New data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reveals that small businesses are being hit hardest by U.S. and Canadian tariffs on steel and aluminum (59%), as well as Canada’s own retaliatory tariffs on other U.S. goods (58%).
In addition, nearly one-third of Canadian SMEs will be negatively affected by the loss of the $800 U.S. de minimis exemption, said the national organization on Wednesday.
“The worst outcome for Canada in the trade war is a bad deal, but the second worst outcome is the never-ending uncertainty small business owners have been wrestling with for the past six months. The federal government needs to provide some stability and return tariff revenue to help small businesses. We’ve suggested several options, including temporarily reducing the federal small business tax rate to zero or a tariff rebate designed on earlier models, like the carbon tax rebate.”
The CFIB is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 100,000 members across every industry and region.
CFIB said its data shows that the trade war is squeezing small businesses on every front. Nearly two-thirds (62%) face higher expenses while many are also seeing lower revenues (48%), supply chain disruptions (41%), and paused investments (36%). Nearly one in five (19%) small businesses dealing with extra tariff costs report that they will not be able to last more than six months if the tariff status quo remains and nearly four in 10 (38%) said they would last less than a year.
With Ottawa collecting billions in additional tariff revenue on U.S. imports, a strong majority (82%) said the government should ensure that any tariff revenue that is returned includes support for smaller businesses affected both directly and indirectly by trade disruptions, it said.
“The trade war’s impact on Canada’s small businesses should be top of mind for the government as Canada continues its negotiations with the U.S. Canada can’t fix its productivity crisis without empowering its entrepreneurs. If the government wants to build one Canadian economy, it needs to ensure small businesses are part of the solution and that includes providing them with tariff support during this very challenging time,” added Pohlmann.
Royalmount advertising campaign for the one year anniversary. Image: Royalmount/Carbonleo
Royalmount, Montreal’s newest retail and lifestyle destination, is preparing to celebrate its first anniversary this September, and it’s doing so with a bold marketing campaign aimed at keeping momentum high following a landmark opening year.
The newest creative campaign: “The Art of Living, Redefined” celebrates how the shopping destination is dedicated to providing Montrealers a redefined shopping experience. The campaign is a visual and creative expression of Royalmount’s philosophy and brand DNA.
Marie-Michèle Thibault
In an interview with Retail Insider, Marie-Michèle Thibault, Vice President of Marketing for Royalmount, said the newly-launched campaign is a continuation of the energy and excitement that accompanied the centre’s debut.
“The main goal was actually to really create a buzz after our opening,” said Thibault. “During the opening, there were activities around Royalmount and around Christmas as well. But we wanted to make sure that we continue the buzz and also bring information that inform people in certain items that might not have been really clear from the beginning.”
That includes showcasing features that go beyond retail.
“We wanted people to understand that we have an amazing offer in the urban park with our restaurant,” she explained. “Also understand a little bit more the concept of different spaces in Royalmount. So not only a mall with stores, but also those experiences that we would bring to life, activities, programming, and also, again, all the offer in the urban park.”
The campaign is running from June through the holiday season, featuring original content created in-house.
“We need a big campaign and we want to realize it by ourselves, with our team and their amazing talent,” said Thibault. “Let’s do a campaign that can showcase all those elements, showcase restoration, showcase arts, showcase all those fun things, and really play with this tagline that we created.”
Royalmount officially opened its doors in September 2024 and is now home to a mix of retailers, restaurants, and entertainment experiences. The destination will celebrate its first anniversary on September 5.
“It’s going be fun to see the before and after from when we opened to where we are now,” said Thibault.
According to Royalmount, leasing is progressing steadily.
“We’re between 75 to 80% tenant open,” Thibault noted. “We still have great openings coming our way.”
She added that one of the main differentiators over the past year has been the addition of new restaurants.
“When we opened, we were more around the 45–50% (open rate), and a lot of those tenants are restaurants. So that’s what again brought our site to life with the RH (gallery) opening as well and all those fun concepts.”
Royalmount’s development is far from finished.
“There’s more phases to come and there’s more projects,” Thibault said. “We will announce some fun stuff in the upcoming month. But the goal is still to have Royalmount being a district and really bring community together. So it is not something that will stop as is. There’s for sure other projects coming and making it bigger and bolder.”
Consumer behaviour is also helping shape Royalmount’s evolution.
“In the past months, we focused a lot more on our local audience,” said Thibault. “But we were quite happily surprised around the Grand Prix weekend with the tourists coming in. It’s definitely something that we will focus on a little bit more next year.”
Royalmount’s core traffic continues to come from the greater Montreal area.
“There’s a lot of people coming from immediate surroundings. So we’re talking Westmount, TMR, but also downtown Montreal. And we see a little more of South Shore and North Shore coming as well, as they come and experience our restaurants, discover the site, and decide to come back.”
Public transit is also playing a key role in Royalmount’s growth.
“We’re tracking our traffic coming from the Metro is growing,” Thibault added. “This is something that was really important to us . . (It) really brought this ease of access that we were looking for.”
“A lot of our events and programming, we’re pushing for people to come with the Metro and it works well because that’s something that people enjoy.”
With its first year nearly complete, Royalmount’s team is focused on refining its offerings, building community traditions, and remaining a dynamic entertainment destination in the heart of Montreal.
“There’s a lot. I mean, it’s our first year, so we tried and tested a lot of different things,” said Thibault. “We still want to make things different and bold, events and really fun activations for people to come and discover Royalmount, but also not just come for shopping, but really entertainment and really have a good time here.”
“We see both, for sure star events that will become reoccurring and hopefully become traditions for our community.”
The bold new concept Supernatural is opening in Yorkville on August 27.
It’s not a spa, clinic, or gym, but Canada’s most comprehensive science-led, design-driven, personal optimization space where biohacking, medical aesthetics, and immersive wellness therapies come together to help you become your Superbeing.
Supernatural is a first-of-its-kind personal optimization space founded by Toronto-based health performance expert John Kozman. Taking over the former SoulCycle space at Yorkville Village (55 Avenue Road), the 5,000-square-foot flagship reimagines what proactive, high-performance living can look and feel like. The space was born from John’s personal journey through loss, resilience, and two decades in sports medicine and aesthetics, rooted in the belief that vitality should be a lifestyle, not a luxury.
North America’s first RE:SET chair — a multi-sensory meditation experience using synchronized sound, light, and vibration to regulate the nervous system
Canada’s only group Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber for cellular regeneration and brain optimization
Full-body cryotherapy, red light therapy, lymphatic drainage, and NAD+ IV protocols to support energy, recovery, and longevity
Metabolic and biomarker testing that power fully personalized health and performance plans
A curated retail concept featuring science-backed wellness tools, biohacking tech, and premium supplements
This is Toronto’s answer to the rising global movement around longevity, with a vibe that feels more next-gen design gallery than wellness clinic.
John Kozman
Kozman describes Supernatural as an entirely new category in the health and wellness sector. “It’s Canada’s first advanced longevity and wellness destination where we’re fusing regenerative therapies, clinical grade biohacking, medical aesthetics into a fully personalized experience, using science-backed protocols,” he says.
The mission, he adds, is to go far beyond superficial wellness trends. “We’re helping people not just look better, but to feel sharper, to recover faster and, and hopefully to live longer,” says Kozman. “Our belief is in a world where healthcare often begins too late, that we offer a proactive, inside and out approach to transformation that prioritizes vitality over symptom management.”
The space itself is designed to offer a fully immersive experience from the moment a guest walks in.
“Our physical environment is intentionally engineered to enhance your health and wellbeing through a multisensory experience,” says Kozman. “We have circadian lighting, which dynamically adjusts in intensity and colour throughout the day to mimic the natural progression of sunlight and that helps regulate melatonin production, sleep quality, hormonal balance.”
Sound therapy is also built into the environment. “Low frequency soundscapes and binaural beats will help down regulate the nervous system, enhance focus,” he explains.
Guests are served hydrogen-enriched water, which Kozman says emerging science suggests is both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Another unique feature is the studio’s VibrAcoustic floor. “Sound is inducted through your body. So the space itself is therapeutic, which is unique,” he says. “The moment you walk in, you’re being optimized and you’re actually having a wellness experience.”
In addition to the design features, Supernatural offers a full suite of advanced wellness treatments: “IV drips, NAD+ optimization, hyperbaric oxygen chamber, a four-person hyperbaric oxygen chamber, red light therapy pod, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, cold bath, sauna,” says Kozman.
Another standout area is a space known as The Portal. “It’s for nervous system regulation, where we’re doing breath work and sound baths and different classes. And once again, it’s fully immersive. The floor vibrates, so it actually puts you into a meditative state. There’s nothing like it.”
Supernatural also offers comprehensive biomarker testing. “We can test your genetics and your gut biome and your epigenetics and your micronutrient deficiency,” says Kozman. “It’s really a one-stop shop where people can come in to test themselves, to be able to engage with recovery and optimization treatments. There’s nothing like it right now in Canada.”
Kozman describes Supernatural as a “third space” designed for community and lifestyle. “Longevity has become a lifestyle,” he says. “People who are like-minded want to share in that journey. Instead of maybe going to a bar or instead of going for coffee, now people want to come and do an IV together or do a cold bath or sauna.”
For Kozman, the concept stems from personal experience.
“My health journey started when my father got sick when I was in school and passed away, and then my mom had some strokes,” he shares. “He was a physician actually, and I became interested in prevention. Let’s prevent disease before it happens.”
Photo: Supernatural
He explains how his career has focused on the continuum from preventative health to optimization. “I’ve been curious and an advocate for that for many, many years, into optimization and biohacking, quantified self, before that became popular,” he says. “I’ve run clinics my entire career in preventative health and weight loss and medical fitness and functional medicine and medical aesthetics as well.”
“Supernatural really is the culmination of that. It’s more than a clinic. It’s not a clinic or a member’s club. It’s a lifestyle destination.”
Accessibility is key. “You don’t need to book an appointment. You don’t need to be a member. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars,” says Kozman. “You could come in and do a $50 cryotherapy session and feel like a million dollars.”
A retail space is also part of the concept. “It has all sorts of longevity lifestyle products, books on longevity, wearables, technology, red light masks, supplements, skincare,” he explains. “All of this longevity lifestyle that’s gone mainstream but people don’t necessarily know where to start.”
In a climate of growing uncertainty, new research from Accenture reveals a surprising trend: Canadian consumers are forging deeper emotional connections and placing greater trust in generative AI.
With 57% of Canadian consumers reporting unusually high levels of uncertainty in their daily lives, generative AI is emerging not just as a tool, but as a trusted companion helping consumers navigate the unknown.
Accenture’s latest Consumer Pulse survey explores how the adoption of AI is reinventing the consumer-brand relationship, influencing not just what people buy, but how they think, feel and engage.
KEY FINDINGS FOR CANADA:
A year ago, consumers were open to AI making purchases on their behalf. Today, they’re not just open – they’re emotionally invested, according to Accenture Consumer Pulse Survey 2025.
One in three (33%) active gen AI users – defined as people using gen AI tools at least weekly for personal and/or professional reasons – think of gen AI as “a good friend.”;
The vast majority (92%) of active gen AI users have or would consider asking gen AI for help with personal development goals, and more than 14%of active users rank gen AI as their single-most trusted source of what to buy;
Generative AI (gen AI) is becoming a go-to for consumers in their daily lives. More than six in 10 (66%) consumers have used standalone gen AI tools such as ChatGPT and Claude, or engaged with gen AI through social media or search;
At the same time, uncertainty is the prevailing backdrop to consumers’ lives, with more than half of consumers (57%) report feeling unusually high levels of uncertainty, a sentiment that has doubled since last year (28% in Dec 2024);
Despite the current economic challenges, retailers and brands that compete on experience and connection can drive growth. It pays off for brands that get this right.
Consumers are 1.6 times as engaged, 2.6 times as likely to recommend a brand online, and 1.9 times as likely to accept a higher price from a brand or retailer that provides emotionally engaging experiences;
More than one-third (35%) of consumers would switch from a preferred brand to one that makes them feel special;
Members of loyalty programs are more willing to share data and engage with personalized experiences; and 1.7 times as likely to help brands refine new products and services.
Fawad Baig
Retailers in Canada are entering a critical phase of transformation as artificial intelligence—particularly generative AI—reshapes how consumers make purchasing decisions, says Fawad Baig, Managing Director at Accenture.
In a recent interview, Baig, who also serves as Senior Client Executive and Retail Leader for Canada, shared key insights from a new consumer survey on AI’s growing role in retail.
“One of the major takeaways was the changing role of AI, specifically generative AI, in consumer behaviour and purchasing decisions,” said Baig. “We’re seeing AI show up in various forms from search tools to product companions and even as referral agents. Consumers are now engaging with virtual assistants that offer a more personal and dynamic experience than legacy search engines or apps have in the past.”
He said this signals a major shift in how people seek and process information during the buyer journey.
“There’s a significant shift in how consumers are making use of generative AI and AI, and the information that comes in terms of how they’re going to make purchase decisions,” he explained. “That was a stark contrast to previous conversations.”
When asked if younger generations are more likely to adopt AI than older ones, Baig said the technology’s simplicity helps bridge generational gaps.
“We were just discussing this with a client recently. Generative AI is actually quite simple to use, and that simplicity helps it transcend typical generational barriers. Anyone who consistently uses it can start to understand its power without needing to know what’s happening behind the scenes.”
While younger users may experiment more readily, Baig added that the technology is intuitive enough for most people to grasp.
Photo: Vlada Karpovich
“Yes, newer generations are likely more able to experiment and have the capacity to experiment a lot faster than perhaps older generations do. But that said, unless you’re completely new to the world of internet, I think the generative AI component of today’s AI actually bridges a lot of the gap for the user.”
He likened the current moment to past technological revolutions, noting that the shift doesn’t require users to understand the underlying complexity.
“Initial hesitation, as it may have been when the Industrial Revolution took place and cars came about, and then many years later the internet came about, and then within the internet, many years later, computing became cloud computing. There were significant jumps that people had to make. I think generative AI allows for a lot of that to become grayed out and not require the users to focus on that, while giving them the output they would simply get.”
On the retailer side, Baig emphasized the urgency of taking a proactive, foundational approach to AI integration.
“Retailers need to think holistically. First, they must evaluate how AI integrates across their existing channels whether in-store, on mobile, or online. Then, they need to assess how their digital footprint needs to evolve to leverage generative AI effectively.”
People, process, and technology all need to align, Baig stressed.
“Retailers have to prepare their workforce for ongoing change. The journey with AI is far from over. It’s only accelerating. The foundation must include investment in AI and strong practices around data and analytics. If decisions aren’t already being made based on data, that has to change immediately.”
He added that each new AI version brings greater capabilities, both for consumers and internal operations.
“Whether it’s cost takeout because things are going to be more efficient, or it’s completely changing the way their business processes are going to work tomorrow in terms of automation and intelligence that couldn’t exist before, it’s now going to be easily accessible.”
Photo: Andrea Piacquadio
The impact on talent development may be profound, he noted, citing how traditional entry-level roles could be replaced by automation.
“For example, some entry-level analytical roles might be replaced by AI. Retailers will need to rethink how they hire and train, given that certain traditional career paths may change or disappear altogether.”
He concluded that success in this new landscape will depend less on the technology itself and more on how well retailers manage organizational change.
“It’s not about the technology. It’s absolutely about thinking through the people and process side of this equation more than it is. And I think that goes for companies across the spectrum of industries and specifically retailers as they’re on the front lines.”
Grocery store carts. Photo: Markus Spiske via Upsplash
When Canadians see headlines about yet another food recall, it is easy to assume something has gone terribly wrong with our food supply. Since 2019, the number of recalls in Canada has jumped dramatically—from fewer than 50 in 2018 to well over 200 in some years. In 2025 alone, we have already crossed the 130 mark. For consumers, the message may feel alarming. For industry, the headlines can be reputationally damaging. But the reality is far more nuanced: more recalls are not necessarily a sign of less food safety. In fact, they tell us our food system is working better than ever.
The turning point came in 2019 with the introduction of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR). These new rules tightened oversight, required stronger traceability, and gave the Canadian Food Inspection Agency sharper tools to monitor and enforce compliance. Before then, recalls were sporadic and sometimes quietly managed between companies and regulators. With the SFCR, systematic reporting became mandatory, transparency for consumers was increased, and accountability for industry was heightened. That is why the 2019 chart looks like a cliff: the law fundamentally changed the way Canada handles risk.
The rise in recalls since then can be explained by several forces acting at once. Stricter allergen and labeling requirements mean that even small mistakes, such as an undeclared trace of milk or peanuts, can trigger a nationwide recall. Globalized supply chains bring in more products from more countries, expanding the chances of contamination or mislabeling. Advances in food science, from genomic sequencing to improved laboratory testing, have made it easier to detect pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella. And unlike in the past, when certain issues may have been contained quietly, recalls are now systematically announced online, on social media, and through national alerts, ensuring Canadians are quickly informed.
It is tempting to equate more recalls with greater danger, but that assumption misses the point. More recalls often mean that risks are being identified earlier, before they cause widespread illness. A rise in recalls is, in many ways, an indicator of a system that is proactive rather than reactive. Each recall still represents a failure somewhere in the chain—whether a supplier neglecting to declare allergens, a packaging plant cutting corners, or an importer missing a compliance check. Yet the fact that these problems are identified and made public speaks to greater vigilance, not less.
What is often forgotten is that Canada consistently ranks at the very top of the world in food safety. According to the Global Food Security Index, Canada is currently number one when it comes to food safety standards. That ranking reflects a system that is rigorous, transparent, and trusted internationally. The paradox is that while Canada is seen as a global leader, the steady stream of recall headlines risks eroding confidence at home.
Looking ahead, artificial intelligence could reshape how recalls unfold. AI systems are already being tested to monitor supply chains in real time, flagging anomalies in labeling, packaging, and ingredient sourcing before products even reach the market. With machine learning analyzing vast amounts of inspection data, recalls could become more targeted, faster, and in some cases, unnecessary—because the problem is intercepted upstream. At the same time, AI’s growing role in surveillance could increase the number of recalls in the short term, as hidden risks are uncovered with far greater precision than ever before. Whether AI reduces or inflates the number of recalls will depend on how regulators and industry integrate the technology: as a shield to prevent problems from arising, or as a microscope that exposes every flaw, however small.
The numbers since 2019 highlight a paradox. Our food supply has never been under greater scrutiny, yet consumers often feel less confident about its safety. The path forward requires continued investment in detection and enforcement, but also a commitment to helping Canadians understand what those numbers mean. More recalls do not necessarily mean our food is less safe. They mean we are paying closer attention. And with AI now poised to transform how we monitor risk, vigilance may soon reach an entirely new level.
Costco Wholesale has opened its new warehouse location in Newmarket at 107 Harry Walker Parkway South, west of Highway 404 near Davis Drive. The store, which opened to members today, replaces the original Newmarket warehouse on Yonge Street that had served the community for nearly 23 years.
The former Yonge Street site is now closed as it undergoes conversion into the East Gwillimbury Costco Business Centre, set to open later this year. This development positions Newmarket as a significant hub for Costco’s operations in the region.
The relocation has resulted in the creation of approximately 70 new permanent jobs, in addition to retaining the 450 employees who worked at the original warehouse. This expansion underscores Costco’s investment in both Newmarket and the surrounding communities.
“With the relocation of our Newmarket warehouse, we can continue to serve all of our members in Newmarket and the surrounding area, and bring new consumers and businesses to uncover the benefits of a Costco membership,” said Gino Dorico, Senior Vice-President and Country Manager, Costco Wholesale Canada. “We are very proud to share this new, larger location with our valued existing and new members in the local community and throughout the area.”
Newmarket Mayor John Taylor echoed the sentiment, calling the opening a milestone for the town. “Many Newmarket residents have been excited about the new, highly anticipated, full-service Costco in Newmarket. The new warehouse has created hundreds of local jobs and valuable employment opportunities for Newmarket and the surrounding area. We welcome the investment in our community.”
Features of the New Location
At more than 166,000 square feet, the Newmarket warehouse is designed to offer members a spacious, modern shopping environment. Wide aisles and expanded services are at the core of the new facility.
The warehouse includes a large food court, bakery, rotisserie chicken section, and an expansive produce area. Specialty services include a hearing aid centre, optical centre, and a tire centre with five service bays. The location also introduces a fresh sushi bar, which is only the third of its kind in Canada.
A 24-pump gas station provides additional convenience, while over 1,300 shopping carts and more than 1,000 parking spaces ensure accessibility for members.
Like other Costco Wholesale warehouses, the new Newmarket location offers more than 3,200 items, including groceries, household products, apparel, and specialty goods. Members also have access to a wide range of services aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, including bulk supplies and products for resale.
The warehouse opening includes limited-time promotions such as $400 off an LG 86-inch 4K television and $35 off AAA whole beef tenderloin. Alcohol sales at the Newmarket location include beer, wine, champagne, and ready-to-drink beverages, aligning with offerings at Costco’s other Ontario stores.
Membership and Benefits
Costco Wholesale operates on a membership-only basis. A Gold Star Membership is available for $65 annually, while an Executive Membership costs $130 per year. Both membership types include a free household card and are valid at Costco locations worldwide.
Executive Membership provides additional benefits, including a 2% annual reward on qualifying purchases, exclusive merchandise offers, and access to special incentives on travel insurance, payment processing, and storage solutions.
Canadian membership remains robust, with over 17 million cardholders across the country. Members also have access to Costco.ca, where thousands of additional items are available, including same-day grocery delivery.
Costco’s Canadian Presence
Costco Wholesale currently operates 110 warehouses across Canada and 909 globally. The company has a longstanding presence in Ontario, with 41 locations across the province.
The first Canadian warehouse opened in Burnaby, British Columbia in 1985, followed by Quebec’s first location in Saint-Laurent in 1986. Today, Costco employs over 50,000 people in Canada, with more than 19,000 based in Ontario. The company’s Canadian head office is located in Ottawa.
Food Basics says it is furthering its commitment to offer customers “always more for less” through a new partnership with Too Good To Go, the world’s largest marketplace for surplus food. All 148 Food Basics locations across Ontario are live on the Too Good To Go app, giving shoppers a new, convenient way to access fresh groceries at deep discounts, while helping to tackle food waste.
Building on the success of partnerships with Metro Ontario, Metro Quebec, and Super C, Food Basics becomes the latest banner in the Metro Inc. family to join the global movement to reduce food waste. Since the first Metro Ontario stores launched on the platform in November 2022, the grocer has helped save more than 1 million meals from going to waste, according to a news release.
Consumers have the option of picking from four categories of Surprise Bags. Varieties of the following will be sold at a significant discount:
Meat and Seafood (at $9.99, $30 value)
Bakery (at $5.99, $18 value)
Dairy (at $5.99, $18 value)
Deli (at $5.99, $18 in value
Hardeep Kharaud
“At Food Basics, we are committed to offering value to our customers every day, without compromising on quality. By offering these assortments at low prices, we are giving a second chance to products that are still perfectly good to eat, while meeting the needs of our customers who are looking for economical and responsible options,” said Hardeep Kharaud, Senior Vice President, Food Basics.
By offering consumers a new way to purchase perishable foods, Food Basics is helping to reduce food waste at the community level while making everyday savings more accessible to all, it said.
Chris MacAulay
“At Too Good To Go, we believe that good food should be saved, not wasted. We’re honoured to partner with a leading grocer who shares that passion,” said Chris MacAulay, VP North America, Too Good To Go. “Together, we’re making it simple, affordable, and delicious to fight food waste. This partnership continues to show that doing good is as easy as picking up your groceries.”
With more than 16,000 food-selling partners in Canada, the organization has helped rescue over 10 million meals from waste since its Canadian launch in July 2021 -preventing more than 25 million kilograms of CO₂e from entering the atmosphere, it said.
It continues to expand throughout the country by adding more partners and bag categories every day. Food selling businesses are encouraged to join by visiting TooGoodToGo.com and selecting “Business Sign-Up.”
Photo: Too Good To Go
Too Good To Go is a global social impact company that connects users with partners to rescue unsold food and stop it from going to waste. With 100 million registered users and 175,000 active partners across 19 countries, it operates the world’s largest marketplace for surplus food. Since its launch in 2016, Too Good To Go has helped to save over 400 million meals from going to waste, the equivalent to 1.1 million tonnes of CO2e avoided.
Legacy Skincare Brand Reinforces Its Shelf Strength Across National Retailers
In Canada’s competitive skincare landscape, where new brands launch every season and trends change quickly, Pond’s continues to hold its ground as a trusted staple. With over a century of skincare expertise and a strong foothold in retail, the brand remains a consistent performer in beauty aisles across the country, from major pharmacy chains to grocery retailers and big-box stores.
A Skincare Classic With Modern Staying Power
What makes Pond’s particularly notable is its cross-generational appeal. For many Canadians, Pond’s is the brand they grew up with, passed down through mothers, grandmothers, and aunties. Yet its enduring presence is not just due to nostalgia. Pond’s has continued to adapt its product lineup, packaging, and positioning to meet the expectations of today’s more ingredient-savvy, results-driven skincare consumer.
Carried nationally at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, Loblaws, and more, Pond’s offers accessible pricing and dermatologist-tested formulas that make it a natural fit for retailers focused on value and performance. As consumers look to stretch their budgets without compromising on quality, Pond’s continues to deliver both familiarity and function.
Core Products That Anchor the Brand
Pond’s strongest asset remains its core lineup of legacy products, especially those designed for dry skin. The Pond’s Dry Skin Cream remains one of the brand’s top sellers. With its rich, non-greasy formula, it is a staple during Canada’s colder months, offering deep hydration without heaviness.
Also central to the brand is the Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser, a multi-tasking product that gently removes makeup while moisturizing the skin. Unlike foaming cleansers that can strip the skin, Pond’s Cold Cream offers a gentler experience, ideal for dry or sensitive skin types. Its continued popularity speaks to both its efficacy and its uniqueness in the market.
These two products continue to perform well year after year, providing retailers with reliable inventory that does not depend on fleeting trends to drive sales.
Meeting Modern Needs With Gel Innovation
Pond’s has expanded its product lineup to include gel moisturizers, catering to modern preferences for lightweight, fast-absorbing hydration. These formulas have become especially popular among younger skincare users and those with oily or combination skin.
The hero of the range is the Pond’s Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E & B3 Gel Face Moisturizer for 24-hour hydration and luminous skin. It combines three high-performance ingredients—hyaluronic acid for moisture, vitamin E for antioxidant support, and vitamin B3 to help brighten and even tone. The result is deep hydration and visibly refreshed skin.
The gel texture is ideal for daily use, offering a fresh feel that layers easily under sunscreen or makeup. Customers appreciate how it hydrates without feeling heavy or greasy. This range gives retailers a way to introduce Pond’s to modern shoppers while maintaining the brand’s reputation for performance, accessibility, and long-term trust.
A Reliable Performer in Retail
Pond’s success at retail is built on performance and trust. It is a brand that does not require elaborate education at the shelf. Consumers know it, reach for it, and return for it. For retailers, that translates into high product turnover, low return rates, and minimal promotional lift needed to drive results.
In a retail environment where newer brands often compete aggressively for visibility and incentives, Pond’s holds its own based on longstanding credibility. It consistently performs in both brick-and-mortar and online environments, helping drive skincare category sales without relying on trends or influencer hype.
The brand also benefits from strong merchandising, attractive price points, and simple, clean packaging that appeals to a broad range of demographics. Whether it is in a top-tier pharmacy banner or a mass retail setting, Pond’s maintains its lane as an affordable, effective, and trustworthy option.
Why Pond’s Shelf Power Still Matters
As shoppers continue to navigate rising prices and look for reliable, affordable products, Pond’s is poised to remain a category mainstay. Its enduring appeal across demographics, combined with recent innovation in texture and formulation, makes it a brand that is not just surviving but thriving.
For retailers, Pond’s offers a rare combination: the familiarity of a heritage brand with the forward momentum of modern innovation. It continues to justify its shelf space with strong sell-through, high customer loyalty, and a steady ability to adapt. And in today’s competitive beauty market, that combination is more valuable than ever.
Apple, the American technology giant best known for its global network of Apple Stores, announced today the expansion of its Self Service Repair and Genuine Parts Distributor programs to Canada. The move will provide consumers and independent repair professionals nationwide with broader access to the manuals, diagnostics, and genuine Apple parts needed to repair iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Expanding Repair Access in Canada
The Self Service Repair program, first launched in 2022, is designed for individuals confident in handling their own device repairs. Participants gain access to detailed repair manuals, Apple Diagnostics, and tool rental kits, alongside the option to purchase genuine parts. The program recently expanded to cover iPads in addition to iPhone and Mac, and is now available in 34 countries and 25 languages.
Alongside Self Service Repair, Apple also introduced its Genuine Parts Distributor program in Canada. This program enables independent repair providers who do not have a direct service agreement with Apple to access genuine parts for iPhone and iPad repairs — including displays, batteries, and charging ports — through the authorized wholesale distributor MobileSentrix.
The Genuine Parts Distributor program debuted in the U.S. last year and expanded into Europe earlier this year, where it has already been adopted by thousands of repair businesses. Its arrival in Canada strengthens Apple’s position within the independent repair industry.
Focus on Sustainability
“Expanding Apple’s repair programs in Canada is another milestone in our mission to make repairs easier and more accessible around the globe,” said Brian Naumann, Apple’s vice president of AppleCare Service and Repair. “With today’s announcement, we’re taking a meaningful step toward broadening device longevity, reducing waste, and empowering both customers and repair professionals with quality, secure repair options.”
Apple has highlighted that with its growing repair network, 80 percent of the Canadian population is now within a 30-minute drive of either an Apple Store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP), or an Independent Repair Provider (IRP).
Mall entrance to La Maison Simons at Toronto's Yorkdale Shopping Centre, August 14, 2025. Photo: Craig Patterson
When La Maison Simons opened its first Toronto store last week at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre, retail expert Carl Boutet described it as more than a retail milestone. For him, the launch signalled a historic moment for Canadian retail, a continuation of legacy, and proof that a family business nearly two centuries old can remain both relevant and surprising.
“Some store openings are about square footage and sales projections. This one is about history, vision, and the rarest of qualities in retail, staying relevant for nearly two centuries while still finding ways to surprise us,” Boutet said, reflecting on the significance of the August 14 debut.
Carl Boutet at Emsphere in Bangkok, Thailand, June 2025. Photo: Carl Boutet
Boutet noted that the Yorkdale store opening felt in many ways like a celebration of Canada’s new legacy retailer. “With thousands on hand, it also was in ways a fitting celebration of what replaces HBC as Canada’s most historic retailer,” he explained.
He added that spending time with Peter and Richard Simons, along with President and CEO Bernard Leblanc, underscored what sets the Quebec City-based brand apart. “I told them how impressed I’ve been over the years, not just with their results, but with their ability to grow nationally without losing the personality and values that have defined them since 1840,” he said.
Ten Years in the Making
The Yorkdale opening had been in planning for at least a decade, according to Boutet. Along the way, the process overlapped with Nordstrom’s entry into and departure from Canada. In an ironic twist, Simons now occupies the very space Nordstrom once held, though with a smaller footprint that better aligns with its philosophy of balance and scale.
“True to form, they took only the space they needed, not more, bringing their signature balance of scale and intimacy to one of Canada’s most prestigious malls,” Boutet said.
The new two-level, 118,000-square-foot store presents an immersive concept that merges art, design, and fashion under the theme “Perennial Ephemera.” Boutet described the experience as a carefully crafted journey.
He described the Yorkdale store as a a two-level, carefully considered space where every detail matters. Architectural lines invite exploration, Canadian art punctuates the journey, and immersive digital installations from Montreal’s Rodeo FX add movement and surprise, he noted.
The design integrates Nelio’s staircase mural “CIEL,” Rodeo FX’s large-scale digital artworks, and the Walk of Frames, which showcases 40 pieces by Canadian artists. The result, Boutet suggested, is a retail environment where shopping is inseparable from cultural discovery.
La Maison Simons at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, August 14, 2025. Photo: Craig Patterson
Competitive Edge in Canadian Retail
Boutet also pointed out the strategic impact of Simons’ presence in leading Canadian shopping centres. He argued that Simons’ unique formula may have contributed to Nordstrom’s exit from Canada.
“I have long believed that Simons’ success in Canada’s best shopping centres was part of the story behind Nordstrom’s retreat,” he explained. “In several markets, they competed directly, but with a sharper appreciation of what Canadian shoppers value most: beautiful design at a fair price, with an edited selection of luxury brands complementing a strong and distinctive private label offering.”
From Quebec to a National Brand
The Simons journey has been marked by strategic risk-taking and a willingness to grow beyond the comfort of its Quebec City roots. Boutet recalled advice the Simons brothers once received from their father: to stay in Quebec City where they “dominated that market.”
“Over twenty-five years ago, recognizing they would need to compete nationally to exist locally at their scale, Peter and Richard made a different choice. They left the comfort of home to open in Montreal, setting the stage for the coast-to-coast brand we know today,” he said.
That expansion, he noted, was supported by a significant investment in infrastructure, including a $215 million head office and e-commerce hub in Quebec. While the pandemic delayed its use, the facility today positions Simons for continued digital growth.
Community, Culture, and Symbolism
Boutet also emphasized Simons’ longstanding commitment to community investment, pointing to the family’s donation of the Fontaine de Tourny to Quebec City.
“That fountain, near their oldest store and across from Quebec’s parliament building, is much more than a civic gift. It’s a symbol of how Simons invests in the communities they serve; a blend of heritage, design, and permanence that reflects their approach to retail,” he said.
The Yorkdale store, he suggested, carries the same philosophy forward, blending commerce with cultural meaning.
The Yorkdale opening is just the beginning of a larger Toronto expansion. In September, Simons will open a second store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, also in a former Nordstrom space. At 112,000 square feet, it will complement the Yorkdale store and reinforce Simons’ presence in Canada’s largest retail market.
Together, the two Toronto stores are expected to generate approximately $100 million annually, adding to the retailer’s national sales of more than $650 million.
Women’s ‘Icone’ department on the main floor of La Maison Simons at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Photo: supplied
A Rare Global Legacy
For Boutet, Simons represents a rarity in the global retail landscape: a fifth-generation family-owned business, over 185 years old, that is still growing, innovating, and connecting with customers.
Simons is the oldest continually running family-owned retailer in the world. The only company that comes close is C&A in the Netherlands, founded in 1841, making it the second oldest. This distinction underscores the remarkable resilience of the Quebec-based brand and highlights the global significance of its story.
“Peter, Richard, Bernard and team have built something truly rare, possibly one of only ten in the world, an over 185-year-old, fifth-generation retailer that is still growing, still innovating, and still deeply connected to its customers,” Boutet said. “The Yorkdale opening is a promise that Canadian retail, at its very best, has a very vibrant future.”
As he reflected on the milestone, Boutet concluded with optimism: “Longue vie and God’s continued speed, Maison Simons. Here’s to another 185 years of success.”
