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METRO sells its Première Moisson Group production facility to FGF for $90 million

Photo: DoorDash
Photo: DoorDash

METRO Inc. and FGF Brands (FGF), a Canadian company and a North American leader in bakery products, have announced a strategic partnership for the commercial bakery manufacturing operations of Première Moisson Group Inc., a subsidiary of METRO. As part of the transaction, FGF will acquire Première Moisson Group’s production facility located in Baie-D’Urfé for $90 million.

This transaction reflects METRO’s ongoing commitment to focus its investments and resources on its core food and pharmaceutical retail and distribution operations, while simplifying its operating model through the support of a specialized partner, said METRO.

Upon closing of the transaction, FGF will manufacture and distribute Première Moisson products sold in food stores. This agreement will allow METRO to continue offering Première Moisson products to customers throughout its Québec and Ontario food store network while leveraging FGF’s manufacturing expertise, innovation capabilities and operational scale, it said.

Première Moisson Group will remain a subsidiary of METRO and will retain ownership of the Première Moisson brand, its network of 25 retail bakeries across Québec, its artisanal in-store production operations, and its French pastry production facility in Vaudreuil-Dorion, which exclusively supplies its bakery network, it explained.

The agreement with FGF provides for the continued production and manufacturing of all Première Moisson products. All impacted employees will be transferred to FGF upon closing of the transaction; METRO and FGF will work with the union representing unionized employees as part of the transition, according to the companies.

“This transaction is consistent with our focus on our core food and pharmaceutical retail and distribution activities, while preserving the strength of the Première Moisson brand. By partnering with a company recognized for its manufacturing expertise, we will continue to offer customers the Première Moisson products they enjoy while benefiting from enhanced innovation, product development capabilities and a more efficient operating structure.” said Marc Giroux, Chief Operating Officer, METRO.

Marc Giroux
Marc Giroux

“We are pleased to bring our baking expertise to METRO and in particular to Première Moisson, a brand renowned for the quality of its products and craftsmanship. This partnership allows us to leverage our manufacturing and innovation capabilities to support the growth of Première Moisson’s grocery offering while continuing to provide consumers with high-quality products,” said Ojus Ajmera and Tejus Ajmera, Co-Chief Executive Officers and Co-Founders of FGF.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions for transactions of this nature. It is expected to close during METRO Inc.’s fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, which ends on September 26.

With annual sales of more than $22 billion, METRO Inc. is a food and pharmacy leader in Québec and Ontario, providing employment to more than 97,000 people. As a retailer, franchisor, distributor, manufacturer, and provider of eCommerce services, the company operates or services a network of some 1,000 food stores under several banners including Metro, Metro Plus, Super C, Food Basics, Adonis and Première Moisson, and some 640 pharmacies primarily under the Jean Coutu, Brunet, Metro Pharmacy and Food Basics Pharmacy banners.

FGF Brands is a Canadian, family-owned private bakery company founded in 2004. The FGF Group of Companies is Canada’s largest industrial baker and one of the world’s fastest-growing producers of bakery and snack foods. Headquartered in Toronto, FGF supplies a broad range of branded and private-label products to leading retailers and foodservice partners across the globe.

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Red Apple stores set to celebrate 4 grand openings on August 14

Photo: Red Apple Stores

Red Apple Stores will host four grand openings on Friday, August 14 across the country: Esterhazy, SK, where the former Bargain! Shop has both converted to Red Apple and undergone a full renovation, and Revelstoke, BC, Blind River, ON, and Fort Nelson, BC, where newly renovated stores are ready to welcome shoppers back.

“Four grand openings on one day is a great way to show how much momentum we’ve got going right now,” said Jim Hreljac, President, Red Apple Stores. “Esterhazy customers are getting a double transformation – a new name and a completely refreshed store. In Revelstoke, Blind River and Fort Nelson, shoppers are walking back into stores they already love, now with a brand-new look. Either way, August 14 is a great day to shop.”

Grand Opening Day Highlights, August 14

  • A FREE $10 shopping card and laundry basket for the first 100 customers
  • A FREE shopping bag, while quantities last
  • Entry to win a $1,000 shopping spree
  • Two-day flyer deals available August 14
  • A 25% off coupon for every customer, valid on a future purchase

“A renovation is a great opportunity to take a fresh look at what’s on the shelves, and that’s exactly what we did for these four stores,” said Barry Fisler, Senior Vice President of Merchandising, Red Apple Stores. “Customers are going to find a strong mix of fashion, home and everyday essentials waiting for them.”

In Esterhazy, the transformation is twofold: the store has officially converted from The Bargain! Shop to Red Apple and has come out of a full renovation at the same time. Customers will find a familiar location now carrying the Red Apple name, with a brighter, more open layout to match, said Red Apple.

All four stores, Esterhazy, Revelstoke, Blind River and Fort Nelson have undergone the same kind of renovation: a brighter, more open layout, refreshed signage, and displays designed to make deals easier to find, including the new CandyWorks™ section, a colourful candy destination for treat lovers of all ages, it said.

“There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to pull off four store transformations at the same time,” said David Johnson, Vice President of Store Operations, Red Apple Stores. “Our store teams made sure customers never lost access to the products and service they rely on, even while the work was happening around them. Seeing all four stores open together on August 14 makes it all worth it.”

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Blu Mediterraneo: A Timeless Mediterranean Design Language at Maison Territo

Dolce & Gabbana Blu Mediterraneo

There is a particular shade of blue that seems to return with every Mediterranean summer. It appears in the sea beneath a clear afternoon sky, across hand-painted ceramics, against whitewashed façades, and in weathered shutters overlooking quiet harbours. It is a colour shaped by sunlight, water, and architecture, one that has become inseparable from the enduring beauty of the Mediterranean coastline.

Known as Blu Mediterraneo, Dolce & Gabbana‘s signature decorative motif draws inspiration from the landscapes, architecture, craftsmanship, and lifestyle of the Mediterranean. Defined by its distinctive blue-and-white palette, the collection evokes places such as the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Saint-Tropez, and the Greek islands through imagery and craftsmanship that celebrate coastal living.

At Royalmount, Maison Territo embraces this timeless aesthetic through curated furniture and interior collections that celebrate craftsmanship, texture, and refined living. The 11,000-square-foot showroom presents internationally recognized brands including Fendi Casa, Versace Home, Dolce & Gabbana Casa, and Bentley Home, creating immersive environments where global design influences come to life.

Dolce & Gabbana Blu Mediterraneo

A Design Language That Endures

Blu Mediterraneo is expressed through azure ceramics, limestone, linen textiles, woven natural fibres, light woods, and handcrafted details that reflect generations of Mediterranean artisans. Together, these materials create interiors that feel calm, welcoming, and deeply connected to their surroundings.

Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to balance sophistication with simplicity. While design trends evolve from season to season, Blu Mediterraneo continues to influence luxury interiors through an aesthetic that feels both timeless and unmistakably Mediterranean.

Craftsmanship at the Centre

Authentic materials and skilled craftsmanship remain central to the Blu Mediterraneo philosophy. Hand-finished ceramics, natural stone, carefully woven textiles, and thoughtfully crafted furnishings create spaces with warmth, texture, and character.

This appreciation for craftsmanship aligns closely with Maison Territo’s approach to interior design. Throughout the showroom, carefully curated collections demonstrate how exceptional materials and thoughtful design can create interiors that are elegant, personal, and enduring.

Madonna’s 2026 short film Confessions II – The Film, produced in partnership with Dolce & Gabbana, luminous fabrics, expressive shades of blue, and the interplay of light and reflection.

Beyond the World of Interiors

The influence of Blu Mediterraneo extends beyond architecture and interior design into fashion and contemporary culture. In Madonna’s 2026 short film Confessions II – The Film, produced in partnership with Dolce & Gabbana, luminous fabrics, expressive shades of blue, and the interplay of light and reflection evoke many of the same sensory qualities associated with Mediterranean summers.

While distinct from the Blu Mediterraneo concept itself, these visual elements demonstrate how this timeless palette continues to inspire creative expression across multiple disciplines.

Experience Blu Mediterraneo at Maison Territo

For architects, interior designers, and private clients alike, Blu Mediterraneo offers an enduring source of inspiration where colour, craftsmanship, and natural materials come together in harmonious interiors.

Maison Territo invites visitors to experience this Mediterranean design language firsthand through its curated collections and immersive showroom environments, where timeless design traditions continue to inspire contemporary living.

Visit the Maison Territo website to learn more:
https://maisonterrito.ca/en

Maison Territo is located at 5050 Côte de Liesse #1050, Mont-Royal, QC H4P 0C9, Canada.
For more information, call 514-800-0102.

Dolce & Gabbana Blu Mediterraneo

Destination Canada and Economic Developers Association of Canada unite to advance tourism

Andre Furtado photo
Andre Furtado photo

Destination Canada, a Crown corporation wholly owned by the Government of Canada, and the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration between tourism and economic development leaders across Canada, helping communities advance tourism investment, attract visitors and unlock long-term economic growth.

Tourism is a major economic engine for Canada, and Destination Canada’s latest Outlook Report shows growth that will far outpace the general economy. The sector generated $140.5 billion in direct visitor spending in 2025. Tourism GDP grew at 2.5%, outpacing the national economy, which grew at 1.7%. Destination Canada’s forecast shows that annual tourism revenue is projected to grow by 6% in 2026. It supports 280,010 businesses in 5,000 communities; 1 in 10 jobs in Canada relies on tourism. Tourism is one of Canada’s largest service exports, contributing $34.9 billion in export revenues last year, said the corporation.

Stronger collaboration between tourism and economic development leaders advances Destination Canada’s strategy Tourism 2030: A World of Opportunity by positioning tourism as a high growth economic driver offering fast returns, while strongly supporting the government’s goals of doubling non-US exports by $300 Billion by 2035 and unlocking $1 trillion in investment over five years, it added.  

Meaghan Ferrigno
Meaghan Ferrigno

“Tourism supports communities across Canada by diversifying economic activity, creating immediate jobs, improving local amenities, and attracting investment,” said Meaghan Ferrigno, Interim President and CEO of Destination Canada. “By partnering with the Economic Developers Association of Canada, we are strengthening connections between professionals in tourism and economic development to help communities position tourism as a catalyst for investment and long-term growth.”

“Economic developers play a critical role in shaping vibrant, resilient communities,” said John Perrott, Executive Director of EDAC. “This collaboration with Destination Canada will help equip our members with new insights, tools and partnerships to integrate tourism into economic development strategies and unlock opportunities for communities across Canada.”

John Perrott
John Perrott

Destination Canada said the collaboration will focus on knowledge sharing and strengthening investment readiness between the tourism and economic development sectors, including:

  • Promoting the economic value of tourism to economic development professionals and municipal leaders
  • Sharing research, data and best practices related to tourism development and investment attraction
  • Delivering workshops and webinars that build tourism investment literacy among economic development professionals
  • Integrating tourism-focused content into EDAC’s Certified Economic Developer (Ec.D) curriculum
  • Participating in conferences and joint communications initiatives that strengthen collaboration between tourism and economic development organizations

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration over the next three years, enabling both organizations to advance initiatives that support tourism growth, strengthen investment attraction and create new economic opportunities for communities across Canada, it said.

To learn more about how Canada’s tourism sector is positioned for growth, including market fundamentals, demand drivers, priority growth corridors, and opportunities to align capital with destination development, visit www.investintourism.ca. 

In 2025, tourism generated $133 billion in visitor spending, supporting over 280,000 businesses in 5,000 communities. With revenues projected to grow to $177B by 2030, tourism is a key economic driver and Canada’s second-largest service export, with the potential to contribute up to 10% to Canada’s $300B trade diversification goal, said Destination Canada.

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Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada Appoints Renée St-Jean as New Chair

The Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (Neighbourhood Pharmacies) has appointed Renée St-Jean, Vice President, Enterprise Operations Governance – Pharmacy and Pharmacovigilance at Cencora, as Chair of the Association’s Board of Directors for a two-year term. she most recently served as Vice Chair of the Board, having been appointed to the role in 2025.

Marie-Claude Vézina
Marie-Claude Vézina

A bilingual pharmacist with more than 25 years of leadership experience in healthcare, she has dedicated her career to advancing pharmacy practice and improving patient care in Canada. She has held senior leadership roles across specialty pharmacy, hospital and community pharmacy, regulatory consulting, and pharmacy operations. She holds an MBA from the University of Ottawa and is a strong advocate for integrated, patient-centreed care, believing the best health outcomes are achieved through collaboration across health system partners, said the Association.

She succeeds Marie-Claude Vézina, Senior Vice President and Chief Network Officer at Metro Inc., who has completed a successful two-year term as Chair and will continue to support the Association as Past Chair for a one-year term, helping ensure a seamless leadership transition.

“Serving as Chair of Neighbourhood Pharmacies over the past two years has been a privilege. Together, our Board established a bold strategic direction for the Association through Prescription for Success – a roadmap that recognizes strong, sustainable pharmacy businesses as the foundation for expanding access to care and strengthening Canada’s health system. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made to strengthen the Association, elevate pharmacy’s voice with governments and partners, and position the sector for long-term success. On behalf of our Board, I want to congratulate Renée on her appointment as Chair. Renée brings tremendous experience, strategic insight, and a collaborative leadership style, and I know she will lead the Association with confidence as it enters its next chapter,” said Vezina.

Neighbourhood Pharmacies said it is now focused on executing the next phase of its strategy – strengthening its national advocacy, expanding the value it delivers to members and partners, and helping shape the future of community pharmacy in Canada.

“I am excited to welcome Renée as Chair and look forward to working alongside her as we continue advancing our vision for a thriving, sustainable pharmacy sector that delivers exceptional care while strengthening communities and Canada’s economy. Under Marie-Claude’s leadership, our Board established a strong strategic foundation and positioned the Association for its next phase of growth and impact. Today, Neighbourhood Pharmacies is exceptionally well positioned to build on that momentum by strengthening our advocacy, expanding the value we deliver to Members and Partners, and helping shape the future of pharmacy in Canada. I also want to thank Marie-Claude for her outstanding leadership, partnership, and lasting contributions to the Association over the past two years,” said Sandra Hanna, Chief Executive Officer of Neighbourhood Pharmacies.

Sandra Hanna
Sandra Hanna

Looking ahead to her term as Chair, St-Jean said: “I am honoured to assume the role of Chair of Neighbourhood Pharmacies at a pivotal time for pharmacy and the broader healthcare system. Across Canada, pharmacy teams are playing an increasingly important role in improving access to care and supporting better health outcomes. I look forward to working alongside our Board, Members, Partners, and the Neighbourhood Pharmacies team to advance policies and initiatives that strengthen pharmacy businesses, expand access to care, and demonstrate the value our sector delivers to patients, the healthcare system, and Canada’s economy.”

Neighbourhood Pharmacies represents Canada’s leading pharmacy organizations, including chain, banner, long-term care, specialty pharmacies, grocery chains, and mass merchandisers with pharmacies. It advocates for pharmacies’ role in caring for Canadians, both behind and in front of the counter. We aim to advance sustainable healthcare for all stakeholders by leveraging over 12,000 pharmacies located in virtually every community throughout the country.

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Internal trade improving on paper, but not yet in practice: CFIB (Video)

MART PRODUCTION photo
MART PRODUCTION photo

Governments across Canada are making progress on internal trade, but many small businesses are still not seeing improvements in their day-to-day operations, according to the 2026 State of Internal Trade: Interprovincial Cooperation Report Card released by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).

The report shows clear improvement compared to previous years, with the federal government earning an A+ and 10 jurisdictions achieving an A. Much of this progress is tied to growing adoption of mutual recognition legislation, including a pan-Canadian agreement that will allow goods approved in one province to be sold in another without additional regulatory requirements, said the CFIB.

2026 State of Internal Trade report card grades are:

JurisdictionCanadian Free Trade
Agreement Exceptions
(40%)
Select Barriers
to Internal Trade
(20%)
Status of Items from
Reconciliation
Agreements (40%)
Mutual
Recognition
(Multiplier)
Overall
Score and
Grade
MB7.3C+5.4D9.6A99.8A
SK6.9C5.3D9.2A99.7A
NB5.9D6.4C-8.8A-99.7A
NS2.5F6.9C9.1A99.6A
QC0.0F5.0D9.6A99.5A
ON110A+6.1C-8.4B+59.3A
NT4.9D2.0F8.8A-89.2A
PEI3.3F4.3D8.8A-89.1A
AB8.0B4.9D9.5A59.0A
YT2.7F3.0F8.8 A-89.0A
BC7.6B-4.1D9.6A58.9A-
NU4.6D2.0F8.6B+16.1C-
NL*4.3D2.7F8.5B+1NANA
FED210A+9.7A1010.0A+
Notes:While “A+” is not currently included in the grading scale, Ontario and the federal government are awarded an A+ in the area of Canadian Free Trade Agreement Exceptions for having no exceptions.The federal government is scored on two areas: an economic impact score based on the procurement exceptions it maintains from the CFTA in 2025, and the implementation status of reconciliation agreements. Both areas are weighted equally (50% each), as the select barriers area was not available for this analysis.
*NL given an NA due to recent change in government.

The CFIB, which is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 103,000 members across every industry and region, said it applauds the significant progress made but cautions that these high scores reflect commitments more than actual progress felt on the ground. Nearly seven in 10 small businesses (69%) reported not noticing meaningful changes in doing business across Canada over the past 12 months, with 16% reporting it has become more difficult. Many continue to face challenges related to regulatory differences, certification requirements, and delays, all of which add costs. Awareness also remains an issue, with more than half (57%) of business owners not yet familiar with recent reforms.

Keyli Loeppky
Keyli Loeppky

“It’s encouraging to see governments achieving high grades and making further commitments to improve internal trade,” said Keyli Loeppky, CFIB’s senior director of interprovincial affairs. “But small businesses are still dealing with inconsistent rules, extra paperwork, and higher costs. Until announcements turn into barriers coming down in a meaningful way, progress on paper won’t translate into results for small businesses.”

Persistent barriers continue to affect key areas such as tax complexity, licensing and regulatory differences, and transportation and logistics. Restrictions on the movement of food and alcohol products also remain a source of frustration for many businesses, limiting market access and consumer choice. The CFIB said it will update its report card methodology for 2027 to better reflect the real-world experience of small businesses and the outcomes of internal trade reform.

“Internal trade progress has moved more in the last two years than in the last decade, and our methodology needs to keep pace,” said Loeppky. “We want to make sure we’re measuring what matters most to small businesses and highlighting where governments are making a real difference. We anticipate 2027 grades to be much lower than this year if governments don’t take implementation of agreements and MOUs seriously.”

CFIB noted it is calling on governments to turn commitments into measurable results by accelerating implementation and removing the most persistent internal trade barriers. That includes:

  • expanding mutual recognition to cover all the sale and use of all goods, services and labour (including food, alcohol, WCH and OHS);
  • reducing exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement and Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement;
  • delivering on the direct-to-consumer alcohol sales MOU
  • simplifying rules that add unnecessary cost and complexity for businesses operating across provincial and territorial borders.

“Governments have shown they can work together and make progress on internal trade — now they need to deliver,” said Loeppky. “Small businesses don’t need more announcements. They need fewer barriers, clearer rules, and real improvements they can see in the day to day. Canadian leaders have held enough press conferences and signed enough MOUs. If we want a stronger, more competitive economy, the focus now must be on implementation and results.”

Youtube video

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Daily Synopsis: Jul 16, 2026

Welcome to the Daily Synopsis by Retail Insider. We hope you enjoy the 10 articles we published covering key developments in Canadian retail.

Lululemon opened a one-million-square-foot automated distribution centre in Brampton featuring 525 robots to improve e-commerce fulfillment in Eastern Canada and the eastern U.S. Chrome Hearts acquired a building in Yorkville to launch its first Canadian standalone store, marking expansion into the luxury retail market. Nixit expanded its retail footprint into nearly 400 Canadian Loblaw locations and about 2,000 Walmart stores in the U.S., growing its presence in period care.

Splitsville Bowl plans to open a 34,000-square-foot flagship entertainment venue at CF Sherway Gardens in the mall’s former Nordstrom space, adding experiential retail. Foxy Box Laser & Wax Bar targets growth to 150 locations across Canada and international expansion. RioCan sold its 50% stake in FourFifty The Well to focus on core retail assets. The sector’s evolution includes a focus on AI-enhanced food safety risk communication in grocery retail. Economic outlooks show growth in GDP but a projected weakening in private investment. The Retail Insider Discount, Value and Off-Price Retail Report notes value retail’s growing significance in Canada.

🗞️ The Day’s Retail Insider Article List

🌐 Canadian Retail News From Around the Web

Food Safety Needs an AI Upgrade: Why Better Risk Communication Matters for Grocery Retail

A woman looks at lettuce in a grocery store. Photo: Unsplash/licensed

Every summer, Canadians are reminded that fresh produce, while essential to a healthy diet, can also pose food safety risks. This year’s Cyclospora outbreak in the United States has already sickened more than 1,600 people, making it one of the largest in recent memory. Yet despite its scale, investigators have not identified the specific fruit, vegetable, farm or supplier responsible. Canada’s food regulators have appropriately resisted calls to suspend produce imports because there is simply no scientific evidence pointing to a particular commodity or country of origin. From a regulatory standpoint, that is the right decision. From a communications standpoint, however, we have an opportunity to do much better.

Food safety agencies have become remarkably sophisticated at tracing pathogens through increasingly complex supply chains, but when it comes to communicating uncertainty, many are still relying on a model designed for another era. Press releases and media interviews remain the primary tools for informing the public, even though most Canadians now consume information through search engines, social media and increasingly through artificial intelligence. The way people seek answers has changed dramatically, but the way governments communicate risk has barely evolved.

Cyclospora presents a particularly difficult communication challenge because consumers have very little control over their own exposure. Unlike bacterial outbreaks involving foods that can be cooked, this parasite is commonly associated with fresh produce that is eaten raw. Washing leafy greens or herbs offers only limited protection, and by the time illnesses are reported, the contaminated products have usually disappeared from store shelves. Add an incubation period that often exceeds a week, and consumers are left trying to remember meals they barely recall eating. Public health officials therefore face a difficult balancing act. Warn too aggressively and consumers may avoid fresh produce altogether, unnecessarily harming growers, distributors and retailers. Say too little, and the public may conclude that authorities are withholding information.

One of the biggest shortcomings of current risk communication is its lack of precision. When headlines mention “leafy greens,” most consumers do not distinguish between romaine lettuce, spinach, kale, arugula or mixed salads. They simply avoid the entire category. Behavioural economists have long recognized this as a spillover effect: one product’s problem becomes everyone else’s problem. The result is collateral economic damage extending far beyond the actual source of contamination, often affecting producers who had absolutely nothing to do with the outbreak. This is precisely why communication matters as much as epidemiology.

Artificial intelligence offers an opportunity to fundamentally rethink how food safety information reaches consumers. Imagine asking your AI assistant whether spinach is implicated in the current outbreak and receiving a clear, evidence-based response explaining that no such link exists, while also describing what investigators do know and what remains uncertain. If a specific imported herb were eventually identified, consumers could receive targeted guidance immediately instead of vague warnings that leave them guessing. Rather than relying on generalized announcements that inevitably fuel confusion, regulators could provide personalized, real-time answers based on verified data, reducing unnecessary panic while improving public confidence.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has earned an international reputation for scientific excellence. Its inspectors, laboratories and traceability systems are among the best in the world. The next frontier is not simply improving detection; it is modernizing communication. Instead of issuing static recalls and occasional updates, regulators should develop dynamic, AI-ready information platforms capable of distinguishing between products that are confirmed sources of illness, products that remain under investigation and products for which there is no evidence of concern. Just as importantly, agencies should become more comfortable communicating uncertainty. Telling Canadians, “We don’t yet know, but here’s what we’re doing,” is far more credible than offering broad reassurances that can quickly unravel as new evidence emerges.

Food safety has always depended on science. Increasingly, it will also depend on trust. In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming the public’s first source of information, regulators must ensure that trustworthy, evidence-based guidance reaches consumers before speculation and misinformation do. The future of food safety will not be defined solely by faster laboratory testing or more sophisticated traceback investigations. It will also be defined by our ability to communicate risk with the same precision as the science itself.

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VIDEO: Nixit expands retail footprint as Canadian period care brand targets North American growth

Canadian period care and sexual wellness company nixit is accelerating its retail expansion across North America as growing consumer demand for reusable and ingredient-conscious products fuels the brand’s next stage of growth.

Founder Rachael Newton said the company, launched after she sought to reduce household waste while living in the Caribbean with two young children, was created to offer sustainable products designed specifically with vaginal health in mind. She said the experience of seeing landfill waste firsthand prompted her to rethink disposable menstrual products after realizing the lifetime environmental impact of tampon use.

Newton said Nixit’s first product was a reusable menstrual disc, introduced as Canada’s first reusable menstrual disc. She said the product was designed as a one-size-fits-all, suction-free alternative intended to simplify the transition to reusable period care. Since then, the company has expanded into wash products and sexual wellness with water-based lubricant and condoms.

Initially launched as an online-only business, Newton said customer demand led the company into retail, beginning with natural food and wellness chains before expanding this year into nearly 400 Loblaw stores across Canada. She added that nixit’s condoms have also launched in nearly 2,000 Walmart locations in the United States.

Newton said the Loblaw rollout increased the company’s Canadian retail footprint by more than 50 per cent while reflecting broader consumer interest in products featuring organic ingredients and formulations designed to minimize irritation.

She said building the company has presented challenges, including navigating the regulatory requirements associated with medical devices, such as Health Canada authorization, FDA registration and certification standards.

Looking ahead, Newton said nixit plans to expand into additional retail locations across North America while continuing to develop new products. As a self-funded business, she said growth decisions are carefully balanced against available resources.

Newton also encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to invest in building strong professional networks, saying those connections can provide valuable support throughout the often-isolated journey of entrepreneurship.

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The Interior Design Trend Bringing More Personality Into Homes

In Canada, home design is evolving dramatically. The business maintained a strict route for a long time, emphasizing simple forms, neutral colours, and predictable patterns. With matching furniture sets that lacked any true personality, many houses ended up resembling product showrooms. That strategy is dwindling now. Today, personal style is more essential than ever, and people prefer living in locations that represent their hobbies and life experiences to ones that look like books. The idea is to make houses appear more authentic, warm, and helpful for daily living.

Creating a setting that reflects you is extremely crucial. People are increasingly assembling new and secondhand items instead of buying everything at once. They are displaying family treasures, travel mementos, and bespoke art to personalize each space. This design style fosters creativity rather than following rules. Adding sentimental artifacts and decorations may make a regular home seem like a private haven for you and your family.

Creating a powerful focal point on your walls is one of the most useful and efficient methods to add individuality. You may arrange a variety of objects that have particular personal significance on gallery walls. You don’t have to use matched frames or stick to a strict, uniform style. It looks better to mix and match different frame sizes, wood tones, and painting styles to give the impression of a natural, well-traveled style.

You can use canvas prints to display your own digital photography or custom artwork. This particular product gives the wall a polished, professional, and clean appearance that is not possible with regular poster material. Place your components on the ground before mounting any hardware. This enables you to make sure the arrangement is balanced in terms of size and colour before making holes in the wall. You may prevent seeming disorganized or cluttered by doing this preparatory step. Choose pieces that show off your interests, like beautiful family photos or scenery from your travels, to make the room look unique and appealing to the eye.

2. Adding Vintage and Heirloom Furniture

Brand-new furniture that is mass-produced often doesn’t have any style. In order to protect themselves, many Canadians are already putting old, used items in their homes. One piece with a clear past, like a well-made coffee table from the middle of the 20th century or a repaired wood trunk that was passed down from a previous family, adds a level of complexity that new items just can’t match.

In this case, the main goal is balance. To get the benefits, you don’t need to fill your house with old things. Just pick one or two strong things to be the room’s main draws. If the fabric on an old piece is worn out or out of style, you can easily restore it to make it fit in with your modern home. Putting old and new together keeps the house from looking like a stuffy antique shop while keeping the original’s spirit. The difference between your home and the other houses makes it seem like a permanent place to live instead of a temporary one.

3. Using Different Textures for Comfort

The arrangement of your furniture is not the only factor that affects how comfortable your home is. A space may seem chilly or sterile if there are too many smooth, uniform surfaces. This is a typical design problem. By purposefully adding layers of various textures, you may improve the atmosphere of any space. Try incorporating fabrics such as leather, wool, velvet, and linen into your primary living spaces.

The way you decorate flat surfaces, such as tables and shelves, is also influenced by layering. Don’t leave these surfaces barren or vacant. Stack things like books, ornamental bowls, or tiny, low-maintenance plants in them. A lived-in, human-centered appearance is produced by arranging objects at various heights. Instead of seeming like a staged snapshot in a magazine, these minute, tangible elements give a space the sensation of a true home. You are more likely to spend time in a room when it is physically pleasant, which is the main goal of a customized living space.

4. Setting Up Zones for Hobbies and Interests

Establishing designated “interest zones” has been a popular practice in recent years. This is designating a special space in a room to highlight a certain pastime or interest. If you read a lot, set aside a space with a complete bookcase, a comfortable chair, and enough lighting. Make a little garden with plants of different heights in a corner of the space if you like indoor plants.

Instead of keeping your hobby supplies hidden in a closet, these zones allow you to keep them out in the open, ready for use. Additionally, it makes it very evident to visitors what you value. For example, a musician may decide to store a carefully chosen collection of albums on a modest stand or hang their instrument on the wall. These objects cease to seem like clutter and begin to blend into your formal home design when you give them a permanent, purposeful place. With this method, your house becomes a true mirror of your everyday existence.

5. Using Raw Materials and Accepting Imperfection

The embrace of raw materials and natural wear is the last feature of this design movement. In the past, structural components like brick or raw wood were often covered with plasterboard or painted over. There is now a noticeable trend toward displaying raw materials. The distinctive patterns and natural texture of exposed brick, natural stone surfaces, and visible wood grains are being praised.

This also has to do with how you handle the upkeep of your house. A rug that has some wear and tear or a strong wood table with a minor blemish conveys a tale of everyday living and frequent usage. To have a lovely house, you don’t have to maintain everything in flawless, brand-new condition. This way of thinking makes a house much simpler for visitors to utilize and far less difficult for you to maintain. You can create a room that seems honest, long-lasting, and inviting by selecting materials that age well and embracing the little wear of everyday living.

Conclusion

Making your home truly show your style is a process that takes time and can’t be done right away. Do not worry about the newest dress trends in stores. Instead, focus on what makes you feel good. You can get away from general design by using custom prints as a focal point in your room, adding old things with history, using different textures, and leaving room for your own interests.

You should feel free to be yourself in this space. That is the goal. Whether you start with a single wall or by moving your furniture around, the update should show your past. People are more likely to use and like a house that looks like their own. Put your own hobbies ahead of what’s popular on social media at the moment. Not a camera, but your life should be on your mind when you build your house.