SecondShop CEO and Founder Cedric George (CNW Group/SecondShop)
SecondShop has launched an e-commerce platform, aimed at providing high-quality, like-new discount home goods in Canada. It has also announced it has secured $2 million in seed financing, led by Harvest Venture Partners with participation from leading angel investors in the space.
Cedric George
“In a time when the cost of living continues to rise, SecondShop is committed to helping Canadians maintain their standard of living without additional financial strain,” said Cedric George, CEO and Founder of SecondShop. “We’re not just another discount e-commerce site; we provide a complete solution — from easy online ordering of name-brand products to direct home deliveries — eliminating the need for customers to navigate the often cumbersome process of liquidation auctions and warehouse pickups.
“We’re excited to raise the bar and transform the re-commerce space. Our goal is to help Canadians feel good about their purchases — to feel good about their savings and their positive impact on the world. With SecondShop, quality and savings do go hand in hand.”
With the price of goods remaining high and borrowing costs putting pressure on consumers, Canadians are increasingly seeking cost-effective shopping options, said the company in a news release. SecondShop said it addresses this need by leveraging reverse logistics to breathe new life into over 45 million annually returned goods, offering essential products at up to 70 per cent off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.
Alex Gold
“Our investment in SecondShop is based on our belief that re-commerce represents a new category where vertical integration between software and services is key,” said Alex Gold, General Partner at Harvest Venture Partners. “Similar to our work with Neo Financial, OneVest, Walnut Insurance, and other category leaders, we’re excited to partner with Cedric George and the SecondShop team to transform this growing space.”
SecondShop is a nationally distributed, Toronto-based online re-commerce platform that offers overstock and open-box home goods directly from retailers and manufacturers at reduced prices, promoting sustainability and accessibility in consumer goods.
Shepherd's Home Hardware Building Centre Dealer-Owners and Home Hardware Stores Limited at the Proud of My Home Achievement Awards. (CNW Group/Home Hardware Stores Limited)
Home Hardware Stores Limited, Canada’s largest dealer-owned hardware, lumber, building materials, and furniture home improvement retailer, recently recognized outstanding achievements within its network.
Home Hardware Award Winners Shine at Annual Ceremony
On September 12, Home Hardware Stores Limited honored 18 exceptional stores during its Proud of My Home Achievement Awards. This prestigious event, part of the company’s annual Homecoming buying event and recognition ceremony, showcased the best in Canadian retail excellence.
Shepherd’s Home Hardware Building Centre in Armstrong, B.C., claimed the top honor, receiving the Walter J. Hachborn Store of the Year Award. Dealer-Owners Kyle and Brett Melvin accepted this distinguished recognition, which celebrates their commitment to Home Hardware’s founding principles of value, service, and dependability.
“We’re honored to receive these awards as we approach our store’s centennial celebration in Armstrong,” said Kyle Melvin. “As second-generation owners, Brett and I are proud of our role in the store’s rich history. We share this recognition with our parents, Sandy and Dale Melvin, who laid the foundation for our success.”
A Testament to Excellence
The Walter J. Hachborn Store of the Year Award, named after Home Hardware’s co-founder, recognizes the top performer among more than 1,000 stores across Canada. It honors excellence in retailing, merchandising, staff performance, and overall quality and service.
Kevin Macnab, President and CEO of Home Hardware Stores Limited, praised the Melvin brothers’ achievements: “Kyle, Brett, and their team truly embody the spirit of this award. Their commitment to treating customers like family and providing unparalleled service makes them outstanding ambassadors for the Home brand.”
The Proud of My Home Achievement Awards celebrated excellence across various categories, including:
Paul Straus Public Relations Award
Best Home Furniture
Best Young Retailer (in four regions)
Best Home Hardware (in four regions)
Best Home Building Centre (in four regions)
Best Home Hardware Building Centre (in four regions)
These accolades recognize superior customer service, excellence in store presentation, and active participation in Dealer network initiatives.
As Home Hardware continues to evolve in the competitive Canadian retail landscape, these award-winning stores serve as beacons of excellence. They demonstrate the power of local ownership combined with the support of a national brand, setting new standards for customer service and community engagement in the home improvement sector.
Healthy Planet, Canada’s largest health and wellness e-commerce website and one of Canada’s largest health and wellness store chains, is opening a new 18,000-square-foot store in London, Ontario. The new location, at 3325 Wonderland Road South, will officially open its doors to the public on October 4.
In a news release, the company said the new store will offer the London South West community a wide range of products, including fresh organic produce, premium quality meat, natural beauty products, vitamins and supplements. With its commitment to providing high-quality, affordable, and natural health products, Healthy Planet said it has established itself as the go-to destination for health-conscious shoppers across Canada.
Muhammed Mohamedy
“We are thrilled to bring our Healthy Planet experience to the London South West community,” said Muhammed Mohamedy, General Manager of Healthy Planet. “This new store represents our continued commitment to offering fresh, organic produce, top-quality vitamins, and eco-conscious products in a one-stop-shop environment.
The store will also offer a wide selection of vegan and gluten-free options, catering to a diverse range of dietary preferences and lifestyles.
“We believe in making health and wellness accessible for everyone, and we are excited to serve the people of London with our extensive range of natural health solutions,” said Mohamedy.
Healthy Planet is a health and wellness store with 35 locations and growing in Ontario.
Canada’s path to an electric future just got a major boost.
JOLT, the global leader in free, fast, and clean EV charging, kicked off a nationwide initiative to electrify the country, starting with the first installation in the City of Richmond Hill, part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Richmond Hill represents the first municipality in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to offer the first 7kWh free-of-charge to EV drivers in the community and supports the federal government’s ambitious goal of installing 200,000 public EV chargers by 2030, said the company in a news release.
JOLT’s debut in Richmond Hill brings a game-changing service to the community: free EV charging that’s as fast as it is green. Every JOLT station provides 7 kWh of daily energy for free through the JOLT app, delivering 40-50 kilometres of range in just 15-20 minutes depending on the vehicle – enough time to grab a coffee, do some shopping, and get back on the road. This convenience translates to over $1,100 in annual savings for Canadian drivers, making EV ownership not just a smart choice, but an easy one, explained the company.
Brendan Dhillon
“JOLT is all about making EV ownership accessible, affordable, and seamless,” said Brendan Dillon, Country Manager, JOLT Canada. “Our state of the art chargers run on renewable energy. With our launch in Richmond Hill, we’re not just installing chargers—we’re supercharging communities, driving local economies, and accelerating electrification for cities.
“As more Canadians switch to EVs, our mission is to eliminate the barriers that would otherwise hold them back. With the support of forward-thinking partners like the City of Richmond Hill, we’re delivering infrastructure solutions that make the EV transition not just possible, but inevitable.”
These new charging stations in Richmond Hill are just the beginning, said JOLT, adding it plans to install up to 5,000 public DC fast chargers across Canada, with an integrated Digital Out-of-Home advertising network, which funds the free charging allocation. This platform allows municipalities and brand marketers to connect with the highly engaged communities in sustainable and creative ways.
Originating in Australia, JOLT has already made its mark as the largest free EV charging network across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Now, with its expansion into Canada, JOLT said it is poised to reshape the EV landscape across the country, ensuring that charging is accessible, equitable, and seamlessly integrated into daily routines.
Following the success of their most recent new location opening in Whitby, the Charcoal Group has announced that Beertown Public House is bringing its signature blend of great food, craft beer, and unforgettable hospitality to London South in White Oaks Mall.
The new location will soon become the 12th Beertown.
The company said construction is officially underway. The new Beertown location will feature a spacious dining room and an inviting outdoor patio, providing a vibrant setting for craft beer enthusiasts, food lovers, and anyone looking for a great time out.
Jody Palubiski
“We’re thrilled to bring Beertown to London South to better servue the London community which has bee so good to us over the years,” said Jody Palubiski, partner at Charcoal Group. “This new location represents an exciting chapter for us as we continue to grow and share our love for craft beer and outstanding food across Ontario.”
To gear up for the opening, Beertown is hosting a job fair from October 1-5 from 10 am to 6 pm. The event will take place in the White Oaks Mall unit directly across the hall from Beertown’s future home. Positions available include:
Sous Chef (x2)
Chef de Partie
Line & Prep Cooks
Dishwashers
Hosts
Servers
Bartenders
FOH Supervisors
“We believe in hiring a team that shares our passion for creating a memorable dining experience,” added Palubiski. “If you’re looking for a dynamic and welcoming workplace, we’d love to meet you at our job fair.”
“From day one, Beertown aims to be more than just another restaurant in London. With seating capacity to accommodate large groups or intimate gatherings, guests can enjoy an extensive drink menu featuring local craft beer collaborations, non-alcoholic options, unique cocktails, and wines, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Don’t let the name fool you; Beertown’s diverse menu also boasts an array of plant-based and gluten-friendly dishes, continuing the Charcoal Group’s commitment to providing exceptional food experiences to all guests,” said the company in a news release.
“Beertown — with its durable ‘modern beer bar’ concept was born out of many ‘research trips’ to the NYC boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn just after the 2009 recession. It’s no surprise with the scratch-made cuisine, and by riding the wave of craft-beer popularity, the team continues to welcome guests and looks forward to entering the London area as they officially cut their 12th ribbon this summer.”
Charcoal Group is an inspired group of full-service restaurants located across in Southern Ontario with over 65 years in the hospitality industry. Its restaurants include Solé Uptown, The Charcoal Steakhouse, Martini’s, Dels Italian Kitchen, Wildcraft Grill & Long Bar, The Bauer Kitchen, The Bauer Bakery & Café, Moose Winooski’s, Beertown Public House, and Sociable Kitchen & Tavern.
Keeping up with the cost of doing business (90 per cent), the current economic situation (76 per cent) and the high tax burden (73 per cent) were the top reasons business owners would advise against starting a business, it said.
As Parliament reconvenes this week, CFIB is urging government to address rising business costs.
Corinne Pohlmann
“Small businesses are still facing hardships that are impacting their ability to operate and invest, which in turn impact Canada’s economy and productivity. On top of that, there’s been no update from Ottawa on carbon tax rebates and when small businesses can expect them,” said Corinne Pohlmann, Executive Vice-President of Advocacy at CFIB. “Parliament needs to consider the unique needs of small business if they want to improve the current economic climate.”
The CFIB said small businesses are looking to the federal government to lower taxes and red tape, particularly as over half (59 per cent) of business owners report struggling with taxes and operational costs (51 per cent). For example, more than 830,000 small businesses would benefit from a reduction of the small business tax rate to eight per cent from nine per cent. That means $610 million would stay in small businesses’ pockets, said the national organization.
“Nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) of small businesses want to see government reduce the overall tax burden, while another 77 per cent say addressing rising prices and the cost of doing business should be a top priority for government. If governments reduced the overall burden of taxes and fees, around half (56 per cent) of business owners said they would use the savings to increase employee compensation, pay down their business debt (54 per cent) and expand their business (46 per cent),” added the CFIB.
To support small businesses, CFIB recommends Ottawa:
Lower Employment Insurance premiums for smaller employers and increase the Canada Pension Plan Basic Exemption Amount.
Eliminate the carbon tax.
Reconsider capital gains changes by scrapping or repealing the planned increase in the general inclusion rate to 66.7 per cent.
Increase the small business deduction threshold to $700,000 and the passive income amount to $60,000 and index those thresholds to inflation going forward.
Lower the federal small business tax rate from nine per cent to eight per cent, at least for the next two years.
Eliminate the automatic escalator on alcohol excise duty rates.
Reduce red tape on small businesses.
Christina Santini
“Instead of giving away billions to large foreign multinationals, the government should lower taxes on small businesses, level the playing field and reduce red tape. The recommendations we propose would help hundreds of thousands of Canadian small- and medium-sized businesses face current challenges,” said Christina Santini, CFIB’s director of national affairs.
CFIB’s petitioncalling on the federal government to reduce the cost of doing business has garnered nearly 20,000 signatures since the start of 2024 and counting.
New RONA+ store at Emerald Hills in Sherwood Park, Alberta. Photo: Christa Patterson
RONA inc., one of Canada’s leading home improvement retailers operating and servicing some 425 corporate and affiliated stores, will soon celebrate an important milestone: its 85th anniversary.
The company said it is taking advantage of this opportunity to position the RONA brand as its sole emblem in Canada, with the conversion of its Réno-Dépôt stores to the RONA+ banner. It is also launching a new advertising campaign, organizing activities and exclusivities in all its corporate and affiliated stores, and offering in-store and online promotions to mark this historic moment.
“It all began in 1939, when a group of retailers founded the buying group Les Marchands en Quincaillerie ltée, which later adopted the name RONA, in tribute to partners Rolland Dansereau and Napoléon Piotte. Over time, the organization has grown to become a leader in Canada’s home improvement landscape,” said the company in a news release.
“Today, RONA is reaffirming its status as an independent company. The organization is poised to make the RONA brand its sole retail flagship across the country by converting the remaining 16 Réno-Dépôt stores to the RONA+ banner on October 10. In addition to these conversions, two other stores will also sport the RONA+ brand: RONA L’Entrepôt Québec and RONA Home & Garden Winnipeg. Grand opening celebrations will be held in some of these stores on October 10.”
J.P. Towner
“It’s an important moment that we’re celebrating, and I’m extremely proud of our team’s work. We’ve achieved a lot over the years, taken on many challenges, and today we’re stronger than ever. This will lead us to our goal of becoming Canada’s best home improvement retailer,” said J.P. Towner, President and CEO of RONA inc.
RONA said it will also soon be launching a new advertising campaign to further explain the RONA+ brand concept to consumers and reinforce the positioning of the RONA brand in Canada.
Westboro Village in Ottawa is experiencing transformations with new mixed-use developments, a vibrant retail scene, and community-focused initiatives.
Westboro Village in Ottawa is rapidly growing with new mixed-use buildings, residents, and new businesses opening. Judy LincoIn, the executive director of Westboro Village Business Improvement Area, discusses the neighbourhood, new developments, and future plans.
“We are very much a lifestyle neighbourhood, and that is reflected both in our retail leasing and our services. We have a number of new mixed-use buildings that are nearing completion, have recently been completed, or are under development. We do expect a lot of new residents coming into the area and brand new commercial spaces becoming available. We hope to continue to have a healthy mix of businesses,” says LincoIn.
New businesses in the area
The vacancy rate is ten per cent: “We are really fortunate we don’t have many vacancies, leasing is quite brisk.”
With the neighbourhood thriving, Lincoln says more businesses are coming to the area including DUER, which just opened its fifth location at 348 Richmond Road. The space is 1,700 square feet and brings an exciting element to the neighbourhood.
DUER’s press release says “the new DUER location joins a host of brands in Westboro Village, including lululemon, Saje, MEC and Ollie Quinn. Filled with shops, restaurants and cafes, this upbeat neighbourhood is popular with active individuals thanks to its parks, bike paths and proximity to the Ottawa river.”
“I’ve always loved the extensive bike lanes in Ottawa and this is just one of many reasons DUER is a natural fit for this market,” says Gary Lenett, CEO of DUER in a press release.
The Westboro Village BIA ensures they support each retailer, big or small. Lincoln says the BIA provides personalized resources by offering traffic and visitor data to help businesses in the area understand their customer base and grow their success.
“We really want to meet you and find out what your business is about. We recognize that most of our businesses need support in different ways. Sometimes, if it is a national footprint, they really want local traffic data, local community engagement opportunities, and sponsorship opportunities that they can then work with their regional managers or national sales managers on,” says LincoIn. “For one of the smaller, independent businesses, it is having access to some of the visitor data and traffic data they maybe wouldn’t be able to purchase on their own, and we are able to support them.”
Westboro BIA in Ottawa. Photo: Westboro BIA
LincoIn says when businesses open they introduce themselves, explain what they can offer, campaigns and programs they run throughout the year, give an overview of community partnerships, find out the business’ goals, and answer questions.
“We really want to do everything we can to evolve and enhance that we are a village within the city. We want to do everything we can to attract and promote, so working with our businesses to hear what their needs are and try to respond so that we are able to build on programming each year with their engagement and involvement.”
Westboro BIA in Ottawa. Photo: Westboro BIA
Moving forward
Looking ahead, the Westboro Village BIA is going to continue to improve the neighbourhood including its engagement with both existing and new businesses and to expand community events and programs.
“We have partnered with a local company called Capital Pop-Up Cinema, and they work with different partners throughout Ottawa to show vintage movies in unusual places. It is held sort of right in the centre of the BIA, in an outdoor space next to the City Heritage property, and we will have three movies this summer,” says Lincoln. “We also are doing some really hyper-local programming in the summer that brings people down. So there is a community ukulele group who does free lessons and sing-alongs in our public square. We have also launched a wellness campaign where we are offering fitness classes with the registration fee going to the local school as they are trying to rebuild their playground.”
Westboro BIA in Ottawa. Photo: Westboro BIA
Lincoln says the BIA is also looking at improving the aesthetics of the neighbourhood to draw more people to the area. This includes adding more community art installations, and working with the city to improve public spaces.
“We are positioned well. The city of Ottawa’s official plan is to create 15-minute neighbourhoods, and we are well positioned to be that 15-minute neighbourhood for a lot of people. You should be able to do sort of everything within a 15-minute walk. We have a lot of professional services, healthcare services, beauty services, groceries, and a local bakery – you can sort of get all that done within a 15-minute walk and we are looking forward to continuing to improve the area.”
Manitobah Cornwall storefront. Photo courtesy of Manitobah
Manitobah, an Indigenous footwear store, will have a big retail expansion this fall as its retail footprint grows with the opening of several pop up locations.
The company, founded by Sean McCormick in 1997, is well known in providing Indigenous mukluks and moccasins and has become one of the fastest growing companies in Canada.
Mike Wodtke
“Manitobah is focused on driving positive impact to Indigenous communities in a number of ways, including our Indigenous Market where 100 per cent of all profits go back to Indigenous artisans. Each of our retail locations features products from Indigenous Market artisans in addition to our regular assortment of Manitobah footwear,” said Mike Wodtke, Chief Marketing Officer of Manitobah.
“Outside of the Forks in Winnipeg, we recently opened up three additional year-round stores in Edmonton, Saskatoon and Ottawa. Those four stores will be paired with 10 additional locations in Canada this season – seven pop-ups and three kiosks. These 14 locations represent a significant increase from the eight we had last year. We continue to be excited about our opportunity to grow our retail footprint,” added Wodtke.
Manitobah Kingsway interior. Photo courtesy of Manitobah
Photo courtesy of Manitobah
The retail expansion includes Calgary (CrossIron Mills), Edmonton (Southgate) and Winnipeg (St. Vitale Centre) as each have a kiosk location – the first year testing this concept.
“As we continue to refine our retail strategy, we will continue to keep our social mission front and centre. This will come to life through compelling in-store merchandising and visual experiences for our customers and community. Additionally, each location will look to regularly host events where we celebrate and highlight the local Indigenous community. And, with our increasing product assortment outside of our core Fall/Winter styles , we will look to increase our retail footprint in Spring/Summer months,” said Wodtke.
Manitobah Indigenous Market St. Laurent. Photo courtesy of Manitobah
“Our hope is that our retail presence expands, both in Canada and into the US, that customers from all backgrounds to walk with us as we celebrate our Indigenous communities,” said Wodtke.
Sean, who is a part of the Metis Indigenous community, started dreaming of owning his own company in high school and wanted a business representing his community. Today, Manitobah sells a variety of mukluks and moccasins using materials from Deerskin, Sheepskin, Full Grown Leather, and Rabbit Fur – materials that have been used for Mukluks for 10,000 years.
BLURRY IMAGE OF SHOPPING MALL AND CUSTOMERS DURING HOLIDAY SEASON
American Express Canada has released an Amex Trendex on social, gifting, and travel trends for the upcoming holiday season.
The company said Canadian-specific data reveals the country desires a holiday season with meaningful experiences. Canadian holiday trends includes plans to gift loved ones an experience over something material, looking to in-person events over dating apps for romantic connection, and an eagerness to travel to be with family or take time to focus on themselves.
Key Amex Trendex findings for Canadian holiday trends:
Many Canadians plan to attend entertainment events this holiday season, with the most popular being: Going to or hosting a holiday party or gathering (61 per cent); Visiting holiday festivals or markets (40 per cent); Taking in holiday shows and performances (29 per cent);
When it comes to holiday gatherings, 17 per cent of Canadians plan to host or co-host more compared to previous years;
About a fifth (18 per cent) of Canadians currently dating or open to dating say they typically date more during the holiday season than other times of the year, with three quarters (75 per cent) of all respondents believing it to be a romantic time of year;
Nearly four-in-10 Canadians buying for a significant other (40 per cent) or children (37 per cent) plan to gift them an experience;
This increases with a gift exchange between friends, with 73 per cent preferring to share a fun experience or trip over a traditional exchange;
Top experiential gifts include entertainment (62 per cent), travel (50 per cent) and food and drink (48 per cent) related experiences;
Photo by Semih Akdağ
Canadians are eager to begin shopping for loved ones this holiday season, with 19 per cent having already started, increasing to 69 per cent reporting they will start by November;
And when it comes to gifting, Canadians are generous compared to global counterparts, with plans to spend $567.01 on their children (3rd highest) and $679.89 on family members (5th highest);
When it comes to gifting, 57 per cent of Canadians actively seek out small businesses when purchasing holiday gifts;
On the receiving end, most Canadians prefer to receive sentimental gifts (69 per cent), gifts from a small business (64 per cent) or live experiences (67 per cent) over physical gifts;
Nearly three-quarters (73 per ent) of Canadians travelling this holiday season are prioritizing it more than in previous years. But consensus is split on their travel plans: Over half plan to travel to visit family for the holidays (58 per cent); Over half of Canadians report focusing on themselves this holiday season (57 per cent) with 43 per cent taking a trip elsewhere, outside of visiting family for the holidays;
Among those not travelling, 37 per cent have family or friends visiting them; and
Unlike those eager to begin holiday shopping, only one-in-five (20 per cent) of Canadians have already booked their trip.
