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Costco Opens New and Expanded Warehouse in Newmarket

By
Craig Patterson
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Costco Newmarket. Image: Costco Canada

Costco Wholesale has opened its new warehouse location in Newmarket at 107 Harry Walker Parkway South, west of Highway 404 near Davis Drive. The store, which opened to members today, replaces the original Newmarket warehouse on Yonge Street that had served the community for nearly 23 years.

The former Yonge Street site is now closed as it undergoes conversion into the East Gwillimbury Costco Business Centre, set to open later this year. This development positions Newmarket as a significant hub for Costco’s operations in the region.

The relocation has resulted in the creation of approximately 70 new permanent jobs, in addition to retaining the 450 employees who worked at the original warehouse. This expansion underscores Costco’s investment in both Newmarket and the surrounding communities.

“With the relocation of our Newmarket warehouse, we can continue to serve all of our members in Newmarket and the surrounding area, and bring new consumers and businesses to uncover the benefits of a Costco membership,” said Gino Dorico, Senior Vice-President and Country Manager, Costco Wholesale Canada. “We are very proud to share this new, larger location with our valued existing and new members in the local community and throughout the area.”

Newmarket Mayor John Taylor echoed the sentiment, calling the opening a milestone for the town. “Many Newmarket residents have been excited about the new, highly anticipated, full-service Costco in Newmarket. The new warehouse has created hundreds of local jobs and valuable employment opportunities for Newmarket and the surrounding area. We welcome the investment in our community.”

Features of the New Location

At more than 166,000 square feet, the Newmarket warehouse is designed to offer members a spacious, modern shopping environment. Wide aisles and expanded services are at the core of the new facility.

The warehouse includes a large food court, bakery, rotisserie chicken section, and an expansive produce area. Specialty services include a hearing aid centre, optical centre, and a tire centre with five service bays. The location also introduces a fresh sushi bar, which is only the third of its kind in Canada.

A 24-pump gas station provides additional convenience, while over 1,300 shopping carts and more than 1,000 parking spaces ensure accessibility for members.

Like other Costco Wholesale warehouses, the new Newmarket location offers more than 3,200 items, including groceries, household products, apparel, and specialty goods. Members also have access to a wide range of services aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, including bulk supplies and products for resale.

The warehouse opening includes limited-time promotions such as $400 off an LG 86-inch 4K television and $35 off AAA whole beef tenderloin. Alcohol sales at the Newmarket location include beer, wine, champagne, and ready-to-drink beverages, aligning with offerings at Costco’s other Ontario stores.

Membership and Benefits

Costco Wholesale operates on a membership-only basis. A Gold Star Membership is available for $65 annually, while an Executive Membership costs $130 per year. Both membership types include a free household card and are valid at Costco locations worldwide.

Executive Membership provides additional benefits, including a 2% annual reward on qualifying purchases, exclusive merchandise offers, and access to special incentives on travel insurance, payment processing, and storage solutions.

Canadian membership remains robust, with over 17 million cardholders across the country. Members also have access to Costco.ca, where thousands of additional items are available, including same-day grocery delivery.

Costco’s Canadian Presence

Costco Wholesale currently operates 110 warehouses across Canada and 909 globally. The company has a longstanding presence in Ontario, with 41 locations across the province.

The first Canadian warehouse opened in Burnaby, British Columbia in 1985, followed by Quebec’s first location in Saint-Laurent in 1986. Today, Costco employs over 50,000 people in Canada, with more than 19,000 based in Ontario. The company’s Canadian head office is located in Ottawa.

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Too Good To Go launches at Food Basics to help Ontarians save money and reduce food waste

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo: Food Basics
Photo: Food Basics

 Food Basics says it is furthering its commitment to offer customers “always more for less” through a new partnership with Too Good To Go, the world’s largest marketplace for surplus food. All 148 Food Basics locations across Ontario are live on the Too Good To Go app, giving shoppers a new, convenient way to access fresh groceries at deep discounts, while helping to tackle food waste.

Building on the success of partnerships with Metro Ontario, Metro Quebec, and Super C, Food Basics becomes the latest banner in the Metro Inc. family to join the global movement to reduce food waste. Since the first Metro Ontario stores launched on the platform in November 2022, the grocer has helped save more than 1 million meals from going to waste, according to a news release.

Consumers have the option of picking from four categories of Surprise Bags. Varieties of the following will be sold at a significant discount:

  • Meat and Seafood (at $9.99, $30 value)
  • Bakery (at $5.99, $18 value)
  • Dairy (at $5.99, $18 value)
  • Deli (at $5.99, $18 in value
Hardeep Kharaud
Hardeep Kharaud

“At Food Basics, we are committed to offering value to our customers every day, without compromising on quality. By offering these assortments at low prices, we are giving a second chance to products that are still perfectly good to eat, while meeting the needs of our customers who are looking for economical and responsible options,” said Hardeep Kharaud, Senior Vice President, Food Basics.

By offering consumers a new way to purchase perishable foods, Food Basics is helping to reduce food waste at the community level while making everyday savings more accessible to all, it said.

Chris MacAulay
Chris MacAulay

“At Too Good To Go, we believe that good food should be saved, not wasted. We’re honoured to partner with a leading grocer who shares that passion,” said Chris MacAulay, VP North America, Too Good To Go. “Together, we’re making it simple, affordable, and delicious to fight food waste. This partnership continues to show that doing good is as easy as picking up your groceries.”

With more than 16,000 food-selling partners in Canada, the organization has helped rescue over 10 million meals from waste since its Canadian launch in July 2021 -preventing more than 25 million kilograms of CO₂e from entering the atmosphere, it said.

It continues to expand throughout the country by adding more partners and bag categories every day. Food selling businesses are encouraged to join by visiting TooGoodToGo.com and selecting “Business Sign-Up.”

Photo: Too Good To Go
Photo: Too Good To Go

Too Good To Go is a global social impact company that connects users with partners to rescue unsold food and stop it from going to waste. With 100 million registered users and 175,000 active partners across 19 countries, it operates the world’s largest marketplace for surplus food. Since its launch in 2016, Too Good To Go has helped to save over 400 million meals from going to waste, the equivalent to 1.1 million tonnes of CO2e avoided.

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Pond’s Continues to be a Skincare Favourite at Canadian Retailers

By
Retail Insider
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Legacy Skincare Brand Reinforces Its Shelf Strength Across National Retailers

In Canada’s competitive skincare landscape, where new brands launch every season and trends change quickly, Pond’s continues to hold its ground as a trusted staple. With over a century of skincare expertise and a strong foothold in retail, the brand remains a consistent performer in beauty aisles across the country, from major pharmacy chains to grocery retailers and big-box stores.

A Skincare Classic With Modern Staying Power

What makes Pond’s particularly notable is its cross-generational appeal. For many Canadians, Pond’s is the brand they grew up with, passed down through mothers, grandmothers, and aunties. Yet its enduring presence is not just due to nostalgia. Pond’s has continued to adapt its product lineup, packaging, and positioning to meet the expectations of today’s more ingredient-savvy, results-driven skincare consumer.

Carried nationally at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, Loblaws, and more, Pond’s offers accessible pricing and dermatologist-tested formulas that make it a natural fit for retailers focused on value and performance. As consumers look to stretch their budgets without compromising on quality, Pond’s continues to deliver both familiarity and function.

Core Products That Anchor the Brand

Pond’s strongest asset remains its core lineup of legacy products, especially those designed for dry skin. The Pond’s Dry Skin Cream remains one of the brand’s top sellers. With its rich, non-greasy formula, it is a staple during Canada’s colder months, offering deep hydration without heaviness.

Also central to the brand is the Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser, a multi-tasking product that gently removes makeup while moisturizing the skin. Unlike foaming cleansers that can strip the skin, Pond’s Cold Cream offers a gentler experience, ideal for dry or sensitive skin types. Its continued popularity speaks to both its efficacy and its uniqueness in the market.

These two products continue to perform well year after year, providing retailers with reliable inventory that does not depend on fleeting trends to drive sales.

Meeting Modern Needs With Gel Innovation

Pond’s has expanded its product lineup to include gel moisturizers, catering to modern preferences for lightweight, fast-absorbing hydration. These formulas have become especially popular among younger skincare users and those with oily or combination skin.

The hero of the range is the Pond’s Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E & B3 Gel Face Moisturizer for 24-hour hydration and luminous skin. It combines three high-performance ingredients—hyaluronic acid for moisture, vitamin E for antioxidant support, and vitamin B3 to help brighten and even tone. The result is deep hydration and visibly refreshed skin.

The gel texture is ideal for daily use, offering a fresh feel that layers easily under sunscreen or makeup. Customers appreciate how it hydrates without feeling heavy or greasy. This range gives retailers a way to introduce Pond’s to modern shoppers while maintaining the brand’s reputation for performance, accessibility, and long-term trust.

A Reliable Performer in Retail

Pond’s success at retail is built on performance and trust. It is a brand that does not require elaborate education at the shelf. Consumers know it, reach for it, and return for it. For retailers, that translates into high product turnover, low return rates, and minimal promotional lift needed to drive results.

In a retail environment where newer brands often compete aggressively for visibility and incentives, Pond’s holds its own based on longstanding credibility. It consistently performs in both brick-and-mortar and online environments, helping drive skincare category sales without relying on trends or influencer hype.

The brand also benefits from strong merchandising, attractive price points, and simple, clean packaging that appeals to a broad range of demographics. Whether it is in a top-tier pharmacy banner or a mass retail setting, Pond’s maintains its lane as an affordable, effective, and trustworthy option.

Why Pond’s Shelf Power Still Matters

As shoppers continue to navigate rising prices and look for reliable, affordable products, Pond’s is poised to remain a category mainstay. Its enduring appeal across demographics, combined with recent innovation in texture and formulation, makes it a brand that is not just surviving but thriving.

For retailers, Pond’s offers a rare combination: the familiarity of a heritage brand with the forward momentum of modern innovation. It continues to justify its shelf space with strong sell-through, high customer loyalty, and a steady ability to adapt. And in today’s competitive beauty market, that combination is more valuable than ever.

Apple Expands Self Service Repair and Genuine Parts Distributor Programs to Canada

By
Lee Rivett
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Apple, the American technology giant best known for its global network of Apple Stores, announced today the expansion of its Self Service Repair and Genuine Parts Distributor programs to Canada. The move will provide consumers and independent repair professionals nationwide with broader access to the manuals, diagnostics, and genuine Apple parts needed to repair iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

Expanding Repair Access in Canada

The Self Service Repair program, first launched in 2022, is designed for individuals confident in handling their own device repairs. Participants gain access to detailed repair manuals, Apple Diagnostics, and tool rental kits, alongside the option to purchase genuine parts. The program recently expanded to cover iPads in addition to iPhone and Mac, and is now available in 34 countries and 25 languages.

This expansion into Canada represents another step in Apple’s ongoing strategy to support product longevity and repair accessibility.

Support for Independent Repair Providers

Alongside Self Service Repair, Apple also introduced its Genuine Parts Distributor program in Canada. This program enables independent repair providers who do not have a direct service agreement with Apple to access genuine parts for iPhone and iPad repairs — including displays, batteries, and charging ports — through the authorized wholesale distributor MobileSentrix.

The Genuine Parts Distributor program debuted in the U.S. last year and expanded into Europe earlier this year, where it has already been adopted by thousands of repair businesses. Its arrival in Canada strengthens Apple’s position within the independent repair industry.

Focus on Sustainability

“Expanding Apple’s repair programs in Canada is another milestone in our mission to make repairs easier and more accessible around the globe,” said Brian Naumann, Apple’s vice president of AppleCare Service and Repair. “With today’s announcement, we’re taking a meaningful step toward broadening device longevity, reducing waste, and empowering both customers and repair professionals with quality, secure repair options.”

Apple has highlighted that with its growing repair network, 80 percent of the Canadian population is now within a 30-minute drive of either an Apple Store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP), or an Independent Repair Provider (IRP).

Carl Boutet on Simons’ Historic Yorkdale Opening

By
Craig Patterson
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Mall entrance to La Maison Simons at Toronto's Yorkdale Shopping Centre, August 14, 2025. Photo: Craig Patterson

When La Maison Simons opened its first Toronto store last week at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre, retail expert Carl Boutet described it as more than a retail milestone. For him, the launch signalled a historic moment for Canadian retail, a continuation of legacy, and proof that a family business nearly two centuries old can remain both relevant and surprising.

“Some store openings are about square footage and sales projections. This one is about history, vision, and the rarest of qualities in retail, staying relevant for nearly two centuries while still finding ways to surprise us,” Boutet said, reflecting on the significance of the August 14 debut.

Carl Boutet at Emsphere in Bangkok, Thailand, June 2025. Photo: Carl Boutet

Boutet noted that the Yorkdale store opening felt in many ways like a celebration of Canada’s new legacy retailer. “With thousands on hand, it also was in ways a fitting celebration of what replaces HBC as Canada’s most historic retailer,” he explained.

He added that spending time with Peter and Richard Simons, along with President and CEO Bernard Leblanc, underscored what sets the Quebec City-based brand apart. “I told them how impressed I’ve been over the years, not just with their results, but with their ability to grow nationally without losing the personality and values that have defined them since 1840,” he said.

Ten Years in the Making

The Yorkdale opening had been in planning for at least a decade, according to Boutet. Along the way, the process overlapped with Nordstrom’s entry into and departure from Canada. In an ironic twist, Simons now occupies the very space Nordstrom once held, though with a smaller footprint that better aligns with its philosophy of balance and scale.

“True to form, they took only the space they needed, not more, bringing their signature balance of scale and intimacy to one of Canada’s most prestigious malls,” Boutet said.

The new two-level, 118,000-square-foot store presents an immersive concept that merges art, design, and fashion under the theme “Perennial Ephemera.” Boutet described the experience as a carefully crafted journey.

He described the Yorkdale store as a a two-level, carefully considered space where every detail matters. Architectural lines invite exploration, Canadian art punctuates the journey, and immersive digital installations from Montreal’s Rodeo FX add movement and surprise, he noted.

The design integrates Nelio’s staircase mural “CIEL,” Rodeo FX’s large-scale digital artworks, and the Walk of Frames, which showcases 40 pieces by Canadian artists. The result, Boutet suggested, is a retail environment where shopping is inseparable from cultural discovery.

La Maison Simons at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, August 14, 2025. Photo: Craig Patterson

Competitive Edge in Canadian Retail

Boutet also pointed out the strategic impact of Simons’ presence in leading Canadian shopping centres. He argued that Simons’ unique formula may have contributed to Nordstrom’s exit from Canada.

“I have long believed that Simons’ success in Canada’s best shopping centres was part of the story behind Nordstrom’s retreat,” he explained. “In several markets, they competed directly, but with a sharper appreciation of what Canadian shoppers value most: beautiful design at a fair price, with an edited selection of luxury brands complementing a strong and distinctive private label offering.”

From Quebec to a National Brand

The Simons journey has been marked by strategic risk-taking and a willingness to grow beyond the comfort of its Quebec City roots. Boutet recalled advice the Simons brothers once received from their father: to stay in Quebec City where they “dominated that market.”

“Over twenty-five years ago, recognizing they would need to compete nationally to exist locally at their scale, Peter and Richard made a different choice. They left the comfort of home to open in Montreal, setting the stage for the coast-to-coast brand we know today,” he said.

That expansion, he noted, was supported by a significant investment in infrastructure, including a $215 million head office and e-commerce hub in Quebec. While the pandemic delayed its use, the facility today positions Simons for continued digital growth.

Community, Culture, and Symbolism

Boutet also emphasized Simons’ longstanding commitment to community investment, pointing to the family’s donation of the Fontaine de Tourny to Quebec City.

“That fountain, near their oldest store and across from Quebec’s parliament building, is much more than a civic gift. It’s a symbol of how Simons invests in the communities they serve; a blend of heritage, design, and permanence that reflects their approach to retail,” he said.

The Yorkdale store, he suggested, carries the same philosophy forward, blending commerce with cultural meaning.

The Yorkdale opening is just the beginning of a larger Toronto expansion. In September, Simons will open a second store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, also in a former Nordstrom space. At 112,000 square feet, it will complement the Yorkdale store and reinforce Simons’ presence in Canada’s largest retail market.

Together, the two Toronto stores are expected to generate approximately $100 million annually, adding to the retailer’s national sales of more than $650 million.

Women’s ‘Icone’ department on the main floor of La Maison Simons at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Photo: supplied

A Rare Global Legacy

For Boutet, Simons represents a rarity in the global retail landscape: a fifth-generation family-owned business, over 185 years old, that is still growing, innovating, and connecting with customers.

Simons is the oldest continually running family-owned retailer in the world. The only company that comes close is C&A in the Netherlands, founded in 1841, making it the second oldest. This distinction underscores the remarkable resilience of the Quebec-based brand and highlights the global significance of its story.

“Peter, Richard, Bernard and team have built something truly rare, possibly one of only ten in the world, an over 185-year-old, fifth-generation retailer that is still growing, still innovating, and still deeply connected to its customers,” Boutet said. “The Yorkdale opening is a promise that Canadian retail, at its very best, has a very vibrant future.”

As he reflected on the milestone, Boutet concluded with optimism: “Longue vie and God’s continued speed, Maison Simons. Here’s to another 185 years of success.”

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RCC Retail West 2025 is Where Bold Ideas Meet Retail’s Toughest Questions

By
Retail Insider
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On September 25, 2025, at Vancouver’s Hyatt Regency, Retail Council of Canada’s Retail West Conference will bring Western Canada’s most influential retail leaders and innovators into one room for a concentrated day of insight, strategy, and connection.

THEMES THAT MATTER NOW

RCC Retail West’s program is laser-focused on the realities and opportunities unique to retailers in this time of hyper personalization, AI-driven shopping, and customer centric engagement.

  • Reimagining Leadership in Dynamic Markets – Learn how retail executives are steering through uncertainty while positioning for growth.
  • Building Resilience Across Operations – Tackle supply chain vulnerabilities, adopt new payment technologies, and make your data work harder.
  • Predicting Consumer Needs with AI – Google shares how their AI Marketing Engine helps retailers anticipate what Western Canadian shoppers will want next and how to deliver it at the perfect moment.
  • Creating a 360° View of Today’s Shopper – Caddle and Environics Analytics show how combining rapid-response consumer insights with segmentation and modeling tools provides a complete picture of customer behaviour.
  • Retail as a Career– Senior retail leaders share their employee journeys, highlighting how internal advancement programs can be a competitive advantage in an industry challenged with retention and labour shortages.

INSPIRING RETAIL PERSPECTIVES FROM PROVEN LEADERS

This year’s mainstage speakers aren’t just sharing stories. They’re opening their playbooks, revealing the strategies, missteps, and breakthroughs that drive real results in today’s retail landscape.

  • Mat Povse, President of Best Buy Canada, on harnessing technology while keeping customer needs at the core of everyday operations.
  • Brian Hill, Founder and Executive Chair of Aritzia, on building a culturally magnetic brand with purpose.
  • Shannon Stewart, Chief Merchandising Officer of Harry Rosen in conversation with Cameron Conn, CEO of Champlain on anticipating consumer shifts and crafting premium experiences that resonate.
  • Hermanjit Mahil, Assistant GM, Human Resources at London Drugs, moderates a panel of colleagues in Marketing, IT, and Legal functions about their moves from frontline operations to impactful head office roles.

MORE THAN A CONFERENCE, IT’S A LAUNCHPAD FOR IDEAS

RCC Retail West is designed for deep, candid conversations—both on stage and in the networking spaces. Over breakfast, lunch, and the evening reception, retail decision-makers can connect with peers across sectors, swap strategies, and explore innovations from a curated exhibitor showcase offering targeted solutions. It’s the perfect setting to bring your team, learn from others’ hard-won insights, and leave with ideas you can put into action the very next day.

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON

The early bird deadline is August 28, 2025. Grab your tickets today and save $100. Teams of 5 or more save an additional 20%.

In a time of rapid change, RCC Retail West 2025 offers a forward-looking space to learn, connect, and create the strategies that will define retail’s next success stories in Western Canada.

The Salvation Army Thrift Store opens its 2nd location in Langley

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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By donating to The Salvation Army Thrift Store, Canadians actively participate in extending the lifecycle of clothing and household items, reducing waste, and supporting a circular economy. (CNW Group/The Salvation Army Thrift Store – National Recycling Operations)

The Salvation Army Thrift Store recently opened its newest location at 19700 Langley Bypass, Unit 301. This marks the organization’s second store in Langley and its 14th in the Vancouver mainland, expanding its reach and positive impact on the local community.

Situated across from Willowbrook Shopping Centre, the 10,900-square-foot store is conveniently located in a high-traffic area of the city, offering a great selection of gently used clothing, household items, electronics, books, art, and more, for everyone, it said.

Ted Troughton
Ted Troughton

“We’re excited to further expand our presence in Langley,” said Ted Troughton, Managing Director of The Salvation Army Thrift Store. “Every purchase and donation help fund local Salvation Army programs and services for those in need such as foodbanks, shelters, rehabilitation for those struggling with addictions and emergency relief efforts.”

The Salvation Army Thrift Store provides an accessible shopping experience for individuals looking to stretch their budgets while also making environmentally conscious choices and supporting their local community, it said.

“Beyond the funds generated through the sales of donated items, The Salvation Army Thrift Store raises money in stores through its GoodWorks@Work campaigns, which brought in more than $1 million in 2024. These initiatives support vital causes such as Send a Kid to Camp, modern slavery and human trafficking prevention, international development, and Christmas kettles,” it added.

The Salvation Army Thrift Store (National Recycling Operations) is a non-profit organization and the only national division of The Salvation Army. Through its 95 Thrift Stores across Canada, the organization offers savings on gently used clothing, textiles, and household items while generating funds to support local programs, services, and emergency relief efforts. As one of the country’s largest textile collectors and a leader in textile diversion in the charitable sector, the store diverted over 80 million pounds of items from landfills last year.

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Mississauga welcomes new Chick-fil-A restaurant at Heartland Town Centre

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo: Chick-Fil-A
Photo: Chick-Fil-A

A new Chick-fil-A restaurant is opening in Mississauga Heartland Town Centre on Thursday, August 28, creating approximately 100-120 full- and part-time jobs. Chick-fil-A, Inc. selected Mufuti Sanusi to be the local Owner-Operator of the new restaurant. 

Located at 5950 Mavis Road, Mississauga, Chick-fil-A Heartland will serve customers Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m.  to 10:30 p.m., offering dine-in, drive-thru and carry-out. 

“At my core, my true passion and purpose is to be a resource and a bridgebuilder,” said Sanusi. “I want to encourage others to dare to dream and help them achieve their goals in life, just like my mother did for me.”

Mufuti Sanusi
Mufuti Sanusi

Sanusi’s journey is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit, taking her from learning business principles from her mother and grandmother in Lagos, Nigeria, to earning her MBA in the United Kingdom, and now leading her second Chick-fil-A restaurant in Mississauga, said Chick-Fil-A. 

As the former Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Square One Shopping Centre, Sanusi is no stranger to the Mississauga community, as she has called the city home for the past 17 years. Sanusi is looking forward to continuing her impact on the community, and on the Team Members she’ll be working alongside, it said.

The company said Sanusi is committed to giving back to the Mississauga community by: 

  • Participating in the Chick-fil-A Shared Table™ program, which redirects surplus food to local non-profits and has helped to create more than 35 million meals to date. 
  • Celebrating the opening with a donation of C$40,000 from Chick-fil-A, Inc. to Second Harvest to support local hunger relief efforts in the greater Mississauga area. Since 2020, Chick-fil-A has donated approximately C$2 million (US$1.46 million) to Second Harvest to address food insecurity.

Chick-fil-A’s Pretzel Cheddar Club Sandwiches

Chick-fil-A, Inc. is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States, known for its freshly prepared food, signature hospitality and unique franchise model. More than 200,000 Team Members are employed by local Owner-Operators in more than 3,000 restaurants across Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico. Chick-fil-A opened its first restaurant in the UK in early 2025 with the goal of launching five locations across the UK within the next two years. The first Singapore restaurant is set to open in late 2025, marking the brand’s entry into Asia. The family-owned and privately held company was founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy.

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CoCo Bubble Tea expands deeper into North America with focus on smaller cities

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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CoCo Bubble Tea in Lethbridge, Alberta

Leading boba tea brand CoCo Bubble Tea recently announced a series of key expansion milestones across North America, with a new focus on smaller Canadian cities and continued momentum in the U.S. market.

These openings reflect the brand’s sustained popularity, cultural integration, and robust support for its franchise network, it said.

“As bubble tea becomes a staple refreshment in North America, we see significant potential for growth outside of major cities,” said Kody Wong, Director of Business Development at CoCo Bubble Tea. “From Alberta to Texas, CoCo’s franchise partners are bringing our brand to new communities and increasing access to authentic bubble tea for millions of North American consumers. We are immensely grateful to our partners for the passion and commitment it has taken to accomplish this.”

Already a top-three brand in Toronto with over 120 stores nationwide, CoCo is now reaching new heights of market penetration:

  • Recently opened: Lethbridge, Grand Prairie, Red Deer — bringing authentic CoCo bubble tea to new communities across Alberta.
  • Coming soon in 2025: Saskatoon, as the brand extends its footprint deeper into the Canadian Prairie provinces.
CoCo Bubble Tea in Red Deer, Alberta

CoCo opened its first overseas store in the United States in 2011, establishing itself as one of the pioneering new tea brands to expand globally. In 2025, CoCo has identified Texas as a key priority market in its U.S. growth strategy:

  • Dallas: Store opened in April 2025

“CoCo’s approach to franchising is rooted in trust, support, and building long-term relationships with partners. In Canada, the same franchise partners have been with CoCo for 11 years; in New York City, partners have grown alongside the brand for 14 years — both a testament to CoCo’s value-driven model and collaborative culture,” said the company.

CoCo Bubble Tea in Dallas, Texas

“To further spread pearl milk tea culture globally, the brand focuses on harnessing the popularity of the refreshment among younger consumers through social media. Also, employees and partners are referred to as ” Boba Squad”, a name embodying the resilience and vibrancy of the brand.

“In Canada, CoCo has invested heavily in synergies with local cultures. The brand has transformed fan-favorite drinks like its passionfruit series into popsicles now sold in T&T Supermarket locations across the country. In a collaboration with Barbie, CoCo brought “Strawberry Dreamer” drinks to over 100 stores across North America. This further showcases how the brand continues to innovate with purpose and reach younger audiences through pop culture.”

CoCo will exhibit at two upcoming major franchise expos in the region:

  • Franchise Expo West 2025
     Los Angeles Convention Center | Booth #525
     September 5–6, 10AM–4PM
  • Toronto Fall Franchise Show
     The International Centre | Booth #148
     September 13–14, 11AM–5PM

To support franchise partners, CoCo said it provides robust support tailored to its North American network, including:

  • Dedicated logistics and supply chain for the region
  • Local operations and consulting teams offering in-person support and business strategy
  • Regional training programs
  • Product R&D and adaptation for local tastes
  • A single-store program that empowers individual entrepreneurs to build community-driven success stories

For franchise inquiries in North America, visit: https://www.coco-tea.com/Franchise

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Motion picture theatre revenues increase in 2024: Statistics Canada

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko
Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko

Operating revenue in the motion picture theatres industry reached $1.6 billion in 2024, a 12.0% increase from 2022. As restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic affected the industry for part of 2022, the growth in 2024 was attributable in large part to a full return to normal operations. Despite these gains, the industry’s national operating revenue was 13.1% below that of $1.9 billion recorded in 2018—the highest amount on record since the beginning of the data series in 2014—underscoring the prolonged impact of the pandemic on the industry, according to a report released Tuesday by Statistics Canada.

Operating expenditures grew at a slower pace than operating revenue, increasing 10.3% from 2022 to $1.5 billion in 2024. As a result, the operating profit margin rose to 7.9% in 2024; however, this was well below the profit margin recorded in 2018, pre-pandemic (16.2%), said the federal agency.

Image: Statistics Canada
Image: Statistics Canada

“In response to rising cost pressures and stagnating theatre attendance, which climbed to two-thirds (66.6%) of the level seen in 2018, the average ticket price (calculated as total admission receipts divided by the number of paid admissions) rose to $12.57 in 2024. This represented a 5.5% increase from 2022 ($11.91) and a 31.9% rise from 2020 ($9.53),” said Statistics Canada.

“E-commerce sales in 2024 declined to $234.4 million, or 15.7% of total sales. This marks a significant drop from their 2022 peak of $307.2 million, or one-quarter (24.7%) of total sales. During the pandemic, e-commerce sales were buoyed by food sales made through delivery services and the widespread practice of booking seats online in advance. However, with the return to in-person experiences and a resumption of business as usual in 2024, more people began purchasing their tickets in person again.

“In 2024, the largest component of sales for the motion picture theatres industry was once again admission receipts, accounting for more than half (53.8%) of total sales. This was followed by sales of food and beverages, which increased their share to 38.0%.”

Canada’s motion picture industry continues its post-pandemic recovery, but it moves forward with measured caution. While pent-up demand and delayed theatrical releases led to revenue growth in 2024, the industry still faces significant long-term challenges, said Statistics Canada.

“The pandemic accelerated shifts in consumer habits and preferences, leading many audiences to favour the convenience of digital platforms over traditional cinema experiences. As streaming services capture an increasing share of viewer attention, box office revenues will continue to face growing competition, fundamentally reshaping how Canadians engage with film,” it said.

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