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Scarborough Walk of Fame 2026 Draws Crowds at STC

By
Craig Patterson
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Scarborough Walk of Fame 2026 induction ceremony at Scarborough Town Centre. Image supplied

The Scarborough Walk of Fame 2026 induction ceremony drew strong crowds and community engagement at Scarborough Town Centre on April 15, reinforcing the shopping centre’s role as a central civic and cultural hub within Toronto’s east end. Held in Centre Court and hosted by the Scarborough Community Renewal Organization, the event celebrated a new class of local leaders whose achievements span sports, business, arts, education, and community service.

The ceremony marked the 10th induction event for the Scarborough Walk of Fame, an initiative established to highlight the borough’s global contributions and counter longstanding stereotypes. This year’s class reflected both international prominence and grassroots impact, with honourees representing a cross-section of industries and disciplines.

 

High-Profile Inductees Reflect Global and Local Impact

Among the most recognized inductees was Andre De Grasse, Canada’s most decorated male Summer Olympian, whose global athletic success continues to be closely tied to his Scarborough roots. His induction underscored the borough’s influence in shaping world-class talent.

In entertainment, Fefe Dobson was recognized for a career spanning more than two decades, including multi-platinum success and advocacy work. The arts and culture category also included Trevor Godinho, while business recognition was given to Jesse Asido, known for building a strong digital narrative around Scarborough through his Scarborough Spots platform.

Community leadership formed a significant part of this year’s cohort. Geetha Moorthy was honoured for her work with the SAAAC Autism Centre, while John and Cathy Phillips were recognized for their philanthropic contributions through the Northpine Foundation. In education, Stan Farrow and Dr. Ashleigh Molloy were acknowledged for their impact in advancing inclusive and equitable systems.

Scarborough Walk of Fame 2026 induction ceremony at Scarborough Town Centre. Image supplied
 

Retail Setting Reinforces Community Connection

The decision to host the Scarborough Walk of Fame 2026 at Scarborough Town Centre continues to position the shopping centre as more than a retail destination. As one of the largest enclosed malls in Canada, the property functions as a de facto downtown for Scarborough, bringing together commerce, community programming, and cultural events under one roof.

The permanent installation of inductee stars within the mall’s floor creates a lasting integration of storytelling into the retail environment. This approach aligns with broader industry trends where shopping centres increasingly incorporate experiential and community-driven elements to enhance foot traffic and visitor engagement.

The strong turnout for the event reflects ongoing demand for place-based experiences that connect consumers with local identity. In this context, Scarborough Town Centre benefits from hosting programming that resonates beyond traditional retail, strengthening its role as a community anchor.

Scarborough Walk of Fame at Scarborough Town Centre. Image supplied

Rising Stars Highlight Next Generation of Talent

In addition to established figures, the Scarborough Walk of Fame 2026 also spotlighted emerging leaders through its Rising Star awards. Bavan Pushpalingam was recognized for research focused on food security, while Diondre Bentia, founder of King Of All Trades, was acknowledged for youth mentorship and community empowerment initiatives.

This dual focus on legacy and future leadership reinforces the program’s broader mission to inspire the next generation while celebrating established success. It also creates a narrative continuity that strengthens the relevance of the Walk of Fame over time.

A Platform for Civic Identity and Engagement

Since its founding in 2006, the Scarborough Walk of Fame has aimed to reshape perceptions of the borough by highlighting its contributions across multiple sectors. The 2026 ceremony demonstrated how this mission continues to resonate, drawing significant public interest and reinforcing civic pride.

For Scarborough Town Centre, the event represents a strategic alignment between retail space and community storytelling. As shopping centres across Canada evolve to remain relevant, initiatives such as the Scarborough Walk of Fame 2026 illustrate how programming can drive both cultural impact and sustained foot traffic.

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Faulty Meat Scales Cost Canadians Millions

By
Sylvain Charlebois
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Butcher and Kosher goods at the former L'OCA Quality Market in Edmonton. Photo: L'OCA Quality Market

Once again, it took the media to remind us that food fraud is not a relic of the past—it is very much a present-day risk embedded in our food system. After the maple syrup scandal, CBC News has uncovered yet another troubling issue: inaccurate scales at the meat counter. This is not anecdotal noise. It is a structural concern. When consumers pay for more than they actually receive, the consequence is not just irritation—it is a silent erosion of trust in one of the most expensive categories in the grocery store.

The implications are far from trivial. Canada counts roughly 16 million households, each spending over $16,000 annually on food. If about 20% of that goes to meat, we are looking at a $50-billion market. The discrepancies identified suggest overcharges ranging between 4% and 11% on affected packages. If this were systemic—which it likely is not—the exposure would be staggering. But even under conservative assumptions, where only 10% to 25% of transactions are impacted, the national cost still ranges from roughly $200 million to $1.4 billion annually. That is not statistical noise; it is a hidden tax on consumers—one that never shows up in inflation data, yet directly affects household budgets at a time when affordability is already stretched.

 

But this raises a far more uncomfortable question: where are the inspectors? Where are the regulators? Canada does not lack oversight bodies. Measurement Canada is mandated to ensure accuracy in trade measurement, while the Canadian Food Inspection Agency plays a broader role in food integrity and compliance. Yet, when it takes investigative journalism to uncover issues of this magnitude—twice in two years—we have to question whether the system is adequately resourced, sufficiently proactive, or simply too reactive.

This concern is amplified by recent signals that the federal government is cutting inspector positions within the CFIA. At a time when scrutiny should be intensifying, capacity may in fact be shrinking. We do not yet know the full impact of these reductions, but the timing is difficult to ignore. Fewer inspectors could mean fewer audits, slower response times, and ultimately weaker surveillance across the food system. In other words, the very moment Canadians are demanding more oversight may coincide with a diminished ability to deliver it.

Grocery store meat butcher department. Image: RI/Google
 

What is perhaps more concerning is how normalized these discrepancies appear to be. Social media is now filled with consumer testimonies showing mismatches between labelled and actual weights. Years ago, such incidents would have been dismissed as isolated errors. Today, in a high-inflation environment with heightened consumer awareness, they signal something deeper: a lack of rigour. Whether these inaccuracies stem from malfunctioning equipment, inadequate calibration, or poor staff training is almost secondary. The outcome is the same—consumers are paying more than they should, and confidence in the system is weakened.

Some grocers have issued apologies, but apologies alone are insufficient. This is not about intent; it is about accountability. When the integrity of measurement is compromised, so too is the integrity of pricing. And in a country where food affordability is already under intense pressure, even small discrepancies compound into meaningful financial burdens for households.

Consumers, for their part, are not powerless. A simple kitchen scale—costing less than $20—can act as a first line of verification. If discrepancies are found, they should be documented and brought to store management. Under the Scanner Price Accuracy Code, consumers may be entitled to compensation—typically up to $10, or $15 in Quebec. Reporting issues to regulators is also essential, even if enforcement can be slow. Increasingly, however, consumers are turning to public platforms—because reputational damage often travels faster than regulatory action.

Ultimately, grocers must recognize that having a “thumb on the scale,” whether intentional or not, is indefensible. But regulators must also accept their share of responsibility. Oversight cannot rely on whistleblowers and journalists to function effectively. Precision in measurement is not optional in food retail—it is foundational. And right now, Canadians have every reason to wonder whether the system designed to protect them is weighing in at all.

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First-party fraud rises amidst economic pressures: Equifax

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Vitaly Gariev photo
Vitaly Gariev photo

Equifax Canada’s latest Market Pulse Fraud Trends and Insights data reveals a notable shift toward first-party fraud, where individuals intentionally misrepresent their own financial information.

First party fraud rates across Canada rose 31 per cent year-over-year between Q4 2024 and Q4 2025. Rates were higher in Ontario and Alberta and were more pronounced among younger demographics nationwide, said Equifax.

It said the findings point to a shift in fraud risk. While third-party fraud continues to be a major threat, a growing share of risk is now coming from applicants using their own identity but providing false, inconsistent, or exaggerated financial information.

“This concerning growth in first-party fraud activity is a trend no lender can afford to ignore,” said Carl Davies, Head of Fraud & Identity at Equifax Canada. “Traditional third-party attacks remain prevalent, but we are also seeing more cases where consumers appear to be manipulating their own information to gain access to credit or banking products.”

Credit Card: Spike in First-Party Fraud

An increase in first-party credit card fraud highlights a concerning shift in consumer behaviour, with first-party credit card fraud nearly doubling year-over-year, rising from 0.08 per cent in Q4 2024 to 0.15 per cent in Q4 2025, alongside elevated delinquency pressure in the category, said Equifax.

It said it found that contradictory or mismatched data submitted by applicants became the dominant form of first-party fraud in credit cards, rising from 59 per cent of first-party cases in Q4 2024 to 77 per cent in Q4 2025. Ontario represented the highest regional exposure, with fraud-related credit loss in the sector reaching as high as $123 million.

Banking and Deposits: The Increase in Falsified Financials

“A similar pattern is emerging in banking and deposits. In that category, third-party fraud attempts declined from 0.45 per cent in Q4 2024 to 0.32 per cent in Q4 2025, while first-party fraud increased from 0.51 per cent to 0.68 per cent over the same period,” said the report.

The nature of the fraud is also changing. Cases involving falsified financial information in banking and deposits increased substantially from 1.5 per cent of first-party cases in Q4 2024 to 21 per cent in Q4 2025, while account abuse increased from 14 per cent to 24 per cent, added Equifax.

“AI-based technology helps to detect falsified documents and identities,” said Davies. “As fraud tactics evolve, Equifax offers reliable AI-powered tools that can help lenders identify both third-party attacks and signs that an applicant may be misrepresenting their financial position.”

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Daily Synopsis: Apr 17, 2026

By
Retail Insider
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Retail Insider’s latest articles chart key movements including Rawcology’s partnership with AM Ingredients that expands manufacturing and retail presence in Niagara. Flying Tiger Copenhagen’s entry into Canada via the Greater Toronto Area signals growing franchise-driven competition in variety retail. Meanwhile, analysis of Canadian shopping centre sales highlights rising polarization between top-tier and mid-tier malls. These developments together illustrate how scale, strategic partnerships, and retail mix are shaping Canada’s evolving retail landscape. Below are today’s in-depth reports, followed by Canadian retail news from around the web.

 

🗞️ The Day’s Retail Insider Article List

 

🌐 Canadian Retail News From Around the Web

From The Desk: Strategic Growth and Market Polarization Shape Canadian Retail

By
Craig Patterson
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Canadian retail news this week points to a turning point, with expansion plans, major real estate moves, and shifting consumer behaviour all coming into focus. At the same time, two clear themes are emerging. The market is becoming more polarized, and retailers are leaning further into experiential formats. Leading players are adjusting their footprints to better serve changing preferences around value, convenience, and lifestyle. Meanwhile, economic uncertainty and cost pressures continue to shape performance across the sector, prompting both retailers and landlords to rethink how they connect with today’s Canadian shopper.

As the spring retail season approaches, these developments highlight an industry navigating both pressure and opportunity. External economic factors remain a challenge, yet new growth avenues are taking shape. Retailers are introducing new store concepts and revisiting mixed-use strategies, even as the housing market faces constraints. Overall, the sector continues to evolve in a dynamic and measured way.

 

Retailer News

The upcoming arrival of Flying Tiger Copenhagen in Canada represents an important moment in the Greater Toronto Area’s retail landscape. As Flying Tiger prepares to launch approximately 50 stores by 2030, its franchise partnership with Fox Group is catalysing a market repositioning that sees the replacement of Fox Home’s prior locations with a vibrant lifestyle retail concept tailored for urban, value-conscious consumers. This move reflects an increasingly asset-light strategy underscoring franchise-driven growth, signaling notable opportunities and competitive shifts in Toronto’s retail real estate landscape.

A monumental transaction also reshaping commercial real estate dynamics is the $9.4 billion acquisition of First Capital REIT by KingSett Capital and Choice Properties REIT. Choice Properties’ assumption of approximately $5 billion in retail assets sharpens its urban portfolio, while KingSett’s acquisition of $4.4 billion in assets emphasizes diversification. This decisive consolidation illustrates bullish investor confidence in Canadian retail assets within urban settings, highlighting strategic portfolio realignments critical for stakeholders tracking evolving market power balances.

Meanwhile, sustainability and community engagement themes continue to rise. Staples Canada’s transition into a next-generation sustainability framework augments its prior five-year commitment, focusing on waste diversion and climate action, embodying the integration of corporate responsibility within retail operations. Similarly, Giant Tiger’s 65th anniversary celebrations exemplify how hybrid corporate-franchise models can sustain local relevance and affordability amid discount retail’s evolving competitive challenges.

These strategic and celebratory movements are set amid broader industry realities, including Walmart Canada’s plan to close three Montreal stores in favour of fewer, larger Supercentres optimized for omnichannel retailing. This realignment, part of a $150 million Quebec investment, demonstrates how retail giants are prioritizing modern retail formats that blend physical presence with digital fulfilment capabilities to meet contemporary consumer demands effectively. The confluence of store rationalization and thoughtful expansion exemplifies a sector-wide trend towards optimizing real estate assets for omnichannel imperatives.

Recent data reinforce the complex landscape: a growing polarization of Canadian shopping centre performance sees dominant urban malls such as Yorkdale and CF Toronto Eaton Centre raise their sales and foot traffic, amplifying market bifurcation. This intensifies pressure on mid-tier centres to innovate or face decline, spotlighting the urgency of experiential and curated tenant strategies for investment sustainability.

On the consumer front, stable yet shifting spending patterns reveal increased focus on essentials, value, and entertainment, while discretionary categories continue to contract. Regional disparities and a cautious economic outlook suggest that retailers must craft segmented offers that address both value-driven and experience-oriented shoppers to capture loyalty in an uneven market.

However, fresh challenges are evident as the Canadian Federation of Independent Business reports more businesses closing than opening over six quarters. This entrepreneurial drought risks suppressing small business vibrancy, with potential downstream effects on retail property demand and market dynamism, underscoring the need for supportive policies and innovation in retention strategies.

Economic pressures also manifest in essential categories, as financial whiplash impacts consumer confidence and spending intentions, particularly among lower- to middle-income groups. This environment demands retailer agility in assortment planning and pricing strategy, especially considering that essential goods inflation, including dairy and grocery items, is increasingly fragmented by region and category.

Retailer People News

Leadership reshuffles signal continued strategic investment in growth and operational excellence within Canadian retail. MBI Brands’ appointment of Karen Tam as President represents a focused push toward digital transformation and franchise development across Mary Brown’s Chicken and Fat Bastard Burrito brands, indicating optimism about QSR expansion prospects. Tam’s experience enhances MBI’s approach to scale and global footprint enhancement, pivotal for store rollouts and market penetration.

Similarly, Kits Eyecare has elevated Tai Silvey to President to steer daily operations amid rapid revenue growth. Silvey’s background with global consumer brands underlines a commitment to optimizing supply chains and elevating consumer experience, key factors that will influence both retail execution and the utilization of specialty retail real estate.

In quick-service dining, OPA! of Greece’s new President and CEO Simran Singh brings operational depth and franchise ownership experience as the brand pursues national expansion. This leadership evolution reflects how experienced executives are crucial for scaling franchise models in competitive urban retail environments.

Retailer Op-Eds

Thought leadership pieces this week stress the strategic complexity of retail sectors suffering from economic and geopolitical tensions. Analysis of luxury retail execution and product strategy illuminates the core drivers of sustained brand value beyond aesthetic appeal. Such insights emphasize the importance of experiential marketing and controlled distribution to maintain exclusivity and consumer aspiration, critical as Canadian luxury brands seek international growth.

Concurrently, op-eds underscore the fragility of Canadian food inflation, fueled by a shrinking middle class and intensified by geopolitical issues like tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran conflict. These scenarios not only drive up transportation and input costs but also fracture the food economy into divergent consumer segments. Retailers and commercial real estate stakeholders must anticipate ongoing inflationary impacts and adapt supply chain and merchandising strategies accordingly to maintain profitability and consumer trust.

Small business discussion highlights the increasing importance of thoughtfully crafted unboxing and packaging experiences as essential physical brand touchpoints in online commerce. This evolving consumer expectation creates opportunities for retailers to differentiate themselves through sustainable and memorable customer interactions, which, while primarily digital, still have tangible implications on retail service models and facility design.

 

Editor’s Take

This week’s coverage shows Canadian retail at a key turning point. Expansion plans and major real estate deals are happening alongside shifting consumer behaviour and ongoing economic pressure. The entry of Flying Tiger with a franchise-led model reflects growth ambitions, while the First Capital REIT acquisition highlights continued confidence in urban retail. At the same time, uneven consumer spending and tighter margins are creating challenges across the market.

Differences between shopping centres are becoming more pronounced. Top-tier locations with strong experiential offerings continue to perform well, which reinforces the need for landlords and retailers to work together on tenant mix and customer engagement. Meanwhile, leadership changes and operational improvements in sectors such as quick service and eyecare point to a focus on efficiency and scalable growth.

At the same time, inflation pressures driven by global tensions and income gaps at home are adding complexity to the retail landscape. Going forward, retailers and real estate players that stay flexible, invest in experience, and incorporate sustainability into their strategies will be better positioned to succeed.

This Week’s Articles

Retailer News

Retailer People News

Retailer Op-Eds

News From Around the Web

Interac, Kijiji partner to raise the bar on trust in peer-to-peer commerce

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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For most Canadians, buying and selling on a peer-to-peer marketplace often means transacting with strangers, and that comes with a degree of uncertainty that no amount of good photos or positive ratings fully resolves. Interac and Kijiji recently announced they are taking a step toward changing that through a collaboration that brings Interac Verified solutions to the Kijiji platform – giving users a secure, trusted way to verify who they are before they message, post an item for sale, meet or make a purchase. 

Kijiji connects millions of Canadians every month across categories from automotive and real estate, to furniture, phones and clothing. With more than four million live listings and over one million new listings added each month, it is one of the most active peer-to-peer commerce platforms in the country. The platform has long relied on ratings and reviews to build user confidence, but this collaboration now raises that baseline. By integrating Interac Verified solutions as an additional trust layer that ratings alone cannot provide, this positions Kijiji as setting a new standard for peer-to-peer commerce in Canada, according to a news release.

 

“Trust is the foundation of every transaction on our platform and we’ve always taken that seriously,” said Amanda Zeffiro, General Manager, Kijiji Canada. “Integrating Interac Verified solutions to bring verified identity to Kijiji is how we raise that standard, giving Canadians the confidence to transact with people they’ve never met, regardless of what it is that they’re buying.” 

Amanda Zeffiro
Amanda Zeffiro

Kijiji said it chose to work with Interac because of the trust Interac Verified solutions already carry in the Canadian market – built on the same network that financial institutions and governments rely on to help verify identity. A Canadian marketplace working with a domestic verification provider also means identity data stays within a Canadian regulatory and trust framework, a deliberate choice at a time when Canadians are paying closer attention to where their data goes and who controls it, it explained. 

“Interac Verified solutions were built to bring the trust of the Interac network into identity verification and this collaboration compounds that trust with reach,” said Giles Sutherland, Head, Business Development, Interac. “Millions of people transact on Kijiji every month. Putting verified identity at those moments is where it makes a real difference for Canadians.” 

Giles Sutherland
Giles Sutherland

Kijiji users with accounts at participating financial institutions can verify their identity through Interac verification service. Later this year, a second path is expected to become available, giving users the choice of document verification with liveness checks against accepted forms of government-issued ID. Both options, powered by Interac Verified solutions, are intentionally designed to offer flexibility. Canadians have different comfort levels and verification needs depending on the transaction, and the integration is built to reflect that. Once verification is successfully completed, users will receive confirmation that they have been verified, according to the new release.

Verified identity will complement existing trust signals like ratings and reviews, rather than replace them. Reputation can tell you how someone has transacted in the past, while  where verified identity confirms who they are. In high-value categories like auto and real estate, verified identity can add a meaningful layer of confidence before committing to a significant transaction. In everyday categories – furniture, phones, appliances, clothing – it can reduce the uncertainty that comes with meeting with a stranger, alongside other safety transaction practices, it noted.

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Second Cup kicks off annual fundraising campaign in support of Breakfast Club of Canada

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Second Cup photo
Second Cup photo

Second Cup Café has launched its national fundraising campaign in support of Breakfast Club of Canada, running until May 25. The campaign aims to raise $25,000 to help provide nutritious breakfasts to children in schools across Canada.

During the campaign period, guests can contribute $1 or $2 donations with any purchase made in-store, online, or through the Second Cup mobile app. Every $2 raised helps provide one breakfast to a child. This year’s campaign goal of $25,000 will help feed nearly 65 children for an entire school year, or more than two full classrooms.

“Together with our guests and franchise partners, we’re proud to support an organization that makes such a meaningful difference in communities across the country,” said Roxane Desjardins, Marketing Director at Second Cup. “This campaign is a simple yet powerful way for Canadians to come together and help ensure more children start their day with a nutritious breakfast.”

Roxane Desjardins
Roxane Desjardins

Funds raised will support Breakfast Club of Canada’s network of more than 5,000 school breakfast programs, which collectively reach over 895,000 children nationwide. These programs ensure students have access to nutritious breakfast, setting them up for success in the classroom.

Julie Desharnais
Julie Desharnais

“For a child, a simple breakfast can transform a day, and sometimes even the course of a life. Thanks to Second Cup’s ongoing commitment, young people across the country can start their day with the energy they need to thrive,” says Julie Desharnais, President and CEO of Breakfast Club of Canada. “We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the generosity of each customer. Together, we are doing much more than filling plates: we are nurturing the hope, dignity, and confidence that every child deserves to carry with them throughout the day.”

Second Cup has partnered with Breakfast Club of Canada since March 2023. This spring initiative marks the third major collaboration between the two organizations. In 2025 alone, Second Cup raised $40,000 through its spring and fall campaigns.

The campaign will run at participating Second Cup locations across Canada.

Second Cup has operated since 1975 and is part of the Foodtastic group of brands, which is one of Canada’s largest restaurant franchisors, operating more than 1,200 locations across the country. Its diverse portfolio includes Freshii, Quesada, Pita Pit, Second Cup, Milestones, and over 22 other banners.

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Rawcology Scales with AMI Partnership, Niagara Retail Debut

By
Craig Patterson
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Rawcology opening at AMI/St. David's Niagara on the Lake

Toronto-based functional food brand Rawcology is entering a pivotal stage of expansion following a newly announced joint venture with AM Ingredients (AMI), a move designed to significantly increase manufacturing capacity, streamline distribution, and support continued product innovation.

The Rawcology strategic partnership marks what the company describes as a transition from a fast-growing Canadian brand to a scaled, innovation-led player in the better-for-you snack category.

Tara Tomulka, Founder and CEO, Rawcology, said the collaboration represents a major inflection point for the business. She explained that the company had reached a stage where demand required more advanced infrastructure to maintain growth without compromising product integrity.

“We realized we needed to scale quickly to meet demand, but we were not willing to sacrifice ingredient quality or how we manufacture,” Tomulka said. “With AMI, we found a partner that allows us to do both.”

 

Manufacturing and Distribution Expansion Unlock National Scale

Through the partnership, Rawcology gains access to AMI’s 19,000-square-foot production facility in St. Davids, Niagara-on-the-Lake, alongside a 50,000-square-foot cross-docking and distribution network.

This infrastructure is expected to support coast-to-coast distribution while accelerating speed-to-market for new products. It also enables Rawcology to scale output in response to growing retail demand, including a second rotation with Costco West launching in April.

Megan Loach Tomulka, Co-Founder, Rawcology, emphasized that scaling production has been a priority following strong retail performance.

Rawcology co-owners and sisters. Left-to-right: Megan Loach Tomulka, Tara Tomulka, Laura Powadiuk. Photo: Rawcology

“Our first Costco rotation performed extremely well, and that confirmed we needed higher capacity,” she said. “This partnership gives us the ability to produce at scale while maintaining the integrity of our products.”

The Rawcology strategic partnership also addresses broader supply chain challenges, including rising ingredient and logistics costs. Coconut, a core ingredient, has seen price increases, while global factors such as fuel costs continue to impact distribution.

However, access to AMI’s logistics network is expected to mitigate some of these pressures.

Niagara Retail Concept Brings Brand Closer to Consumers

As part of the partnership, Rawcology will be featured in the launch of Chocolate & Crunch Market, a new retail and experiential concept located within the St. Davids facility in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The 19,000-square-foot facility combines manufacturing with a consumer-facing retail environment, allowing visitors to observe production processes and purchase products on-site.

The space will showcase Rawcology alongside St. Davids Chocolates and Remix Snacks, creating a curated destination that blends food production, retail, and tourism.

Megan Loach Tomulka noted that the concept provides a valuable opportunity for direct consumer engagement.

“Customer feedback has always been critical for us,” she said. “Having a physical space where people can interact with the brand, taste products, and see how they are made gives us insights that help shape future innovation.”

The location is expected to benefit from Niagara’s strong tourism traffic, particularly bus tours and visitors to nearby attractions, while also serving as a testing ground for new products.

Rawcology opening at AMI/St. David’s Niagara on the Lake
 

Innovation Pipeline and Product Strategy

With expanded capabilities, Rawcology is also accelerating its product development pipeline. The company plans to introduce new formats and categories while continuing to refine existing offerings based on consumer feedback.

The brand’s approach remains focused on clean-label ingredients and functional nutrition, with an emphasis on taste as a primary driver of consumer adoption.

While high-protein products continue to dominate the market, Rawcology is taking a measured approach.

“There is definitely pressure to add protein to everything,” Megan Loach Tomulka said. “But we already have naturally occurring protein in our products. Our focus is on balance, making sure we deliver fibre, healthy fats, and overall nutrition alongside great taste.”

The company is planning to introduce a protein-focused snack bite later this year, while maintaining its broader philosophy of nutrient-dense, allergen-friendly formulations.

Rawcology at AMI/St. David’s Niagara on the Lake

Expanding Retail Footprint Across Canada

Rawcology currently distributes products in more than 1,500 retail locations across North America, including major partners such as Sobeys, Whole Foods, and Bulk Barn.

Recent growth has been particularly strong in Western Canada, where consumer demand for functional and wellness-oriented foods continues to outpace other regions.

Megan Loach Tomulka noted that British Columbia has emerged as a leading market for the brand.

“We saw our strongest performance in B.C. during our Costco rotation, and that translated into increased direct-to-consumer demand as well,” she said. “There is a strong alignment with consumers who are focused on ingredient transparency and overall wellness.”

At the same time, the company is expanding its presence in Ontario, including new product listings and increased distribution across existing retail partners.

Canadian Roots with Global Ambitions

Despite its rapid growth, Rawcology remains a Canadian-owned company headquartered in the Toronto area. The founders emphasized that maintaining local roots is an important part of the brand’s identity, even as it scales internationally.

“This partnership allows us to stay true to our values while growing much faster,” Tara Tomulka said. “We are building something that is proudly Canadian but ready to compete on a global stage.”

With enhanced production capacity, expanded distribution, and a new consumer-facing retail concept, the Rawcology strategic partnership positions the company for what it describes as its most significant growth phase to date.

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Canadian Shopping Centre Performance Trends (2023–2025)

By
Craig Patterson
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Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. Image: Oxford Properties

New multi-year data from ICSC points to a clear shift in Canada’s shopping centre landscape. Between 2023 and 2025, retail performance has become increasingly concentrated among a small group of dominant assets, while many mid-tier properties have seen more modest gains or limited movement.

Retail Insider has independently tracked Canadian shopping centre sales per square foot for several years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, including through a partnership with the Retail Council of Canada. That research provided a consistent benchmark for retail productivity across the country.

However, the study was paused in 2020 as pandemic-related lockdowns disrupted normal retail activity. Shopping centre closures occurred at different times and durations across provinces, making direct comparisons between properties inconsistent and, in some cases, misleading.

As a result, the 2023 to 2025 data represents a more stable and comparable period for analyzing post-pandemic retail performance trends.

Yonge Street exterior of Eataly at CF Toronto Eaton Centre in Toronto, November 25, 2025. Photo: Craig Patterson

Top-Tier Assets Show Consistent Strength

At the top of the market, Yorkdale Shopping Centre continues to set the benchmark. The centre recorded sales of $2,402 per square foot in 2023, declined to $2,301 in 2024, and rebounded to $2,368 in 2025.

Other leading centres have demonstrated steady upward momentum. CF Toronto Eaton Centre increased from $1,457 per square foot in 2023 to $1,500 in 2024, before rising to $1,642 in 2025. Similarly, CF Pacific Centre climbed from $1,324 to $1,454 and then to $1,593 over the same period.

These patterns point to sustained demand for highly productive retail environments in major urban markets. Centres with strong luxury representation, international brands, and high levels of foot traffic continue to outperform.

CF Pacific Centre in Vancouver. Photo: Cadillac Fairview

The $1,000 Per Square Foot Divide Becomes Clearer

The data highlights the growing importance of the $1,000 per square foot threshold. In 2023, a significant number of Canadian shopping centres clustered around the $900 to $1,100 range, suggesting relatively broad-based recovery following the pandemic period.

By 2025, that middle band appears to be thinning. A larger group of top-tier centres has moved well above $1,300 per square foot, while many others remain below $700. The result is a more polarized distribution of retail performance across the country.

This shift suggests that tenant productivity is increasingly concentrated in dominant, high-traffic centres, reinforcing their competitive advantage.

A Widening Gap Across the Sector

The contrast between top and lower-performing assets has become more pronounced over the three-year period. Leading centres now achieve between approximately $1,300 and over $2,300 per square foot, while a large number of properties fall significantly below that range, often under $700.

This widening gap reflects structural changes within the retail industry. Retailers are prioritizing fewer, higher-performing locations, while consumers are increasingly gravitating toward destinations that offer a stronger mix of brands, dining, and experiences.

As a result, top-tier malls continue to attract investment and premium tenants, while mid-tier assets face greater pressure to differentiate.

CF Sherway Gardens in Toronto. Image: Cadillac Fairview

Case Studies Highlight Diverging Trajectories

A closer look at individual properties illustrates how performance trends are diverging. CF Toronto Eaton Centre and CF Pacific Centre have shown consistent upward growth over the three-year period, reinforcing their status as dominant urban retail destinations.

By contrast, some centres have experienced more variability. CF Sherway Gardens has seen fluctuations in sales productivity, reflecting how even well-established assets can be impacted by tenant changes, redevelopment activity, or shifting consumer patterns.

Regional Strength Reinforces Market Leadership

Toronto continues to dominate the upper tier of Canadian shopping centre performance, with multiple Greater Toronto Area properties consistently ranking among the country’s most productive. In addition to Yorkdale, centres such as Square One Shopping Centre and CF Sherway Gardens remain key players.

Western Canada has also demonstrated strength. CF Chinook Centre has posted steady gains, while Vancouver-area centres continue to rank among the country’s top performers.

These patterns suggest that top-performing retail assets in major metropolitan markets are benefiting from both population growth and sustained consumer demand.

Data Scope and Limitations

It should be noted that not all major Canadian shopping centres report sales per square foot through the International Council of Shopping Centers. Notable properties such as West Edmonton Mall, Park Royal, Toronto Premium Outlets, and McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport are not included in the dataset, despite being widely regarded as among the country’s highest-performing retail assets.

A More Concentrated Retail Landscape

Taken together, the 2023 to 2025 data points to a clear evolution in Canada’s retail landscape. Rather than broad-based growth across all shopping centres, performance is increasingly concentrated among a relatively small number of dominant properties.

This trend has important implications for landlords, retailers, and investors. High-performing centres are likely to continue attracting capital, premium tenants, and redevelopment activity, while lower-performing assets may face increasing pressure to reposition through mixed-use development or alternative uses.

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Flying Tiger Enters Canada with GTA Store Launch

By
Craig Patterson
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Flying Tiger store, image: Flying Tiger Copenhagen

Flying Tiger Copenhagen is set to enter the Canadian market with its first stores opening in June 2026, marking a major step in the brand’s global growth strategy. The Danish retailer will launch its Canadian presence in the Greater Toronto Area, with some initial locations replacing recently shuttered Fox Home stores in several major shopping centres.

This move follows a post on LinkedIn last year stating that approximately 50 Flying Tiger stores are expected to open across Canada by 2030. The expansion will be led through a franchise partnership with Fox Group, an international retail operator that has rapidly expanded its presence in Canada in recent years.

Flying Tiger store, image: Flying Tiger Copenhagen

Fox Home Closures Make Way for New Concept

The first Flying Tiger locations will take over several of the spaces previously occupied by Fox Home, a banner launched by Fox Group in early summer 2023. The concept operated eight stores across the Greater Toronto Area and is in the process of closing locations with liquidation sales (some have already shut).

Former Fox Home sites include high-profile shopping centres such as CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Yorkdale Shopping Centre, CF Sherway Gardens, CF Fairview Mall, Scarborough Town Centre, Vaughan Mills, Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket, and Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga. Signage at CF Toronto Eaton Centre confirms a location will open there this summer.

The transition of some of the Fox Home locations to Flying Tiger reflects a strategic shift by Fox Group to introduce a more globally recognized and differentiated retail concept into the Canadian market.

Construction signage for Flying Tiger at CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Photo: Eithne Lavin

Franchise Model Drives Canadian Entry

Flying Tiger’s Canadian expansion will be executed through a franchise model, with Fox Group Canada responsible for local operations including site selection, staffing, and logistics.

The Fox Group has built a reputation for scaling international retail brands across new markets. In Canada, it already operates banners such as Nike, Mango, and Laline, and is also preparing to introduce additional concepts including Jumbo.

This approach allows Flying Tiger to expand into Canada with reduced capital risk while leveraging Fox Group’s established relationships with major landlords and its operational expertise in the local market.

Flying Tiger store, image: Flying Tiger Copenhagen

Global Expansion and Strategic Context

The Canadian launch is part of a broader global expansion strategy for Flying Tiger Copenhagen, which is targeting growth in North America and Southeast Asia. The company currently operates more than 1,000 stores across over 40 countries and continues to expand through franchise partnerships.

The push into Canada follows a financial restructuring in 2025, when creditors including Danske Bank and Nordea assumed control of the business. This restructuring has led to a more asset-light model focused on franchise growth rather than direct store ownership.

In a LinkedIn announcement last year, the company noted that its Canadian expansion represents entry into a new continent and a significant extension of its global footprint, with plans to reach at least 50 Flying Tiger stores nationwide by the end of the decade.

Flying Tiger store, image: Flying Tiger Copenhagen

Unique Retail Concept Targets Urban Consumers

Flying Tiger will enter Canada’s competitive variety and lifestyle retail segment, positioning itself alongside players such as Miniso, Daiso, and Dollarama.

The brand differentiates itself through its focus on original Danish design and a constantly rotating assortment, introducing approximately 300 new products each month. Stores are designed as a one-way “treasure hunt” experience, encouraging discovery and impulse purchases through a curated, maze-like layout.

Its merchandise spans home goods, gifts, toys, and seasonal items, typically priced within an accessible range, appealing strongly to Gen Z and Millennial consumers in urban markets.

Growing Influence of Fox Group in Canada

The Flying Tiger Canada expansion further underscores the growing influence of Fox Group within the Canadian retail landscape. The company has adopted a strategy of clustering multiple brands within key shopping centres, strengthening its negotiating power with landlords while creating operational efficiencies.

With additional concepts such as Jumbo also planned for Canada, Fox Group is building a diversified portfolio that targets middle-market consumers with globally recognized brands.

Outlook for the Canadian Market

As Flying Tiger prepares to open its first Canadian stores, the brand’s success will depend on its ability to differentiate within an increasingly competitive value-driven retail environment. Its emphasis on design, novelty, and in-store experience may provide a compelling alternative to existing discount and variety retailers.

The phased rollout beginning in June 2026 will offer the first indication of how Canadian consumers respond to the concept, as the company works toward its longer-term goal of establishing a national footprint.

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