“After almost 17 incredible years I’ve decided to leave Shoppers Drug Mart for another opportunity. It’s been a fantastic journey of constant learning and growth. Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaws are incredible companies with incredible people. I will miss them dearly,” he wrote in a LinkedIn post.
Jeff Leger
“I’m proud of how our Shoppers Drug Mart team embraced and supported the Loblaws purpose of helping Canadians Live Life Well. I’m thankful for the dedication and support of our fantastic Associate Owners, Pharmacists, Front Store Managers, Beauty Managers and their teams. We have been able to lead the world in terms of innovation in retail, beauty, and pharmacist delivered care. All achieved because of you and our incredible central office team. I’m proud of our accomplishments and will continue to cheer you on from the sidelines. Thank you!
“I’m excited to share that I will be joining a new company as CEO in early July and will be announcing this over the next couple of weeks.
“The future is bright for the profession of pharmacy!”
The company is the licensor of full-service retail drug stores operating under the name Shoppers Drug Mart® (Pharmaprix® in Québec). With more than 1,350 Shoppers Drug Mart® and Pharmaprix® stores operating in prime locations in each province and two territories, the company is one of the most convenient retailers in Canada. The company also licenses or owns more than 150 medical clinic pharmacies operating under the name Shoppers Simply Pharmacy® (Pharmaprix Simplement Santé® in Québec). In addition to its retail store network, the company owns Shoppers Drug Mart Specialty Health Network Inc., a provider of specialty drug distribution, pharmacy and comprehensive patient support services, MediSystem Inc., a provider of pharmaceutical products and services to long-term care facilities and Lifemark Health Group, Canada’s leading provider of outpatient physiotherapy, massage therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, mental health, and other ancillary rehabilitation services. Shoppers Drug Mart® is an independent operating division of Loblaw Companies Limited.
Walk into any modern retail office today, and you’ll notice something quietly changing the way people work. It comes to the desks. More specifically, adjustable standing desk that lets employees shift from sitting to standing with a tap or lift.
Once seen as a quirky upgrade, these adaptable workstations are considered today as smart, strategic additions to retail offices. If you think that it is just about staying trendy, you are mistaken. This shift uncovers something deeper: a response to the evolving rhythm of how we work, feel, and stay productive in fast-paced, people-driven industries like retail.
Let’s explore what’s fueling this transformation, and why adjustable desks are more than a stylish piece of furniture. They’re a long-term desk investment into people, performance, and the future of retail work.
Retail Work Isn’t What It Used to Be
Retail office culture is undergoing a subtle but significant evolution. It’s no longer just about order-taking or supplier coordination. Today’s retail teams handle analytics, pricing strategy, e-commerce integration, supply chain operations, and all of it often from behind a screen for hours at a stretch.
But here’s the rub: retail doesn’t sit still, so why should the people power it?
Unlike traditional corporate settings, retail offices are closer to the pace and pulse of the front line. There’s energy, fast decisions, and constant change. And yet, too many retail environments still rely on rigid furniture setups that lock employees into static positions for 8–10 hours a day.
That’s where standing desk retail solutions come into play, offering the movement and flexibility that this dynamic space demands.
Why Comfort Matters in Retail Office Design
Retail might be about people and products, but offices are where ideas turn into actions. When those offices aren’t supporting the body, even the best teams start to feel the drag.
And that’s not just talk. Studies show that extended sitting can lead to back pain, reduced circulation, mental fatigue, and long-term health risks. For retail professionals, who already juggle tight deadlines and multi-channel pressure, those physical stressors can quietly chip away at focus, creativity, and resilience.
In contrast, a height-adjustable desk offers a different rhythm. It gives employees choice. Stand when you’re ideating. Sit while you’re deep in a spreadsheet. Shift postures when your energy dips. It sounds small, but these micro-adjustments can create a surprisingly big lift in daily performance.
The Performance Edge: Movement Drives Momentum
Let’s talk about output. Every retail leader wants faster workflows, better focus, and healthier teams. Adjustable desks quietly support all three.
Here’s what happens when you give people the option to move:
Energy improves: Standing boosts circulation, which keeps people alert without another coffee run.
Focus sharpens: Small posture shifts help break mental fatigue cycles.
Communication gets livelier: Standing meetings and stand-up work habits encourage quicker exchanges and more natural movement across teams.
And when you pair these desks with other ergonomic retail furniture, like adjustable monitor arms or anti-fatigue mats, you start building an environment that feels responsive, not restrictive.
Retail teams often live in the details — inventory changes, pricing tweaks, customer preferences. Giving them a workspace that adjusts to their needs lets them stay agile and in control, even when things are moving fast around them.
Why This Is a Desk Investment, And Not Just a Trend
Now let’s talk business. Beyond health and comfort, there’s a solid ROI story here. Adjustable desks aren’t just furniture upgrades, they’re desk investments with measurable return.
Consider this: companies that switch to sit-stand desks report reduced absenteeism, fewer musculoskeletal complaints, and even lower healthcare costs. That adds up. But the real gain? Retention and productivity.
In retail offices, where team cohesion and speed matter, even small boosts in daily performance can translate into significant bottom-line impact over a year.
Plus, adjustable desks last. High-quality models are built for longevity, with smooth electric lifts and sturdy frames designed to withstand years of movement. That durability turns your initial spend into a one-time investment that pays off in work quality, employee satisfaction, and fewer replacements.
And let’s not forget the talent angle. Younger professionals, especially those entering retail from digital or e-commerce backgrounds, expect flexible, wellness-conscious setups. Offering a modern, movement-friendly workstation sends a clear signal that your company values innovation, comfort, and people. That’s powerful for recruitment and culture.
Practicality and Adaptability: One Size Doesn’t Fit All
One of the underrated benefits of a standing desk retail setup is its adaptability across roles. Retail offices can include everything from HR teams to buyers, digital marketers to logistics planners. Each role has different needs, and adjustable desks cater to that diversity without complicating layout plans.
Want more heads-down time? Lower the desk and focus. Need an energy lift or a brainstorming sprint? Raise it and stand. The same desk meets different moods and modes—without requiring a furniture overhaul.
This flexibility is especially valuable in open-plan retail offices, where space is often optimized for flow, not privacy. A height-adjustable desk gives employees a little more personal control in a shared environment. And that’s not just comforting, it’s empowering.
So, Is It Worth It?
Yes. If you’re looking to create a space where retail teams feel better, work smarter, and perform with energy, adjustable standing desks are absolutely worth it. They combine practical design with long-term health benefits, enhance collaboration, and pay off in more than just employee satisfaction.
They’re not just nice-to-have anymore. They’re the infrastructure behind healthier, more responsive retail workspaces.
So the next time you think about upgrading your retail office setup, don’t just look at color palettes or Wi-Fi strength. Look at your desks. The right one might just be the smartest investment you’ll make this year.
Retail isn’t slowing down. Your workspace shouldn’t either. A standing desk that moves with your team? That’s a bold, simple step toward a future where everyone works, and feels, better.
After falling to a record low in March, the Index of Consumer Confidence showed a modest improvement this month, primarily driven by more neutralized sentiment regarding future job market prospects and financial conditions.
Consumers appear to hold a cautiously optimistic outlook regarding future conditions. This might suggest that households expect current economic pressures may ease over time. Yet, this optimism stands in contrast to continued pessimism about present financial circumstances.
Indeed, when asked about their current financial situation there was widespread decline in respondent’s present confidence. This follows the ongoing trend that has persisted over the past several months, driven by a series of evolving economic challenges both at home and abroad.
However, when respondents were asked about future finances, the share of consumers perceiving a deterioration in their future financial situation compared to six months ago decreased 4.2 percentage points to 29.7 per cent, marking the first significant drop since April 2022. Simultaneously, the proportion of consumers foreseeing an improving future financial outlook rose by a cautious 1.5 percentage points, to 15.0 per cent.
When asked about their future job prospects, respondents expressed similar sentiment to that regarding the future financial situation.
The share anticipating fewer job opportunities six months from now fell 7.6 percentage points to 42.0 per cent, following the historic high recorded in last month’s survey.
At the same time, the share expecting more job opportunities six months from now remained largely stable, edging up just 1.3 percentage points to 5.6 per cent.
Evolving domestic economic indicators are likely contributing to a more positive outlook among consumers regarding their future financial situation. The stabilization of inflation alongside interest rates settling into neutral territory appears to be helping.
The U.S. decision to suspend new tariffs on most trading partners, while maintaining those already imposed on Canadian goods and focusing pressure on China, offered only limited clarity but eased broader trade tensions. This partial de-escalation may help explain why Canadian consumers are somewhat more optimistic about the future, even as current sentiment remains weighed down by persistent trade frictions and economic uncertainty.
Overall, the level of consumer confidence remains 22.9 percentage points below its peak six months ago.
Here are the Board’s key consumer insights:
Trade turmoil marks the first cracks in labour market stability. In March, the Canadian economy shed approximately 33,000 jobs, the first monthly decline since July. The strong employment gains observed earlier this year are now at risk of unwinding entirely should uncertainty surrounding tariffs and broader trade policy persist.
Hiring momentum mirrors the drop in employment. Our hiring indexfor the month of March showed a weaker trend, with a noticeable drop in job postings within the services sector. This suggests a cautious stance on workforce expansion, as businesses scale back hiring amid ongoing economic uncertainty.
Despite the recent dip in hiring and employment, consumers still expect future labour market stability. While industries vulnerable to tariffs and global trade disruptions are facing more immediate challenges, consumer sentiment for the future seems to be more positive, at least for the moment.
Bank of Canada halts easing cycle amid rising uncertainties. Although inflation remains relatively stable, the Bank of Canada held its policy rate steady in its latest announcement. The pause reflects growing concerns over external trade tensions and signs of domestic economic weakness, marking a shift from inflation control to broader economic vulnerabilities.
Lead shoes for a limping economy. Canada’s economy is encountering significant headwinds due to trade tensions with both the United States and China, Canada’s major trading partners. With the U.S. implementing tariffs on a number of Canadian goods including automobiles, aluminum and steel, and China imposing tariffs on Canadian agricultural and seafood exports, the country’s economic growth prospects may be stymied.
The Canadian economy will take a hit in the coming months. In light of recent developments, we have revised our national GDP forecast to reflect the impact of escalating U.S. and Chinese tariffs, Canada’s retaliatory measures, and the appreciation of the Canadian dollar. Our call is for a 0.8 per cent slowdown in real GDP for the second quarter of 2025. The anticipated decline in Canadian exports is expected to weigh on business investment, with downstream effects on the labour market. As a result, we estimate a net employment loss of 73,400 jobs (seasonally adjusted at annual rates) over the same period.
Empire Company Limited and its wholly-owned subsidiary Sobeys Inc. has announced that Michael Medline, President and Chief Executive Officer has informed them of his intention to retire from the company in May 2026, allowing the Board of Directors to conduct a thorough internal and external search for his replacement.
As part of its succession planning process, the board has created a special committee to oversee the identification and selection of the company’s next CEO, said the company in a news release.
Michael Medline, president and CEO, Empire Company Limited (CNW Group/Empire Company Limited)
“Michael has been the true embodiment of a resilient, adaptable and courageous business leader since joining Empire more than eight years ago,” said Jim Dickson, Chair of the Board of Empire.
“Not only did he lead the difficult transformation and turnaround of what at the time was a struggling business, he has since steered Empire on its current growth trajectory, delivering immense value for shareholders in a dynamic and ever-changing marketplace, including skillfully navigating the unprecedented headwinds of a global pandemic and the worst inflation in four decades.
“He did all of this while also revitalizing Empire’s organizational culture as well as serving as the staunchest and most passionate advocate for our company and the broader Canadian grocery industry. I am incredibly grateful for Michael’s leadership and look forward to working with him in the coming year as he and his team continue to drive the company’s growth.”
Since Medline assumed leadership of Empire in 2017, the company has delivered average annual adjusted EPS growth of 15% while tripling its share price, making Empire one of the top performers on the TSX during his tenure to date, explained the company.
“I am so incredibly proud of the many accomplishments Empire has achieved and the shareholder value we have created over the past eight years,” said Medline. “Our success has been the direct result of a great strategy, disciplined execution and the dedication and efforts of our 128,000 teammates as well as our excellent leadership team, all of whom come to work each and every day to serve the needs of our customers.
“Our company is stronger, more resilient and well positioned for ongoing success thanks to their efforts. My focus remains on continuing to build on the tremendous progress we have made over the past number of years as our board identifies Empire’s next CEO.
Upon joining Empire in January 2017, Medline led the organization through two successive transformation initiatives that spanned more than five years and saw the company introduce strategic, structural and operational changes that simplified the company’s structure, grew sales, removed significant costs and reengaged both employees and customers, said Empire.
“Medline’s vision to build the company’s brands and delight customers has seen the company invest approximately $2.5 billion over the past eight years in the growth and development of its store network and distribution assets. The acquisitions of Farm Boy (2018) and Longo’s (2021) have strengthened the company’s presence in the important Southern Ontario market, while the expansion of its FreshCo discount banner into Western Canada and development of the company’s multi-cultural strategy has served the needs of the country’s expanding South Asian population. Under Medline’s leadership, Empire also boldly invested in building a world class e-commerce business, Voilà, while reimagining its loyalty program with its launch in 2022 of Scene+ with co-owners Cineplex and Scotiabank,” it said.
“Medline was an early advocate for the Grocery Code of Conduct as a means of ensuring fair and transparent practices across the food supply chain to benefit manufacturers, retailers and, ultimately, Canadian consumers. His commitment to advancing critical Environmental, Social and Governance practices has helped Empire foster a more diverse, inclusive, and sustainable work environment and business. His leadership in supporting and advancing substantial investments by the company in youth mental health, school food programs and Special Olympics, has helped Canadian families while strengthening the fabric of hundreds of communities across the country.”
Sobeys Nova Scotia (Image: Field Agent Canada)
Empire is a Canadian company headquartered in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. Empire’s key businesses are food retailing, through wholly-owned subsidiary Sobeys Inc., and related real estate. With approximately $31.1 billion in annual sales and $16.8 billion in assets, Empire and its subsidiaries, franchisees and affiliates employ approximately 128,000 people.
“There is never a perfect time to retire from a job that you love. It’s been the highlight of my career and such an incredible honour to help lead this iconic Canadian company for more than eight years. I take great pride in knowing that I will be leaving the company in good shape for the next CEO,” Medline added. “I am grateful to our great Chair, Jim Dickson, the Board of Directors and the Sobey family for giving me this opportunity and for their tremendous guidance and support on our journey to transform this company into the best retailer in the country.”
Vancouver Duty Free at Vancouver International Airport. Image supplied
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is undergoing a transformation aimed at redefining the travel retail experience with a newly renovated and expanded duty-free offering that blends international luxury with locally sourced products. Managed by Dufry (now part of Avolta), the upgraded Vancouver Duty Free spans a substantial 30,000 square feet across two international post-security walkthrough locations. These revamped spaces are designed not only to boost passenger engagement but to elevate the airport as a retail destination in its own right.
Eric Pateman
According to Eric Pateman, Vice President, Passenger Experience and Chief Experience Officer for Vancouver International Airport, the expansion added about 7,000 square feet of new space and saw both primary international locations fully renovated in stages to avoid disruptions to sales or passenger satisfaction.
“We pretty much gutted both stores and rebuilt them from the ground up,” said Pateman in an interview. “Everything from the floors to the ceilings is new, and we’ve reimagined how people interact with the space.”
The result is a brighter, more spacious, and thoughtfully laid-out environment that invites discovery, featuring improved traffic flow, better lighting, greenery, and high-end visual merchandising. “We’ve moved away from the traditional ‘cram everything in’ model and embraced a more curated approach,” Pateman added.
Celebration event for the renovated duty free stores at Vancouver International Airport. Image supplied
Expanding the Product Offering: From Prestige to Accessible
One of the most significant shifts in Vancouver Duty Free’s approach is its broadened merchandise mix. While high-end brands like Hermès, Chloe, and MAC Cosmetics still draw in luxury shoppers, there is now more attention paid to mid-market and locally made items that appeal to a wider demographic.
“We’ve added premium wall space for big brands like Macallan,” Pateman explained, “but also for local brands like Northern Bars. The goal was to create a balance—something for everyone.”
With Chinese outbound tourism still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels, the team focused on adjusting the product offering to attract a broader, more diverse traveller base. This includes new direct flights to destinations like Bangkok, Manila, and Dubai, which are bringing in new customer demographics.
“We’re definitely seeing a younger generation come through, and the product mix has shifted to reflect that,” Pateman noted.
Vancouver Duty Free at Vancouver International Airport. Image supplied
North America’s First Haute Parfumerie
One of the standout features of the newly redesigned space is the introduction of the continent’s first airport Haute Parfumerie. The fragrance zone includes niche and luxury perfume houses such as Byredo, Creed, Penhaligon’s, Diptyque, Montale, and Parfums de Marly.
“It’s a really cool area that brings in brands you just don’t find in your average airport,” said Pateman. “And as a dad of three teenage daughters, I can tell you—fragrance is very much having a moment, even among 12-year-olds.”
The success of this zone illustrates how Vancouver Duty Free is evolving to meet contemporary consumer trends, including the influence of celebrity-backed brands and social media-driven purchasing behaviour.
A Growing Focus on Local Brands
Vancouver Duty Free is also doubling down on celebrating British Columbia’s unique offerings. The newly reimagined store showcases local food products, skincare, and spirits that offer a taste of the region’s rich heritage.
Brands such as REYAL, a Vancouver-based men’s skincare company, and NENA, which produces clay-based face masks using ingredients from northern B.C., are among the new wave of local products gracing the shelves. Aromatherapy brand Provence en Couleur, made in small batches on Granville Island, is another example of how the store promotes regional artisanship.
“We’re seeing strong growth in local food and cosmetics,” said Pateman. “Some of these brands are outperforming expectations—especially REYAL, which I’ve personally become a big fan of.”
Luxury Boutique Revamps Within Duty Free
Several standalone boutiques operating under the duty-free umbrella have also undergone substantial renovations. Hermès, which Pateman confirmed is the only such location in a Canadian airport, has expanded both in footprint and in design.
“They’ve gone up in size, but also in scale and style,” he said. “Their global VPs were just here, and they’re thrilled with how it turned out—and with the sales performance.”
Additional boutiques include Moncler, Bulgari, Cartier, Chloe and other high-end fashion labels, with Moose Knuckles also hosting a pop-up. Pateman noted the breadth of high-end retail offerings now available to international travellers.
Sales Rebound and Changing Traveller Profiles
Despite headwinds related to a slowdown in Chinese tourist arrivals, overall sales performance at Vancouver Duty Free has been strong. Pateman confirmed that sales are up double digits year-over-year, particularly within the newly renovated spaces.
“The stores are performing really well. Transborder traffic remains strong, and when we compare to 2019, we’re still seeing year-over-year growth,” he said. “We’ve had to pivot a bit due to the loss of Chinese travellers, but new direct flights are opening up different markets, and that’s helping a lot.”
While U.S. travel to Canada has remained relatively flat, new air routes are supporting continued growth. Air Canada has recently added routes to Dubai, Manila, and Bangkok, enhancing connectivity and attracting new international shoppers.
A Multi-Year Redevelopment Strategy
Pateman joined Vancouver International Airport roughly two and a half years ago with a mandate to rethink the commercial landscape, from retail to food and beverage. Since then, the transformation has been aggressive.
“We’ve changed or renovated more than 30 outlets in the last two years, and we’ve got another dozen or so coming this year,” he said. “Our biggest changes have taken place in Pier A and the WestJet pier, where we’ve seen penetration rates jump nearly 30%.”
The strategy is working not just for shoppers, but for brands. “Triple O’s is now the highest-grossing location in the franchise. Hula Poke is seeing its highest sales here too,” Pateman noted. “So the airport remains a high-value opportunity for food and retail brands.”
Looking Ahead: Uncertain Forecasts, Big Opportunities
Although global uncertainty has tempered enthusiasm for hard forecasts, Pateman remains optimistic about the future of duty-free retail at YVR. He noted that growth will depend largely on aircraft availability, as supply chain delays at Boeing and Airbus continue to limit fleet expansion. “The biggest limiter right now is just a shortage of airplanes.”
The potential for e-commerce in the airport space remains untapped but intriguing. While current regulations limit duty-free sales to travellers present at the airport, Pateman is closely watching trends from Asia, including live selling, to explore new retail channels.
“There’s some exciting innovation happening in Asia that we could learn from,” he said. “We’re looking at how we might adapt similar concepts in our space.”
Revisiting the Idea of Downtown Duty Free
As for the return of downtown duty-free in Canada, Pateman is skeptical. Vancouver once had duty-free stores on Alberni Street, and DFS even had ambitions to open a major store downtown in the 1990s. But changes in travel behaviour and licensing make such a model unlikely today.
“I don’t see those coming back,” he said, though he noted ongoing discussions with regulators about the potential of arrival duty-free—an approach that has seen success in other countries.
“It would be a really good thing for B.C.,” he added.
Final Thoughts
As air travel continues to rebound, Vancouver International Airport is positioning itself as a global model for modern duty-free retail. With its mix of global luxury, local authenticity, and thoughtful design, Vancouver Duty Free is more than just a stop before your gate—it’s a retail destination in its own right.
“The sky really is the limit,” Pateman concluded. “We’ve got over a million square feet of real estate here. With the right strategy, we can turn YVR into a world-class retail and culinary hub.”
Payroll employment in accommodation and food services decreased by 13,600 (-1.0%) in February, bringing the cumulative decline since December 2024 to 19,200 (-1.5%). The decline over the two-month period was driven by full-service restaurants and limited-service eating places (-18,400; -1.8%, according to a report released Thursday by Statistics Canada.
Payroll employment in retail trade decreased by 10,600 (-0.5%) in February, more than offsetting the gain observed in January (+5,700; +0.3%). On a year-over-year basis, payroll employment in retail trade was down 28,500 (-1.4%) in February, added the federal agency.
The month-over-month decline in February in payroll employment in the retail trade sector was led by health and personal care retailers (-2,200; -1.0%), warehouse clubs, supercentres and other general merchandise retailers (-2,100; -1.3%) and building material and supplies dealers (-1,600; -1.2%), it said.
In Canada, 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 49,000 (-0.3%) in February, following an increase of 14,400 (+0.1%) in January. On a year-over-year basis, payroll employment was up 124,300 (+0.7%) in February.
In February, monthly payroll employment declines were recorded in 9 of the 20 sectors, including educational services (-21,300; -1.4%), accommodation and food services (-13,600; -1.0%), retail trade (-10,600; -0.5%), manufacturing (-6,800; -0.4%) and public administration (-5,600; -0.4%). Health care and social assistance (+12,600; +0.5%) as well as administrative and support, waste management and remediation services (+3,700; +0.5%) were the only sectors to record increases in February. The remaining nine sectors were little changed, said Statistics Canada.
Meanwhile, in February, there were 528,000 job vacancies in Canada, marking the sixth consecutive month of little change. On a year-over-year basis, job vacancies were down by 131,100 (-19.9%) in February, it added.
KINTON RAMEN, Canada’s leading Japanese ramen brand, is partnering with global fashion retailer UNIQLO for an exclusive UTme! collection, transforming the love of ramen into wearable art.
This collaboration is a fusion of food, culture, and creativity, celebrating nationwide expansion while showcasing local artistic talent. Through the innovative UTme! platform, KINTON RAMEN and UNIQLO are offering ramen lovers and style enthusiasts a new way to express their passion—through wearable art, according to a news release.
Alan De Luna
“KINTON RAMEN is proudly Canadian, and as we grow across the country, it’s about more than just ramen — it’s about sharing culture in a way that feels local and real,” said Alan De Luna, Senior Marketing Manager at KINTON RAMEN. “Teaming up with UNIQLO isn’t just about style. It’s about celebrating food, art, and the communities that make Canada such a unique place.”
Tanya Mu
Designed by Toronto-based artist Tanya Mu (Tonton Art), the collection showcases bold, hand-drawn illustrations inspired by KINTON RAMEN’s signature bowls. The customizable T-shirts and tote bags will be available exclusively at select UNIQLO Canada stores, offering a seamless blend of Japanese tradition and contemporary design, said the release.
“Partnering with Tanya, an artist who champions creativity and cultural storytelling, alongside UNIQLO makes this collaboration incredibly special,” explained De Luna. “Seeing our ramen-inspired designs worn by fans everywhere is exactly the kind of moment we live for.”
The KINTON RAMEN x UNIQLO UTme! collection will be available at:
• UNIQLO Toronto Eaton Centre • UNIQLO Yorkdale Mall • UNIQLO Metropolis at Metrotown
“Express yourself with a unique creation through the UTme! machine. This innovative on-demand printing platform allows customers to design and personalize their own original T-shirts and tote bags,” said the release.
“Using the UTme! machine, you can create your own custom designs or choose from a curated selection of “stamps” available on in-store iPads, including these exclusive KINTON RAMEN designs. These one-of-a-kind prints will be available at UNIQLO Toronto Eaton Centre, UNIQLO Yorkdale Mall, and UNIQLO Metropolis at Metrotown, bringing a new level of interactive fashion to Canadian shoppers.”
Under the leadership of President and COO Nick Veloce, Innovative Food Brands is steering Chopped Leaf into a new chapter of growth and evolution. Since acquiring the health-focused restaurant brand in 2014, the company has expanded its national footprint and embarked on a strategic brand refresh to meet changing customer expectations.
Veloce confirmed that Innovative Food Brands currently has 122 open Chopped Leaf locations, with another 28 committed. “We’ve got 150 opened and committed to,” he said. “Those should open within 18 months.”
Nick Veloce
The brand, originally launched in western Canada, is now present from coast to coast. “When we bought it, it was just out west,” Veloce explained. “We took it to Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario and also the East Coast.”
Last year marked the 15th anniversary of Chopped Leaf, prompting what Veloce described as a “tweaking and cleansing” of the brand’s image. “We didn’t feel it needed a rehaul,” he said. “We refined our logo—we felt our logo was a bit strong, so we softened it. We changed the inside to make it a little more welcoming, a little more comfortable.”
A notable feature of the refresh includes increased visibility into food preparation. “We dropped our counter so customers can actually see what we’re doing, what we’re prepping. A little more openness from a customer’s perspective,” Veloce noted.
In addition to visual changes, the brand has put a new emphasis on local community engagement.
“We localized it,” said Veloce. “For example, if we opened up a location in Oakville, we’d have a sign as soon as you walk in that says, Hello Oakville, or Hello Edmonton, or wherever we’re going. Our partners are always local operators, so we just felt that it was important to be connected with the local community.”
The new design debuted in Kelowna, and according to Veloce, the company is now in rollout mode across its network. “All the new stores are full-blown new system,” he said.
In early 2024, Innovative Food Brands also made a strategic decision to sell Teriyaki Experience, a brand they had operated since 1986. “We just felt it was time for somebody else to kind of give it the attention it needs, and it gives us the opportunity to focus on our core business,” said Veloce. “We’ve gone full throttle into Chopped Leaf and that was the mindset.”
At the time of the sale, Teriyaki Experience had 40 locations.
Veloce also revealed that the company is piloting a new coffee concept. “It’s ethically sourced, high-quality coffee,” he said. “We’re piloting with McMaster University. We’re doing two locations—one in September, the other in January.”
The university setting aligns with the values of the new concept. “We feel that there’s an opportunity in the university world for that type of concept—more along the lines of ethically sourced and sustainability,” he added. “We just feel there’s a niche there for that kind of concept. So we’ll see how this goes.”
As Innovative Food Brands continues to expand and refine its offerings, the focus remains clear. “We saw a good runway with Chopped Leaf,” said Veloce. “And we’re seeing results with that already.”
By Bruce Winder. I think as Canadians we need to strike the right balance between “buying Canadian” and “avoiding American” products during the trade war with the US. On the surface, consumers may want to boycott American products and retailers but I think we need to be careful with this.
Why?
Bruce Winder
American companies, with Canadian operations, employ hundreds of thousands of Canadians at stores, warehouses, delivery companies and buy from thousands of Canadian suppliers.
Turley-Ewart discusses how the City of Toronto has instructed staff to stop using Amazon for city purchases. But Amazon Canada employs over 45,000 workers and has spent about $50 BN in this country since 2010. With over 70 facilities, they are the de facto distribution system for Canada and sell the products of tens of thousands of Canadian 3rd party marketplace suppliers. Not to mention the millions of dollars they buy from Canadian vendors through their own main line website. Does this seem right to you?
I think some retailers have got the trade war balance right (ie. Loblaw) but other entities (i.e. LCBO) have taken more of an extreme view.
Loblaw has been very clear they are not anti-American; they simply use icons and signage to be transparent to the shopper which items are made or processed in Canada (using a Maple Leaf) and which products are impacted by US imposed tariffs or Canada imposed counter tariffs (with a T). This gives the consumer the right information to make their own decision.
At the LCBO, all US-made alcohol brands have been removed from shelves, online and through wholesalers. This may be too extreme. What about the Canadians who work for these US brands? I am sure many of these firms have Canadian subsidiaries that take care of Canadian sales, marketing, and supply chain, not to mention other support activities. Will these employees lose their jobs now that demand has dried up?
Photo by Mario Toneguzzi
What is the right balance and how do consumers even know if a particular retailer or supplier is owned by Canadians, employs Canadians, or buys from Canadian suppliers? It can be tough to get enough information to make that decision. That is where retailers can help inform consumers through shelf labels and online icons. Nothing beats a good Google search too, letting AI do some research for you.
As a country we need to use caution and not “throw out the baby with the bath water” so to speak. Our supply chains and value chains are intertwined with the US (and globally) and this trade war will not last forever. We need to protect Canada’s interests while protecting Canadian jobs and protecting foreign investment in this country if we are to ever meet our full economic potential.
This recognition honours more than three decades of exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication that has shaped the future of retail in Canada. Brisebois has been at the helm of RCC since 1995, and over the past 30 years, she has elevated the organization into the preeminent voice of retail in the country, said the RCC in a news release.
Diane J. Brisebois. Image: Retail Council of Canada
From general merchandise and grocery to pharmacy and digital innovation, Diane J. Brisebois has made a lasting impact on every sector of retail. With bold leadership, tireless commitment, and deep pride, she has navigated industry upheavals, championed forward-thinking policy, and built powerful alliances between retailers, government, and communities nationwide, it said.
Anne Martin-Vachon
“As Canada’s retail community celebrates this extraordinary milestone, we do so with deep gratitude,” said Anne Martin-Vachon, Chair of the Board of Directors at RCC. “Diane has not only helped define the voice of retail in Canada but has ensured that it echoes with purpose, inclusion, and progress. The Canadian Retail Hall of Fame Award is a testament to a career defined by meaningful impact to Canada’s ever evolving retail sector.”
The RCC said Brisebois’ influence stretches far beyond retail, with invaluable contributions as a board member to national and international organizations, including the Toronto Region Board of Trade, Stewardship Ontario, Covenant House Toronto, and advisor to academic institutions like the School of Retailing of the University of Alberta and St. Mary’s University David Sobey Centre for Retail. Her approach continues to ignite big ideas, bold action, and purpose-driven leadership in the next generation.
Capping off the first day of RCCSTORE25, Canada’s premier retail conference, the Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala will celebrate the industry’s top performers. Taking place June 3–4, 2025, RCCSTORE25 will feature 75+ expert speakers and draw retail leaders from across North America and beyond.
Retail is Canada’s largest private-sector employer with over 2.3 million Canadians working in our industry. This sector is a major economic contributor, generating more than $93 billion annually in wages and employee benefits. In 2024, core retail sales (excluding vehicles and gasoline) exceeded $507 billion. Retail Council of Canada (RCC) members account for more than two-thirds of these core retail sales and 95 per cent of the grocery market. Its membership extends across the country, embracing over 54,000 storefronts in diverse formats such as department, grocery, specialty, discount, independent retailers, online merchants, and quick service restaurants.
