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Loshen & Crem Opens Integrative Skincare Boutique in Edmonton

By
Craig Patterson
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Loshen & Crem in Edmonton. Photo: Loshen & Crem

Edmonton has officially welcomed a new destination for luxury skincare with the grand opening of Loshen & Crem, a 3,400-square-foot flagship boutique at Currents of Windermere. The location represents a significant milestone for the brand, blending a curated retail experience with comprehensive facial and body treatments—marking Edmonton’s first truly integrative skincare boutique.

“This is more than just a retail store or a spa,” said Sarah Cabana, founder and owner of Loshen & Crem. “It’s a space where skincare meets education, community, and wellness—where people feel empowered to learn about their skin and take care of themselves.”

Sarah Cabana, founder and owner of Loshen & Crem

Founded in 2019 by Cabana, Loshen & Crem began as an online retailer, rooted in a strong social media following and a commitment to customer service. Originally from Montreal, Cabana relocated to Edmonton and found herself struggling to re-establish a career in skincare education.

“I told myself I wouldn’t rebuild my name again, but I couldn’t find the right fit,” she explained. “So I pivoted. I started promoting skincare brands on social media. People began asking where they could buy the products, so I launched an online store. From there, demand just exploded.”

The business quickly evolved, offering facials out of a small space and building a loyal client base. Today, Loshen & Crem ships Canada-wide, with Ontario and British Columbia among its strongest markets. The new flagship store, designed by Troy Dashney of Bold Design, reflects Cabana’s Italian heritage and her vision of a modern European wellness retreat.

Loshen & Crem in Edmonton. Photo: Loshen & Crem

Design Meets Experience

Stepping into the new location, customers encounter more than product shelves—they’re welcomed into a thoughtfully designed, serene space that reflects the boutique’s wellness philosophy.

“The design is soft and minimal, with beige tones and wood elements,” said Cabana. “We wanted it to feel like a high-end Italian spa.”

The centerpiece is a striking olive tree surrounded by a community table, used for skincare masterclasses and product education events. “We’ll have brand educators fly in and host sessions here,” Cabana added. “It’s all about building customer knowledge.”

The boutique includes five treatment rooms: four for facials and one for body treatments—a European-inspired offering that sets the business apart in Edmonton.

“In France, body care is just as important as facial skincare,” said Cabana. “We want to bring that philosophy here.”

Loshen & Crem in Edmonton. Photo: Loshen & Crem

Customer Service as a Brand Pillar

Loshen & Crem’s reputation has been largely built on its unparalleled approach to customer service, both online and in-store.

“We customize every order with samples suited to the customer’s purchase,” said Amy Witoshynski, Director at Loshen & Crem. “First-time buyers receive handwritten cards sealed with wax—like receiving a gift from a friend.”

Amy Witoshynski, Director at Loshen & Crem

This personalized experience continues with a live chat staffed entirely by real skincare professionals, not bots.

“We have Cassandra, our customer service specialist, who chats with people all day, helping them select products based on their skin concerns,” said Witoshynski. “It’s all human, and it’s all personal.”

Retail Meets Professional Skincare Services

The boutique carries an elite lineup of skincare brands including Biologique Recherche, iS Clinical, Augustinus Bader, Elta MD, Colorescience and other brands. Every brand is handpicked for performance and philosophy, tested by the team before being offered to customers.

“Behind every product is a story,” Cabana explained. “It has to be effective and align with our values.”

The boutique’s treatment offerings are just as refined. Services include advanced facials using the Biologique Recherche methodology, Fire & Ice facials from iS Clinical, microneedling, LED light therapy, chemical peels, and exosome treatments. Targeted services address concerns like acne, pigmentation, and skin tightening using high-end technologies like Exilis Ultra and NeoSkin by Aerolase.

Loshen & Crem in Edmonton. Photo: Loshen & Crem

Eyes on Expansion—With Caution and Care

With a growing national online presence and a flagship brick-and-mortar location, expansion is part of Loshen & Crem’s long-term vision—but with a carefully curated approach.

“Toronto and Yorkville are on our radar,” Cabana noted. “Old Montreal is another possibility. And downtown Halifax—people there are deeply connected to skincare, but there’s not much at our level.”

British Columbia is also being considered, particularly underserved areas like Invermere. “But this Edmonton location will always be our flagship,” she emphasized. “It’s where it all began.”

The team had originally eyed U.S. expansion for 2025, but paused due to tariff uncertainty.

“There are strict regulations with skincare exports,” said Cabana. “But the U.S. is more flexible. That’s still a goal once the environment stabilizes.”

A Skincare Boutique Rooted in Edmonton Pride

While Cabana is originally from Montreal, she speaks with genuine affection for her adopted home in Edmonton.

“I much prefer Edmonton,” she said. “The people, the cleanliness, the sense of community—it’s just different in the best way.”

Located in a high-visibility spot in Windermere, next to Edmonton retailer Shades of Grey, the boutique is already drawing curiosity and foot traffic. The location was previously occupied by a tanning salon that only lasted a year—a stark contrast to the premium service model Loshen & Crem brings.

“People were peeking in while we were still under construction,” said Witoshynski. “We’re so excited to welcome everyone inside now.”

Loshen & Crem in Edmonton. Photo: Loshen & Crem

Looking Ahead: Filling the Gaps in Canadian Skincare

One area of focus for the next year is identifying a suitable makeup line to complement the skincare offerings.

“Finding the right makeup brand has been difficult,” said Cabana. “We want something that’s skin-friendly and aligns with our minimal, effective philosophy.”

A brand has been selected, but shipments have been delayed due to international tariffs.

“It’s frustrating,” Cabana admitted. “But we’re patient. When we do bring makeup in, it has to be perfect.”

The boutique also plans to enhance awareness across Canada through refined marketing, education campaigns, and strategic media outreach.

A Boutique Built on Purpose

At its core, Loshen & Crem is more than a skincare destination. It’s a brand built on purpose, community, and connection.

“Skincare is personal,” said Cabana. “It’s self-care, it’s health, and it’s emotional. Every touchpoint with our customers—whether it’s a facial, an online chat, or a package in the mail—has to feel special.”

And so far, that approach is working. Bookings are full, customers are loyal, and the brand’s reputation continues to grow across Canada.

“Our success comes from never compromising on who we are,” said Witoshynski. “And that’s what will guide us as we grow.”

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Payroll employment declining in retail and hospitality sectors: Statistics Canada

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Payroll employment in the retail and hospitality sectors continues to decline, according to the latest data from Statistics Canada which was released on Thursday.

Payroll employment in retail trade decreased by 8,400 (-0.4%) in March, continuing an overall downward trend that began in February 2023. From February 2023 to March 2025, payroll employment in retail trade has fallen by 53,400 (-2.6%), said the federal agency.

The largest contributors to the net decline since February 2023 were sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument, book, and miscellaneous retailers (-14,600; -6.7%), furniture, home furnishings, electronics and appliances retailers (-13,800; -12.0%), clothing, clothing accessories, shoes, jewelry, luggage and leather goods retailers (-8,700; -4.1%), general merchandise retailers (-8,500; -3.2%) and building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers (-7,100; -4.7%), it explained.

Statistics Canada said payroll employment in accommodation and food services (-8,400; -0.7%) decreased for the third consecutive month in March, bringing the cumulative decline to 22,100 (-1.7%) since January 2025. This decline was driven by full-service restaurants and limited service eating places (-18,300; -1.8%).

On a year-over-year basis, payroll employment in accommodation and food services was down by 20,800 (-1.6%) in March 2025, it added.

The federal agency said payroll employment in wholesale trade (-4,200; -0.5%) fell for the fourth consecutive month in March 2025, bringing the cumulative loss to 7,300 (-0.9%) since December 2024. Machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers (-4,200; -1.7%) recorded the largest decline over this period.

On a year-over-year basis, payroll employment in wholesale trade was down by 6,000 (-0.7%) in March 2025, it said.

Overall, the number of employees receiving pay and benefits from their employer—measured as “payroll employment” in the Survey of Employment, Payrolls and Hours—decreased by 54,100 (-0.3%) in March, following a decline of 40,200 (-0.2%) in February. On a year-over-year basis, payroll employment was up 32,800 (+0.2%) in March, said the report.

Year over year, average weekly earnings were up 4.3% to $1,291 in March, following an increase of 5.1% in February. In general, growth in average weekly earnings can reflect a range of factors, including changes in wages, composition of employment, hours worked and base-year effects. Month over month, average weekly earnings were little changed in March. Average weekly hours (33.5 hours) were little changed on a month-over-month and year-over-year basis in March, it said.

In March, there were 529,700 job vacancies in Canada, the seventh consecutive month of little change. On a year-over-year basis, job vacancies were down by 72,800 (-12.1%), according to the report.

“The job vacancy rate—which corresponds to the number of vacant positions as a proportion of total labour demand—was 3.0% in March, up 0.1 percentage points from February (2.9%), but down 0.4 percentage points from March 2024,” explained Statistics Canada.

“There were 2.9 unemployed persons for every job vacancy in March, up by 0.1 since February. On a year-over-year basis, the unemployment-to-job vacancy ratio was up by 0.7. This increase was the result of a decrease in job vacancies (-72,100; -12.0%, excluding territories), coupled with an increase in the number of unemployed persons (+166,500; +12.4%). Over the same year-over-year period, the unemployment rate rose from 6.1% to 6.7% (according to the Labour Force Survey).”

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

“Total labour demand—which corresponds to the sum of filled and unfilled positions—fell by 64,400 (-0.4%) in March. On a year-over-year basis, it was up by 48,500 (+0.3%).

“In March, job vacancies were up in three sectors: transportation and warehousing (+3,300; +13.8%), utilities (+800; +51.8%), and management of companies and enterprises (+300; +19.6%). The increase in transportation and warehousing partially offset the decrease that took place in January ( -5,600; -18.4%). Retail trade was the only sector that recorded a decrease in job vacancies (-4,400; -8.4% to 48,200) in March. The number of job vacancies in retail trade was at its lowest since November 2024 (45,700).”

Year over year, vacancies were down in 11 of the 20 sectors in March 2025. The largest declines were recorded in health care and social assistance (-17,600; -14.4%), retail trade (-11,500; -19.3%), and transportation and warehousing (-8,200; -23.0%). Despite the year-over-year decline, job vacancies in health care and social assistance remained elevated in March (105,000) compared with pre-pandemic levels (73,200 in March 2020), noted Statistics Canada.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Finance and insurance (+2,700; +13.7%) and public administration (+1,500; +11.9%) were the only sectors to record year-over-year increases in March.

In March, monthly payroll employment declines were recorded in 10 of the 20 sectors, including educational services (-10,400; -0.7%), health care and social assistance (-9,500; -0.4%), accommodation and food services (-8,400; -0.7%), retail trade (-8,400; -0.4%), wholesale trade (-4,200; -0.5%), and construction (-4,000; -0.3%). These declines were partially offset by gains in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas (+2,500; +1.1%), arts, entertainment and recreation (+1,800; +0.5%), and management of companies and enterprises (+900; +0.7%). The remaining seven sectors were little changed.

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General Products Patio Furniture Closing After 47 Years

By
Craig Patterson
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General Products Outdoor Patio Furniture in Richmond Hill. Image: Google Maps

After nearly five decades as one of Ontario’s most respected names in outdoor furnishings, General Products Outdoor Patio Furniture (GP Patio) is winding down operations with a significant public liquidation sale. The Richmond Hill-based retailer, located at 160 East Beaver Creek Road, is closing its doors following the retirement of the founding Brown family, who have led the business since its establishment in 1979.

Founded by Sydney Brown, General Products became a trusted resource for high-quality, stylish, and durable outdoor furniture—serving both residential customers and commercial clients. The company earned a reputation for excellence, furnishing patios for high-profile clients including Prime Ministers, Premiers, celebrities, and major hospitality operators. Their clientele also included families across Ontario, many of whom have remained loyal for generations.

“It was incredibly special and fortunate to work alongside my father until his passing in 2017,” said Stuart Brown, the second-generation owner of the business. “Three generations of Browns have proudly contributed to this business, and it’s been an honour to serve Canadians.”

The family-run business became synonymous with customer service and quality, offering premium patio furniture collections sourced directly from top manufacturers. The retailer was featured nationally, with appearances on HGTV and Mike Holmes’ Ultimate Deck, reinforcing its reputation for expertise and thoughtful design.

General Products store in Richmond Hill. Image: Brad Poechman via Google Maps

Store Closing Sale Begins March 29

To mark the conclusion of nearly half a century in business, GP Patio is hosting a store-wide closing liquidation sale, offering significant discounts on its complete inventory. The sale—managed by Danbury Global—officially begins on Thursday, March 29, and is open to the public.

Shoppers will find steep markdowns on the retailer’s full selection of high-end outdoor furniture, including patio loungers ideal for summer relaxation, elegant dining sets built to withstand Canadian weather, and stylish umbrellas that combine function with aesthetic appeal. The sale also features fire tables designed to extend outdoor enjoyment into cooler evenings, as well as an array of carefully curated outdoor accessories and décor items.

The entire inventory of premium outdoor products is being sold at reduced prices as part of the closure. According to the company, delivery will continue to be available across the Greater Toronto Area and into cottage country, ensuring convenience for long-time and new customers alike.

“For over 47 years, we’ve had the privilege of serving a loyal customer base that spans generations,” said Stuart and Wendy Brown in a joint statement. “As we retire, we invite the public to celebrate with us during this once-in-a-lifetime sale.”

Danbury Global Manages High-Profile Liquidation

To oversee the sale, GP Patio has engaged Danbury Global, a leading Canadian asset disposition and retail liquidation firm. The company is known for managing major transitions for well-known retail brands and has brought its experience to the Richmond Hill showroom to ensure a smooth and successful wind-down.

“This is truly a rare opportunity,” said Jonathan Ordon, CEO of Danbury Global. “You don’t often see premium, brand-name outdoor living furniture being liquidated to the public—especially at the start of patio season. This sale is an unmatched chance to furnish your outdoor space with quality pieces at a fraction of the cost.”

Danbury Global’s store closing liquidation sale kicks off Thursday, March 29, from the 160 East Beaver Creek Road showroom, and will run seven days a week until all inventory is sold.

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From rooftop greenhouse to store in an hour: Walmart Canada and Lufa Farms launch local produce collaboration in Montreal

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Walmart Canada and Lufa Farms launch local produce collaboration in Montreal (CNW Group/Wal-Mart Canada Corp.)

Walmart Canada and Lufa Farms are now selling hyperlocal produce from Lufa Farms’ 127,000 square-foot hydroponic greenhouse atop the Marché Central Walmart Supercentre in the store below.

This marks the first time produce from Montreal’s Lufa Farms will be sold through a retailer and the first time Walmart Canada will sell produce from a store’s rooftop greenhouse. Harvested on demand each morning, the rotating crops of tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers will be available for sale in-store in as fast as an hour after being picked, said the retailer.

“Rooftops are one of the most underused spaces in cities – and yet they’re perfect for growing food,” said Mohamed Hage, founder and CEO of Lufa Farms. “Walmart has a huge network of rooftops across the country, and by transforming just one of them into a greenhouse, we’re showing what’s possible: fresh, local vegetables grown sustainably and sold just downstairs, the same day they’re harvested. This is how we can reimagine the future of food in cities.”

The project is rooted in Lufa Farms’ commitment to fresh, local, responsible farming and Walmart Canada’s continued focus on working with local suppliers to deliver innovative and more sustainable options for customers. According to Lufa Farms, their state-of-the-art rooftop greenhouse uses half the energy of a conventional ground-level greenhouse, recycles up to 90 per cent of its water, and relies on energy-efficient LED lighting – all while making use of underutilized urban space.

Customers in Walmart’s Marché Central Supercentre can now purchase boxes of this rooftop produce grown and harvested by Lufa Farms each day, while quantities last.

Walmart Canada and Lufa Farms launch local produce collaboration in Montreal (CNW Group/Wal-Mart Canada Corp.)

“Across the country, we’re proud to work with local farmers and producers to bring their products to Walmart Canada’s shelves. This collaboration with Lufa Farms brings that approach even closer to home by offering our customers the opportunity to purchase hyperlocal produce grown in the greenhouse above our Marché Central store,” said Sam Wankowski, chief merchandising officer, Walmart Canada. “Our customers will be delighted by the local crops that are grown with more sustainable farming practices and then harvested on-demand each day – available at our every day low prices.”

“We are invested in Quebec and are proud to employ more than 14,000 associates across this province. Last year alone, Walmart purchased more than $3.8 billion worth of products from more than 460 Quebec suppliers, and we’re excited to add Lufa Farms to this list,” said Cyrille Ballereau, vice president, operations, Walmart Canada. “It’s a proud moment to see us collaborating so closely with another local Quebec supplier to bring this innovative program to market.”

Walmart has more than 400 stores nationwide serving 1.5 million customers each day.

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

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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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.”

Grand Opening of the Store

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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MINISO’s Vinly Plush Blind Boxes Collection

Element by Westin Calgary Downtown hotel set to open early summer

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Source: PBA Group of Companies
Source: PBA Group of Companies

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.

Patricia Phillips
Patricia Phillips

“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.

Tim Ostrem
Tim Ostrem

“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.

Source: PBA Group of Companies
Source: PBA Group of Companies

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 12th 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

By
Retail Insider
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Canadian Retail News From Around The Web

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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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.

Donna Dooher
Donna Dooher

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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nterior Photo of The Playbook Commons; Photo Credit Daniel Neuhaus
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
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
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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Interior Photo of The Playbook Commons; Photo Credit Daniel Neuhaus
Interior Photo of The Playbook Commons; Photo Credit Daniel Neuhaus
Features and Cocktails at The Playbook Commons; Photo Credit Daniel Neuhaus
Features and Cocktails at The Playbook Commons; Photo Credit Daniel Neuhaus
Signature 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
-
Photo by Adi K
Photo by Adi K

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.

Wayne Pommen
Wayne Pommen

“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.”

Paul Jacobs
Paul Jacobs

“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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