Prime members in Calgary, Edmonton, and select surrounding communities can now receive millions of items faster than ever before. Amazon Canadahas expanded its Same-Day and Overnight Delivery options to Alberta’s largest cities, offering even more convenience just in time for the upcoming Prime Day on July 8.
These upgraded delivery speeds are perfect for last-minute summer travel items, birthday gifts, or everyday essentials. With clearly labeled “Prime Same-Day” and “Prime Overnight” items, plus the easy-to-use “Get it Today” filter, shopping for urgent needs has never been easier for Canadians.
Prime members in these regions can now enjoy:
Same-Day Delivery in as fast as 7 hours on eligible orders
Overnight Delivery on orders placed as late as 8:30 p.m., with arrival windows as early as 4 a.m. the next day
Free delivery on orders over $25 (or $6.99 for orders under $25) or $11.99 per order for non-Prime customers
This expansion is made possible through Amazon’s continued investment in Canada, including:
12 fulfillment facilities in Alberta, supporting more than 7,000 employees across the prairie region
A 2025 commitment of hundreds of millions of dollars globally toward safety-focused technologies, training, and programs
Support for Amazon’s 46,000 Canadian employees and thousands of Alberta-based small and medium-sized businesses selling through Amazon’s store
“After successfully launching faster Same-Day and Overnight Delivery in the Greater Toronto Area, Southwestern Ontario, and Metro Vancouver last summer, Amazon has expanded these services to Prime members in Calgary, Edmonton, and select surrounding communities. This expansion not only enhances the Prime member experience with faster delivery, but builds on Amazon’s investments in the Alberta, driving both customer satisfaction and economic growth across the province,” said the company.
“With this expansion, Amazon is enhancing its existing Same-Day Delivery service while adding Overnight Delivery options for Prime members in Calgary, Edmonton, and select surrounding communities. Although Same-Day Delivery has been available in these areas previously, customers can now receive their orders even faster on millions of items from top brands across 35+ categories.
“These expedited delivery services come with different pricing tiers: Prime members receive free delivery on orders over $25, or pay just $6.99 for orders under $25, while non-Prime customers pay $11.99 per order regardless of order size.”
By placing products closer to customers, Amazon said it has reduced travel distances and handoffs while maintaining consistent processes for employees.
“The health and safety of these employees remain the company’s top priority. In 2025 alone, we’ve allocated hundreds of millions of dollars globally to invest in technologies, resources, training, and programs to further our safety efforts. These investments not only benefit Amazon’s 46,000 employees across Canada but also empower the thousands of Alberta-based small and medium-sized businesses who sell their products to millions of customers on Amazon’s store, further strengthening the local economy,” it said.
Walmart Canada employees and customers raised $6.5 million for Children’s Miracle Network during the recent annual spring fundraising campaign which supports children’s hospitals and makes a real difference in the lives of young patients and their families.
Walmart Canada said it kicked off the campaign with a $1 million donation, underscoring its unwavering commitment to the communities it serves. Running from May 8 to June 1, the campaign helped children and families who rely on specialized care. Every dollar raised through the campaign went directly to the nearest children’s hospital foundation, funding cutting-edge research, life-saving equipment and family-centred care initiatives.
This partnership, which has flourished for over 30 years, has seen Walmart Canada and its customers raise more than $230 million, ensuring children’s hospitals can continue to provide the best possible care for kids in their communities, said the retailer.
Adam Starkman
“Canada’s children’s hospitals are stronger because of Walmart Canada’s associates and customers,” said Adam Starkman, President and CEO of Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundations. “Year after year, their commitment brings real change to children’s hospitals across the country, providing young patients the specialized care they need.”
Rob Nicol
“We’re incredibly honoured to make an impact on children’s health and help kids get the care they need to live better,” said Rob Nicol, Vice President of Communications and Corporate Affairs, Walmart Canada. “Our associates and customers are the heart of this campaign and their dedication to supporting children’s hospitals is truly inspiring.”
Walmart said this year’s spring campaign featured inspiring patient stories, highlighting the real-life impact of donor support. One such story is that of Jack, a Champion from Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. Thanks to donor-supported surgical equipment, research, and ongoing care, Jack is receiving the best possible care at Manitoba’s only children’s hospital. To learn more about Jack’s journey:
Walmart Canada has more than 400 stores nationwide serving 1.5 million customers each day. Walmart Canada’s flagship online store, Walmart.ca is visited by more than 1.5 million customers daily. With more than 100,000 employees, Walmart Canada is one of Canada’s largest employers and is ranked one of the country’s top 10 most influential brands. Walmart Canada’s extensive philanthropy program is focused on supporting Canadian families in need, and since 1994 Walmart Canada has raised and donated more than $850 million to Canadian charities.
Children’s Miracle Network raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals, 13 of which are in Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, purchase pediatric medical equipment, and support research. Its various fundraising partners and programs support its mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Visit the Children’s Miracle Network website to learn more about its cause. In Canada, Children’s Miracle Network is managed and operated by Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundations®.
This Stampede season just got a major style upgrade. For the first time ever, SHEIN is bringing its viral fashion and lifestyle experience to Calgary with two immersive pop-ups at CrossIron Mills from July 2 to 13.
The flagship pop-up store, located near Entrance 6, features a curated edit of SHEIN’s most popular collections. While Stampede staples will take centre stage, the space also showcases a wide selection of summer must-haves across categories, including swimwear, home, menswear, accessories, beauty, and more. Visitors can shop top sub-brands including Anewsta, DAZY, EMERY ROSE, SHEIN MOD, MUSERA, ROMWE, SHEGLAM, and WESTFADE— the go-to for modern western wear. With inclusive sizing and price points designed to be accessible, the pop-up invites more people to explore their personal style in-store, bringing the joy of fashion to Calgary across 12 immersive days, explained the retailer.
Shoppers can look forward to in-store-only discounts of up to 30% off, exclusive gifts with purchase while supplies last, and a limited-edition Calgary tote bag designed by local artist Irene Neyman. The first 100 customers each day who post publicly from the event on Instagram or TikTok will receive a complimentary tote, it added.
“Just steps away, a second surprise awaits: a Stampede-themed Rodeo Ready Beauty Bar near Entrance 2, bringing SHEIN’s famed beauty line, SHEGLAM, to life. Designed with oversized butter-yellow horse heads, pops of pink, and selfie-ready moments, the experience captures the brand’s playful energy while offering a range of makeup and accessories for the rodeo season. Guests are encouraged to snap a photo at the on-site photo booth and share it on social media using #SHEINTheWest to receive a special gift,” said SHEIN.
Shirley Yuan
SHEIN, headquartered in Singapore, is a global online fashion and lifestyle retailer, offering SHEIN branded apparel and products from a global network of vendors, all at affordable prices.
“This is more than a pop-up – it’s a celebration of how our community expresses themselves through fashion,” said Shirley Yuan, Head of Marketing, SHEIN Canada. “We’ve designed the experience to reflect Calgary’s vibrant summer energy, with bold visuals, interactive elements, and a curated edit that highlights how far SHEIN has evolved – from trend-driven fashion to now spanning home, sport, beauty, pet, and lifestyle categories.”
Vito Zhong
Calgary marks the latest stop in a series of highly successful Canadian pop-ups, reflecting the city’s growing role in shaping trends across the country.
“Calgary is one of our fastest-growing markets in Canada, and this pop-up is a way to bring the SHEIN experience to life in person,” said Vito Zhong, General Manager, SHEIN Canada. “We’ve seen incredible demand across the Prairies – not just for festival fashion, but for beauty, menswear, and home. This activation allows customers to explore their favourite categories up close and connect with the brand in a more tangible way.”
The Starbucks Foundation is donating over $1 million to local Canadian charities through its Neighbourhood Grants program, thanks to Starbucks partner (employee) nominations. This year’s program benefits a record-breaking number of 425 charities from every province in Canada and the Yukon Territory.
Every year, the Foundation invites Starbucks Canada partners to nominate local charities to receive philanthropic support through the Neighbourhood Grants program to address causes they are passionate about in their communities, including hunger relief, uplifting families, addressing homelessness, empowering youth, and environmental stewardship. The program, now in its sixth year, shattered previous records with more than 7,000 Canadian partners submitting nominations in 2025, explained the Foundation.
“At Starbucks, our partners turn everyday connections into lasting community impact. With Neighbourhood Grants, we celebrate that impact by supporting the local charities they care about. From large urban centers to remote rural towns, from bolstering food banks and supporting 2SlGBTQI+ communities initiatives to helping those experiencing homelessness, the Neighbourhood Grants program uplifts local charities in reaching the people and places that need it most.”
Lori Digulla
“At Starbucks Canada, we believe in the power of community and the incredible impact that our green apron partners can have when they’re recognized and supported,” said Lori Digulla, senior vice president and general manager, Starbucks Canada. “Through The Starbucks Foundation’s Neighbourhood Grants program, we’re proud to empower our partners to nominate a record number of charities across the country. This $1 million investment reflects our deep commitment to creating meaningful change, one neighbourhood at a time inspired by our partners.”
Last week, the coffee giant said it rallied more than 14,000 North American Coffeehouse Leaders at Leadership Experience 2025 to accelerate its ‘Back to Starbucks’ strategy.
Sara Kelly
With community in mind, Sara Kelly, executive vice president, chief partner officer, Starbucks Corporation, announced the impact of this year’s Neighbourhood Grants. “The latest round of grants resulted in 56,000 nominations from partners across North America, with 85% of our coffeehouses having at least one nomination. At Starbucks, it’s never just coffee; we are part of the communities we serve.”
With hundreds of thousands of Canadians visiting coffeehouses every day, Starbucks said it is a responsibility to contribute positively to the communities in which it operates from coast-to-coast-to-coast. The Neighbourhood Grants program helps build sustained local impact while inspiring partners to engage in their community all year long, it said.
Here’s what these grants mean to some of the local charities nominated by partners.
Peter Tilley
“We sincerely appreciate The Starbucks Foundation’s commitment to helping those most in need. Programs like Neighbourhood Grants allow us to continue providing emergency support, serving hot, nutritious meals and vital wraparound services to people facing homelessness in Ottawa. Support like this not only nourishes bodies but also uplifts spirits and fosters hope,” said Peter Tilley, CEO, The Ottawa Mission.
Jill Zelmanovits
“With The Starbucks Foundation’s support, more young people facing adversity will experience the lifelong benefit of one stable and committed adult relationship, which is the most common factor for children who end up doing well,” said Jill Zelmanovits, National President and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. “We are grateful that 10 Big Brothers Big Sisters chapters across Canada will be able to uplift even more children and youth through mentoring. We applaud the over 70 Starbucks partners across Canada who nominated us for a Neighbourhood Grant.”
Julie LeJeune
“The Starbucks Foundation’s Neighbourhood Grants program is a testament to the power of partnership and compassion. With this support, we can continue serving the growing need and provide our community with nutritious, culturally appropriate food. It’s heartening to know that corporate partners like Starbucks are committed to building stronger, more equitable communities,” said Julie LeJeune, Executive Director, Fort York Food Bank.
Established in 1997, The Starbucks Foundation’s mission is to strengthen humanity by transforming lives across the world. As the primary philanthropic arm of Starbucks, The Starbucks Foundation focuses on enabling community resiliency and prosperity and uplifting communities affected by disaster, it said.
Starbucks has over 1,400 stores across Canada and more than 23,000 Canadian partners.
Adopt Parfums, the fresh French retail concept known for its affordable fine fragrances and accessories, is scoring a retail hat trick, with three stores to open in August, according to commercial real estate expert Tony Flanz.
In 2024, the largest perfume chain in the world made its debut in Canada, opening three locations in quick succession: a 629-square-foot boutique at Galeries d’Anjou in Montreal, a 616-square-foot store in Carrefour Laval and a 536-square foot store at Place Ste-Foy in Quebec City, said the President of Think Retail.
By the end of summer 2025, they will have six stores in Canada, with a 703-square-foot store to open at Promenades Gatineau; a 675-square-foot store at Carrefour Angrignon; and another 675-square-foot location at Galeries Chagnon, explained Flanz.
Tony Flanz
“Think Retail is honoured to work with acclaimed entrepreneur and business leader Marcel Rinaldy, who is overseeing Adopt’s corporate expansion here in Canada,” noted Flanz.
“The plan is to open a couple more stores in Quebec in 2025, as well as Adopt’s first Ontario location.
“Target spaces are 450 to 1,000 square feet in super regional malls, as well as busy commuter hubs, such as airports and train stations.
“We love this brand story and its ethos of offering sustainably focused and affordable products in a beautiful setting. It’s this approach-both accessible and elevated-that make Adopt a beloved global brand.
Founded in 1986 by French perfumer Dominique Monlun, the concept is built around offering more than 100 original, joyful, feminine, masculine or mixed eaux de parfums, as well as complimentary items, such as sprays, body creams, candles, essential oils, lip balms and skincare items, said Flanz in a recent blog on his company website.
“The range is of the highest quality (products are made in a beautiful production site in Cestas, near Bordeaux) and appeals to a wide consumer base-the average customer is aged 34, with 37% ages 18 to 25, 42% ages 26 to 45 and 21% over 45 years. The clever part is that rather than embracing a signature scent, customers are encouraged to fall in love with multiple scents that they put on depending on the mood and the moment,” he said.
This strategic brand activation underscores the company’s commitment to connecting with customers in the Western region and beyond, it said in a news release.
Widely recognized as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” the Calgary Stampede is a cultural cornerstone of Western Canada, drawing more than one million visitors annually. This sponsorship offers the company a unique opportunity to celebrate Canadian traditions, share its core values of service and community spirit, and provide Stampede-guests with comfortable, welcoming seating, said the retailer.
“This sponsorship, along with the strategic expansion of our agricultural assortment, underscores Home’s commitment to serving the unique needs of our customers and strengthening our connection with rural communities across Canada.”
As part of the 10-day event, the retailer said it will present a shaded seating area, located beside the Superwheel on the Midway at Stampede Park. The space will feature a curated display of comfortable outdoor furniture and entertainment products available at Home stores across the country.
Founded 60 years ago in St. Jacobs, Ontario, it is Canadian and the country’s largest Dealer-owned and operated home improvement retailer with more than 1,000 stores operating under the Home Hardware, Home Building Centre, Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Furniture banners.
SportChek’s new “Destination Sport” store format is poised to redefine the retail experience for Canadian sports enthusiasts.
Over the next three years, Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC) will enhance the SportChek network by building new stores, updating existing locations, and adding digital services to improve the shopping experience.
Credit: SportChek
These new stores will be modernized, equipped with the latest technology, and digitally connected to meet our customers’ changing needs:
Enhanced Store Layout for a Superior Shopping Experience – The traditional racetrack layout has been replaced with an enhanced grid design, facilitating a seamless shopping journey. This new layout brings products closer to customers and showcases the extensive range, particularly in key sport categories such as hockey, soccer, baseball, and golf.
Brand Amplification & Feature Wall – The new feature wall and flexible fixtures provide maximum visibility for key brands, ensuring customers have access to the best selection available. This strategic display not only highlights top brands but also enhances overall brand presence within the store.
Redesigned Footwear Wall & Sales Assisted Technology – The redesigned footwear wall now boasts greater capacity, dedicated sections, and unique displays. Enhanced technology at the footwear wall and fitting rooms further improves the customer experience by simplifying the process of finding the perfect fit.
Improved Service Shop Design – Service shops have been upgraded to include an expanded suite of services, ranging from skate fitting and sharpening to golf gripping and baseball glove steaming. These enhancements ensure that customers have access to everything they need for peak performance.
SportChek recently launched two state-of-the-art Destination Sport locations in Moncton, NB and Etobicoke, ON, which have already experienced a tremendous impact to their sales. Two more locations will be opening this summer in Richmond, BC and Windsor, ON. Here’s video tour of the Moncton location:
SportChek’s Destination Sport stores play a pivotal role in Canadian Tire Corporation’s (CTC) recently unveiled True North strategy, which focuses on strategic investments that enhance its core retail operations. The recent introduction of Canadian Tire’s “Remarkable Retail” locations represent this new era of expansive retail spaces equipped with omnichannel shopping capabilities, further supported by Mark’s “Bigger, Better, Bolder” stores which feature a significantly larger footprint and a more diverse product assortment.
Scott Dowding
“As Canada’s authority on sport, SportChek prioritizes athletes by offering them the best market experience. The new Destination Sport Store Concept offers a bigger and better retail experience tailored for our customers’ athletic needs,” said Scott Dowding, President, SportChek.
“Feature walls and flexible fixtures maximize visibility, showcasing top brand assortments, while the enhanced grid layout and sport-specific sections ensure a seamless shopping journey by bringing products closer to our customers. Lightbox treatments add visual appeal, strengthening the in-store brand experience. These enhancements, combined with our larger footprint, highlight our extensive assortment and dominance in sports, ultimately creating a superior shopping experience for our customers.
“Our enhanced technology at the footwear wall and fitting rooms makes finding the perfect fit easier than ever. With large touchscreens conveniently located in each area, customers can scan an item and see available sizes that are in stock at the store. If the desired size is not in stock, our store staff can order the correct size on the spot and have it delivered directly to doorsteps. The stores also introduced larger, oversized in-store pickup lockers for some of the bigger products carried within our sport assortment.”
Credit: SportChek
Dowding said the Destination Sport locations in Moncton and Etobicoke are scoring major points with customers, who are very pleased with the new store format, highlighting its bright, welcoming, and well-organized design.
They also appreciate the ease of navigation and finding products, thanks to clear layouts and product callouts. The large selection of items and helpful, friendly staff received positive comments, including:
“The new store is outstanding. So bright and welcoming. Love the open concept so you can find the various sections.”
“Excellent selection, could find anything I would want or need.”
“Great big store, easy to get around, friendly and helpful staff, well lit.”
“Every month since the renovation, both our Destination Sport stores have significantly outpaced the NPS compared to other SportChek locations, improving by 20 points from pre-reno to post reno.”
Dowding said the Destination Sport concept is a key component of CTC’s True North strategy, which focuses on enhancing the store network with new builds, refreshes, and innovative digital services.
“Through 2028, we will continue introducing the SportChek Destination Sport format as part of our commitment to creating hundreds of modernized, digitally integrated, and tech-enabled stores across our banners,” he said.
Credit: SportChek
“This investment is directly tied to True North and our commitment to prioritize investing in transforming our core Canadian retail businesses, including Canadian Tire’s Remarkable Retail and Mark’s Bigger, Better, Bolder formats. These efforts underscore our commitment to putting the customer at the centre of everything we do, ensuring they enjoy a best-in-class shopping experience.
Dowding saidthe Service Shop positions SportChek as Canada’s complete sport destination—not just selling premium products but supporting customers throughout their entire athletic journey. It’s about being there for athletes as a reliable partner to keep them active and in the game.
“We provide post-purchase setup, care, and maintenance services that build customer confidence and maximize equipment performance. SportChek offers the most comprehensive equipment services across more locations than any other North American retailer, ensuring customers have everything needed for peak performance from the moment they walk in,” he added.
Hudson's Bay store at Mayfair Shopping Centre in Victoria, BC. Central Walk, owned by Ms. Liu, acquired the mall in 2021. Photo: Apple Maps
Weihong (Ruby) Liu, a billionaire real estate investor based in British Columbia, has received court approval to acquire three former Hudson’s Bay store leases. The ruling, issued Monday by Ontario Superior Court Justice Peter Osborne, marks the first formal step toward Liu’s goal of launching a nationwide department store chain bearing her name—Ruby Liu.
The three approved locations, all situated within shopping centres Liu already owns through her real estate firm Central Walk, include Tsawwassen Mills, Mayfair Shopping Centre in Victoria, and Woodgrove Centre in Nanaimo. The lease acquisition deal is valued at $6 million and is expected to close later this week.
Plans for a New Retail Venture
Ms. Liu, who built her fortune in China’s property sector before turning her attention to Canadian retail real estate, plans to transform the former Hudson’s Bay locations into modernized department stores under the Ruby Liu name. The concept includes traditional offerings such as makeup, apparel, and jewellery, along with added features like play areas for children, food and beverage services, and on-site entertainment.
“She is contributing millions of dollars of real value to the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act process,” said David Ward, counsel for Liu, during the court hearing. “She is betting on herself.”
Liu reportedly intends to invest more than $30 million to renovate the initial three locations. Her broader vision includes as many as 28 stores across Canada, pending court approvals and landlord consent.
Weihong (Ruby) Liu in front of the Court House at 330 University Avenue in Toronto on June 23, 2025. Photo: Craig Patterson
The Beginning of a Legal and Commercial Journey
The Hudson’s Bay Company entered creditor protection in March 2025, leading to the closure of all 80 Hudson’s Bay stores and 16 Saks-branded locations by June 1. Leases for these spaces became available, attracting interest from a dozen bidders for a total of 39 properties. Liu’s winning bids, particularly for the three properties she owns, were deemed superior in terms of value and deal structure.
Court documents reveal Liu placed a $9.4 million deposit toward the potential acquisition of 28 leases. Of those 28, only three have been formally approved so far.
Strong Opposition from Major Landlords
While the acquisitions in Liu’s own shopping centres sailed through the court process, her attempt to take over 25 additional leases has hit considerable resistance. The targeted leases include locations in Alberta, Ontario, and other parts of British Columbia—properties not owned by Liu.
Lawyers representing prominent landlords such as Cadillac Fairview, Oxford Properties, and Primaris voiced serious objections during Monday’s hearing.
“There have been, from Cadillac Fairview’s perspective, no productive discussions, no meaningful disclosure,” said David Bish, a lawyer with Torys LLP representing Cadillac Fairview. “The process has been very troubled.”
D.J. Miller, counsel for Oxford Properties, echoed those concerns: “There are many troubling aspects of the lack of information that’s taken place.”
According to Bish, none of the 25 landlords have approved the deal. “We actually think it is 25 of 25 that have objected,” he said.
Forced Assignments Could Be Next
Because most commercial lease agreements require landlord consent for lease assignments, Liu faces a procedural and legal hurdle in expanding her venture. Should landlords withhold approval, Liu’s legal team could seek “forced assignment” orders from the court—an option that landlords have already indicated they will vigorously oppose.
Speaking in Mandarin through Central Walk CEO Linda Qin, Liu told journalists on University Avenue after Court that she plans to permanently relocate to Toronto. She may also move Central Walk’s corporate headquarters to the city.
“She is serious about creating something new for Canadians,” Ms. Qin said. “This is a long-term vision.”
Former Saks OFF 5TH at Tsawwassen Mills in South Delta, BC. Photo: Construct Canada
Hudson’s Bay Name to Be Retired
In a parallel development, the court also approved Hudson’s Bay Company’s request to change its corporate name to remove all references to “HBC” or “Hudson’s Bay.” The name change is a requirement under the $30-million sale of Hudson’s Bay’s intellectual property to Canadian Tire Corporation.
The sale, previously approved by the court on June 3, is expected to close this week. The new name for the remaining entity has not yet been disclosed.
Liu had originally bid on acquiring the Hudson’s Bay trademarks but withdrew after Canadian Tire increased its offer. The branding for her stores will now rely on her own name, Ruby Liu.
Reimagining the Department Store
The closures of Hudson’s Bay and Saks locations marked the end of an era for Canadian retail, with the 355-year-old company failing to find a buyer to continue its operations. Liu’s ambition is not simply to fill the void but to reinvent the model.
“To me, this isn’t a gamble. It’s not just about money or profit,” she wrote in her public letter. “It’s about building something meaningful—a space full of life, where people can reconnect in the real world.”
Liu has acknowledged the skepticism she has faced, even from within her own family. But she remains undeterred.
“That is not really a business plan,” said her lawyer Ward. “That is a full-circle investment.”
Outlook: A High-Stakes Retail Experiment
Liu’s three-store purchase is the first milestone in what could become a transformative retail initiative in Canada. Yet, the coming weeks will determine how far her vision can stretch beyond her own properties.
Negotiations with landlords continue. Legal filings and possible court motions for forced lease assignments are expected. The fate of 25 leases—and the viability of the Ruby Liu department store chain—hang in the balance.
Still, Liu’s determination signals that a new chapter for Canadian department store retail may be unfolding. Whether her bold investment will spark a retail renaissance or encounter insurmountable obstacles remains to be seen.
WoolAid, the world’s first biodegradable bandage crafted with merino wool, has officially entered the Canadian market and is now available in more than 500 Sobeys locations nationwide. Designed to outperform conventional plastic bandages, WoolAid offers a breathable, skin-friendly, and environmentally responsible alternative—bringing meaningful innovation to a category long dominated by synthetic, petroleum-based materials.
Lucas Smith. Photo credit: WoolAid
At the helm of the New Zealand-founded brand is Lucas Smith, who recently relocated to Banff, Alberta, to oversee WoolAid’s Canadian rollout.
“I’m based here in Banff, but I’m originally from New Zealand,” says Smith. “Originally, I’m from a place on the South Island. A lot of our Merino wool comes from that area—it’s a big fine wool-producing part of New Zealand. I moved to Banff to support our Canadian launch and efforts.”
Although only in Banff for a few months, the area is familiar terrain. “I used to be a mountain guide, and back in 2014, I spent some time here between guiding seasons. I met a lot of people my age, so it’s been great coming back a decade later and reconnecting with the community.”
Smith’s inspiration for WoolAid started in the mountains—and with a problem many hikers can relate to. “At the end of the day, we make bandages from Merino wool. I used to be a mountain guide, and growing up in the mountains, you need products that perform,” he explains. “You can upgrade your jacket, your toothpaste—there’s always a better version of most things you take outdoors. But with bandages, everything was plastic.”
“When I was guiding, we’d take groups of about 50 people through the mountains, and almost everyone would end up with blisters after five days of hiking. And it wasn’t just a physical issue—it was a mental one. People would stop focusing on the experience and start focusing on their feet.”
Photo credit: Woolaid
The idea crystallized while guiding on the Milford Track, one of New Zealand’s most iconic alpine trails. “The government limits how many people can go on the trail—only 50 a day. So it’s often people on honeymoons or big bucket list trips. And for them to be distracted by blisters instead of the mountains just didn’t feel right.”
“As guides, we lived in Merino wool—our socks, our clothes—because we knew how well it performed. Yet we were putting plastic band-aids on people. It didn’t make sense,” he adds. “So at 20 years old, I decided someone had to make bandages out of Merino wool. No one had. That’s where the journey started, a decade ago now.”
What began with loose wool tucked into socks has now become a patented, FDA Class I medical-grade bandage that’s naturally antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, and designed to break down in soil within four months, returning nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous to the earth.
“It never made sense to me that we’d go to such lengths to buy natural, technical fabrics for our bodies—but then use petroleum-based plastic on our skin when it’s at its most vulnerable,” says Smith. “It took us years to secure global patents and build the supply chain to make this happen, but we knew the world needed a cleaner, smarter way to heal.”
WoolAid is now available in New Zealand, the U.S., and Canada, with distribution through the Sobeys network. “In Canada, they’re available throughout the Sobeys network. Any Sobeys or Sobeys-owned store with a pharmacy should have them.”
Smith adds, “We’re also in New Zealand and the United States. It took a long time to get everything in place—filing patents, completing clinical research. Since it’s a product going on open wounds, we had to make sure it was safe.”
Built from ethically sourced merino wool—the same wool used by luxury fashion houses—WoolAid combines performance and environmental responsibility in a way that’s redefining the wound care category. Unlike 65% of plastic-based bandages, which contain forever chemicals, WoolAid is gentle on skin, kind to the planet, and built to perform when it matters most.
So what’s next?
“Ideally, we want it to be something everyone can access. We’re starting with people who are outdoorsy—ski fields, hiking companies, places like that—because they understand performance gear and Merino wool. But eventually, we want it available to the general public,” says Smith.
“The goal is to get to a point where you’re in rural Alberta or B.C. at a gas station, and alongside chewing gum, you can pick up a WoolAid bandage. That’s the vision.”
That vision includes a strategic rollout: “Sobeys is helping us with the mainstream rollout. We’re managing the smaller, niche retail—like ski fields—ourselves to maintain control over the brand while we can.”
He believes it’s a smart approach: “I think it’s smart to build with a community that understands the value first and then branch out.”
Photo credit: Woolaid
When asked about WoolAid’s core customer, Smith is quick with data. “From the data we’ve seen over the past couple of years, it’s predominantly women. Women are typically the household purchasers. People buy bandages either proactively—on a shopping list with milk and bread—or reactively, when they have a cut or blister. And in both cases, women tend to be more on top of it than men.”
“In the outdoor industry, people already understand Merino wool because of brands like Smartwool and North Face, who’ve done a great job educating consumers. But in general, this is a product everyone will likely use at some point in the next three to five months.”
Miznon at Union Station in Toronto, brought to life by construction firm BUILT IT. Photo: Miznon
Following the successful debut of its first Canadian location in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood in 2023 and a second at Union Station earlier this year, Israeli-born street food brand Miznon is turning up the heat with plans for further expansion across Canada. The brand, led in Canada by Eli Benchetrit, is eyeing new markets, new cities, and potentially even new concepts under the culinary empire of celebrated Israeli chef Eyal Shani.
“It’s going to be three years since we opened our first location,” said Benchetrit during an interview with Retail Insider. “Union Station opened February 3rd, two years later. Funny enough, both ended up falling on the same day.”
Moving Beyond the Downtown Core
While Miznon’s current presence is firmly rooted in Toronto’s downtown core—with Yorkville and Union Station attracting tourists, office workers, and foodies alike—Benchetrit revealed the next phase will be about going north.
“We want to cater to our clientele in Thornhill and Richmond Hill—people who currently have to drive an hour to come see us,” he explained. “There’s a lot of demand. We’re also looking at Midtown Toronto. That’s the plan right now.”
Though many have encouraged Miznon to continue saturating the downtown market, the leadership team is choosing to balance brand visibility with accessibility. “People are pulling us to keep opening downtown,” said Benchetrit. “But we’re trying to spread out a bit more now.”
Photo: Miznon
Exploring Opportunities in Montreal and Vancouver
Outside Ontario, Benchetrit confirmed that the team is in active talks about expanding to other provinces.
“We’re definitely looking into going into Montreal,” he said. “But due to the language situation, we want to get a local partner that’s able to help us navigate through those requirements.”
He added that the team has also received inquiries about locations in Oakville and Hamilton, but expansion into less dense markets will come later. “We know where we’ll succeed first—after that, we can try stuff that’s a little more risky.”
Vancouver is also on the horizon, though logistical distance means Miznon will need a strong local partner.
“Montreal is close, but still has that language barrier. And Vancouver—it’s far. So we need local partners that know the market and can help us navigate the needs of that area.”
Benchetrit clarified that these aren’t franchising deals. “It’s a partnership,” he said. “We want to do this the right way.”
Finding the Right Food Halls
Miznon’s global presence includes locations in several high-traffic food halls, and the brand is open to replicating that strategy in Canada—if the conditions are right.
“In L.A., Miznon just opened in a food market,” said Benchetrit. “We’ve been looking for food halls here, but a lot of them don’t have enough traffic. We’re waiting for something that makes sense.”
Bringing More of Eyal Shani’s Concepts to Canada
While the Miznon brand leads the Canadian expansion, the broader vision includes other restaurant concepts created by chef Eyal Shani.
“There’s no set goal for how many Miznons we’ll have,” Benchetrit noted. “Because the plan is to bring the Aloni infrastructure to Canada.”
That infrastructure includes not only Miznon but also medium-format sit-down restaurants, the high-energy supper club HaSalon, and kosher dining concepts. “So there isn’t a fixed number,” he explained. “As we grow, we’re appealing to so many different people, from all walks of life.”
Miznon at 1235 Bay Street in Toronto. Photo: Miznon
Staying True to the Miznon Experience
Despite the expansion, Benchetrit is adamant about preserving what makes Miznon special.
“We want to make sure that everything we open provides that authentic, carefree, everybody’s-family kind of vibe,” he said. “Our entire menu is made fresh day of. We don’t want to grow so fast that we end up with commissary kitchens.”
Each Miznon opens its kitchen early, with prep beginning around 7 a.m. before doors open at 11. “Everything—from our sauces to our hummus to grinding and slicing our meat—it’s all done the same day,” said Benchetrit. “What you eat today was cooked today.”
Real Estate and Relationships
Miznon’s Canadian expansion is guided by Sari Samarah of Value Insight Realty, a long-time friend of Benchetrit and a trusted real estate advisor.
“Sari and I go way back—we’ve been friends since grade two,” said Benchetrit. “He understands both the brand and the city, which makes a big difference when choosing the right location.”
Samarah played a key role in securing Miznon’s first two Toronto locations and continues to lead the search for new sites in Midtown, Thornhill, and Richmond Hill. His deep knowledge of Toronto’s neighbourhoods and sensitivity to Miznon’s unique energy and experiential concept have made him an essential partner.
“He’s not just our agent—he’s part of the journey,” added Benchetrit.
A Story That Began with a Sandwich
Miznon’s Canadian journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Benchetrit found himself trying to recreate the restaurant’s famed minute steak pita at home. “It didn’t come out the way it should have,” he recalled. “So I DM’d Eyal Shani on Instagram.”
That direct message led to a year-and-a-half of conversations before the brand finally signed a lease in Toronto. “People were asking me, what are you doing signing a lease during a pandemic?” he laughed. “I said, I believe in it—and I believe the city needs something like this.”
It turns out, he was right. Miznon Canada quickly found a following, with its Mediterranean street food, open kitchen concept, and distinct urban energy.
Miznon at 1235 Bay Street in Toronto. Photo: Miznon
A Global Brand with Local Flavour
While most of Miznon’s menu is consistent across its 25+ global locations, about 20% of the offerings are unique to each city.
“Menus are about 80% the same,” Benchetrit said. “But if we can’t get something fresh, it doesn’t go on the menu. And some pitas are city-specific.”
For instance, Toronto’s exclusive “Smoked Maple Steak Pita” features Montreal-style smoked meat with maple syrup brushed onto the flat top—an ode to both Toronto’s culinary diversity and Canadian ingredients.
Miznon regularly introduces new limited-edition pitas as monthly specials. “We have over 200 items we could use, but we make everything fresh,” said Benchetrit. “Specials let us give regulars something new without changing the whole structure.”
The Show Must Go On
A major part of Miznon’s philosophy is rooted in performance. Each location features an open kitchen and a theatrical energy that feels more like a street-side culinary show than a conventional restaurant.
“One of the founders said, ‘We don’t look at our clients like customers—we see them as our audience,’” Benchetrit explained. “The kitchen is our theatre.”
That’s why music plays loud, staff yell orders with joy, and ingredients are put on display like props in a play. “We want people to unplug and just enjoy the moment,” he said. “Forget about your day. Enjoy your food. Be part of the show.”
What’s Next?
With Toronto firmly established and new Canadian cities in the pipeline, Miznon is poised for long-term growth—without compromising on its founding principles.
“This isn’t about numbers,” said Benchetrit. “It’s about making sure every location is true to what Miznon is—a place where people feel at home, experience real food, and become part of something.”
As the brand builds momentum, it continues to show that even a humble pita, made with care and served with flair, can become the centrepiece of a global phenomenon.
