Advertisement
Advertisement
Home Blog Page 331

Innovative HR Solutions: Enhancing Employee Engagement and Retention Through Technology

In any company, employee engagement and retention are the two critical factors for ensuring the company sustains itself long term. However, scenarios have changed significantly in the working environment, productivity is supplemented with new technologies, and thus HR departments are looking toward creative solutions to address these areas agilely. It improves employee experiences while creating an atmosphere where people want to stay and grow with the company.

SourceReady offers a complete portfolio of HR and recruitment services that are innovative in their application of AI and automation. By applying advanced Instant Design Ideas using AI, SourceReady allows companies to quickly and efficiently identify the best candidates. With its emphasis on employee engagement, retention, and recruitment, SourceReady arms organizations with the skills to compete successfully in today’s job market.

1. The Importance of Employee Engagement in the Contemporary Workplace Employee engagement runs deeper than simply job satisfaction. Employees who are engaged feel an emotional connection to their work, which fosters productivity, innovation, and the overall success of the company. The Instant Design Ideas with AI is or total remote working setups are proving to be increasingly challenging to keep employees engaged. This further calls for creative HR solutions for better success.

2. The Transformative Role of Technology in HR Best Practices Technology has changed the way HR works at the core. From recruiting to performance management, new software tools and platforms are automating low-value tasks, improving decision-making, and enhancing communication. This helps HR professionals devote less time to operational chores and dedicate more effort to strategic initiatives. 

3. AI and Data Analytics in Employee Engagement AI and data analytics are right at the forefront of creating employee engagement. By collecting and analyzing data on various employee touchpoints, the companies can garner critical insights into employee behavior, preferences, and satisfaction. Such data-driven concepts allow HR to customize engagement strategies to be experts and efficient.

4. Instant Feedback Systems: Real-Time Insights One of the obstacles to improving employee engagement is having a proper and timely understanding of employee sentiments. Modern technology makes it possible for organizations to collect instant feedback from employees concerning their responses through surveys, pulse checks, and sentiment analysis tools. Such engagement from the HR corner enables the prompt addressing of concerns and modulation of strategies for a healthy work environment. 

5. Employee Recognition Platforms Recognition is perhaps the strongest engagement tool. Technology enables organizations to recognize the contributions and achievements of their employees more easily than before. To amplify impact, pair digital kudos with gifts for employee recognition—curated ideas under $5, $10, or $20 can turn a simple shout-out into a tangible moment of appreciation.

6. Breaking Communication Barriers with Collaborative Tools Communication is central to engaged employees in a hybrid working environment. Collaboration tools that include Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom have ensured connectivity, allowing team members to communicate and collaborate from remote locations. They help employees maintain their social contacts with co-workers, thus creating a sense of belongingness even in a dispersed work environment.

7. AI for Personalizing Employee Development Career advancement is something that lies high on the priority ladder for many employees. The available technologies allow HRs to set individual differences in the personal learning and development plans for their employees based on their skills, goals, and career aspirations. AI platforms recommend courses, workshops, and other development opportunities so that employees can take their development into their own hands.

8. Instant Workspace Design Ideas Creation Creating a cozy and personalized workspace can massively impact employee satisfaction and retention. Employees, with the help of AI-based tools, can instantly generate design ideas for their workspaces at home and at the office. This creates an environment that will give them focus, stimulate creativity, enhance their well-being, boost engagement, and contribute to productivity.

9. Flexibility with Remote Work Solutions Remote work is no longer a temporary arrangement: it has found a permanent status. Today, HR solutions equip organizations with the tools to manage their remote workplaces, track performance, and monitor the well-being of employees. Granting the flexibility of working from anywhere greatly enhances engagement and reduces turnover when supported by the right technology.

10. This allows predictive analytics for employee retention along with predicting employee turnover even before it actually happens. By the interpretation of patterns in employee behaviors like engagement levels and performance, HR managers can proactively mitigate issues that lead to attrition. In empowering companies to act when there is still a choice between heads and hearts, predictive analytics help retain their best talents by taking the right interventions just before actual problems blow up.

Conclusion Technology is revolutionizing the HR industry with ways to make productivity more efficient and quite innovative. Such innovations include bringing AI-integrated data and feedback systems to build a well-resourced personalized, engaged, and retained model. Therefore, as times pass in the evolution of future work, HR would require adopting the same technologies to remain relevant and retain talent.

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For March 24, 2025

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 2 days.

Re: Hudson’s Bay:

Hudson’s Bay striped blanket becomes hottest collector’s item before store closures (Streets of Toronto)

Jamie Bradburn: The demise of Hudson’s Bay was written all over the company’s flagship Toronto store (Toronto Star)

The legacy of Hudson’s Bay will survive in thrift shops long after the company is dead and gone (Toronto Star)

‘My plan was to retire there’: As Hudson’s Bay begins liquidation Monday, thousands of employees brace for a massive wave of layoffs (Toronto Star)

I worked at the Bay years ago, and still remember the magic and thrill of the department store (Globe & Mail)

From fur trading post to retail store, Hudson’s Bay Company has played an instrumental role in Kamloops history (Castanet)

‘End of an era’: Ahead of store’s closure, Calgary shoppers seek sales, mementos at The Bay (Calgary Herald)

Union head representing Windsor’s Hudson’s Bay workers calls liquidation decision ‘very sad’ (CKLW)

Other Retail News:

Gen Z consumers say Buy Canadian movement is unaffordable (Globe & Mail)

Fishing for Canadian seafood at the grocery store? Labels may not tell the whole story (CBC)

Anthony Gismondi: What the U.S.-Canada tariff war means for local wine consumers (Vancouver Sun)

Trade war hits ‘Canada-reliant’ Point Roberts stores (BIV)

Hundreds Of Tesla EVs Pile Up In Canadian Parking Lots After Suspicious Sales Rush (Car Scoops)

Duty-free shop owner says his B.C. business is a hostage in cross-border economic war (CBC)

Merchants on this Montreal street call for commercial rent regulation to avoid being priced out (CBC)

‘NOT the 51st State’ art brings booming business to small, Sunshine Coast online store (CTV)

Once home to a Towers store, Welland site poised for rebirth with grocery store, restaurant, retail plaza (Welland Tribune)

Toys ‘R’ Us to close three store locations in Metro Vancouver (Daily Hive)

Falling consumer confidence rattles Vancouver small business owners (PR Peak)

Successful North Vancouver dried foods retailer launches first mall concept at Park Royal (North Shore News)

American booze — made in Canada — amongst those leaving Sask. store shelves (Global)

Police warn downtown Calgary stores of scammers impersonating regional managers (CityNews)

Guildford Town Centre announces immersive Smash + Tess pop-up

Spring Fling Pop-Up Rendering (CNW Group/Guildford Town Centre)

 Guildford Town Centre, Surrey’s premier shopping destination, is introducing Spring Fling, an exclusive pop-up experience with Romper Revolution brand, Smash + Tess. From April 18 to May 19, visitors to the Centre can shop the digitally-native brand’s iconic Rompers and bestsellers. Guildford shoppers will also have exclusive first access to a new Jillian Harris x Smash + Tess Garden Party Collection.

Located in Centre Court, Lower Level, the 660 square foot pop-up is a striking structure, designed to reflect the playful and inclusive values Smash + Tess is known for. Decorated with greenery and lush flowers, velvety shades of rich lavender cover the pop-up’s interior and carry through to the fitting rooms– each fitted with organic-shaped wall mirrors–creating a warm and inviting space to lounge and shop Smash + Tess’ latest collections, said the Centre in a news release.

Source- Smash + Tess
Source- Smash + Tess

“In addition to offering Smash + Tess’ full size range in the pop-up, a special Smash + Tess x Jillian Harris Collection will launch exclusively at the Centre on May 5 while quantities last. Inspired by Jillian Harris’s love for lush gardens and whimsical outdoor gatherings, the Garden Party Collection features four darling designs in soft pastel hues, dreamed up by Jillian herself and embraces the spirit of spring and summer. The lineup of versatile styles includes a maxi dress, mini dress, romper, and summer cardigan is available in sizes 2XS-4X and is designed to make everybody feel chic and confident,” it said.

Ashley Freeborn
Ashley Freeborn

“We’re excited to bring Smash + Tess and the Jillian Harris x Smash + Tess Garden Party Collection to life at Guildford Town Centre,” said Ashley Freeborn, Co-founder of Smash + Tess.

“As a Vancouver-based online brand, we love any opportunity to connect with our community in a physical space, where fans can try on our signature pieces and experience the collection up close.”

To celebrate the Garden Party Collection launch, Guildford Town Centre will host an exclusive meet-and-greet event with Jillian Harris on May 4 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Jillian Harris. Source- Jillian Harris website
Jillian Harris. Source- Jillian Harris website

The Centre said the ticketed event will give attendees the first opportunity to shop the collection, with bubbly, lite bites, and a chance to snap photos with Jillian. Tickets for this are $10 and redeemable with any Smash + Tess purchase that night (in Centre purchase only). Tickets for purchase will be available at guildfordtowncentre.com at 10 am on April 28. Following the event, the Jillian Harris x Smash + Tess Garden Party Collection will be available to the general public at the Guildford Town Centre pop-up from May 5-6, while quantities last. For those unable to attend, the collection will officially launch online at smashtess.com on May 7.

Guildford Town Centre, a shopping mall situated in Surrey, British Columbia, has been catering to shoppers since its establishment on November 8, 1966. With hundreds of stores and restaurants, including popular brands like Hudson’s Bay, Walmart, Apple, and The LEGO Store, it’s a go-to destination for shopping and dining. Notably, it holds the title of the largest mall in the Lower Mainland south of the Fraser River and ranks as the third-largest in British Columbia.

Smash + Tess is a woman-owned and Canadian designed brand created by mother-daughter duo Ashley and Teresa Freeborn.

“Ushering in a new wave of everywear that is effortlessly chic and ethically produced, Smash + Tess has created a coveted clothing line that celebrates simplicity, style and comfort. Smash + Tess is made for every body, celebrating inclusivity and connecting people of all shapes and sizes. The Smash + Tess “Romper Revolution” also promotes a do-good, feel-good approach, through their fundraising efforts that have benefited organizations such as Rainbow Railroad, the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, Girl Up, BC Women’s Hospital, Mamas for Mamas and more,” says the company.

Related Retail Insider stories:

Source- Smash + Tess
Source- Smash + Tess

How Trump’s Trade Agenda Threatens Canada’s Food Security

US President Donald Trump. Photo: AP

What if the dismantling of the global economy isn’t a side effect—but the very point of Donald Trump’s agenda?

By undermining multilateral trade frameworks, imposing aggressive tariffs, and sowing uncertainty across global supply chains, Trump is deliberately attempting to rewire the global economy around the United States. It’s a high-risk strategy, but one that could prove devastatingly effective at reasserting American economic dominance—while letting the rest of the world grapple with the fallout, including skyrocketing food prices and disrupted agricultural markets.

While many in the West view his actions as reckless, even irrational, there’s reason to believe that there’s a deliberate playbook behind this chaos.

Trump has long criticized trade liberalization and globalization. His views on tariffs aren’t new—they date back over three decades. And unlike many presidents who’ve built wealth via globally integrated industries, Trump cut his teeth in real estate and media—sectors largely insulated from international competition. That perspective shapes his disdain for multilateralism and his preference for bilateral economic muscle.

Investor Reactions and Food Sector Strain

Markets have responded accordingly. Since his inauguration, U.S. indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq have posted notable corrections—driven by growing investor concern over persistent inflation, economic slowdowns, and the erratic direction of tariff policy. For the food sector, where margins are thin and supply chains complex, this environment has already increased input costs and weakened trade fluidity.

But beyond the noise, Trump appears to be pursuing a form of neo-mercantilism. His economic worldview echoes a pre-WWI model, where tariffs—not income tax—funded governments. He rejects the post-war consensus: a multilateral order shaped by institutions like the WTO, IMF, and World Bank, designed to foster global economic interdependence and stabilize food flows and commodity markets.

Instead, he envisions a new economic order centered solely on American leverage. His nostalgic vision of an “American Golden Age” involves reduced reliance on trade, reindustrialization, and a consumer-driven economy detached from international obligations.

In this light, what appears like a self-sabotaging trade strategy could in fact be designed to compress global demand, suppress U.S. interest rates, and re-ignite American middle-class consumption—exporting inflation and volatility abroad, particularly into emerging markets and food-importing nations.

How Trump’s Trade Policy Affects Canada Food Security

The implications are profound. If global agri-food flows are destabilized in favour of U.S. self-sufficiency, nations like Canada—highly integrated into American supply chains—become uniquely vulnerable. A weakened Canadian dollar might soften some food prices at home, but the overall macroeconomic shock would be severe.

In such a scenario, Canada’s agri-food sector would need to pivot fast: dismantle protectionist barriers, pursue new trade partnerships, and invest heavily in domestic food resilience and value-added processing. But more fundamentally, Canada would need to recalibrate its agri-food geopolitical posture.

Ottawa’s recent hesitations—such as protecting an underdeveloped battery sector at the cost of agricultural diplomacy—signal a worrying misalignment. While others assess Trump’s return pragmatically, Canada risks being caught flat-footed, trapped in ideological bias rather than strategic foresight.

Canada Food Security Complicated by U.S.-China Tensions

Trump’s antagonism toward China only complicates things further. His narrative frames the pandemic not as a global tragedy, but as a geopolitical affront from a communist regime to capitalist hegemony. In that sense, his economic retaliation—through tariffs, reshoring, and deglobalization—may be viewed as a reassertion of U.S. supremacy.

If true, the consequences are not abstract. They will be felt at ports, in grain terminals, and in grocery aisles.

And as Canada heads into a federal election, the ballot-box question won’t be how to deal with Donald Trump. It will be how to respond to an evolving global food order—one increasingly shaped by two superpowers: the United States and China. This new agri-food world is not only real, it’s shifting by the day. And those who fail to adapt may find themselves not just behind—but left out entirely.

Let’s hope that recognition comes soon.

More from Retail Insider:

Hudson’s Bay to Liquidate Most Stores, Six Stay Open

Hudson's Bay/Saks OFF 5TH in downtown Ottawa (Rideau Street entrance). The building was first occupied by Freiman's department store, which Hudson's Bay took over and rebranded in 1973. Photo: Apple Maps screen shot.

The Hudson’s Bay Company has received court approval to begin liquidation sales at the majority of its retail stores across Canada starting Monday, March 25. The embattled retailer is moving forward with plans to close all but six of its locations, following a short-lived spike in sales that allowed it to temporarily stabilize operations and repay emergency financing.

The liquidation plan applies to 74 Hudson’s Bay stores, two of three Saks Fifth Avenue locations, and 13 Saks OFF 5TH stores across the country. Clearance sales are expected to run through June 15, with all affected locations to be vacated by June 30.

Although six stores were removed from the immediate liquidation list, the future of those sites remains uncertain as the company continues to seek landlord cooperation and potential capital support to restructure.

The move follows a significant spike in sales over the past week, which has provided the troubled retailer with temporary financial relief. A court-appointed monitor and legal counsel confirmed that the company has generated higher-than-expected revenues since entering creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) on March 7.

Six Stores Spared—for Now

In a notable shift from earlier plans to shutter the entire network, six stores have been pulled from the immediate liquidation list:

  • Hudson’s Bay flagship at Yonge and Queen Streets in downtown Toronto (176 Yonge Street/CF Toronto Eaton Centre)
  • Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto
  • Hillcrest Shopping Centre, Richmond Hill, Ontario
  • Downtown Montreal flagship store
  • CF Carrefour Laval, Laval, Quebec
  • CF Fairview Pointe-Claire, Pointe-Claire, Quebec

These locations have seen strong recent performance and may serve as the foundation for a restructured future business—if talks with landlords and lenders yield results quickly. “Sales at the company have exceeded the expectations of both Hudson’s Bay and the monitor,” said Ashley Taylor, legal counsel for Hudson’s Bay, during Friday’s Ontario Superior Court hearing.

Saks Fifth Avenue at the Hudson’s Bay (Yonge and Queen) building in downtown Toronto. Photo: Dustin Fuhs
Above: Letter to Saks Fifth Avenue staff in Canada on Friday, discussing the future of Saks’ Canadian stores.

On Friday, Saks Fifth Avenue management sent a letter to staff about the liquidation, noting that the downtown Toronto Saks store within the Hudson’s Bay building at Yonge and Queen Street would be staying open for now. The CF Sherway Gardens and CF Chinook Centre Saks stores will begin liquidation on Monday.

$21 Million in Sales Sparks Temporary Relief

Between March 8 and 14, Hudson’s Bay recorded nearly $21 million in sales, about $7.4 million more than expected, according to court filings. The unexpected boost, driven by shoppers seeking deals ahead of formal liquidation events, gave the company the financial capacity to repay its $16-million debtor-in-possession (DIP) loan.

The DIP financing, approved earlier this month, came from a group led by Restore Capital LLC, a division of Hilco Global specializing in distressed retail assets. Hudson’s Bay had previously contemplated seeking a larger $23-million facility, but the improved cash position rendered that unnecessary.

On Friday, the court granted approval for the company to repay the initial $16 million loan in full, marking a rare positive milestone in the retailer’s ongoing insolvency proceedings.

Restructuring Agreement in Limbo

In a development that may shape the future of the remaining six stores, Hudson’s Bay disclosed that it has reached a restructuring support agreement with its senior lenders. However, details of that agreement were shared with other stakeholders only shortly before Friday’s court hearing.

As a result, Justice Peter Osborne of the Ontario Superior Court delayed consideration of the restructuring plan until next week, giving other affected parties time to review the proposed terms.

While the agreement may provide a path forward, Taylor stressed that no final deal has yet been made with landlords or other key players to enable a go-forward business plan. “The company does not currently have an agreement on which it could base a restructuring plan,” said Taylor. “The time to do so remains very short.”

If a solution can be found, there is an opportunity to pull additional stores out of the liquidation. If negotiations fail, the six stores currently exempt could still be added to the liquidation process.

(HUDSON’S BAY, YORKDALE. PHOTO: ALEX REBANKS ARCHITECTS. INC.)

Employee Jobs and Real Estate Impact

The CCAA filing has cast a shadow over the future of more than 9,300 employees, whose jobs are at risk if no viable restructuring plan emerges. The collapse of Hudson’s Bay’s retail network would also leave large real estate voids across the country, particularly in major shopping centres and in a handful of downtowns.

The company had previously sought to save approximately half of its stores, but that plan required rent suspensions and landlord-backed investments—concessions that ultimately did not materialize.

Partial Rent Payments Resume for Joint Venture Properties

In a related move, Hudson’s Bay announced that it now has enough liquidity to pay 70 per cent ($7 million) of the rent owed monthly to properties it co-owns in a joint venture with RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust. The company is also prepared to cover unpaid back rent, reversing an earlier court-approved suspension that had drawn criticism.

“This is a good news day for all the parties,” said Joseph Pasquariello, a lawyer representing RioCan. “Any day without complete liquidation is a good day.”

What Comes Next

The coming days will be critical for Hudson’s Bay as it works to finalize restructuring terms that could salvage at least a portion of its iconic retail brand. The court is expected to revisit the restructuring support agreement next week, which could determine whether the six flagship stores have a future—or face the same fate as the rest of the network.

Until then, liquidation sales will proceed as planned at 90 of Hudson’s Bay Co.’s Canadian stores, potentially marking the beginning of the end for a 354-year-old company long considered a pillar of Canadian retail.

More from Retail Insider:

Canadian Retail Sales Surge to Start 2025

Ste-Catherine St. W. in Montreal. Photo: Apple Maps

By J.C. Williams Group

The Canadian retail landscape has kicked off 2025 with a remarkably strong performance, showcasing resilience and adaptability in the face of ongoing economic uncertainties. StatCan All Stores sales have surged by 6.4% YOY, with a robust 5.6% YOY for discretionary spending with All Stores Less Automotive, Food, and Pharmacies. This impressive start can be attributed to a perfect storm of factors, including government stimulus cheques in Ontario, the tax holiday nationally, and consumer behaviour driven by fear of American tariffs.

The Ontario government’s $200 cheque distribution at the end of January, coupled with an extended tax holiday until mid-February, has undoubtedly played a significant role in boosting consumer spending. Moreover, the looming threat of tariffs may have inadvertently spurred a wave of buying, as consumers rushed to stock up on U.S. products amidst market uncertainty. This confluence of events has created a unique economic environment that retailers have capitalized on, resulting in the strong sales figures we’re observing.

Furniture Sector Noteworthy, Ontario Sees Baby Boost

The furniture sector’s performance is particularly noteworthy, with Furniture Stores and Home Furnishings Stores reporting increases of 4.9% and 10.8% YOY, respectively. This uptick is especially significant given the sector’s recent struggles and may signal a resurgence in the housing market. The anticipated interest rate cut (announced on January 29) appears to have rekindled consumer interest in home-related purchases, suggesting that Canadians are preparing for a potentially active spring housing market. This trend could have far-reaching implications for the broader economy, potentially stimulating growth in related industries such as construction and home improvement.

The apparel sector has emerged as a major beneficiary of the Ontario government’s stimulus measures and tax holiday on children’s clothing. With a staggering 14.4% YOY increase, Clothing Stores have experienced a significant boost in sales. This surge suggests that consumers, armed with extra disposable income, prioritized wardrobe updates and post-holiday return to school. The timing of these initiatives has proven particularly effective in driving foot traffic and sales in a sector that often faces challenges during the post-holiday lull.

The food retail sector has demonstrated resilience, with most categories experiencing strong growth. Supermarkets and Other Grocery Stores saw a 4.5% YOY increase, while Specialty Food Stores surged by 11.4% YOY. This growth is particularly impressive given that this is the sector’s first year-over-year decrease in the Consumer Price Index since 2017. The tax holiday appears to have not only boosted other categories but also benefited restaurants, with transaction sizes growing by 5.4% YOY in the first six weeks of the holiday.

Looking Forward

As we navigate through the uncertain terrain of 2025, JCWG is closely monitoring several key factors that could significantly impact the retail landscape:

  • When will the trade war officially commence, and will tariffs become a permanent fixture?
  • What are the anticipated dynamics of the spring housing market?
  • In what ways can national tourism bolster Canadian retailers amidst global travel uncertainties?
  • Will the current climate prompt more individuals to opt for staycations?
  • What will be the impact of the 74 Hudson’s Bay store vacancies, and how will the liquidation process affect other retailers?
  • How are YOU utilizing the “Buy Canadian” movement currently taking place in Canada?

Retail Sales by Product Category, Same Month Comparison

Sales for the Month of JanuaryJan-25Jan-24YOY
All Stores59,827,04956,228,4406.40%
Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers15,777,34514,425,9299.37%
Gasoline Stations6,138,9675,908,5213.90%
All Stores Less Automotive37,910,73735,893,9905.62%
Food and Beverage Stores12,119,60311,577,7644.68%
Supermarkets and Other Grocery Stores*9,013,1758,624,9744.50%
Convenience Stores612,553634,880-3.52%
Specialty Food Stores781,803702,06211.36%
Beer, Wine and Liquor Stores1,712,0731,615,8485.96%
Health and Personal Care Stores5,760,6145,355,0897.57%
All Stores Less Automotive, Food, and Pharmacies20,030,52018,961,1375.64%
General Merchandise Stores7,747,0837,276,1936.47%
Furniture, Home Furnishings, Electronic and Appliance Stores3,392,4743,267,0643.84%
Furniture Stores1,093,8531,043,2544.85%
Home Furnishings Stores641,050578,42510.83%
Electronics and Appliance Stores1,657,5721,645,3860.74%
Clothing and Accessories Stores2,731,1442,422,18912.76%
Clothing Stores2,162,2901,889,78014.42%
Shoe Stores268,639270,879-0.83%
Jewellery, Luggage and Leather Goods Stores300,215261,52914.79%
Sporting Goods, Hobby, Book and Music Stores3,300,3533,192,6063.37%
Building Material and Garden Equipment2,859,4662,803,0842.01%
Miscellaneous Store Retailers2,209,7722,070,4046.73%
Cannabis Retailers418,325401,9614.07%

Retail Sales by Store Category, Year to Date Comparison

Year-to-Date Sales Ending JanuaryJan-25Jan-24YTD
All Stores59,827,04956,228,4406.40%
Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers15,777,34514,425,9299.37%
Gasoline Stations6,138,9675,908,5213.90%
All Stores Less Automotive37,910,73735,893,9905.62%
Food and Beverage Stores12,119,60311,577,7644.68%
Supermarkets and Other Grocery Stores*9,013,1758,624,9744.50%
Convenience Stores612,553634,880-3.52%
Specialty Food Stores781,803702,06211.36%
Beer, Wine and Liquor Stores1,712,0731,615,8485.96%
Health and Personal Care Stores5,760,6145,355,0897.57%
All Stores Less Automotive, Food, and Pharmacies20,030,52018,961,1375.64%
General Merchandise Stores7,747,0837,276,1936.47%
Furniture, Home Furnishings, Electronic and Appliance Stores3,392,4743,267,0643.84%
Furniture Stores1,093,8531,043,2544.85%
Home Furnishings Stores641,050578,42510.83%
Electronics and Appliance Stores1,657,5721,645,3860.74%
Clothing and Accessories Stores2,731,1442,422,18912.76%
Clothing Stores2,162,2901,889,78014.42%
Shoe Stores268,639270,879-0.83%
Jewellery, Luggage and Leather Goods Stores300,215261,52914.79%
Sporting Goods, Hobby, Book and Music Stores3,300,3533,192,6063.37%
Building Material and Garden Equipment2,859,4662,803,0842.01%
Miscellaneous Store Retailers2,209,7722,070,4046.73%
Cannabis Retailers418,325401,9614.07%

Ecommerce Sales

Jan-25Jan-24%
Ecommerce Sales, YTD             3,655,430               3,655,43010.55%
Ecommerce Sales, YOY                 3,655,430                 3,655,43010.55%

Regional Sales, Year to Date Comparison

RegionYear-to-Date, 2025Year-to-Date, 2024YTD
British Columbia8,454,1237,668,63410.24%
Vancouver4,326,3603,996,2048.26%
Alberta7,936,1047,294,6418.79%
Prairies*3,994,9833,680,9148.53%
Ontario22,211,14221,352,3734.02%
Toronto10,084,9759,769,9973.22%
Québec12,818,79912,134,2045.64%
Montréal6,448,3516,089,8235.89%
Atlantic Canada4,186,2113,890,6047.60%
Territories225,686207,0718.99%

NATIONAL RETAIL BULLETIN

Stay up to date with JCWG’s monthly analysis on U. S. and Canadian retail sales.

More from JC Williams Group at Retail Insider:

Retail sales down in January: Statistics Canada

Photo by Gustavo Fring
Photo by Gustavo Fring

Retail sales decreased 0.6% to $69.4 billion in January. Sales were down in three of nine subsectors and were led by decreases at motor vehicle and parts dealers, according to a report released Friday by Statistics Canada.

Core retail sales—which exclude gasoline stations and fuel vendors and motor vehicle and parts dealers—were down 0.2% in January, said the federal agency, adding that in volume terms, retail sales decreased 1.1% in January.

“The largest decrease in retail sales in January was observed at motor vehicle and parts dealers (-2.6%). The decrease was led by lower sales at new car dealers (-3.2%) and automotive parts, accessories and tire retailers (-2.8%). The largest increase in the motor vehicle and parts dealers subsector came from used car dealers (+1.6%),” explained Statistics Canada.

“Sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors (+3.2%) increased in January for a fourth consecutive month. In volume terms, sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors increased 0.1%.”

Following an increase of 2.7% in December, core retail sales decreased 0.2% in January on lower sales at food and beverage retailers (-2.5%). Sales at food and beverage retailers were down mainly on lower sales at supermarkets and other grocery retailers (except convenience retailers), which fell 3.4% in January. To a lesser extent, beer, wine and liquor retailers (-2.0%) also contributed to the decline, added StatsCan.

“Lower sales were also recorded at sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument, book, and miscellaneous retailers (-2.2%) in January. The largest increase in core retail sales in January came from furniture, home furnishings, electronics and appliances retailers (+3.0%).”

On a seasonally adjusted basis, retail e-commerce sales decreased 0.9% to $4.2 billion in January, accounting for 6.1% of total retail trade, noted the federal agency.

“Statistics Canada is providing an advance estimate of retail sales, which suggests that sales decreased 0.4% in February. Owing to its early nature, this figure will be revised. This unofficial estimate was calculated based on responses received from 61.9% of companies surveyed. The average final response rate for the survey over the previous 12 months was 87.9%,” it said.

Related Retail Insider stories:

Adyen introduces seamless donation integration for retailers across Canada

Source: Adyen
Source: Adyen

Adyen, a leading global payments platform, has unveiled a groundbreaking solution that makes charitable donations as easy as tapping a credit card. 

With the launch of its new donation feature, shoppers at participating retailers in Canada can now seamlessly donate to over 200 charities while making purchases in-store or online. By adding a simple prompt at the point of sale, Adyen is streamlining the donation process for consumers, making it easier than ever to support causes they care about without the need for cash or separate transactions.

The initiative, which already includes major retail partners like Uniqlo, H&M, and GDI (Groupe Dynamite Inc), aims to eliminate the clunky donation process often encountered by consumers. 

By integrating charitable giving directly into the payment flow, Adyen ensures that every donation is processed quickly and securely, with funds going directly to the charity’s bank account—bypassing the retailer’s books entirely. 

Source: Adyen
Source: Adyen

The platform also absorbs the associated transaction fees, ensuring that 100% of the donation reaches the intended cause.

In addition to benefiting consumers and charities, the new feature offers significant advantages for retailers. With over 300 stores in Canada using Adyen’s payment terminals, the solution helps retailers streamline their operations by reducing the administrative burden of managing and transferring donations. 

Sander Meijers
Sander Meijers

As Sander Meijers, Adyen’s Country Manager for Canada, explains, it’s a triple win—benefiting the consumer, the charity, and the retailer, with a simple, efficient, and impactful giving experience.

“Garage and Dynamite are fixtures in malls across North America and demonstrate seamless consumer experience at every touch point,” said Meijers. “There is a great opportunity in Canadian retail right now to enhance the consumer experience and we’re excited to be the partner to help brands deliver elevated experiences, leveraging solutions from unified commerce to giving.”

The Montreal-based fashion house that operates retail stores and digital experiences under two banners: Garage and Dynamite, is now live with Adyen’s Giving product.

Giving enables GDI to engage its customers with local causes and their existing non-profit partners, and respond quickly to timely causes. For example, the campaign to raise funds for Americares to support communities impacted by the LA fires went live within 24 hours. GDI saw 3.5 per cent of their customers donate to Americares through Adyen Giving, well above the platform’s two per cent average engagement.

Donna Lutfy
Donna Lutfy

“Charitable giving has always been part of our brand DNA, but Adyen’s Giving product has made the process seamless and agile. The process of onboarding a charitable partner and going live with a campaign through Giving is quick and effortless, empowering our team to be more ambitious with our fundraising goals and respond quickly to our community’s needs,” said Donna Lutfy, Special Advisor, ESG, at GDI. 

“Adyen’s innovative solutions and Giving product are crucial to advancing our ESG goals and helping us remain a leader in the ever-evolving retail landscape. This collaboration is a key step forward in our commitment to providing fashion that aligns with the expectations of our customers.”

For the month of March, Dynamite is partnering with Dress for Success Canada Foundation to collect donations at checkout in all of its Canadian stores.

“Our partnership with Dynamite and the generous support of their customers help provide women and non-binary individuals across the country with pre-employment and job retention support. This includes professional clothing, resume assistance, interview prep, career coaching, access to resources, peer support, and skills workshops – giving them the tools to enter and thrive in the workforce,” says Catherine Curtis, CEO of Dress for Success Canada Foundation. “We thank Dynamite and their customers for ensuring that those who need it most can find meaningful employment and become independent contributors to their communities, families, and country.”

Meijers said Adyen with its smart payment technology wondered if it could make a donation to charity flow seamless.

“Customers are already paying for their purchases through our terminals, so adding a prompt with a quick and easy option to donate makes the process more convenient,” he said.

“Adyen is solving the problem on two ends. As a consumer, it’s easier to donate – I just bought my sweater, and then I can tap on one button to make a donation. And for the retailers, it eliminates the administrative burden of splitting up the payment between the purchase and the donation, then wiring the donation amount to the charity, which often takes up to 90 days.”

Related Retail Insider stories:

Calgary’s retail market booms as vacancy rates fall

Photo by Mario Toneguzzi

Calgary’s retail market is seeing an impressive surge in demand, with vacancy rates hitting record lows and net rents on the rise. 

According to Hani Abdelkader, Principal and Practice Lead with Avison Young’s Retail Leasing and Sales Team, this growth is largely driven by population expansion and a lack of new retail development. The city’s retail sector has developed 500,000 square feet of new space in the past year, with food and beverage retailers leading the charge. 

Hani Abdelkader
Hani Abdelkader

However, while major shopping centres like Chinook Centre and Market Mall continue to thrive, smaller tenants and local businesses are also contributing to the robust market.

Retailers and developers are also adapting to changing consumer habits. 

With high consumer spending and evolving shopping preferences, Calgary’s retail market is expected to remain strong throughout 2025, despite challenges in the grocery sector.

Abdelkader described the Calgary retail market as robust right now.

“We’ve definitely seen a decline in vacancy with positive absorption. I think a lot of that is fueled by population growth and that pretty substantial increase in population base that we’ve seen. It also plays off of the fact that we don’t have a lot of new development happening,” he said.

“I know we have it in the pipeline, but we didn’t deliver a lot of new product last year. We’re actually right around 500,000 square feet, which is especially low for the city and that pushed a lot of retailers to look at built space. So that drove down that vacancy rate pretty substantially. And we saw that especially in occupiers that are sub 2,000 square feet. So food and beverage drove a lot of that demand, for example, and we saw it pretty well scattered throughout the entire city with the exception of downtown probably being our one soft spot.”

Abdelkader said smaller space is in demand and hard to find from 1,000 square feet to just over 1,500 square feet.

“It’s difficult to find if you’re an occupier in the market, you’re struggling to find space right now, especially built space. If you’ve got a couple of year outlook on things and you’re looking at new development, there are opportunities, but to find immediate space is tough. And I think that really happened, we saw a lot of that space come off the market through COVID when we saw food and beverage tenants, especially, just leasing at such a high velocity and such a high volume.”

Uniqlo at CF Chinook Centre (Image: Mario Toneguzzi)

Abdelkader said retailers are telling him that people in Calgary are still spending money.

“We do have still, by comparison to the rest of the market, good disposable income, our earning potential is high here. I think that plays into it. People may be readjusting where they spend their dollars. And I think that’s been a trend that we’ve seen for a number of years. A little bit of that money goes up to luxury, but a lot of it is trying to find that discount segment or that cheaper segment, whether it’s from a shopping experience perspective or a food and beverage perspective as well.”

“It’s a really active market right now and the thing that’s interesting about the market is we are starting to see net rents tick up a little bit. That slight increase is starting to happen. We’ve been flat for a number of years, but this I would say towards the end of 2024 and now what we’re seeing early 2025 is retail rents are going up.”

According to a recent Avison Young retail report, here’s the trends to watch in the Calgary market:

Retailers benefiting from province’s growth

Calgary’s population growth remains the highest in the country, driven by international immigration and interprovincial migration. Calgary boasts the highest personal income per capita among Canada’s major metropolitan areas, making it a very attractive retail destination. The region’s consumer base and economic stability are compelling factors for retailers and investors from outside of the province, which further stimulates the local economy and elevates the area’s profile. 

Retail vacancy continues to decline

E-commerce sales in Canada have leveled off after a significant surge during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, vacancy rates for brick-and-mortar stores have been on the decline, particularly in the suburbs. Retail development has slowly increased in response to demand. While traditional big box and community centres continue to be developed, zoning requirements are driving a shift toward more urban, mixed-use concepts. 

Further grocery store growth is anticipated

Investor preference for essential retail has driven persistent demand for grocery-anchored shopping centres. In Canada, core retail sales continue to be led by non-discretionary merchandise, such as food and beverages, reflecting consumers’ adaptation to an increase in cost of living. Investors are attuned to this trend, prioritizing lease “quality” by favoring long lease terms, stable cash flows, and high covenant strength. Grocery-anchored retail is ideal in this respect, with demand outpacing supply particularly in primary and secondary markets with favourable demographics. 

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For March 21, 2025

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 24 hours.

Hudson’s Bay News:

The Bay dressed Canadians for centuries. Fashion insiders share why it mattered — and why it died (Toronto)

Will the iconic Hudson’s Bay stripes live on? Company reveals it wants to auction off trademarks to highest bidder (Toronto Star)

Opinion | How Canadian-owned Simons flourishes while Hudson’s Bay crumbles (Toronto Star)

‘Iconic’: Downtown Calgary Hudson’s Bay building served as a template for retail empire (Calgary Herald)

People seeking bargains and nostalgia swarm flagship Hudson’s Bay store in Montreal (Montreal Gazette)

Other Retail News:

Shoppers Drug Mart opens first location on a university campus in Ottawa (Grocery Business)

Loblaw continues discount expansion with two new No Frills in Ontario and Alberta (Grocery Business)

Bonnis Properties Sells Hudson Mall On Granville For $89M To Hazelview (Storeys)

B.C. book stores bracing for potentially devastating tariffs (CityNews)

Victoria Public Market to close due to vacancies, new grocery store | Urbanized

Bonnis seeks quick approval for revamped project above Commodore Ballroom (BIV)

Downtown Barrie joins nationwide Shop Main Street Canada campaign (Innisfil News)

The SAQ announces net income of $514.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2024-2025 (Newswire)