Canadian retailers are moving quickly into summer, allocating prominent floor space to outdoor living categories earlier than expected in 2026. The shift signals a notable level of confidence in discretionary spending, even as broader economic conditions remain uncertain.
A recent in-store audit by Field Agent Canada, which examined 60 retail locations across the country, provides a snapshot of how merchants are positioning themselves for the months ahead. The findings point to a clear emphasis on backyard-focused categories, including barbecues, patio furniture, lawn care equipment, and outdoor décor, with retailers prioritizing visibility and presentation at the front of stores.
Early Seasonal Reset Signals Strategic Confidence
The timing of these merchandising resets is important. In Canada, seasonal transitions are always significant, but the pace and prominence of the shift toward outdoor living in 2026 suggest a more assertive approach.
Retailers are not simply rotating inventory. They are committing valuable floor space to categories that depend heavily on consumer confidence. Products such as patio furniture and barbecues represent discretionary purchases, often tied to lifestyle aspirations rather than necessity.
This makes outdoor living retail Canada an important indicator for the broader retail environment. When retailers move early and visibly into these categories, it reflects an expectation that consumers will be willing to spend.
Big-Box Retailers Continue to Set the Tone
The merchandising strategies observed in the report reflect the influence of major national chains, including Canadian Tire, Home Depot, RONA, Home Hardware, and Walmart.
These retailers play a critical role in shaping how seasonal categories are presented across the country. Their scale allows them to set expectations for product assortment, pricing strategies, and visual merchandising. As a result, smaller retailers often follow similar patterns in order to remain competitive.
The consistency of execution across banners highlights how centralized and coordinated seasonal planning has become, particularly in categories tied to home improvement and outdoor living.
Selling a Lifestyle, Not Just Products
The report also underscores the growing importance of experience-driven merchandising. Displays are designed to evoke a fully realized outdoor environment, with coordinated furniture sets, décor, and accessories presented together.
This approach aligns with a broader shift in physical retail toward storytelling and inspiration. In the case of outdoor living, retailers are selling an aspirational lifestyle centred on entertaining, relaxation, and home investment.
For bricks-and-mortar stores, this remains a key advantage over e-commerce. Customers can visualize how products fit together, which can drive higher basket sizes and increase conversion rates.
A Category to Watch as a Consumer Confidence Indicator
While the Field Agent audit provides valuable insight into merchandising strategies, it is important to note that it does not measure sales performance or consumer demand directly. It captures what is on the floor, not what is moving through the checkout.
That distinction matters. However, merchandising decisions themselves carry weight. Retailers must commit capital, inventory, and space well in advance of peak season.
In that context, the prominence of outdoor living retail Canada in early 2026 suggests that retailers are preparing for a potentially strong season. At the same time, it introduces risk if consumer spending does not meet expectations.
A woman shopping with her son in a grocery store. Photo: Unsplash
When news broke that the Donald Trump administration and Iran had agreed to a two-week ceasefire, markets reacted instantly. Oil prices plunged within minutes, wiping out days of gains and triggering a wave of optimism. For many consumers, the assumption seemed obvious: lower oil prices should mean lower food prices.
That assumption is fundamentally flawed.
What matters for food prices is not the direction of oil markets in a given moment—it is volatility. And right now, volatility is acting as a hidden tax on the entire food supply chain.
Since January 7, when West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was trading at roughly $55 USD per barrel, oil markets have experienced extreme swings. Prices surged as high as $116 this week amid geopolitical tensions, with some forecasts suggesting a potential spike to $200. Then, almost instantly, prices fell back below $100 following the ceasefire announcement.
At first glance, such a drop appears to be good news. In practice, it creates a far more complex—and troubling—dynamic for food distribution.
Food logistics systems do not operate on daily spot prices. They operate on risk.
Transportation companies responsible for moving food across vast distances must anticipate future costs, not react to temporary dips. When markets become unpredictable, these firms adjust by embedding risk premiums into their pricing. Fuel surcharges increase. Contract rates rise. Margins widen to absorb uncertainty.
This is the key issue often overlooked in public debates: see-saw oil markets drive sustained increases in food distribution costs, even when prices decline in the short term.
A carrier negotiating rates today is not pricing fuel based on a temporary drop below $100. It is pricing based on recent peaks of $116—and the credible risk of even higher spikes. That uncertainty becomes part of the cost structure and is ultimately passed down the supply chain.
By the time food reaches store shelves, those risk-adjusted costs are already embedded in prices.
In effect, consumers pay for volatility, not just for oil itself.
In Canada, this dynamic is now being amplified by policy. As of April 1st, the federal industrial carbon price rose to $110 per tonne. While the consumer carbon charge on fuels has been removed, the industrial system remains firmly in place. For food producers, processors, and distributors, this matters. Energy-intensive activities—from fertilizer production to processing and freight—are still subject to carbon pricing.
Layered onto volatile oil markets, this creates a compounding effect. Businesses are managing not only unpredictable fuel costs, but also a steadily rising carbon cost embedded in operations. Volatility sets the floor; carbon pricing raises it.
Canada is particularly exposed. Its food system spans vast distances and depends heavily on transportation. When fuel costs become unpredictable, the entire chain—from farm to shelf—absorbs higher operating costs.
Compounding the issue is the stickiness of food prices. Retail prices rise quickly when costs increase but fall slowly, if at all. Temporary drops in oil prices rarely translate into immediate savings.
There is also a lag effect. Energy shocks typically take six to nine months to filter into retail food prices. What is happening in oil markets today will not show up immediately at the checkout—but it will show up.
The recent ceasefire, while geopolitically significant, does little to change this trajectory. A short-term pause does not eliminate uncertainty; it prolongs it. Markets remain cautious, and businesses continue to price defensively.
For food distribution, that means higher costs remain locked in, regardless of short-term movements in oil prices.
Too often, the conversation around food inflation focuses narrowly on grocery margins. While retail dynamics matter, they overlook the structural drivers upstream—energy, logistics, and global instability.
If policymakers are serious about food affordability, they must look beyond the checkout aisle. Energy markets—and increasingly carbon policy—play a foundational role in determining the cost of food.
Oil may have dropped sharply on news of a ceasefire, but that does not mean relief is coming.
In today’s food economy, it is not the price of oil that matters most.
The Peavey Mart relaunch is taking shape across Western Canada as the retailer celebrates the reopening of seven stores in Alberta and Saskatchewan following its dramatic collapse in early 2025. Grand opening celebrations will begin April 9, marking a milestone in its transition to a smaller, regionally focused retail model.
The relaunch reflects a deliberate pivot away from the chain’s previous national footprint toward a more disciplined and localized strategy centered on its prairie roots.
The newly reopened stores are located in Lacombe, Spruce Grove, Camrose, Westlock, Red Deer, Assiniboia, and Yorkton. Grand opening events will include welcome remarks, a barbed wire cutting ceremony, promotions, giveaways, and refreshments designed to engage local communities.
“These grand openings represent more than just opening a retail store location. They reflect our commitment to supporting rural communities and providing customers with the focused assortment of products they need and want, tailored to their lifestyle,” said Meagan Parisian, Leader of Marketing & eCommerce. “We’re excited to celebrate alongside our customers, partners, and community leaders.”
The emphasis on community engagement underscores the brand’s repositioning as a destination for rural and lifestyle-focused consumers, with assortments spanning farm and ranch, home and garden, outdoor living, and pet care.
From National Expansion to Sudden Collapse
The Peavey Mart relaunch follows a turbulent period that saw the company move rapidly from expansion to full liquidation. In January 2025, parent company Peavey Industries LP filed for protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act, citing mounting financial pressures.
What began as a plan to close 22 underperforming stores escalated quickly. By February 2025, the company confirmed it would shutter all 90 Peavey Mart locations and six MainStreet Hardware stores nationwide.
Management attributed the collapse to a combination of declining consumer confidence, rising operating costs, inflation, and supply chain challenges. Industry observers also pointed to the financial strain of acquiring TSC Stores in 2017 and the end of its Ace Hardware Canada relationship in 2024 as contributing factors.
New Ownership Drives Strategic Reset
The Peavey Mart relaunch became possible in April 2025 when a new investment group, operating as 2707162 Alberta Ltd., acquired the brand’s intellectual property. The new owners adopted a debt-free structure and a significantly reduced store network.
Initial reopenings began in late 2025 with four Alberta locations, followed by the current expansion to seven stores across Alberta and Saskatchewan. The company has indicated plans to grow to between 7 and 12 stores by the end of 2026, maintaining a disciplined approach to expansion.
This reset reflects a broader shift in Canadian retail toward operational efficiency and regional specialization, particularly in categories tied to rural and agricultural lifestyles.
A Return to Prairie Roots
Founded in 1967 as National Farmway Stores, the business later became Peavey Mart and has long served farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. The brand’s identity has historically been tied to practicality, affordability, and a strong connection to Western Canada.
The current strategy builds on that legacy by focusing on core markets where the brand has established loyalty and relevance. By narrowing its geographic footprint and refining its product mix, the company is aiming to create a more sustainable business model.
The Canadian Grand Prix Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, industry impact, and a sustained commitment to innovation and community within retail and grocery.
As CEO of PepsiCo Canada, Keating oversees more than 12,000 employees across 13 manufacturing facilities and an extensive distribution network. The company manages a portfolio of widely recognized brands including Lay’s, Doritos, Pepsi-Cola, Gatorade, Quaker, and bubly.
Her leadership has included the integration of PepsiCo’s foods and beverages businesses in Canada, creating what is now the country’s largest consumer packaged goods company. The organization has also expanded its focus on domestic manufacturing, community investment, and sustainability initiatives, including a regenerative agriculture program that now covers 500,000 acres of Canadian farmland.
A Career Defined by Progression and Industry Impact
Keating’s 22-year career at PepsiCo began in 2004 and has spanned roles across field operations, sales, strategy, and general management. She previously served as President of PepsiCo Foods Canada, where she led both Frito Lay Canada and Quaker Canada through a period of transformation that strengthened customer partnerships and positioned the business for long-term growth.
She later took on the role of Chief Customer Officer for PepsiCo Foods North America, where she held responsibility for a nearly $26 billion business, working across retail and foodservice channels to drive innovation and enhance go-to-market strategies.
Industry Recognition and Broader Influence
Beyond operational leadership, Keating has played a notable role in advancing inclusion and talent development. As executive sponsor of PepsiCo’s Women’s Inclusion Network in Canada, she helped expand the initiative nationally and was recognized with the PepsiCo Global Harvey C. Russell Award for her contributions.
Her industry recognition includes being named one of Canadian Grocer’s Star Women in Grocery and receiving a Life Member Industry Builder Award from the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers. She also serves on the board of Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada.
“In an industry defined by change, Cara has been a constant force for progress,” said Michael Graydon, CEO, Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada. “She has grown one of Canada’s most iconic CPG portfolios with discipline and vision, while never losing sight of the people and communities behind it.”
“Cara Keating has spent decades strengthening the retailer-supplier relationship in ways that have made the entire industry better,” said Kim Furlong, President and CEO, Retail Council of Canada. “Her commitment to collaboration and to developing the next generation of leaders makes her an entirely deserving recipient of this award.”
Recognition at RCCSTORE26 in Toronto
The Canadian Grand Prix Lifetime Achievement Award will be formally presented on June 3, 2026, at the Canadian Grand Prix Awards Gala, held at the Toronto Congress Centre. The event will conclude RCCSTORE26, the Retail Council of Canada’s flagship annual conference.
Keating joins a group of past recipients that includes senior leaders from companies such as Burnbrae Farms, Kruger Products, Sobeys, METRO, and Unilever Canada, reflecting the award’s status as one of the highest honours in Canada’s retail and grocery sectors.
Rendering of the future four-level 41,800 sq ft Aritzia store at Robson and Howe in Vancouver. Rendering: Aritzia
Downtown Vancouver retail trends point to a market that has stabilized after several years of disruption, though a full recovery remains out of reach. New data from the 2026 State of Downtown report suggests that while visitation has levelled off and key retail corridors are holding steady, growth has yet to return in a meaningful way.
The result is a downtown retail environment that is no longer declining, but not yet advancing. For retailers, landlords, and investors, that distinction matters.
After several years of recovery following the pandemic, downtown Vancouver has entered a new phase defined by stability. Total visitation held essentially flat in 2025, rising just 0.4 per cent year-over-year, while the number of unique visitors remained largely unchanged.
This plateau is reflected across retail corridors. Streets such as Granville remained stable, while others including West Hastings experienced declines tied to softer office-related traffic. Robson Street saw only modest easing, and Alberni Street, long associated with luxury retail, showed signs of adjustment as that segment recalibrates.
The divergence suggests that retail performance is becoming increasingly dependent on location, tenant mix, and the type of consumer each corridor attracts. Areas anchored by everyday, needs-based retail appear to be holding up better than those reliant on office workers or discretionary luxury spending.
Former Hudson’s Bay in downtown Vancouver. Photo: Lee Rivett.
Local Consumers Take on a Larger Role
One of the most notable shifts in Downtown Vancouver retail trends is the growing importance of local consumers. Vancouver residents accounted for 30 per cent of unique visitors and nearly 46 per cent of total visits in 2025, both increases from the previous year .
At the same time, out-of-province visitation declined, reflecting reduced travel activity and broader economic uncertainty. The data suggests that downtown Vancouver is becoming more reliant on nearby populations rather than tourism-driven demand.
For retailers, this shift has significant implications. Businesses that once depended on international visitors or office workers may need to reposition toward repeat local customers, with a stronger focus on value, convenience, and everyday relevance.
Two Distinct Customer Mindsets Are Emerging
Beyond the numbers, the report introduces a compelling framework for understanding downtown behaviour. Increasingly, Vancouver is operating as two distinct downtowns, shaped by different consumer mindsets depending on the day and time.
Weekday visitors tend to prioritize predictability, value, and efficiency. Many are motivated by financial concerns and a desire for straightforward, navigable experiences. In contrast, weekend visitors are more likely to seek novelty, social interaction, and entertainment, showing a greater openness to new and experiential retail concepts .
This split presents both a challenge and an opportunity for retailers. A single store may need to serve fundamentally different customer expectations within the same week. Concepts that can flex between convenience-driven daytime offerings and more experiential or social evening experiences may be better positioned to succeed.
Roots flagship store on Robson St. in downtown Vancouver. Photo: Brandon Artis
Retail Strategies Must Adapt to a More Complex Market
As Downtown Vancouver retail trends continue to evolve, success will likely depend on how well businesses respond to these shifting dynamics.
Retailers may need to reconsider merchandising, pricing, and store formats to align with a more local and value-conscious customer base during the week, while still delivering compelling experiences that draw weekend traffic. Programming, events, and activations will also play a growing role in driving visitation, particularly in a market where foot traffic has stabilized rather than expanded.
At the same time, physical design and environment are becoming increasingly important. The report highlights that perceptions of safety, clarity, and ease of navigation can influence whether consumers choose to visit downtown at all. For some, the decision is less about what is available and more about how the experience feels.
A Stable Foundation, With Growth Still to Be Proven
Downtown Vancouver retail trends suggest that the market has reached an inflection point. The volatility of the past several years has subsided, but a clear growth trajectory has yet to emerge.
Looking ahead, major events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026 are expected to bring increased visitation and global attention. However, whether that translates into sustained retail growth will depend on how effectively the downtown core can convert those visitors into repeat customers.
For now, the story is one of stabilization, not resurgence. Retailers that recognize this shift and adapt accordingly may find opportunity in a market that is no longer shrinking, but still searching for its next phase of growth.
Four years after the celebrated opening of Metcalfe Ottawa, Gray Collection has expanded the brand with the arrival of Metcalfe Montréal — what it calls a contemporary, light‑filled address crafted for a new generation of travelers: aesthetic, curious, demanding, and deeply urban.
Ideally located in the heart of downtown, Metcalfe Montréal redefines the downtown boutique‑hotel standard and offers a strategic base for business guests — close to major office towers, transit connections, and the city’s key commercial arteries — while also placing leisure travelers steps away from Montréal’s dining, shopping, and cultural highlights, said the company.
The hotel blends the ease and practicality of an ultra-central location with a warm, modern atmosphere designed for comfort, inspiration, and effortless escape. Here, design, culture, and gastronomy converge in a space conceived as an inspiring refuge for those who live, create, and work at the city’s rhythm, it said.
With 119 rooms dressed in warm tones, natural materials, and minimalist lines, Metcalfe Montréal offers modern comfort and a calming aesthetic in the heart of downtown. Outside, an urban outdoor pool provides a rare moment of relaxation in the city — a simple yet precious luxury that gives the property an unexpected micro‑resort feel, it added.
Dimitri Antonopoulos
“Metcalfe Montréal reflects the natural evolution of our vision: a contemporary, human‑centered hotel rooted in the daily life of Montrealers as much as in that of travelers,” said Dimitri Antonopoulos, President of Gray Collection.
At the heart of the experience is Benjamin, one of downtown’s most distinctive restaurants. A modern Parisian steakhouse — a rarity in Montréal — where European elegance meets the city’s contemporary energy. Already a favorite among locals, Benjamin stands out with its exceptional grilled dishes, bright and sophisticated ambiance, morning‑to‑night energy, and a unique cocktail program, said the Gray Collection.
“At Gray Collection, restaurants do not simply complement the hotel — they define it. Benjamin becomes the true gateway into the Metcalfe Montréal experience, both for Montrealers and for travelers,” it explained.
“Metcalfe Montréal also offers event and meeting spaces accommodating up to 75 guests in cocktail format — a rare competitive advantage for a boutique hotel of this size, paired with an elevated culinary offering for attendees. Bathed in natural light, these spaces are designed for creative meetings, corporate workshops, press launches, and intimate private events.
Gray Collection photo
“A lively, modern, and deeply rooted in Montréal property, Metcalfe Montréal is more than a hotel — it is a new signature address for downtown. A brighter, more modern, more local expression of high end‑ hospitality, powered by Gray Collection, a group that continues to shape the art of hosting in Canada.”
The company said the new Montréal address builds on Gray Collection’s momentum. In the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, every hotel in the portfolio ranked among the top five in Eastern Canada — with Auberge du Vieux Port‑ at #2, Metcalfe Ottawa at #3, Le Petit Hôtel at #4, and William Gray at #5 — and Le Petit Hôtel earning a One Michelin Key for the second consecutive year.
Berczy Square. Photo courtesy of GWL Realty Advisors
GWL Realty Advisors (GWLRA) has unveiled extensive renovations to the lobby at Berczy Square that put a warm and welcoming new spin on a unique downtown office for Toronto’s back-to-office era.
Anchored by a monumental 90-foot LED screen displaying atmospheric digital art, the reinvigorated design encourages office workers and the wider community to slow down, linger and look up at the 13-storey building’s landmark atrium architecture.
The new lobby is a part of GWLRA’s two-year renovation and rebranding to transform the property at 33 Yonge into a social hub and destination. Steps from Union Station, the Financial District, St. Lawrence Market and the PATH, Berczy Square also includes a new private fitness facility, showers and lockers for commuters who bike and walk, five outdoor patios, two coffee shops, and grab-and-go retail.
The retail spaces are leased up, so now that the lobby is open it completes the repositioning of the building – the idea is to really make Berczy Square a destination in that part of the city and bring in more foot traffic from the neighbourhood, which benefits the retail during work week but also weekends.
Berczy Square. Photo courtesy of GWL Realty Advisors
GWLRA is stepping up amenities in offices to support employers’ workplace/retention strategies. More office landlords are taking this approach – and retail offerings and hospitality-inspired lobbies are a big part of that.
“In today’s market, landlords have to earn the commute. Tenant needs and expectations are evolving, and the best office buildings are adapting,” said Devan Sloan, Vice President, Asset Management and Leasing at GWLRA, adding that Berczy Square is 96% leased. “That means real innovation in workplace design and amenities. Berczy Square sets a new standard for creating welcoming spaces that help connect Toronto’s downtown and the people who live and work in them.
“The intention really was to create a place where people want to gather and hang out. Whether that’s a quick coffee meeting with colleagues, grabbing some lunch and eating in the lobby, or plugging in your laptop—we have seating that would suit any one of those.
“So we’ve got soft seating, desk seating where you can plug your laptop in with lighting, casual seating, and high-top seating. It’s a very versatile lobby. We’re really trying to encourage people to gather there and spend some time.”
In August 2024, GWLRA revealed that the landmark building at one of Toronto’s most prominent intersections was getting a makeover with extensive renovations to modernize 33 Yonge’s façade and lobby, part of an overall strategy to reimagine the property as a destination.
Along with the renovations, GWLRA revealed new branding for the property – now called Berczy Square – drawing inspiration from the adjacent Berczy Park and the building’s unique location at the junction of two distinct neighbourhoods in Toronto’s downtown core.
“We went through and did a significant amount of leasing on the retail front, both to full-service sit-down restaurants and a few quick-service retail as well as some amenity retail at the building too. We’ve pretty much fully transitioned following the pandemic. That was a huge lift,” said Sloan.
“Then getting the lobby renovated as part of that plan, it is really the same motivation as the retail repositioning. It’s to upgrade the quality and the experience available at the asset for our primary customer, which is our office tenant.”
Berczy Square. Photo courtesy of GWL Realty Advisors
Designed for Lingering and Looking Up
Alison McNeil
Led by Alison McNeil of architecture firm DIALOG, who also redesigned the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto lobby and bar, the new Berczy Square strikes a balance between hospitality and productivity while creating a distinctive connection between Yonge Street’s commercial heart and the iconic Berczy Park in Old Town, said GWLRA.
Evoking a Zen, otherworldly natural landscape, the refreshed space includes tree-like columns at the Yonge Street entrance, a reflecting pool, a vapor-based fire pit, hanging moss pendants, plenty of greenery and new seating, as well as a trellis that wraps the elevator bay, anchors the screen and preserves the original Travertine wall, it said.
All the design interventions to the original building are “soft touch” to preserve architectural details. And all materials used in the renovation are 100% Canadian.
“The lobby at Berczy Square represents a shift in how the office building has evolved,” said McNeil. “No longer simply a place to pass through, we’ve reimagined the lobby as a destination for gathering and connection — a space that reflects both the building’s location and identity.”
“We call this design concept Pause because it invites people to slow down, look up, and take a moment to breathe. We amplified the openness of the original atrium by layering it with new materials and uses tailored to the needs of today’s employees,” added McNeil. “Purposeful spaces to work, wait, or relax draw inspiration from Ontario’s natural landscape and materiality, reinforcing a sense of place.”
GWLRA and DIALOG envisioned the lobby as a contemporary town square that brings together a diverse cross-section of Torontonians from within and outside the building in ways that inspire, connect and ground them.
The Yonge Street entrance features seating around trees and the reflecting pond, creating ideal spaces for workers to sit, read, scroll and take calls. The centre section below the screen and trellis features an elevated “deck” area with custom-designed banquettes and communal tables ideal for gatherings and events. The section adjacent to Berczy Park is styled like a backyard, with lounge chairs and picnic tables, explained GWLRA.
Berczy Square. Photo courtesy of GWL Realty Advisors
Taking Digital Art to New Heights
Berczy Square features the only atrium-style lobby in Toronto’s Financial District. Highlighting this defining feature was central to the redesign.
The uniquely shaped 90-foot-tall, six-foot-wide screen runs the full spine of the building and features original digital art by acclaimed Montreal-based creative multimedia studio Gentilhomme, which has created large-format immersive art for the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston and Cirque du Soleil, noted GWLRA.
For Berczy Square, the company’s team designed and produced a series of original artworks called “capsules.” This generative content responds to a constant flow of data, such as the time, the weather, the seasons and sports games happening in Toronto on a given day, causing the images to morph in real time and triggering “easter eggs” to appear, it said.
The digital art complements DIALOG’s approach the interior design. The four capsules include Living Architecture, the hero piece: a tree that grows by the hour and transforms with the seasons. Breach of Light offers an ambient, hypnotic flow of continuous movement. Mirror of Light presents a calm, passive, dreamlike sky. Surreal Hourglass is the most literal timekeeper, with a parkour for descending balls that mark the passing hours.
Thibaut Duverneix
“The artwork is the heartbeat of Berczy Square; it responds to the city and the rhythm of the people within it,” says Thibaut Duverneix, Founder and Executive Creative Director of Gentilhomme. “We have treated the screen as an architectural feature, a canvas for atmospheric art rather than advertising, to create a landmark experience that invites the community to slow down and look up.”
Originally built in 1982 and designed by WZMH Architects, the property spans a two-acre stretch between Wellington and Front Streets. GWLRA undertook the renovations and rebranding on behalf of the property owners, the Great-West Life Canadian Real Estate Investment Fund No.1 (CREIF) and the London Life Real Estate Fund.
At a time when more Canadians are rethinking what retirement looks like, lifelong sailors and retired brand builders Sian Roberts and Kevin Dunal offer a compelling second-act founder story.
While living aboard a 95-year-old Dutch barge in the Netherlands, the couple encountered a problem familiar to many downsizing consumers: traditional cookware simply wasn’t designed for tight, modern living. Their search led them to nesto by Cook Vision, a German-engineered nesting cookware system that reduces storage needs by up to 50 per cent without compromising performance or durability.
With more than 50 years of combined experience launching and scaling brands across North America, Roberts and Dunal quickly recognized a broader market opportunity, particularly as Canadians move into smaller homes and prioritize longer-lasting household investments. Though officially retired, they made the deliberate decision to return to entrepreneurship, leading nesto’s expansion into Canada.
Today, they are building the brand around a system-based, “buy better, buy once” philosophy, positioning nesto as a premium alternative to cluttered cookware sets, and a case study in opportunity-driven retirement entrepreneurship.
Kevin Dunal
“We’re lifelong boaters and sailors, and as we headed towards the goal of retirement, we purchased a 95-year-old historic Dutch barge in the Netherlands, which we’ve restored. We live on it for half the year. It’s a great way to tour the continent and enjoy the culture,” explained Dunal.
“We had to outfit the entire barge, so it came empty. I went to the Düsseldorf Boat Show, which is the largest boat show in the world. I went there to start sourcing some of the materials we needed, everything from electrical to pots and pans,” said Roberts.
Sian Roberts
“I was walking past a booth called Cook Vision, and it literally stopped me cold because the product I saw there we’d never seen anything remotely like it in North America. We purchased the product, which is the nesto cooking series, for our barge, started using it, and immediately fell in love with it.
“Friends who came on board said, “Where do we get this?” One thing led to another, and now we’re importing it for North America.”
Prior to this, they both came from a deep business experience.
“My background is general management for a couple of large companies in Canada. I ran Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, which is disposable contact lenses—Acuvue—so a very strong consumer brand. It’s a B2B and B2C model. Then I managed Align Canada, which is the Invisalign brand. Again, a very strong B2C and B2B model. Both were very disruptive technologies, really changing the way people wore contact lenses and how they straightened their teeth,” said Roberts.
“My education originally is industrial design as a product designer, and communications. Then I switched over to the tech world and managed some fairly large brands. I was a VP for Canada and then the Americas for Adobe Systems, and later a 3D visualization company, Alias, which ended up at Autodesk,” added Dunal.
The two go back and forth from the barge to Toronto.
“It’s a business that can be run from the back of a barge. With technology the way it is now, you really can do this from anywhere. We’re establishing the business and the channels right now and setting it up so that we can indeed be back and forth,” said Dunal.
“Technology is just spectacular to help us, if you’ve got the background, business, and experience. Digital connections for communication. We really leverage AI. We have very good connections on our barge, and we travel back and forth,” added Roberts.
“The nice thing is the product was developed solely in Germany, so being in both continents and understanding what works there and being able to leverage that for the North American market really helps us.”
Dunal said the potential for the product is enormous.
“You need to look at the entire cookware market. We purchased it because of its nesting capability, so it was great for a boat. But when we came back to our house in Toronto and started using our other cookware—which is actually really high quality—we really missed all the capabilities of the nesto series,” he said.
“We’ve had many people buy the product based on its nesting capability and then be really blown away by the professional quality of it. So the market—you can think it’s niche, or you can say it’s actually anyone that cooks.”
“What stood out to us in using it is we realized it’s a brand-new category. There are times in history when you look at things like this and think, “Why didn’t we think of that?” One example is putting wheels on luggage. We landed a person on the moon, and it wasn’t until two years later that we figured out putting wheels on luggage,” added Roberts.
“Cookware hasn’t changed since the medieval ages in some respects, and this just rethinks how you use it. Why can’t you use a pot as a serving device? Why does it need a handle? You can move it from the stove to storage and everything else. So yes, it’s a category killer—who knows where it can go.”
Today’s Retail Insider articles explore significant moves in Canadian retail, including Skip’s new nationwide grocery delivery partnership with Loblaw and T. LINE’s expansion through U.S. boutique collaborations paired with limited-edition drops. Insights from Jay Klein of PÜR Gum highlight brand growth fueled by transparency and strategic retail alliances. These stories reflect a broader trend of brands leveraging partnerships and agile retail models to navigate evolving consumer demands and market dynamics. Below are today’s featured reports followed by Canadian retail news from around the web.
Jacquard fabrics trace their roots to early textile routes like the Silk Road. Traders carried woven textiles across regions, spreading techniques and patterns. These fabrics were valued for their detailed designs and durability. They became symbols of culture and craftsmanship in many societies.
Over time, weaving methods improved with new tools and skills. Patterns became more complex and refined. This laid the foundation for what we now call luxury jacquard fabrics. The focus was always on texture, detail, and long lasting quality.
How the Jacquard Loom Changed Production
The invention of the Jacquard loom marked a major shift in textile making. It allowed weavers to create detailed patterns automatically. This reduced manual work and improved consistency. Production became faster and more precise.
This innovation also made large scale production possible. Designers could experiment with more patterns and styles. Today, this same concept supports modern custom jacquard fabric production. It helps brands create unique designs with accuracy.
Top Features That Define Jacquard Fabrics
Jacquard fabrics are known for woven patterns, not printed ones. This gives them depth and texture that stands out. The designs are part of the fabric itself, making them more durable.
Another key feature is versatility. These fabrics can be made from silk, cotton, or blends. Luxury jacquard fabrics often use fine materials for a richer feel. This makes them suitable for both fashion and interiors.
Best Uses of Jacquard in Modern Fashion
Jacquard fabrics are widely used in suits, dresses, and jackets. Designers use them to add texture and interest to outfits. They help create a more refined and structured look.
They are also popular in accessories like ties and scarves. A custom jacquard fabric design can make a product stand out. This is especially useful for brands looking to build identity.
How Custom Jacquard Fabric Supports Branding
Custom designs allow brands to create exclusive patterns. This helps them stand apart in competitive markets. It also gives more control over colors and textures.
Working with a custom jacquard fabric supplier allows flexibility. You can adjust designs based on trends or customer demand. This helps keep your collection fresh and relevant.
Top Industries Using Jacquard Fabrics Today
Fashion is the largest user of jacquard fabrics. Designers use them for both casual and formal collections. Their texture adds value to garments.
Home decor is another growing segment. Curtains, upholstery, and cushions often use jacquard fabrics. Luxury jacquard fabrics are preferred for premium interior designs.
Industry Expert Insight: Mary Lou Yilitie
Mary Lou Yilitie is the co-founder and General Manager of YiLi Necktie & Garment, specializing in necktie manufacturing and fashion accessories. With over 20 years of experience, she has strong expertise in production, international trade, and logistics.
She focuses on maintaining product quality and managing global partnerships. She also shares valuable insights on tie materials, design, and production, helping professionals better understand the industry.
Best Materials Used in Jacquard Weaving
Silk is one of the most valued materials in jacquard fabrics. It gives a smooth finish and elegant look. This makes it ideal for high end fashion.
Cotton and polyester blends are also common. They offer durability and cost efficiency. This makes them suitable for everyday use and large scale production.
How to Choose the Right Jacquard Fabric
Start by understanding your product needs. Different uses require different fabric weights and textures. For example, clothing needs softer materials than upholstery.
Then focus on design and pattern clarity. A good custom jacquard fabric should have sharp and consistent patterns. This reflects quality and attention to detail.
Top Trends in Jacquard Fabric Design
Minimal patterns are gaining popularity in modern fashion. Clean and subtle designs are easier to style. They appeal to a wider audience.
Bold patterns are also in demand for statement pieces. These designs attract attention and add character. Luxury jacquard fabrics often combine both styles to meet different needs.
Best Practices for Retailers and Brands
Retailers should offer a mix of classic and modern designs. This helps attract different customer groups. It also reduces the risk of slow moving inventory.
Building strong supplier relationships is important. A reliable partner ensures consistent quality. This is key when working with custom jacquard fabric production.
How Global Demand Is Shaping Jacquard Fabrics
Global fashion trends influence jacquard demand. As markets grow, so does the need for diverse designs. This pushes manufacturers to innovate.
Digital platforms also play a role. Online stores make it easier to reach global customers. This increases the visibility of luxury jacquard fabrics across regions.
Top Sourcing Tips for Better Fabric Quality
Choosing the right supplier is key to long term success. Look for partners who understand weaving techniques and material quality. This helps ensure consistent results across all orders. It also reduces issues like uneven patterns or weak fabric structure.
A supplier focused on luxury jacquard fabrics can guide you on design and material choices. This support is useful when planning new collections. At the same time, working with a custom jacquard fabric partner allows you to test designs in small batches. This makes it easier to improve products before scaling production.
Future Outlook of Jacquard in Fashion
Jacquard fabrics will continue to evolve with new technology. Digital weaving and design tools are improving production. This allows more complex and creative patterns.
Sustainability is also becoming important. Many brands are exploring eco friendly materials. This shift will shape the future of custom jacquard fabric production.
Final Thoughts on Jacquard Fabric Growth
Jacquard fabrics have come a long way from early trade routes. They remain relevant due to their quality and design flexibility. Their role in fashion and interiors continues to grow.
For businesses, the focus should be on quality and customization. Working with the right partners helps maintain consistency. This supports long term growth in a competitive market.
FAQs
What makes jacquard fabric different from printed fabric
Jacquard fabric has patterns woven into it, while printed fabric has designs added on the surface.
Why are luxury jacquard fabrics popular
They offer rich texture, durability, and a premium look that suits high end fashion and decor.
What is custom jacquard fabric used for
It is used for creating unique designs in clothing, accessories, and home decor products.
Is jacquard fabric suitable for daily wear
Yes, depending on the material, it can be used for both everyday and formal clothing.
How can brands benefit from custom jacquard designs
They can create unique products, improve brand identity, and attract more customers.
