A growing number of Canadians are turning to artificial intelligence to guide what they buy, with a new survey suggesting the technology is becoming embedded in consumer decision-making.
The Léger survey, conducted in June on behalf of National Bank of Canada, found that 39 per cent of Canadians have used generative AI tools to support a purchasing decision in the past year.
The findings point to a shift in how consumers approach spending, with AI tools now influencing a range of everyday and more complex decisions, including purchases, travel planning and personal finances.
Among those who use AI, the survey suggests the technology is being applied broadly. Respondents reported using AI for health and wellness questions (36 per cent), food and recipes (32 per cent), purchasing products or services (31 per cent), travel (28 per cent), entertainment (24 per cent) and personal finances (23 per cent).
The results also indicate that many users see practical benefits. Eighty per cent said AI tools help them better compare options, while 57 per cent said the technology helps them save money.
At the same time, the survey suggests some caution among users. Twenty-eight per cent reported regretting a purchase recommended by AI, while 23 per cent said the technology has encouraged them to spend more. A majority, 61 per cent, said AI has more influence on their purchasing decisions than advertising.
“These results show that AI is quickly becoming second nature for Canadians. With our survey on AI usage, we wanted to better understand how Canadians are using new technologies to make a range of important life decisions — whether it’s everyday purchases or larger, more complex projects. This is where human expertise makes a real difference — whether from a financial advisor or a business owner — by understanding clients and their goals to deliver guidance that leads to decisions truly aligned with their needs and objectives.”
The survey also highlights regional differences in adoption. Quebec reported the highest usage rate, with 45 per cent of respondents saying they had used AI to support a purchasing decision, followed by Ontario at 41 per cent. Atlantic Canada stood at 35 per cent, while Alberta and British Columbia each reported 34 per cent. Manitoba and Saskatchewan had the lowest reported usage at 28 per cent.
Age also appears to play a role in how significantly AI influences purchasing behaviour. Among users aged 18 to 34, 56 per cent said AI has a moderate to significant impact on their purchasing decisions. That compares with 45 per cent of those aged 35 to 54 and 37 per cent among those aged 55 and over.
Overall, 47 per cent of AI users said the technology has a moderate to significant influence on their purchasing decisions, while 53 per cent said it has little or no impact.
The survey was conducted online between June 5 and 7 among 1,518 Canadians aged 18 and older. Results were weighted to reflect the population by age, gender, region, mother tongue, education and presence of children in the household.
National Bank of Canada reported assets of $618 billion as of April 30, 2026, and employs approximately 35,000 people across its operations.
New research commissioned by Purolator Inc. suggests uncertainty around trade policy and cross-border requirements is having a greater impact on North American businesses than tariffs themselves, as companies prepare for a key continental trade agreement review.
The survey of supply chain and logistics decision-makers in Canada and the United States points to growing strain on business planning, pricing and operations ahead of the July 2026 review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, also known as CUSMA or USMCA.
The findings highlight a shift in how companies are assessing trade-related risks, with unpredictability emerging as a more difficult challenge than the direct financial costs of tariffs. While tariffs continue to affect revenues, businesses report that changing rules and unclear conditions are complicating decision-making and long-term planning.
“The upcoming CUSMA / USMCA review is a critical moment for cross-border trade, yet many businesses are still reacting rather than preparing. What we see in the data is a readiness gap. Shippers need clear information and practical options they can use now, especially when decisions can’t wait for perfect clarity,” said Brett Huttman, vice-president of strategy, marketing and communications at Purolator.
According to the report, businesses are already experiencing measurable financial impacts from tariffs. On average, respondents said tariffs have reduced revenues by 23 per cent. Canadian companies estimated average annual losses of $661,000, while U.S. businesses reported average losses of $710,000.
Despite those figures, the report suggests financial costs alone are not the primary concern for many companies. Instead, uncertainty tied to evolving trade policies and compliance requirements is proving harder to manage.
The survey indicates most businesses have taken steps to respond to tariff pressures, but many remain unprepared for further disruption. While 93 per cent of respondents said they have made operational changes, only 39 per cent reported being fully prepared to implement additional measures if conditions worsen.
The findings also point to differences in how supported companies feel by their logistics partners. Just 16 per cent of Canadian shippers described themselves as “very supported,” compared with 30 per cent of U.S. respondents.
That gap underscores broader concerns about access to guidance and operational flexibility as companies adjust to shifting trade conditions.
“When uncertainty is high, businesses are looking for a partner that can provide expertise and capability at scale. Experience, reach and reliability matter most when shippers are asked to reroute freight, reassess suppliers or change plans with limited notice,” Huttman said.
The report suggests that many companies continue to respond tactically rather than strategically, even as the upcoming CUSMA review could shape trade conditions across North America for years.
Purolator photo
Among the steps outlined in the report to help businesses navigate the next year are strengthening compliance with CUSMA rules, assessing exposure to tariffs, diversifying supplier networks and working more closely with logistics providers that can offer trade guidance.
The findings point to a broader challenge for businesses operating across borders: balancing immediate operational pressures with the need for longer-term planning in an environment where key variables remain in flux.
With the CUSMA review approaching, the report suggests companies may need to accelerate preparations to manage both the direct costs of tariffs and the less predictable effects of policy changes.
Factor Meals, Canada’s leading ready to eat meal brand, has opened a new 50,000-square-foot kitchen and distribution centre in Calgary, saying the “state-of-the-art facility” establishes localized production in Western Canada, serving as a milestone in unlocking nationwide delivery for the brand this Fall.
Initially launched in 2022 to serve Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes, the Calgary expansion allows Factor Meals to seamlessly scale its dietitian-approved, chef-crafted meal deliveries from coast to coast, said the company.
“Activating our Calgary kitchen is a critical piece of the puzzle for Factor Meals in Canada,” said Ian Brooks, CEO of HelloFresh Canada, Factor Meals’ parent company. “This facility positions us to achieve national service in the coming months, bringing fresh, nutritious, and convenient meals to millions of new households across the Western provinces.”
The company said the facility represents a major economic investment in the region, creating 400 new jobs across production, logistics, and management. The launch was supported by $3.6 million in provincial and federal funding, including $2.3 million from an Alberta Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit (APITC) and $1.3 million from a Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (SCAP) grant.
Ian Brooks
The company said the facility will also integrate deeply with the regional agricultural supply chain, utilizing provincial incentives to advance the Province’s agricultural sector.
“With 400 new roles, this facility allows us to work closely with local suppliers while delivering fresh meals directly to customers’ doorsteps across Western Canada,” said Kevin Marban, General Manager of Factor Meals. “We’re incredibly grateful for the partnership with the city and the Province and look forward to continuing to support the local community.”
Kevin Marban
The company said the facility operates as a large-scale commercial kitchen and production site designed to prepare high-quality meals fresh daily.
“Built to support premium flavour development, freshness, and strict food safety, the infrastructure includes advanced industrial ovens, grills, braisers, and blast-chilling capabilities. To seamlessly manage the supply chain from raw ingredients to final fulfillment, the site features extensive commercial-scale warehouse space with dedicated receiving docks for fresh-cut produce and proteins. The operation utilizes multiple temperature-controlled zones and ambient storage to maintain strict cold-chain integrity,” it noted.
Factor Meals said it is also establishing local food rescue initiatives to distribute surplus ingredients and meals to residents experiencing food insecurity. The brand has partnered with Second Harvest nationally, alongside local organizations including the Calgary Food Bank and the Community Kitchen Program of Calgary.
Factor Meals image
Tara Sawyer
Tara Sawyer, Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, said: “Factor Meals’ new facility is a prime example of how Alberta is attracting major investment in value-added processing. The Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit and the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership help companies establish and grow in our province while taking advantage of some of the best agricultural inputs in the world. Investments like this support local farmers, strengthen our ag sector and help meet the growing demand for high-quality agri-food products.”
Keith Bradley
“Factor Meals’ investment underscores the growing strength of Alberta’s integrated supply chain–from locally produced ingredients to advanced food processing and distribution. By choosing Alberta as a base for their Western Canada operations, HelloFresh and Factor are helping improve access to high-quality, affordable food options for consumers across the region. Invest Alberta is pleased to support companies making meaningful, lasting investments that connect our agricultural strengths with innovative food solutions and deliver tangible benefits to households,” said Invest Alberta, Acting CEO, Keith Bradley.
WeCook, Canada’s #1 ready-to-eat meal delivery service, is bringing its chef-crafted meals to Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver.
The expansion significantly broadens WeCook’s national footprint, building on its established presence in Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes with the addition of six new markets across Western Canada. It marks a major milestone in the company’s mission to make chef-crafted, ready-to-enjoy meals accessible to Canadians from coast to coast, said the company.
“At WeCook, we’ve spent over a decade obsessing over what ready-to-eat food can truly be and we’ve raised the bar for what Canadians should expect from it,” said Michel Gagné, CEO of WeCook. “This expansion will allow us to share that passion, that culinary expertise, and that uncompromising standard with millions more Canadians. We couldn’t be prouder of the moment we’re in.”
Michel Gagné
Customers in the metro areas of Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver can now order individual and family-size meals from wecookmeals.ca. The service offers a weekly selection of 15 chef-curated meals, developed under the direction of Executive Chef Gabriel Drapeau and delivered fresh to customers’ doors.
Founded in Montreal in 2013, the company said it has strategically expanded its business through initiatives such as the launch of WeCook for Business, high-impact brand ambassador partnerships, ongoing product innovation, and the introduction of retail offerings.
“Together, these initiatives have created new ways for Canadians to experience the brand, while WeCook’s entry into six new Western Canadian markets further extends the reach of its direct-to-consumer delivery service,” it said.
WeCook photo
The company said the expansion follows a period of rapid growth. It has grown by more than 1,000% since 2020, created over 600 jobs, and now delivers more than four million meals annually.
As excitement builds for the FIFA World Cup, Toronto and Vancouver have been welcoming soccer fans from around the world. Beyond the matches themselves, the tournament is transforming both cities into month-long hubs of activity, with fans gathering in downtown cores, bars, restaurants and public viewing events as well as passing through transit stations, highways and airports.
This influx of people is creating a major opportunity for brands looking to reach large crowds, even without paying the steep costs associated with official FIFA sponsorships. Instead, many are focusing on the places fans will naturally spend time before and after games. As a result, out-of-home advertising is one of the most visible ways brands can tie themselves to the excitement surrounding the tournament – which also has an economic impact on the host city.
The reach potential for brands is high. Vancouver is anticipating approximately 350,000 spectators, while the city’s FIFA Fan Festival is expected to welcome up to 25,000 visitors at a time over 28 days of programming. Toronto is expecting 270,000 spectators across its six matches with the city’s FIFA Fan Festival projected to attract up to 20,000 visitors per day over 22-days.
Question: The FIFA World Cup is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to Toronto and Vancouver. What opportunities does that create for brands?
Answer: The World Cup creates a unique environment where audiences are highly engaged, emotionally invested, and exploring cities in ways they normally wouldn’t. Fans aren’t just attending matches, they’re spending time at fan festivals, restaurants, bars, transit hubs, airports, and entertainment districts. For brands, that opens up countless opportunities to connect with consumers throughout their day.
What’s particularly interesting is that these visitors arrive with a shared sense of excitement and anticipation. Brands that understand where fans are moving throughout the city can reach them in moments of high engagement, whether they’re heading to a match, gathering at a fan festival, or exploring local neighbourhoods.
Q: Not every company can afford to be an official FIFA sponsor. How are brands capitalizing on the World Cup without having official sponsorship status?
A: One of the advantages of out-of-home advertising is that it allows brands to participate in cultural moments without needing official sponsorship rights. Rather than focusing on the event itself, marketers can focus on the audience and the environments surrounding it.
We’re seeing brands activate around fan zones, entertainment districts, transportation corridors, and hospitality venues where supporters naturally spend their time. By understanding where attention will be concentrated, brands can establish a meaningful presence and then get clever with their creative to align with the sport holistically rather than the tournament – all without official sponsorship rights.
Vistar Media image
Q: How are brands using out-of-home advertising around stadiums and fan zones during major sporting events like the World Cup?
A: Location has always been important in out-of-home advertising, but programmatic technology has made it far more strategic. Campaigns can be optimized based on audience movement, venue proximity and changing traffic patterns throughout the event. Today, brands can identify high-traffic fan environments to activate campaigns that align with fan activity throughout the city.
The most effective campaigns think beyond game time. Fans are planning where they’ll meet before matches, where they’ll celebrate afterward, and how they’ll navigate the city in between. Brands that understand those patterns can deliver messaging that feels timely and useful throughout the tournament.
Q: How is technology changing the way brands engage with fans during live sporting events?
A: Technology is transforming out-of-home from a static medium into a highly responsive channel. Advertisers can now update creative in real time based on factors like game outcomes, weather conditions, audience behaviour, or time of day.
That flexibility is especially valuable during major sporting events because fan sentiment can shift instantly. A dramatic win, an upset, or a standout performance can quickly dominate conversation, and brands now have the ability to adapt their messaging accordingly.
The result is advertising that feels more immediate and connected to what’s happening in real time. Instead of delivering the same message throughout a campaign, brands can respond dynamically as attention and conversation evolve.
Q: What are some of the most creative ways you’ve seen brands align themselves with sports fandom?
A: The strongest campaigns tap into the emotions and rituals that surround sports rather than focusing solely on the competition itself. Fans travel together, celebrate together, and create traditions around major tournaments.
Successful brands find ways to participate in those cultural behaviours. A good example is Vistar Media’s own Olympic medal-triggered campaign, which dynamically activated out-of-home ads in response to medal wins; this showed how brands could connect with fans during moments of peak excitement and national pride.
The common thread for successful campaigns on this front is credibility. Sports fans are incredibly passionate and can quickly recognize when a brand is simply chasing attention. The campaigns that resonate most are the ones that contribute something meaningful to the conversation.
A: Do events like the FIFA World Cup change the way brands think about media strategy?
A: Absolutely. Large-scale global events demonstrate the value of reaching audiences in physical environments during periods of heightened engagement. As consumers become increasingly fragmented across digital channels, major live events create rare opportunities to capture concentrated attention.
For marketers, that shifts the conversation from simply reaching people to reaching them in the right context. The environment, the occasion, and the mindset of the audience become just as important as the message itself.
We’re seeing more brands adopt that mindset and explore how data, location intelligence, and creative flexibility can work together to build campaigns that deliver scale without sacrificing relevance.
Aritzia at CF Toronto Eaton Centre in Toronto. Photo: Aritzia
Adyen, the global financial technology platform of choice for leading businesses, announced it has been selected to support payments for Aritzia.
Founded in Canada, the fashion retailer operates boutiques and digital commerce platforms with 140 locations across North America. Through this partnership, Adyen said it will process transactions in the retailer’s physical locations, North American websites, and within its recently launched mobile app, supporting consistent payment experiences across channels.
“Payments are a foundational part of our retail and digital operations,” said Elisse Shank, Senior Director, Omni at Aritzia. “Adyen provides the platform to consistently support our in-store and app transactions across channels.”
“Across in-store and app experiences, Adyen’s technology supports payments that are designed to be seamless and reliable, complementing Aritzia’s focus on delivering a consistent, elevated brand experience.”
Walk through any mid-size factory in Germany or Ohio right now, and you’ll notice something odd. The machines are newer. The dashboards are shinier. But the data still lives in three systems that don’t talk to each other. That’s the real problem in manufacturing IT in 2026 — not a shortage of tools, but a messy middle layer between what exists and what needs to work together. Below are seven companies helping manufacturers close that gap.
7 IT Services Providers Working in Manufacturing Automation
1. DXC Technology
DXC isn’t a household name outside IT, but in heavy industry they show up constantly. Their focus is the OT/IT convergence layer: that painful zone where a 2003 PLC needs to somehow feed data into a cloud analytics platform without getting hacked or breaking down.
Core manufacturing services:
IIoT and smart factory — connecting shop floor equipment to dashboards via edge nodes and sensors
SAP S/4HANA migrations — with actual manufacturing configs: MRP, production planning, quality management
OT cybersecurity — industrial control system protection; Norsk Hydro’s 2019 ransomware attack cost around $70M and is still the cautionary tale
Cloud infrastructure — AWS, Azure, and hybrid setups designed around the reality that not everything can leave the building
Worley built their name in oil and gas engineering. Their Advisian Digital practice now covers industrial automation for process manufacturing (chemical plants, LNG terminals, pharma) where AspenTech or AVEVA environments need connecting to live operational data. Pure-IT firms rarely understand front-end engineering design. Worley does.
3. Hexagon AB (Sweden)
Hexagon is known for measurement hardware but their professional services arm is substantial. The HxGN EAM platform handles asset performance management; the Nexus ecosystem connects production data across systems. Their quality automation work is the standout: inspection data captured by hardware and fed directly into MES, no manual logging. They’ve worked on Airbus production lines in Hamburg and Toulouse.
4. Persistent Systems (India/Global)
Persistent doesn’t have big brand recognition but their manufacturing practice has real domain depth. They work closely with PTC (ThingWorx for IIoT, Windchill for PLM) and with Rockwell Automation on connected factory deployments across North America. Standout capability: computer vision quality inspection on assembly lines, with defects logged and traced in MES automatically.
5. msg group (Germany)
Family-owned German IT firm, ~10,000 employees, built around the automotive supply chain. Their msg.IoT platform integrates SAP PP with Siemens SIMATIC shop floor systems. They also handle digital thread consulting — product data traced from CATIA design through production and into after-sales. Active with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers in Stuttgart and Munich.
6. Hitachi Vantara (Japan/Global)
Hitachi Vantara’s differentiator: Hitachi is also a manufacturer. Factories in Omika and Kasado have run the Lumada platform in production for years — so the failure modes they help clients avoid are ones they’ve personally hit. Lumada Manufacturing Insights is built for shop floor analytics, not adapted from a generic BI tool. Strong practical choice for Asia-Pacific production footprints.
7. Atos / Eviden (France/Europe)
Atos restructured heavily in 2024–2025; digital services now run under the Eviden brand. Corporate story is messy, but the technical teams in France, Germany, and the Netherlands are still in place. Strong areas: industrial cybersecurity (IEC 62443, NIS2 compliance), HPC for simulation — Eviden runs supercomputer infrastructure used by automotive clients for crash simulation and generative design and PLM cloud migration for Siemens Teamcenter or PTC Windchill.
Who to Call for What
OT/IT convergence, legacy systems → DXC, Hitachi Vantara, Atos/Eviden
Process manufacturing (chemicals, LNG, pharma) → Worley, Hexagon
German/Central European automotive supply chain → msg group, Atos
Custom IIoT application development → Persistent Systems
Asia-Pacific operations → Hitachi Vantara
Quality inspection automation → Hexagon AB
Most serious automation programs involve more than one vendor. DXC for ERP, Hexagon for quality, Persistent for custom apps — a realistic combination. The harder question is who owns the integration between them.
FAQ
What does manufacturing IT services cover? ERP and MES systems, IIoT platforms, OT cybersecurity, automation consulting — anything that directly affects how a factory plans, runs, and tracks production.
How long do these projects take? A focused IIoT pilot — 50 machines connected to a monitoring system — can go live in three to four months. A full SAP S/4HANA migration across multiple sites is an 18–36 month commitment.
Does automation make sense for mid-size manufacturers? More than it did five years ago. Cloud-based MES and IIoT platform costs have dropped enough that plants with 200–500 employees can make the numbers work.
What goes wrong most often? Treating it as a pure IT rollout. The projects that fail most visibly are the ones where operators find out about new systems at go-live rather than during design.
Inventory ages. And the longer it sits, the more it costs you. Storage fees accumulate, capital stays tied up, and space that could be moving product is instead holding product that isn’t selling.
Multi-channel retail has made this harder to manage. Demand shifts fast, return rates stay stubbornly high, and even a single forecast miss can leave you holding pallets of overstock, discontinued SKUs, or packaging that’s already been replaced. These aren’t edge cases. For most brands, they’re a regular part of doing business.
The question isn’t whether you’ll have excess inventory. It’s what you do with it.
That’s where experienced inventory liquidation buyers earn their keep. Rather than grinding through markdowns or handing product off to speculative marketplace listings, brands that work with the right buyers get predictable recovery, faster warehouse clearance, and a process that doesn’t create new problems around channel conflict or brand exposure.
This guide covers the top 10 inventory liquidation companies of 2026, vetted for process, execution, and the ability to actually move volume. If you’re a retailer, e-commerce seller, or brand looking for the right partner, this is a solid place to start.
The Top 10 Inventory Liquidation Companies
These companies were selected based on factors including industry reputation, buyer network size, inventory categories accepted, geographic reach, transaction transparency, and overall liquidation capabilities.
1. Overstock Trader
Overstock Trader is a leading inventory liquidation company that helps brands and retailers efficiently and discreetly manage surplus inventory. With a vast buyer network and extensive industry expertise, they provide transparent and reliable solutions for businesses looking to recover top value on excess inventory. Their reputation for driving measurable recovery has positioned them as a strong option for companies seeking to maximize value on excess inventory while maintaining discretion.
2. Total Surplus Solutions
Total Surplus Solutions offers a streamlined and effective approach for larger companies looking to liquidate various types of excess inventory. This includes surplus stock, customer returns, and salvage items. As an all-in-one direct buyer, they purchase inventory outright and handle the entire downstream process, giving companies a single point of contact and immediate clarity. With a flexible, easy-to-navigate approach, they work directly with businesses to move surplus goods quickly and efficiently while maintaining discretion and operational simplicity.
3. Merchandise USA
Merchandise USA is a reliable company in the closeout business. They help businesses liquidate both large and small inventory lots. They are known for their integrity and excellent customer service, offering transparent pricing and accurate information about the condition of the inventory throughout the process. Their ability to work with businesses of all sizes, combined with a reputation for reliable and efficient liquidation services, makes them a strong option for companies looking to manage excess stock effectively.
4. Pink Liquidation
Founded in 2020, Pink Liquidation focuses on selling off fashion and lifestyle products for retailers and eCommerce businesses throughout the UK. They provide customized solutions to help businesses sell seasonal and branded inventory quickly and easily. With a strong 82% sell-through rate for end-of-line stock, Pink Liquidation aims to maximize recovery value for clients. They are known for their quick response times, often answering inquiries within an hour, and can collect surplus stock from locations across the UK within 24 hours.
5. BULQ
BULQ is a well-established liquidation marketplace owned and operated by Optoro, offering customer returns, overstock, and shelf pulls across categories such as apparel, electronics, and home goods. One of its standout features is a 98% manifest accuracy guarantee, ensuring buyers receive detailed product descriptions and condition grades that match actual lot contents, or BULQ refunds the difference. With fulfillment centers strategically located across the country and flat-rate shipping nationwide, BULQ is a transparent and reliable solution for businesses looking to recover value from surplus inventory.
6. ViaTrading
ViaTrading is a versatile liquidation company that offers a wide range of products, including electronics, clothing, and home goods. They cater to businesses across various industries. With a solid reputation and extensive customer base, ViaTrading utilizes its vast network of pallet buyers to bulk liquidate surplus inventory. Their expertise and reliable services make them a solid choice for both small retailers and large enterprises looking for straightforward inventory liquidation solutions.
7. AAA Closeout Liquidators
AAA Closeout Liquidators helps retailers efficiently liquidate unsold merchandise, particularly large quantities of excess, discontinued, or outdated merchandise. They are known for their capability to manage substantial inventories and utilize a wide network of buyer connections to facilitate quick liquidations. Their expertise in handling large-scale inventory, combined with strong relationships, makes them a good option for businesses seeking effective liquidation solutions.
8. We Buy Overstock
We Buy Overstock specializes in overstock liquidation, purchasing surplus, closeout, and discontinued products directly from retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and online sellers. They buy a wide range of merchandise, including electronics, apparel, home goods, health and beauty products, tools, and general merchandise, and are known for their straightforward process, fair pricing, dependable logistics, and fast, confidential service trusted by businesses of all sizes and industries nationwide.
9. 888Lots
888Lots is an effective platform for liquidating excess inventory, providing clear pricing and transparent transactions. Their online catalog system allows companies to easily browse and select liquidation lots, with accessible information on product conditions ensuring complete transparency. Flexible buying options cater to diverse needs, making 888Lots a convenient and customizable option for companies looking to get rid of unsold inventory.
10. BlueLots
BlueLots is a popular option for small to medium-sized businesses that want to sell inventory effectively. It is known for its strong support for sellers, wide marketplace reach, and clear information about product conditions and pricing. BlueLots offers a simple process that connects sellers with various buyers. Their focus on customized solutions and building trust makes them a dependable platform for handling surplus stock.
Conclusion
Excess inventory can tie up capital, consume valuable warehouse space, and reduce profitability if left unmanaged. Partnering with a reputable inventory liquidation company allows businesses to recover value quickly while maintaining operational efficiency. Whether you are managing customer returns, overstock liquidation projects, discontinued products, or seasonal inventory, the companies featured in this guide offer a range of solutions to help move excess stock effectively. By evaluating your inventory type, recovery goals, and preferred liquidation model, you can select the partner that best aligns with your business needs.
Zellers store at 80 Orfus Road in Toronto, June 18, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson
A giant inflatable Zeddy Bear towered above Zellers‘ new Toronto store Thursday morning as customers gathered in the rain for the opening of the retailer’s latest standalone location.
The weather did little to dampen enthusiasm. Shoppers, media representatives and social media influencers assembled outside the store at 80 Orfus Road ahead of a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Zellers Chief Operating Officer Joey Benitah and his father, Isaac Benitah, and other family. As the ribbon was cut, the crowd applauded and cheered before customers quickly streamed inside. Throughout the morning, he and members of his family greeted customers, spoke with media and helped host the opening-day celebrations.
The turnout was notable given the conditions. Despite steady rain, customers arrived early for the opening, while major media outlets including CBC and Global News were also on hand to cover the event.
Retail Insider walked through the store, noting key merchandise categories, value pricing and experiential features such as the Zellers Diner on Wheels and the return of the kiddie ride.
Zellers store/food truck at 80 Orfus Road in Toronto, June 18, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson
A New Home for the Standalone Zellers Concept
The Toronto location occupies a building owned by the Benitah family that previously housed Designer Depot, a discount retail concept that operated at the site for years. Today, little evidence of the former retailer remains.
The building has been extensively transformed, featuring a bright red exterior, prominent Zellers branding and a fully redesigned interior. The result feels like a dedicated retail destination rather than a temporary concept.
Unlike many major retail openings in Toronto, the store is located in a commercial district near Yorkdale Shopping Centre rather than within a traditional enclosed mall. Most visitors are likely to arrive by automobile, making the location more of a destination shopping experience than a typical mall-based department store.
Bright Interior, Modern Presentation
Inside, the store is bright, spacious and well organized. High ceilings, wide aisles and modern fixtures contribute to an open shopping environment that feels larger than the store’s approximately 25,000-square-foot footprint might suggest.
Dedicated departments for men’s, women’s and children’s apparel occupy much of the perimeter, while home furnishings, toys, collectibles confectionary, and seasonal merchandise are positioned prominently throughout the centre of the store.
The presentation is clean and contemporary. Bold department signage, coordinated fixtures and consistent branding create a shopping environment that feels distinctly different from the Hudson’s Bay shop-in-shop Zellers locations that launched in 2023.
The checkout area near the front of the store was fully staffed for opening day, reflecting the importance of the Toronto launch.
Kiddie ride in the Zellers store at 80 Orfus Road in Toronto, June 18, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson
Customers Explore the Merchandise
Once the doors opened, customers quickly dispersed throughout the store. The home furnishings department appeared particularly busy during Retail Insider’s visit, while toy and collectibles sections also attracted considerable attention.
Licensed merchandise tied to Disney and other entertainment properties was prominently displayed, alongside apparel, home goods and private-label merchandise developed by the Benitah family.
Families with children were among those attending the opening, though the crowd reflected a broad mix of ages and backgrounds. One shopper in his mid-70s told Retail Insider he wanted to see whether the new store captured the spirit of the Zellers locations he remembered from decades ago.
Front cash desk in the Zellers store at 80 Orfus Road in Toronto, June 18, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson
While nostalgia clearly played a role in attracting visitors, shoppers appeared equally interested in the merchandise itself. Customers could be seen carrying baskets through the store and leaving with purchases in Zellers-branded shopping bags. Several shoppers commented positively on the product assortment and pricing.
Retail Insider observed aggressive pricing across multiple categories. Disney graphic T-shirts, for example, were priced at $10, while apparel throughout the store featured value-oriented pricing intended to appeal to budget-conscious consumers.
The assortment combines national brands, international labels and private-label merchandise, creating a mix that balances recognizable names with exclusive offerings.
Familiar Elements Return
Several familiar features from the Zellers brand were integrated into the opening-day experience. Near the entrance, a red kiddie ride quickly attracted attention from families. Children climbed aboard while parents stopped to take photos, creating some of the morning’s most memorable scenes.
Zeddy was equally popular. The mascot spent much of the morning greeting customers, posing for photographs and interacting with shoppers throughout the store. Visitors of all ages stopped for photos and videos, while others shared the experience on social media.
Adding to the atmosphere was a soundtrack featuring popular music from the 1980s, reinforcing the nostalgic tone that surrounded the opening.
Diner on Wheels Draws Steady Lineups
Outside, the Zellers Diner on Wheels proved to be one of the day’s most popular attractions.
The branded food truck serves menu items inspired by the retailer’s former in-store restaurants, including the Big Z Burger, Hot Gravy Chicken Sandwich and other diner favourites.
Approximately 20 people were waiting in line during Retail Insider’s visit, with customers eager to sample menu items that have been frequently requested since the Zellers brand returned.
The lineup underscored the continued emotional connection many Canadians have with the retailer while adding another experiential element to the opening-day festivities.
Zellers store at 80 Orfus Road in Toronto, June 18, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson
Strong Interest Despite the Weather
The strongest impression from opening day was the level of customer interest despite the rain.
People arrived early, lined up outside, explored merchandise throughout the store and waited for food at the Diner on Wheels. Customers took photos with Zeddy, children tested the kiddie ride and shoppers filled baskets with merchandise.
Many visitors undoubtedly arrived because of their connection to the Zellers name. What stood out, however, was the degree to which customers appeared engaged with the retail offering itself.
Zellers store at 80 Orfus Road in Toronto, June 18, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson
For a retailer working to establish a national standalone chain, that may be among the most encouraging signs from the Toronto opening.
The new store combines familiar elements from the brand’s past with a modern retail environment focused on value, merchandise and customer experience. Based on opening-day response, shoppers appear willing to give the concept a serious look.
As Zellers continues its expansion across Canada, the Toronto location offers the clearest indication yet of how the next phase of the retailer’s revival is taking shape.
Zellers store at 80 Orfus Road in Toronto, June 18, 2026. Photo: Craig PattersonZellers store at 80 Orfus Road in Toronto, June 18, 2026. Photo: Craig PattersonZellers store at 80 Orfus Road in Toronto, June 18, 2026. Photo: Craig PattersonZellers store at 80 Orfus Road in Toronto, June 18, 2026. Photo: Craig PattersonZellers store at 80 Orfus Road in Toronto, June 18, 2026. Photo: Craig Patterson
