a new layer to the neighbourhood’s retail mix, bringing an internationally recognized culinary brand into a space best known for independent boutiques and arts-focused enterprises.

Strategic Positioning

While Eataly’s Distillery District location is temporary, it is seen as a strategic move by the company to maintain brand visibility between major store launches. The pop-up format also allows Eataly to test new locations, engage directly with customers in pedestrian zones, and build awareness among new segments of the city ahead of its CF Toronto Eaton Centre opening.

The compact size and fast-casual menu position the space as a convenient stop for tourists exploring the district, as well as office workers and nearby residents. With Toronto’s summer tourism season underway, the timing of the launch is expected to drive meaningful traffic to the brand.

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MINISO opens its first outdoor street-front store in Ontario at CF Don Mills (Photos)

Element by Westin Calgary Downtown hotel set to open early summer

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For May 29, 2025

News at a Glance

Iconic brunch brand Mildred’s in Toronto launches its signature Wild Blueberry Compote in select retailers

The Playbook Commons, vibrant new dining destination to open at Hotel X Toronto (Photos)

KAYAK and Affirm partner into Canada

WINNERS and HomeSense under one roof at Edmonton’s Skyview Power Centre

‘Positive turnaround year’ for DAVIDsTEA in Fiscal 2024

EMERGE Commerce sees strong revenue and sales growth in Q1

Eataly Opens Storefront at Toronto’s Distillery District

Coffee, Cannoli and Takeaway

Temporary Format, Long-Term Strategy

Brand Overview

Why the Distillery District?

Strategic Positioning

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