Walmart Canada Expands Beauty After Hudson’s Bay Exit

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February 19, 2026

Walmart Canada Health & Beauty (Image: Walmart Canada)

Walmart Canada is expanding its beauty assortment as it targets value-focused and younger shoppers following the closure of Hudson’s Bay’s department stores. The strategy centres on “masstige” brands, technology-driven products, and new entrants from the company’s accelerator program, positioning Walmart to capture consumers left without a traditional mid-market beauty destination.

Over the past six months, the retailer has rolled out several new global brands while transitioning smaller labels into permanent national distribution. The Walmart beauty expansion Canada reflects broader changes in the market after the disappearance of a major department store cosmetics channel.

One of the most notable additions is MCoBeauty, an Australian masstige brand that entered Canada in January 2026. Walmart serves as the brand’s exclusive first-to-market partner in the country, with products rolling out to more than 247 stores nationwide. The line is positioned as an affordable alternative to prestige cosmetics, with the entire assortment priced under $30 and many items under $20.

Gen Z–focused bath and body brand DAISE saw major growth through late 2025 and early 2026. Founded by MONDAY Haircare creator Jaimee Lupton, the brand launched at Walmart Canada and has since expanded its presence — now sold online at Shoppers Drug Mart and available in-store at Loblaws, with Jean Coutu and Shoppers Drug Mart in-store rollouts this month. DAISE’s lineup is defined by mood-inspired scent collections and has recently grown to include body mists, exfoliating scrubs, and collectible bath items that have gained strong momentum on social media.

Bubble Skincare, which previously entered the Canadian market, introduced four new exclusive products and deeper retail integration on February 1, 2026. The science-backed line is targeted at younger consumers and is sold through Walmart Canada as well as Shoppers Drug Mart.

Walmart Start Accelerator Adds New Brands

Several brands from Walmart’s Start accelerator program are now appearing on Canadian shelves, with national rollouts taking place between December 2025 and March 2026. The initiative is designed to identify emerging labels and transition them into broader retail distribution.

Haircare brands Maison 276 and Nappy Styles focus on specialized needs, including anti-yellowing care for blonde and silver hair and barber-approved formulas for natural textures. Fragrance label Lattafa introduces Arabian-inspired scents positioned at accessible price points, while Kativa offers professional-style hair treatments inspired by salon rituals. Skincare brand Current State rounds out the group with a nutritionally inspired approach to product formulation.

Technology and Premium-Lean Offerings

Walmart is also pushing into higher-tech and more premium categories. In December 2025, the retailer introduced GLO24K LED beauty devices, including masks and eye therapy tools, into more than 200 stores across North America. The launch marked one of the first times such devices were available at mass retail scale in Canada and the United States.

The products are supported by AI-driven skin-scan technology accessible through Walmart’s platform, which recommends treatments based on individual needs.

Walmart Canada store. Photo: Getty Images

Impact of the Hudson’s Bay Closure

The Walmart beauty expansion Canada comes after Hudson’s Bay Company completed the liquidation of its department stores on June 1, 2025. The closures removed a long-standing national destination for mid-priced beauty brands, eliminating cosmetics counters that had served as a bridge between drugstore and luxury offerings.

For decades, Hudson’s Bay operated as a primary hub for prestige and bridge-priced cosmetics. Its exit from the market left millions of square feet of retail space vacant and forced many brands to seek new distribution channels.

Walmart’s strategy appears designed to capture these displaced customers by focusing on masstige products that deliver premium-style results at lower price points. The retailer has also used its accelerator program to introduce specialized brands that previously relied on department store channels.

Shifting Competitive Landscape

With the department store model largely absent from Canada’s beauty sector, the market has increasingly split into distinct tiers. Prestige-focused retailers such as Sephora and Holt Renfrew are concentrating on luxury experiences and exclusive designer brands. Meanwhile, mass and masstige players including Walmart Canada and Shoppers Drug Mart are competing on accessibility, price, and loyalty programs.

In this environment, Walmart is positioning its expanded beauty assortment as a new destination category. By introducing technology-driven devices, viral social media brands, and masstige cosmetics, the retailer is attempting to attract shoppers who once frequented department store beauty counters.

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40% of Canadians admit hiding online purchases as budget pressure reshapes shopping habits: Omnisend

By

Mario Toneguzzi

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February 19, 2026

Canadians are changing what they buy, how they buy, and how they feel about it. New Omnisend survey data from 1,087 Canadians shows 40% admit hiding an online purchase from someone, 64% have switched to cheaper products in the past year, and 57% abandon carts expecting a discount.

Together, the findings point to a shift in behaviour under financial pressure: as more Canadians trade down to cheaper brands and wait for better deals, purchases are carrying greater emotional weight – and in many cases, becoming harder to explain at home, said Omnisend, which email & SMS marketing platform with a suite of features made specifically to help ecommerce stores grow their online businesses faster.

“People are feeling more accountable for every dollar, especially at home. When money is tighter, purchases carry more weight – and sometimes that means keeping them private. It’s not as much about secrecy for secrecy’s sake, but more about avoiding judgment,” said Marty Bauer, Ecommerce Expert at Omnisend.

The report said 40% of Canadians say they’ve hidden an online purchase from someone. The most common person they hide purchases from is a spouse or partner (17%), followed by kids in the household (9%), and friends (10%).

When asked why, respondents point to both cost and impulse:

17% say it felt unnecessary or impulsive
14% say the item was expensive
13% say the item was personal or embarrassing

“Deal-driven behaviour appears to be fueling that tension. 52% admit they’ve purchased something primarily because it felt like a good deal – even if it wasn’t needed,” said the report.

The report said two-thirds (64%) of Canadians say they’ve switched to cheaper alternatives often or occasionally in the past year. For many, that means trading brand names for more affordable options:

62% chose lower-priced brands
39% switched to private-label or store brands
26% bought more second-hand or refurbished items
24% chose simpler products with fewer features

Only 9.6% say they don’t substitute products and instead just buy less, added the report.

“For a long time, convenience and brand drove online shopping. Now it’s about justification. Consumers want to feel confident they didn’t overspend – and that shift is powerful. Once shoppers prove to themselves that a cheaper option works just as well, it permanently changes their expectations,” said Bauer.

Omnisend said price sensitivity is also shaping the path to purchase. More than a half of Canadians (58%) say they wait for sales or promotions before buying. Many take additional steps to avoid paying full price:

43% compare prices across multiple websites
41% search for discount codes before checkout
57% abandon carts often or occasionally expecting a discount or reminder email

Nearly one in five (22%) delay purchases even when they want the item, it added.

“Consumers have been trained to believe the first price isn’t the real price. After years of constant promotions, shoppers expect a better offer to show up. Waiting has become part of the checkout process, and paying full price can feel like leaving money on the table,” said Bauer.

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MTY Food Group continues to expand footprint, reports Q4 results

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Mario Toneguzzi

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February 19, 2026

MTY Food Group Inc., one of the largest franchisors and operators of multiple restaurant concepts worldwide, reported Thursday financial results for its fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 ended November 30, 2025, noting that its footprint continues to expand.

MTY Group franchises and operates quick-service, fast casual and casual dining restaurants over 80 different banners in Canada, the US and Internationally. Based in Montreal, MTY has 7,080 locations.

“We continued to expand our footprint during the quarter with 19 net new store openings, extending the momentum from Q3 and supported by a strong pipeline of development led by experienced franchise operators,” said Eric Lefebvre, CEO of MTY.

“Despite an unsettled macroeconomic backdrop, our franchisees are navigating these headwinds effectively with modest growth in Canada and slight pressure in the US. Same-store sales were stable in Canada, supported by strength in the casual dining, while the US experienced modest pressure. Importantly, our asset-light, diversified model continues to generate strong free cash flow, positioning us well to support our brands and capitalize as operating conditions improve.”

Here are some of the company’s key highlights for Q4:

At the end of the fourth quarter of 2025, MTY’s network had 7,080 locations in operation, of which 6,831 were franchised or under operator agreements and 249 were corporate-owned. The geographical split
among MTY’s locations remained stable year-over-year at 57% in the US, 35% in Canada and 8% International.
During the fourth quarter of 2025, MTY’s network opened 85 locations (Q4 2024 – 92 locations) and closed 66 others (Q4 2024 – 79 locations) for a net positive store growth of 19 locations.
System sales reached $1.41 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 3% due to a 53rd week of sales recorded for some of the company’s concepts as well as positive foreign exchange fluctuation. Excluding this 53rd week and foreign exchange impact, system sales decreased by 2%. The US and International segments experienced an overall sales decrease of 3%, while Canada posted an overall increase of 1%.
Same-store sales decreased 1.7% year-over-year in the fourth quarter. By region, Canada was in line with
the prior period, the US dropped 2.8%, while International saw a decrease of 3.2%.
Digital sales increased by 1% for the quarter to reach $288.8 million, including the impact of foreign
exchange rates, compared to $286.9 million in Q4-24. The increase was mainly due to an improvement of
16% in the Canadian segment, partially offset by a decline of 4% in the US. The US decline was due to a
drop in one brand in the US. Excluding this brand, US digital sales increased by 6%. Digital sales
represented 21% of total sales, unchanged from the prior period.
Company revenue increased by 7% to reach $305.4 million in the fourth quarter, driven by growth in
franchise operation in the US and the processing, distribution and retail segment, partially offset by a decline in the corporate segments. The US franchising segment benefited from a one-time gift card breakage adjustment of $29.5 million.
Net income attributable to owners totaled $32.1 million, or $1.40 per share ($1.40 per diluted share), in the fourth quarter compared to a loss of $55.3 million, or $2.34 per share ($2.34 per diluted share, for the same period in 2024. The year-over-year improvement is mainly attributed to lower impairment losses in 2025.
Normalized adjusted EBITDA, which excludes acquisition-related expenses and SAP project implementation
costs, increased by $28.3 million year-over-year to reach $87.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2025 primarily due to a one-time catch up of gift card breakage income on unutilized gift cards.

MTY Group said it announced in November that the Board of Directors of the company had initiated a strategic review process and engaged a financial advisor to identify, review and evaluate potential strategic alternatives with a view toward continuing to enhance shareholder value. It said the process is ongoing.

“MTY continues to navigate a dynamic operating environment. The macro-economic conditions continue to create short-term headwinds and the company continues actively implementing a range of strategic initiatives to position the business for growth once the environment improves. These include, and are not limited to, driving menu innovation, maintaining product quality and consistency, enhancing both online and in-store customer experiences, and reinforcing a strong value proposition across its banners,” it explained.

“The pipeline of future locations remains strong. This quarter’s positive net openings was in line with
expectations. MTY continues to anticipate an improvement in the pace of openings in the coming quarters, excluding normal seasonality in the first quarter of the year, and continues to see strong demand for its brands, especially the larger ones.

“Management notes certain macroeconomic and policy-related uncertainties could affect performance. To date MTY has only seen modest direct impacts from tariffs. In both Canada and the US, the Company primarily sources products domestically, which helps limit the potential exposure. Management remains confident in its ability to navigate potential impacts through its strong supply chain and procurement capabilities, strategic menu adjustments, and, when necessary, pricing actions.”

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Canadian Tire Corporation reports strong Q4 and Full-Year 2025 results, significant progress in 1st year of True North Transformation Strategy

By

Mario Toneguzzi

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February 19, 2026

Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited announced Thursday results for its fourth quarter (14 weeks) and full-year (53 weeks) ended January 3, 2026, noting that automotive was up for the 22^nd consecutive quarter, with Automotive Service reaching record annual sales of $1 billion in Q4.

For the year, retail sales were $18.986.9 billion, up $809.2 million, or 4.5% over the prior year.

“Our standout fourth quarter capped a year of strong sales growth and market share gains,” said Greg Hicks, President and CEO, Canadian Tire Corporation. “Customers visited us in greater numbers and we had one of the best holiday seasons in recent memory, a tribute to our retail readiness and the resilience of Canadian consumers in a year of economic uncertainty.

“As we advance True North, we are strengthening our competitive differentiation. Our retail system brings together an enhanced retail network, supplemented by the power of partnerships, tied tightly with Triangle Rewards and in service of customer value. Our modernization will accelerate in 2026, advancing our progress towards our True North vision: stronger connections with customers, higher retail performance, and accelerated shareholder value.”

FOURTH-QUARTER CONTINUING OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS

Consolidated comparable sales were up 4.2%, with strong December sales driven by weather and in-stock positions contributing to higher visits and sales growth at all major banners and in all regions.
- CTR comparable sales were up 2.7%, with Seasonal and Gardening the standout with double digit growth on strong sales of winter and holiday products. Automotive was up for the 22^nd consecutive quarter, with Automotive Service reaching record annual sales of $1 billion in Q4.
- SportChek comparable salesgrew for the sixth consecutive quarter, up 9.5%, with outerwear and fanwear growth alongside growth in strategic categories such as footwear and hard goods.
- Mark’s comparable sales were up 7.2%. Weather and Black Friday sales contributed to a record-breaking quarter for sales. Growth at new-concept Bigger Bolder Better (BBB) stores also remained a key driver.
Retail Sales and Revenue were up 8.9% and 8.8%, respectively; Excluding Petroleum, Retail Sales and Retail Revenue were up 10.2% and 10.7% respectively, benefiting from growth across all major banners and an extra week compared to the prior year.
Normalized income before income taxes (IBT) was up 32.5% to $349.6 million, driven by strong Retail performance. Normalized Diluted EPS was $4.47, up 38.0%.
IBT was $318.7 million, down 32.0% from Q4 2024, due to this year’s True North restructuring and impairment expenses, compared to a property sale gain recorded in the prior year. Diluted EPS was $3.96, compared to $6.54 in Q4 2024.

FULL-YEAR CONTINUING OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS

Consolidated comparable sales were up 4.1%, with strong performance across all major banners; CTR was up 3.7%, SportChek was up 6.2% and Mark’s was up 3.9% on a comparable 52-week basis.
Strong retail sell-through as a result of being in-stock, combined with improving customer demand, and the benefit of an extra week in Q4 contributed to Retail Sales and Retail Revenue growth, up 4.5% and 5.4% respectively. Excluding Petroleum, Retail Revenue was up 7.5% for the year, outpacing Retail Sales, up 5.9%.
Continuing to leverage margin management tools and streamline the organization led to improved retail operational performance; Normalized Retail Gross Margin rate excluding Petroleum was up 27 bps to 35.5%. Normalized retail EBITDA was up 8.1%, representing a normalized Retail EBITDA as a percentage of retail revenue (excluding Petroleum) of 14.6%. Retail Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) was up 119 bps to 11.0%.
Normalized Diluted EPS was $13.77, up 18.6%. Normalized IBT was $1,109.0 million, up 14.3% compared to $970.3 million last year. Favourable normalized Retail IBT¹ more than offset a decline in Financial Services IBT, primarily reflecting previously communicated investments in the business.
Diluted EPS was $10.57, compared to $14.91 in the prior year.

In March 2025, CTC said it launched a four-year transformative growth strategy called True North.

“True North upholds CTC’s Brand Purpose and is designed to drive core retail growth through four strategic cornerstones, putting customers at the core of the strategy, enhancing the Triangle Rewards loyalty program, and applying privileged data, enabled by technology and AI, to deliver enhanced digital and store experiences. The strategy is being delivered by a newly constituted senior leadership team and organizational structure, supporting CTC’s transition from a holding company structure to a more integrated operating model that is agile, can operate with scale, and deliver customer value,” said the company.

2025 was a key foundational year for CTC’s True North transformative growth strategy, with the implementation of a more agile, tech-driven and efficient operating model in place, contributing to new ways of working, and significant achievements delivered on a number of fronts, it noted:

Triangle Rewards came to life for more Canadians. 9.8 million are now active registered members of the program, representing a 6% increase on 2024. By early 2026, CTC had activated two loyalty partnerships and almost 100,000 RBC Avion members and 600,000 Petro-Canada Petro Points members had linked to Triangle. The Company’s partnership with WestJet (WestJet Rewards) is scheduled to launch during Q2 of 2026, with the Tim Hortons partnership (Tim’s Rewards) to follow in the second half of 2026.
Refreshed stores continue to drive growth. Fifty-two store projects were completed in 2025: Thirty-one CTR refreshed, expanded or replacement stores including new CTR stores in Kelowna, British Columbia, and Kingston, Ontario; and twenty-one new or refreshed stores at other banners, including compelling new format stores at Mark’s and SportChek, in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.
New capabilities around in-stock optimization, and a new AI tool (DaiVID) that optimizes pricing and margin, provided customer value and contributed to growth. Increasing awareness of same-day delivery across all banners contributed to eCommerce sales growth outpacing bricks and mortar.
HBC’s Stripes became the newest Owned Brand to launch to customers, with a holiday capsule collection released in Q4 of 2025 that generated strong customer response and sell-through. A more comprehensive product set will come to market in the summer of 2026.
CTC’s True North organizational model established clearly delineated responsibilities for the following: go-to-market strategy (under Chief Commercial Officer Matt Moore), retail execution (under Chief Operating Officer TJ Flood), performance management and capital discipline (under Chief Financial Officer Darren Myers) and transformation initiative management and value creation (under Chief Transformation Officer Susan O’Brien in a newly created role).
With the True North restructuring completed in the third quarter of 2025, the Company is now benefiting from the associated run-rate savings, with approximately $30 million of savings reflected in operating expense in the fourth quarter of 2025. 2026 savings will continue to be balanced with focused investments to support growth and advance the True North strategy, including through investments in AI deployment.
During the third quarter of 2025, CTC negotiated amendments to its contracts with CTR Dealers, strengthening joint alignment on the True North strategic priorities.
At the end of the year, there were five percent fewer Class A Non-Voting (CTC.A) Shares outstanding compared to the prior year, as the Company continued to execute against its existing share buyback program. CTC had repurchased a total of $442.4 million, in excess of the amount required for anti-dilutive purposes, of its CTC.A shares during the fiscal year under its 2025 and 2026 Share Repurchase Intentions.

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VIDEO: Nearly half of Canadian restaurants losing money or barely breaking even, warns Restaurants Canada CEO

By

Mario Toneguzzi

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February 19, 2026

Canada’s restaurant industry is facing mounting financial pressure, with nearly half of operators either losing money or barely breaking even, according to Restaurants Canada.

In an interview with Retail Insider, president and CEO Kelly Higginson said 44 per cent of restaurants were in that position as of November 2025, a sharp increase from pre-pandemic norms when roughly 10 to 12 per cent struggled to turn a profit. She said rising operating costs, including tariff-related pressures, have squeezed margins at the same time consumers are pulling back on discretionary spending amid ongoing affordability concerns.

While a temporary GST holiday earlier in the year provided a short-term lift in sales and job creation, Higginson said many operators were unable to translate higher traffic into stronger bottom lines because expenses continued to climb. She noted that 60 per cent of restaurants reported profitability in 2025 was worse than expected.

Higginson said the industry is unlikely to see sudden waves of closures due to long-term lease obligations, but warned financial strain is building. She is urging the federal government to permanently remove GST on food, adjust workforce policies in tourism-dependent regions and address broader cost pressures, including taxes and employment insurance premiums, to stabilize the sector.

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Restaurants brace for more obstacles in 2026: Restaurants Canada

Restaurants Canada encouraged by federal government’s announcement of new food affordability measures

Daily Synopsis: Feb 18, 2026 – Retail real estate and expansion

By

Retail Insider

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February 18, 2026

Today’s Retail Insider articles cover key developments including Montreal-based Cozey accelerating its brick-and-mortar footprint with the opening of its largest store to date on Calgary’s 17th Avenue. CT REIT reported robust 2025 financial results with strong occupancy and significant retail space growth. Meanwhile, rising construction and labour costs are reshaping Canadian retail development strategies. Below, find these stories and more followed by Canadian Retail News From Around the Web.

🗞️ The Day’s Retail Insider Article List

Canadian Tire expands Microsoft partnership to scale AI-driven retail intelligence platform – Mario Toneguzzi
Tim Hortons brings back Roll Up The Rim on cups for 40th anniversary contest – Mario Toneguzzi
Study Reveals 70% of Shoppers Use AI to Seek Promotions – Lee Rivett
Cozey opens largest store yet on Calgary’s 17th Avenue as brick-and-mortar expansion accelerates (Photos) – Mario Toneguzzi
RioCan REIT reports ‘strong year’ for 2025 with 5 million square feet of leasing activity – Mario Toneguzzi
KITS issues first-quarter guidance, projects revenue of up to $60 million – Mario Toneguzzi
CT REIT reports Q4 and 2025 annual financial results, portfolio continues to expand – Mario Toneguzzi
Rising Costs Reshape Canadian Retail Development – Craig Patterson

🌐 Canadian Retail News From Around the Web

Retail landscape strong despite Toys “R” Us, Hudson’s Bay failures: RioCan (The Canadian Press)
Luxury Retailer Ssense’s Founders Get Buyout Approval, Deal Closes (Business of Fashion)
MCoBeauty expands in North America with Canadian retail launch at Walmart (Premium Beauty Brands)
How this beauty supply store became a hub for Surrey’s Black community (CBC)
Carole Taylor’s Journal talks with London Drugs CEO Clint Mahlman about closure of Vancouver store due to safety concerns (Grocery Business)
Northern store in Fond du Lac closes (Battlefords Now)
From pizza to ramen: Toronto Pearson Airport will have new dining options this year (Toronto.com)
Can Broadview and Gerrard Become a Destination? Hugh’s Room Is Betting on It (6ix Retail)
‘A kid’s wonderland’: Saskatchewan remembers the magic of Toys “R” Us (Regina Leader Post)
BMW Motorrad Canada welcomes Apex Cycle Sports as newest authorized retailer partner. (BMW Group)
10 suspects sought for allegedly stealing $20,000 in merchandise from Queen Street store (CityNews Toronto)

Canadian Tire expands Microsoft partnership to scale AI-driven retail intelligence platform

By

Mario Toneguzzi

-

February 18, 2026

Canadian Tire at Carlingwood Shopping Centre (Image: Strathallen)

Canadian Tire Corporation is expanding its collaboration with Microsoft to build and roll out a custom retail intelligence platform aimed at sharpening how the retailer anticipates and responds to customer demand.

The company said Wednesday the platform, known as MOSaiC, will be scaled across its retail banners and digital channels following a pilot in 2025. The system is designed to combine internal sales and loyalty data with external inputs such as weather and local events to guide merchandising, promotions and inventory decisions.

The initiative forms part of the company’s broader modernization efforts under its True North strategy and signals a deeper push into artificial intelligence to support operational and strategic planning.

Enterprise rollout planned

MOSaiC is being developed on Microsoft Azure and uses Microsoft AI capabilities to analyze sales data, Triangle Rewards loyalty insights and contextual factors including seasonality, holidays and weather patterns.

The company said the platform is intended to identify patterns tied to specific customer “occasions,” such as spring-thaw flooding, back-to-school move-ins or new fitness routines. By detecting those moments earlier, teams can adjust assortments, digital content, promotions and services across the retail network.

The rollout will extend to the company’s major banners, including Canadian Tire, Mark’s and SportChek, spanning stores and digital platforms.

During pilot testing, the company said MOSaiC identified more than 1,000 distinct life occasions where it believes it can better position products and services through its stores, digital properties, loyalty program and marketing capabilities. Retail and digital teams began applying those insights in 2026 to inform merchandise assortments, local store and online experiences, and personalized promotions.

Many retailers already analyze sales data, but the company said MOSaiC is intended to connect insights across banners and local contexts to enable more coordinated action across its retail system.

“Our ongoing True North strategy is a modernization agenda, strengthening our connection to Canadians,” said Greg Hicks, President and CEO, Canadian Tire Corporation. “While we have 100 years of customer relationships and local knowledge, MOSaiC will help our teams make better decisions about what to offer, when, and where, by connecting Triangle Rewards insights, and local context at scale. That allows us to move beyond selling products to serving the occasions of customers’ lives.”

In a LinkedIn post, Hicks said: “Our True North transformation strategy is a modernization agenda. That includes accelerating with AI.

“We’re excited to announce that we are scaling up an AI-based intelligence platform, MOSaiC, that assesses customer demand patterns, so we can better identify the moments of Canadian life when customers will turn to CTC.

“MOSaiC connects internal sales data, Triangle Rewards loyalty insights, and a range of external context (think weather, holidays, local events) to identify the occasions of our customers’ lives. This allows us to coordinate product assortments and inventory, promotions and loyalty offers, across our stores.

“MOSaiC has already identified more than 1,000 moments – from basement floods, to weekend workouts, to anything you can imagine in your day-to-day – allowing us to make smarter, more precise decisions about what we offer, when, and where.

“We have 100 years of customer relationships and local knowledge. By combining it with additional AI insights we can create a retail system that does more than sell customers products; we can serve the moments of their lives.”

Broader AI push

The MOSaiC expansion builds on existing artificial intelligence tools already in use at the retailer. The company has deployed DaiVID, an AI-powered pricing and promotions platform, which it said has contributed to improved customer value perception. It also uses AI-driven digital features to support product discovery, purchasing and personalization.

Microsoft is providing cloud infrastructure, AI model capabilities and engineering support to scale MOSaiC from pilot to a phased enterprise rollout.

“CTC is helping shape what the future of retail can look like in Canada,” said Matt Milton, President of Microsoft Canada. “By combining their deep understanding of Canadian life with Microsoft’s advanced AI capabilities, we’re enabling experiences that feel more personal, more useful and more timely – for customers and for employees.

“From empowering CTC employees with Microsoft 365 Copilot, to scaling AI innovations that deliver real-world impact, we’re proud to be CTC’s trusted Cloud and AI partner supporting the next chapter of their transformation journey.”

As part of its internal AI expansion, Canadian Tire said it has begun a national rollout of Microsoft 365 Copilot to corporate employees, providing tools intended to support analysis and collaboration. The company said it is also delivering structured AI training programs in collaboration with Microsoft and business schools to support adoption.

Strategy and outlook

Launched in 2025, the retailer’s True North transformation strategy centres on modernizing its data and technology capabilities to enable more coordinated operations and deeper customer engagement across its network.

The company said modern data and AI capabilities are expected to play an important role in supporting decision-making and strengthening connections with customers.

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Tim Hortons brings back Roll Up The Rim on cups for 40th anniversary contest

By

Mario Toneguzzi

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February 18, 2026

Tim Hortons-We heard you- Canada- The iconic Tim Hortons- tradit — We heard you, Canada: The iconic Tim Hortons® tradition of Rolling Up The Rim is back and will continue to be a part of future contests (CNW Group/Tim Hortons)

Tim Hortons says it is bringing back its Roll Up The Rim contest on physical coffee cups as part of the promotion’s 40th anniversary, marking a return to the in-store format alongside its digital game.

The coffee and quick-service chain said the Roll Up To Win contest begins Feb. 23 and will again allow customers to reveal prizes by rolling up the rims of hot beverage cups, while also continuing through the company’s mobile app.

The move signals the company’s intent to maintain the in-restaurant version of the contest after previously shifting the promotion to digital-only play, and to use both physical and app-based channels to drive customer engagement and rewards participation.

“For decades, Canadians looked forward every spring to Rolling Up The Rim of their coffee cups at Tims and we always heard they loved the tradition of winning a free coffee – a little thing that could make their day – as well as the chance of winning a grand prize like a new car,” said Axel Schwan, President of Tim Hortons.

“When we brought Rolling Up The Rim back last spring, the response was incredible and we were reminded how important this iconic Tims tradition is for our guests. So, we’re thrilled to share that Rolling Up The Rim of our cups is coming back – starting on Feb. 23 – and not just for this year, but for years to come.”

More than 30 million prizes

The company said more than 30 million prizes are available this year through cup rolls and digital play. Prizes include seven 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz vehicles, vacations, electronics, gift cards, cash, and millions of food and beverage items, including more than eight million donuts and more than 17 million coffees.

Among the top prizes are a VIP experience package offering a choice of experiences such as a SiriusXM All Access VIP Experience, a Cirque du Soleil two-night Big Top VIP premiere getaway, an NHL Game Day Experience for two, or a Simons VIP shopping spree.

Other major prizes include a Volkswagen all-electric ID. Buzz, a seven-night all-inclusive vacation for two with SellOffVacations and RIU Hotels & Resorts, a 2026 Sun Tracker Party Barge 16 DLX, and a 2025 Tracker Off Road 600 ATV.

Additional prizes range from home electronics and outdoor equipment to retail gift cards, streaming subscriptions and loyalty rewards points.

Digital and loyalty integration

Tim Hortons said customers can receive a contest cup with a roll under the rim while supplies last.

Members of the Tims Rewards program can earn digital rolls between Feb. 23 and March 22 with eligible purchases, including select hot or cold beverages, breakfast sandwiches or wraps, and lunch or dinner items. Members earn one digital roll per eligible purchase when they scan their rewards account.

We heard you, Canada: The iconic Tim Hortons® tradition of Rolling Up The Rim is back and will continue to be a part of future contests (CNW Group/Tim Hortons)

The company said members can earn double digital rolls by placing mobile orders for pickup or delivery through the app. Additional rolls are available when customers bring a reusable cup and scan for rewards with an eligible beverage purchase.

Tims Rewards members can also earn three digital rolls for eligible purchases of Tims at Home products and retail merchandise in restaurants when they scan for rewards. Similar offers apply to purchases of Tims at Home products from participating grocery retailers or TimShop merchandise online, subject to receipt submission.

Contest details

The contest runs from Feb. 23 to March 22, 2026. The cup roll period will close once promotional cups are depleted.

The contest is open to Canadian residents aged 13 and older, or 14 and older in Quebec. A registered Tims Rewards account is required to reveal digital rolls. All digital rolls must be revealed by April 3, and a skill-testing question is required.

No purchase is necessary to enter. Full contest rules are available on the company’s website and mobile app.

Founded in 1964 in Hamilton, Ont., Tim Hortons operates nearly 4,000 restaurants across Canada and more than 6,000 locations globally.

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Study Reveals 70% of Shoppers Use AI to Seek Promotions

By

Lee Rivett

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February 18, 2026

image - 2026-02-18T114340.971 — Using AI for shopping. Photo: ZDNET

A new shopper study released by Montréal-based XCCommerce, in partnership with SmartBrief, suggests that artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how consumers search for savings, with more than 70% of respondents either using or exploring AI tools to find better deals.

The 2026 Shopper Study: How Promotions and Incentives Influence Choice surveyed more than 300 NRF SmartBrief readers in December 2025. The research highlights rising expectations around personalization, consistency, and value, while underscoring the growing role of AI in the deal-seeking process.

According to the study, shoppers increasingly define a good deal as a balance between quality and price, rather than the lowest possible cost alone.

Personalization and Value Drive Loyalty

The research indicates that personalization has become a core expectation. Seventy-five percent of respondents said it is important that offers feel tailored to their needs. At the same time, 83% said valuable savings or rewards are what keep them loyal to a retailer.

The study also found that nearly half of shoppers buy more than planned or try new brands when redeeming an offer. This suggests that well-designed promotions can influence purchasing behaviour beyond initial intent.

Data from the report shows that consumers define a good deal primarily in terms of overall value. About 80% said best overall value for quality matters most, compared with roughly 58% who prioritize the lowest possible price.

Consistency Across Channels Is Critical

The findings point to a strong demand for seamless promotions across channels. Half of respondents said they do not care where they receive offers, whether in-store, online, or on mobile, as long as the promotions work consistently everywhere.

At the same time, 60% of consumers said they would abandon a retailer entirely if they encountered inconsistent pricing across channels. This underscores the operational pressure on retailers to maintain unified promotional strategies.

The study also highlighted where shoppers are most likely to notice offers. Nearly 40% said they engage with promotions through email or text messages, while 23% cited online ads or social media.

AI Becomes a Deal-Seeking Tool

The role of AI in retail discovery is expanding. The report found that more than seven in ten consumers are either leveraging or exploring AI to uncover better deals, with a third already using AI tools to help them find savings.

The study also revealed that a quarter of shoppers plan their purchases around major promotional events such as Amazon Prime Day or Walmart Deal Days, suggesting that consumers are increasingly strategic in their buying behaviour.

“Indisputably, shoppers are changing how they engage with promotions, looking to ChatGPT and open-sourced AI tools to accelerate the search,” said Danny Rosenoff, CEO, XCCommerce. “However, more than anything, our research is clear that consumers aren’t looking for more promotions; rather, personalized and consistent incentives wherever and however they shop.”

Implications for Retailers

The research indicates that retailers may need to rethink promotional strategies as AI deal-seeking shoppers become more sophisticated. The report suggests that simple, upfront discounts remain the most effective way to drive immediate purchases, while loyalty programs that offer tangible rewards and easy redemption help build long-term relationships.

It also notes that more than half of consumers are willing to share data if it leads to a better shopping experience, signalling an opportunity for retailers to personalize offers while maintaining transparency and control for shoppers.

XCCommerce positions its unified incentives engine as a solution to these challenges, enabling retailers to execute promotions consistently across channels. The company says its platform can increase promotional return on investment by up to 15% and improve operational efficiency by more than 75%.

As AI deal-seeking shoppers continue to reshape how promotions are discovered and evaluated, the study suggests that retailers will need to focus less on the volume of discounts and more on delivering personalized, consistent, and high-value incentives across every touchpoint.

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Cozey opens largest store yet on Calgary’s 17th Avenue as brick-and-mortar expansion accelerates (Photos)

By

Mario Toneguzzi

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February 18, 2026

Montreal-based furniture company Cozey is opening its largest retail store to date in Calgary, marking a significant step in its push to expand beyond e-commerce and deepen its physical presence across Canada.

The 5,500-square-foot store at 919 17th Ave. S.W. will open to media and influencers today, followed by a public opening on Feb. 19. The location becomes the company’s third permanent storefront after Toronto and Vancouver, and signals an accelerating bricks-and-mortar strategy the company says is delivering strong traffic and customer engagement.

It is located in the same building as Best Buy.

Founder and chief executive Frédéric Aubé said the Calgary launch reflects both sustained demand for in-person shopping and the company’s growing product assortment. He said Calgary is the highest excitement for any store opening so far.

“Furniture remains a tactile experience,” Aubé said in an interview from Calgary. “You want to see the furniture, you want to test it, you want to sit on it. Now that we’ve got beds and mattresses, you want to lay on them.”

While Cozey built its brand online, Aubé said many customers who ultimately purchase through its website still prefer to visit a store first.

“What we’ve found is lots of customers who are interested in purchasing online still want to try in store before they buy,” he said. “We’ve seen the economics of the stores be very good, and the excitement of customers be even better.”

Largest footprint to date

At 5,500 square feet, the Calgary outlet is significantly larger than Cozey’s other stores. Its Toronto location, which opened in March 2024 at the corner of Queen and Ossington in the West Queen West area, spans about 3,600 square feet. The Vancouver store, which opened in November 2025, is roughly the same size.

Aubé said the additional space in Calgary reflects the company’s expanded product lineup since its first store debuted.

“We’ve grown our product assortment so much since the first Toronto store that now we’re happy to have more space to display,” he said.

The Toronto site is also set to grow. Aubé said the tenant above the existing store has vacated, allowing Cozey to build out a second floor to address space constraints.

“We’re running out of space,” he said.

The Calgary store occupies a high-traffic stretch of 17th Avenue S.W., an area known for its mix of retail, restaurants and residential development. The space previously housed another furniture retailer.

Aubé said early indicators point to strong local interest. Within 24 hours of announcing the opening, more than 250 customers who had previously purchased from Cozey had RSVP’d for the launch event.

“It’s the highest excitement we’ve had for any store opening so far,” he said.

Calgary is currently Cozey’s third-largest market, after Toronto and Vancouver, based on company performance to date.

National growth targets

Cozey plans to continue adding stores in Canada through 2026.

Aubé said a Montreal location is slated to open in late spring or early summer at the corner of St. Catherine and Peel streets. An Edmonton location is also targeted before year-end.

“If we finish the year at five stores, that’s our target for Canada for 2026,” he said.

Beyond Canada, the company wants to establish a permanent store in New York City before the end of the year. It also has pop-up locations planned in Chicago and Los Angeles in 2026.

The expansion comes as Cozey seeks to translate online brand recognition into physical retail momentum. Aubé said weekend traffic at existing stores has exceeded expectations.

“You go on a weekend in either Toronto or Vancouver and people are lining up to try the furniture,” he said. “People have never seen that in furniture stores before.”

He attributed that response to a combination of product design, price positioning and brand experience, anchored to a consistent target demographic.

“We target that late-20s couple or single person,” Aubé said. “We often call her Simone, our 28-year-old persona, looking for a great sofa with good design, a good price point, and a great experience with a brand she can trust. That’s been our North Star since I started.”

“You open one store and people can be excited for the brand,” Aubé said. “But once we enter a new market, the excitement that builds around it is what really gets us going and the retail team going.”

“The excitement around our store openings just keeps growing. That I feel very excited about.”

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