Revlon Canada is hitting the ice and skating into a new partnership with Olympian and professional hockey player Sarah Nurse. Joining Revlon’s growing family of ambassadors across the globe, including Madelyn Cline and Ashley Graham, Sarah will be the face of the brand’s ColorStay™ collection throughout 2025, the company announced on Wednesday.
“Revlon’s ColorStay range is a staple in my make-up bag, whether I’m gearing up for game day or just living my everyday life,” said Nurse. “I’m thrilled to join the Revlon team again, inspiring women across Canada to chase their dreams and do it confidently while rocking a stunning bold red lip.”
Krista Cunningham
“We were fortunate to work with Sarah Nurse early on in her career, and we are so proud to re-ignite this partnership with her,” said Krista Cunningham, General Manager of Revlon Canada. “Revlon was founded as a brand that celebrated a more liberated definition of beauty. One that encourages Living Boldly, embodying action, independence, inspiration and purpose. As a groundbreaking Canadian athlete who inspires women to follow their passions and create change, I can think of no one that better embodies the Live Boldly ethos than Sarah.”
Revlon said ColorStay, Canada’s #1 longwear brand, is formulated with skincare ingredients for ultra-comfort and Adapti-Flex Technology, so your makeup moves with you. With no transfer, no fading, and no compromise, it is the ultimate MVP for cosmetic lovers seeking high-performance products with the endurance to last all day – even on the ice. From face and lips to eyes and brows, ColorStay keeps your look on lock.
As part of this partnership, Nurse will be featured across the full marketing mix, including in-store displays, social and digital channels, and events.
Revlon was founded in 1932 and has been sold in Canada since 1938.
Tim Hortons Special Olympics Donut is back from Jan. 31 until Feb. 2 with 100% of proceeds donated to Special Olympics Canada (CNW Group/Tim Hortons)
Tim Hortons announced Wednesday that a record-breaking $1.3 million was raised through the sale of Special Olympics Donuts, with 100 per cent of proceeds being donated to Special Olympics Canada.
The funds raised will help Canadian athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities access more opportunities to reach their full potential in sport and in life, it said in a news release.
Tim Hortons raises record-breaking $1.3 million through Special Olympics Donuts, with 100 per cent of proceeds donated to Special Olympics Canada (CNW Group/Tim Hortons)
“Reaching over $1 million raised through the Special Olympics Donut is an incredible milestone and a powerful reflection of Canadians’ commitment to inclusion, and the strength of our partnership with Tim Hortons. Every dollar raised helps provide inclusive sport opportunities at the community level for the more than 42,000 athletes across the country with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring they have access to training, competition, and essential health programs,” said Gail Hamamoto, CEO of Special Olympics Canada.
“Beyond the funds, this campaign shines a national spotlight on the incredible abilities of Special Olympics athletes, inspiring more people to champion inclusion in their communities. Thank you to Tim Hortons and every Canadian who made this record-breaking impact possible! Together we are creating a more inclusive Canada.”
Tim Hortons said it also supports Special Olympics Canada through its FUNdamentals and Active Start youth programs, designed to help children with intellectual disabilities develop basic motor and sport skills through fun and positive movement experiences. The programs provide opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, enhance skills and create friendships.
“Supporting Canadian communities is a key part of the Tim Hortons brand and we’re so grateful to Tims guests for their generous support. I’d also like to thank Tims restaurant owners across Canada and their team members for their commitment to making the Special Olympics Donuts campaign the huge success that it was,” said Axel Schwan, President of Tim Hortons.
“In 2024, Tims guests helped us raise an amazing $44.1 million through our various charitable initiatives like Camp Day, Smile Cookie, Holiday Smile Cookie, the Orange Sprinkle Donut campaign, and of course, Special Olympics Donuts. We’re looking forward to partnering again with our guests this year to create a big impact through each of these campaigns.”
In 1964, the first restaurant in Hamilton opened its doors. Tim Hortons is Canada’s largest restaurant chain operating in the quick service industry with nearly 4,000 restaurants across the country.
Dynamite at Tsawwassen Mills in Delta, BC (December 2021). Photo: Lee Rivett.
Groupe Dynamite Inc. (TSX: GRGD) has announced impressive preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year ending February 1, 2025. The company reported comparable store sales growth of 9.5% for Q4 2024 and an even stronger 12.3% growth for the entire fiscal year. On a two-year stacked basis, the figures were even more striking, with 19.3% growth for Q4 and 20.5% for the full year.
Stacie Beaver, President & Chief Operating Officer of Groupe Dynamite, expressed satisfaction with the results, stating, “Our product assortment resonated strongly with our customers throughout the year, including during the key Q4 holiday period. Our premier real estate strategy, which positions us in high-traffic, high-quality locations, continues to pay off.”
Quarterly Performance Highlights
Groupe Dynamite demonstrated consistent growth throughout fiscal 2024. Quarterly comparable store sales growth figures were:
Q1 2024: +16.4%
Q2 2024: +14.7%
Q3 2024: +10.1%
Q4 2024: +9.5%
These results reflect the company’s strong product offerings, strategic real estate placements, and effective operational strategies.
Strategic Store Expansion and Optimization
The company focused on enhancing its retail footprint to support growth. In fiscal 2024, Groupe Dynamite expanded its presence in the U.S. by opening 17 new stores, including two new Garage locations in Q4. Simultaneously, it closed 12 underperforming stores and relocated four to more advantageous locations.
Store Count as of February 1, 2025:
Canada: 183 stores
USA: 115 stores
Total: 298 stores
The expansion strategy highlights Groupe Dynamite’s commitment to optimizing store performance while strategically increasing its U.S. presence.
Dynamite at Royalmount in Montreal. Photo courtesy of Dynamite
Strong Financial Outlook and Margin Expansion
Groupe Dynamite expects its adjusted EBITDA margin for Q4 2024 to surpass the previous year’s performance. This improvement is attributed to higher average unit retail prices, reduced markdowns, and lower selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales.
According to Stifel’s analysis, the company’s Q4 performance exceeded expectations. Comparable store sales growth of 9.5% outpaced the anticipated 7.2%, and the adjusted EBITDA margin showed an unexpected expansion. Stifel noted, “Groupe Dynamite continues to generate healthy growth levels with comparable store sales growth above peer average, suggesting market share gains.”
Managing Tariff Uncertainty
Amid recent U.S. announcements regarding tariffs, Groupe Dynamite remains confident in its ability to navigate potential challenges. The company sources approximately 75% of its products from China, making it more exposed to tariff risks than some peers. However, management believes that its strategies and tools will mitigate any significant impact.
Additionally, potential changes to the de minimis exemption in the U.S. could affect cross-border e-commerce shipments. While Groupe Dynamite has benefited from this exemption, only 35% of its U.S. online orders are fulfilled from its Montreal distribution center, limiting the potential negative impact on profitability.
Garage Pop-up on Queen Street West in Toronto, 2021 (Image: Groupe Dynamite)
Investment Insights from Stifel
Stifel has increased its forecast for Groupe Dynamite, citing strong sales momentum and impressive operating metrics. Key points include:
Increased Forecast: Stifel now projects Q4 comparable sales growth of 9.5%, up from 7.2%. Adjusted EBITDA margin expectations have also improved, reflecting a 150bps year-over-year increase.
Resilient Operating Metrics: Groupe Dynamite operates with low inventory levels, averaging 45 days of sales, and maintains rapid product development cycles. Approximately 75% of SKUs have lead times under 15 weeks, with 26% under eight weeks.
Attractive Valuation: The company’s earnings per share (EPS) are projected to grow at a 20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next four years. With a healthy balance sheet and strong return on capital employed (ROCE) of 38%, Groupe Dynamite’s valuation remains appealing.
Fiscal 2025 and Beyond
Groupe Dynamite plans to release its full financial results for Q4 and fiscal 2024 on April 15, 2025. The company will also provide financial and operational guidance for fiscal 2025, outlining its strategic initiatives for continued growth.
Groupe Dynamite Inc. (TSX: GRGD) is a growth-oriented fashion retailer operating under two complementary brands—Garage and Dynamite. The company offers a wide range of women’s fashion apparel, catering to the needs of Generation Z and Millennials. With a commitment to innovation, disciplined execution, and inclusive values, Groupe Dynamite says it continues to shape the future of fashion while fostering leadership and creativity within its team of 6,000 employees.
Canadian shoe brand Vessi is aiming to build on its waterproof tech with a new brand one year in the making. The complete redesign will roll out across stores and retailers in Canada and the US this February, it announced in a news release.
The waterproof sneaker brand debuted on Kickstarter in 2018, with early growth fueled by a promise of ‘no more wet socks’. Now, Vessi is introducing a focus on brand building to further differentiate itself and support its future growth plans, it said.
Why rebrand?
“Vessi celebrates the magic of water and the positive energy we feel when we’re close to it – rain and all. Much like the adage ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad shoes’ Vessi wants to change the way people experience wet weather by offering their unique blend of comfort, protection, and style, allowing people to live more freely in it,” explained the company.
“The rebrand brings this brand strategy to life in a new identity that sets them apart in a competitive market. This new look and energy will help strengthen its connection with their existing customers and drive future growth with new ones across North America.”
What’s changing?
Wordmark: A new bold wordmark capturing water and fluidity through a combination of soft and sharp edges, as well as inkwells that mimic the shape of droplets from our new logo.
Logo: A logo created from water – showcasing the key product benefit through three droplets arranged to create a triangle (the symbol for water) as well as forming a V shape.
Colour: Refreshing their teal brand color to a vibrant blue that exudes positivity and reflects the nature of water.
Launch Video: ‘Singing in the Rain’, Superman, Popeye, and Bugs Bunny all tapped to bring Vessi’s rebrand to life in a new video.
Mikaella Go
“This rebrand doesn’t change who we are, it shows who we’ve always been. That passion, that love for water and optimism in wet weather is a powerful shared value with our customers. It’s at the heart of everything we do, and now it’s reflected in everything you see,” said Mikaella Go, Co-Founder.
“Our products already wow customers with their magic—but there’s also a brand story connected to water and rain that resonates on an emotional level. This rebrand is all about bringing that story to life, giving meaning to our product’s benefits, and making it a key part of our growth strategy,” said Geoff Wilton, VP Brand.
“The collaborative rebrand with NARI elevates the brand’s magical core principles while aligning with a powerful new strategy for future growth. Our new energetic personality and design system invites everyone to experience our love and connection to water and rain,” added Andrew Passas, Creative Director.
The rebrand was carried out by NARI, a design and branding agency whose clients include Nike, Netflix, Adidas, and Rapha.
“Vessi’s new identity is a celebration of the now—a reflection of water’s elemental power, fluidity, and balance. It’s about stripping back the noise and reconnecting with what grounds us. This is a brand that moves with you, adapts to you, and empowers you to embrace every moment, completely. Effortless. Bold. Unapologetically present,” said Creative Director Caterina Bianchini.
Perfect Moment Ltd., the global luxury ski and lifestyle brand, has made significant leadership changes designed to strengthen its management team and accelerate its next phase of growth.
In a news release the company announced: Chath Weerasinghe, a senior executive at Canada Goose , where he was responsible for its global expansion, has been appointed chief financial officer and chief operating officer of Perfect Moment, Vittorio Giacomelli, former president of product and sourcing at Canada Goose, will be responsible for overseeing product strategy, product development, and innovation. He has decades of expertise in design, product development, and sourcing. Co-founder and chief creative officer, Jane Gottschalk, has been appointed president.
Jane Gottschalk – Harry Crowder Photography
“These key management changes mark a transformative moment for Perfect Moment as it builds on its unique position in the luxury outerwear market, particularly in how it blends bold, contemporary designs with high-performance functionality,” said the company.
“Known for its sport-meets-lifestyle ethos, the brand resonates strongly with a younger, dynamic demographic seeking outerwear that combines individuality with innovation.”
“These leadership changes reflect our commitment to building a world-class team that matches the potential of the Perfect Moment brand,” stated Chairman Max Gottschalk. “Chath’s operational expertise, Vittorio’s extensive experience in production, and Jane’s creative leadership provides us a powerful foundation to drive growth and establish Perfect Moment as a leader in the luxury outerwear market.”
Founded in 1984 in the mountains of Chamonix, Perfect Moment is a high-performance, luxury skiwear and lifestyle brand that fuses technical excellence with fashion-led designs, resulting in pieces that transition effortlessly from the slopes to the city, the beach and back again.
“Initially the vision of extreme sports filmmaker and professional skier, Thierry Donard, the brand was built on a sense of adventure that has sustained for over 20 years. Donard, fueled by his personal experiences, was driven by a desire to create pieces that offered quality, style and performance, pushing the wearer in the pursuit of every athlete’s dream: to experience “The Perfect Moment,” said the company.
“In 2012, British-Swiss entrepreneurial couple, Jane and Max Gottschalk, took ownership of the brand. Under Jane Gottschalk’s creative direction, Perfect Moment was injected with a new style focus, one that reignited the spirit of the heritage brand. Driven by a commitment to improving fit, performance and the use of best-in-class, functional materials, the designs evolved into the distinct statement pieces synonymous with how the brand is known today.
“Perfect Moment products are available globally, online and via key retailers, including at MyTheresa, Net-a-Porter, Harrods, Selfridges, Saks, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.”
S&S Activewear, a leading technology-enabled distributor of apparel and accessories in North America, is reinforcing its commitment to Canada with significant investments in its Canadian division.
As part of this initiative, the company announced a new commercial structure and key leadership appointments, effective Feb. 1, 2025.
“To drive continued growth and enhance customer support, Craig Ryan has been appointed vice president of commercial Canada. In this newly developed role, Ryan will lead the Canadian market’s strategic direction, overseeing all sales operations and working closely with dedicated functional leaders. With a deep understanding of the Canadian apparel distribution industry, Ryan has served as vice president of sales at alphabroder since 2013 and played an integral role in the recent integration with S&S Activewear,” said the company in a news release.
Steven Clune
The company said Steven Clune has been named national director of sales for Canada, reporting directly to Ryan. In this role, Clune will strengthen sales efforts nationwide, ensuring comprehensive coverage for the S&S product portfolio. With extensive industry expertise, he is well-positioned to support the sales team and enhance the customer experience for the region’s thousands of decorators, retail brands, merchandisers and more, it said.
“This is an exciting time for S&S Activewear in Canada,” Ryan said. “With this new structure, we are reinforcing our focus on the Canadian market and strengthening our ability to serve customers with the best products, service and support.”
In October 2024, S&S Activewear announced its acquisition of alphabroder and has since been integrating the two companies to deliver enhanced benefits for customers—including offering the same or increased credit limits, more product choices and deeper inventory as a direct result of the combination, noted the company.
Toby Whitmoyer
“These investments in Canada are a great example of the benefits we’re already seeing from the S&S acquisition of alphabroder—and we expect to see similar advantages for our U.S. customers as well,” said Toby Whitmoyer, chief commercial officer at S&S Activewear. “By combining the strengths of both organizations, we’re enhancing our leadership structure, expanding our capabilities and driving greater value for our customers in this key market.”
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Bolingbrook, Illinois, S&S Activewear is a leading technology-enabled distributor of apparel and accessories in the United States and Canada. S&S offers more than 80 brands, including basic garments to fashion-forward styles, with over 4 million square feet of warehouse space across North America. S&S services a broad range of customers through its nationwide network, including retail brands, e-commerce companies, garment decorators, promotional products distributors, entertainment merchandisers, lifestyle brands and web-based platforms for apparel customization.
KINTON RAMEN has announced the grand opening of its newest location, KINTON RAMEN Markville, on February 15.
This expansion strengthens the brand’s presence in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), meeting the growing demand for authentic Japanese cuisine across the province, the company said in a news release.
Conveniently located at 5000 Highway 7 inside CF Markville Shopping Centre, the restaurant is currently in its soft opening phase. Operating from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., these reduced hours allow staff to settle in and prepare for the upcoming grand opening celebration, it said.
With more than 40 locations across Canada and the United States, the brand has built a loyal following in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal by combining innovative ramen creations with traditional recipes.
KINTON RAMEN began franchising in 2021 – nearly a decade after launching its first restaurant in downtown Toronto in 2012. Its mission is to make its unique dining experience accessible to all.
“This remarkable growth speaks to the rising demand for authentic ramen across North America, with the new Markham location as a testament to that enthusiasm.
It was one of Toronto’s first Japanese ramen restaurants.
“Led by Executive Chef Aki Urata and our team of professional ramen chefs, KINTON RAMEN strives to offer guests an extraordinary dining experience every time. KINTON RAMEN invites guests to taste their exceptional ramen bowls right down to the last drop, using the freshest ingredients to make the best quality noodles and broths,” said the company.
Founded in 2009, KINKA FAMILY is a full-service international hospitality group. Since then, the company has come to be recognized as Canada’s largest Japanese restaurant group. KINKA FAMILY owns and operates a diverse portfolio of restaurants and cafés in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Chicago, and New York. Included are KINKA IZAKAYA, KINTON RAMEN and JaBistro.
2024 brought its share of challenges, but your achievements stood out as a testament to resilience, creativity, and adaptability. Now, as we look ahead to 2025, it’s time to take your success beyond your company and share it with the entire retail industry
Retail Council of Canada’s (RCC) Excellence in Retailing Awards is ultimate stage for recognizing the innovation and dedication driving the retail sector forward. It’s a chance to honour your team’s achievements, inspire your peers, and showcase the vision shaping the future of retail.
Why It Matters The Excellence in Retailing Awards offers a powerful way to amplify your efforts, motivate your team, and position your work as a benchmark for success in the industry.
How to Apply –Register by March 14, 2025 Time is of the essence! Submit your registration by March 14, 2025 to secure your chance at recognition. Getting started is simple:
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.
Amazon Canada office in Toronto - Photo by Dustin Fuhs
Amazon is facing growing backlash in Quebec following its January 2025 decision to shutter all seven of its warehouses in the province. The closures, set to unfold over the next two months, will eliminate approximately 4,500 jobs, including full-time positions and subcontractors.
The Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN), Quebec’s prominent labour federation, has responded by calling for a public and governmental boycott of Amazon. CSN President Caroline Senneville described Amazon’s move as a clear attempt to stifle unionization efforts and avoid negotiating its first North American collective agreement. “There is no doubt that the closings announced today are part of an anti-union campaign against CSN and Amazon employees,” Senneville stated.
Unionization Efforts and Controversy
The controversy arises from Amazon’s recent labour history in Quebec. In May 2024, workers at an Amazon warehouse in Laval made history by successfully unionizing, marking the company’s first unionized warehouse in Canada. Less than a year later, Amazon announced the closure of its Quebec facilities, sparking accusations that the move is retaliatory.
CSN alleges that Amazon’s decision directly undermines union activities, violating provisions of Quebec’s Labour Code designed to protect workers’ rights to organize. The union plans to pursue legal action against Amazon, arguing that the closures constitute illegal obstruction of unionization efforts.
Amazon’s Response
Amazon has firmly denied these allegations. The company claims the closures are purely operational, aimed at reverting to a third-party delivery model similar to its pre-2020 logistics structure. According to Amazon, this shift is intended to optimize efficiency and deliver long-term cost savings for customers. The company insists the decision followed a comprehensive review of its Quebec operations and is not connected to recent labour developments.
“Our focus remains on providing the best service to our customers while maintaining operational efficiency,” Amazon stated, dismissing claims that the closures are linked to unionization.
Political and Legal Repercussions
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders. François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, expressed disappointment, describing Amazon’s move as “inconsistent with its expressed interest in being a leader and strategic partner within Canada’s industrial economy.” Minister Champagne has reached out to Amazon’s Canadian leadership to discuss the matter further.
Legal experts suggest that the CSN’s lawsuit could mirror historical cases, such as Walmart’s 2005 closure of its Jonquière, Quebec store following a successful union drive. That case led to prolonged legal battles and heightened scrutiny over corporate anti-union practices in Canada.
Broader Implications for Labour Rights
Amazon’s exit from Quebec raises questions about the state of labour rights in Canada, particularly concerning multinational corporations. The case highlights the ongoing tension between corporate strategies aimed at operational efficiency and workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively.
The CSN’s call for a boycott extends beyond Amazon’s direct operations. The union is urging all levels of government, public agencies, and private entities to terminate contracts with Amazon and its subsidiaries, emphasizing the broader economic and ethical stakes involved.
