AFA Expo 2025 – August 12-14 in Toronto

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July 28, 2025

AFA Expo - Short-Form Advertorial Graphic_Mic Check — Image: AFA

The Canadian fashion industry’s most anticipated trade event is back. From August 12-14, 2025, the AFA Expo will once again bring together leaders in footwear, apparel, and accessories at the Toronto Congress Centre for three dynamic days of business, networking, and industry insights.

As Canada’s only national trade show dedicated exclusively to the footwear, apparel, and accessories sectors, AFA Expo is a must-attend event for retailers, buyers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and suppliers looking to discover new brands, strengthen partnerships, and stay ahead of emerging trends.

Key Details:

Dates: August 12-14, 2025
Location: Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Road, Toronto, ON
Show Hours:
- August 12 & 13: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- August 14: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The 2025 edition will feature an expansive exhibitor lineup, showcasing hundreds of brands ranging from established global names to exciting emerging labels. Attendees can expect curated product displays, exclusive buying opportunities, and valuable networking with key decision-makers from across Canada’s retail landscape.

Whether you’re an independent boutique, a national chain, or a supplier seeking to expand your Canadian presence, AFA Expo offers a powerful platform to conduct business and connect directly with the people shaping Canada’s fashion retail future.

Registration is Now Open

Space is limited for both exhibitors and attendees. To register or learn more, visit the official website at:
www.afacanada.com

Don’t miss your chance to be part of Canada’s leading fashion industry marketplace this August.

AFA Expo — Where Canada’s Fashion Industry Connects.

Register Here

*Partner content. To work with Retail Insider, email Craig Patterson at: craig@retail-insider.com

Foodservice outlook improves slightly in Q2, but remains fragile amid trade tensions and cost volatility: Restaurants Canada

By

Mario Toneguzzi

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July 28, 2025

After a tumultuous first quarter, the outlook for the foodservice industry has moderated thanks to a cooling of tariff war rhetoric and a slight uptick in consumer confidence, but operators remain cautious, according to Restaurants Canada’s Q2 Quarterly Report.

Restaurants Canada said it expects real commercial foodservice sales to experience -0.5% to 0.5% growth in 2025 and a 0.1% to 0.6% decline in 2026.

In the first four months of 2025, commercial foodservice sales grew by a solid 6.6%, supported in part by the GST/HST holiday in January, explained the national organization. With headwinds picking up speed again and a majority of restaurants having to increase prices, Restaurants Canada is urging the federal government to permanently exempt all food, including restaurant meals, from GST/HST.

“Keeping food affordable needs to be a top priority for the government. Canadians from all walks of life rely on restaurants to feed themselves, whether it’s parents grabbing dinner on the way home from soccer practice, an elderly person who needs a hot meal delivered, or a busy student getting a breakfast sandwich on the way to school,” said Kelly Higginson, President and CEO of Restaurants Canada.

“Removing the GST/HST from all food is a no-nonsense way to improve the quality of life of Canadians and support the foodservice industry.”

Quarterly Report at a glance:

Commercial foodservice sales are expected to reach between $98.5 billion and $99.5 billion in 2025, a slight improvement over last quarter’s forecast, but still below pre-tariff war expectations.
Seven in 10 restaurant operators rate the current economic conditions just fair or worse. Only 31% say they are “good” or “very good.”
While consumer confidence has improved slightly over last quarter, 48% of restaurant operators expect to be less profitable in 2025 than they were in 2024.
Food costs (83%), labour costs (80%) and a weak economy (55%) were the top three challenges cited by foodservice operators.
To deal with rising operating costs, foodservice businesses are raising menu prices (85%), cutting staff or hours (60%), increasing hours worked by owners or managers (54%), or changing suppliers or ingredients (53%).
Overall, 41% of foodservice businesses are operating at a loss or just breaking even. This is an improvement over 2024, but still far below 2019 levels, when only 12% reported operating at a loss or just breaking even. Only 9% of operators report making a profit above 10%, compared to 36% pre-pandemic.
While tariff uncertainty continues to weigh heavy on the foodservice outlook, consumer confidence, spending and debt levels are improving, offering a glimmer of hope for an upswing in mid-2026.

Restaurants Canada is a national, not-for-profit association advancing Canada’s foodservice industry. Restaurants are a $120 billion industry employing nearly 1.2 million Canadians and the number one source of first-time jobs in Canada, it says.

The Tavern Collective in Calgary. Photo by Mario Toneguzzi

On Monday, Statistics Canada reported that total sales in the food services and drinking places subsector increased 0.4% in May to $8.5 billion.

Non-seasonally adjusted prices for food purchased from restaurants were up 3.3% in May when compared with May 2024. Unadjusted prices for alcoholic beverages served in licensed establishments increased 3.3% over the same period, it said.

In May, the largest increase in sales came from full-service restaurants (+1.2%). Higher sales were also observed in special food services (+3.1%) and drinking places (+0.1%). Sales at limited-service eating places (-0.8%) declined, added the federal agency.

In May, eight provinces saw increased sales. Quebec (+1.1%) posted the largest increase in dollar terms, followed by Ontario (+0.5%). British Columbia (-0.4%) saw the largest decrease in dollar terms. Sales also declined in Saskatchewan (-0.6%) following two consecutive months of strong growth.

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Odd Burger appoints new CFO, announces grand opening of 2nd Edmonton location

By

Mario Toneguzzi

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July 28, 2025

Odd Burger Corporation, a leading plant-based fast-food chain and food technology company, announced Monday the appointment of Vasiliki McInnes as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer, as well as the grand opening of its second Edmonton location on Saturday, August 2.

Vasiliki McInnes is Odd Burger’s co-founder, former Chief Operating Officer, and largest shareholder. The company said she has played a critical role in the financial operations of the company since January 2024 and has led the company’s annual financial audit for the past two years.

Her deep understanding of the company’s strategic vision and her extensive experience in operations and financial leadership makes her an ideal fit for this role, said the brand.

“Vasiliki has been a driving force behind Odd Burger’s growth and financial discipline,” said James McInnes, CEO and Co-Founder of Odd Burger. “Her leadership, commitment, and deep alignment with our mission, positions her perfectly for the CFO role as we enter this next stage of expansion.”

The brand said its second Edmonton location is at 9518 Ellerslie Road. The grand opening will take place from 12 PM to 6 PM, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at noon to kick off the festivities.

Highlights of the grand opening include:

$1 plant-based soft serve available all day
25% of all sales donated to Farm Animal Rescue and Rehoming Movement (FARRM), a local sanctuary that provides a safe haven for surrendered and abused farm animals and cats near Wetaskiwin, AB
Free Odd Burger tote bags for the first 30 people in line

This new location continues Odd Burger’s mission to make sustainable, ethical, and delicious fast food more accessible across Canada and expands its footprint in Edmonton AB where it successfully operates a franchise location in the west end, added the company.

Odd Burger Corporation is a franchised vegan fast-food restaurant chain and food technology company that manufactures a proprietary line of plant-based protein and dairy alternatives.

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Affirm and New Look Vision Group partner to offer flexible payment options across leading eyewear retailers in Canada

By

Mario Toneguzzi

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July 28, 2025

New Look Vision location on Montreal's Rue Sainte Catherine. Photo: New Look Vision

Affirm, the payment network that empowers consumers and helps merchants drive growth, and New Look Vision Group, a leading North American optical retailer with over 475 stores in the US and Canada, today announced a new partnership in Canada, bringing Affirm’s “honest, transparent pay-over-time options” to customers shopping at New Look Eyewear, Greiche & Scaff, Vogue Optical, IRIS, and more.

Whether shopping for prescription glasses, sunglasses, or contact lenses, approved Canadian shoppers can select Affirm at checkout to split their purchases into biweekly or monthly payments. If approved, they can choose the customized payment plan that best suits their needs and never pay any late or hidden fees, said the companies in a news release.

“We’re proud to partner with Affirm in Canada, advancing our vision of making high-quality vision care more accessible and affordable to consumers across the country,” said Antoine Amiel, President & CEO of New Look Vision Group. “Eyewear is often a necessary investment, and offering a flexible way to pay helps remove a meaningful barrier for many consumers. Integrating with Affirm helps us offer shoppers greater confidence and clarity over how they pay, without compromising on quality or experience.”

With this launch, New Look Vision Group joins nearly 360,000 merchants offering Affirm at checkout, including partnerships with leading Canadian retailers Amazon, Apple, Samsung, Brown’s Shoes, CheapOair, and more.

“Eyewear and prescriptions are tailored to meet individual needs, and the way people pay should be no different,” said Wayne Pommen, Chief Revenue Officer at Affirm. “By teaming up with New Look Vision Group, we’re thrilled to offer personalized payment options without any late fees or hidden charges. Consumers should not have to worry about gotchas or fine print when shopping for vision care, and with Affirm they don’t have to.”

New Look Vision Group is a leading optical retailer operating at the intersection of healthcare and retail. Headquartered in Montreal, New Look Vision Group is present in Canada and the United States. New Look Vision Group has a network of 476 locations operating mainly under the Iris, New Look Eyewear, Vogue Optical and Greiche & Scaff banners and operates a lens manufacturing facility using state-of-the-art technologies located in Canada.

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2025 Small Business Marketing Trends: Digital strategies, community focus, and the rise of AI

By

Mario Toneguzzi

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July 28, 2025

Photo: 2025 Small Business Marketing Guide

New data from VistaPrint and Wix shows that small business owners in the retail space are doubling down on their digital marketing efforts, with an eye towards creating unique customer experiences.

The 2025 Small Business Marketing Guide, based on a survey of 1,000 SBOs and 1,000 consumers, reveals that 40% of small business retailers say an online presence has had the biggest impact on their business in the last 12 months and 63% are more comfortable connecting online rather than in person.

Key findings for this sector:

Top digital marketing tactics include social media (58%), websites (48%) and online reviews (46%)
The top three methods of building loyalty among customers include engaging customers via social media (58%), offering personalized discounts (53%) and sending personalized thank you cards (45%)
Despite operating in a digital-first world, small business retailers still value traditional marketing tactics via business cards (53%), promotional products (35%) and attending events and tradeshows (33%)

“Looking ahead to the next 12 months, small business owners are united in their desire to continue expanding their marketing, while consumers agree that they want to see more community connections. And AI isn’t sci-fi anymore – it’s firmly in the marketing mix, but not everyone agrees on its uses or merits,” said the report.

“When it comes to the state of small business marketing in 2025, we can see that it’s anything but linear. There are ups and downs, challenges and opportunities, but the undeniable theme in this year’s data is that
businesses and consumers are seeking the same thing: community.

“It’s the antidote to competition and the pathway to connection. For small business owners, it’s a loyal audience that shows up to support them every day. For consumers, it’s their local cafe, clothing store or
electrician whose services and products they can count on and trust.

“Because great marketing isn’t just about clicks and conversions, it’s about building something that lasts, something that never stops, something that flows.”

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Healthy Planet launches “Good Food Drive” to fight childhood hunger across Canada

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Mario Toneguzzi

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July 28, 2025

Healthy Planet, Canada’s largest health and wellness e-commerce website and wellness retail store chain, is launching its Good Food Drive, a national back-to-school campaign running from August 1 to September 30, aimed at tackling childhood food insecurity head-on.

Recognizing that one in three food bank clients in Canada is a child, Healthy Planet said it is taking meaningful action by donating nutritious, minimally processed food to help support the health and well-being of children in need.

The Good Food Drive will donate 300,000 non-GMO, kid-friendly ingredients through local food banks in Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver to help families prepare healthy meals at home.

“This back-to-school season, we’re asking Canadians to help us stock food banks with real food that supports real health,” said Muhammad Mohamedy, General Manager of Healthy Planet.

“We believe no child should have to rely on ultra-processed, low-nutrient food just because it’s all that’s available. The Good Food Drive is our way of giving families in need the same high-quality food we’d give our own children. It’s simple—when you shop with us, you’re helping feed your community.

“The call to action is clear: shop smart, give back. Every participating product purchased triggers a meaningful donation, transforming everyday grocery trips into opportunities to do good. Our core intent is to raise community awareness towards the right food selection even when we think about food donations.”

For every participating product purchased, identified by a special apple icon, Healthy Planet said it will donate one dollar worth of nutritious staples to local food banks, contributing up to $50,000 in product value during the nine-week Good Food Drive.

How it works:

In-store: All participating SKUs—every item in the Benefits by Nature brand, plus any items from partners such as Once Upon a Farm, KIND, and Vita Coco—will feature the apple icon on their shelf tags.
Online: A dedicated Good Food Drive shop will showcase the full list of eligible brands, and each qualifying item will feature the apple logo on its product page.

“Access to wholesome food is critical for a child’s growth,” said Neil Hetherington, CEO of Daily Bread Food Bank. “Healthy Planet’s product donations help parents turn pantry staples into balanced meals.”

The company said the campaign highlights the growing concern over not just food insecurity, but nutrition insecurity—a situation where many families rely on food banks that lack healthy options. Over 50 per cent of calories consumed by Canadian children come from ultra-processed foods, contributing to poor dietary health. By focusing on non-GMO, minimally processed staples, Healthy Planet is ensuring donations support not only calories but also childhood development and long-term well-being, it said.

Healthy Planet has 40 locations in Ontario.

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WeCook partners with Schwartz for one-day immersive pop-up in Toronto

By

Mario Toneguzzi

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July 28, 2025

WeCook, Canada’s leading ready-to-eat meal delivery service, is bringing a taste of Montréal’s iconic Schwartz’s Deli to Toronto with a one-day-only immersive pop-up!

Schwartz’s by WeCook will open its doors on Wednesday July 30 from 4-8 PM at Avenue Diner, 222 Davenport Rd, Toronto.

Schwartz's GM Frank Silva & WeCook Chef Gabriel Drapeau — Schwartz’s GM Frank Silva & WeCook Chef Gabriel Drapeau

Two new meals created by WeCook’s Executive Chef Gabriel Drapeau (former Executive Chef of Joe Beef Group) featuring Schwartz’s beloved smoked meat will be available at the pop-up.

The meals are also available to order on WeCook’s website for a limited time:

Schwartz’s Montréal Smoked Meat Poutine
- Week of August 17 menu (available to order starting July 21)
Schwartz’s Montréal Smoked Meat Bolognese Pasta
- Week of August 24 menu (available to order starting July 28)

The pop-up will feature the two dishes above for $5 each, prepared by Chef Gabriel himself. Seating is limited and first come, first served.

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Canadian Delivery Trends: Cravings and AI influence on ordering behaviour

By

Mario Toneguzzi

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July 28, 2025

DoorDash Canada’s 2025 Delivery Trends Report uncovers key insights about how Canadians are ordering.

Sample findings that might be relevant for restaurateurs and other business operators include:

Sober-Curious Shift: 76% of Canadians who order alcohol for delivery have also opted for low or no alcohol options in the past six months.
Increased Personalization Appetite: 43% of Canadians say they want AI-powered, personalized recommendations for what to eat or drink. As digital discovery becomes even more tailored, it’s important for restaurants to show up smarter in front of consumers.
Emotions and Impulse: Nearly all Canadians (96%) have ordered delivery to satisfy a craving and 63% placed a last-minute delivery order in the last month.
Multitasking Dining: With 77% of consumers eating delivery meals while watching content, delivery has officially entered the age of background consumption.

“Every year, we survey thousands of consumers to find out what people are craving from their dining and delivery experiences. And every year, these decisions are influenced by the world around us,” said DoorDash.

“Our survey revealed that younger diners in particular want a taste of viral foods from social media, and more than half of consumers are open to having AI make ordering decisions easier – no matter their age. Health foods and sustainable options are high priorities for Gen Z and Millennials, along with non-alcoholic drink options to support a variety of lifestyles.

“Today, mealtimes look pretty different than they did a decade or two ago. Most diners eat their delivery food in front of the TV, and consider restaurant meals as a form of self-care that gives them a break from cooking and meal planning.”

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Clé de Peau Beauté welcomes Nicole Kidman as its new Global Brand Ambassador

By

Mario Toneguzzi

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July 28, 2025

Introducing Nicole Kidman, Clé de Peau Beauté’s new Global Brand Ambassador (CNW Group/Shiseido Canada)

Clé de Peau Beauté, a global luxury skincare and makeup brand, is proud to announce Nicole Kidman as its new Global Brand Ambassador.

Renowned for her commanding presence on and off the screen, as well as her passionate advocacy for women’s causes, Kidman perfectly embodies Clé de Peau Beauté’s vision of Radiance—where a blend of intelligence, artistry, and purpose converge. Her appointment marks a significant moment in the brand history, said the company.

Kidman’s acclaimed career reflects the brand’s DNA—intelligent, exquisite, and uncompromising; shaped by conscious choices and an unwavering passion. With each role, she redefines convention, breaking stereotypes with a dedication that has remained consistent throughout her 40-plus-year career. Her elegance and commitment to meaningful change make her an exceptional ambassador, representing a vision of timeless and transformative beauty and radiance, added the brand in a news release.

Mizuki Hashimoto

“We are delighted to welcome Nicole to the Clé de Peau Beauté family,” said Mizuki Hashimoto, Chief Brand Officer of Clé de Peau Beauté. “We believe Radiance is more than appearance; it’s an inner strength that drives positive change. Nicole exemplifies this belief through her inspiring journey, showcasing how passion and purpose unlock a Radiance that empowers others.”

Beyond her artistic achievements, Kidman has made a profound impact as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, advocating for women and girls’ empowerment through education, economic opportunities, and the fight against gender-based violence. Her philanthropic work aligns seamlessly with Clé de Peau Beauté’s mission to cultivate beauty that inspires confidence and meaningful change, explained the company.

Photo: Nicole KIdman Instagram

“I am thrilled to be joining the Clé de Peau Beauté family,” said Kidman. “I am inspired by the brand’s commitment to celebrate individual beauty across every aspect of a person’s life. I look forward to what we can create together.”

“Committed to telling diverse stories, Kidman has showcased a remarkable range of roles, continuously pushing boundaries to amplify underrepresented voices in the film industry. Her bold choices reflect her commitment to infusing artistry with purpose, aligning with the vision of Radiance as a source of empowerment,” added the brand.

“A true symbol of Radiance, Kidman exemplifies the idea that true radiance is cultivated through purpose and positive action. Her journey highlights the transformative power of beauty, inspiring others to embrace their own unique beauty and light.”

Clé de Peau Beauté, a luxury brand of Shiseido Co., Ltd., was established in 1982. It is available in 26 countries and regions worldwide.

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Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For July 28, 2025

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Retail Insider

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July 27, 2025

News at a Glance

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

These cosmetic stores inside Ontario malls promise customers better skin. Instead, a growing number say they’ve been tricked into high-cost loans (Toronto Star)

Lululemon layoffs hint at tougher landscape for retail (MSNN)

Loblaw ramps up openings of T&T Supermarket US stores; increases use of AI tools to drive business efficiencies (Grocery Business)

Vancouver clothing boutique celebrates 50 years of style (Vancouver Sun)

Retail sales dip in May nationally, but Saskatchewan sees annual gains (GX94)

Loblaw’s Strategic Evolution: A Pathway to Sustained Growth in Canada’s Competitive Grocery Sector (AInvest)

As growing number of Beer Stores close, residents are left ‘empty’ handed (Village Report)

Brand new furniture at thrift store prices help Manitobans break free from addiction (CHVN)

Here’s what’s happening where Metrolinx demolished a block of Toronto stores (BlogTO)

This mobile food market aims to help low-income families in Montreal (CBC)

Beloved Dartmouth bookstore to remain open after surge in community support (CBC)

2 women wanted after $13K of goods allegedly stolen from Trinity-Bellwoods store (CityNews)