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Loblaw reports revenue growth of 5.2% in Q2

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Image: Loblaw

Loblaw Companies Limited announced Thursday its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 14, 2025, indicating that revenue growth reflected higher customer traffic and unit sales as well as larger baskets.

Loblaw said it delivered a strong performance this quarter by continuing to provide Canadians with quality, value, service, and convenience across its nationwide network of stores and digital platforms.

Strong sales growth was driven by new store openings and improved same-store sales, with everyday value offerings, personalized PC OptimumTM loyalty rewards, and impactful promotions driving higher customer engagement, it said.

“In the Food Retail business, consumers continued to focus on value, which resulted in outperformance by Hard Discount and Real Canadian Superstores banners. Same-store traffic, basket size, and item count all increased compared to the same quarter last year. Food Retail tonnage volume also increased, reflecting solid market share gains within both discount and conventional segments. In Drug Retail, robust pharmacy and healthcare services drove continued strength, led by specialty drug growth. Front store sales momentum continued, particularly in prestige beauty categories, partially offset by the strategic exit from certain electronics items. Loblaw advanced its full-year plan to open approximately 80 new stores and 100 new pharmacy clinics, providing access to affordable, quality groceries and healthcare to more communities across Canada. This included opening 10 stores and 12 pharmacy clinics in the quarter, bringing the year-to-date total to 20 new stores and 23 new pharmacy clinics. In addition, the Company continued to successfully execute the ramp-up of its East Gwillimbury distribution centre, said the company.

Loblaw also separately announced Thursday a 4-for-1 common share stock split to ensure its common shares remain accessible to retail investors and the thousands of employees who participate in the Company’s employee share ownership program. The stock split will not dilute shareholders’ equity. The stock split will be implemented by way of a stock dividend.

“Canadians are seeking value, quality and service and are increasingly rewarding us for delivering on their needs, resulting in sales and market share growth,” said Per Bank, President and Chief Executive Officer, Loblaw Companies Limited. “We are bringing our value focus to more and more communities across Canada through our new store openings, with 61 new stores opened since last year.”

Photo- Per Bank LinkedIn
Photo- Per Bank LinkedIn

2025 SECOND QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

  • Revenue was $14,672 million, an increase of $725 million, or 5.2%.
  • The sale of Wellwise by Shoppers was completed in the first quarter of 2025. Revenue related to Wellwise in the second quarter of 2025 was nil (2024 – $21 million). Excluding the impact of revenue related to Wellwise, revenue increased by 5.4%.
  • Retail segment sales were $14,389 million, an increase of $731 million, or 5.4%.
  • Food Retail (Loblaw) same-stores sales increased by 3.5%.
  • Drug Retail (Shoppers Drug Mart) same-store sales increased by 4.1%, with pharmacy and healthcare services same-store sales growth of 6.2% and front store same-store sales growth of 1.7%.
  • E-commerce sales increased by 17.5%.
  • Operating income was $1,239 million, an increase of $371 million, or 42.7%.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was $1,840 million, an increase of $127 million, or 7.4%.
  • Retail segment gross profit percentage was stable at 32.0%.
  • Net earnings available to common shareholders of the Company were $714 million, an increase of $257 million or 56.2%. Diluted net earnings per common share were $2.37, an increase of $0.89, or 60.1%. The increase was primarily driven by the impact of lower costs related to certain intangible assets associated with the 2014 acquisition of Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation which are now fully amortized and lapping of prior year charges.
  • Adjusted net earnings available to common shareholders of the Company were $721 million, an increase of $57 million, or 8.6%.
  • Adjusted diluted net earnings per common share were $2.40, an increase of $0.25 or 11.6%.
  • Net capital investments were $239 million, which reflects gross capital investments of $409 million, net of proceeds from property disposals of $170 million.
  • Repurchased for cancellation 2.05 million common shares at a cost of $445 million. Free cash flow from the Retail segment was $640 million.

Loblaw is Canada’s food and pharmacy leader, and the nation’s largest retailer. Loblaw provides Canadians with grocery, pharmacy and healthcare services, other health and beauty products, apparel, general merchandise, financial services and wireless mobile products and services. With more than 2,800 locations, Loblaw, its franchisees and Associate-owners employ more than 220,000 full- and part-time employees, making it one of Canada’s largest private sector employers.

It has more than 1,100 grocery stores that span the value spectrum from discount to specialty; full-service pharmacies at nearly 1,400 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix locations and in close to 500 grocery stores; PC Financial services; Joe Fresh fashion and family apparel; and four of Canada’s top-consumer brands in Life Brand, Farmer’s Market, no name and President’s Choice.

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Alpine Park retail taking shape as demand for suburban development surges: CBRE’s Alistair Corbett (Images)

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Image: Alpine Park
Image: Alpine Park

After years of planning, Alpine Park — a major new urbanist community on Calgary’s west side — is finally breaking ground with its multi-phased retail development now underway. 

Alpine Park is a $2.5 billion mixed-use development by Dream Unlimited.

Speaking with Retail Insider, Alistair Corbett, Senior Vice President at CBRE, who is handling the retail leasing side of the mega project, shared insights into the scope of the development, current leasing momentum, and the strength of Calgary’s suburban retail market.

Alistair Corbett
Alistair Corbett

“It’s interesting — finally a lot of stuff getting in the ground and going after years of planning,” said Corbett. “This stuff takes so long for everybody to put together.”

Alpine Park is located off Stoney Trail at 154th Avenue — the interchange that takes drivers east into Evergreen and west into the new community of Alpine Park. 

A Three-Phase Retail Strategy

Corbett outlined a thoughtfully staged retail strategy for Alpine Park, designed to evolve alongside the growing community.

“This has been more than a decade in the making, but essentially there are three retail components to that community,” he said.

  • Phase One: The Convenience District
    Construction is already underway on a single-level, 60,000-square-foot centre focused on daily needs. “It’s gas and drive-thru and daily needs, daycare, that kind of format,” Corbett explained.
  • Phase Two: The Service District
    Coming in 2027 and beyond, this 65,000-square-foot mixed-use space will be “grocery anchored, some extra retail and medical and services like that.”
  • Phase Three: The Social District
    Planned for further down the line, this phase will be adjacent to a village centre housing up to 12,000 residential units. “That brings on the food and the entertainment portion,” he added.

Population Growth and Market Catchment

The development will serve both the Alpine Park community and neighbouring areas underserved by retail.

“The community itself of Alpine Park when it’s fully developed would be over 20,000 people,” Corbett said. “What’s really interesting about this site is the east portion of Stoney Trail, where Evergreen and Bridlewood is — that’s really under-retailed if you think about it.”

Corbett noted that the existing retail in the area is concentrated along 162nd Avenue, on the south end of Evergreen, meaning many residents will pass directly by the new retail area to access their communities.

“You’ve kind of got an existing base of people that are under-serviced that are coming past it every day. Plus you’ve got the growth of Alpine Park on the west. Bridlewood and Evergreen brings you about 25,000 people.”

Image: Alpine Park
Image: Alpine Park

Leasing Momentum and Tenant Mix

On the leasing front, the project is gaining traction with several deals secured and more in negotiation.

“I think it’s fair to say that they’ve announced the Petro Canada deal, the McDonald’s deal, a large, 12,000-square-foot daycare,” said Corbett. “We have active paper with wine stores, vets, physiotherapies, martial arts.”

While food tenants are confirmed, Corbett couldn’t yet name them. “There’s a lot going on that’s kind of underneath the paper.”

As for the Service District, advanced negotiations are ongoing with grocery and other retail anchors. “Those are lengthy discussions,” he said.

A Tight Retail Market with Surging Demand

Alpine Park is launching into a suburban retail environment marked by extremely low vacancy rates and strong consumer demand.

“There is almost no vacancy down in the south end — well, in most of the suburban areas of the city,” Corbett explained. “The south trade zone is a 2.2% vacancy number. That’s almost functionally zero.”

“Lots of residential growth. This is what the retailers and the service providers are looking for — sites that will be successful on day one,” he added.

He noted that new retail development has lagged in recent years, despite high demand. “We normally bring on about 1.3 million square feet of space a year in the retail market in Calgary, and last year was just over half a million,” said Corbett. “This conventional stuff has been really hard to bring to market just because… the interest rates and the construction costs and what tenants were willing to pay — it just hadn’t been penciling.”

But things are shifting. “Good sites with really good tenants, with good rates. The rates are recalibrated,” he said. “The retailers can understand that Calgary’s a really desirable market to get space — it’s competitive and it’s tough, but it’s also expensive. And those rates have now recalibrated back up.

Image: Alpine Park
Image: Alpine Park

Strong Fundamentals Driving Calgary Retail

Asked to describe Calgary’s retail sector overall, Corbett pointed to a city with fundamentals working in its favour.

“We’re not an overbuilt city. In fact, on the contrary, the vacancy rate overall — including downtown — is 4.6%. And downtown is 12% vacant. But this kind of grocery-anchored, high-quality suburban retail is almost nothing vacant.”

Population growth is another factor. “We’re coming up with our six and seven per cent growth rates, right? But with no new space being delivered. Everybody’s same-store sales were, on the whole, great because all of these new people are shopping at the same number of shops.”

Mixed-use urban areas face a different trajectory, but the suburbs are booming. “The demand in the suburbs is insane,” Corbett said.

Image: Alpine Park
Image: Alpine Park

Looking Ahead

With its careful planning, rapid leasing activity, and strategic location, Alpine Park is poised to become one of Calgary’s key suburban retail hubs — a rare new project in a market starved for supply.

“It’s just been really carefully thought out by Dream,” Corbett concluded. “Some of the team have already been on it for a decade, getting this ready to go. And now — here we are.”

Related Retail Insider stories:

Image: Alpine Park
Image: Alpine Park
Image: Alpine Park
Image: Alpine Park
Image: Alpine Park
Image: Alpine Park
Image: Alpine Park
Image: Alpine Park
Image: Alpine Park
Image: Alpine Park

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

By
Retail Insider
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Canadian Retail News From Around The Web

News at a Glance

Retail Insider is streamlining its Canadian retail news from around the web to include a handful of top news stories that can be viewed quickly during the day. Here are the top stories from the past 24 hours.

Algorithmic Pricing and Competition: RCC Draft Submission (RCC)

Posthaste: The hidden costs of the ‘Buy Canadian’ movement (Financial Post)

Vancouver storefronts sit empty amid policy gridlock, construction delays (Business in Vancouver)

Montreal’s Ecksand Eyes Move to SoHo (National Jeweller)

Two new businesses expected to open at Cottonwood in early August, joining new café that recently opened (Fraser Valley Today)

Nigerian grocery chain Ebeano launches first Oakville store (Oakville News)

A bookstore that’s been a Halifax institution since 1987 is facing closure (CBC)

French bakery and pastry shop to open soon in Chilliwack (Fraser Valley Today)

Apple Launches AppleCare One, Bundling Multi-Device Coverage Into One Monthly Plan

By
Lee Rivett
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Apple iPhone 14 at CF Pacific Centre location (Photo: Lee Rivett)

Apple is introducing AppleCare One, a new subscription-style protection plan that consolidates coverage for multiple Apple devices under a single monthly fee, a shift that could simplify after-sales protection and boost attachment rates across Apple’s hardware ecosystem.

Priced at $19.99 per month, AppleCare One covers up to three Apple products, with the option to add additional devices for $5.99 per month per product, according to the company. The plan launches in the U.S. starting tomorrow, with enrollment available directly through an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, as well as in Apple Stores.

The move positions AppleCare less like an add-on and more like a portfolio-level subscription, designed for customers who now own multiple Apple devices—and want a single plan that follows them as they upgrade.

A Single Plan Across iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch

AppleCare One includes the core benefits of AppleCare+, including unlimited repairs for accidental damage such as drops and spills, battery coverage, and 24/7 priority support. The new plan also expands theft and loss protection, previously associated primarily with iPhone coverage, to now include iPad and Apple Watch.

Apple says the bundled pricing remains the same regardless of which products a customer adds, framing the plan as a value proposition for users carrying a typical Apple stack.

For customers who would otherwise subscribe to AppleCare+ individually on multiple devices, Apple claims the new offering can deliver savings of up to $11 per month compared with separate plans.

A Broader Enrollment Window—And a Longer Backward Reach

AppleCare One also changes a key limitation of AppleCare+: the narrow sign-up window tied to new device purchases.

Under the new structure, customers can add eligible devices they already own—up to four years old—as long as they’re in “good condition.” This is a significant expansion beyond the typical 60-day window that has historically governed AppleCare+ enrollment.

For Apple, that change could materially increase the addressable market for paid protection, including customers who previously opted out at checkout or delayed their purchase decision.

Designed for Upgrade Cycles and Device Turnover

Apple is also building in automation intended to reduce friction for customers who upgrade frequently. When a customer trades in a covered device directly to Apple, the company says the product will be automatically removed from the plan and replaced with the new device.

As a monthly subscription, AppleCare One is positioned as a flexible coverage layer that can scale up or down based on household device counts, with customers able to move devices in and out of the plan over time.

Why It Matters to the Retail Channel

While AppleCare has long functioned as a high-margin services layer in Apple’s business model, AppleCare One reflects a more explicit move toward subscription packaging and recurring revenue logic—bundling, predictable billing, and multi-device retention.

For consumer electronics retail, warranty and protection plans remain an important battleground. AppleCare One may pressure third-party retail protection offerings by making Apple’s first-party coverage easier to maintain, easier to understand, and more continuous across replacement cycles.

The plan also signals how Apple is adapting its service ecosystem to a reality where customers increasingly own not one Apple product, but several—and want them supported through a single interface.

AppleCare One is available in the U.S. starting tomorrow.

Chick-fil-A Canada Tests New App Exclusively at CF Shops at Don Mills Location

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

Chick-fil-A says it is continuing to improve the guest experience at its Canadian locations.

On Tuesday, July 22, the popular restaurant chain launched the new Chick-fil-A Canada Mobile App exclusively at the restaurant location at the CF Shops at Don Mills, with the goal of extending to all restaurants in the future. 

The app is a free app that allows customers to view the menu, place mobile orders, earn rewards on mobile orders and redeem rewards for menu items. 

While the app will be available for download in the App Store and Google Play Store, only guests visiting Don Mills will be able to order via the app at this time.

“We will be collecting guest feedback to help inform the possible future rollout of the app,” said the company. 

“We’re launching the Chick-fil-A Canada App as a new way to serve our guests as we continue to expand in Canada. We’re excited to continue improving the guest experience as the app offers mobile ordering, rewards points, and rewards redemption for menu items. Chick-fil-A Shops at Don Mills was the 10th restaurant we opened in Canada, and we found it fitting to start the launch of the app at this location. 

“The Chick-fil-A Canada App is a new service made exclusively for Canadian restaurants and is different from the Chick-fil-A App in the US.” 

While both apps share some features, the Canada app is a new app only available for use in Canada.

The company said it hopes to offer the app at all locations in Canada starting later this fall.

There are currently 25 restaurants open in Canada and the brand is set to open three more restaurants by the end of 2025.

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Ossington Avenue Retail Booms Amid Unprecedented Demand

By
Craig Patterson
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Ossington Avenue sign. Image: Toronto Real Estate

Toronto’s Ossington Avenue is experiencing a retail surge, establishing itself as one of the city’s most vibrant and sought-after shopping and dining corridors. Once dominated by auto garages, the stretch between Queen and Dundas Streets now pulses with independent retailers, stylish eateries, and lifestyle-driven businesses that reflect Toronto’s evolving urban identity.

“Ossington is on fire,” said Arlin Markowitz, Executive Vice President at CBRE, in an interview with Retail Insider. “There’s virtually no availability. I can’t think of another street in Toronto with such a low vacancy rate.”

A Growing Force in Canadian Retail

CBRE’s Urban Retail Team (URT) recently published its Summer 2025 report, underscoring Ossington Avenue’s ascent as a premier retail destination. With a walkable streetscape and a carefully cultivated mix of fashion, food, and beauty concepts, the area draws comparisons not to international strips, but to some of Toronto’s most charming shopping districts.

“There’s a certain cachet that’s grown around Ossington,” said Markowitz. “It started with a creative, artsy crowd and has evolved into a polished but still cool retail hub. It’s increasingly being talked about in the same breath as Yorkville Avenue or Hazelton, not in size but in terms of appeal.”

CBRE Toronto Urban Retail Team

Destination Openings Add Momentum

Recent retail openings have further cemented Ossington’s desirability. Toronto-based fashion label Uncle Studios recently launched its first brick-and-mortar location at 46 Ossington, combining apparel with a built-in coffee shop. Across the street at 49 Ossington, Carhartt WIP, the fashion-forward arm of the heritage workwear brand, opened its first Toronto storefront. The lease was secured by Teddy Taggart of CBRE’s Urban Retail Team.

“Carhartt WIP could have opened anywhere,” said Markowitz. “They chose Ossington. That’s a huge compliment to Toronto and a testament to the street’s appeal.”

Also new to the strip is Central Taps, a Calgary-rooted dining concept at Argyle and Ossington serving elevated comfort food. The restaurant joins nightlife staples such as Bellwoods Brewery, Paris Paris, and Azhar Kitchen & Bar. The lease was arranged by the Urban Retail Team’s Jackson Turner and Alex Edmison on behalf of the tenant. Landlord The Pearl Group was represented by Markowitz, who advised on the listing side of the deal.

Also new to the strip is Central Taps, a Calgary-rooted dining concept at Argyle and Ossington serving elevated comfort food. The restaurant joins nightlife staples such as Bellwoods Brewery, Paris Paris, and Azhar Kitchen & Bar. The lease was negotiated by Jackson Turner and Alex Edmison of the Urban Retail Team on behalf of the tenant, while they and Markowitz acted for The Pearl Group as landlord for the marquee corner.

“Ossington has always been strong at night, but now the daytime foot traffic is building thanks to fashion and beauty concepts that operate around the clock,” said Markowitz.

Ossington Avenue in Toronto. Image: CBRE Urban Retail Team

Canadian Brands Thrive on Ossington

The street has become a launchpad for local entrepreneurs. Andrea’s Cookies, a homegrown brand known for its ultra-soft cookies, continues to draw lines at 166 Ossington. The lease was secured by CBRE’s Urban Retail Team, with Emily Everett representing the tenant. The team continues to work with the brand on identifying additional locations as part of its broader expansion.

Other businesses on Ossington include Linny’s Luncheonette, a new offshoot of the Linny’s steakhouse brand, which is gaining traction with its elevated deli fare.

“Ossington has become a destination where smaller Canadian brands can stand shoulder to shoulder with larger players,” said Markowitz.

The Suite House, located at 100 Ossington, is a standout in the beauty category. Billed as a “WeWork for beauty,” the business rents out luxury salon suites to professionals, offering services like nails, brows, and waxing in one place. The lease was completed with landlord Hullmark, a key player in shaping Ossington’s modern retail mix.

Linny’s on Ossington Avenue in Toronto. Image: CBRE Urban Retail Team

Landlords Help Shape the Street

Ossington’s transformation has been supported by several progressive landlords who have played a curatorial role in shaping the strip’s unique retail personality. Rather than leasing to banks or national fast food chains, these landlords have prioritized high-quality independent operators that align with the neighbourhood’s character.

Hullmark, a key landlord in the area, has been instrumental in cultivating a thoughtful tenant mix. The real estate investment and development firm owns several Ossington properties and has collaborated closely with the local BIA to help conceptualize the neighbourhood’s growth over the past decade.

The 100 Group Corp., another influential landlord with holdings across Queen West, Dundas West, and Ossington, owns the buildings housing Style Garage, Mejuri and Andrea’s Cookies. With decades of experience investing in Toronto’s high street retail, the group has remained committed to preserving the cultural integrity of Toronto’s most dynamic urban corridors.

Beautiful row of shops on Ossington Avenue in Toronto. Image: CBRE Urban Retail Team

Spillover and Expansion Nearby

With retail space limited and rental rates rising, nearby areas such as Dundas Street West are emerging as viable alternatives. While Queen West already shares synergies with Ossington, some businesses are now eyeing locations slightly north or west.

“Dundas offers lower rents and is gaining interest, especially from destination-type operators,” Markowitz noted. “But there’s no substitute for having Ossington in your address.”

Still, Queen, Dundas, and Ossington form a cohesive retail zone anchored by Trinity Bellwoods Park. “It’s a continuous, walkable ecosystem,” said Markowitz. “Like a Toronto take on how neighbourhood retail can feel vibrant and local.”

Central Taps on Ossington Avenue in Toronto. Image: CBRE Urban Retail Team

International Attention Builds

Interest from global brands has also resumed. According to CBRE’s URT, several international retailers paused expansion during the pandemic but are now revisiting Ossington as momentum returns.

“We were touring brands pre-COVID, and many are picking up conversations again,” Markowitz noted.

One of the local success stories on the strip is StyleGarage, a design-forward home furnishings retailer. Known for its clean aesthetic and Canadian-made collections, StyleGarage exemplifies the kind of modern, high-appeal concept that performs well in this evolving market.

For some fashion labels, Ossington is no longer a secondary location. In certain cases, it has become the flagship, even ahead of more traditional high-street areas like Yorkdale or Yorkville.

Andrea’s Cookies on Ossington Avenue in Toronto. Image: CBRE Urban Retail Team

Shaping the Future of Ossington

CBRE’s Urban Retail Team has played a behind-the-scenes role in helping to shape the street, working with both landlords and tenants on key leases. From Andrea’s Cookies to The Suite House, and from Central Taps to Carhartt WIP, URT has facilitated a number of the street’s most talked-about retail additions.

As demand continues to build, Markowitz believes the key to Ossington’s sustained success will be its restraint.

“It’s a finite stretch between Queen and Dundas,” he said. “In retail, the best streets have a clear beginning and end. Ossington has that. It’s not sprawling. It’s curated, and that’s what makes it work.”

More from Retail Insider:

The Brick Unveils New Concept Store in Richmond, BC

By
Craig Patterson
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National home furnishings retailer The Brick has opened a newly designed concept store in Richmond, British Columbia, marking a milestone in the company’s continued evolution under the Leon’s Furniture Limited umbrella. Located at 4751 McClelland Road, Unit #2205, in Central at Garden City, the expansive 43,000-square-foot space offers an updated customer experience with furniture, mattresses, appliances, and electronics presented in an immersive showroom format.

The new location represents a fresh chapter for The Brick in British Columbia, a market the company has long served. The redesigned store format integrates updated merchandising, enhanced navigation, and curated product vignettes meant to inspire customers and reflect modern home trends.

The Brick in Richmond BC. Photo: Wollaston Wong

“We are proud to introduce this innovative showroom concept to the Richmond community,” said Darci Walker, President of The Brick. “Our vision is to fulfill people’s dreams for their homes. We showcase Canadian and globally inspired ideas for every home, creating a space where customers can explore, imagine and find pieces that transform their homes, all while ‘Saving You More.’ This showroom in Richmond, BC is a celebration of that vision and we can’t wait to share it with everyone.”

This is one of the first showrooms to debut under Walker’s leadership, who succeeded Dave Freeman as President of The Brick in January 2024. The company has been steadily modernizing its retail footprint across the country, with a focus on revitalizing in-store environments and improving product presentation.

The Brick in Richmond BC. Photo: Wollaston Wong

Grand Opening Events Embrace Local Culture

The opening festivities reflect The Brick’s ongoing commitment to community engagement. A media night held on July 18 featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music, traditional lion dancers, caricature artists, and light refreshments.

The official Grand Opening Day was celebrated on Saturday, July 19, and included traditional Chinese elements such as an eye-dotting ceremony, a lucky lettuce toss, and complimentary Chinese bakery treats. A lion dance performance highlighted the day’s celebrations, reinforcing The Brick’s connection to the local community and the area’s vibrant cultural heritage.

The Brick in Richmond BC. Photo: Wollaston Wong

Store Launch Includes National Contest

To commemorate the launch of the new concept, The Brick has also announced a national customer giveaway running from July 17 to 31. Shoppers visiting the new Richmond showroom during this period have the opportunity to win a series of high-value prizes, including:

  • A $10,000 shopping spree
  • An 86-inch LG 4K Smart TV
  • A Brooke 62-inch electric fireplace
  • A Kalora rug valued up to $500
  • An LG smart steam all-in-one laundry set
  • A Sealy Luxury Copper Collection king-size mattress
  • Four Enzo leather accent chairs
  • A Vega seven-piece dining set

Customers are automatically entered with a purchase, while those visiting the store without purchasing may scan a special contest QR code with the assistance of a sales associate.

Central at Garden City in Richmond BC. Image: Tripadvisor

A Pillar of Canadian Retail

The Brick Richmond store continues the legacy of one of Canada’s largest home goods retailers. Founded in Edmonton in 1971 by the Comrie family, The Brick grew quickly through the 1970s and expanded eastward in the 1980s. The company’s acquisition by Leon’s Furniture Limited in 2012 for $700 million helped solidify its position as a leading value-focused retailer across the country.

Today, The Brick operates over 200 locations in Canada, including clearance centres, franchise operations, and specialty mattress stores. The Richmond location adds to this national footprint with a modernized approach to layout and design, helping The Brick maintain relevance in a competitive home furnishings market.

In Quebec, the company operates under the “Brick” banner, and across Canada, the brand is recognized for affordability and accessible design. A continued emphasis on promotional pricing and strong logistics capabilities has helped the brand retain market share, even during times of economic uncertainty.

The Brick in Richmond BC. Photo: Wollaston Wong

Investment in Local Communities

The Brick’s presence in Richmond aligns with its broader strategy of serving both urban and regional markets while tailoring offerings to local demographics. The retailer has long engaged in community support initiatives, including its partnership with the Children’s Miracle Network and environmentally sustainable operations. Its in-store events and culturally relevant grand opening celebrations underscore an approach that emphasizes community inclusion.

The company also operates several related businesses under the LFL umbrella, including TransGlobal Service, MidNorthern Appliance, and First Oceans, supporting extended warranty services, commercial appliance sales, and international procurement.

More from Retail Insider: 

Canadians readjusting their spending in response to rising tariffs (Video)

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo by Mario Toneguzzi
Photo by Mario Toneguzzi

According to new NerdWallet Canada data, more than 4 in 5 Canadians (85%) say they will adjust their spending in response to rising tariffs, most commonly by buying more Canadian-made products to avoid tariff-related price hikes (58%).

As Canadian Premiers convened to discuss trade tensions with the United States, the August 1 deadline for a new Canada-U.S. trade agreement looms. Many Canadians are already altering their shopping habits, fueled by the “Buy Canada” movement, which sees consumers increasingly opting for domestic products as a demonstration of self-sufficiency and economic resilience.

Shannon Terrell
Shannon Terrell

NerdWallet personal finance expert Shannon Terrell said in a company blog that Canadians aren’t just bracing for the impact of tariffs — “they’re making intentional shifts in how and where they spend. From switching to local products to cancelling U.S. subscriptions and rethinking cross-border travel, these changes reflect more than just cost-cutting.”

“At the heart of these adjustments lies a bigger question: Do Canadians fully understand the financial consequences of these values-driven behaviours?”

She said more than four in five Canadians (85%) say they will adjust their spending in response to rising tariffs, most commonly by buying more Canadian-made products to avoid tariff-related price hikes (58%), according to a recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of NerdWallet Canada. 

“The Buy Canadian movement has gained broad traction in the wake of U.S. pressure on Canada’s autonomy and economy, becoming a vehicle for asserting independence, signalling national pride, and redirecting purchasing power,” said Terrell.

“But will favouring Canadian goods actually save you money? . . . Canadian-imposed retaliatory tariffs mean you’ll pay more for American produce, dairy products, coffee, liquor, toiletries, furniture and more. Tariff-free Canadian alternatives may save you, but only on tariff costs.”

Photo by Mario Toneguzzi
Photo by Mario Toneguzzi

Terrell said subscription bloat can creep up on you, thanks to fees quietly buried in monthly charges. But Canadians say they’re looking closely at their subscription services and taking action.

“A subscription audit is a practical way to spot services you don’t regularly use and cut them from your budget. Canadians appear to be strategically pruning their American digital subscriptions, regardless of usage. Whether they’re switching to Canadian alternatives — and whether those swaps actually save money — is another matter entirely,” she said.

Research indicated over one in five Canadians (22%) are considering avoiding summer travel to the U.S. this year due to high costs or political tensions, added Terrell.

“And that sentiment is already reshaping travel patterns. In April 2025, the number of Canadians venturing south of the border by car dropped by over 35% from the same month in 2024, according to Statistics Canada,” she said.

“As more Canadians rethink travel below the border, interest in the Great Canadian Staycation is on the uptick. Searches for domestic accommodations in Canada are up nearly 20%, according to Airbnb’s 2025 Canadian Spring Travel Trends report.”

Related Retail Insider stories:

Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar sees strong growth following Centropolis opening (Photos)

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo: Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar
Photo: Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar

Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar continues to soar in Quebec’s competitive dining scene, with its latest location in Centropolis, Laval off to a strong start and expansion plans already underway.

The brainchild of co-founder and president Lorne Schwartz as well as co-founder George Massouras, is setting the stage for significant growth with the recent highly-successful opening of its second location in Laval’s vibrant Centropolis district.

The company also recently celebrated its fourth year.

Lorne Schwartz
Lorne Schwartz

“We opened our doors in January of 2025. And the response has been incredibly good,” said Schwartz. “It’s just a great vibe. I think the brand fits perfectly with the demographics there. So far, it’s been a great success—knock on wood.”

With its flagship location in Montreal’s West Island thriving since opening four years ago, Birdhouse is now setting its sights on new markets and formats. “We’re looking at what’s next. We have a few ideas in the works—maybe more around the QSR space. I don’t want to call it a spinoff of Birdhouse, but similar food, downsized menu, more dense locations, and so on,” said Schwartz. “There’s a good chance we’ll look at raising money in 2026 to expand more quickly.”

The brand has already secured a third location in downtown Montreal, though Schwartz was not ready to reveal the exact site. “We’ve signed a location for downtown. That’ll happen toward the end of the year, but we’ll probably open our doors in spring 2026. I don’t want to name the location just yet, but it’s a great spot downtown, and we’re really excited about it.”

Founded in Montreal, Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar has stood out in a crowded foodservice market by focusing on a targeted and elevated dining experience. “It’s so difficult to stand out in a crowded market, and I think we’ve hit on a concept that people really gravitate to,” said Schwartz. “We are laser-focused. It’s not easy—not just as a restaurateur, but as a businessperson—to stay focused on what works and not try to go too broad.”

He added, “I believe that when you go too broad, you alienate your core base. And you won’t know that until it’s too late… You’ll just see the numbers decline and won’t know why.”

Photo: Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar
Photo: Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar

While this is Schwartz’s first foray into restaurant ownership, his previous background in tech serving the foodservice industry has informed his operational strategy. “As long as we stay focused on the brand—which is high-quality food in a fun and vibrant setting, and really give unreasonably good hospitality and service—people are gravitating toward it. They want value.”

“If you take five minutes to look at our reviews—I’d encourage you to do that—they back up what I’m saying. People want service, quality, a fair price, and entertainment. We’ve been delivering all of that at a high level.”

Birdhouse’s concept centers on a higher-end wing and bar experience, something Schwartz felt was missing from the Montreal market. “I’ve been wanting to do this for 30 years… I literally typed out an email to the guys at Hooters of America asking if they wanted to branch out into Canada. And they basically said, ‘Where the hell’s Canada?’”

While wings are a staple in many other Canadian cities like Calgary and Toronto, Schwartz noted Montreal had never had a full-service concept dedicated to wings at its core—until now. “Everyone has wings as an appetizer, but no one had it as the core,” he said. “We really spent time working the product, developing the sauces, and making it an upscale experience. And it’s resonated well.”

Unlike typical sports bars or wing chains, Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar attracts a broad and often surprising demographic. “We’ve created an environment… we consistently believe that 60–65% of our clients are women,” Schwartz shared. “You wouldn’t see that at (other similar establishments).”

Photo: Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar
Photo: Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar

“If you ask me why, I think it’s because we’ve kept a safe, fun environment, with fun and elevated cocktails, a better guest experience—and they love that.”

And with no clear rival in Montreal’s wing-forward dining niche, Birdhouse plans to continue capitalizing on its head start. “To date, we’re still kind of the only game in town in this specific market segment,” said Schwartz. “So we’re going to ride it as long as we can.”

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Photo: Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar
Photo: Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar
Photo: Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar
Photo: Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar
Photo: Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar
Photo: Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar
Photo: Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar
Photo: Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar
Photo: Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar
Photo: Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar
Photo: Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar
Photo: Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar
Photo: Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar
Photo: Birdhouse Wingerie & Bar

University District nears halfway mark in development with retail buzz and new tenants

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo: University District
Photo: University District

The massive mixed-use University District project in Calgary continues to gain momentum, with development nearing the halfway point and a wave of new retailers and tenants sparking fresh excitement in the growing urban community.

“I’d probably say we’re close to just under half,” said Jeff Harris, Vice President, Commercial Real Estate at University of Calgary Properties Group. “If you look at the overall development, half of it is directly north of the (Alberta) Children’s Hospital and half of it is directly south of the Children’s Hospital.”

According to Harris, a significant portion of the north side is already developed or currently under construction, with only a few parcels of land remaining. The south side is now starting to pick up steam.

Jeff Harris
Jeff Harris

“The south half, we just started servicing that last year, and continuing on to servicing through that land into 2025. So it’s ready for sale and we expect construction to start happening on a few parcels in the south in 2026,” said Harris.

Some of that land is already for sale. “We have done a phased approach, so we’re only going to do a few parcels at a time,” he said. “We service the land. We identify which parcels we want to do in the first phase, and then we go to market with those parcels. So we’ve already done that piece and those are residential parcels of land that we’re looking at.”

The master plan for University District is also getting a second look. “We’re in the process of a master plan revision for University District, which is really just sort of revisiting the land use master plan submission that was over a decade ago, and a lot of things have changed,” said Harris.

As part of that revision, there could be room for a small retail footprint in the south. “We have accounted for a little bit of flexibility in the south for a very small amount of retail potentially if we wanted to go down that route,” he added. “The main retail focus is University Avenue and Retail Main Street. We don’t want to detract from that, but obviously being south of the Children’s Hospital, you have a lot of 24/7 type of employees, and then obviously just a large contingent of people working and living in the area.”

Harris said this could mean small “grab and go” concepts, but nothing is yet defined.

On the north side, the past year has seen a surge of new activity.

“We’ve had over 15 new retailers in the past year, so it’s been a pretty, pretty busy year,” said Harris. “The most recent ones are Heal Wellness—it’s a health-focused brand offering. You might’ve seen some stuff on social media. We had some lineups on the first day of grand opening, which is awesome to see.”

On the office side, Harris noted the addition of “a Verdex Capital Group and a TD Wealth Financial Management group.” This fall, law firm Stringam LLP is also scheduled to open.

Photo: University District
Photo: University District

The retail main street has also welcomed notable brands. “Just to name a few—Charcut, Una Pizza, Hot Yoga, Swish Oral Care, Pho Pham, Shoppers Drug Mart’s a big one, obviously. Seed and Salt was a really good one too. And Heal Wellness. We’ve had quite a few.”

Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, Harris says the focus is on more expansion and tenant interest in the area.

“Our big focus right now is the Block 17,” he explained. “So just past the Shoppers block that’s open, we have another building under development and so we have a lot of interest. That’s the beauty of it, is we’re getting a ton of interest on the retail side, and so that’s great to see.”

There are potentially eight retail units at Block 17. “We are in negotiations on leases with three of those eight,” said Harris, “and then obviously other folks we’re talking to as well. We’re just not further along in the negotiations.”

Across from Block 17 is Block 24, located kitty-corner to Staples. “We’re doing a joint venture with Truman. And that’ll be purpose-built rental, but they’ll have 13,000 square feet of retail space as well,” Harris said. “We got more retail coming starting in 2026 and then into 2027.”

Development is nearing its eastern limit. “Block 20 was the next block east of the Staples, and that’ll be the end of the geographical area of University District on the north side,” Harris clarified. “Once both [Blocks 24 and 17] are done, that’s as far east as we will go in University District.”

Photo: University District
Photo: University District

Beyond bricks and mortar, the community continues to come alive with events and activation.

“One thing I should highlight we do have the UD Night Market which is a great event,” said Harris. “That’s returned this summer. And so the UD Night Market—we do on the last Wednesday of each month from June until September.”

Held in partnership with Market Spot, the event “offers opportunity for guests to shop local artists and vendors, enjoy unique entertainment and connect with community,” said Harris. “Of course, if the weather cooperates, it’s even better.”

Photo: University District
Photo: University District

The development has a long-term vision, with implementation taking place over the next 20 years. Completion is projected for 2034 and is dependent on market demands and absorption rates.

The growing development of University District is designed to adapt to the evolving market demands. The proposed land uses in the community allow for a mix of multi-family housing types to create a diverse neighbourhood. At completion, the range of housing options will include over 7,000+ units made up of low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise developments with condos, townhomes, rentals, and senior living.

Officials are anticipating 300,000 square feet of retail and 250,000 square feet of office upon completion.

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