grace & stella Expands Retail Presence in Canada with Amazon, Costco, and Walmart Launches (CNW Group/grace & stella)
grace & stella, the viral beauty and self-care brand beloved for its “feel-good moments” and cult-favourite products like the iconic under-eye masks and hydrating sprays, has announced a major retail expansion across Canada.
This summer, Canadian consumers will be able to shop grace & stella on Amazon.ca and in select Costco warehouses nationwide, with plans underway to enter Walmart brick-and-mortar stores later this year, said the retailer in a news release on Monday.
Known for delivering accessible, effective, and joy-sparking skincare, grace & stella has built a loyal global following thanks to its playful branding, viral social media presence, and commitment to cruelty-free, vegan formulations. The brand’s expansion into these major Canadian retail channels marks a significant milestone in its growth and mission to help more people embrace self-care as part of their daily routine, it said.
Erin Mawhinney
“We’ve always believed in the power of small rituals that spark joy,” said grace & stella’s Creative Director, Erin Mawhinney. “Expanding into Amazon and Costco—and soon, Walmart—makes it even easier for Canadians to experience those little feel-good moments wherever they are.”
Launching first on Amazon.ca this July, Canadian customers can now access grace & stella’s top-rated products with just a few clicks, complete with fast and reliable delivery. Simultaneously, select Costco stores will begin offering specially curated grace & stella bundles ideal for gifting or stocking up on self-care essentials. The rollout into Walmart locations is expected to begin later this year, with further announcements coming soon.
As the brand deepens its commitment to the Canadian market, grace & stella stated it is focused on continuing to meet its customers where they shop—both online and in store.
“This expansion comes at a time when consumer demand for wellness and beauty products that deliver both performance and a little daily joy is at an all-time high,” it said.
“With its accessible price point, playful product range, and feel-good philosophy, grace & stella is poised to become a staple in Canadian beauty routines.”
Kit and Ace at CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Photo: Kit and Ace
Canadian technical fashion brand Kit and Ace has opened the doors to its newest and largest store within CF Toronto Eaton Centre, marking a milestone in the brand’s national growth strategy. Located on the third floor of North America’s busiest shopping centre, the nearly 4,100-square-foot space replaces the former Williams Sonoma unit and offers an expanded showcase for Kit and Ace’s growing assortment of apparel and lifestyle products.
The store, considered a high-profile location within the centre due to its galleria ceiling and high visibility, signals Kit and Ace’s renewed investment in physical retail as part of its long-term strategy under Unity Brands Inc. Founded by Joe Mimran, Frank Rocchetti and Kit and Ace CEO David Lui, Unity acquired the brand in July 2023 and has since steered it into a new phase of measured expansion.
David Lui
“We signed a one-year lease, but we’re already talking about a long-term deal,” said David Lui, CEO of Kit and Ace, during a walk-through of the new space. “We love the location. We think it’s a great fit for our customer, and the traffic so far has been strong.”
Elevating the Retail Experience
The new Kit and Ace CF Toronto Eaton Centre store showcases an evolved interior design that departs from earlier store formats, including its West 4th flagship in Vancouver and the recently opened Toronto location at The Well. The layout and materials reflect the brand’s focus on movement, functionality, and easy elegance.
“This space was a full transformation. It used to be the Williams Sonoma with wooden fans and arched ceilings,” said Lui. “In two and a half weeks, our team repainted, re-lit, and reimagined the store. It’s now a true reflection of our brand, with design cues that match our technical apparel ethos.”
Notably, the store’s design includes blue walls, modern lighting, warm-toned hangers, and new mannequins positioned in dynamic, movement-based poses — a deliberate shift to reflect Kit and Ace’s “for people on the move” brand philosophy.
“We don’t treat temporary stores like pop-ups,” added Lui. “This may be a short-term lease, but the space represents our brand fully. It’s not a watered-down version.”
Kit and Ace at CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Photo: Kit and Ace
Leveraging Canada’s Top Retail Destination
CF Toronto Eaton Centre draws more than 50 million annual visitors, making it the most visited shopping centre in North America. The mall is undergoing significant evolution, with retailers like La Maison Simons, Nike, and Eataly preparing to open locations in fall 2025.
Kit and Ace now occupies a key spot on the centre’s third level, among premium retailers and next to Sephora. The location is not only visually appealing but strategically positioned between commuter foot traffic and tourists.
“This area of the centre gets excellent flow. We’re near office elevators, the parking level, and top-tier tenants,” said Lui. “Being close to Sephora, which drives significant female traffic, supports our focus on rebuilding our women’s assortment.”
That shift is paying off. According to Lui, women’s apparel now accounts for nearly 50 percent of sales, a notable increase from past years when the brand skewed more male.
Kit and Ace at CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Photo: Kit and Ace
A Store Designed for Brand Growth
The new Kit and Ace CF Toronto Eaton Centre store also functions as a testing ground for the brand’s future. It’s large enough to carry the full product assortment, from core basics to seasonal lines.
Among the best-selling pieces are the brand’s signature three-pack T-shirts and Navigator Pants, which Lui describes as “comfortable, easy-care, and core to our offering.” On the women’s side, popular items include the Maven Ponte Pants, Marbella Boyfriend Shirt, and newly launched linen options for summer.
“All of our pieces include technical elements, whether that’s moisture-wicking, stretch, or breathability,” said Lui. “Everything is designed to be easy to wear and easy to care for.”
National Expansion Strategy Continues
The CF Toronto Eaton Centre opening follows a steady stream of store launches. In May 2025, Kit and Ace debuted a new location at The Well in downtown Toronto. That was followed in June by a store at Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby, British Columbia, marking the brand’s 11th Canadian location.
Upcoming stores include Bayview Village in Toronto and Park Royal in West Vancouver. Meanwhile, the Calgary location at CF Market Mall is undergoing a full renovation, with renderings already released showing a cleaner, more elevated store aesthetic.
“We’re not rushing to open dozens of stores,” said Lui. “We take a thoughtful approach to real estate, evaluating each opportunity case by case.”
He added that the company has received interest from U.S. landlords but is staying focused on Canada for now.
“We’re still rebuilding the brand. We want to get it right, from product development to store experience to team training.”
Kit and Ace at CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Photo: Kit and Ace
The Role of Physical Retail
Even as digital sales remain an important part of the business, physical stores are central to Kit and Ace’s identity and growth.
“When customers touch our fabric, they fall in love with it,” said Lui. “That’s something you can’t replicate online. Physical retail allows us to tell our story in a more tactile and impactful way.”
He noted that the company sees strong cross-shopping between online and in-store, with many customers using stores to discover new products and try on sizes before ordering online.
“There’s no clear line between channels anymore. It’s all just retail,” said Lui. “But our stores are critical in making that connection.”
Kit and Ace at CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Photo: Kit and Ace
A Comeback Story
Founded in 2014 by Shannon and JJ Wilson, the family behind Lululemon, Kit and Ace originally launched with a high-profile international push. That strategy proved unsustainable, and the brand retrenched in 2017 to focus on Canada.
Under Unity Brands’ ownership since 2023, Kit and Ace has entered a new phase. Today, it focuses on high-traffic shopping centres, lifestyle-driven neighbourhoods, and a curated selection of locations that align with its core consumer base.
“Our goal isn’t to be everywhere,” said Lui. “It’s to be in the right places with the right experience.”
Building a Lifestyle Brand
Beyond physical retail and product expansion, Kit and Ace is evolving into more of a lifestyle brand rooted in the idea of technical fashion rather than technical apparel.
“We’re not trying to be trendy,” said Lui. “We want to be on-trend—fashionable, functional, and relevant to how people live today.”
He emphasized that comfort, versatility, and ease remain the brand’s north star. “Our goal is to make clothes that people can live in, travel in, work in. That’s the kind of brand we want to be.”
As for the new Kit and Ace CF Toronto Eaton Centre location, Lui sees it as both a flagship moment and a testbed for what’s to come. “This store gives us a chance to show everything we’re capable of. From product to people to presentation, it’s all here.”
And judging by the early response from shoppers, the brand’s return to prominence is gaining momentum.
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.
