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 three days.
Calgary Co-op Store Front. (CNW Group/Odd Burger Corporation)
Odd Burger Corporation continues its expansion in the Canadian retail market, securing a major retail listing with Calgary Co-op. This strategic move will see the company’s full line of consumer packaged goods (CPG) available at 22 Calgary Co-op locations in and around Calgary.
The plant-based food innovator currently offers five frozen retail products, including its Crispy ChickUn Fillet, Chickpea Burger, Smash Burger, ChickUn Pretenders, and Breakfast Sausage. With this latest distribution deal, Odd Burger significantly increases its retail footprint, nearly doubling its distribution points and reinforcing its commitment to making plant-based fast food more accessible to consumers.
James McInnes
“We are very excited to partner with Calgary Co-op to expand our retail presence in the Alberta market,” said James McInnes, CEO and Co-Founder of Odd Burger. “We are proud to produce our food at our Canadian manufacturing facility, using primarily Canadian-grown ingredients, and we are excited to work with Calgary Co-op to further their mission to support local producers.”
Calgary Co-op, a trusted grocery retailer serving Calgarians since 1956, has a strong reputation for sourcing local and Canadian products. This alignment underscores a shared commitment to supporting Canadian businesses and providing customers with fresh, high-quality food options.
“We are proud to support a Canadian-owned and operated business like Odd Burger,” said James Lelonde, Meat Category Director at Calgary Co-op. “We see tremendous potential for the Odd Burger retail line with our customers and we are thrilled to make them available at all of our retail locations.”
As a pioneering force in plant-based fast food, Odd Burger operates both as a franchised restaurant chain and a food technology company. Its vertically integrated supply chain, smart kitchen technology, and focus on sustainability have positioned it as a leader in the growing plant-based food sector.
Grey/Ven, the renowned purveyor of quiet luxury, has announced the appointment of CFDA-recognized designer Ilana Kugel as the Creative Director for its women’s collection. The news arrives as the brand prepares for its upcoming runway show at New York Fashion Week in February and unveils its first luxury handbag collection, coinciding with Kugel’s inaugural collection for Grey/Ven, titled The Journey FW 25.
Grey/Ven Creative Director for Womenswear CFDA-recognized Ilana Kugel
Kugel, celebrated for her work with Koral swimwear, made history as the first athleisure designer inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). She has previously contributed to Grey/Ven’s resort collection, which debuted at September’s New York Fashion Week, as well as a pre-fall collection. Now, she takes centre stage with her first major collection for the brand in the luxury space.
“Ilana Kugel’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Grey/Ven,” said Scott Weissman, CEO. “As Creative Director for our women’s collection, her expertise in contemporary fashion will bring a fresh perspective to our designs. I am also thrilled to have her lead the creative direction of our expanding range of luxury handbags and accessories, further shaping the future of Grey/Ven.”
Kugel’s debut collection, The Journey, is an exploration of original style inspired by the serene beauty of a desert sunset. The collection includes sweaters, dresses, and lightweight layering pieces that reflect effortless sophistication. Earthy hues, monochromatic layers softened by sheer merino wool, and ethereal silk accents define the collection’s refined aesthetic. The luxurious textures and suede-like finishes capture a wanderlust spirit that aligns with Grey/Ven’s philosophy of timeless elegance.
“I am excited to introduce The Journey with Grey/Ven,” said Kugel. “This collection reflects a minimalist aesthetic designed to endure and will resonate for years to come. I am honored to collaborate with a brand so dedicated to the future of design.”
Grey/Ven’s FW 25 collection debuted on February 7 at Casa Cipriani during New York Fashion Week, as announced in the CFDA Fashion Calendar. Alongside The Journey, the brand will introduce its first luxury leather goods collection, designed to complement its ready-to-wear line while exemplifying superior craftsmanship and timeless design.
The Resort collection will be available in stores and online in the coming weeks, while The Journey FW 25 collection and the luxury leather goods line will launch in Fall 2025.
About Ilana Kugel
Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Ilana Kugel’s designs are influenced by her Brazilian roots and a lifestyle centered on happiness, health, and wellness. She is recognized as the first athleisure designer to be inducted into the CFDA, playing a pivotal role in advancing aesthetics, design, and fabric technology.
About Grey/Ven
Grey/Ven is a quiet luxury brand dedicated to creating a one-of-a-kind tonal and monochromatic wardrobe for both women and men. The brand’s timeless essentials prioritize elegance, comfort, and modernism, designed to seamlessly transition from day to night and work to play. Grey/Ven’s palette includes sumptuous neutrals and bold seasonal colors, forming capsule collections that offer effortless styling. With a commitment to sustainability and ethical production, Grey/Ven crafts its designs from all-natural fabrics. This summer, the brand will open a new showroom in NYC, alongside its first-ever brick-and-mortar flagship store in East Hampton.
Endy, Canada’s top online mattress retailer, is making waves at this year’s Carnaval de Québec with the launch of the Endy Relaxation Area. Designed as a dedicated space for guests to unwind and recharge, the area will also feature energizing warm-up activities every Saturday and Sunday morning.
A Celebration of Endy’s Québec Roots
Jason Cassidy
President Jason Cassidy highlighted the brand’s strong ties to Québec, stating, “Endy has deep roots in Québec. Our flagship Endy Mattress is made right here in the province! This year at Carnaval, we’re looking forward to meeting more of our Québecois community in-person, while doing what we do best: bringing guests a tonne of energy and comfort so they can make the most of every action-packed day.”
Cassidy emphasized the retailer’s commitment to quality rest, adding, “We believe that great sleep unlocks the best in everything—whether it’s a day at Carnaval or a regular morning at home.”
A Unique Ice Bedroom and Exciting Prizes
One of the standout attractions at the Endy Relaxation Area is a bedroom made entirely of ice, inspired by its new collection of timeless bedroom furniture. Visitors will have the chance to enter a giveaway for one of 100 prizes, including free Endy Mattresses. To stay warm, guests can gather around a cozy bonfire within the space.
Family Fun with Bonhomme and High-Energy Warm-Ups
Carnaval-goers can enjoy an exclusive storytime session with Bonhomme, the festival’s beloved ambassador, every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30-11:00 AM. Immediately following, dance instructor Éléonar Caron St-Pierre will lead a morning warm-up from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, ensuring attendees are energized for the day’s festivities.
Special Offer for Carnaval Attendees
Located within the Scotiabank Ice Sculpture Garden at Parc de la Francophonie, the Endy Relaxation Area is a must-visit during the festival. As an added perk, carnival effigy holders can take advantage of an exclusive 15% discount on any Endy Mattress purchase until February 16.
The company launched in 2015 with its high-quality, Canadian-made mattresses. As one of the pioneers of the mattress-in-a-box concept, Endy has grown into the country’s leading online mattress retailer, with over a million Canadians sleeping on an Endy Mattress each night. The company’s award-winning product line now includes mattresses, pillows, bed frames, furniture, bedding, and decor. Dedicated to giving back, Endy has partnered with local charities to donate more than 22,000 mattresses to families and individuals in need.
Heal is part of the Happy Belly Food Group (Photo credit: Heal website)
Happy Belly Food Group Inc., a leading consolidator of emerging food brands, is expanding its presence in Western Canada with the opening of a new Heal Wellness quick-serve restaurant (QSR) in Calgary.
Located at Suite 110, 815 – 17 Ave SW in the Mount Royal neighbourhood, the fresh smoothie bowl and acai bowl franchise has officially opened its doors.
This marks the 7th Heal Wellness location in Western Canada and the 16th overall, with several more locations under construction in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario.
A Growing Footprint for Heal Wellness and Happy Belly
Sean Black
“We are happy to announce the opening of our newest Heal Wellness franchised location that continues our expansion in 2025 across Canada,” said Sean Black, CEO of Happy Belly. “With a contractual commitment for 100 Heal units across Canada and the U.S., we are just getting started.”
Happy Belly continues to expand aggressively, with six QSR brands currently under construction across Canada. The company currently has 421 contractually committed retail locations across its portfolio, including those in development, under construction, or already open.
Grand Opening Event in Calgary
The official grand opening of the new Heal Wellness location will take place on Saturday, February 8. This opening represents another milestone in Happy Belly’s mission to secure high-quality franchisees and prime real estate locations nationwide.
“As we open new stores, the Happy Belly footprint continues to grow,” Black added. “Our team is committed to sourcing and evaluating real estate, reviewing franchisee applications, and collaborating closely with area developers to support our asset-light franchising model.”
Continued Growth & Franchising Opportunities
With the rapid expansion of Heal Wellness, the company aims to accelerate both its corporate store development and franchise program. The company continues to sign new franchise agreements and secure real estate locations to support its growth in 2025 and beyond.
Jugo Juice, the popular Canadian smoothie and juice brand owned by MTY Food Group, is accelerating its national expansion with the opening of a flagship store at Royalmount in Montreal. This new location sets a precedent for the brand with a design that stands apart from its over 100 locations across Canada.
“We wanted a modern, upscale look to match the style of Royalmount,” said Maria Elisii, Senior Vice President for Jugo Juice, during an interview with Retail Insider. “This is the first time we’ve done something like this, and we’re thrilled with how it turned out.”
A Unique Design Reflecting Montreal’s Vibrant Energy
The Royalmount flagship is unlike any other Jugo Juice location. Designed with luxurious touches, the store features mosaic tiles, honey-coloured wood finishes, and sleek circular pendant lights that create a sophisticated atmosphere. The store even departs from the brand’s traditional black-and-white logo, opting for a chic gold version that aligns with the mall’s upscale aesthetic.
“We changed the logo to gold specifically for this location,” Elisii explained. “It was all about elevating the brand to fit seamlessly into this premium environment.”
Despite being a juice bar, the space offers a cozy seating area with six to eight seats—a rarity for Jugo Juice, which typically focuses on quick-service layouts. The open-front design allows patrons to enjoy views of the mall, creating an inviting spot for shoppers to relax.
Photo: Jugo Juice
A Strategic Location in Montreal’s New Retail Hub
Royalmount, a new luxury shopping and entertainment complex in Montreal, was a key factor in Jugo Juice’s decision to elevate its design. “I live in the Town of Mount Royal, so I watched this mall being built from the ground up,” Elisii shared. “It was exciting to be part of something so transformative for Montreal’s retail scene.”
Positioned on a curved section of the mall’s second floor, the flagship benefits from high visibility. It faces the soon-to-open aquarium and sits near popular retailers like Mango, Sports Experts, H&M, and Zara. “Our demographic aligns perfectly with Royalmount’s visitors,” Elisii noted. “We wanted to create an environment that resonates with the shoppers here.”
Second level of Royalmount in Montreal. Jugo Juice is circled in red. Click image for full Royalmount floor plan.
Strong Customer and Industry Feedback
Since its grand opening on August 15, coinciding with Elisii’s birthday, the flagship has received overwhelmingly positive feedback. “Our loyal customers were wowed when they saw the new design,” she said. “Even franchisees are asking if they can incorporate similar elements into their locations.”
Landlords have also expressed interest in the new look, recognizing its potential to enhance the visual appeal of their properties. “We’ve had landlords tell us they want this design in their malls,” Elisii added. “That kind of feedback is invaluable.”
Jugo Juice at Royalmount. Photo: Jugo Juice
Setting the Benchmark for Future Expansion
Jugo Juice is in a growth phase, with eight new locations planned for 2025 and another ten in the pipeline for 2026. “The Royalmount store has set a new benchmark for us,” Elisii confirmed. “We’ll definitely be incorporating elements of this design into future stores where it makes sense.”
While the flagship is unique, the brand remains committed to its core identity. “We measure success through customer feedback, sales, and brand recognition,” Elisii said. “Royalmount checks all those boxes.”
Nationwide Presence with a Focus on Key Markets
Founded in Calgary in 1998, Jugo Juice has grown to over 100 locations nationwide. Its strongest markets are Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, with new stores also in Halifax and other regions.
“Ontario is a key growth area for us right now,” Elisii noted. “We recently opened a beautiful store at Queen and Woodbine in Toronto, and the response has been fantastic.”
In addition to the Toronto expansion, Jugo Juice is targeting underrepresented markets in Ontario, focusing on suburban areas with high growth potential. “We see significant opportunities in suburban communities where health-conscious lifestyles are thriving,” Elisii explained. “Our goal is to ensure Jugo Juice is accessible in both urban centres and growing suburban neighbourhoods.”
The brand is also looking at strengthening its presence in Western Canada, with plans to open new locations in British Columbia and Alberta. “Vancouver continues to be a strong market for us, and we’re exploring new sites in Edmonton and Calgary to support our Western Canadian roots,” Elisii added.
Photo: Jugo Juice
Despite its Western Canadian roots, Jugo Juice has found success across the country. “We’re in all provinces, and our expansion strategy is tailored to each market’s unique dynamics,” she explained.
A Franchise Model with Strong Support
Jugo Juice operates primarily through a franchise model, with only one corporate-owned location. “We support our franchisees from start to finish—from selecting the location to lease negotiations and the grand opening,” Elisii said. “It’s a partnership, not just a business relationship.”
The Royalmount store is a franchise location, and its success has already inspired interest from both existing and potential franchisees. “We’ve had franchisees visit and say, ‘I want my store to look like this,'” Elisii shared.
Menu Innovations Reflecting Health-Conscious Trends
While Jugo Juice is known for its smoothies and juices, the brand continually evolves its menu to meet changing consumer preferences. The latest addition is a line of smoothie bowls, launched at Royalmount and now available nationwide.
“Our smoothie bowls have been a hit,” Elisii said. “We’re always looking at trends and doing R&D to keep our menu fresh and exciting.”
Health remains the cornerstone of Jugo Juice’s offerings. “We use real frozen fruit, coconut water, and other natural ingredients—no fillers or artificial stuff,” she emphasized. “We’re committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle.”
The Royalmount Advantage
With amenities like an outdoor skating rink, a state-of-the-art cinema, and the upcoming aquarium, Royalmount offers a dynamic environment for retailers.
“It’s not just a mall; it’s a lifestyle destination,” Elisii said. “You can spend an entire afternoon here, whether you’re shopping, dining, or just enjoying the atmosphere.”
Accessibility has also proven to be better than some had anticipated. “Despite initial concerns about traffic, it’s easy to get in and out, with plenty of parking and public transit options,” she noted.
As Jugo Juice celebrates over 25 years in business, its Royalmount flagship represents both a nod to the brand’s heritage and a glimpse into its future. “We’re proud to be part of Royalmount and even prouder of what we’ve achieved with this flagship,” Elisii said.
Roche Bobois at Royalmount. Photo: Roche Bobois/Phil Bernard Photographe Inc.
French luxury furniture brand Roche Bobois has officially opened its latest Canadian showroom at Royalmount, Montreal’s premier luxury shopping destination. Spanning 6,300 square feet, the new store blends contemporary French design with cutting-edge technology to create an immersive customer experience.
“We are thrilled to open our doors at Royalmount,” said Pierre Berardo, General Manager for Roche Bobois in Canada. “It’s a significant milestone for our brand in Montreal, aligning perfectly with Royalmount’s vision of luxury retail.”
Pierre Berardo
Royalmount has quickly established itself as Montreal’s answer to luxury retail hubs like Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. “Montreal never really had a unified, high-end shopping destination until now,” Berardo noted. “Royalmount brings together iconic brands like Gucci, Tiffany & Co., and Louis Vuitton in one sophisticated space. It made perfect sense for us to be part of this unique retail ecosystem.”
Royalmount: Montreal’s New Luxury Epicentre
Located at the intersection of Montreal’s key transportation routes, Royalmount is a visionary, mixed-use development designed to redefine luxury in the city. Developed by Carbonleo, the same company behind Quartier DIX30, Royalmount aims to create an urban oasis where retail, entertainment, and green spaces coexist.
The development’s emphasis on sustainability, pedestrian-friendly design, and public art installations further enhances its appeal. “We see Royalmount as the future of luxury retail in Montreal, and we’re proud to be part of this transformative project,” Berardo added.
Roche Bobois at Royalmount. Photo: Roche Bobois/Phil Bernard Photographe Inc.
A Legacy of Design and Innovation
Founded in 1960 through the partnership of the Roche and Chouchan families, Roche Bobois has grown into a global leader in high-end furniture. The brand first entered the North American market in Quebec in 1971, establishing deep roots in the Canadian retail landscape.
“Quebec holds a special place in our history as our first North American market,” Berardo explained. “Having three showrooms in Montreal reflects that legacy and our continued commitment to the region.”
Today, the brand boasts over 260 showrooms in more than 50 countries, with a strong presence in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. “Roche Bobois has always been about blending French art de vivre with innovative design,” Berardo said. “Our global footprint reflects the universal appeal of our collections.”
Roche Bobois at Royalmount. Photo: Roche Bobois/Phil Bernard Photographe Inc.
Designing Dreams: The Showroom Experience
Elegance and comfort define the new Royalmount showroom, which showcases Roche Bobois’ signature style—sleek lines, bold colours, and innovative materials. The store’s design features natural elements such as ceramic, wood, and living green walls, creating an organic, inviting atmosphere.
“We wanted the showroom to feel like an extension of the home,” Berardo said. “Warm, cozy, and inspiring, with a focus on sustainability and natural materials.”
A standout feature is the in-store 3D design service. “Customers can see their dream home come to life in real-time,” Berardo explained. “Using advanced 3D rendering software, our interior designers can recreate any space based on customer measurements or blueprints. It’s a game-changer for personalized design.”
Roche Bobois at Royalmount. Photo: Roche Bobois/Phil Bernard Photographe Inc.
Product Spotlight: Icons of Design
Roche Bobois’ diverse product range includes living room furniture, dining sets, bedroom collections, outdoor furnishings, and decorative accessories. Among its most iconic pieces is the Mah Jong sofa, designed by Hans Hopfer in 1971. “The Mah Jong is a statement piece that embodies creativity and versatility,” Berardo noted.
Another standout is the Bubble sofa, known for its playful, avant-garde design and exceptional comfort. “The Bubble is popular globally, thanks to its bold aesthetics and ergonomic form,” Berardo added.
The brand’s collections, Les Contemporains and Les Nouveaux Classiques, cater to diverse tastes. Les Contemporains showcases modern, cutting-edge designs, while Les Nouveaux Classiques reinterprets traditional French elegance with a contemporary twist.
“What sets Roche Bobois apart is our commitment to customization,” Berardo emphasized. “Clients can choose from a vast array of fabrics, materials, and finishes to create furniture that reflects their personal style.”
Roche Bobois at Royalmount. Photo: Roche Bobois/Phil Bernard Photographe Inc.
Expanding Footprint: A Calculated Growth Strategy
With eight showrooms across Canada—three in Montreal, two in Toronto, and one each in Vancouver, Calgary, and Quebec City—Roche Bobois continues to grow strategically. “We’ve been opening two to four stores annually in North America,” Berardo said. “Our expansion is thoughtful, focusing on markets where we see strong demand.”
The Royalmount location replaces the brand’s former Laval showroom, a move Berardo described as strategic. “Laval wasn’t aligning with our target demographic. Royalmount offers the upscale, high-traffic environment we need to thrive.”
Future expansion plans include a potential third Toronto location and discussions about entering Ottawa. “We’re cautious but optimistic. Each new store must be a solid business decision, not just a real estate play,” Berardo emphasized.
Roche Bobois at Royalmount. Photo: Roche Bobois/Phil Bernard Photographe Inc.
The Future of Retail: Blending Physical and Digital
While Roche Bobois has recently launched e-commerce in the U.S., Canada remains focused on in-store experiences. “We’re testing online sales in the U.S., but furniture is still a tactile purchase,” Berardo said. “People want to see, touch, and feel before they buy.”
Roche Bobois launched its e-commerce platform in the U.S. in 2023, marking a significant shift towards digital transformation. “Our e-commerce platform allows customers to explore our collections online, customize products, and even complete purchases,” Berardo explained. “However, we’re still in the testing phase, refining the user experience based on customer feedback.”
Although there’s no official timeline for expanding e-commerce to Canada, Berardo hinted at future developments. “It’s not a question of ‘if’ but ‘when.’ We’re gathering data, understanding consumer behaviour, and ensuring that when we do launch in Canada, it will be seamless and impactful.”
Despite the digital push, Berardo emphasized the enduring importance of physical showrooms. “Our goal is to integrate digital tools to enhance, not replace, the in-store experience. The future of retail is hybrid, blending the best of both worlds.”
Roche Bobois at Royalmount. Photo: Roche Bobois/Phil Bernard Photographe Inc.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Roche Bobois is also committed to eco-design. “Sustainability is part of our DNA,” Berardo affirmed. “We prioritize responsible sourcing and eco-friendly materials. It’s not just a trend; it’s our responsibility as a global brand.”
The brand’s eco-conscious initiatives include the use of sustainable wood, low-emission materials, and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. “Our Legend bookcase, designed by Christophe Delcourt, was our first entirely eco-designed collection, setting the standard for future products,” Berardo noted.
As Roche Bobois settles into its new home at Royalmount, the future looks promising. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Berardo said. “Sales are strong, foot traffic is growing, and we’re excited about what’s ahead.”
Bubble Skincareis venturing north hitting Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada.
CEO & Founder Shai Eisenman recognized a gap in the skincare market—while prestige brands were thriving, affordable options felt outdated and uninspiring.
Consumers were left using the same products with little excitement or innovation. Determined to change that, she set out to create a brand that delivers dermatologist-quality, clinically proven results without the high price tag or complicated routines. Because great skincare should be effective, accessible, and anything but boring.
Shai Eisenman
The full market launch in Canada has come through the entry of Bubble into Shoppers Drug Mart across Canada with 12 sku’s hitting stores.
Bubble is also available in the US, Australia and the UK.
“Bubble was founded in 2020 because we saw a huge gap in the market: prestige skincare was innovative but not affordable or clinically effective. We built Bubble to change that, making clinically effective, top-quality skincare accessible without the high price tags – we take lower margins than most brands because accessibility has always been the priority,” said Eisenman.
“Today, Bubble is affordable, premium skincare that actually works. The packaging is colourful, premium, and fun, but what matters most is what’s inside. Our clinical formulas are developed with dermatologists and crafted in-house by an all-female team of chemists and product experts.
“We are available in over 17,000 doors across three continents (North America, Europe, and Australia), and we are thrilled to be expanding into over 1300 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores across Canada.”
Why is the brand unique
Eisenman said the marketplace gap that Bubble fills—the lack of innovative prestige skincare which is affordable and truly effective—is a gap that exists around the world.
“That’s why Bubble’s mission is to make clinically effective prestige skincare available to as many people as possible, and we can’t wait to make that happen in Canada,” she said.
“Additionally, the brand is community Led. That means we don’t guess what people want—we ask. Our community of over 80,000 brand ambassadors guides everything we do, from products to partnerships. This approach ensures we always create extremely desirable products that our fans love to use.
“But great skincare isn’t just about what people want—it’s about what actually works. That’s where our dermatologists come in. They’re not just advisors; they’re a key part of our process, making sure every formula is as effective as it is exciting. Our in-house team of product developers works with our dermatologists and our community of Bubble Ambassadors to concept, formulate, and test every product from scratch to ensure our products lead the industry in efficacy, safety, and quality. If a product formula doesn’t get at least 90% approval from the Bubble Community, we go back to the lab and reformulate.
“Education is also a huge part of what we do. Our Skin School initiative and simple, common-sense approach to skincare helps people of all ages understand their skin and make healthier choices. As we expand into Canada, we plan to continue expanding our Skin School initiative both online and in-store.”
Source- Bubble Skincare
Why the brand is expanding into Canada
“Bubble is expanding into Canada because that’s what our community wants,” explained Eisenman.
“In fact, we already have thousands of Bubble Ambassadors in Canada who have asked us, time and again, to expand our distribution across their country. We have been hunting for a great retail partner in Canada, and when we asked our community what they thought about us expanding our distribution into Shoppers and Pharmaprix, they were thrilled.
“It is Bubble’s mission to make clinically effective prestige skincare affordable and accessible to as many people as possible, and we plan to continue doing that all around the world. Bubble is, above all, about feeling good about yourself, your face, your friends, and your life, and we’re just chasing that feeling wherever it leads us.”
Irene Doody
“At Shoppers, we are committed to offering the very best in beauty for all Canadians and we know our customers look to us to meet their diverse skincare needs,” said Irene Doody VP, Category Management, Mass Beauty, Shoppers Drug Mart. “That’s why we are thrilled to bring cruelty-free and dermatologist tested Bubble Skincare products to Shoppers, adding to the top global brands available in store and online. Whether you’re already a beauty lover or just starting to explore, Shoppers is the destination for beauty and skincare in Canada.”
According to newly released data from DoorDash Canada showcasing Canadian ordering habits from last Valentine’s Day, florists and grocers should prepare to receive the majority of flower orders on the day of the actual occasion. The most popular time to place flower orders last Valentine’s Day? 12:19 p.m., according to the company.
Despite freezing temperatures across the country, love is in the air – among romantic partners, lifelong friends, close family members, and next-door neighbours. To showcase how Canadians are celebrating and spreading the love, DoorDash Canada is unveiling new consumer ordering insights from last Valentine’s Day digging into flower and chocolate preferences.
Flowers For Lunch: The highest concentration of flower orders placed on DoorDash in Canada last year on Valentine’s Day was at 12:19 p.m. Only 15% of Canadians scheduled their flower orders ahead of time to prepare for the day, whereas 85% of Canadians waited until the day-of to place their orders. Don’t forget to plan ahead this year, lunchtime warriors.
Bigger Vases Needed: The largest single order of flowers on DoorDash in Canada last Valentine’s Day came from a customer in Alberta and included a whopping 72 roses. Customers in Ontario and British Columbia couldn’t stop at a dozen either, with the second and third largest orders of flowers including 48 roses.
Crowd Classics Never Change: Roses are the most popular flower ordered on DoorDash for Valentine’s Day in Canada, followed by tulips, carnations, orchids, and lilies. To no surprise, milk chocolate is by far the most popular chocolate in Canada for Valentine’s Day on DoorDash, followed by dark and white chocolate.
Source: DoorDash
DoorDash said the data reinforces that love across Canada is expressed in a variety of ways as no region of Canada celebrates Valentine’s Day exactly the same. Unique provincial insights include …
Manitoba Accepts This Rose: Over 60% of flower orders placed on DoorDash in Winnipeg last Valentine’s Day included roses, which is the highest percentage of customers opting for traditional rose bouquets across Canada.
Saskatchewan Switches Up Tradition: On the other hand, Saskatoon residents purchased assorted bouquets more than bouquets of roses on DoorDash last Valentine’s Day. Though, over 40% of flower orders placed on DoorDash in Saskatchewan last Valentine’s Day still included roses.
No Carnations For Quebec: Unlike many other provinces and despite being the third most popular flower across Canada, no customer in Quebec gifted carnations on DoorDash last Valentine’s Day. The most popular flowers ordered for Valentine’s Day in Quebec behind roses were actually tulips, orchids, sunflowers, and lilies!
The Sole Ontario Daisy: Only one order on DoorDash in Ontario last Valentine’s Day included daisies. If this was you, feel extra special, because you’re one of one.
Chocolate Cravings: British Columbians order a higher percentage of white chocolate on DoorDash than any other province on Valentine’s Day, whereas New Brunswick residents order a higher percentage of dark chocolate.
Canada’s labour market saw notable growth in January, with employment increasing by 76,000 (+0.4%). This increase followed a strong December (+91,000) and November (+44,000), marking a third consecutive month of positive employment gains. As a result, the employment rate rose by 0.1 percentage points to 61.1%, reflecting a shift from a period of employment declines between April 2023 and October 2024, according to a report released Friday by Statistics Canada.
The unemployment rate also decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 6.6% in January, continuing a downward trend that began in November 2024. The decrease was primarily driven by youth aged 15 to 24, whose unemployment rate fell to 13.6%, down from a high of 14.2% in previous months, said the federal agency.
Employment Growth Across Demographics
In January, employment gains were seen across various demographic groups. Youth aged 15 to 24 experienced an increase of 31,000 (+1.1%), largely driven by a rise in employment among young men (+25,000; +1.8%). The employment rate for this group rose by 0.6 percentage points to 54.5%, marking the first increase since April 2024, said the report.
Employment for core-aged individuals, aged 25 to 54, also saw notable growth, with women (+36,000; +0.5%) and men (+28,000; +0.4%) in this group contributing to the overall rise. Core-aged men saw their employment increase for the third consecutive month, while women’s employment rebounded after several months of stagnation, added StatsCan.
Source: Statistics Canada
Regional Employment Trends
Ontario led the way in provincial employment growth, adding 39,000 jobs (+0.5%) in January. British Columbia followed with an increase of 23,000 jobs (+0.8%), and New Brunswick added 2,900 jobs (+0.7%). Other provinces saw little change in employment during the same period, according to the report.
Sector-Specific Gains
The manufacturing sector was a key driver of the January increase, adding 33,000 jobs (+1.8%). Gains were particularly strong in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. Similarly, employment in professional, scientific, and technical services grew by 22,000 (+1.1%), continuing a trend of expansion in this sector.
Other industries that saw job increases included construction (+19,000; +1.2%), accommodation and food services (+15,000; +1.3%), and transportation and warehousing (+13,000; +1.2%). However, the “other services” sector, which includes personal and repair services, experienced a decline of 14,000 jobs (-1.8%), added Statistics Canada.
Wages and Hours Worked
The report said average hourly wages increased by 3.5% (+$1.23 to $35.99) compared to January 2024, continuing a steady rise but slowing from previous months. The total hours worked also saw an increase, with total actual hours worked rising by 0.9% in January and up 2.2% year-over-year.
January’s data points to continued resilience in Canada’s labour market, particularly among youth and core-aged workers. Despite challenges in certain sectors and a slower pace of wage growth, the decrease in the unemployment rate and the steady rise in jobs across various industries and regions suggest a positive trend for the Canadian economy in early 2025.
Leslie Preston
“Three consecutive months of solid job growth suggests the cyclical boost to Canada’s economy from lower interest rates is clearly taking effect. Unfortunately, the imminent threat of tariffs hanging over the Canadian economy, is likely to temper business confidence and could weigh on hiring in some sectors in the coming months,” said Leslie Preston, Managing Director & Senior Economist, TD Economics.
“The Bank of Canada continued to lower interest rates in January, such that interest rates are no longer a drag on the economy. Now it is over to Canadian governments to do what they can (see commentary) to improve the competitiveness of the economy in the face of the tariff threat.”
Douglas Porter
Douglas Porter, Chief Economist at BMO Capital Markets, said: “If we weren’t all absorbed with the possibility of a trade war, we would be talking about the comeback in the Canadian domestic economy in recent months. The turnaround in job growth, even amid cooler population trends, reinforces the message from firmer auto and home sales that the economy was turning a corner thanks to the heavy-duty drop in interest rates in the past eight months. Alas, we still need to contend with the lingering uncertainty on the trade front, which casts a cloud over these sunny jobs figures. For the Bank of Canada, there is little here crying out for further near-term rate relief, but the clear and present trade risks will keep rate-cut hopes alive. The moderation in wages does give the BoC a bit more room to manoeuvre should a trade war erupt.”
Andrew Grantham
Andrew Grantham, Senior Economist, CIBC Capital Markets, said: “Overall, this is clearly a very positive report once again. However, even after the improvement seen during the past two months, the unemployment rate is still only just back to where it stood in October, and is still consistent with a labour market with plenty of slack. We continue to think that even lower interest rates will be needed for the economy to fully absorb that slack, particularly given heightened trade uncertainty which could impact hiring decisions ahead.”
