As international and domestic travel ramps up post-pandemic, Canadian airports are facing a new kind of turbulence—not in the skies, but on the retail concourse. Recent travel disruptions involving Air Canada have highlighted just how critical airport retail has become, not just for travelers seeking convenience, but as a growing revenue stream for airports and partner retailers.

Whether passengers are grounded by delays, rescheduled flights, or extended layovers, many are spending more time—and money—in terminals. That’s prompting renewed interest in the performance of Canada’s duty-free airport retail sector and the broader airport shopping experience across the country.

Duty-Free in Flux: How International Travel Impacts Sales

Duty-free retail in Canada, traditionally anchored by international hubs like Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, and Montreal-Trudeau, has rebounded steadily since travel restrictions were lifted. Retailers operating in these zones are increasingly tailoring their assortments to capitalize on emerging demand for luxury items, beauty, and regional goods.

According to the Tax Free World Association, the global duty-free and travel retail market is projected to reach over $70 billion by 2027. Canadian operators are part of this surge, with rising per-passenger spending—especially among U.S. and Asian tourists.

That said, fluctuating flight schedules and logistical unpredictability have added pressure. Retailers must strike a balance between high-margin, low-turn inventory (like watches or skincare) and fast-moving essentials (such as snacks or travel accessories).

Airport Gift Shops and the Local Retail Opportunity

Beyond international zones, domestic terminals are seeing new life as platforms for local brands. From Regina to Halifax, airport gift shops are evolving from touristy afterthoughts to curated showcases of regional identity.

Airports are increasingly partnering with Canadian artisans, food producers, and heritage retailers to offer travelers more meaningful options than generic souvenirs. Shoppers passing through smaller markets like Regina are still searching for authenticity—local maple syrup, hand-knit scarves, or airport-exclusive branded merchandise.

The strategy is twofold: improve customer experience and boost the airport’s non-aeronautical revenue, which now accounts for over 40% of total income in some Canadian airports, according to ACI World.

Air Canada and the Rise of In-Flight Shopping

Air Canada itself has been exploring new ways to engage passengers during extended waits and in-flight time. Its digital onboard shopping options have expanded, offering items ranging from travel tech to branded loungewear. While the model is still developing, it reflects a broader trend toward hybrid shopping experiences: online browsing, offline fulfillment, and cross-promotions tied to loyalty programs.

For airport retailers, this evolution poses a dual challenge—how to integrate into that ecosystem without losing foot traffic, and how to compete with airline-driven ecommerce strategies that can reach consumers even before they enter the terminal.

The Road Ahead for Airport Retail

From major hubs to regional terminals, Canada’s airport retail landscape is being reshaped by a confluence of shifting consumer behavior, volatile travel patterns, and digital experimentation.

As travel volume normalizes and airport dwell time remains unpredictable, retailers must prioritize flexibility. Digital kiosks, pre-order pickup, QR-driven inventory displays, and AI-assisted sales are among the tools airports are piloting to boost engagement—and revenue.

The growth of Canada duty free airport sales may be steady, but it’s clear that the new age of travel shopping will belong to those who can meet customers where they are, whenever their flight allows.

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From varsity jackets to cable-knit sweaters and button-down oxfords, Ivy League style is making a strong return in 2025—this time with a contemporary twist. Originating from the American Northeast’s elite academic institutions, the aesthetic has long stood for refinement, tradition, and structure. Now, Canadian retailers are embracing the trend and reshaping it for a new generation.

This revival isn’t just nostalgic. It’s part of a broader consumer desire for timelessness, stability, and heritage-driven fashion—especially in a climate where ultra-fast trends often burn out as quickly as they emerge.

What Defines Ivy League Style in 2025

At its core, Ivy League style remains rooted in tailored, clean-cut classics. Think navy blazers with brass buttons, argyle sweaters, pleated khakis, and loafers worn without socks. In recent seasons, this look has evolved to include more relaxed silhouettes and gender-neutral interpretations, but the fundamentals remain recognizable.

According to Vogue Business, the style’s popularity has surged in part due to TikTok creators documenting “old money” and “academic core” aesthetics. The look is no longer tied strictly to prep schools and East Coast campuses—it has gone global.

From Harvard to Holt Renfrew: The Retail Comeback

Canadian retailers are taking note. From high-end department stores like Holt Renfrew to more accessible chains like RW&CO. and Simons, spring collections are leaning heavily on the preppy palette. Plaid skirts, rugby shirts, monogrammed tote bags, and varsity-style knitwear are all part of the mix.

Luxury resale platforms and second-hand marketplaces such as Vestiaire Collective are also reporting increased demand for vintage Ralph Lauren and Thom Browne pieces—designers whose brands are historically steeped in Ivy League aesthetics.

Retailers in Canada are curating capsule collections that signal prestige and comfort simultaneously. The blending of athleticwear and formalwear, a hallmark of ivy league style, is now showing up in work-leisure lines and back-to-campus promotions.

How Canadian Brands Are Tapping Into the Preppy Revival

Homegrown Canadian labels are also getting in on the action. Brands like Frank And Oak and Club Monaco are highlighting vintage collegiate themes in their 2025 spring/summer campaigns, featuring crest-embroidered cardigans and structured blazers in neutral tones.

The appeal of Ivy League style is its balance between effortlessness and aspiration. For Canadian brands, it provides a storytelling opportunity—one that merges classic sensibility with sustainable fabrics and inclusive fits.

Fashion-focused retailers are pairing these pieces with digital campaigns evoking academic themes: libraries, stone buildings, and heritage campus environments—all reimagined for Instagram and TikTok.

Top-Selling Ivy League-Inspired Pieces

Among the bestsellers in this category:

• Oxford button-downs in pastel shades
• Letterman-style jackets and cardigans
• Loafers and moccasins with modern soles
• Cable-knit sweaters in earthy tones
• Monogrammed accessories and caps

Shoppers are blending these items into modern wardrobes, mixing Ivy League staples with denim, sneakers, and minimal accessories to create a more fluid look.

The Role of Social Media in the Style Resurgence

The trend’s momentum has largely been driven by TikTok and Pinterest, where hashtags like #IvyLeagueStyle, #PreppyFashion, and #OldMoneyAesthetic have generated millions of views. Influencers and stylists alike are highlighting how to make preppy looks more inclusive and globally relevant.

This online influence directly impacts what consumers search for and buy. The keyword “ivy league style” currently generates over 500 monthly searches in Canada, according to Google Keyword Planner, and is showing consistent year-over-year growth.

Seasonal Merchandising and Campus Influence

Retailers are timing their Ivy League drops around seasonal markers: spring launch campaigns, back-to-school sales, and even Father’s Day. The alignment with university admissions season—March through August—gives the style cyclical energy, especially among younger consumers and those leaning into curated nostalgia.

With private school uniforms and collegiate sportswear being reinterpreted through luxury, streetwear, and even gender-neutral filters, Ivy League style is no longer just a trend—it’s becoming a permanent fixture in the modern Canadian wardrobe.

For years, Good Friday was best known for church services, quiet reflection, and limited retail activity. But that’s changing. In recent years, Good Friday sales in Canada have quietly emerged as a key fixture in the country’s long weekend retail calendar—blurring the lines between holiday observance and shopping opportunity.

Canadian retailers are increasingly positioning Good Friday as a strategic sales period—particularly in provinces where brick-and-mortar operations are legally permitted to open. For others, the focus has shifted toward ecommerce, which now captures a significant share of long weekend consumer attention.

Why Long Weekends Matter for Canadian Retailers

Long weekends present a rare opportunity for retailers to engage consumers during a time when many are home—and online. According to Retail Council of Canada, over 40% of Canadians plan to shop during major holiday weekends, with sales often spiking in categories like apparel, home goods, and electronics.

Retailers use this window to clear seasonal inventory, launch early spring promotions, or test online exclusives before larger retail holidays like Victoria Day or Canada Day. Good Friday, in particular, benefits from its proximity to Easter Sunday and the broader Easter weekend, which traditionally includes increased spending on groceries, gifts, and leisure.

What Stores Are Open on Good Friday Across Provinces

Whether or not consumers can shop in-store on Good Friday depends heavily on where they live. In Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces, most major retail locations are closed due to statutory holiday laws. Meanwhile, provinces like Alberta and British Columbia permit many stores to operate, especially in tourism-heavy areas or city-designated zones.

This patchwork of regulation has led many national retailers to focus on ecommerce promotions during the Good Friday period, ensuring they can reach shoppers uniformly across the country regardless of local laws.

For consumers looking for clarity, local municipality websites often maintain holiday-specific retail operation rules. Travel and tourism portals such as Destination Ontario also offer updated regional guides.

Good Friday vs Black Friday: Are They Competing?

While Black Friday remains the dominant seasonal sale event in Canada, Good Friday is developing as a lower-stakes, springtime alternative. The types of promotions differ—Good Friday sales are often focused on lighter items, outdoor living products, and lifestyle categories, whereas Black Friday leans heavily into big-ticket electronics and tech.

Still, the strategy behind both is similar: capture shopper attention during downtime and use urgency-driven messaging (limited time offers, 3-day sales, flash discounts) to drive conversions.

Retailers like Walmart, Canadian Tire, and The Bay increasingly schedule online-only Good Friday sales, leveraging email marketing and SMS push alerts to engage customers throughout the weekend.

How Retailers Plan Promotions Around the Holiday

Retailers typically begin launching Good Friday campaigns as early as the Monday before the holiday, with peak email and ad traffic hitting inboxes by Thursday evening. Promotions often extend through Easter Sunday or Monday to maximize the long weekend window.

Some brands are experimenting with “silent sales” or member-only flash discounts, aimed at loyalty members who are more likely to respond to holiday-timed campaigns. Others combine Good Friday with broader spring clearance or early gardening and patio launches.

Canadian Consumer Behavior on Easter Weekend

In addition to home improvement and clothing, groceries and baked goods remain a major category, especially as many Canadians prepare for Easter family meals. According to a 2024 report from Statista, Canadian Easter weekend spending is highest in food, followed by candy, gifts, and decorations.

This behavior spills into the Good Friday window, particularly as grocery and convenience retailers remain open in most provinces.

The Outlook: A Permanent Spot in the Retail Calendar?

While Good Friday may never reach the frenzy of Cyber Monday or Boxing Day, it’s proving its worth as a low-key but profitable moment for Canadian retailers. As consumers increasingly associate long weekends with shopping—and with ecommerce untethered from statutory closures—the opportunity for long weekend promotions will only grow.

Related article: Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales up from last year: Moneris report

Once viewed as little more than book repositories and snack counters, university campus stores in Canada are undergoing a notable transformation. Across the country—from smaller institutions like Nipissing University to emerging players like the Ontario Tech University campus store—these retail operations are re-emerging as lifestyle hubs and brand-building tools, far beyond their traditional roles.

Driven by changing student expectations, heightened demand for branded merchandise, and the rise of ecommerce, campus retail is being reinvented for a more dynamic, digital-first generation.

What Today’s Campus Stores Offer Beyond Books

Modern campus stores increasingly resemble boutique department stores. While textbooks and academic supplies remain key products, stores now offer electronics, reusable home goods, wellness products, and most importantly, institution-branded fashion and accessories.

At Ontario Tech and the University of Regina, store layouts are being reconfigured to appeal to contemporary student shoppers, incorporating seasonal displays, minimalist fixtures, and curated product zones. Items like wireless chargers, sweatshirts, and bamboo notebooks are often sold alongside curated collections from local or alumni-owned brands.

This shift reflects a larger strategic evolution: campus stores are no longer merely servicing needs—they’re creating engagement.

Ontario Tech and the Rise of Branded Student Retail

The Ontario Tech University campus store stands out for its cohesive blend of purpose and presentation. In addition to course materials, the store offers a comprehensive line of school-branded apparel, drinkware, and accessories—all part of an intentional effort to cultivate a visible, wearable campus identity.

More than ever, post-secondary institutions are realising that campus merchandise is about more than sales—it’s about affinity. These stores have become key touchpoints for brand loyalty among students, faculty, and alumni alike.

Many universities, including Nipissing and Dalhousie, have also adopted ecommerce platforms, enabling students to order merchandise and supplies remotely, including during co-op placements or online study semesters.

How Campus Stores Support Local and Alumni Products

A growing number of Canadian universities are prioritising local products and alumni-founded companies in their campus retail strategy. Indigenous-made beadwork, handmade ceramics, and locally roasted coffee now appear in curated gift sections of stores such as the University of Calgary Bookstore, reflecting institutional values around reconciliation, sustainability, and economic impact.

By carrying homegrown merchandise, campus stores differentiate themselves from big-box competitors and appeal to values-driven students. This approach also aligns with trends in post-secondary procurement policies, which increasingly emphasise equity and inclusion in vendor partnerships.

Trends in Canadian University Bookstore Merchandising

Retail seasonality continues to play a central role in campus store merchandising. Back-to-school (August–October) remains the dominant revenue window for course materials and tech, while November–December and April–June are peak periods for gift merchandise and graduation wear.

To maximise space and turnover, campus stores are adopting strategies common in fashion retail—such as fast inventory rotation, QR-linked displays, and promotional bundles.

With physical space often limited (1,000–5,000 sq ft), merchandising has become more agile and visual, reflecting the fact that campus stores are now both retail spaces and brand showcases.

Online Campus Stores and Ecommerce Expansion

One of the most transformative changes is the rise of online campus retail. Most Canadian institutions now offer standalone ecommerce sites where students can purchase textbooks, branded apparel, and tech accessories. These platforms often integrate student billing accounts, discount codes, textbook buy-back, and click-and-collect options.

This digital-first model enables students and alumni—regardless of physical proximity—to engage with the school’s identity. In hybrid learning environments, online retail becomes a key connector to the broader campus experience.

A recent report from Vogue Business highlights that globally, campus retail is one of the fastest-adapting segments in institutional commerce.

The Future of Campus Retail in Canada

As Canadian universities diversify, decentralise, and digitise, campus stores are becoming more than a place to buy books. They are evolving into branded spaces that reflect institutional values and build community engagement—both on-site and online.

The Ontario Tech University campus store, with its blend of ecommerce, brand strategy, and local partnerships, exemplifies this evolution. It is part retailer, part symbol—demonstrating how modern campus retail can bridge commerce, culture, and connection.

• Related article: University Students Shift Focus: Trends, Lifestyle Choices, and Missed Retail Opportunities in Back-to-School Shopping

As Canadian consumers continue to seek more affordable options in everything from electronics to fashion, the rise of international ecommerce giants like DhGate is drawing attention across the retail sector. With over 50,000 monthly searches for “DhGate Canada,” it’s clear that the marketplace has earned a strong foothold among online shoppers—one that many domestic retailers are struggling to compete with.

While DhGate is far from a household name in mainstream North American retail, its quietly massive catalogue and extremely competitive pricing model have built a loyal customer base, particularly among price-sensitive consumers looking for everything from wireless earbuds to knockoff sneakers.

What Is DhGate and Why Is It Popular in Canada?

Founded in Beijing in 2004, DhGate functions as a business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) marketplace connecting Chinese manufacturers with international buyers. Its platform offers millions of products—often at a fraction of the price found through domestic retailers or even Amazon.

For Canadian shoppers, the appeal lies not just in price, but in variety. DhGate’s reach across suppliers means access to items that are often unavailable locally or would require significant markup through Canadian distributors.

Despite longer shipping times and concerns about quality control, consumers continue turning to the site—especially for apparel, accessories, tech accessories, and event decor.

Price vs. Trust: The Trade-Off of Chinese Ecommerce

Canadian consumers face a dilemma familiar in global ecommerce: cost savings versus product reliability. While many DhGate transactions are successful, others result in long shipping delays, disputed returns, or quality inconsistencies.

Yet, according to Statista, price continues to be the top motivator for online purchases in Canada, which is exactly where platforms like DhGate thrive.

Meanwhile, Canadian retailers have been slow to match DhGate’s pricing, often citing higher operating costs, stricter consumer protection laws, and domestic labor obligations.

What Canadians Are Buying on DhGate

Among the top-selling categories for Canadian buyers:

• Wedding and party supplies
• Smartphone accessories
• LED lighting and home decor
• Wholesale clothing
• Imitation jewelry and handbags

This demand mirrors global trends seen across other Chinese platforms such as AliExpress and Temu, where budget-driven bulk shopping habits are on the rise.

How Local Retailers Are Responding

Many Canadian businesses are shifting strategies to compete not on price, but on trust, speed, and service. Same-day or next-day shipping, generous return policies, and curated customer experiences are all areas where domestic retailers can differentiate themselves.

Retailers are also placing greater emphasis on transparency and ethical sourcing—appeals to Canadian values that may not always align with mass Chinese marketplaces.

Logistics and Delivery Times Compared

A major obstacle for DhGate remains its shipping times, which often range from 2 to 5 weeks. While many customers are willing to wait, those seeking fast fulfillment often turn to Amazon Canada or local retailers.

Some DhGate sellers now offer “local warehouse” fulfillment in North America, attempting to close the delivery gap. However, inconsistency in availability and tracking remains a pain point for many users.

The Outlook: Coexistence or Cannibalization?

Whether DhGate becomes a long-term threat to Canadian retailers or simply a niche option for specific consumer segments remains to be seen. What’s certain is that it reflects a growing shift in consumer behavior—one that prioritizes savings over brand loyalty.

Retailers across Canada may not be able to beat DhGate on price, but by emphasizing speed, service, and social responsibility, they can carve out a space that DhGate cannot easily occupy.

Related article: The Whole Sale: Liza Amlani on Why Wholesale Still Matters

As the NHL Playoffs take over the national conversation, Canadian retailers are already seeing a surge in sales tied to the league’s merchandise. From Maple Leafs jerseys in Toronto to Dallas Stars caps spotted coast to coast, the post-season is no longer just a sporting spectacle—it’s a powerful retail engine.

Across Canada, brick-and-mortar team stores and ecommerce sites alike are adjusting inventory and marketing strategies to meet the annual swell in demand. And with fan engagement intensifying through social media and same-day shipping, the pressure to deliver is higher than ever.

Why NHL Playoffs Drive Canadian Retail Spending

Hockey isn’t just Canada’s game—it’s one of its most commercially potent cultural exports. The playoff season magnifies that influence dramatically. Each win (or loss) fuels interest in team apparel, accessories, and limited-edition playoff merchandise.

From late March through June, retailers from Sport Chek to boutique sports apparel shops report significant sales spikes—particularly for home team gear. This extends to online marketplaces such as NHLShop.ca, which ramp up inventory for Canadian cities whose teams are still in contention.

This seasonal bump also triggers strategic rollouts from retail buyers, who time new shipments of NHL merchandise in Canada to coincide with playoff milestones and major games.

What’s Hot: Top-Selling Playoff Gear

While team jerseys are predictably popular, playoff years also fuel a broader appetite for branded items like puffer jackets, ballcaps, collectible pins, and novelty items (think towels, foam fingers, and custom beer mugs).

In particular, retro jerseys and city-specific limited editions have gained traction in recent years, as fans blend fashion with hometown pride. “Original Six” teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens typically lead merchandise rankings, but rising franchises like the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers are increasingly narrowing the gap.

NHL Team Stores vs. Third-Party Retailers

Team-operated stores—both in-stadium and online—continue to dominate during the post-season. Their exclusives, real-time availability, and location-based promotions are difficult for general retailers to match.

That said, major chains like Canadian Tire, Sport Chek and Lids are adapting. Many now carry curated playoff sections, regional signage, and even QR code displays that connect fans to mobile merchandise portals during live broadcasts.

This omni-channel integration is an increasingly important strategy in Canadian sports retail, allowing third-party brands to ride the momentum of the NHL playoffs without direct licensing from the league.

Where Canadian Fans Shop Team Jerseys

Whether it’s an in-person visit to the Scotiabank Arena store or an impulse buy via mobile, jersey purchases remain at the heart of hockey merchandise revenue. Customization services—adding names, numbers, or commemorative badges—are particularly popular during playoff runs.

Online shopping, while already dominant, becomes even more critical during the playoffs, especially for out-of-town fans. Same-day delivery options in major metros and playoff flash sales help drive urgency and repeat purchases.

Fans also turn to official NHL platforms and retailers like Pro Hockey Life for authenticity assurance.

Online vs In-Store Sales During Playoffs

The last five years have seen a gradual shift in consumer behavior, with more Canadians opting to buy playoff gear online than in-store. However, brick-and-mortar locations near playoff venues still play a major role—especially on game days.

Pop-up stands, temporary kiosks, and playoff activations are increasingly common in urban retail cores and transit hubs. These physical footprints allow brands to capitalize on the live-event energy, generating spontaneous purchases and social media exposure.

As the 2025 NHL playoffs progress, all signs point toward another record-setting season for hockey-themed retail in Canada. Whether fans are buying for loyalty, fashion, or nostalgia, one thing is clear: in this country, playoff gear is more than apparel—it’s identity.

Related article: New Hockey Legends Training Facility in Markham ON Elevates Player Skills with Cutting-Edge Technology

In a cultural moment where celebrity and commerce blur more than ever, Katy Perry’s outfits are once again in the spotlight—not on stage, but in storefronts. From glitter-studded bodysuits to pastel power In a cultural moment where celebrity and commerce blur more than ever, Katy Perry’s outfits are once again in the spotlight—not just on stage, but in storefronts. From glitter-studded bodysuits to pastel power suits, the pop icon’s evolving style has influenced more than fashion week runways. It has helped shape retail trends globally, including here in Canada.

Canadian consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z, continue to respond to high-impact celebrity style. Katy Perry’s visual evolution, known for blending playfulness with bold aesthetics, has proven to be a quiet but persistent force in shaping what’s stocked and styled in Canadian apparel retail.

How Katy Perry’s Fashion Defines Pop Culture

Katy Perry’s fashion choices have consistently embraced color, theatricality, and unapologetic individuality. In the past decade, her distinctive outfits have found their way into mainstream retail through lookalike pieces and “inspired by” trends.

Following her bold Met Gala appearances and high-visibility events like the Super Bowl halftime show, retailers have frequently adapted elements of her style—whether through color blocking, whimsical prints, or sequins—into seasonal collections. Theatrical elements once considered niche have since entered mass fashion, and Perry’s early adoption of these motifs helped pave the way.

Iconic Style Moments and Their Retail Echo

Her LED-lit gown from the 2010 Met Gala predated the integration of light and tech in fashion, and her Super Bowl halftime wardrobe generated immediate online attention. These moments consistently triggered consumer interest in related styles.

Retailers including fast-fashion brands and department stores have mirrored these trends, with many leveraging the cultural memory of such celebrity moments to inform design decisions. Even more reserved pieces—such as Perry’s pastel suiting and vintage-inspired silhouettes—have seen increased popularity during spring retail cycles.

Canadian Retailers and the Influence of Celebrity Style

Canadian retailers have historically taken a more measured approach to celebrity fashion trends than their U.S. counterparts. Instead of formal collaborations, many local brands lean on “inspired adjacency”—producing apparel that reflects high-profile styles without directly referencing a public figure.

However, with the rise of social platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, these styles reach Canadian consumers faster and with greater clarity than ever before. Retailers are increasingly curating around themes like “festival fashion” and “celebrity streetwear,” which overlap with Perry’s known style archetypes.

Where to Shop the Look in Canada

Canadian consumers interested in styles reminiscent of Katy Perry outfits can find similar designs at a number of national retailers:

• Aritzia: Tailored suits in bold colors, crop tops, and structured dresses
• Zara Canada: Statement pieces, bold patterns, and limited-edition runway-inspired items
• Hudson’s Bay: Occasionwear with dramatic flair
• SSENSE: Luxury labels that echo Katy Perry’s eclectic influence

Online marketplaces such as ASOS and Revolve frequently promote “celebrity-inspired” looks which are algorithmically tailored to search behaviors including Katy Perry’s past appearances.

Beyond the Charts: Lasting Influence in Retail

While Katy Perry’s direct ventures into fashion retail—such as her footwear line—did not see major Canadian expansion, the influence of her wardrobe remains tangible. Her presence in pop culture continues to guide style cues that impact everything from fast fashion to designer collections.

As Perry enters a new era in her music career, retailers are watching her style with interest. Past trends suggest that her fashion decisions may again shape product lines, ad campaigns, and consumer demand both online and in-store.

Her legacy is not just found in album sales or streaming numbers—but also in wardrobes across Canada.

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