From captivating in-store experiences and standout marketing campaigns to innovative supply chain solutions and forward-thinking sustainability initiatives, this year’s finalists prove that innovation in Canadian retail is not just alive—it’s thriving, said the RCC.
Diane J. Brisebois. Image: Retail Council of Canada
“This year’s entries raised the bar across every category. The innovation we’re seeing in-store, online, and in back-end operations, is a powerful testament to the creativity and resilience of retailers in Canada. Despite ongoing economic headwinds, supply chain hurdles, and global uncertainty, these finalists continue to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible in retail,” said Diane J. Brisebois, President and CEO of Retail Council of Canada.
The winners will be revealed at the Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala on June 3 at the Toronto Congress Centre. Awards of Distinction recipients and students who have earned scholarships through RCC’s Retail Education Scholarship program will also be honoured.
“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, explained RCC.
Retail is Canada’s largest private-sector employer with over 2.3 million Canadians working in the industry. The 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. RCC members account for more than two-thirds of these core retail sales and 95 per cent of the grocery market. The RCC 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.
Foxy Box Laser & Wax Bar, the go-to destination for gender-neutral, inclusive hair removal, is holding a grand opening of its newest location in Cambridge, Ontario on May 10.
“Unlike traditional hair removal studios, Foxy Box is redefining the experience with an upscale, indulgent atmosphere with a touch of humour, cutting-edge technology, and expert services designed to make everyBODY feel confident and empowered. Located at 350 Hespeler Rd, Cambridge, the store will offer its full range of services, including its signature Brazilian wax, state-of-the-art laser hair removal, lash lifts and brow laminations,” said the company.
Led by Tracy DeSantis and Mark Ehrlick, the Cambridge location represents a bold leap into entrepreneurship for them.
“After career changes that reshaped our paths, we knew owning our own business was the way to take charge of our future,” said DeSantis. “Foxy Box stood out as a brand that’s edgy, forward-thinking, and limitless in growth potential. We fell in love with its mission to redefine hair removal as an inclusive, confidence-boosting experience.”
Since its inception, Foxy Box said it has built a reputation for its high-quality services, friendly and skilled wax & laser technicians, unmatched consistency, and a bold and empowering brand ethos that encourages confidence and self-love.
With 21 locations and counting across Canada, the brand continues to grow, setting new standards in the beauty industry, it said.
Kyla Dufresne
“I never imagined that what started as a one-woman operation in my dining room would grow into a national brand,” said Kyla Dufresne, Founder of Foxy Box. “I knew the minute I met Tracy and Mark that they would be the perfect team to bring this experience to Cambridge and welcome new faces into the Foxy family.”
Foxy Box Laser & Wax Bar is a trailblazing, gender-neutral wax bar dedicated to delivering top-tier hair removal services with efficiency, expertise, and a whole lot of fun. Founded in 2012, Foxy Box has redefined the waxing experience with a commitment to inclusivity, humour, and exceptional customer service. The company’s innovative approach includes offering a first-time free wax, a strong membership program, and a vibrant culture built around empowerment and self-confidence. As the first wax bar in Canada to go gender-neutral and a Green Circle Certified business, Foxy Box said it is leading the industry in both inclusivity and sustainability—one smooth box at a time.
Alberta Legislature Building in Edmonton, Alberta. Photo: Construction Canada
Retailers in Alberta are raising serious concerns about the province’s Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act, claiming the legislation exposes them to devastating financial harm—often without their knowledge or involvement in the disputes that trigger it.
Ziad Kaddoura, an Edmonton-based entrepreneur, is leading the charge in calling for change. He says the current lien process allows contractors to file claims with virtually no oversight or verification, putting retail tenants—who may not even be aware of the situation—in immediate legal and financial jeopardy.
Ziad Kaddoura
“Imagine waking up one day to discover that your thriving retail business is suddenly at risk—not because of anything you did wrong, but because of a paperwork loophole,” said Kaddoura. “No court judgment. No opportunity to respond. No real proof required. Just a signed form, and your livelihood is hanging in the balance.”
How Alberta’s Lien Law Works—And Why It’s a Problem for Retailers
Under the Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act, contractors or subcontractors can register a lien on a commercial property simply by filing paperwork with the Alberta Land Titles Office. The stated intention of the legislation is to protect construction professionals from non-payment for completed work.
But according to Kaddoura, the law does not require contractors to provide any evidence or proof that the tenant or landlord agreed to the work, received the invoice, or was even made aware of the costs being claimed.
“There is no requirement to submit evidence, no burden of proof, and no formal hearing,” he said. “Just like that, a lien is registered, and it’s the retailer who pays the price.”
The implications are dire. A lien on the property can result in a tenant breaching their lease, defaulting on loan agreements, or even facing eviction. Challenging or removing the lien, meanwhile, can take months and cost thousands of dollars in legal fees—an effort few small or mid-sized retailers can afford.
West Edmonton Mall. Photo: Craig Patterson
“It Happens More Than You’d Think”
Kaddoura notes that the impact of this legal blind spot is not rare or hypothetical. He describes it as a recurring issue that affects retailers province-wide.
“Retailers can be caught in the crossfire of disputes they had nothing to do with, yet are forced to bear the full financial fallout,” he explained. “There is no obligation for the contractor to prove that their work was authorized by the retailer, or that the invoice was accurate, reasonable, or even delivered.”
He says this lack of accountability creates opportunities for abuse. In cases where landlords hire contractors to do improvements or repairs, retailers may become unintended casualties if those contractors aren’t paid—or even if they claim they weren’t paid. Because the lien process bypasses the court system, there’s no judge involved to evaluate the legitimacy of the claim.
“Unlike other legal claims, where a judge reviews evidence and arguments before issuing an order, a lien can be slapped onto a property with no judicial oversight—just a form, a signature, and a fee.”
A Retailer’s Reform Proposal
Kaddoura is now calling on the Government of Alberta to implement urgent reforms to the legislation to ensure fairness and due process for business owners. His proposed changes include:
Mandatory Documentation: Contractors should have to file proof—such as signed contracts and approved invoices—when registering a lien.
Retailer Notification and Response Period: Retail tenants should be notified in advance and allowed to respond before a lien is registered.
Court Oversight: Lien approvals should require judicial review, as is common with most other legal processes.
Retailer Protections: Leaseholders should be protected from liens arising from third-party contractor agreements they didn’t initiate or authorize.
“This is not just a legal issue—it’s an economic one,” Kaddoura emphasized. “Retailers across Alberta are already navigating rising costs, labour shortages, and post-pandemic recovery. The lien process, as it stands, threatens their survival based on a technicality.”
100 Avenue in downtown Grande Prairie, Alberta. Photo: Apple Maps
Rallying Retailers and Business Advocates
Kaddoura is urging others in the retail industry to speak up and take action before more businesses are impacted. He believes the issue extends far beyond his own experience, and that collaboration among entrepreneurs, business groups, and policy-makers is essential.
“We cannot allow paperwork to override fairness,” he said. “I urge retailers, business owners, and industry associations to join me in pushing for these critical reforms.”
Organizations such as the Retail Council of Canada, Canadian Federation of Independent Business, and local chambers of commerce may be well-positioned to bring further visibility to the issue and encourage government engagement.
“Together, we can protect our businesses, our employees, and our communities from being collateral damage in a broken system,” Kaddoura said.
What’s Next?
There is currently no formal review underway by the Alberta government on the Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act. However, increased lobbying from small businesses and retailers could place pressure on lawmakers to revisit the legislation—particularly if more cases come to light.
Kaddoura says he’s prepared to meet with policymakers, share additional stories from other affected business owners, and advocate for changes that preserve both the intent of the law and the protection of law-abiding tenants.
“Let’s make Alberta’s lien laws fair for everyone,” he concluded.
Toronto’s retail scene continues to evolve with the growing success of The Welcome Market, a hybrid space that fuses vintage and handmade retail experiences while placing diversity and community at the heart of its mission.
Cindy Chau
Launched during the early days of pandemic recovery, founder Cindy Chau said the idea for The Welcome Market began as a personal side hustle on Instagram.
“I started the Welcome Market around 2021, October,” she said. “It was definitely a post-COVID idea that we had. I kind of started off myself as a vintage decor seller on Instagram, so that was kind of my side hustle during COVID.”
As restrictions began to ease, Chau identified a gap in the market that blended curated retail with representation and inclusivity.
“We noticed that there was a need for the markets to come back—and in a space where it combines both vintage and handmade goods,” she explained. “Before COVID, it was vintage markets or vintage clothing shows, and then there were artisanal markets and flea markets. But at the time, there wasn’t a space where it integrated both.”
Source: The Welcome Market
That realization was the seed that grew into The Welcome Market. More than just a venue for local vendors, Chau’s initiative puts community and representation first.
“One of the things that I noticed a lot of the time was not seeing a space where I felt like I belonged,” she said. “So being able to create a market that not only sells vintage and handmade, but also has a priority for BIPOC folks to have a space as well.”
Since 2023, the market has had a semi-permanent home at 938 Queen Street West, situated in the trendy West Queen West district between Ossington and Trinity Bellwoods.
“It provides less of a barrier for folks to shop local because it’s on such a central street,” said Chau. “Even if it’s just someone noticing our market for the first time, or looking for something to do before their dinner or brunch reservation, we provide a space where they can come across a new local brand or a new favourite.”
The main-floor, 2,300-square-foot space is also fully accessible and supports up to 35 vendors at a time, with that number increasing to nearly 40 in the summer with outdoor space available.
“What’s great about this space is that it’s big, but it definitely could be bigger with the demand that we have,” Chau said. “We have an ongoing list of 4,000 applications that we have in total since we’ve started.”
The market hosts a multitude of small business vendors, swapping out for different seasons, combines a strong social media presence from owned accounts as well as other Toronto creators who frequently share vlogs/day in my life content.
Chau emphasized that the goal is to create opportunity for businesses both new and returning.
“We’re always trying to make sure we’re providing space for folks that have never done a market before, but also for those that have done it in the past and have enough customer demand.”
Source: The Welcome Market
She acknowledged the financial challenges small businesses face in accessing space in Toronto.
“Right now, renting a short-term space in Toronto is not the most easy feat, with a lot of spaces preferring long-term leases or pricing short-term rentals so high that it’s not feasible,” said Chau. “What’s great about markets like myself and others is that we provide a more cost-effective space for businesses to pop up and interact with their customers in person.”
As part of Asian Heritage Month, The Welcome Market is also planning a special event in partnership with Councillor Lily Cheng on May 10 at Mel Lastman Square in North York.
“One of the things we do to keep things fresh and engaging is that every pop-up is different—whether it’s themed for a holiday or for Asian Heritage Month,” she said.
In addition to in-person engagement, The Welcome Market has seen significant growth through social media—especially on TikTok.
“The biggest platform we use is TikTok. A lot of the trends start there and then migrate to Instagram,” said Chau. “One of the things that we love to do is not to promote the market directly, but more so show the experience.”
Source: The Welcome Market
She noted that their primary demographic, Gen Z, responds better to authenticity than traditional advertising.
“They don’t like to be marketed to, but want to see what to expect without overdoing it. We don’t really have to show much about the experience anymore—people want to show Canadian support and community, and they’re now actively looking for places like ours to go.”
As the demand for local, diverse, and accessible retail spaces continues to grow in Toronto, The Welcome Market is leading the charge—one pop-up at a time.
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.
Carmelo Anthony for David Yurman Men’s Campaign, Spring/Summer 2025
David Yurman, America’s foremost luxury jewelry brand, has announced its latest partnership with basketball legends Carmelo Anthony and Jaylen Brown for the brand’s new Men’s campaign featuring its signature Curb Chain collection.
Building on last year’s success with a celebrated cast of today’s most decorated athletes, this collaboration embodies the brand’s boundary-pushing spirit and continued commitment to culture and innovation, said the company.
Anthony and Brown, both celebrated for their excellence on and off the court, embody the passion and individuality that define David Yurman’s men’s collections. Shot by acclaimed creative director Set Free Richardson, the campaign showcases iconic pieces from the Curb Chain collection—a reflection of strength, movement, and artistry. Through this partnership, David Yurman becomes the go-to destination for chains with unparalleled style and craftsmanship—one of the sports industry’s most beloved fashion items—and continues to solidify its position as a leader in men’s jewelry, offering timeless pieces that stand out amongst today’s evolving style landscape, said the brand.
Source- GQ
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Carmelo and Jaylen, two incredible athletes who exemplify leadership, style, and dedication,” said Evan Yurman, President of David Yurman. “Their ability to inspire both in the game and in culture makes them the perfect ambassadors for our brand. Jewelry is an extension of personal style and they wear it with authenticity and confidence.”
“David Yurman embodies the perfect blend of craftmanship and timelessness,” said Carmelo Anthony.
The basketball icon was styled by creative director Khalilah Beavers for the campaign that shows Anthony in a meaningful tête-à-tête with his son Kiyan Anthony who is poised to follow in his father’s footsteps. As the two play a game of pool, they talk life beyond basketball and the risks that come with striving for greatness, said the company.
“I’ve always gravitated to unique pieces that tell a story, and these collections truly reflect that level of artistry and narrative,” he said.
Jaylen Brown for David Yurman Men’s Campaign, Spring/Summer 2025
“Jewelry is a statement—it’s about energy and presence,” added Jaylen Brown. Styled by renowned duo Wayman & Micah, the Celtics star can be seen playing chess with his grandfather Willie Brown as they reflect on what it takes to truly succeed: a strong mind and the courage to never give up. “David Yurman’s designs allow me to express myself and show up elegant and timeless.”
The campaign will be featured across global social media channels @davidyurman and @davidyurmanmen, with advertising placements rolling out throughout the year.
David Yurman is a celebrated American jewelry company founded in New York by David Yurman, a sculptor, and his wife, Sybil, a painter and ceramicist. David Yurman collections are available on DavidYurman.com as well as 51 retail stores throughout the United States, Canada, Hong Kong and France and at over 300 locations worldwide, through their exclusive authorized fine jewelry and timepiece network of retailers.
New small format No Frills opens in downtown Toronto (CNW Group/Loblaw Companies Limited - Public Relations)
Statistics Canada recently reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for March was up 2.3%, with food inflation higher again, up 3.2%. Tariffs continue to impact inflation, challenging key sectors and lowering consumer confidence, according to the Loblaw April Food Inflation Report which was released on Monday.
While the impact of Canada’s counter tariffs was minimal on food prices in March, as retailers sell through existing inventories higher prices will begin appearing on shelf, it said.
The impact of tariffs on “Made in Canada”
“Made in Canada” products are prominent throughout grocery stores, but consumers have reported some confusion about what that means. For a product to claim “Made in Canada” it means that the last substantial transformation or processing of the product occurred in Canada. This can include assembling or processing ingredients into a finished product, even if some of the ingredients were imported. Using a granola bar as an example, while manufactured here in Canada, often the chocolate chips and peanuts are imported from the U.S. Both of those ingredients are currently subject to a 25% tariff, partially impacting the price of the final product, said the report.
When tariffs stack
“While currently on pause, the tariffs the U.S. has threatened to impose on dozens of countries could indirectly impact food prices here in Canada. Coffee, already facing higher than normal prices due to a poor growing season, is one example. Many U.S. coffee producers import their beans from Vietnam (the second largest producer after Brazil), which could attract a 46% tariff. After roasting and packaging in the U.S., that finished product is sent to Canada, where an additional 25% tariff exists upon entry. As a result, every $1 spent on coffee previously could conceptually cost as much as $1.82 after tariffs,” explained Loblaw.
Our eggs are in more than one basket
“The price of eggs in the U.S. has been in the headlines for several months and, while prices are starting to improve, they’re still up more than 60% since this time last year. In Canada, we haven’t seen the same impact of the Avian Flu crisis, and prices have been much more stable for customers. However, Canada is a net importer of liquid eggs from the U.S., and that cost has increased substantially. Aside from liquid eggs in the egg aisle, the biggest impact will be seen in baked goods, like muffins, cakes and cookies.” added the company.
The report said:
Meat – Pork prices have been rising with demand over the past few months. Chicken remains high after ongoing supply challenges and the beef herd is the smallest since the 1970s due to drought conditions and rising feed prices. Nuts – Nut prices are rising due to a combination of factors, including increased global demand, changes in consumer preferences, and the impact of poor weather in major nutproducing regions. Almonds, Cashews, Walnuts, Pecans, Brazil Nuts collectively have a weighted average increase YOY of 32.7% Coffee – Tight supplies from the 2024 harvest means continued volatility for coffee prices. Recent U.S. tariffs on coffee growing countries led to a minor sell off, then rebound when tariffs paused.
Living Beauty, a new beauty and wellness brand with luxury skincare and beauty essentials, has officially opened its doors on Dupont Street in Toronto, marking a significant addition to the city’s growing retail scene. The store, which opened on March 31st, offers a unique blend of high-end skincare and spa services, coupled with a European-inspired aesthetic that has already garnered positive feedback from local customers.
Mariam White
Founded by Mariam White, Living Beauty aims to bring a much-needed local option for beauty and wellness services in a neighbourhood that is seeing a surge of new businesses.
“What’s been really nice is that people are excited for a local option,” White said. “Beauty is often located in certain areas, especially in Toronto or in malls, so the feedback has been great. People really love our space.”
“Beauty is very personal and deeply emotional—it’s precisely why we’ve created a zero-pressure retail environment that emphasizes comfort, curiosity and real advice. With this neighbourhood-focused location, we see our small footprint, intimate approach and community-focused location as the future of beauty retail.”
The store features a retail component at the front, where customers can find a variety of beauty products, including skincare essentials, makeup, and brow services. The spa area, which is set to open in the coming week, will offer four treatment rooms and provide services such as bi-facials, laser hair removal, and the popular medical device treatments Clear and Brilliant and Ionic Light—two cutting-edge treatments that are rare in Canada.
Source: Living Beauty
White also noted that the spa will eventually add injectables in the next six weeks.
“The space is really beautiful, and we wanted to create an escape for our clients,” White explained. “People have said it doesn’t feel like Toronto. I don’t know what that means, but they say it feels like Europe. That’s very validating for us.”
The location, situated in close proximity to the Ossington neighborhood, is part of a wider trend of urban renewal along Dupont Street, which is attracting new retailers, restaurants, and other businesses. White believes that the area will continue to evolve as a commercial hub, fueled by new condo developments and a growing retail presence.
“Dupont Street in Toronto is slated to become more commercial,” she said. “It was always a little bit industrial, but now it’s right in the centre of the city, and we’re seeing it become a new hotspot.”
Living Beauty’s unique concept also allows the brand to experiment with different models, including potentially offering express facials in the retail area. “We’re our own entity, so we can really play with different models,” White said. “It’s all about finding what works for our customers.”
The brand, which sources many of its products from Europe, has also managed to navigate the challenges posed by recent tariff issues, ensuring that price increases are kept to a minimum.
“We’re really lucky that a majority of our brands originate in Europe,” White shared. “We’re working hard to maintain prices and prevent crazy price hikes because Canadians are already taxed to the max right now, and we don’t want to add to that burden.”
Despite the economic pressures faced by consumers, White believes that the demand for personal care services remains strong. “Personal care can be seen as a luxury, but for a lot of our clients, it’s an everyday essential,” she said. “They consider skincare and products like SPF as important as their toothpaste.”
Source: Living Beauty
As Living Beauty grows, White is optimistic about the brand’s ability to cater to the evolving needs of the Toronto market, with an emphasis on high-quality services and a distinctive European-inspired experience that sets the store apart from others in the city.
With the continued expansion of Dupont Street and the growing desire for localized beauty options, Living Beauty is poised to become a key player in the Toronto beauty and wellness scene.
The new Living Beauty flagship offers a thoughtfully curated selection of results-driven skincare and beauty brands, tailored to support every stage of an individual’s evolving beauty journey.
Featuring over 25 premium lines — including cult-favorites like Biologique Recherche and exclusive Canadian access to brands such as Mimetique and La Bonne Brosse — the flagship brings together a curated edit of performance-led products.
White said every service on the Living Beauty flagship menu is backed by science and chosen with intention.
Source: Living Beauty
Whether that’s a glow-enhancing facial or state-of-the-art skin tech, some professional skincare treatments on offer include:
● Biologique Recherche Facials – A personalized, high-performance facial that enhances skin function and glow.
● Clear + Brilliant Laser – A fractional laser designed for preventative and corrective skin renewal.
● DP4 Microneedling – Precision skin remodeling for fine lines, texture and hyperpigmentation.
● Advanced Chemical Peels – A new generation of peels designed for maximum results with minimal downtime.
● Splendor X Laser Hair Removal – Cutting-edge, gel-free laser technology designed for all skin tones.
In addition to its treatments and retail offerings, Living Beauty serves as a dynamic space for connection, education, and discovery. The flagship location will regularly host immersive in-store events where customers, brand founders, and industry experts come together to explore the latest in skincare, wellness, and professional beauty.
Upcoming events include:
● Linder Health | May 1: A live information session and deep dive into advanced skincare formulations, hosted in partnership with Linder Health. Influencers will receive professional chemical peel treatments.
● Ruby Hammer | May 13: The brand will offer exclusive, media-facing events including a masterclass led by renowned makeup artist Ruby Hammer and 1:1 make-up applications by Ruby herself.
“What’s interesting is that we’re seeing quite a few retail sales. Personal care can be seen as a luxury, but for a lot of our clients, it’s essential. They consider a particular SPF or skincare product as important as their toothpaste—just a more expensive version of it. On the wholesale side, we’re seeing that retailers are looking to refresh their assortments and add new brands. There’s definitely an attraction to brands that originate in Canada or Europe, probably because of the tariffs. Those are definitely affecting people’s attitudes,” added White.
Aisle 24, the fully automated, cashier-less convenience store chain, is accelerating its growth in British Columbia with the launch of its first location on Robson Street in Vancouver, officially opening on May 9, with grand opening celebrations running through May 11.
The company’s BC expansion is being led by Ken Oki, who serves as the Master Franchisee for the province. Oki and a business partner took over the rights to the region with the goal of building out at least 25 locations over the next three to five years.
Source: Aisle 24
“We took over the region for BC to help develop the market over the next five years,” said Oki. “Along with our group, we’ve taken the build-out and rights to grow Aisle 24 in British Columbia.”
Following the Robson launch, a second location is set to open this summer in Richmond, near Richmond Hospital. The expansion strategy includes plans for new locations in Burnaby by 2027 in partnership with Anthem Properties, as well as ongoing discussions with real estate developers to secure optimal sites across the province.
“These are wonderfully sizable stores, so we can get into some pretty tight spaces in residential complexes where there might be gated security,” said Oki. “But we can also get into the bigger public spaces—we have quite a bit of flexibility in where we can fit.”
He said Vancouver’s retail space is tight, but the team is identifying solid opportunities. “Usually right now we’re in the bases of condominiums—that’s where we’ve been seeing a lot of locations, especially in Ontario. We’re also exploring university campuses.”
Store sizes vary depending on location. “The Robson store is about 2,000 square feet—one of our larger locations. The Richmond location will be around 1,000 square feet. So the average or happy medium is about 1,500 square feet,” said Oki.
He said the concept fits well in Vancouver due to the city’s dense urban population and work-from-home trends.
Source: Aisle 24
“Especially with the shift to working at home, and people living in the downtown core and in these master-planned communities that big and small developers have been building—it’s a widely accepted concept,” he said. “People don’t want to run to a grocery store and spend an hour or two just for milk and eggs. They can just run downstairs, grab what they need, and get back to their day. That’s the feedback we get from a lot of users in Ontario.”
Currently, there are 35 Aisle 24 locations in Canada, with several more set to open in early May in Toronto.
“With those and our Robson location, that will bring the total number of stores to 38.”
Although the BC focus is top of mind, Oki confirmed the brand is eyeing further western Canadian growth. “We’re looking to open in Calgary as well. There’s already one in downtown Edmonton, but Calgary is definitely an up-and-coming area for us.”
Circana, LLC, has unveiled new research, “Emerging Trends: Daypart Disruptions Impacting Consumer Behavior,” during the 2025 Growth Summit in Orlando, Florida. The study reveals the evolving dynamics of daily eating patterns, the rise of snack foods in traditional meals, and the influence of life stages and workplace changes on consumer habits.
David Portalatin
“Our research showcases how disruptions in traditional mealtimes are creating opportunities for businesses to rethink their strategies,” saidDavid Portalatin, senior vice president and food industry advisor for Circana. “By addressing these shifts, companies can stay relevant and connected to their audiences while tapping into new moments for growth.”
The report highlights pivotal shifts in consumer behaviour, including:
Transformations in Daily Eating Patterns: Early breakfasts are becoming more prominent, with 39% of consumers eating before 8 a.m., an increase of 5 points in 2024 compared to 2020. Lunchtime is losing favour as more consumers turn to convenient, on-the-go solutions, while dinner is increasingly shaped by heat-and-eat or ready-to-eat options.
Snack Foods Redefining Meals: Snacks are no longer just between-meal indulgences but are frequently integrated into lunches and dinners, with snackable items like chips, crackers, and nuts gaining popularity. In 2024, 37% of consumers were looking for quick bites instead of larger meals, compared to 36% in 2023, and 29% in 2010.
Influence of Work Trends: The shift to hybrid work models has markedly changed away-from-home meal consumption patterns for morning and lunch occasions. Initially, the increase in hybrid and remote schedules posed headwinds for the foodservice industry. However, office occupancy rates have been trending upward, as many companies have strengthened their return-to-office policies. This shift presents a valuable opportunity for the foodservice industry to boost demand for morning commute and lunch occasions. Notably, in January and February, white-collar workers increased their on-premises foodservice morning and lunch visits by 8% compared to a year ago.
“Recognizing these emerging consumption moments will help restaurants and retailers to reimagine opportunities across dayparts and tailor offerings to fit evolving consumer preferences for portion size, portability and price points,” added Portalatin.
Circana is a leader in providing technology, AI, and data to fast-moving consumer packaged goods companies, durables manufacturers, and retailers seeking to optimize their businesses.
