Leaders from two of the country’s most enduring and influential department stores will share a stage on June 3 in Toronto: Frederick Lecoq, Chief Marketing and Digital Officer of La Maison Simons and Carolyn Wright, Senior Vice President, Product and Planning of Holt Renfrew. One rooted in a distinctly Canadian approach to fashion, culture, and accessibility. The other synonymous with luxury, curation, and deeply personalized experience. Both deeply woven into the fabric of how this country shops, celebrates, and defines itself through retail.
In a global landscape where department stores have steadily disappeared, both brands have continued to invest, adapt, and double down on the store as a destination worth choosing. Frederick Lecoq and Carolyn Wright bring that perspective to Reinventing the Department Store in a New Era of Customer Expectations — an honest conversation about shifting customer expectations, the economics of physical retail, the role of stores in an increasingly digital ecosystem, and the fine balance between consistency and reinvention.
It’s a perspective you can only get from retailers who have built their legacies in the Canadian market.
And it’s only happening at RCCSTORE26. Across two days, this event brings together a calibre and breadth of speakers you won’t find under one roof anywhere else. CIBC’s Benjamin Tal on the economic outlook. Google Canada’s Eric Morris on AI and the customer journey. Michaels Global CEO David Boone on reinventing the in-store experience. Marketing executives from Canadian Tire, Miele, and Reitmans on brand building and loyalty. Supply chain executives from Port Saint John, DP World Canada, and CPKC Rail on building resilience into how goods move across this country.
From technology to operations to marketing, the full spectrum of Canadian retail, in one room, for two days.
EMMYDEVEAUX storefront in Kelowna. Photo: EMMYDEVEAUX
Kelowna’s retail scene has gained a notable new addition with the opening of an EMMYDEVEAUX storefront in Pandosy Village, as founder Emily Salsbury also steps into the public spotlight with a campaign for Mayor of Kelowna. The brand’s new street-level location at 2983 Pandosy Street marks a fresh chapter for the Alberta-founded fashion label, which has shifted its centre of gravity to British Columbia in recent years. The company’s website now promotes in-person shopping at that address, listing regular store hours in Kelowna.
The new boutique is a compact 680-square-foot space, but it represents something significant for the business. Salsbury said the store opened only about four weeks ago and is serving as a real-time test of what physical retail could look like for the brand after years of operating through e-commerce, studio space, and selective in-person access.
Emily Salsbury
“This is a good first step for us,” she said. “I love physical retail. If we continue in any capacity, it’s going to be that, because we’ve figured out what the physical retail can look like.”
Located in Kelowna’s Pandosy Village, near the waterfront and surrounded by other fashion businesses, the store benefits from a growing cluster of apparel retail. Salsbury described the area as distinct from downtown Kelowna, but still part of an active urban corridor with strong pedestrian traffic and a mix of lifestyle-oriented businesses.
Retail Test Follows Years of Kelowna Investment
While the storefront is new, EMMYDEVEAUX has not arrived in Kelowna overnight. Salsbury said she established a design office in the city more than three years ago, with that upstairs space now functioning as office and shipping operations. Over time, Kelowna became the practical and creative base for the business.
At the same time, the company has fully exited Edmonton. Salsbury said nothing remains of the brand’s former operations there after persistent building issues, including flooding and leaks, damaged inventory and archives, and broader structural challenges. That retreat closed the book on the label’s earlier Alberta chapter and reinforced Kelowna as its new operational home.
The shift aligns with the brand’s broader positioning. EMMYDEVEAUX describes itself as a capsule-driven label founded by Emily Salsbury-Deveaux in 2018, with a focus on timeless silhouettes, fit, and versatile wardrobe pieces rather than trend-driven fashion.
The company also continues to emphasize direct-to-consumer selling and a reserve-first production model through its website.
Inside the new EMMYDEVEAUX store in Kelowna. Photo: EMMYDEVEAUX
A Brand Built on Design Precision and Customer Trust
The EMMYDEVEAUX Kelowna store also arrives at a time when the company is refining its product strategy rather than chasing rapid expansion. Salsbury said the business has developed a core catalogue over roughly eight years, and that being fully based in Kelowna has allowed her to focus more deeply on design. She said about 25 new pieces are currently in development, alongside continued work on the Harper Heel footwear line.
What makes the company unusual is the level of trust it appears to have built with its customer base. Salsbury said roughly 70 per cent of many products are still pre-ordered before arrival, allowing the brand to reduce risk while maintaining a highly engaged community.
“When you focus on the design of the product, that’s the only reason we keep going,” she said. “I have these customers who are so trusting of the brand that they’ll pledge up their money.”
That approach fits with the brand’s stated philosophy. On its website, EMMYDEVEAUX presents itself as a business rooted in careful design, technical pattern drafting, and clothing intended to work across different settings and stages of daily life.
Image: EMMYDEVEAUX
Physical Retail Returns to the Conversation
For Salsbury, the Kelowna storefront is about more than selling clothing off a rack. It is also about evaluating whether the brand has a viable long-term brick-and-mortar model.
She said consumers often walk into the shop without immediately understanding the concept because the space is visually minimal and product-led. However, once they look up the company online and return with more context, the brand story becomes clearer. That discovery process is one reason she sees the store as an experiment rather than a final answer.
The company’s online channels still reflect a hybrid retail approach, with Canadian and U.S. e-commerce activity alongside selective in-person shopping, and a separate U.S. site serving American customers from Portland-based fulfillment.
Founder Launches Bid for Kelowna Mayor
The EMMYDEVEAUX Kelowna store is opening at the same moment Salsbury is entering civic politics. Local media reported on April 17 that the business owner and fashion entrepreneur is set to run for mayor in Kelowna’s 2026 municipal election, while her campaign presence has also been promoted through her public “Emily for Kelowna” channels.
Salsbury said the decision grew out of both her business experience and her sense that the city needs stronger direction. She described the move as a natural extension of years spent working in retail strategy, economic development, consulting, and brand-building.
“I’ve got this huge bucket of knowledge, and what can I do next?” she said. “I love community, and I’m really good at getting things done. I just felt like I’m the right person for it.”
She said she has been in a research and listening phase for several months, attending council meetings, public forums, and community events while inviting residents to book meetings, calls, and walks with her directly. According to Salsbury, this period is less about campaigning in the traditional sense and more about understanding what residents see as the city’s biggest needs.
It is still unusual to see a fashion founder open a boutique while simultaneously launching a mayoral run, but in Salsbury’s case the two efforts appear connected by a common theme of local engagement. She framed both the business and the campaign around the idea of building something durable and useful, whether that means clothing designed to last or a civic platform built through listening and research.
“My plan right now is to run for mayor and run a good campaign and get the job, and do the work,” she said.
Image: EMMYDEVEAUX Website
What Comes Next for the Brand
Salsbury said she has no fixed five-year expansion plan for EMMYDEVEAUX at this stage. Instead, she is using the Kelowna store as a testing ground to determine whether a scalable physical retail model exists for the brand, and whether a larger format or additional locations could make sense over time.
The current space limits the breadth of product that can be carried. However, it offers valuable insight into customer behaviour, merchandising, and how the brand translates in a physical environment after years of operating primarily through e-commerce and controlled distribution.
At the same time, Salsbury acknowledged that future growth may depend on strengthening the company’s operational structure. She said she is exploring the addition of an equity operating partner who could focus on scaling the business, including retail expansion, partnerships, and broader business development.
“I have to stay in my lane,” she said. “I need to stay focused on the product, the manufacturing relationships, and making sure we deliver. What I really need is an operating partner who can help take this to the next level.”
For now, the brand remains intentionally measured in its growth. Salsbury emphasized that maintaining product integrity and customer trust remains the priority, even as she evaluates new opportunities. The Kelowna store represents both a return to physical retail and a strategic checkpoint, one that could shape the next phase of EMMYDEVEAUX’s evolution.
Water Street pedestrian zone pilot in Vancouver's Gastown, 2025. Photo: City of Vancouver
The Vancouver City Council has unanimously approved the Gastown Public Spaces Plan, a long-term strategy that could reshape one of Canada’s most historic retail districts into a more pedestrian-focused, experience-driven commercial corridor.
The Gastown Public Spaces Plan sets out a framework to transform streets, public spaces, and infrastructure with the goal of increasing foot traffic, supporting local businesses, and improving the overall retail environment. The move comes at a pivotal time for Gastown, which has faced mounting challenges tied to safety concerns, shifting consumer patterns, and high-profile retail closures.
Mayor Ken Sim said the plan “sets a clear path for Gastown’s future as a people-first neighbourhood for generations to come,” emphasizing its role in supporting long-term vitality while creating welcoming spaces for residents and visitors.
Water Street pedestrian zone pilot in Vancouver’s Gastown, 2025. Photo: City of Vancouver
From Pass-Through Corridor to Retail Destination
At the centre of the Gastown Public Spaces Plan is a fundamental repositioning of Water Street. The corridor will evolve into a flexible, multimodal retail street designed to prioritize pedestrians while still accommodating limited vehicle access.
For retailers, the shift signals a move away from Gastown functioning as a pass-through route toward becoming a destination where visitors spend more time. Increased dwell time is closely linked to higher retail conversion, particularly for food, beverage, and experiential concepts that benefit from extended visits.
The plan also includes enhancements to key nodes such as Maple Tree Square, which will be redesigned to support daily activity and public gatherings. These types of public realm investments are increasingly tied to retail performance, as curated, walkable environments tend to attract both independent operators and national brands seeking high-engagement locations.
The Gastown Public Spaces Plan is not limited to surface-level improvements. It includes significant infrastructure upgrades, replacing aging materials with more durable and accessible surfaces such as concrete and granite pavers.
At the same time, Cordova Street will be converted to permanent two-way traffic, helping divert commuter flows away from Gastown’s core retail streets. This separation of vehicle traffic from pedestrian-heavy areas is expected to improve safety and reduce congestion, both of which are critical considerations for retailers evaluating location decisions.
Together, these changes point to a longer-term strategy aimed at stabilizing and eventually strengthening the district’s retail fundamentals, including leasing demand and tenant mix.
Water Street pedestrian zone pilot in Vancouver’s Gastown, 2025. Photo: City of Vancouver
Retail Challenges Underscore Urgency of the Plan
The approval of the Gastown Public Spaces Plan comes against a backdrop of well-documented retail challenges in the area.
The closure of London Drugs at the Woodward’s complex earlier in 2026 marked a significant loss for the neighbourhood, removing a key daily needs retailer that also housed essential services such as a pharmacy and post office. The decision followed ongoing concerns related to vandalism, theft, and safety.
At the same time, other incidents and operational disruptions have highlighted the fragility of the retail ecosystem in Gastown. For many businesses, issues tied to public safety, cleanliness, and accessibility have directly impacted performance and long-term viability.
In this context, the Gastown Public Spaces Plan represents more than a design exercise. It is a coordinated attempt to address underlying conditions that influence whether retailers choose to enter, remain in, or exit the market.
Woodward’s development in Vancouver. Photo: Kornfeld LLP
Strong Support from Businesses and the Public
Despite earlier skepticism around pedestrianization, recent pilot programs have helped shift sentiment among both retailers and visitors.
Surveys conducted following the 2025 pilot showed that 81% of businesses and 84% of the public supported the return of pedestrian zones.
This level of support suggests that operators are increasingly recognizing the potential upside of car-light environments, particularly when paired with programming, events, and improved public space design. For many retailers, the ability to activate storefronts and engage customers beyond traditional transactions is becoming a key competitive advantage.
Water Street pedestrian zone pilot in Vancouver’s Gastown, 2025. Photo: City of Vancouver
Summer 2026 Pedestrian Zone Returns
As part of early implementation, the Water Street Pedestrian Zone will return for summer 2026. The program will run on Sundays from July 5 to September 6, with road closures from noon to 8 p.m.
Programming will be led by the Gastown Business Improvement Society, with support from the City. These recurring activations are expected to drive incremental foot traffic during peak tourism months while providing retailers with opportunities to participate in events and street-level engagement.
Water Street pedestrian zone pilot in Vancouver’s Gastown, 2025. Photo: City of Vancouver
Positioning Gastown for Global Attention in 2026
The timing of the Gastown Public Spaces Plan is particularly notable given the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, which will bring a significant influx of international visitors to Vancouver.
Gastown’s proximity to key tourist infrastructure, including the cruise ship terminal and downtown hotels, positions it as a potential showcase district. A more walkable, visually cohesive, and culturally integrated environment could enhance its appeal as a destination for both visitors and global brands seeking exposure.
For retailers, this creates opportunities ranging from short-term pop-ups and brand activations to longer-term leasing decisions tied to increased visibility and foot traffic.
Key highlights of the Q1 2026 edition of the Main Street Quarterly report
CFIB’s estimates and forecasts in partnership with AppEco suggest the Canadian economy grew 1.6% in Q1 2026 and is expected to increase to 1.6% in Q2. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation is expected to be around 2.9% in Q2 2026.
After declines all throughout last year, private investment is expected to recover by 3.1% in the first quarter and 2.9% in the second quarter.
A special analysis this quarter reveals that small firms’ investment plans are edging back to their historical average. However, with business confidence indicating cautious optimism, business owners are prioritizing upkeep over expansion projects.
The sectoral profile on investment shows that at least two-thirds of firms in every sector plan to invest in employee training. A strong majority of firms in most sectors look to invest in marketing and promotion, while at least half of firms across most sectors, plan to invest in non-AI technology or equipment.
The Q1 2026 private sector job vacancy rate remained unchanged at 2.8%, representing 391,300 unfilled positions.
Simon Gaudreault
CFIB’s Chief Economist and Vice-President of Research, Simon Gaudreault,said: “While current geopolitical tensions and fuel volatility are putting pressure on consumers and businesses, we forecast the Canadian economy will show a modest recovery for the first half of 2026. This strength stems from strong oil and gas production as well as sustained construction activity. However, challenges persist and small business-friendly policies, such as the temporary pause on the federal fuel taxes, would provide a much-needed relief for firms that continue to face sky-high operating costs.
“After declining for most of 2025 and closing the year with an overall contraction of 1.7%, small firms’ investment plans are signalling positive but cautious sentiment. Most businesses remain focused on maintaining existing operations rather than on major expansion amid higher costs, uncertainty, and continued soft demand.”
Amid tariff‑related uncertainty and shifting global trade conditions, it is more important than ever to strengthen sectors that drive economic activity and support jobs in our communities. Alberta’s tourism sector has what the world wants with incredible sites across the province. These investments will offer an inclusive pathway to strengthen long-term economic resilience and create meaningful jobs in communities across the province, says the Government of Canada.
This support from PrairiesCan will help enhance cultural and heritage experiences, expand accommodation offerings and improve attractions. Their efforts will contribute to vibrant travel destinations – including in rural areas and beyond high-volume tourism periods – while supporting more than 50 jobs, said the government.
The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) launched in 2023 with $108 million over three years to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small and medium-sized businesses, and not-for-profit organizations develop or expand local tourism experiences. The program was designed to complement other federal, provincial, and territorial tourism supports and was part of the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.
PrairiesCan announced $1,940,281 in funding under TGP for the following eight projects across Alberta:
Aurum Experience Ltd. Expand infrastructure at Aurum Lodge to better meet the growing demand for year-round accommodations in the Abraham Lake and Nordegg areas. This project will increase capacity, enhance visitor experiences and enable year-round operations of the lodge. This represents an investment of $249,999 in repayable funding.
The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland Society Create three permanent galleries dedicated to the Tsuut’ina Nation, Stoney Nakoda Nation, and the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6) to showcase Indigenous knowledge, histories, stories, and culture. Curated by Indigenous artists, this project offers insight into Indigenous experiences near the Bow and Elbow rivers over time. This represents an investment of $349,629.
Chimney Rock Ranch Retreat Inc. Expand accommodations, event spaces, and visitor programming that can house visitors in the peak season and attract tourists to the Nanton area outside of the peak season. This woman-owned, rural project will scale-up operations of Chimney Rock Ranch Retreat and transform it into an all-season destination. This represents an investment of $250,000 in repayable funding.
Friends of the Ukrainian Village Society Construct a multi-purpose event space, including a covered outdoor venue and natural seating, at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village to replace infrastructure lost to fire. This expansion will enable immersive cultural programming such as concerts, culinary tourism, and Farmers’ Markets to strengthen the open-air museum’s role as a regional tourism anchor, extending the visitor season and driving economic growth. This represents an investment of $250,000.
Lakeview Investments Inc. Build all-season cabins, install outdoor spa amenities, and create accessible spaces at Lakeview Lodge to attract tourists to explore the County of Barrhead in all seasons. This project will enhance facilities while increasing overnight visitor capacity. This represents an investment of $341,184 in repayable funding.
Pine Creek Retreat Expand Indigenous tourism experiences and accommodations in the Bears Ears Reserve on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. This expansion, along with accessibility upgrades, will help to meet growing demand for authentic Indigenous tourism experiences in Alberta. This represents an investment of $200,000.
Rural River Rentals Ltd. Develop elevated glamping experiences for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in nature, adventure, and Métis history while enjoying modern comforts. This project will accelerate business growth and expand active outdoor tourism products and authentic Métis experiences available in Sturgeon County. This represents an investment of $115,000.
The Woods Experience Ltd. Upgrade visitor accommodations and programming facilities to enhance access to authentic Indigenous tourism experiences and year-round programming. This project will further develop the Indigenous tourism ecosystem in Yellowhead County while advancing Indigenous economic participation. This represents an investment of $184,469.
Dutch menswear brand Atelier Munro is set to open its third Canadian location next week with a new boutique in downtown Vancouver, marking another step in its direct-to-consumer expansion strategy across the country.
The Atelier Munro Vancouver store will be located at 535 Howe Street, in a space previously occupied by an art gallery. The location sits directly across from Holt Renfrew, placing the brand in one of the city’s most prominent luxury retail corridors.
This opening follows the company’s first Canadian location in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood in fall 2022 and a second outpost in Calgary in 2023, as the brand continues to build a national presence targeting affluent, style-conscious consumers.
Direct-to-Consumer Strategy Drives Expansion
The Atelier Munro Vancouver store reflects the company’s broader shift from a wholesale model to a vertically integrated, direct-to-consumer approach. Historically distributed through retail partners, including Harry Rosen, the brand has transitioned to operating its own standalone “House” locations that prioritize customer experience and brand control.
This evolution accelerated after Atelier Munro exited wholesale partnerships in Canada around 2023, allowing the company to fully own its retail environments, customer data, and margins.
Each location is designed as more than a traditional store. The “House” concept emphasizes hospitality, personalization, and community engagement, positioning the brand within a lifestyle context rather than a purely transactional retail format.
Rendering of the Vancouver Atelier Munro at 535 Howe Street
Western Canada Becomes a Strategic Focus
The opening of the Atelier Munro Vancouver store underscores a deliberate focus on Western Canada as a growth market. Following the success of its Toronto flagship, the company identified Calgary and Vancouver as key cities with strong concentrations of high-net-worth professionals seeking personalized apparel solutions.
In Calgary, the brand established a presence in the Beltline district, adapting its concept to a more industrial-modern aesthetic and emphasizing casual and outerwear offerings tailored to the local market. Vancouver represents a continuation of this strategy, with a location that aligns with the city’s established luxury retail ecosystem.
Product Expansion Beyond Traditional Tailoring
Alongside its retail expansion, Atelier Munro has broadened its product assortment beyond made-to-measure suiting. The brand now offers a wider range of customizable and ready-to-wear options, including sneakers, outerwear, knitwear, and casual apparel designed for more flexible, modern lifestyles.
Recent collections emphasize versatility, with pieces intended to transition seamlessly between professional and social settings. The introduction of curated ready-to-wear capsules also aims to attract customers seeking immediate purchases, complementing the brand’s core made-to-measure offering.
Technology and On-Demand Model Differentiate the Brand
A key component of Atelier Munro’s strategy is its technology-driven production model. The company operates a proprietary digital platform that enables extensive customization while connecting directly to manufacturing facilities in Europe.
Unlike traditional luxury retailers that carry seasonal inventory, Atelier Munro produces garments on demand. This approach reduces excess stock and aligns with shifting consumer expectations around sustainability and personalization.
From B2B Supplier to Global Consumer Brand
Founded in Amsterdam, Atelier Munro evolved from a business-to-business tailoring provider into a global direct-to-consumer brand in 2017. The company leveraged its existing manufacturing and technology infrastructure to build a consumer-facing identity focused on modern tailoring.
Today, the brand operates in more than 50 partner locations globally while increasingly prioritizing its own flagship “House” environments to define its retail experience.
KFC Canada is leaning into hockey culture with a localized activation that brings pieces of Montreal’s sports history directly into its restaurants. As the NHL playoffs capture national attention, the brand has installed original seats from the Montreal Forum in select locations across the Greater Montreal area.
The initiative ties a globally recognized quick service restaurant brand to one of the most iconic venues in hockey history, creating a physical connection between dining and fandom at a time when engagement is at its peak.
Unlike typical themed promotions, the campaign features authentic arena seats rather than reproductions. These seats once belonged to the Montreal Forum, which served as home to the Montreal Canadiens during decades of championship success.
By incorporating real artifacts, KFC is elevating what could have been a standard promotional effort into a more immersive in-store experience. Customers are invited to sit in a piece of hockey history while dining, effectively turning restaurants into informal viewing and gathering spaces during the playoffs.
The activation is currently available at five locations across the Montreal region, including sites in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, and Kirkland.
Locations include:
4086 rue Wellington, Montréal
1670 rue Saint-Denis, Montréal
3000 boul. St-Charles, Kirkland
850 ch. de Chambly, Longueuil
1689 boul.des Laurentides, Laval
Tapping Into Hockey Superstition and Culture
The campaign is positioned around the idea of playoff superstition, a well-known aspect of hockey fandom. By framing the seats as “lucky,” KFC connects with emotional behaviours that often drive consumer engagement during major sporting events.
At the same time, the brand has paired the activation with a value-driven promotion, offering its Famous Chicken Sandwich at a reduced price on game days. This combination of experiential marketing and pricing strategy is designed to increase foot traffic while reinforcing relevance during the playoff season.
Retail Strategy Rooted in Localization
This initiative highlights how global brands are increasingly adopting hyper-local strategies to resonate with Canadian consumers. In this case, KFC is aligning itself with Montreal’s deep-rooted hockey identity, using nostalgia as a bridge between brand and customer.
The Montreal Forum remains a powerful cultural symbol, having hosted the Canadiens from 1926 to 1996 and serving as the backdrop for numerous Stanley Cup victories. That legacy continues to carry emotional significance, particularly among longtime fans.
By bringing elements of that history into its restaurants, KFC is positioning its locations as more than transactional spaces. Instead, they become part of the broader playoff experience, where food, sport, and memory intersect.
Montreal Forum under construction in 1924
Experiential QSR Marketing Gains Momentum
KFC’s Montreal Forum seats activation reflects a broader shift in the quick service restaurant sector toward experiential marketing. As competition intensifies, brands are looking beyond menu innovation to create environments that encourage customers to stay longer and engage more deeply.
In this context, the use of authentic sports memorabilia stands out as a differentiator. It offers a level of credibility and emotional resonance that traditional promotional materials often lack.
As playoff momentum builds around the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League, KFC Canada is bringing a piece of hockey history back into the spotlight, installing original seats from the legendary Montreal Forum inside select restaurants across Greater Montreal to help channel the energy of the team’s most iconic championship era.
Not replicas. The real thing, said the company.
“In a bold move that blends superstition and culture, KFC is integrating a powerful symbol of the team’s legacy. Fans can now sit where history once lived, tapping into fandom that fueled generations of wins,” said the company.
Fans can find and sit in the “lucky seats” at five locations:
4086 rue Wellington, Montréal
1670 rue Saint-Denis, Montréal
3000 boul. St-Charles, Kirkland
850 ch. de Chambly, Longueuil
1689 boul.des Laurentides, Laval
“Like KFC, Hockey fans don’t do things halfway, especially in Montreal,” said Lauren Pottie, Senior Manager, Media & Partnerships, KFC Canada. “This city leans into superstition, shows up loudly every single game, and we are matching and celebrating its energy unapologetically.”
Lauren Pottie
On Canadiens game day, KFC Canada said it is offering the Famous Chicken Sandwich for just $5.95, giving fans one more reason to show up, sit down, and lock into the moment.
Founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1952, KFC is the world’s most popular chain of chicken restaurants. Kentucky Fried Chicken Canada Company (KFC Canada) is a subsidiary of YUM! Brands, Inc. which operates more than 60,000 restaurants in more than 150 countries around the world. KFC Canada has more than 650 locations in Canada.
Sales at greenhouse, nursery, field-grown cut flower and sod operations increased 7.5% to $6.5 billion in 2025, marking a fifth consecutive annual increase, according to a recent Statistics Canada report.
Greenhouse growers accounted for just over four-fifths (84.4%) of total sales in 2025 at $5.5 billion, driven by increased production of greenhouse fruits and vegetables and by higher prices, said the federal agency.
Tomatoes were the top greenhouse crop by sales in 2025, up 4.5% year over year to 334.7 million kilograms. Although cucumber production was higher (+5.2% to 384.1 million kilograms), tomatoes accounted for a slightly larger share of sales (19.4% versus 18.8%), it said.
“Total greenhouse area increased by 1.4% to 35.9 million square metres in 2025. Ontario accounted for just under two-thirds (64.9%) of total greenhouse area nationally in 2025, followed by British Columbia (17.4%) and Quebec (10.4%),” explained Statistics Canada.
“Greenhouse harvested area dedicated to strawberry production grew at the fastest pace in 2025, rising 45.5% to 1.2 million square metres. Harvested area dedicated to lettuce (+8.1% to 414.1 thousand square metres), fine herbs (+11.2% to 200.6 thousand square metres) and Chinese vegetables (+23.0% to 114.0 thousand square metres) were also up significantly.”
Tomatoes and cucumbers were the leading greenhouse export commodities from Canada to the United States in 2025, said Statistics Canada.
In 2025, cucumber exports increased 12.7% to 290.0 million kilograms and tomato exports rose 0.5% to 231.7 million kilograms. The United States remained Canada’s primary export market, accounting for approximately 99% of Canada’s greenhouse export market, it noted.
Vitaly Gariev photo
“In 2025, sales of potted plants increased 8.9% to $1.5 billion, driven by a 3.9% rise in production to 269.1 million pots. Cut flower sales increased 9.8% year over year to $252.7 million,” said Statistics Canada.
“Canada’s total nursery area decreased 2.4% to 37.2 thousand acres in 2025, largely driven by declines in Ontario (-5.3%), Alberta (-1.5%) and British Columbia (-0.9%). In contrast, increases were reported in Quebec (+4.6%), New Brunswick (+3.2%) and Nova Scotia (+1.7%).
“Despite the reduction in area, nursery sales rose 1.8% to $852.7 million. Canada’s total sod area edged up 0.1% to 50.9 thousand acres in 2025 while sales rose 2.1% to $164.8 million.”
StatsCan said Canada’s total greenhouse operating expenses increased 4.3% to $4.2 billion in 2025 on higher input and production costs. Plant material costs rose 16.3% to $759.5 million and gross yearly payroll increased 2.6% to $1.2 billion.
Electricity costs rose by over one-fifth (21.2%) year over year to $181.9 million in 2025, while other fuels (+12.2%) and heating oil (+11.0%) costs were up by over one-tenth. Natural gas costs rose 4.7% to $265.4 million.
In the nursery sector, total operating expenses edged up 0.5% to $721.1 million. In contrast, operating expenses in the sod sector fell 3.3% to $130.6 million.
A new industry event examining the evolving dynamics of Canada’s retail sector is set to take place in Toronto this spring. The conference, organized by Insolvency Insider, will bring together executives, lenders, advisors, and restructuring professionals for a focused morning of discussion.
The Canadian retail in transition conference will be held on May 8, 2026 at the offices of PwC Canada at 18 York Street. The half-day event is positioned as a practical and candid forum to examine the forces reshaping retail in Canada, from insolvencies and restructuring activity to broader structural changes across the sector.
A Sector Under Pressure and Transformation
Canadian retail continues to navigate a period of significant disruption. While some formats remain resilient, others face mounting pressure driven by shifting consumer behaviour, supply chain volatility, tariffs, and the continued rise of e-commerce.
The conference agenda reflects these realities, beginning with a panel focused on the changing face of Canadian retail. Industry insiders will examine which segments are performing, where weaknesses are emerging, and how operators and stakeholders can interpret current market signals.
Subsequent discussions will explore operational turnaround strategies, including store footprint optimization, vendor relationships, and liquidity management. These topics have become increasingly relevant as more retailers look to stabilize performance without entering formal insolvency proceedings.
Craig Patterson to Share Frontline Perspective
The morning will include a fireside chat titled “The Retail Insider View,” featuring Craig Patterson, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Retail Insider. Drawing on extensive coverage of the sector, Patterson will examine recent retail insolvencies in Canada, identifying warning signs, structural challenges, and emerging patterns across cases.
The discussion is expected to provide insight into both high-profile failures and less visible pressures affecting retailers across the country. It will also explore how broader economic and competitive forces are influencing outcomes.
From Turnaround to Formal Proceedings
Later sessions will shift toward the mechanics of formal restructuring processes. Panels will examine how insolvency proceedings unfold in practice, including the role of monitors, debtor-in-possession financing, creditor dynamics, and landlord considerations.
As retail restructurings become more complex, particularly in cross-border contexts, the conference will also address valuation challenges, intellectual property considerations, and the evolving landscape for buyers and investors.
Bringing Together Key Industry Stakeholders
The event is designed for a wide range of participants, including retail executives, lenders, real estate professionals, and advisors working directly within the sector.
Confirmed speakers include senior professionals from PwC, Stikeman Elliott, Torys, Tiger Group, and FAAN Advisors, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of retail restructuring today.
Attendance is complimentary for many industry participants, including retailers, landlords, and investors, while restructuring professionals and advisors can attend for a fee.
With limited capacity and a focused half-day format, the conference aims to deliver high-value insights and meaningful networking opportunities for those actively engaged in Canada’s retail landscape.
