A new Chick-fil-A restaurant is opening its newest location in the Masonville area of London on Thursday, September 11, creating approximately 100 full- and part-time jobs.
Chick-fil-A, Inc. selected Michael Camporese to be the local Owner-Operator of the new restaurant.
Located at 1669 Richmond Street, London, it will be open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., offering dine-in, drive-thru and carry-out.
Michael Camporese
“As an Operator, you’re uniquely positioned to make a meaningful impact, not just on the business, but on every individual who walks through your doors. It’s an incredible opportunity to lead by example, shape careers, and cultivate a culture where people feel empowered, valued, cared for, and inspired to pursue excellence.”
During a family trip to Port Orange, Florida, Camporese was first introduced to Chick-fil-A’s exceptional service, meticulous detail, and amazing food. The experience resonated deeply, and he’s now excited to bring a new Chick-fil-A restaurant to the province he calls home.
Camporese’s vision extends beyond the restaurant walls. He’s committed to creating meaningful jobs, supporting local causes, and building a welcoming space where every guest feels valued and leaves feeling a little better than before.
Camporese is committed to giving back to the London community by: ● Participating in the Chick-fil-A Shared TableTM 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 London area. Since 2020, Chick-fil-A has donated about C$2 million (US$1.46 million) to Second Harvest to address food insecurity.
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 people 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.
SixtyEight, a 20,000-square-foot meeting and event space overlooking Toronto’s financial district from the top floor of Scotia Plaza. (CNW Group/KingSett Capital)
KingSett Capital and premier restaurant, event group and caterer Oliver & Bonacini (O&B) announced Wednesday the grand opening of SixtyEight, a 20,000-square-foot meeting and event space overlooking Toronto’s financial district from the top floor of Scotia Plaza.
With sweeping, sky-high views, sleek contemporary design, and an exclusive O&B experience, SixtyEight offers an unforgettable setting for milestone moments and corporate occasions, said the companies in a news release.
“The new space includes a 10,000-square-foot meeting and event space available to both tenants and outside parties and a 10,000-square-foot exclusive tenant amenity area. SixtyEight’s crown jewel is Cirrus Ballroom, accommodating up to 250 guests reception-style and 200 seated for corporate gatherings, galas, weddings and town halls,” they said.
“SixtyEight also features dedicated amenities for Scotia Plaza tenants, including a café and bar managed by Oliver & Bonacini and a variety of sophisticated meeting rooms, creating a dynamic hub for productivity, connection, and casual socializing. Additional meeting spaces also offer opportunities for intimate, chef-driven dinners with dramatic views of the CN Tower and Toronto skyline. These tenant-only amenities are designed to support the evolving workplace, blending premium service with function and flexibility.”
Photo: SixtyEight
William Logar
William Logar, Chief Asset Management Officer at KingSett Capital, said: “The opening of SixtyEight highlights our ongoing focus on improving our assets and providing tenants with extraordinary experiences. SixtyEight sets a new standard for office tenant amenities and elevated public events in Toronto’s financial district.”
Natalie Stanbra
Natalie Stanbra, National Director of Event Sales, Oliver & Bonacini, said: “SixtyEight has come to life exactly as we imagined—a true game-changer for Toronto’s event scene. From the moment guests step off the elevator, they’re greeted by jaw-dropping views, sleek design, and a sense of occasion that’s both modern and timeless. Every detail reflects the hospitality and service Oliver & Bonacini is known for, and we’re thrilled to open the doors to this extraordinary space in partnership with KingSett Capital.”
Photo: SixtyEight
Located in the heart of Toronto’s Financial District, Scotia Plaza is a Class ‘AAA’ office complex comprised of three integrated buildings and over 2.2 million square feet of space. This complex is home to the global headquarters of Scotiabank and was the first major Zero Carbon – Performance Standard certified commercial building in Canada. Scotia Plaza is owned by KingSett Capital.
Event inquiries and bookings are now being accepted for September 2025 and beyond—including holiday parties. Interested parties are invited to visit oliverbonacini.com/event-venues/sixtyeight to learn more and contact an Event Specialist.
Founded in 2002, KingSett Capital is a leading Canadian private equity real estate firm that co-invests with institutional and ultra-high net worth clients to deliver sustainable, premium risk-weighted returns. KingSett manages $18 billion in assets across its Growth, Income, Urban, Mortgage, Residential Development and Affordable Housing strategies.
Founded in 1993 by Peter Oliver and Michael Bonacini, Oliver & Bonacini is recognized as one of Canada’s leading hospitality groups. With locations in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Edmonton, O&B’s portfolio includes a diverse collection of unique and innovative restaurants, event venues, full-service catering arms, and several strategic partnerships.
Kind Karma Company, the Toronto-based social enterprise known for employing at-risk and homeless youth to handcraft fine jewelry, has opened a new retail store at 801 Dundas Street West. The expansion marks a milestone for the organization, which has grown steadily since its founding in 2017.
For founder Laurinda Lee Retter, the store is the culmination of years of work blending artistry, social good, and entrepreneurship. “We wanted to create an environment where vulnerable youth could work at their own pace, in a space that supports their mental health and personal growth,” she explained in an interview with Retail Insider.
Laurinda Lee Retter
A Mission Born from Experience
Retter founded Kind Karma Company with a clear goal: to provide meaningful employment for youth facing barriers to opportunity. Many of the young people she hires have experienced homelessness, abusive domestic environments, or mental health challenges that make traditional retail or service jobs difficult.
“Retail and restaurant jobs can be tough even for someone with a healthy mind and body,” she said. “For youth struggling with trauma or mental health, those environments can be overwhelming. Kind Karma was my way of creating an art therapy-based employment model that’s flexible and supportive.”
Since its launch, Kind Karma has combined jewelry-making with coaching, mentorship, and goal-setting. Youth artisans not only create high-quality pieces but also receive wages and proceeds that help fund education, housing, and personal development.
Kind Karma store in Toronto. Image: Kind Karma
From E-Commerce to a Toronto Storefront
Kind Karma Company began as an e-commerce operation, working out of shared spaces provided by Yonge Street Mission and the Social Venture Zone at Toronto Metropolitan University. When the pandemic disrupted operations, the organization shifted to a dedicated office space and eventually began offering in-person services like permanent jewelry.
The new Dundas Street storefront, which opened in June 2025, spans about 1,000 square feet. It is divided into retail and workshop spaces, with a back section reserved for artisans to work in a calm environment away from customer interaction. The space also includes a patio, which Retter hopes to use for collaborations with other small businesses.
“I’d love to let other entrepreneurs use the patio as a pop-up venue,” she said. “Not everyone has the luxury of a physical storefront, and this way we can spread a little more ‘kind karma’ by giving them a place to connect with customers.”
Workshop space at Kind Karma in Toronto. Image: Kind Karma
Jewelry as Therapy and Empowerment
The heart of Kind Karma remains its art therapy-based employment model. Youth artisans can work with headphones on, creating at their own pace in a safe and supportive environment. The process itself often becomes a tool for healing.
One artisan, Joy, shared her story openly on the Kind Karma blog. Fleeing an abusive family in Turkey in 2020, she found a new home in Canada through Covenant House and Kind Karma. Over the years she has gone from learning basic jewelry assembly to training new artisans, managing social media, and recently signing a lease on her first home with her sister.
“She’s really my shining star,” said Retter. “Seeing her confidence grow and watching her develop skills to build her future has been incredible.”
Another youth found such therapeutic value in jewelry-making that she requested supplies be delivered to her hospital while receiving treatment for mental health challenges. “Who asks for work while in recovery?” Retter recalled. “But it showed me how much this process helps manage anxiety.”
Permanent jewellery area at Kind Karma in Toronto. Image: Kind Karma
Growing Demand for Services
The addition of in-store services has helped boost Kind Karma’s visibility and growth. Permanent jewelry, in particular, has proven a draw. Retter purchased the specialized machine before the service became popular, and initial bookings were sparse. Then, almost overnight, the trend exploded after being featured on the reality series Love is Blind.
“Suddenly everyone wanted to try permanent jewelry,” she said. “That year was a turning point for us.”
More recently, charm necklaces and customized services such as engraving and the charm bar have driven traffic. Customers can book workshops in-store, order online, or commission personalized pieces.
All jewelry is made from high-quality, tarnish-resistant, and water-resistant materials, a key selling point for customers seeking pieces that last.
Bracelet stand at Kind Karma in Toronto. Image: Kind Karma
Community Impact and National Ambitions
Kind Karma’s impact extends beyond jewelry sales. The organization has built a reputation as a women-owned business committed to ethical practices, using recycled and upcycled packaging and prioritizing sustainability.
For Retter, however, the greatest impact comes from watching youth artisans thrive. Several have launched side businesses inspired by their work at Kind Karma, and others have used their wages and proceeds to pursue post-secondary education or secure independent housing.
Looking ahead, Retter sees expansion as a natural next step. “My dream has always been to open Kind Karma offices in every major Canadian city,” she said. “The need is there. When I was recently in Vancouver, the homelessness crisis was clear, and I know our model could make a difference.”
Her goal is to bring the Kind Karma Toronto store model to Vancouver as the first expansion city, followed by other urban centres across the country.
A Blend of Retail and Social Purpose
For Toronto shoppers, Kind Karma’s new Dundas Street store offers more than just jewelry. It provides a chance to participate in workshops, commission custom pieces, and engage directly with a business built on ethical and social principles.
For youth artisans, it offers a lifeline—steady employment, a supportive community, and the chance to imagine new possibilities.
“It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and wonder if you’re making a difference,” Retter reflected. “But when I hear stories from our youth, I know that we are.”
“Roots delivered a strong second quarter with comparable sales up 17.8%, reflecting the strength of our brand and the resonance of our products with consumers,” said Meghan Roach, President and CEO of Roots. “This momentum was supported by innovative collaborations, a compelling product assortment, and our focus on creating meaningful customer experiences. As we continue to strengthen our brand and deepen engagement with our loyal community, we are focused on creating long-term value.”
“While early in the third quarter, we continue to experience positive trends during the back-to-school period.”
Second Quarter Highlights
Sales were $50.8 million, a 6.3% increase compared to $47.7 million in Q2 2024
DTC sales were $41.0 million, a 12.7% increase compared to $36.4 million in Q2 2024
DTC comparable sales growth was 17.8%
Gross margin was 60.7%, up 430bps compared to 56.4% in Q2 2024
DTC gross margin of 63.2%, up 150bps compared to 61.7% in Q2 2024
Net loss totaled ($4.4) million, improving 16.1% from ($5.2) million in Q2 2024
Excluding the impacts from the revaluation of cash settled instruments under our share-based compensation plan, net loss would have been ($4.0) million, improving 26.8% compared to ($5.5) million in Q2 2024
Adjusted EBITDA amounted to ($2.1) million, a 32.0% improvement from ($3.1) million in Q2 2024
Excluding the impacts from the revaluation of cash settled instruments under our share-based compensation plan, Adjusted EBITDA would have been ($1.8) million, improving 47.9% compared to ($3.4) million in Q2 2024
Net debt reduced 6.5% year-over-year to $38.1 million
The Company repurchased 491,500 shares for $1.5 million under the normal course issue bid
Established in 1973, Roots is a global lifestyle brand. Starting from a small cabin in northern Canada, Roots has become a global brand with over 100 corporate retail stores in Canada, two stores in the United States, and an eCommerce platform, roots.com. It has more than 100 partner-operated stores in Asia, and we also operate a dedicated Roots-branded storefront on Tmall.com in China.
“We delivered an exceptional quarter. Comparable store sales grew 28.6%, driving a 43.3% two-year stack. This performance was fueled largely by higher traffic, attributable to strong brand heat and an important increase in media brand impressions. We’ve raised our 2025 guidance on both revenue and profitability, reflecting disciplined execution, operational agility and a luxury-inspired model that consistently outperforms. Gross margin reached 63.6%, the highest in the past four quarters. Even in a cautious consumer environment, our positioning around affordable indulgences continues to put a smile on our customers’ faces,” said Andrew Lutfy, Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board.
Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Highlights
Revenue increased by 36.5% to $326.4 million in Q2 2025, compared to $239.1 million in Q2 2024;
Comparable store sales growth of 28.6% (25.7% on a constant currency basis) in Q2 2025, over and above comparable store sales growth of 14.7% in Q2 2024;
Retail sales per square foot increased by 18.1% compared to Q2 2024, reaching $820 in Q2 2025;
SG&A increased to $87.7 million in Q2 2025, compared to $79.9 million in Q2 2024, and adjusted SG&A as a percentage of sales decreased by 550 basis points to 26.7% from 32.2% over the same period in Q2 2024;
Operating income increased by 61.4% to $97.3 million in Q2 2025, compared to $60.3 million in Q2 2024;
Adjusted EBITDA increased by 49.1% to $120.5 million in Q2 2025, representing an adjusted EBITDA margin of 36.9%, compared to 33.8% for the same period in Q2 2024;
Diluted net earnings per share increased to $0.56 in Q2 2025, compared to $0.38 in Q2 2024 and adjusted diluted net earnings per share increased by 43.4% to $0.57 in Q2 2025, compared to $0.40 in Q2 2024.
Dynamite at Royalmount in Montreal. Photo courtesy of Dynamite
Real estate activity for Q2 2025 includes:
Opening of 8 gross new stores in the United States under the Garage banner;
Closure of 6 stores in Canada, 4 under the Dynamite banner and 2 under the Garage banner;
Renovation or relocation of 4 stores: 2 in the United States under the Garage banner and 2 in Canada under both banners.
Stacie Beaver
“This quarter, our teams executed with precision and delivered strong results. North American openings are exceeding expectations, and our UK expansion is progressing with five new leases signed. Every function of the business, from product to marketing to our store teams, is aligned and driving performance. That alignment is fueling stronger brand experiences and deeper connections with our customers and community. With this momentum, we are positioned to elevate our performance across every market we serve,” added Stacie Beaver, President & Chief Operating Officer.
Groupe Dynamite Inc. operates retail stores and digital experiences under two complementary banners—GARAGE and DYNAMITE.
As the end of patio season nears, new research from technology company Square found that the “Buy Canadian” movement remains stronger than ever, and has grown beyond the grocery store to restaurants, bars, and breweries.
According to a survey commissioned by Square, 65% of respondents say they have prioritized homegrown spirits, beer, and wine over U.S. brands when enjoying a drink this patio season.
Ming-Tai Huh
“Whether it’s due to national pride, support for local producers, or backlash over shifting trade dynamics, it’s clear that Canadians are increasingly choosing domestic alcohol over U.S. imports,” said Ming-Tai Huh, Head of Food and Beverage at Square. “Canada has some incredible wine, beer, and spirits, and consumers see buying local as both a way to get premium products and to keep more of their spending within local communities.”
Canadians Tip Big After Hours
The later into the night, the bigger the tip: Square’s nighttime economy data confirms Canadians are most generous at 3:00 a.m., leaving an average bar gratuity of 17.8% across seven of its largest cities. And, Winnipegers lead the pack; at the peak hour, their tips jump to 19.7%, making them English Canada’s most generous nighttime tippers, said Square.
Bar tips also consistently outpaced those in Canadian cafés and restaurants. Between 2020 and 2025, bar tips were notably higher than in other types of Food & Beverage businesses, routinely averaging 14–15%, said the report.
Overall, in July 2025, tips in every Food & Beverage category were stable or slightly down compared to pandemic peaks. For example, bar tips averaged 14.4% across cities, while tip percentages at cafés were 12.7% on average during the month, it added.
Canada’s New “Party City” Power Duo
“For the second year in a row, Calgary has tied for the title of Canada’s “Top Party City,” but this year it has a new partner at the top: Edmonton. The two Alberta cities have the nation’s top nighttime economies for 2025 based on the share of transaction volume from businesses using Square’s tools and services across Canada,” said Square.
Square said it looked at millions of in-person transactions in some of Canada’s largest cities and found that both Alberta cities have the largest share of nighttime spending (32%) at bars, cafés, and restaurants occurring between 7 p.m. and 4 a.m.
Photo: Andrea Piacquadio
Toronto, which tied with Calgary for the top spot last year, has seen a significant decline in its nighttime economy in 2025, dropping to second to last place with only 21% of transactions occurring at night. Vancouver placed last with a mere 17%, explained the report.
Toronto isn’t an outlier; overall nighttime spending is down in major cities across the country for the second year in a row, including our Party City co-leader Calgary, whose share of nighttime spending is down from 38% the previous year (Edmonton was not previously ranked), it noted.
“The slowdown we’re seeing in Canada’s nighttime spending is really a sign of changing times,” said Huh. “With rising living costs, Canadians are watching their budgets more closely, and hybrid work may mean fewer after-work get-togethers. But despite the challenges, bars and restaurants have a big opportunity: by creating memorable experiences—whether through great service, unique offerings, or seamless payment options—they can stand out and build loyalty with customers.”
Demand for Mocktails Continues Trending Upwards
Another big story this summer involves the mocktail, which has enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity since the pandemic. While not surprisingly, businesses are still earning more from cocktails nationally, in Winnipeg, non-alcoholic beverages outperformed cocktails between November 2024 and February 2025. In Edmonton, sales of mocktails are consistently higher than their alcoholic counterparts, said Square.
Stuart Wheldon
“To stay relevant, breweries and manufacturers are investing into zero-proof options, leading to high quality drinks that are virtually indistinguishable from their alcoholic counterparts,” said Stuart Wheldon, CEO of Junction Craft Beverage Co. in Toronto, who began producing and offering non-alcoholic alternatives in 2022.
“As the ‘sober curious’ movement continues to gain momentum, this is great news for Canadians who want to cut down on alcohol while still enjoying a night out. It also allows businesses to diversify their menus and appeal to evolving consumer tastes and preferences.”
Jollibee, the global restaurant sensation, has unveiled its newly enhanced mobile app.
Available now on the Apple App Store and Google Play, the app allows customers to easily order their favourites.
The new app delivers a refined, user-friendly experience, putting Jollibee’s great-tasting food at a good value that is always served with joy right in the palm of every fan’s hand. Key features designed to streamline the ordering process include allowing users to customize and re-order their must-have bites, track orders, and skip the line for quick and effortless pickup. Flexible payment options now give users the ability to use Apple Pay or Google Pay to place their orders for even more convenience when a craving strikes, said the brand.
“Our revamped app is designed to enhance the overall Jollibee experience, whether you’re ordering your favourite Jolly Crispy Chicken or enjoying exciting rewards from our loyalty program. It’s another step in our commitment to delivering the best possible experience to our fans.”
For Jollibee Rewards members, the company said the app offers a seamless, fully integrated loyalty experience. In just one tap users can check their program status, refer friends to earn bonus points, and redeem their Jolly Points for even jollier rewards. An all-new store locator function allows users to stay up to date on the latest happenings at their nearest Jollibee. Through the optimized mobile app, it’s never been easier to experience the joy that’s found in every Jollibee visit.
Jollibee’s new mobile app unlocks even more joy and convenience for its swarms of fans across North America.
To celebrate the launch, Jollibee is offering an exclusive reward for new Jollibee Rewards members during the month of September. Customers who sign-up for Jollibee’s loyalty program will get $5 off their order when they spend $10 or more. Fans can download the new mobile app to access this offer.
Jollibee is the flagship brand of the Jollibee Group, a global restaurant company. Jollibee said it is on its way to becoming a $1 billion business by 2028.
The Jollibee Group is one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant companies with 19 brands and over 9,900 stores across 33 countries.
The Jollibee Group’s portfolio includes nine wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger and Tim Ho Wan), five franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines), and ownership stakes in other key brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (80%), Compose Coffee (70%), SuperFoods Group that operates Highlands Coffee (60%), and bubble tea brand Milksha (51%). The company also has membership interests in Tortazo, LLC, along with Chef Rick Bayless, for Tortazo in the U.S. and has recently invested in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology.
Every September, Canadians welcome back pumpkin spice as though it were an old friend. The crisp air, the return of routine after summer, and the smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove signal a familiar ritual: the launch of the pumpkin spice season. Yet beyond its cozy cultural aura, pumpkin spice is a remarkable economic case study. It is a multi-billion-dollar global industry that reveals much about consumer psychology, seasonal demand shocks, and the resilience of indulgence in an era of elevated food costs.
Globally, the pumpkin spice market is now worth an estimated US$1.1 billion in 2025 and is projected to more than double to US$2.2 billion by 2032, supported by annual growth exceeding ten percent. Within this category, Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) remains the anchor. Since its 2003 debut—tested in Vancouver before its wider rollout—the PSL has sold hundreds of millions of units, generating over US$500 million annually across North America. For a product available just a few months a year, this scale of revenue is extraordinary. It demonstrates how the right flavour profile can anchor not only consumer rituals, but entire retail cycles.
Canada mirrors global trends but with distinct features. Statistics Canada reports that in 2024, more than 11,500
acres of pumpkins were planted nationwide, serving both fresh consumption and the booming processed sector. Canada accounts for roughly US$154 million of the global pumpkin spice market, ranking just behind the United States in per-capita terms. This is striking given Canada’s smaller population and highlights how deeply consumers have internalized pumpkin spice as part of their autumn identity.
From an economic standpoint, pumpkin spice represents a convergence of nostalgia and affordable indulgence. In an environment where grocery bills remain elevated and restaurants feel increasingly out of reach, consumers lean on symbolic luxuries. A $5 or $6 latte is discretionary, but compared to the cost of dining out, it is accessible. This explains why the product retains momentum despite saturation. In 2024, U.S. dollar sales of pumpkin spice beverages rose 15 percent year-over-year, even though unit sales declined. Households bought fewer drinks, but they paid more when they did indulge—a textbook example of the “lipstick effect,” where small luxuries thrive as larger ones are cut back.
Corporate marketing has reinforced this dynamic. Starbucks has repeatedly moved its campaign earlier, launching on August 21 in 2024 and August 26 in 2025, strategically extending the sales window to capture more consumer dollars. Other chains, from Dunkin’ to McDonald’s, have joined the arms race. The question is how long this strategy can stretch before novelty erodes. When everything from cereal to dog treats is offered in pumpkin spice, the risk of overexposure is real. Yet the numbers suggest that, for now, consumers remain willing to pay a premium for what feels like comfort wrapped in a cup.
There is also a supply-side dimension. Unlike artificial flavour fads, pumpkin spice depends on real agricultural inputs. Canadian pumpkin growers, particularly in Ontario and Quebec, enjoy seasonal boosts, though pumpkins remain a minor crop compared with grains or oilseeds. The critical pressure points are in the spice trade—cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove—commodities highly sensitive to climate shocks and geopolitical disruptions. Rising input costs may eventually force companies to make trade-offs between protecting margins and raising prices, testing the limits of affordability for consumers.
Ultimately, pumpkin spice is more than a flavour. It is an economic signal: evidence that consumers cling to small rituals even in times of uncertainty. It demonstrates how scarcity and seasonality sustain willingness to pay, and how nostalgia itself functions as an economic asset. For policymakers and industry leaders, the message is clear—food is not only sustenance, but also identity, memory, and reassurance.
The natural question is: what comes after pumpkin spice? If consumer culture is cyclical, the next PSL-style phenomenon may emerge from equally nostalgic territory. Early contenders include sweet potato and marshmallow blends, maple-based lattes, and matcha-pumpkin hybrids already trending on social media.
Whether any of these can replicate the PSL’s twenty-year run remains uncertain. What is clear is that Canadians will continue to pay for rituals that feel both familiar and comforting. As long as pumpkin spice delivers on those fronts, it will remain not just a cultural marker of fall, but also a durable economic one.
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.
Security professional monitors camera system. Photo: Axis Communications
Canadian retailers are facing a perfect storm: rising incidents of organized retail crime, shifting customer expectations, and a growing need to extract more value from every investment. While security has always been essential, today’s technology can also provide insights that go far beyond loss prevention, and the opportunities are bigger than many realize.
On September 24, 2025, Retail Insider Publisher Craig Patterson will moderate an exclusive live webinar with two leading experts from Axis Communications: Andrew Kertesz, Regional Sales Manager for Central Canada, and James Stark, Segment Development Manager, Retail. Together, they will explore how retailers can use integrated security solutions to protect assets and enhance operations to improve the customer experience. [Register Here]
Beyond Cameras: Creating a Smart Retail Ecosystem
Axis Communications is a global leader in network video, audio, and analytics solutions. But in today’s environment, the conversation has shifted from “How do we stop theft?” to “How can our technology help run a better business?” This webinar will walk participants through the latest in integrated security ecosystems — combining cameras, analytics, and open-platform technology to create a multi-purpose tool for retail success.
What Attendees Will Learn:
How organized retail crime trends are evolving in Canada and how to respond.
The role of integrated, end-to-end solutions in maximizing return on investment.
How AI-driven analytics can enhance both security and customer experience.
Future trends, including Security Operations Centres (SOCs) and centralized monitoring.
Practical Insights from Industry Leaders
James Stark brings extensive experience in helping retailers design and implement strategies that deter crime while driving business value. Andrew Kertesz offers a deep understanding of how regional challenges can be addressed through scalable technology solutions. Together, they will share real-world examples and actionable takeaways that attendees can apply immediately.
Event Details
Date: September 24, 2025 Time: 1:00pm Eastern Format: Live webinar with Q&A Registration:Register Here
This free, 45-minute webinar is a must-attend for retail executives, loss prevention professionals, and operations leaders who want to get more from their security investments.
