Odd Burger Vancouver Store Front. (CNW Group/Odd Burger Corporation)
Odd Burger Corporation says the grand opening of its new Vancouver restaurant and Food Truck will take place Saturday.
The Vancouver restaurant is located at 2821 Main Street and the grand opening event will take place from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event will include $1 soft serve, a donation to local charity partners, a tote bag for the first 30 guests in line and a ribbon cutting ceremony at 12 p.m.
James McInnes
“We could not be more excited to finally bring Odd Burger to Vancouver,” said James McInnes, CEO and Co-Founder of Odd Burger. “We see tremendous potential in the B.C. market, and we believe that our expansion strategy will be instrumental to the future growth of Odd Burger.”
Odd Burger said it will also open its first food truck in British Columbia on Saturday and will soon be attending local festivals and events across the province. The food truck is expected to provide additional exposure for the Odd Burger brand as it seeks to establish itself in Western Canada. The food truck is currently taking reservations for corporate events, weddings, festivals and other private functions. Food truck inquiries can be sent to yvrfoodtruck@oddburger.com, it said in a news release.
Private Placement
The company also said that its convertible debenture announced on September 20 has been terminated and that the company instead intends to complete a non-brokered private placement of up to 4,000,000 units of the company at a price of $0.25 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000.
Each unit will consist of one Common Share in the capital of the company and one Common Share purchase warrant. Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of $0.30 per Common Share at any time up to 4:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on or before the earlier of the date that is two years following the closing date of the Offering, it said.
Retail sales increased 0.4% to $66.9 billion in September. Sales were up in six of nine subsectors and were led by increases at food and beverage retailers, reported Statistics Canada on Friday.
Core retail sales—which exclude gasoline stations and fuel vendors and motor vehicle and parts dealers—were up 1.4% in September.In volume terms, retail sales increased 0.8% in September. Retail sales were up 0.9% in the third quarter, while in volume terms, retail sales increased 1.3%, explained the federal agency.
Core retail sales increase on strength at food and beverage retailers
“Following a decrease of 0.5% in August, core retail sales were up 1.4% in September on higher sales at food and beverage retailers (+3.0%). The increase in this subsector was led by gains at supermarkets and other grocery retailers (except convenience retailers), up 3.3% in September following a decline of 1.9% in August. Higher receipts at beer, wine and liquor retailers (+4.4%), which were up for the first time in three months, also contributed to the increase at food and beverage retailers in September,” said StatsCan.
“Higher sales were also recorded at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers (+3.0%) in September. The sole decrease in core retail sales in September came from clothing, clothing accessories, shoes, jewelry, luggage and leather goods retailers (-0.8%).”
Sales down at gasoline stations and fuel vendors and motor vehicle and parts dealers
The largest decrease in sales in September was recorded at gasoline stations and fuel vendors (-2.3%), down for a fifth consecutive month. In volume terms, sales at gasoline stations and fuel vendors increased 3.2%, said the federal agency.
“Sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers (-0.7%) were down in September. Lower sales at new car dealers (-0.7%) led the decrease, followed by used car dealers (-5.2%). Lower sales at other motor vehicle dealers (-2.0%) were offset by gains at automotive parts, accessories and tire retailers (+4.2%),” it said.
Sales up in five provinces
The report said retail sales increased in five provinces in September. The largest provincial increase was observed in Alberta (+2.3%), led by higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers.
“In Quebec, retail sales increased 0.6% in September. In the census metropolitan area of Montréal, sales were up 0.3%. The largest provincial decrease in retail sales in September was observed in Ontario (-0.1%), led by lower sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers. In the CMA of Toronto, sales were unchanged,” said Statistics Canada.
Retail e-commerce sales in Canada
On a seasonally adjusted basis, retail e-commerce sales were up 3.3% to $4.1 billion in September, accounting for 6.2% of total retail trade, compared with 6.0% in August, added the report.
“Statistics Canada is providing an advance estimate of retail sales, which suggests that sales increased 0.7% in October. Owing to its early nature, this figure will be revised. This unofficial estimate was calculated based on responses received from 58.9% of companies surveyed. The average final response rate for the survey over the previous 12 months was 88.9%,” it said.
MUJI at CF Richmond Centre in Vancouver. IMAGE: MUJI
Japanese lifestyle brand MUJI, known for its variety of minimalist household and consumer goods, is celebrating 10 years in Canada.
The brand first arrived in Canada in November 2014 through the opening of a retail location in downtown Toronto, what is now known as the iconic MUJI Atrium store at 20 Dundas Street West. Over the last decade, the location has become a cultural and community hub for customers and local businesses via its Community Marketplace initiative, as well as its additional stores across Ontario and British Columbia, said the brand in a news release.
Richard Rappaport
“We’ve embarked on an incredible journey for the last 10 years, sharing a piece of Japan with Canada and fostering connections that bring two remarkable cultures closer together,” said Richard Rappaport, President, MUJI Canada Limited. “This is a very exciting milestone for MUJI Canada; we are so grateful to our Canadian customers for making it all possible.”
MUJI Atrium will host a one night only event in December inspired by Japanese summer season Matsuri festivals, providing customers with complimentary snacks from local vendors, Japanese festival-inspired games and prize wheels, and more. Learn more about the event on MUJI Canada’s Instagram channel in the near future.
MUJI, originally founded in Japan in 1980, offers a wide range of low-cost, good quality products including household goods, apparel, food, and even houses. The name derives from the company’s original name in Japanese: Mujirushi Ryohin, meaning No Brand, Quality Goods.
MUJI said it is based on three core principles, which remain unchanged to this day: selection of materials, streamlining of processes, and simplification of packaging.
There are more than 1,000 MUJI stores around the world, carrying more than 7,000 items.
“It’s been a week since the strike started, with no resolution in sight. We hope the parties quickly reach a deal through collective bargaining, but reports say they’re still ‘far apart.’ Our economy and small businesses cannot afford another week of postal disruption,” said Corinne Pohlmann, Executive Vice-President of Advocacy at CFIB. “Small businesses, especially those in rural areas, are already losing on sales and missing payments, and they have to rethink delivery strategies on the eve of the busy holiday season.”
Three quarters (75%) of small businesses said they will be negatively affected by a work stoppage, with nearly eight in 10 still relying on Canada Post to do business, said the CFIB.
CFIB has been collecting examples of challenges small business owners are experiencing due to the strike. These include:
A print shop in B.C. that works with thousands of artists, many of whom are small business owners themselves, is experiencing order cancellations, with customers unable to find alternative shipping solutions.
A retailer in Manitoba uses Canada Post to ship at least one package a day, and most of their orders from suppliers also come through Canada Post.
A wholesaler in Ontario that relies on Canada Post to ship coffee says about 90% of their business would be lost as this is their busiest time of year.
Unless the parties immediately negotiate a deal through collective bargaining, CFIB is urging the federal government to enact back-to-work legislation or order binding arbitration so that small businesses can finish the year strong instead of being punished by circumstances outside of their control, said the national organization
“While we hope for a quick resolution, we encourage Canadians to support and shop at small businesses this holiday season. Small Business Saturday is a week away on November 30 and a great opportunity to explore local businesses. We’ve seen how resilient and innovative small businesses are, and they will do everything in their power to serve their customers despite the current setbacks,” added Pohlmann.
The CFIB is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 97,000 members across every industry and region.
On Friday, Canada Post reported it recorded a loss before tax of $315 million in the third quarter of 2024 as strong revenue growth in Direct Marketing did not make up for a decline in Parcels results.
“An increasingly crowded and highly competitive ecommerce delivery market continued to impact Parcels results in the third quarter of 2024. While Transaction Mail volumes continued to erode, revenue rose due to a regulated stamp rate increase. Direct Marketing revenue and volumes experienced robust growth,” it said.
The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity recently released its report on consumer trust in the food industry. Since 2016, trust levels had plateaued at a respectable level, but the situation has taken a dramatic turn. According to their latest survey, an unprecedented number of Canadians now believe the food industry is heading in the wrong direction. At the same time, trust in the industry has plummeted to its lowest level in eight years. Nearly one-third of Canadians think the industry is failing to focus on the right issues. While this is a broad critique, it raises valid and pressing questions.
Farmers Retain Consumer Goodwill but Face Criticism
Farmers, for instance, continue to enjoy considerable goodwill from consumers. However, this goodwill is often directed more toward farmers as individuals than toward their practices. Criticisms related to pesticide and herbicide use, on-farm milk dumping, feeding cows palm oil to increase butterfat content, ethical animal treatment, and environmental concerns remain persistent. Farmers are often perceived as victims of a system dominated by multinational corporations that dictate products and rules. Yet as they move closer to consumers within the food supply chain, skepticism and doubt become apparent.
Food processors also face constant scrutiny, particularly over “shrinkflation” and so-called ultra-processed foods. Even though these companies innovate and deliver high-quality products, these efforts often fail to quell public dissatisfaction. Allegations of price fixing, such as in the bread industry and more recently targeting McCain Foods and Cavendish Farms over frozen french fries, are further eroding trust in this segment of the industry. Such accusations only reinforce the perception that some companies prioritize profit over fairness and transparency, deepening consumer skepticism.
Retailers Bear the Brunt of Consumer Distrust
However, it is food retailers who sit squarely at the top of the trust deficit. Whether independent or part of major banners, retailers are frequently accused of abusive practices and unjustified price hikes. According to a trust index developed by our Agri-Food Analytics Lab, nearly 80% of consumers believe retailers’ efforts to address concerns are insufficient. Even when accusations lack solid evidence, resentment against retailers persists.
Grocers, in particular, need to step up. Loblaw recently acknowledged its willingness to eliminate property controls, a practice that has long suppressed competition by allowing major grocers to restrict rival stores from operating in close proximity to their own locations. These property control agreements, which often appear in commercial leases, limit consumer choice and keep prices high by stifling competition. Manitoba is poised to regulate property controls in food retail, likely becoming the first province to do so. Other provinces should follow suit, as greater competition would benefit both consumers and smaller retailers.
True capitalism thrives not by controlling competition but by driving innovation, creating value, and earning trust through excellence in meeting market needs.
But here is the broader issue. Consumers tend to direct their criticism at what they see and interact with most—stores—rather than farms or barns, which feel distant and unfamiliar. Against this backdrop, a key question emerges: what can the agri-food sector do to regain Canadians’ trust?
Breaking the Cycle of Mistrust with Transparency
The underlying issue is a mutual lack of understanding. For the industry to be better understood, it must first make a genuine effort to better understand consumers, particularly younger generations. Millennials and Gen Z now make up 19.8 million people in Canada—over 50% of the population. However, an equally significant challenge lies within the food sector itself. Observing conferences and industry events, it’s evident there is often a reluctance to address sensitive topics. Speakers frequently adopt overly agreeable tones or are constrained by sponsors who shy away from discussions on critical issues like supply management or carbon markets.
This culture of avoidance must end. If the industry is serious about rebuilding trust, it must break these taboos and embrace bold, forward-thinking conversations. Conference organizers and speakers must stop tiptoeing around difficult topics, as this only stifles innovation and leadership.
The agri-food sector must take a hard look in the mirror and critically assess its practices. Regaining consumer trust is not only possible but essential for the industry’s future. True transparency and a willingness to engage openly on challenging issues will be key to restoring confidence and ensuring the long-term success of Canada’s food industry.
Peter Pesce has been a driving force in the North America Coffee business for over 50 years and is a visionary in delivering specialty coffee, sustainably. (CNW Group/Reunion Coffee Roasters)
This award is the CAC’s highest recognition for an individual whose extraordinary and ground-breaking contributions have created positive change and have had a significant, profound and lasting impact on the community, said the association in a news release.
Pesce has been a driving force in the industry for over 50 years and is a visionary in delivering specialty beverages, sustainably, it said.
“I am honoured to receive the Coffee Association of Canada’s Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Pesce. “It is truly a reflection of the hard work, dedication and passion that was made possible by many partners, friends, and individuals along the supply chain. I am fortunate to have people who believed in, and supported, my vision to produce a high-quality coffee at an affordable price, without sacrificing on sustainability”
He entered the industry with the launch of Bourbon Coffee, a specialty roaster that operated in a small warehouse in Downsview, Ontario. Bourbon was part of the second wave that swept through North America in the late 70’s and early 80’s. The second wave was a movement marked by the introduction and popularization of specialty beverages and espresso-based drinks, and characterized by the rapid growth of chain shops, said the company.
“An early adopter of specialty roasting, Peter earned a reputation as an expert cupper, a method of tasting coffee practised by professionals to evaluate the attributes of a coffee and its quality. By 1986, Bourbon Coffee had grown to over 21,000 square feet and was the largest distributor of specialty coffee in Canada. Peter became trusted in the industry for producing high-quality coffee, and soon garnered attention from large corporations. He received multiple offers to purchase his company and ultimately sold the business in 1988 to a large Canadian Corporation, at 41 years old,” it said.
Photo: Reunion
“With a desire to continue pushing the industry forward, Peter started Reunion Island Coffee (now Reunion Coffee Roasters) in 1995. The company was named for a small island known for growing exceptional coffee beans. This specialty coffee roaster began in the B2B space, supporting businesses across the G.T.A. The modest roastery was housed in a 3,000-square-foot facility in Mississauga, ON. Today, Reunion Coffee Roasters is one of North America’s largest, and most sustainable, roasters of specialty coffee. Their 46,000-square-foot roasting facility, one of Canada’s largest renewable energy-powered roasting facilities, is based in Oakville, Ontario. The company supports the foodservice, hospitality, office coffee and retail sectors providing specialty coffee under the Reunion name as well as for major Canadian brands.”
Advancing Sustainability in the Industry
In 1995, Reunion said it deepened its focus on sustainability with the purchase of its first FairTrade and Organic drinks, becoming the first major roaster to utilize renewable energy through a partnership with Bullfrog Power. Peter’s son Adam Pesce, joined the business in 2006 and worked alongside his father leading sustainability initiatives and pushing the industry to adopt more ethical, impact-driven practices.
“Reunion was one of the first Canadian Certified B-Corporations, a designation they’ve held annually since 2013, signifying the company’s commitment to meeting rigorous standards for social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. Reunion Coffee proudly holds Rainforest Alliance, USDA Organic, FairTrade Canada and Direct Trade certifications on many of its products. With a focus on impact, the brand supports numerous organisations including Grounds for Health, a partnership that has generated over $41,000 to raise awareness and find solutions to treat cervical cancer for women in Ethiopia and Kenya, and Native, A Public Benefit Corporation, a fellow B Corporation that has provided over 4.4 million litres of clean drinking water to coffee growers in Honduras,” said the company.
Adam Pesce
“I am so proud of this incredible business that my father has built and it’s wonderful to see him receive this much-deserved recognition,” said Adam Pesce, President of Reunion. “I carry forward his passion in making great tasting, sustainable coffee more accessible. Like my father, I see the potential in coffee to act as a force of good and look forward to continuing the work he started.”
Grab a coffee and step away from the chaos with us for an hour on Wednesday, November 27th for the 2024 Black Friday Breakdown.
Join our experts for a thought provoking play-by-play of what to expect for BFCM this season and how not to get overwhelmed by the year’s biggest shopping event.
Tara, Craig & David will be sharing stories and impact from their combined years of retail and advisory experience, so you’ll learn about:
The state of Canadian retail and economic factors affecting shoppers
How top brands have prepared for the holiday season in 2024
Trends in BFCM strategy and how promotional tactics are evolving
Clicks vs. Bricks: how e-commerce and omnichannel are impacting customer experience
How emerging tech is impacting the next wave of retail innovation
Raise, a global leader in gift card innovation, has launched in Canada, marking its second major international expansion this month. The move follows its recent entry into the United Kingdom and reinforces Raise’s commitment to revolutionizing how consumers and businesses interact with gift cards, loyalty programs, and digital payments. With over 6 million users and $10 billion in transactions, Raise says it aims to make shopping more rewarding for Canadians.
Raise App Launches in Canada
The Raise App is now available in Canada, offering users the ability to shop with their favorite brands while earning cashback rewards through “Raise Cash.” The platform simplifies the gift card experience from purchasing to redemption, providing a seamless and value-driven approach. The app is designed for Canadians who prioritize convenience, savings, and innovation in their shopping habits.
New Opportunities for Canadian Businesses
Canadian businesses can also benefit from Raise’s advanced B2B API solution, which supports digital card distribution and enhances loyalty programs. The technology allows businesses to integrate Raise’s ecosystem, offering secure and efficient ways to engage customers and improve their shopping experiences.
“Our expansion into the Canadian market underscores our mission to deliver a better gift card and digital payment experience,” said George Bousis, Founder and CEO of Raise. “Canada is an exciting opportunity for us to connect with consumers and businesses who value innovation and savings. We’re thrilled to support Canadians in shopping smarter and earning more.”
Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Integration
Raise’s Canadian launch includes innovative features like blockchain technology and cryptocurrency support, providing users with more flexibility in how they use and manage gift cards. Through BFG Labs, Raise leverages blockchain technology to combat fraud, reduce inefficiencies, and create a dynamic loyalty ecosystem tailored to modern retail demands.
This blockchain-driven approach offers Canadian retailers a cutting-edge solution to optimize loyalty programs and protect against fraud, positioning Raise as a leader in secure and advanced digital payment systems.
Benefits for Retailers and Consumers
For Canadian retailers, Raise provides real-time gift card activation and redemption, along with advanced fraud prevention tools. These features allow businesses to offer secure, flexible solutions to attract and retain customers in an increasingly competitive retail environment.
Consumers benefit from an intuitive shopping platform that enables them to save more while enjoying a seamless purchasing experience. By bridging traditional and digital payment systems, Raise ensures its technology meets the needs of today’s shoppers and businesses alike.
Part of a Global Expansion
Canada is part of Raise’s broader strategy to expand its innovative gift card solutions worldwide. With partnerships spanning over 1,000 global brands and a network of over one million stores, websites, and applications, Raise plans to extend its B2B offering to 30 additional countries.
Since its founding in 2012, Raise has facilitated over $10 billion in transactions through its consumer app, exchange platform, and B2B operations. The company says it remains committed to enhancing how gift cards are used, making them more accessible, flexible, and rewarding.
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 24 hours.
Walmart Canada is investing $46 million in pay increases and enhanced benefits for its supply chain associates, marking the latest step in the retailer’s commitment to workforce development.
This investment comes on the heels of Walmart Canada’s earlier announcement of $145 million in wage improvements for logistics, fleet, and retail associates earlier in 2023. The latest initiative aims to offer competitive pay, strengthen retention, and attract new talent in the highly competitive retail sector.
“Walmart Canada is people-led, and we’re proud to offer competitive wages and some of the best benefits plans in the Canadian market,” said AnnMarie Mercer, Chief People Officer at Walmart Canada. “Investing in our people is critical to making sure we continue to attract great associates who want to stay and grow with us.”
Enhanced Compensation and Benefits for Walmart Associates
The $46 million investment enhances Walmart Canada’s compensation package, which already includes:
Annual performance-based bonuses for associates.
Comprehensive health and dental benefits, including mental health care and fertility treatments.
24/7 virtual healthcare access and employee assistance programs through TELUS Health.
A 10% discount card for groceries and merchandise at Walmart stores and Walmart.ca.
Retirement and stock purchase plans, including deferred profit-sharing options.
These benefits underscore Walmart Canada’s focus on offering a comprehensive total rewards package. Regular compensation reviews ensure associates remain among the best compensated in the industry.
“Walmart Canada has a best-in-class supply chain, and our associates are critical to helping us serve our customers,” said Matt Kelly, Vice President, Supply Chain, Walmart Canada. “This newest investment underlines our deep appreciation for our associates’ consistent hard work and dedication.”
Education and Skills Training Initiatives
Walmart Canada continues to invest in the future of its associates through education and skills development. The Live Better U (LBU) program, launched in September 2023, covers 100% of tuition and book costs for eligible associates. The program is designed to equip workers with skills for the jobs of tomorrow, helping Walmart Canada meet evolving business needs.
Since its launch, more than 3,000 associates have participated in the initiative, solidifying Walmart Canada’s commitment to employee growth and retention.
Walmart Canada’s Role as a Leading Employer
As one of Canada’s largest employers, Walmart Canada operates over 400 stores nationwide and employs more than 100,000 associates. Its online platform, Walmart.ca, serves over 1.5 million daily visitors, making it a key player in Canadian retail.
Beyond its workforce, Walmart Canada has a strong philanthropic presence, contributing over $750 million to Canadian charities since 1994.
By continuously investing in its associates, Walmart Canada says that it is reaffirming its position as a leading employer and innovator in retail workforce development.
