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Canada Goose Reimagines the Luxury Store Experience with Oakridge Park Opening

Canada Goose at Oakridge Park in Vancouver. Photo supplied

Canada Goose is using its newest Vancouver store to demonstrate how the company sees luxury retail evolving: through deeper customer engagement, personalized service and immersive brand experiences.

The Canadian luxury brand has opened a 4,269-square-foot location at Oakridge Park, marking the Canadian debut of its new global retail concept. Developed in partnership with architecture and design firm Snøhetta and first introduced in Paris, Milan and Chicago, the concept reflects a broader shift in how Canada Goose approaches physical retail.

“Retail is always changing,” Carrie Baker, President of Canada Goose, said in an interview with Retail Insider. “We’ve been responding to a pretty fundamental shift. It’s moving from product-led to experience and engagement-led.”

The Oakridge Park store is Canada Goose’s second location in Vancouver and one of 88 stores globally. The opening comes as the company continues to expand its direct-to-consumer business, reporting revenue growth of 13.3 per cent in Fiscal 2026 and ending the year with five consecutive quarters of positive comparable sales growth.

Carrie Baker, President of Canada Goose

For Baker, the role of the physical store has changed significantly since Canada Goose began opening its own retail locations.

“When you think about luxury retail, it has to do more than display a product,” she said. “It has to be an opportunity for us to fully express the brand and also be able to create a real relationship with that person walking in.”

The new concept builds on Canada Goose’s longstanding focus on experiential retail while introducing a more immersive environment that brings together architecture, art and storytelling. At Oakridge Park, visitors encounter a space designed with wood, stone and brushed metal finishes, along with curated artwork and design elements intended to reflect Canadian heritage and the natural landscapes that have long inspired the brand.

Oakridge Park as a Luxury Retail Setting

The store opens within Oakridge Park’s growing luxury district, where Canada Goose sits alongside a collection of international brands that have helped reposition the Vancouver development as one of the country’s most closely watched retail projects.

For Canada Goose, the location reflects the company’s view of where the brand belongs globally.

“That’s right where we should be,” Baker said, referring to the store’s luxury adjacencies. “A luxury brand. I think Canadians forget that because they know us. They’ve known us for so long. But when you look at where we are around the world, our adjacencies are luxury, premium brands, and that’s exactly where we fit.”

Baker said Vancouver was already an important market for Canada Goose, with a strong base of local customers and tourism-driven demand. Oakridge Park offered an opportunity to reach that customer within an environment built around design, experience and a broader mix of uses.

“When you look at Oakridge and what they’re trying to do, to us, it reflects where luxury retail is going,” she said.

Canada Goose at Oakridge Park in Vancouver. Photo supplied

Why Canada Goose Rethought the Store Experience

The Oakridge Park store reflects a broader evolution taking place across luxury retail.

As consumers seek stronger personal connections with brands, Canada Goose has been rethinking what its stores are meant to do. The company’s earliest retail locations were designed to introduce customers to the full breadth of the brand’s assortment and communicate its story in a physical environment. Today, the objective has become more layered.

That shift is influencing everything from store design to customer service. The company now views its stores as places where customers can engage more deeply with the brand, learn about its heritage and build relationships with store teams.

The result is a retail concept that combines architecture, art, hospitality and storytelling within a single environment.

Inside the Oakridge Park Store

The Oakridge Park location introduces a refined design language that Canada Goose plans to incorporate into future retail projects.

The concept draws inspiration from Canadian landscapes while maintaining a clean and contemporary aesthetic. Wood, stone and brushed metal finishes create a warm and understated backdrop for the product assortment, while carefully considered sightlines encourage customers to explore the space at a more relaxed pace.

The design also incorporates artwork inspired by the Rocky Mountains and visual references to Canada Goose’s heritage, creating a physical environment that reflects the company’s identity as a Canadian luxury brand.

A central feature of the store is what Canada Goose calls the “hearth,” a gathering space designed to anchor the environment and create a sense of warmth and connection. The layout encourages interaction, conversation and discovery, supporting the company’s belief that physical stores remain central to luxury retail.

Canada Goose at Oakridge Park in Vancouver. Photo supplied

The Vault and a More Personal Luxury Experience

Among the most distinctive elements of the new concept is a dedicated area known as the Vault.

Designed as a destination within the store, the Vault provides a more intimate environment where customers can explore new collections, receive personalized service and spend time with family or friends during the shopping process.

“It slows down the process a little bit more,” Baker said. “It engages them. It’s an opportunity to get to know them.”

The concept reflects a growing emphasis on clienteling within luxury retail. Canada Goose aims to build longer-term relationships with customers and better understand their preferences, lifestyles and shopping habits.

According to Baker, those conversations often reveal far more than a customer’s immediate product needs.

“Who are you? What are you looking for? What kind of style do you like?” she said. “These special places give us an opportunity for deeper brand immersion and an elevated client interaction.”

The company sees these interactions as increasingly important as luxury consumers place greater value on service, personalization and human connection.

Canada Goose at Oakridge Park in Vancouver. Photo supplied

Art, Architecture and Canadian Identity

While the new concept reflects a contemporary approach to luxury retail, Canada Goose has also incorporated elements that reinforce its Canadian roots.

The Oakridge Park store features several works by Indigenous artists, including commissions by British Columbia artist Sonny Assu. One installation reimagines the brand’s Snow Mantra Parka as a Northwest Coast Button Blanket, while another incorporates abstracted Kwakwaka’wakw formline imagery.

The location also includes a large-scale mural inspired by Inuit artist Kenojuak Ashevak’s Woman with Fish, continuing Canada Goose’s long-running commitment to showcasing Inuit and Indigenous art through its retail environments.

For Baker, these elements help tell a broader story about the company’s identity.

“Showcasing our connection to Canada is really important,” she said. “It’s so core to who we are.”

The artwork forms part of the Canada Goose Art Collection, which includes more than 700 pieces displayed in stores around the world.

“We want to continue to showcase that Canadian identity,” Baker said. “It’s how we show up, it’s how we tell our story, it’s how we serve.”

Beyond the Parka

Although Canada Goose remains best known for premium outerwear, the company continues to expand its product offering across multiple categories.

Baker said apparel has become one of the company’s fastest-growing businesses, reflecting changing customer perceptions of the brand.

“We are an outerwear company that continues to grow,” she said. “But when you look at what’s our fastest-growing categories, apparel.”

The expansion includes ready-to-wear collections, lightweight seasonal products, rainwear and footwear, helping Canada Goose engage customers throughout the year.

Rainwear has emerged as a particularly relevant category in markets such as Vancouver, where weather conditions create natural demand for lightweight performance products.

The broader assortment is also influencing customer behaviour. According to Baker, consumers who first enter the brand through apparel often become repeat customers and explore additional categories over time.

“What’s interesting is that when people start with Canada Goose through apparel, they’re actually more likely to come back and shop again,” she said.

The evolution reflects a larger objective: extending the brand’s relevance beyond cold-weather outerwear while maintaining its premium positioning.

Canada Goose at Oakridge Park in Vancouver. Photo supplied

Building Relationships Through Retail

A recurring theme throughout Baker’s discussion was the importance of people.

Canada Goose refers to store associates as “brand ambassadors,” reflecting the role they play in representing the company and building customer relationships.

“You can have the best environment in the world and the best product, but if you don’t have the best people working in your stores, it doesn’t matter,” Baker said.

The company places significant emphasis on hiring people who can connect with customers, communicate the brand’s story and create memorable experiences.

According to Baker, today’s luxury consumers increasingly expect a level of personalization that extends beyond product recommendations.

“People want to feel known,” she said.

That philosophy also informs Canada Goose’s omnichannel strategy. The company continues to invest in connecting digital and physical touchpoints, including wish lists, clienteling programs, in-store services and aftercare support.

Baker sees e-commerce and stores as complementary parts of a single customer journey.

“Those intersect,” she said. “Customers spend time in both and for different needs and at different times.”

Selective Growth and Long-Term Vision

The Oakridge Park opening comes during a period of continued growth for Canada Goose.

The company reported revenue of approximately $1.53 billion in Fiscal 2026 and ended the year with 88 stores globally. Direct-to-consumer comparable sales increased 8.4 per cent during the year, while fourth-quarter comparable sales rose 10 per cent.

Despite that momentum, Baker emphasized that Canada Goose remains selective when it comes to physical expansion.

“We don’t want to be everywhere,” she said. “We want to be in the right places.”

That approach has shaped the company’s retail strategy from the beginning. While Canada Goose continues to evaluate opportunities in Canada and internationally, the focus remains on opening stores that align with the brand’s positioning and long-term objectives.

For Baker, Oakridge Park represents an example of that strategy in action.

Located alongside some of the world’s most prominent luxury brands, the new store gives Canada Goose a setting to showcase its evolving vision for retail while reinforcing its place within the global luxury landscape.

As the company continues to refine its store concept, Oakridge Park offers a look at how Canada Goose believes luxury retail will evolve in the years ahead: through experience, storytelling, personal connection and a distinctly Canadian point of view.

Canada Goose at Oakridge Park in Vancouver. Photo supplied

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Rack Attack and RealTruck announce ‘revolutionary’ retail partnership

Rack Attack photo
Rack Attack photo

Rack Attack, a leading North American destination for vehicle racks, truck accessories, and overlanding gear, announced a partnership with RealTruck, a global aftermarket product and accessory brand and digital destination for truck, Jeep®, Bronco® and off-road enthusiasts. 

The partnership will see official RealTruck ‘store-in-store’ retail shops installed in all 45 Rack Attack locations across North America. The first in-store shop opened at Rack Attack’s Orange County store in Tustin, California, in October 2025. 

Since then, all 31 other U.S. locations have been opened, with the latest integration at Rack Attack’s Minneapolis store in May. As of today, five additional official RealTruck ‘store-in-store’ retail shops have opened in Canadian Rack Attack locations (Ottawa, Calgary South, Calgary North, Coquitlam and Vancouver).

All 14 Canadian Rack Attack locations will have official RealTruck ‘store-in-store’ retail shops installed by July.

“The launch of official RealTruck store-in-store retail shops within our Rack Attack locations will elevate our partnership and create the ultimate customer experience. Together, we are offering truck owners and outdoor enthusiasts the greatest choice of products, combined with the best service across all our markets in North America,” said Alexander Welbers, CEO, Rack Attack.

Alexander Welbers
Alexander Welbers

He said the dedicated spaces feature the innovative RealTruck Builder platform, allowing customers to visualize their dream truck in interactive 3D and explore countless accessory combinations guaranteed to fit their vehicle. RealTruck products such as truck bed covers, steps, swing cases, Husky Liners® floor and cargo liners, and more, are featured in this unique and industry-leading retail experience. 

While in the store-in-store, customers can explore RealTruck products and speak with Rack Attack’s certified experts about the various options available for their vehicle, ensuring they find the right solution backed by professional installation and support.

“This partnership represents an exciting new chapter for RealTruck, allowing us to showcase our industry-leading truck accessories in an exclusive consumer experience inside Rack Attack’s retail locations,” said Travis Shirley, Senior Vice President of Sales at RealTruck. “We applaud Rack Attack’s forward thinking and innovative approach to make it easier than ever for truck owners to explore, shop, and get their hands-on RealTruck products that help transform their vehicles to fit their lifestyles.”

RealTruck, globally headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has 78 facilities across four continents. 

Rack Attack photo
Rack Attack photo

Welbers said Rack Attack has been in business for 30 years with the first location in Vancouver. Today, there are 45 locations across North America, and two Thule stores in North Vancouver in the Park Royal Mall, and in downtown Denver.

“Traditionally, 30 years ago, we started more with the rack part—base racks, cargo boxes, bike racks. Now, since 10 years, we are growing and growing the truck component of our stores. We’re a very big partner of RealTruck, who is by far the biggest brand in that space in North America,” said Welbers.

“That’s basically the giant in that industry. They have 29 brands now . . .  It’s a massive, billions-and-billions-of-dollar company in the U.S.

With defining their brand, they looked for strategic partners that have a similar approach in presenting to customers and that fit their philosophy of how they want to service truck customers. Since then, we’ve been very close with them in a strategic partnership.

Rack Attack photo
Rack Attack photo

“So we’re the first ones that rolled out these shop-in-shop concepts . . . We integrated some branding outside in some of the stores. And then the inside integration fits really well into our stores. They have the same corporate colours—yellow and black—like we have.

“We integrated their rack builder, which is a 3D visualization software that they have. They are the first ones. We have it in all our stores, where you can basically type in your truck model and year, and you can add all the products to it. It live-adjusts the vehicle and builds a quote. You can actually see how it looks on your vehicle before we install it or before you select something.”

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Rack Attack photo
Rack Attack photo
Rack Attack photo
Rack Attack photo
Rack Attack photo
Rack Attack photo

Gem Studio brings hands-on jewelry making to Calgary CF Chinook Centre

Gem Studio photo
Gem Studio photo

Gem Studio, the experiential jewelry brand known for its hands-on workshops, is bringing its first Alberta location to CF Chinook Centre in Calgary on Thursday June 18.

Gem Studio Calgary is an interactive space that invites people to dive into the art of handcrafted jewelry with three unique and immersive experiences. 

At Gem Studio Calgary, visitors can enjoy:

  • Silversmithing Workshops – Get hands-on with fire and tools to craft a custom silver ring from start to finish. 
  • Charm Workshops – Mix and match from a selection of stunning charms to create a piece that tells your story.
  • Permanent Jewelry – Experience the latest jewelry trend with a dainty, clasp-free bracelet or anklet that’s micro-welded for a perfect, seamless fit.

Workshops typically range from 90 minutes to three hours, with prices starting at $65, making them an accessible and unforgettable creative experience.

Bridgett Jessop
Bridgett Jessop

“Our jewelry making studio is more than just a hands-on workshop, it’s an immersive experience where your creativity becomes something you can wear and cherish,” said Bridgett Jessop, Owner of Gem Studio Calgary. “We can’t wait to welcome friend groups, couples and creative Calgarians in to make their own special pieces!”

It is located on second level of CF Chinook Centre.

Founded in the U.S. by Matt and Lauren James, Gem Studio is an experiential jewelry brand that allows guests to design and handcraft their own custom pieces — from silver rings and charm bracelets to permanent jewelry — in an immersive, hands-on studio setting. 

Now expanding across Canada through master franchise partner Founder Brands, Gem Studio is bringing its unique blend of creativity and community to major markets from coast to coast.

“Calgary’s vibrant, experience-driven consumer market and the unmatched reach of CF Chinook Centre made it the ideal home for Gem Studio’s first Alberta location, bringing a fresh, hands-on jewelry-making experience to one of Canada’s busiest retail destinations,” said Jessop.

“By combining creativity, personal expression and leaning into local events and culture like the Calgary Stampede, we give customers a reason to come back, whether they are celebrating a special occasion or looking for a way to connect with friends.

“We are seeing a shift from consumers wanting to simply buy products, to them seeking memorable experiences. Calgary’s creative, social and largely entrepreneurial spirit makes it a natural fit for a concept that combines craftsmanship, self-expression and connection.”

Gem Studio photo
Gem Studio photo

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Gem Studio photo
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Canadians missing out on rewards: Majority fail to maximize loyalty programs, survey finds

Mikhail Nilov photo
Mikhail Nilov photo

As Canadians continue looking for ways to make their money go further, new survey data commissioned by PC Financial reveals while rewards programs are widely used across the country, many Canadians feel they’re not maximizing their benefits. 

In fact, more than half of rewards program participants (56%) say they don’t make the most of their rewards, while 53% believe they’re leaving rewards unclaimed. 

The findings point to an interesting disconnect: Canadians value rewards and want to earn them, they’re not effectively using the loyalty programs they already have.

Key findings include:

  • 85% of rewards members say they at least try to maximize their rewards, yet only 40% actively optimize wherever possible.
  • 50% of rewards program participants say they don’t think about rewards despite being enrolled.
  • Cashback remains Canada’s most popular rewards option (45%), but 72% of cashback users earn less than $500 annually (average value: $379).
  • Canadians using travel rewards programs report higher returns, with 36% earning $500 or more annually (average value: $661).
  • Rewards influence everyday spending decisions, particularly for groceries (86% have optimized rewards when grocery shopping), online shopping (85%), dining (83%) and gas purchases (80%).
  • While 71% of Canadians say rewards would influence their decision when choosing a mobile plan or device, only 23% actively try to maximize rewards on mobile purchases. 

Eduek Brooks, Finance Expert, shared her thoughts on the situation.

Eduek Brooks
Eduek Brooks

Question: Why do you think there’s such a significant gap between Canadians’ intention to maximize rewards and their actual behaviour?

Answer: I think there’s a significant gap between Canadians’ intention to maximize rewards and their actual behaviour because most people are busy and don’t have the time or energy to actively manage multiple rewards programs, track promotions, or learn complicated redemption rules.

Many consumers sign up for rewards programs with the best intentions, but if earning and redeeming points feels complicated, they are less likely to engage with the program consistently. Over time, points can go unused simply because people forget about them or don’t understand how to get the most value from them.

That’s why simplicity matters. The easier it is to earn points through your everyday spending and redeem them on things you already need, the more likely you are to follow through and actually benefit from the rewards.

Q: What are the most common mistakes consumers make that lead to unclaimed or underutilized rewards?

A: One of the most common mistakes consumers make that leads to unclaimed or underutilized rewards is choosing a rewards program that doesn’t align with their regular spending habits or items they actually value.

Many rewards programs make it easy to earn points, but the redemption process can be restrictive. You may only be able to redeem points during certain promotional periods, at specific retailers, or on a limited selection of products and services. When consumers don’t find value in those redemption options, their points often sit unused or are forgotten altogether.

Consumers should always choose a rewards program that makes it easy to redeem their points and offers flexibility in where they can redeem them. PC Optimum points offer this type of flexibility, allowing you to redeem points on everyday essentials like groceries, household items, gas, and even mobile plans. If you have a PC Mastercard, you can also redeem your PC Optimum points toward paying down your credit card balance. Having multiple redemption options makes it easier to use your points regularly and get the most value from the rewards you earn, reducing the risk of them going unclaimed.

Q: How can retailers and financial service providers simplify rewards programs to help customers get more tangible value?

A: Retailers and financial service providers can simplify rewards programs by making it easy to both earn and redeem points. The more straightforward the process, the more likely consumers are to fully utilize the program and take advantage of the rewards available to them.

They should also make the redemption process transparent so consumers know exactly what they are getting when they sign up. This includes clearly communicating how points are earned, what they can be redeemed for, and how much those points are worth.

The best rewards programs remove complexity and make it easy for consumers to see and understand the exact value they are getting. When people understand the benefits and can redeem rewards without jumping through hoops, they’re much more likely to get tangible value from the program.

Q: Given that cashback is most popular but often yields lower returns, should consumers be shifting toward other reward types like travel—and why?

A: Not necessarily. Consumers shouldn’t choose a rewards program based solely on which one offers the highest potential return. Instead, they should choose the program that provides the most value based on their lifestyle, spending habits, and financial goals.

While travel rewards can sometimes deliver a higher dollar value per point, that value only matters if you travel frequently and can easily redeem those rewards. For someone who rarely travels, a cashback or points-based program that can be used on everyday expenses may provide far more practical value.

The best rewards program is one that you’ll actually use. If you travel often, a travel rewards card may be a great fit. If you prefer flexibility and cashback, a program like PC Optimum may make more sense, since points can be redeemed on things like groceries, household essentials, gas, mobile plans, and even toward your PC Mastercard balance.

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to chase the highest reward rate but to choose a program that helps you get the most value from the purchases you were going to make anyway.

Kindel Media photo
Kindel Media photo

Q: What practical, everyday strategies can Canadians adopt immediately to better optimize the rewards programs they’re already enrolled in?

The best way to optimize the rewards programs you’re already enrolled in is to be more intentional about how you use them.

Start by reviewing where you spend the majority of your money and make sure you’re using the rewards program or credit card that gives you the most value in those categories. Before making larger purchases, take a moment to check for bonus points offers, partner promotions, or redemption offers that may be available.

It’s also a good idea to regularly open your rewards app and activate any personalized offers. For example, the PC Optimum app provides personalized offers based on your shopping habits, making it easy to earn additional points on products you frequently purchase.

Finally, give yourself a goal for your points. Whether you’re saving for holiday shopping, an item on your wishlist, or simply looking to reduce your grocery bill, having a redemption target helps ensure your points don’t sit unused and allows you to get the most value from the rewards you’re already earning.

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Small Business Burnout: Bluevine finds 2 in 3 owners lose sleep over financial stress

Andrea Piacquadio photo
Andrea Piacquadio photo

A new report from Bluevine says the stress of running a small business reveals how pressure extends well beyond not only standard working hours and business decisions, but also sleep, mental health, and personal income.


Key Findings:

  • Financial Stress is Widespread: Nearly three-fourths (71%) of small business owners report moderate to extremely high financial stress. Over two-thirds (68%) say they lose at least one full night of sleep each month due to financial worries, with some losing six or more nights.
  • Stress is Stalling Business Growth: The majority of small business owners (68%) have delayed or avoided major business decisions like hiring or expanding in the past year due to financial pressure, highlighting how stress is directly impacting business momentum.
  • Cash Flow Timing is Main Anxiety Driver: Over 2 in 5 (41%) owners say their top financial stressor is the gap between money coming in and bills coming due, outranking paying monthly bills and utilities (39%), quarterly or annual taxes (25%), tracking expenses and bookkeeping (22%), and making payroll (20%).

To read the full report, visit: https://www.bluevine.com/blog/small-business-burnout-report 

Bluevine’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of Lending & Credit, Aditya Narula, discusses the key findings of the report. 

Question: Your report found that 71% of small business owners experience moderate to extremely high financial stress — what’s changed in the current economic environment to make this pressure feel so acute right now?

Answer: Our data has shown that the last few years have brought continued pressure on small business owners. Between sticky inflation, heightened lending rates, and the obvious volatility caused by the ongoing war–small business owners are juggling more than ever before while attempting to run a profitable business.

 At the start of the year, our data showed that small business profitability forecasts had dropped by more than 50%, and that was before the Iran conflict began. Small business owners are feeling the financial strain more acutely than ever because, inevitably, they have less buffer room than their enterprise counterparts to ride out volatility.

Aditya Narula
Aditya Narula


Q: The data shows many owners are losing sleep over cash flow gaps; how are these financial pressures affecting entrepreneurs personally, beyond the balance sheet?

A: While our data doesn’t extrapolate to other personal effects, we’re seeing that close to 70% of small business owners are putting off hiring or growth decisions due to financial stresses. That, inherently, could cause an additive effect on the stress. Expansion can sometimes allow for the headcount to alleviate time crunches small business owners face. Being unable to grow because of financial stress can create a cycle where those stresses are never solved.

Q: With 68% of owners delaying hiring or expansion decisions, what does this suggest about the broader outlook for small business growth and the retail economy?

A: We can’t necessarily make broad assumptions on the retail economy or small businesses writ large. While owners are saying stress has caused them to put off growth, we are still seeing high satisfaction rates with small business ownership and high optimism in general amongst small business owners. At the start of the year, 78% of small business owners said they were optimistic about their financial forecasts for 2026 and in April 77% of small business owners said that owning their own business met or exceeded their expectations of satisfaction.


Q: Why has cash flow timing emerged as a bigger stressor than payroll, taxes, or utilities, and what does that reveal about how small businesses are operating today?

A: It all comes down to margins and timing. Margins typically are smaller for small businesses and if input costs rise due to economic volatility or inflation, those margins will lessen even further. The timing gap between receiving payments and expenses coming due is inevitably more fluid and harder to plan around than taxes, payroll, or utilities.

If you are running on lower margins, the stress increases when an unexpected gap occurs between, say, an invoice being paid and needing to cover an unexpected repair, especially if paying for those repairs could endanger your solvency. That’s why it’s important for small businesses to make simple changes to optimize their cash flow. For instance, our internal data shows that invoice payment links on mobile–that is, invoices that have a payment button on them–get paid 174% faster than traditional invoices.”

cottonbro studio photo
cottonbro studio photo


Q: Based on the findings, what practical steps or financial tools can help small business owners reduce stress while still positioning their businesses for growth?

A: The most practical step to reduce financial stress is to find small areas where small businesses can find cost savings or make their money work more intelligently. For instance, Bluevine offers an industry-leading APY (Annual Percentage Yield) on its business checking account — if you’re not earning APY on your checking account, you’re missing out on money that could bolster your cash flow. 

Beyond that, small business owners should be looking to harness AI to help them where they may not have the ability to hire additional headcount. Our internal data last year saw a more than 100% growth year-over-year in ChatGPT usage amongst small businesses and a more than 400% increase in the usage of other AI productivity tools. That growth is only going to continue–if you can learn how to automate certain job functions via AI, you can likely reduce your operational stresses.

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UNIQLO launches collection with Italian designer Francesco Risso

UNIQLO photo
UNIQLO photo

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO has launched “UNIQLO F.RISSO”, a collaboration with Italian designer Francesco Risso. Suitable for everyday life or as holiday wear, the summer capsule collection – themed “Made for Dreaming” – offers a range of free and playful items that bring new discoveries and joy to everyday outfits for men and women, said the company. 

Titled “Made for Dreaming”, the collection explores the idea of accessible clothing carrying imagination at scale. Structured yet soft silhouettes are combined with hand-drawn prints, sun-washed colours, and fluid proportions designed to move naturally through everyday life. Balancing spontaneity with practicality, the collection reflects Risso’s instinctive and emotionally driven approach to dressing, it said.

 “I am inspired by the idea of accessible clothing carrying imagination at scale. For Summer 2026 we developed a collection that pairs uniformity with artistry, introducing a sentiment of playfulness and daring to practical pursuits. Made for dreaming, these designs reflect the radiance of their wearers, said Risso.

“Every time I see people around the world wearing and enjoying pieces from our 2022 collaboration line with Francesco, I am reminded of the importance of bringing small moments of joy into daily lives through clothing. At the same time, I am also truly delighted to present this new capsule collection, our first collaboration in four years. Through Francesco’s distinctive prints and colors, as well as soft silhouettes, we hope this latest collection will convey a light and free-spirited mood and enrich and elevate everyday styling with a sense of joy,” said Yuki Katsuta, Fast Retailing Group Senior Executive Officer.

UNIQLO is a brand of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese retail holding company with global headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.

The collection balances soft structure with a spontaneous spirit through original patterned pieces such as bowtie blouses, fluid dresses with smooth textures and sculptural silhouettes, and flared long skirts finished with ruffled hems. Broadcloth shirts made from 100% high-quality cotton are presented in a variety of stripes and hand-drawn prints, said the retailer. 

Many pieces lend themselves to a fluid, unisex approach to dressing, including quick-dry pique polo shirts and oversized T-shirts. Silk scarves and twill caps add a final layer of spontaneity — pieces intended not just to be worn, but lived in, it added.

Risso studied fashion in Florence, New York, and London. He spent a decade at Prada, developing a rigorous approach to narrative and craft while gaining extensive design experience. From 2016 to 2025 he served as Creative Director at Marni, shaping a boldly original vision for the house inspired by music, art, and cultural exploration. A passionate educator, Risso has held guest positions at the world’s top art and design schools. He is now Creative Director at GU. 

UNIQLO photo
UNIQLO photo

UNIQLO is the largest of eight brands in the Fast Retailing Group, the others being GU, Theory, PLST, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse tam.tam, J Brand and Helmut Lang. With global sales of approximately 3.4 trillion yen for the 2025 fiscal year ending August 31, 2025 (US $23.16 billion, calculated in yen using the end of August 2025 rate of $1 = 146.8 yen), Fast Retailing is one of the world’s largest apparel retail companies, and UNIQLO is Japan’s leading specialty retailer.   

UNIQLO continues to open large-scale stores in some of the world’s most important cities and locations, as part of its ongoing efforts to solidify its status as a global brand. Today the company has a total of more than 2,500 UNIQLO stores across the world, including Japan, Asia, Europe and North America. The total number of stores across Fast Retailing’s brands is now over 3,500, it noted. 

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2026 FIFA World Cup Expected to Drive Billions in Retail Spending Across North America, Industry Experts Say

Juliano Ferreira photo
Juliano Ferreira photo

As excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup across North America, retailers have been preparing for what is expected to be one of the largest commercial sporting events in decades. With millions of international visitors projected to travel across host cities in Canada, the United States and Mexico, the tournament is poised to generate billions of dollars in additional consumer spending. Industry experts say the biggest winners will be retailers that move beyond traditional merchandise sales and tailor offerings to the unique demographics, cultures and fan behaviours of local markets.

The World Cup’s economic impact is expected to extend well beyond jerseys and souvenirs. Retailers are increasingly targeting a broader range of spending tied to how consumers experience the tournament, whether attending matches in person, hosting watch parties, traveling between cities or upgrading home entertainment setups. As consumer preferences become more fragmented, artificial intelligence is emerging as a key tool for helping brands anticipate demand, optimize inventory and adapt promotions in real time throughout the month-long event.

Companies across sectors including fashion, beauty, luxury goods and food and beverage have developed campaigns designed to capitalize on the global spotlight. From licensed merchandise and immersive retail experiences to branded activations and high-profile partnerships, businesses are seeking new ways to connect with both dedicated soccer fans and casual viewers. Analysts say the most successful strategies will blend convenience, relevance and memorable experiences, turning shopping into an integral part of the World Cup celebration.

“With matches spread across North America and millions of visitors expected from around the world, the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be one of the largest commercial sporting events in recent memory. In North America alone, the tournament is expected to drive billions in incremental consumer spending, but that growth is not automatic. In a market where consumers remain value-conscious and margins are tight, the retailers that stand out will be those that create genuine relevance. That means seeing the World Cup not just as a merchandising event, but as an opportunity to hyper-localize, tailoring assortments, activations and experiences to the specific tastes, communities and match-day behaviours of each host city,” said Kelly Askew, Accenture Retail Lead.

Kelly Askew
Kelly Askew

“The opportunity extends far beyond jerseys and souvenirs. We are seeing a notable shift from single-category purchases to cross-category spending tied to how fans watch, gather, travel and celebrate. AI will be a critical advantage, helping retailers anticipate how demand will show up differently by market and occasion; for example, whether consumers are attending matches, hosting watch parties, or shopping for the at-home viewing experience. With AI, brands can understand demand signals faster and adjust range, assortment, inventory and promotions with greater agility throughout the entire tournament.

“Brands are responding in big ways across almost every category, from beauty to luxury to food and beverage. Some, for example, are launching officially licensed merchandise, while others are creating experiential shopping destinations. On the food and beverage side, we are seeing notable large, branded activations, partnerships, and campaigns. Ultimately, these approaches all have one thing in common: they are combining relevance, convenience, and experience to make shopping part of the celebration, for both devoted fans and casual viewers alike.”

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The New Retail Risk Strategy: Better Employee Experience: Citation Canada (Opinion)

Andrea Piacquadio photo
Andrea Piacquadio photo

The employee experience in the retail sector has historically been a cultural initiative. In recent years, it’s become a risk strategy. That’s because Canadian retailers are managing staffing shortages, rising operational pressures and evolving customer expectations. Frontline teams are expected to adapt quickly while maintaining service standards, productivity, and safety.

Statistics Canada data highlights the pressure these workers face. Occupations in sales, including cashiers and service station attendants, often have lower hourly wages and are reported to have the lowest satisfaction levels among those surveyed. The same report found Canadians experiencing financial difficulties were less likely to be satisfied with their jobs, reinforcing the overlap between financial strain and workplace stress in frontline retail environments.

For retailers, employee experience is now directly linked to retention, compliance, customer interactions, and operational resilience.

Why Employee Experience Has Become an Operational Risk Issue

Retail leaders often treat HR, health and safety, and operations as separate functions when, in reality, they’re connected entities.

Disengaged or overwhelmed employees are more likely to:

● Miss or Shortcut safety procedures

● Experience burnout, absenteeism, or turnover

● Become less engaged in customer service and team communication

According to Mental Health Research Canada’s (MHRC) 2024 workplace findings, 23% of employed Canadians reported their workplace was not psychologically safe, while 24% said they experienced burnout “most of the time” or “always.”

This growing overlap between employee well-being and organizational risk is why many employers are aligning HR and safety strategies more closely. 

This aligns with the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, which emphasizes that psychological well-being is connected to workplace safety.

Retail environments with lean staffing and high operational demands may struggle with:

● Burnout → creating ripple effects across teams

● Absenteeism → placing additional strain on employees

● Communication gaps → inconsistent policy application or safety shortcuts

Andrea Piacquadio photo
Andrea Piacquadio photo

The Hidden Cost of Constant Change

One of retail’s biggest workforce challenges is change fatigue. Frontline retail employees have spent the past several years adapting to:

● New technologies

● Revised procedures

● Fluctuating staffing levels

● Shifting customer expectations

Even positive organizational changes can feel exhausting when employees are navigating frequent disruption without enough clarity or support.

Research on Dr. David Rock and the NeuroLeadership Institute suggests that the brain often interprets uncertainty as a threat. In workplace settings, inconsistent communication and shifting expectations can trigger defensive responses that reduce employees’ ability to focus, collaborate, and adapt effectively to change. That uncertainty can affect concentration, confidence, and emotional resilience, especially when employees feel changes are happening “to” them rather than occurring with adequate support.

This may translate into:

● Disengagement

● Frustration

● Lower morale

● Workplace resentment

Managers play a critical role in reducing that friction, but many may not recognize when employees are struggling. MCHR research also found that only 52% of managers believed they could identify when team members were experiencing mental health challenges.

If nearly half of managers are missing signals, workplace leaders will need to place a bigger emphasis on communication, clearer implementation planning, and more consistent employee support.

Building Workforce Resilience Before Pressure Becomes Burnout

Retail workforce pressures remain widespread across the industry. The Retail Council of Canada has warned that labour shortages continue to strain retailers’ operations, while rising costs and workforce instability add pressure to already stretched teams.

Retailers are recognizing that workforce resilience needs to be developed through everyday management practices, communication, and workplace culture, rather than during crises.

Resilience should not be confused with asking employees to absorb more stress. Sustainable resilience comes from creating environments where employees feel supported, informed, and equipped to adapt to change without becoming emotionally exhausted in the process.

What Retail Leaders Should Prioritize Now

Create a feedback loop: Frontline employees often signal burnout, workload concerns, and communication breakdowns long before those issues affect retention or safety.

○ Anonymous pulse surveys, structured check-ins, and stay interviews can help organizations identify problems earlier.

Invest in your managers: Supervisors are often the first to notice changes in morale or stress levels, yet many receive limited training.

○ Strengthening skills in psychological safety, conflict management, or mental health awareness can help organizations address issues before they escalate.

Treat scheduling as a well-being issue: Chronic understaffing and unpredictable schedules are among the fastest paths to frontline burnout.

○ Greater consistency and visibility into scheduling can significantly improve how supported employees feel day to day.

Align your HR and compliance programs: Psychological safety, burnout, and physical workplace risks are increasingly interconnected.

○ Retailers that approach them as part of one broader workforce strategy may be better positioned to improve retention, reduce disruption, and build long-term resilience.

Gustavo Fring photo
Gustavo Fring photo
Kim Morris, Lead HR Consultant at Citation Canada
Kim Morris, Lead HR Consultant at Citation Canada

Closing Thoughts

Retail has always been a people-driven industry, but workforce experience is now becoming more directly tied to operational resilience. The retailers that adapt best to ongoing change are the ones that treat employee well-being, psychological safety, and workforce trust as practical parts of how the business operates. Across Canada’s retail sector, employee experience is becoming more than an HR conversation. It is increasingly part of how retailers manage risk, strengthen workforce resilience, and build a more stable future.

About The Author

(Kim Morris is the Lead HR Consultant at Citation Canada. She supports employers and people leaders through complex workplace situations, including employee relations and conflict, performance concerns, terminations, and policy questions, with clear, practical next steps. Kim also helps organizations manage change, including restructures, acquisitions, and workforce transitions, balancing compliance with thoughtful communication. She is known for making HR feel workable, consistent, well-documented, and grounded in respect for people.)

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Planet Fitness to open location inside Medicine Hat Walmart

Planet Fitness photo
Planet Fitness photo

Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing fitness brands in the world, will be opening a new club opening in Fall 2026 at 2075 Strachan Rd. SE inside Walmart, in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

The company said the new location will provide local residents with a convenient, affordable fitness option designed for everyone, from first-time gymgoers to longtime fitness enthusiasts. As more Canadians continue prioritizing wellness and active lifestyles, the Medicine Hat club is designed to make fitness feel more accessible, approachable and realistic for everyday life. 

“At Planet Fitness we believe fitness should feel welcoming, encouraging and accessible to everyone,” said Mike Shapiro, Senior Vice President of Operations at IGNITE Fitness Holdings, an independent Planet Fitness franchisee. “We’re excited to bring that experience to Medicine Hat and create a place where people can show up as they are, work toward their goals at their own pace and build healthy habits in a supportive environment.” 

The new club will feature 16,000 square feet of fitness space with a wide selection of cardio and strength equipment, including plate-loaded strength equipment, treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, and more. Planet Fitness Black Card® members will also have access to premium amenities designed to relax and recharge, including HydroMassage™ loungers, massage chairs and additional Black Card Spa® amenities, said the company.

Planet Fitness photo
Planet Fitness photo

Located inside Walmart, the new club is designed to offer added convenience for Medicine Hat residents looking to fit workouts into busy daily schedules and routines, it said.

“We know people are looking for options that fit into busy schedules and everyday life,” said Shapiro. “Whether someone is working out for the first time, getting back into a fitness routine or simply looking for a welcoming place to stay active, we’re excited to bring Medicine Hat a fitness experience designed to support people wherever they are in their journey.” 

The Medicine Hat club is part of Planet Fitness’ continued expansion across Canada as the company increases access to affordable fitness experiences in communities nationwide, added the company.

IGNITE Fitness Holdings is based in Milford, CT. It is one of the largest Planet Fitness Franchise ownership groups, currently operating more than 140 locations across Canada, Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, New Mexico, New York, and Tennessee. It is owned by TowerBrook Capital Partners, an investment management firm based in London, New York, Frankfurt and Madrid. 

Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centres in the world by number of members and locations. As of March 31, Planet Fitness had approximately 21.5 million members and 2,909 clubs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico, Australia and Spain.

Planet Fitness photo
Planet Fitness photo

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Household net worth rises in the face of volatile equity markets: Statistics Canada

Ketut Subiyanto photo
Ketut Subiyanto photo

The net worth of Canadian households—the value of all assets minus all liabilities—rose 1.3% in the first quarter of 2026 to reach just over $18.6 trillion, as the value of both non-financial and financial assets increased in tandem. Following two consecutive quarterly declines, non-financial assets were up 1.1% in the first quarter of 2026, led by an uptick in the value of residential real estate. Financial assets increased by 1.3%, reported Statistics Canada recently.

Household balance sheets added $148.0 billion in financial assets in the first quarter of 2026, and this gain was driven by net purchases of mutual fund units and higher valuations of domestic equities and investment funds amid easing valuations for foreign equity holdings. In terms of domestic equity markets, the Standard & Poor’s/Toronto Stock Exchange Composite Index increased by 3.3% in the first quarter of 2026, and this gain was concentrated in energy and mining stocks. This marked the slowest quarterly growth since the first quarter of 2025 (+0.8%), said the federal agency.

Meanwhile, household liabilities, composed primarily of mortgage and non-mortgage debt, edged up by 0.4% in the first quarter of 2026, continuing the seasonal trend of comparatively modest first-quarter growth, which generally coincides with lower resale activity and new construction. Overall, households’ net financial assets—defined as financial assets minus liabilities—grew by 1.6% for the second consecutive quarter, it added.

On a per capita basis, household net worth increased from $442,896 to $448,433 in the first quarter of 2026; the proportion of non-financial assets as a share of household net worth fell to 53.4% (-0.1 percentage points), said Statistics Canada.

“The household debt service ratio—measured as total obligated payments of principal and interest on credit market debt as a proportion of household disposable income—rose after two consecutive quarterly declines. The ratio finished the first quarter of 2026 at 14.75%, up from 14.68% in the fourth quarter of 2025, as total debt payments rose 1.1% to outpace income. At the same time, mortgage interest payments increased 0.9% in the first quarter of 2026, following decreases in the third and fourth quarters of 2025,” explained Statistics Canada.

“Household wealth continued to expand in Q1 despite elevated market volatility. Financial asset gains continued, supported primarily by fund inflows and resilient Canadian equity markets, although growth slowed to its weakest pace in a year. Real estate also provided support this quarter, with higher home prices lifting housing wealth despite subdued sales activity. Looking ahead, the backdrop for wealth accumulation remains broadly positive, but heightened uncertainty may make households more cautious about spending out of wealth,” said Maria Solovieva, Economist, with TD.

Maria Solovieva
Maria Solovieva

“Household leverage continues to edge higher. The debt-to-income ratio has risen for six consecutive quarters as debt growth outpaced income growth. Our recent analysis of provincial household balance sheets, based on Q4 2025 data, found that Ontario and Prince Edward Island were the only provinces where debt-to-income ratios rose above 2019 levels, with Ontario continuing to post the highest household leverage in the country. This suggests that financial vulnerabilities remain concentrated in Ontario, while household balance sheets elsewhere in Canada are generally in a stronger position.”

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