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T&T Supermarket to open its 1st Southern California store in Irvine in Winter 2026

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Screenshot

T&T Supermarket, Canada’s largest Asian grocery retailer, is opening its first Southern California store in the Great Park community—a master-planned development within the City of Irvine—slated for Winter 2026.

Following the debut of its first U.S. store in Bellevue, WA in December 2024, T&T is continuing its U.S. expansion with a location in Irvine’s vibrant and rapidly growing Great Park Neighborhoods, said the grocery store chain.

Located at The Canopy at Great Park, the new 34,000-square-foot store will serve the needs of Irvine’s dynamic community, including the residents living in the city of Irvine and around the area. With convenient access from the future 133 Freeway interchange and its proximity to the Great Park Sports Complex hosting over 8 million visitors annually—T&T aims to become a go-to destination for residents and park visitors alike, it said, adding that t he store will also create 180 job opportunities for the local community.

Tina Lee
Tina Lee

“Ever since we announced our U.S. entry, we have been getting customer requests all across the United States. It should be no surprise to anyone that Irvine takes a top spot on the wish list, and the first store we are announcing in Southern California.” said Tina Lee, CEO of T&T Supermarkets. “I know T&T may not be well-known in Irvine, but we are excited to surprise our shoppers with a unique shopping experience.

“We have bountiful and fresh produce, authentic Asian flavours and trendy products from Asia. We’re especially proud of our in-store bakery and kitchen – for the 8 million annual visitors to the sports park nearby, T&T would be a great place to grab a meal. We hope to add to the community and offer a place for families to connect through food, discover traditional ingredients, and explore the latest culinary trends.”

Dan Almquist
Dan Almquist

“The Great Park community has long awaited a retail and dining hub that not only serves their needs but also enhances their everyday lifestyle,” said Dan Almquist, CEO of Almquist, a privately held real estate development firm based in San Juan Capistrano. “With The Canopy at Great Park, we are delivering a fresh take on the neighborhood centre, one that seamlessly blends convenience with a dynamic gathering place. As the Great Park continues to evolve, this location will truly become a one-of-a-kind draw for the community. We’re especially excited to welcome T&T Supermarket as a flagship retailer and exceptional grocery destination for the community, bringing an internationally recognized brand to Irvine and reinforcing our commitment to best-in-class offerings.”

T&T said its Irvine location will feature an array of signature offerings designed to provide a comprehensive grocery experience:

  • Restaurant Quality Food at Supermarket Prices: Customers can enjoy a self-serve hot food bar featuring authentic Asian dishes. The Kitchen is known for specialties such as Peking Duck, Crispy Papa Chicken, a BBQ station, and a
    Sushi Counter.
  • Made-to-Order Street Food: Savor the flavours of Asia with freshly made
    Chinese crepes and Taiwanese-style rice rolls.
  • Bakery Delights: T&T bakery offers over 150 varieties of freshly baked bread
    and 50+ desserts and pastries, including viral treats like Napoleon Portuguese
    Egg Tarts, Mango Pomelo Swiss Rolls, and Lava Mochi Puffs.
  • Exclusive Asian Spirits: For beverage enthusiasts, the store will offer an
    extensive selection of wines and spirits, with a special focus on Korean soju and
    Japanese sake. 
  • T&T Private Label Products: Shoppers can enjoy over 200 T&T Private Label.
    products, including customer favorites such as juicy pork soup dumplings (Xiao
    Long Bao), Korean kalbi marinade, green onion pancakes, and seaweed snacks.

While the store hasn’t opened yet, California residents can start shopping online through the T&T App and website. The selection is currently limited to dried goods such as trendy snacks and Asian beauty products, said the grocery store.


T&T Supermarkets is the largest Asian supermarket chain in Canada, with over 38 locations across North America. The chain operates stores in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec in Canada, as well as a store in Bellevue, Washington, USA. T&T Supermarkets was founded in Vancouver in 1993 and is now led by second-generation successor and CEO, Tina Lee. T&T Supermarket is headquartered in Richmond, BC.

Related Retail Insider stories:

T&T Supermarket opening another store in Mississauga

T&T Supermarket Expands to San Francisco with 4th U.S. Store

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For April 25, 2025

By
Retail Insider
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Canadian Retail News From Around The Web

News at a Glance

Retail Insider is streamlining its Canadian retail news from around the web to include a handful of top news stories that can be viewed quickly during the day. Here are the top stories from the past 48 hours.

Lawyer wants to save war memorials at Hudson’s Bay stores in Toronto, Calgary (The Spec)

What will happen to dozens of empty Hudson’s Bay stores in Ontario? BMO Place at Toronto Eaton Centre may offer some clues (Inside Halton)

Lindt stockpiling chocolate in Canada amid tariff uncertainty (Canadian Grocer)

Why fewer Canadians are considering buying an electric vehicle (CTV)

Sale of Edmonton’s long-vacant Army & Navy raises excitement for new life on Whyte Avenue (MSN)

The Beer Store closing 4 more stores in Ontario, including 2 in Toronto (CTV)

Ottawa retail market stays hot as Metro-anchored west-end shopping plaza changes hands (Ottawa Business Journal)

You can get free stuff at Toronto IKEA locations by trading in old furniture (BlogTO)

There’s a spring market featuring Asian-owned businesses in Toronto this weekend (Toronto.com)

Man facing more than 100 charges in connection with series of thefts at LCBO stores in Toronto (CTV)

Court Blocks HBC’s Pick for Employee Counsel, OKs Art Auction

By
Craig Patterson
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Hudson's Bay flagship store in Toronto. Image: Craig Patterson

An Ontario court has delivered a ruling in the Hudson’s Bay creditor protection proceedings, denying the company’s request to appoint a law firm of its choosing to represent more than 9,000 current and former employees and retirees. At the same time, the court approved the retailer’s controversial move to auction off its extensive historical art and artifact collection.

Hudson’s Bay had asked the court to appoint Toronto-based Ursel Phillips Fellows Hopkinson LLP as representative legal counsel for affected staff. The firm was selected from a pool of five contenders who submitted proposals to represent workers amid the company’s restructuring under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA).

However, the court sided with concerns raised by Andrew Hatnay of Koskie Minsky LLP, a firm already representing over 400 Hudson’s Bay workers. Hatnay argued that allowing the retailer to select legal representation for workers poised to take action against it posed a clear conflict of interest.

“This process is fundamentally flawed,” said Hatnay, suggesting that an independent third party should be tasked with selecting legal counsel to ensure a fair and unbiased process. Hatnay also emphasized that Koskie Minsky was the only firm to appear in court across five prior hearings on behalf of employees and retirees.

Gowling WLG, representing six former Hudson’s Bay executives in the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan—wound down earlier this year—backed Hatnay’s proposal to appoint a retired judge to oversee the decision.

Justice Peter J. Osborne agreed with the general concern but opted to appoint retired Justice Herman J. Wilton-Siegel to assess submissions and ultimately choose a representative counsel. “I am not prepared today to appoint a specific firm as representative counsel,” Osborne stated. “However, I agree that one representative counsel can adequately represent the interests of all current and former employees.”

Display window at the Hudson’s Bay store in downtown Vancouver on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Photo: Lee Rivett

Art Collection Auction Approved Amid Public Outcry

The court also gave Hudson’s Bay the green light to auction its expansive art collection—comprising more than 1,700 works of art and over 2,700 historical artifacts. The sale will be managed by Heffel Gallery.

Among the most significant items is a royal charter granted by King Charles II in 1670, which laid the foundation for the Hudson’s Bay Company’s fur-trading empire and colonial dominion over much of what would become Canada.

Despite approval, Justice Osborne instructed Hudson’s Bay to consult with government and Indigenous stakeholders before proceeding. “The company must return to court with a detailed auction protocol after engaging in meaningful consultations with concerned parties,” Osborne said.

Multiple stakeholders have expressed alarm over the potential sale of culturally sensitive items. Kyra Wilson, Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, issued a formal objection, calling for the suspension of any sale involving artifacts tied to First Nations history.

In response, Hudson’s Bay’s legal team assured the court that no sales would occur until those consultations are complete. “Nothing will be sold or transferred before those discussions and consultations take place,” said Maria Konyukhova, counsel for Hudson’s Bay.

The court-appointed monitor, Alvarez & Marsal Canada, has agreed to circulate a catalogue of the collection to all interested parties ahead of any auction.

Retail Liquidation Now to Include All Stores

Wednesday marked another blow for the storied retailer as its financial advisor, Reflect Advisors, confirmed that all of Hudson’s Bay’s remaining stores—including the six initially excluded—will now enter liquidation.

The revised strategy marks a significant departure from earlier restructuring efforts, with the company conceding that a viable plan to continue operations is unlikely to materialize.

“The exclusion of the six stores from the liquidation sale is negatively impacting the applicants’ realization efforts,” said Adam Zalev, managing director at Reflect Advisors. He noted that few credible bids had been submitted under the six-store restructuring model, leading to a broader wind-down.

Hudson’s Bay has stated that if credible bids are received before the April 30 deadline, it reserves the right to remove individual locations from the liquidation process. Bids are being accepted for both retail stores and intellectual property, including the iconic Hudson’s Bay name and related trademarks.

Hudson’s Bay store at Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby, BC. Photo: Stephen A. Braverman via X/formerly Twitter

Interest from Prospective Buyers Emerges

Despite the grim outlook, some expressions of interest have surfaced. As of April 23, 18 parties have submitted letters of intent to lease or purchase 65 of Hudson’s Bay’s retail locations. However, 36 store leases have yet to attract any attention.

One high-profile potential bidder is Weihong Liu, a British Columbia-based billionaire who owns several shopping centres across Canada. On Chinese social media, Liu reportedly announced plans to acquire “dozens” of Hudson’s Bay stores, though it remains unclear whether a formal bid will be submitted by the end-of-month deadline. On RedNote this week, Ms. Liu, speaking in Chinese, was discussing 10-year terms for the stores that she is hoping to acquire. 

Other bidders are said to have come forward, including rumours of a financially-backed bid involving former HBC President Bonnie Brooks, a potential bid from current owner Richard Baker (requiring an ‘insider protocol’), and another group from Asia that is also said to have potentially expressed interest ahead of the application deadline. 

Uncertain Future for Canada’s Oldest Company

With liquidation sales commencing on Friday, April 25 in the remaining six stores, the retailer’s path forward remains precarious. Once Canada’s pre-eminent department store chain and the oldest incorporated company in North America, Hudson’s Bay now finds itself in a struggle for survival.

The firm is racing against time to extract as much value as possible from its real estate, intellectual property, and historical holdings before its court-mandated sale and wind-down deadlines expire. And there’s still hope that a buyer could save the business, though there’s less hope than before. A Wednesday affidavit from Adam Zalev, Managing Director of Reflect Advisors and the financial advisor to Hudson’s Bay Company, indicated that no viable bidder had stepped forward.

More from Retail Insider:

IKEA Canada to open newest Plan and order point in Vaudreuil, Quebec

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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IKEA Canada to open newest Plan and order point in Vaudreuil, Quebec (CNW Group/IKEA Canada Limited Partnership)

IKEA Canada is opening its newest Plan and order point in Vaudreuil, QC on May 2.

As the retailer continues its journey to meet customers in the best possible way no matter how, when, or where they choose to shop, Plan and order points offer easy access to expert design services when planning, ordering, and purchasing home furnishing solutions for any room in the home, said the retailer.

“Located in Faubourg de la Gare Vaudreuil at 3080 Boulevard de la Gare, Suite 100, the new Plan and order point will also offer about 100 IKEA products (excluding food) for immediate purchase and takeaway, as well as a customer collection point conveniently located in the same building. Vaudreuil is the first IKEA Plan and order point in Canada to feature these extra benefits for customers,” it said.

The retailer said customers can get design support for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and living room. When their designs are complete, they can be ordered for home delivery or picked up at Vaudreuil or any other local pick-up point location nearby. Customers are now able to pre-book appointments for a full suite of planning services for May 2 and beyond by visiting here.

“IKEA Canada looks forward to providing this elevated planning experience to its Vaudreuil neighbours as it brings a growing network of Plan and order points to five locations in Quebec and 10 across Canada,” said the company.

“As a leader in life at home, IKEA has been committed to helping Canadians fulfil the dream of a beautiful and affordable home for nearly 50 years. As part of its vision to create a better everyday life for the many, IKEA Canada leaned into affordability to help Canadians do more with less during the cost-of-living crisis.“

Founded in 1943 in Sweden, the retailer is a leading home furnishing retailer, offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products. IKEA Canada is part of Ingka Group which operates 473 IKEA stores in 31 countries, including 16 in Canada. Last year, IKEA Canada welcomed 32.6 million visitors to its stores and 162.6 million visitors to IKEA.ca.

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Jeff Leger leaving Shoppers Drug Mart

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Image: Shoppers Drug Mart

Jeff Leger has announced he is leaving his role as President of Shoppers Drug Mart.

“After almost 17 incredible years I’ve decided to leave Shoppers Drug Mart for another opportunity. It’s been a fantastic journey of constant learning and growth. Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaws are incredible companies with incredible people. I will miss them dearly,” he wrote in a LinkedIn post.

Jeff Leger
Jeff Leger

“I’m proud of how our Shoppers Drug Mart team embraced and supported the Loblaws purpose of helping Canadians Live Life Well. I’m thankful for the dedication and support of our fantastic Associate Owners, Pharmacists, Front Store Managers, Beauty Managers and their teams. We have been able to lead the world in terms of innovation in retail, beauty, and pharmacist delivered care. All achieved because of you and our incredible central office team. I’m proud of our accomplishments and will continue to cheer you on from the sidelines. Thank you!

“I’m excited to share that I will be joining a new company as CEO in early July and will be announcing this over the next couple of weeks.

“The future is bright for the profession of pharmacy!”

The company is the licensor of full-service retail drug stores operating under the name Shoppers Drug Mart® (Pharmaprix® in Québec). With more than 1,350 Shoppers Drug Mart® and Pharmaprix® stores operating in prime locations in each province and two territories, the company is one of the most convenient retailers in Canada. The company also licenses or owns more than 150 medical clinic pharmacies operating under the name Shoppers Simply Pharmacy® (Pharmaprix Simplement Santé® in Québec). In addition to its retail store network, the company owns Shoppers Drug Mart Specialty Health Network Inc., a provider of specialty drug distribution, pharmacy and comprehensive patient support services, MediSystem Inc., a provider of pharmaceutical products and services to long-term care facilities and Lifemark Health Group, Canada’s leading provider of outpatient physiotherapy, massage therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, mental health, and other ancillary rehabilitation services. Shoppers Drug Mart® is an independent operating division of Loblaw Companies Limited.

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Consumer confidence upswing in spite of continued trade headwinds

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

The Conference Board of Canada has released its latest Index of Consumer Confidence, which rose 4.2 points in April to 48.4.

Here are the Board’s key consumer findings:

  • After falling to a record low in March, the Index of Consumer Confidence showed a modest improvement this month, primarily driven by more neutralized sentiment regarding future job market prospects and financial conditions.
  • Consumers appear to hold a cautiously optimistic outlook regarding future conditions. This might suggest that households expect current economic pressures may ease over time. Yet, this optimism stands in contrast to continued pessimism about present financial circumstances.
  • Indeed, when asked about their current financial situation there was widespread decline in respondent’s present confidence. This follows the ongoing trend that has persisted over the past several months, driven by a series of evolving economic challenges both at home and abroad.
  • However, when respondents were asked about future finances, the share of consumers perceiving a deterioration in their future financial situation compared to six months ago decreased 4.2 percentage points to 29.7 per cent, marking the first significant drop since April 2022. Simultaneously, the proportion of consumers foreseeing an improving future financial outlook rose by a cautious 1.5 percentage points, to 15.0 per cent.
  • When asked about their future job prospects, respondents expressed similar sentiment to that regarding the future financial situation.
  • The share anticipating fewer job opportunities six months from now fell 7.6 percentage points to 42.0 per cent, following the historic high recorded in last month’s survey.
  • At the same time, the share expecting more job opportunities six months from now remained largely stable, edging up just 1.3 percentage points to 5.6 per cent.
  • Evolving domestic economic indicators are likely contributing to a more positive outlook among consumers regarding their future financial situation. The stabilization of inflation alongside interest rates settling into neutral territory appears to be helping.
  • The U.S. decision to suspend new tariffs on most trading partners, while maintaining those already imposed on Canadian goods and focusing pressure on China, offered only limited clarity but eased broader trade tensions. This partial de-escalation may help explain why Canadian consumers are somewhat more optimistic about the future, even as current sentiment remains weighed down by persistent trade frictions and economic uncertainty.
  • Overall, the level of consumer confidence remains 22.9 percentage points below its peak six months ago.

Here are the Board’s key consumer insights:

  • Trade turmoil marks the first cracks in labour market stability. In March, the Canadian economy shed approximately 33,000 jobs, the first monthly decline since July. The strong employment gains observed earlier this year are now at risk of unwinding entirely should uncertainty surrounding tariffs and broader trade policy persist.
  • Hiring momentum mirrors the drop in employment. Our hiring index for the month of March showed a weaker trend, with a noticeable drop in job postings within the services sector. This suggests a cautious stance on workforce expansion, as businesses scale back hiring amid ongoing economic uncertainty.
  • Despite the recent dip in hiring and employment, consumers still expect future labour market stability. While industries vulnerable to tariffs and global trade disruptions are facing more immediate challenges, consumer sentiment for the future seems to be more positive, at least for the moment.
  • Bank of Canada halts easing cycle amid rising uncertainties. Although inflation remains relatively stable, the Bank of Canada held its policy rate steady in its latest announcement. The pause reflects growing concerns over external trade tensions and signs of domestic economic weakness, marking a shift from inflation control to broader economic vulnerabilities.
  • Lead shoes for a limping economy. Canada’s economy is encountering significant headwinds due to trade tensions with both the United States and China, Canada’s major trading partners. With the U.S. implementing tariffs on a number of Canadian goods including automobiles, aluminum and steel, and China imposing tariffs on Canadian agricultural and seafood exports, the country’s economic growth prospects may be stymied.
  • The Canadian economy will take a hit in the coming months. In light of recent developments, we have revised our national GDP forecast to reflect the impact of escalating U.S. and Chinese tariffs, Canada’s retaliatory measures, and the appreciation of the Canadian dollar. Our call is for a 0.8 per cent slowdown in real GDP for the second quarter of 2025. The anticipated decline in Canadian exports is expected to weigh on business investment, with downstream effects on the labour market. As a result, we estimate a net employment loss of 73,400 jobs (seasonally adjusted at annual rates) over the same period.

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Empire announces Michael Medline’s intention to retire in May 2026

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Sobeys (Image: Nejmark Architect)

Empire Company Limited and its wholly-owned subsidiary Sobeys Inc. has announced that Michael Medline, President and Chief Executive Officer has informed them of his intention to retire from the company in May 2026, allowing the Board of Directors to conduct a thorough internal and external search for his replacement.

As part of its succession planning process, the board has created a special committee to oversee the identification and selection of the company’s next CEO, said the company in a news release.

Michael Medline, president and CEO, Empire Company Limited (CNW Group/Empire Company Limited)

“Michael has been the true embodiment of a resilient, adaptable and courageous business leader since joining Empire more than eight years ago,” said Jim Dickson, Chair of the Board of Empire.

“Not only did he lead the difficult transformation and turnaround of what at the time was a struggling business, he has since steered Empire on its current growth trajectory, delivering immense value for shareholders in a dynamic and ever-changing marketplace, including skillfully navigating the unprecedented headwinds of a global pandemic and the worst inflation in four decades.

“He did all of this while also revitalizing Empire’s organizational culture as well as serving as the staunchest and most passionate advocate for our company and the broader Canadian grocery industry. I am incredibly grateful for Michael’s leadership and look forward to working with him in the coming year as he and his team continue to drive the company’s growth.”

Since Medline assumed leadership of Empire in 2017, the company has delivered average annual adjusted EPS growth of 15% while tripling its share price, making Empire one of the top performers on the TSX during his tenure to date, explained the company.

“I am so incredibly proud of the many accomplishments Empire has achieved and the shareholder value we have created over the past eight years,” said Medline. “Our success has been the direct result of a great strategy, disciplined execution and the dedication and efforts of our 128,000 teammates as well as our excellent leadership team, all of whom come to work each and every day to serve the needs of our customers.

“Our company is stronger, more resilient and well positioned for ongoing success thanks to their efforts. My focus remains on continuing to build on the tremendous progress we have made over the past number of years as our board identifies Empire’s next CEO.

Upon joining Empire in January 2017, Medline led the organization through two successive transformation initiatives that spanned more than five years and saw the company introduce strategic, structural and operational changes that simplified the company’s structure, grew sales, removed significant costs and reengaged both employees and customers, said Empire.

“Medline’s vision to build the company’s brands and delight customers has seen the company invest approximately $2.5 billion over the past eight years in the growth and development of its store network and distribution assets. The acquisitions of Farm Boy (2018) and Longo’s (2021) have strengthened the company’s presence in the important Southern Ontario market, while the expansion of its FreshCo discount banner into Western Canada and development of the company’s multi-cultural strategy has served the needs of the country’s expanding South Asian population. Under Medline’s leadership, Empire also boldly invested in building a world class e-commerce business, Voilà, while reimagining its loyalty program with its launch in 2022 of Scene+ with co-owners Cineplex and Scotiabank,” it said.

“Medline was an early advocate for the Grocery Code of Conduct as a means of ensuring fair and transparent practices across the food supply chain to benefit manufacturers, retailers and, ultimately, Canadian consumers. His commitment to advancing critical Environmental, Social and Governance practices has helped Empire foster a more diverse, inclusive, and sustainable work environment and business. His leadership in supporting and advancing substantial investments by the company in youth mental health, school food programs and Special Olympics, has helped Canadian families while strengthening the fabric of hundreds of communities across the country.”

Sobeys Nova Scotia (Image: Field Agent Canada)

Empire is a Canadian company headquartered in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. Empire’s key businesses are food retailing, through wholly-owned subsidiary Sobeys Inc., and related real estate. With approximately $31.1 billion in annual sales and $16.8 billion in assets, Empire and its subsidiaries, franchisees and affiliates employ approximately 128,000 people.

“There is never a perfect time to retire from a job that you love. It’s been the highlight of my career and such an incredible honour to help lead this iconic Canadian company for more than eight years. I take great pride in knowing that I will be leaving the company in good shape for the next CEO,” Medline added. “I am grateful to our great Chair, Jim Dickson, the Board of Directors and the Sobey family for giving me this opportunity and for their tremendous guidance and support on our journey to transform this company into the best retailer in the country.”

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YVR Duty Free Expands with Luxury and Local Focus

By
Craig Patterson
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Vancouver Duty Free at Vancouver International Airport. Image supplied

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is undergoing a transformation aimed at redefining the travel retail experience with a newly renovated and expanded duty-free offering that blends international luxury with locally sourced products. Managed by Dufry (now part of Avolta), the upgraded Vancouver Duty Free spans a substantial 30,000 square feet across two international post-security walkthrough locations. These revamped spaces are designed not only to boost passenger engagement but to elevate the airport as a retail destination in its own right.

Eric Pateman

According to Eric Pateman, Vice President, Passenger Experience and Chief Experience Officer for Vancouver International Airport, the expansion added about 7,000 square feet of new space and saw both primary international locations fully renovated in stages to avoid disruptions to sales or passenger satisfaction.

“We pretty much gutted both stores and rebuilt them from the ground up,” said Pateman in an interview. “Everything from the floors to the ceilings is new, and we’ve reimagined how people interact with the space.”

The result is a brighter, more spacious, and thoughtfully laid-out environment that invites discovery, featuring improved traffic flow, better lighting, greenery, and high-end visual merchandising. “We’ve moved away from the traditional ‘cram everything in’ model and embraced a more curated approach,” Pateman added.

Celebration event for the renovated duty free stores at Vancouver International Airport. Image supplied

Expanding the Product Offering: From Prestige to Accessible

One of the most significant shifts in Vancouver Duty Free’s approach is its broadened merchandise mix. While high-end brands like Hermès, Chloe, and MAC Cosmetics still draw in luxury shoppers, there is now more attention paid to mid-market and locally made items that appeal to a wider demographic.

“We’ve added premium wall space for big brands like Macallan,” Pateman explained, “but also for local brands like Northern Bars. The goal was to create a balance—something for everyone.”

With Chinese outbound tourism still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels, the team focused on adjusting the product offering to attract a broader, more diverse traveller base. This includes new direct flights to destinations like Bangkok, Manila, and Dubai, which are bringing in new customer demographics.

“We’re definitely seeing a younger generation come through, and the product mix has shifted to reflect that,” Pateman noted.

Vancouver Duty Free at Vancouver International Airport. Image supplied

North America’s First Haute Parfumerie

One of the standout features of the newly redesigned space is the introduction of the continent’s first airport Haute Parfumerie. The fragrance zone includes niche and luxury perfume houses such as Byredo, Creed, Penhaligon’s, Diptyque, Montale, and Parfums de Marly.

“It’s a really cool area that brings in brands you just don’t find in your average airport,” said Pateman. “And as a dad of three teenage daughters, I can tell you—fragrance is very much having a moment, even among 12-year-olds.”

The success of this zone illustrates how Vancouver Duty Free is evolving to meet contemporary consumer trends, including the influence of celebrity-backed brands and social media-driven purchasing behaviour.

A Growing Focus on Local Brands

Vancouver Duty Free is also doubling down on celebrating British Columbia’s unique offerings. The newly reimagined store showcases local food products, skincare, and spirits that offer a taste of the region’s rich heritage.

Brands such as REYAL, a Vancouver-based men’s skincare company, and NENA, which produces clay-based face masks using ingredients from northern B.C., are among the new wave of local products gracing the shelves. Aromatherapy brand Provence en Couleur, made in small batches on Granville Island, is another example of how the store promotes regional artisanship.

“We’re seeing strong growth in local food and cosmetics,” said Pateman. “Some of these brands are outperforming expectations—especially REYAL, which I’ve personally become a big fan of.”

Luxury Boutique Revamps Within Duty Free

Several standalone boutiques operating under the duty-free umbrella have also undergone substantial renovations. Hermès, which Pateman confirmed is the only such location in a Canadian airport, has expanded both in footprint and in design.

“They’ve gone up in size, but also in scale and style,” he said. “Their global VPs were just here, and they’re thrilled with how it turned out—and with the sales performance.”

Additional boutiques include Moncler, Bulgari, Cartier, Chloe and other high-end fashion labels, with Moose Knuckles also hosting a pop-up. Pateman noted the breadth of high-end retail offerings now available to international travellers.

Sales Rebound and Changing Traveller Profiles

Despite headwinds related to a slowdown in Chinese tourist arrivals, overall sales performance at Vancouver Duty Free has been strong. Pateman confirmed that sales are up double digits year-over-year, particularly within the newly renovated spaces.

“The stores are performing really well. Transborder traffic remains strong, and when we compare to 2019, we’re still seeing year-over-year growth,” he said. “We’ve had to pivot a bit due to the loss of Chinese travellers, but new direct flights are opening up different markets, and that’s helping a lot.”

While U.S. travel to Canada has remained relatively flat, new air routes are supporting continued growth. Air Canada has recently added routes to Dubai, Manila, and Bangkok, enhancing connectivity and attracting new international shoppers.

A Multi-Year Redevelopment Strategy

Pateman joined Vancouver International Airport roughly two and a half years ago with a mandate to rethink the commercial landscape, from retail to food and beverage. Since then, the transformation has been aggressive.

“We’ve changed or renovated more than 30 outlets in the last two years, and we’ve got another dozen or so coming this year,” he said. “Our biggest changes have taken place in Pier A and the WestJet pier, where we’ve seen penetration rates jump nearly 30%.”

The strategy is working not just for shoppers, but for brands. “Triple O’s is now the highest-grossing location in the franchise. Hula Poke is seeing its highest sales here too,” Pateman noted. “So the airport remains a high-value opportunity for food and retail brands.”

Looking Ahead: Uncertain Forecasts, Big Opportunities

Although global uncertainty has tempered enthusiasm for hard forecasts, Pateman remains optimistic about the future of duty-free retail at YVR. He noted that growth will depend largely on aircraft availability, as supply chain delays at Boeing and Airbus continue to limit fleet expansion. “The biggest limiter right now is just a shortage of airplanes.”

The potential for e-commerce in the airport space remains untapped but intriguing. While current regulations limit duty-free sales to travellers present at the airport, Pateman is closely watching trends from Asia, including live selling, to explore new retail channels.

“There’s some exciting innovation happening in Asia that we could learn from,” he said. “We’re looking at how we might adapt similar concepts in our space.”

Revisiting the Idea of Downtown Duty Free

As for the return of downtown duty-free in Canada, Pateman is skeptical. Vancouver once had duty-free stores on Alberni Street, and DFS even had ambitions to open a major store downtown in the 1990s. But changes in travel behaviour and licensing make such a model unlikely today.

“I don’t see those coming back,” he said, though he noted ongoing discussions with regulators about the potential of arrival duty-free—an approach that has seen success in other countries.

“It would be a really good thing for B.C.,” he added.

Final Thoughts

As air travel continues to rebound, Vancouver International Airport is positioning itself as a global model for modern duty-free retail. With its mix of global luxury, local authenticity, and thoughtful design, Vancouver Duty Free is more than just a stop before your gate—it’s a retail destination in its own right.

“The sky really is the limit,” Pateman concluded. “We’ve got over a million square feet of real estate here. With the right strategy, we can turn YVR into a world-class retail and culinary hub.”

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Payroll employment declines in retail, accommodation and food services sectors

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo: Mario Toneguzzi
Photo: Mario Toneguzzi

Payroll employment in accommodation and food services decreased by 13,600 (-1.0%) in February, bringing the cumulative decline since December 2024 to 19,200 (-1.5%). The decline over the two-month period was driven by full-service restaurants and limited-service eating places (-18,400; -1.8%, according to a report released Thursday by Statistics Canada.

Payroll employment in retail trade decreased by 10,600 (-0.5%) in February, more than offsetting the gain observed in January (+5,700; +0.3%). On a year-over-year basis, payroll employment in retail trade was down 28,500 (-1.4%) in February, added the federal agency.

The month-over-month decline in February in payroll employment in the retail trade sector was led by health and personal care retailers (-2,200; -1.0%), warehouse clubs, supercentres and other general merchandise retailers (-2,100; -1.3%) and building material and supplies dealers (-1,600; -1.2%), it said.

In Canada, the number of employees receiving pay and benefits from their employer—measured as “payroll employment” in the Survey of Employment, Payrolls and Hours—decreased by 49,000 (-0.3%) in February, following an increase of 14,400 (+0.1%) in January. On a year-over-year basis, payroll employment was up 124,300 (+0.7%) in February.

In February, monthly payroll employment declines were recorded in 9 of the 20 sectors, including educational services (-21,300; -1.4%), accommodation and food services (-13,600; -1.0%), retail trade (-10,600; -0.5%), manufacturing (-6,800; -0.4%) and public administration (-5,600; -0.4%). Health care and social assistance (+12,600; +0.5%) as well as administrative and support, waste management and remediation services (+3,700; +0.5%) were the only sectors to record increases in February. The remaining nine sectors were little changed, said Statistics Canada.

Meanwhile, in February, there were 528,000 job vacancies in Canada, marking the sixth consecutive month of little change. On a year-over-year basis, job vacancies were down by 131,100 (-19.9%) in February, it added.

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KINTON RAMEN partnering with UNIQLO

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Kinton Ramen at One York (Photo: Dustin Fuhs)

KINTON RAMEN, Canada’s leading Japanese ramen brand, is partnering with global fashion retailer UNIQLO for an exclusive UTme! collection, transforming the love of ramen into wearable art.

This collaboration is a fusion of food, culture, and creativity, celebrating nationwide expansion while showcasing local artistic talent. Through the innovative UTme! platform, KINTON RAMEN and UNIQLO are offering ramen lovers and style enthusiasts a new way to express their passion—through wearable art, according to a news release.

Alan De Luna
Alan De Luna

“KINTON RAMEN is proudly Canadian, and as we grow across the country, it’s about more than just ramen — it’s about sharing culture in a way that feels local and real,” said Alan De Luna, Senior Marketing Manager at KINTON RAMEN. “Teaming up with UNIQLO isn’t just about style. It’s about celebrating food, art, and the communities that make Canada such a unique place.”

Tanya Mu
Tanya Mu



Designed by Toronto-based artist Tanya Mu (Tonton Art), the collection showcases bold, hand-drawn illustrations inspired by KINTON RAMEN’s signature bowls. The customizable T-shirts and tote bags will be available exclusively at select UNIQLO Canada stores, offering a seamless blend of Japanese tradition and contemporary design, said the release.

“Partnering with Tanya, an artist who champions creativity and cultural storytelling, alongside UNIQLO makes this collaboration incredibly special,” explained De Luna. “Seeing our ramen-inspired designs worn by fans everywhere is exactly the kind of moment we live for.”

The KINTON RAMEN x UNIQLO UTme! collection will be available at:

• UNIQLO Toronto Eaton Centre
• UNIQLO Yorkdale Mall
• UNIQLO Metropolis at Metrotown

“Express yourself with a unique creation through the UTme! machine. This innovative on-demand printing platform allows customers to design and personalize their own original T-shirts and tote bags,” said the release.

“Using the UTme! machine, you can create your own custom designs or choose from a curated selection of “stamps” available on in-store iPads, including these exclusive KINTON RAMEN designs. These one-of-a-kind prints will be available at UNIQLO Toronto Eaton Centre, UNIQLO Yorkdale Mall, and UNIQLO Metropolis at Metrotown, bringing a new level of interactive fashion to Canadian shoppers.”

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