Canadian Tire [Toronto, 839 Yonge Street]. Photo: Craig Patterson
Canadian Tire has been ordered to pay $1,287,550 in fines and costs after a Quebec Court judge approved a settlement resolving 74 charges of false advertising tied to inflated “regular” prices in the Montreal area. The decision closes a case stemming from a 2021 investigation by provincial regulators and marks one of the larger penalties imposed in a deceptive pricing matter in Quebec.
The Canadian Tire false advertising case centres on allegations that certain products were promoted with reference prices that did not reflect actual selling practices. Regulators concluded that the discounts advertised to consumers were based on inflated regular prices that were rarely, if ever, used in the market.
Judge Simon Lavoie of the Court of Quebec in Montreal ratified the agreement between Canadian Tire and the prosecution, setting total fines and costs at just under $1.3 million. The penalties range from $15,625 to $18,150 per count across 74 offences.
The charges were laid under Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act after a six month investigation conducted in 2021 by the Office de la protection du consommateur, commonly known as the OPC. The agency is responsible for enforcing consumer protection rules across the province.
Canadian Tire initially entered a not guilty plea, a step that Crown prosecutor Jérôme Dussault described as the company’s legitimate right before negotiations began. Discussions between the parties led to a joint submission outlining the number of counts, the fine range per count, and the total amount. Judge Lavoie accepted that submission.
Under the terms of the agreement, Canadian Tire has 12 months to pay the full amount.
Investigation Focused on Inflated Reference Prices
The Canadian Tire false advertising case focused on how the retailer presented regular or reference prices in flyers, on its website, and on in store displays. The OPC found that some of those reference prices were artificially inflated, which made advertised discounts appear more substantial than they actually were.
According to the regulator’s analysis of sales data, the products in question were rarely sold at the alleged regular price online and were practically never displayed at that price in stores during the investigation period. Authorities concluded that the supposed regular price effectively did not exist in the market, making the advertised discount misleading.
OPC spokesperson Charles Tanguay explained that the agency demonstrated the reference prices were inflated, which misrepresented the actual discount available to consumers. From the regulator’s perspective, the issue was not that customers paid more than the advertised sale price, but that they were led to believe they were receiving a larger discount than was truly available.
The OPC said such practices undermine consumer trust and contravene Quebec’s strict rules on the use of regular or reference prices in advertising.
Hudson’s Bay Stripes collection at Canadian Tire [Toronto, 839 Yonge Street]. Photo: Craig Patterson
Scope of the 2021 Investigation
The investigation covered the period from April to October 2021 and examined price representations across Canadian Tire flyers, its website, and three stores in the greater Montreal area.
Seven products were initially targeted, with regulators tracking their pricing across different channels and locations. Under the settlement, Canadian Tire admitted guilt for five of the seven products investigated. These included Henckels knife sets, Cuisinart knife sets, Lagostina cookware sets, Heritage cookware sets, and a DeWalt cordless drill.
Three specific stores were part of the original investigation but were later removed from the case during negotiations for confidential reasons. Responsibility for the offences ultimately rested with the corporate entity.
Legal Framework Under Quebec Consumer Protection Law
The charges were laid under section 225(b) of Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits merchants from falsely indicating a regular price or other reference price for goods. The provision is designed to prevent retailers from using unrealistic or seldom used reference prices to create the illusion of large discounts.
In the Canadian Tire false advertising case, the total fines and costs reached $1,287,550 across 74 counts. The amount has been described in some commentary as a record level penalty following an OPC pricing investigation.
The case also highlights the investigative approach used by Quebec authorities. Regulators combined documentary evidence from flyers, websites, and in store signage with detailed sales data analysis to demonstrate that the reference prices were not genuine market prices.
Company Response and Position
Canadian Tire acknowledged responsibility for the five specified products and the 74 counts tied to the 2021 investigation period. The company has emphasized in public statements that, in its view, no customers were overcharged on the items in question. The issue, it said, related to how discounts were represented relative to the referenced regular prices.
The retailer has also characterized the violations as relating to a limited set of products over a defined six month window several years ago. From the company’s perspective, the matter is now resolved and closed.
Implications for Retail Pricing Practices
The Canadian Tire false advertising case underscores the strict approach Quebec regulators take toward reference pricing. Retailers operating in the province must ensure that any regular price used in advertising reflects a genuine selling price supported by actual sales history and in store display practices.
The case also signals to national chains that regulators are willing to scrutinize historical pricing data when evaluating whether advertised discounts are truthful. For large retailers and franchise systems, the outcome reinforces the need for strong compliance controls over how promotional and regular prices are set and communicated across flyers, e commerce channels, and physical stores.
This week in Canadian retail, resilience and strategic recalibration continue to shape the landscape as brands and real estate adapt to economic pressures and shifting consumer expectations. Key themes include experiential retail’s rising prominence, luxury brand expansion, and the persistent challenges specialty and legacy retailers face amid changing market dynamics. The approaching Valentine’s Day and ongoing Olympic Winter Games celebrations further underscore consumer sentiment and community engagement as vital retail drivers in this period.
Retailer News
Cadillac Fairview is actively transforming its malls into vibrant community hubs by introducing immersive experiences centred on the 2026 Olympic Winter Games and Chinese New Year festivities. This deliberate focus on experiential activations, including winter sports simulators and cultural performances, exemplifies a broader industry effort to drive foot traffic and deepen local engagement in retail spaces (Cadillac Fairview malls celebrate Olympics and Chinese New Year).
Luxury retail also marked a notable expansion with Swiss watchmaker Tudor opening new boutiques on Toronto’s Bloor Street and, soon, in Vancouver. These additions, part of a growing high-end footprint complemented by omnichannel strategies, speak to luxury’s enduring appeal and its nuanced role in an evolving Canadian market (Tudor Expands Canadian Boutique Network with Bloor Opening).
Conversely, legacy and specialty retailers face tough restructuring decisions. Toys “R” Us Canada’s filing for CCAA protection highlights the enduring pressures from high operational costs and diminished store counts, wherein real estate asset liquidation may be a critical piece of business stabilization (Toys “R” Us Canada Seeks CCAA Protection). Meanwhile, Eddie Bauer’s impending exit from the Canadian brick-and-mortar scene underlines accelerating shifts toward digital and wholesale models in the outdoor apparel segment, raising concerns about growing vacancy rates and tenant churn in retail real estate (Eddie Bauer Poised to Exit Canada as Store Shutdown Looms).
The relaunch of Westbeach under Chip Wilson’s leadership in Vancouver reflects a countervailing trend prioritizing experiential retail grounded in heritage and community. By focusing on a flagship physical presence and delaying e-commerce rollout, the brand is signalling a bet on in-person engagement and local market authenticity (Westbeach Returns With Vancouver Flagship and National Plans).
Retailer Financials / Trends / Reports
Statistics Canada’s report of a 1.8% retail sales growth for November 2025 illustrates nuanced shifts within consumer expenditure. Food and beverage sales, particularly women’s apparel, lead gains while the automotive sector experiences a downturn, painting a complex demand picture that informs retail programming and leasing strategies (Statistics Canada reports retail sales growth).
The Super Bowl remains a significant retail catalyst, with its broad audience driving spikes in food-related sales and consumer engagement. This event’s impact underscores the strategic value of targeted marketing tied to cultural moments for both food retailers and commercial space operators (Advertisers gear up for huge Super Bowl audience).
Retailer People News
Leadership appointments continue shaping retail dynamics, as Marc Cain’s hiring of Jessica R’Bibo as President of Marc Cain Canada marks a sharpened focus on penetrating key urban markets with a premium women’s apparel offering supported by both boutique and digital channels (Marc Cain Appoints New Canada President for Growth).
The entrepreneurial insights shared by Marc Lafleur, from growing truLOCAL to launching an AI venture studio, highlight the vital intersection of resilience, innovation, and mentorship. His perspective offers valuable lessons for retail and real estate sectors invested in nurturing homegrown, scalable consumer brands (Lessons learned along the entrepreneurial journey).
Retailer Op-Eds
The Super Bowl’s evolution into a major food spending occasion in Canada reflects shifting consumer behaviours towards shared, premium at-home dining experiences. This op-ed explores how such cultural events reshape grocery and foodservice strategies, reinforcing the need for retailers to tap into social and digital trends to maximise impact (Super Bowl Drives Major Food Spending in Canada).
Meanwhile, commentary on Canada’s new Grocery Code of Conduct clarifies its role in fostering fairer supplier-retailer relationships without directly lowering prices. This nuanced stance alerts stakeholders to the structural complexities behind food inflation and the importance of balanced supplier ecosystems for long-term market health (Why Canada’s Grocery Code of Conduct Won’t Lower Food Prices).
Editor’s Take
This week’s coverage points to a retail sector at a crossroads of adaptation and strategic realignment. Cadillac Fairview’s experiential activations and Westbeach’s community-centred retail-first approach underscore how brands and landlords are increasingly prioritizing immersive, localized experiences to counteract the headwinds of economic pressures and shifting consumer priorities. These approaches are not merely aesthetic but tactical, aiming to breathe vitality into physical retail spaces challenged by digital disruption and tenant volatility.
On the other hand, the luxury segment’s measured expansion, exemplified by Tudor’s boutique growth, signals strong demand resiliency where brand narratives and exclusivity underpin growth potential. This contrasts starkly with hard-hit sectors like specialty toys and outdoor apparel, where financial restructuring and market exits highlight ongoing structural vulnerabilities. In this light, the evolving consumer behavioural data around Valentine’s Day and broader discretionary spend reflect a marketplace rebalancing toward value, personalization, and emotional relevance — essential cues for merchandising and marketing strategies across all retail segments.
Finally, leadership moves and entrepreneurial insights remind us that agility and innovation remain foundational to navigating these shifts. As retail converges with technology and community, successful operators and landlords will be those who read beyond surface trends, integrating experiential retailing with strategic brand positioning and robust digital complements. The Grocery Code of Conduct conversation, alongside macroeconomic pressures reported, further emphasises that sustainable retail success requires both fair collaboration and market-driven adaptations rather than quick-fix solutions.
Creating a portfolio as a fresh graduate can be a bit tricky. You’ve got a handful of projects, maybe an internship or two, and lots of potential. But the experience bit is significantly lacking.
However, when well-crafted and presented through both digital formats and the use of professional printing services, you can show employers who you are and what you can do. The digital version will show what you are about, and the printed versions will come in handy during interviews, presentations, career fairs, and assessment centers.
But before that, you need to know how to draft and organize the portfolio so that it lets your skills shine while giving a clear idea of your potential. That’s what we’ll look at today.
Start with a clear purpose
Before you even draft the proposal, you need to think about why it exists in the first place. Who will be looking at it, and what would you like to convey to them? Even the introduction alone can make potential employers interested in your work and skills.
Since you don’t have much experience, the goal here is to highlight your potential and versatility. Each piece you include, and especially the descriptions, should be framed as an idea of what you can do. Even if it’s a small internship, let it show your skills clearly.
Showcase your strongest work first
Employers don’t really have the time to dig through every project as they are also reviewing lots of applications. This means you don’t have to display all of them, just the relevant ones or those that show a clear idea of your potential.
Maybe it’s a class project that had measurable results or an internship where you had a significant impact on a project or process. It can even be a personal project that shows your creativity and skill.
When listing them, start with your strongest work. This makes your portfolio more intriguing to employers and encourages them to go through your other projects.
Provide context for each piece
Portfolios are often a showcase of skill, but that works more in favor of experienced professionals. Instead of simply describing the project, give the story behind it. Explain the challenge, your approach, and the outcome. This will help them understand what you did and why it mattered.
Even if it’s a class assignment or volunteer project, it can showcase your abilities when framed well. Explain your role, the goals, and the results.
However, don’t go into unnecessary detail. Keep it just enough for someone to understand the significance.
Include transferable skills and achievements
When employing fresh graduates, employers are usually more focused on how they can enhance existing skills. This means your portfolio should position the skills and accomplishments that can move you from one context to another. Things like teamwork, problem solving, time management, creativity, and communication.
These types of skills show potential employers that you are adaptable and ready to contribute even if your experience is minimal. Accomplishments don’t even have to be a huge factor. If you completed a challenging assignment, led a group project, or found an innovative solution to a problem, these all matter. You can also briefly point out the impact of your work as employers tend to have a keen eye for results.
Polished printed copies for interviews and presentations
Ensure the printed version of your portfolio is clean and professional. You can use online printing services so that you can submit your digital copy, and they’ll ensure that your text is clear, the color is coordinated, and there’s consistency in the layout.
The physical copy will also appear polished, and it will give you an edge in interviews or career fairs. It will actually show that you care about details and results, which is a big plus when looking for a job.
The Just Socks Foundation has launched its 11th Annual Emergency Sock Drive, a winter campaign aimed at supplying new socks to people experiencing homelessness and hardship across Canada. The drive runs through February 15, 2026, and will culminate in a major distribution event known as the Big Sock Drop on February 13 in Concord, Ontario.
More than 40 charities from across the Greater Toronto Area and elsewhere in Ontario are expected to gather in person to pick up tens of thousands of pairs of new socks for immediate distribution. The annual campaign comes after a milestone year for the organization, which recently donated its one millionth pair of socks.
The Just Socks Foundation sock drive addresses a basic but often overlooked need. In 2025 alone, the organization distributed more than 160,000 pairs of new socks to over 100 charities across Canada, reinforcing the importance of consistent supply during cold weather months.
Foundation leaders say that socks are among the most urgently needed items for people living outside or in shelters, yet they remain one of the least donated essentials.
“New socks are one of the most urgently needed items for people living outside or in shelters — yet they are also among the least donated,” said Terry Smith, President of Just Socks Foundation. “Socks play a vital role in foot health, hygiene, and overall dignity. Our mission is simple: provide high-quality, new socks to the people who need them most, exactly when they need them.”
Individuals experiencing housing insecurity may walk up to 15 kilometres each day in search of food, shelter, and services, often with only one pair of socks. Exposure to rain, snow, and cold conditions can quickly lead to wet feet, discomfort, and serious health complications.
For health and safety reasons, most charities can only accept new socks, which makes monetary donations the most effective way to meet demand. The Just Socks Foundation sock drive focuses on converting donations directly into bulk sock purchases for immediate distribution.
Terri Smith, President of Just Socks
Supplier Partnership Supports National Distribution
The foundation works closely with long-time supplier Perri’s Corporation, which provides high-quality “comfort socks” produced specifically for the organization at below-market cost. The socks are then distributed directly to charity partners across the country.
“As a family business, we are proud to support Just Socks Foundation and its focused, practical approach to helping those in need,” said Anthony Perri, President and CEO of Perri’s Corporation. “It’s a simple item that makes a profound difference.”
The organization operates as a fully volunteer-run charity with a digital-first model. According to the foundation, about 95 per cent of funds raised are directed toward the purchase and shipping of new socks to partner charities nationwide.
Photo: Just Socks
Big Sock Drop Set for February 13
The 2026 campaign will culminate in the Big Sock Drop on February 13, when charity representatives gather at Perri’s Corporation’s Concord facility to collect tens of thousands of pairs of socks. The event provides immediate supply to organizations serving people experiencing homelessness across the region.
More than 40 charities are expected to attend the in-person distribution, which offers both logistical efficiency and a strong visual demonstration of the campaign’s impact. The Just Socks Foundation sock drive uses the annual event to ensure that donations translate quickly into tangible support for those in need during the winter season.
The foundation says that demand remains high, particularly during cold weather, when clean, dry socks can have a direct impact on comfort, hygiene, and overall health.
Photo: Just Socks
How the Public Can Support the Campaign
The Just Socks Foundation encourages donations through its online platform, where contributions are converted directly into sock purchases. According to the organization, a $100 donation provides a box containing 60 pairs of socks, while $50 provides 30 pairs. Tax receipts are automatically issued for donations over $3.
Now in its 11th year, the Just Socks Foundation sock drive continues to rely on public contributions, corporate sponsors, and charity partners to sustain its distribution efforts across Canada. Since its founding in 2013, the organization has focused exclusively on supplying new socks to homeless and marginally housed individuals, addressing what it describes as one of the most essential and under-donated items.
With winter conditions intensifying across much of the country, the foundation says the need for donations is immediate, as it works to keep people a little warmer and more comfortable during the coldest months of the year.
Future Bang & Olufsen at 135 Yorkville Avenue. Photo: Craig Patterson
Bang & Olufsen is preparing to make a formal return to Toronto’s luxury retail landscape with a new store opening at 135 Yorkville Avenue. The Danish luxury audio and visual brand has secured the Yorkville address, and marking the company’s re-entry into one of Canada’s most prominent high-end shopping districts.
The forthcoming Yorkville location follows the closure of Bang & Olufsen’s previous Toronto flagship several years ago and represents a renewed commitment to physical retail in a market the brand has continued to serve primarily through wholesale partners. The new store will anchor the brand once again within Toronto’s luxury streetscape, aligning with its global strategy of focusing on flagship and mono-brand environments in key metropolitan markets.
Bang & Olufsen currently operates branded stores in Vancouver (410 Howe Street) and Montreal (6555 St. Denis). The new Yorkville store will give the Danish luxury audio brand a physical presence in Canada’s three largest metropolitan markets, following several years without a dedicated downtown Toronto flagship.
A Yorkville Return After Several Years Away
Bang & Olufsen previously operated a dedicated Toronto experience centre at 100 Davenport Road, a location long associated with the brand in the Yorkville area. That store announced its permanent closure in 2019, following a clearance period that was communicated publicly through social media at the time. Since then, the brand has not operated a central downtown flagship, despite maintaining a presence in the Greater Toronto Area through other retail channels.
In the years following the Davenport Road closure, Bang & Olufsen products remained available to Toronto consumers through select partners, including Holt Renfrew locations in Toronto and Missisauga. The brand’s Canadian store locator has also listed an Ontario custom integration partner in North York, operating by appointment. While these channels preserved brand access, the absence of a flagship left a noticeable gap in Bang & Olufsen’s experiential retail footprint in Canada’s largest urban market.
The secured lease at 135 Yorkville Avenue closes that gap. Leasing announcements and recent brand communications have positioned the location as Bang & Olufsen’s official return to Toronto, though a specific opening date has not yet been publicly disclosed. Social media content released in early 2026 reinforces that the brand is actively preparing to reopen in the city, framing the Yorkville store as a key milestone in its Canadian strategy.
Details of the New Retail Space
The Yorkville Avenue storefront spans approximately 2,150 square feet on the main floor, according to lease plans. The space was previously occupied by CNTRBND, an upscale men’s fashion retailer known for its edgy positioning and international designer mix. CNTRBND ceased operations last year, leaving behind a high-profile vacancy in one of Toronto’s most sought-after luxury retail corridors.
The retail space was listed by the CBRE Urban Retail Team, which has been active in shaping tenant evolution across the Yorkville and Bloor luxury districts. The selection of Bang & Olufsen for the location aligns with broader leasing trends in the area, where experiential, design-driven brands continue to replace conventional apparel concepts.
Given Bang & Olufsen’s global store design language, the Yorkville location is expected to emphasize immersive presentation rather than dense product merchandising. The brand’s recent flagship concepts in major global cities have leaned toward gallery-style layouts that highlight materials, craftsmanship, and customization, positioning products as integrated elements of interior architecture rather than standalone electronics.
135 Yorkville Avenue. Photo: Craig Patterson
Brand Heritage and Luxury Positioning
Founded in 1925 in Struer, Denmark, Bang & Olufsen has spent a century refining a brand identity built on the intersection of Scandinavian design, acoustic engineering, and craftsmanship. The company has long differentiated itself from mainstream consumer electronics by treating its products as long-term design objects, often emphasizing durability, serviceability, and timeless aesthetics.
The brand’s portfolio spans loudspeakers, soundbars, headphones, televisions, and multiroom home entertainment systems. Across categories, Bang & Olufsen places significant emphasis on premium materials such as aluminum, wood, and textiles, paired with proprietary acoustic technologies. Product design often favors sculptural forms and visual restraint, allowing pieces to function as both performance equipment and interior design elements.
In recent years, the company has increasingly framed its positioning alongside luxury categories rather than traditional electronics. Management and marketing communications have likened the brand’s philosophy to that of luxury watchmakers, focusing on longevity, emotional connection, and craftsmanship rather than rapid product replacement cycles. This positioning has resonated with affluent consumers as well as design-conscious younger buyers who prioritize aesthetics and brand values alongside performance.
Financial Performance and Strategic Transition
For the 2024 and 2025 financial year, Bang & Olufsen reported revenue of approximately DKK 2.6 billion. While revenue for the full year declined modestly in local currencies, the company recorded fourth-quarter growth of about 4 percent in local terms. More notably, Bang & Olufsen achieved a record-high gross margin of roughly 55 percent for the year, with an even stronger margin reported in the fourth quarter.
The company also reported a positive EBIT margin before special items of around 1 percent and generated positive free cash flow of DKK 16 million. Management has characterized the period as a year of transition, emphasizing improved performance in branded channels and a stronger financial foundation heading into the brand’s 100th anniversary.
Bang & Olufsen has prioritized profitability, margin discipline, and brand alignment over aggressive growth. This strategic recalibration has included refining the product portfolio, reducing exposure to lower-margin distribution channels, and concentrating investment in markets and cities where the brand believes it can command premium positioning and experiential relevance.
Product Strategy and Design-Led Differentiation
Bang & Olufsen’s product strategy centres on a relatively focused assortment of high-price, high-margin offerings with longer life cycles than typical consumer electronics. This approach supports both brand consistency and operational efficiency, while reinforcing the perception of products as enduring investments rather than disposable technology.
Limited editions and collaborations play a supporting role in this strategy, creating moments of heightened visibility and desirability without diluting the core product lineup. The brand’s renewed collaboration with Ferrari, spanning the 2024 and 2025 Formula 1 seasons, exemplifies this approach, linking Bang & Olufsen’s design and performance narrative with a globally recognized luxury automotive brand.
Design language remains central to differentiation. Products are often designed to integrate seamlessly into residential environments, with mounting systems, modular components, and customizable finishes that allow for architectural integration. This design-first philosophy distinguishes Bang & Olufsen from both mass-market electronics brands and traditional audiophile manufacturers that emphasize technical performance over visual form.
Store Network and Retail Distribution Strategy
The upcoming Toronto opening fits squarely within Bang & Olufsen’s broader reconfiguration of its global retail network. The company has been actively reducing its reliance on broad multi-brand distribution and non-aligned e-commerce platforms, instead investing in mono-brand stores, flagships, and carefully selected wholesale partners that reinforce its luxury positioning.
In the United States, the brand has exited certain lower-alignment channels while redirecting resources toward branded environments. Flagship stores in cities such as New York City, London, and Paris serve as both sales drivers and brand showcases, offering immersive experiences that emphasize heritage, materials, and personalization.
These flagship environments are designed to function as halo locations within a broader omnichannel ecosystem. They support clienteling, custom installation consultations, and long-term service relationships, reinforcing the brand’s emphasis on lifetime value rather than transactional sales.
Toronto’s Yorkville store is expected to operate within this same framework. As part of Bang & Olufsen’s “win cities” strategy, the location underscores the brand’s view of Toronto as a key luxury market with sufficient scale, affluence, and design culture to support a flagship concept.
Omnichannel Integration and Digital Evolution
Alongside its physical retail strategy, Bang & Olufsen has invested heavily in modernizing its digital commerce infrastructure. The brand has implemented a headless, microservices-based platform designed to unify online and offline channels and support advanced omnichannel use cases.
This architecture allows in-store staff to access the full online catalogue, enabling endless aisle capabilities, click-and-collect options, and home delivery for out-of-stock items. It also supports tighter integration between branded stores and e-commerce, ensuring consistent pricing, assortment control, and brand presentation across touchpoints.
Bang & Olufsen has consolidated previously separate online destinations into a single brand platform, simplifying navigation and reinforcing a cohesive brand story. Digital storytelling, service integration, and appointment-based consultations increasingly complement physical store visits, particularly in luxury markets where consumers expect a seamless experience across channels.
The Toronto flagship is expected to benefit from this infrastructure, serving as both a physical showroom and a gateway to the brand’s broader ecosystem of products, services, and customization options.
Yorkville’s Evolving Luxury Retail Landscape
Bang & Olufsen’s return to Yorkville comes amid a period of sustained luxury and upscale retail activity in the district. The Bloor and Yorkville corridor has continued to attract global brands, with new openings, relocations, and flagship announcements reshaping the area’s retail mix between 2024 and 2026.
Recent activity has included the arrival of high-end home and lifestyle brands such as Frette (opening soon), new fashion flagships on side streets (including a Harry Rosen flagship opening later this year), and ongoing investment by landlords seeking to elevate tenant quality. Yorkville Village shopping centre has undergone a notable refresh, adding upscale furniture, jewelry, and specialty retail concepts while upgrading existing tenants.
Major redevelopment and flagship projects are also reinforcing Yorkville’s role as a luxury destination. The transformation of key properties into large-format flagships reflects confidence in the area’s long-term appeal to affluent shoppers, tourists, and design-oriented consumers.
Against this backdrop, Bang & Olufsen’s decision to locate at 135 Yorkville Avenue aligns with the district’s evolution toward experiential and design-driven retail. Luxury audio, positioned at the intersection of technology and interior design, fits naturally within a corridor increasingly defined by lifestyle and home-related categories alongside fashion and accessories.
Canada represents a relatively small but strategically important market for Bang & Olufsen, particularly in major urban centres. Vancouver and Montreal already host brand-operated stores, and the addition of a Toronto flagship completes a tri-city presence across the country’s largest metropolitan areas.
Retail sales reached $72.3 billion in November, an increase of 1.8% compared with the same month one year earlier. Higher sales were recorded in 13 of the 18 commodity classes, reported Statistics Canada on Friday.
In November, the largest monthly increase in dollar terms came from sales of food and beverages, which rose 5.6% compared with the same month in 2024. Sales of packaged food dry goods (+11.0%) led the gains in this commodity class in November 2025, followed by sales of fresh meat and poultry (+11.8%) and cookies, confectionery and snack foods (+8.7%), said the federal agency.
Statistics Canada said retail sales of clothing grew 10.7% in November 2025. The largest gain within this commodity class was for sales of women’s clothing (+13.5%), followed by sales of men’s clothing (+7.8%). Sales of footwear rose 9.2% compared with November 2024.
The largest decline in dollar terms in November 2025 came from sales of motor vehicles (-7.3%). The decrease in this commodity class was driven by lower sales of new motor vehicles (-12.3%). Used motor vehicles posted higher sales in November, increasing 2.5% from the same month in 2024, it added.
“Retail sales of automotive and household fuels declined 1.3% in November. With lower prices seen at the pump, sales of automotive fuels posted a decrease of 3.2% compared with the same month one year earlier,” noted the federal agency.
“The advance estimate provided by the Monthly Retail Trade Survey suggests that unadjusted total retail sales in December increased by 1.9%. Because of its preliminary nature, this figure will be revised.”
Time Out Market Vancouver – the first of its kind to launch in Western Canada – has revealed the latest additions to its impressive lineup of local culinary talents.
Set to open this Spring, the food and cultural market will bring the best of the city together under one roof: a curated mix of the best chefs and restaurateurs, drinks and cultural experiences – showcasing the city’s top talents and making them accessible in a unique space, said the Market.
Time Out Market Vancouver – located atOakridge Park – is 51,000 square feet of space and will feature 18 kitchens, one dessert and one coffee counter, alongside three bars, multiple event spaces, around 1,000 seats and a large outdoor terrace facing onto a public park.
“ We are exceptionally proud of the concepts announced as we continue to highlight the best of the city under one roof. Our vision is to celebrate a thoughtfully curated mix of accoladed, neighbourhood gems, and rising star chefs. For the final announcement, count on some surprises that really shine a spotlight on the culinary scene in Vancouver,” he said.
Julien Lavoie
“Time Out Market’s vision is simple: the best of the city under one roof. It’s a vibrant community hub where we celebrate local culture, entertainment, talent and, of course, incredible food and drink. Think of every time you visit a friend’s home- you always end up at the kitchen table. Time Out Market is Vancouver’s kitchen table. Here, both locals and tourists get a real taste of the city.
“Guests can explore local culture and diverse culinary offerings from multiple kitchens, then come together at communal tables to enjoy their meals in a thoughtfully designed, lively space. We bring people together- whether they come with family, friends, or solo- so they can experience exciting culinary and cultural moments, all while watching top chefs and their teams in action. With the upcoming opening at Oakridge Park, Time Out Market continues its mission of building a new community hub, providing the perfect place to amplify and share the stories of Vancouver’s best chefs and restaurants.”
Communal tables, open kitchens, and a thoughtfully designed interior will offer a casual atmosphere where families, groups of friends and solo visitors can get together and easily connect with one another. Time Out Market is not just a foodie destination but a vibrant community space. With a year-round calendar of entertainment and activations, there will be culinary and cultural experiences for everyone, said the Market.
With six chefs and restaurateurs already announced, more culinary top talents – from beloved local institutions to award-winning and rising talents and much-loved local gems – have been revealed to complement Time Out Market Vancouver’s roster, serving a diverse range of cuisines.
Chef Vikram Vij brings new Indian concept, Peacock, to Time Out Market Vancouver
One of the city’s most well-known and loved chefs, Vikram Vij, is famous for his namesake Vancouver-based restaurant, Vij’s. Open since 1994, the institution was described as “easily among the finest Indian restaurants in the world” by The New York Times. Chef Vij has earned global recognition for his culinary career, cookbooks, and industry advocacy, highlighted by the Michelin Guide and James Beard Awards, alongside appearances on Top Chef Canada, Chopped Canada, and Dragons’ Den, among many others. For the Market, Chef Vij is launching Peacock, a new Indian concept which will serve Vij’s Samosa Chaat salad with beets and candied walnuts, Jennifer’s Salt Fish Curry, and Vij’s family Chicken Korma with pickled chillies.
Photo: Time Out – Vikram VijPhoto: Time Out – Peacock
Authentic Neopolitan pizza concept, Via Tevere, joins Market lineup
For over a decade, Via Tevere founders and brothers Dom and Frank Morra have shared their family heritage through several concepts in Vancouver, including Straight Outta Brooklyn Pizza, Dante Italian Sandwich, Don’t Argue Pizza, Cafe Soccavo, and il Saltimbocca food truck. Dedicated to bringing authentic Italian food and culture to the West Coast of Canada, both Via Tevere locations hold a prestigious “Vera Pizza Napoletana” certification, using traditional methods and ingredients to honour the streets in Naples where the owners’ family hails from. The brothers continue their mission by joining Time Out Market Vancouver, where they will serve traditional Neapolitan pizzas, from Margherita to Vesuvio, and paninos, including Prosciutto e Tartufo and Mortadella e Pistachio.
Photo: Time Out -Dom and Frank MorraPhoto: Time Out – Via Tevere
Kishimoto brings authentic Japanese cuisine to Time Out Market Vancouver
With over three decades of industry experience, Chef Akira Kishimoto honed his culinary skills in Osaka and Kyoto before moving to Vancouver to launch his own restaurant. His concept, Kishimoto, has been a staple of Japanese cuisine in the city for over fourteen years. Securing second at the prestigious 2023 Canada’s Great Kitchen Party contest and gold for best Japanese in the 2024 Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, Kishimoto cemented his place within the Canadian culinary scene, regularly recognized by industry peers. At Time Out Market Vancouver, Kishimoto will serve Wagyu Broth Udon, Okonomiyaki and Oshizushi, alongside a few vegetarian and vegan menu items.
Photo: Time Out -Chef Akira KishimotoPhoto: Time Out – Kishimoto
SANTO TACO will offer heritage Mexican dishes and an authentic taco experience rooted in bold, traditional flavours
Newly opened Mexican taquería SANTO TACO has quickly become a city favourite, earning strong reviews for its commitment to authenticity and its distinctive cultural point of view. Inspired by the street food of Mexico, SANTO TACO’s menu is built around carefully sourced, high-quality proteins prepared with respect for tradition. At the Market, guests can expect tacos, burritos, and quesadillas featuring standout proteins such as slow-braised beef birria, NY striploin asada, citrus-marinated pork belly, and classic pork al pastor, alongside rotating chef specials. The offering is rounded out with craveable appetizers and shareable plates, delivering a comforting yet elevated take on Mexican street food.
Photo: Time Out -Chef Gerardo RegaladoPhoto: Time Out – Santo Taco
Modern Chinese BBQ concept, Heritage, joins Market lineup
Currently operating three Vancouver locations, Heritage Asian Eatery has made a name for itself by delivering Asian comfort food, using locally sourced ingredients and clever culinary techniques. From Peking duck to versions of Chinese BBQ, each dish is a celebration of flavour. Dishes served at Time Out Market Vancouver will include Premium Char Siu Pork, Signature Roast Duck, Succulent Soy Chicken and Charcoal Roasted Lamb Skewers, to mention a few.
Photo: Time Out – Paul ZhangPhoto: Time Out – Heritage
Mello Donuts brings elevated artisan donut concept to Time Out Market Vancouver
Well-known in Vancouver and across the country, Mello has become a popular destination for hand-crafted, artisan donuts. Baked fresh from scratch everyday, Mello uses high-quality, natural ingredients and experiments with creative, flavorful fillings. At Time Out Market Vancouver, Mello will serve its much-loved signature brioche donuts, with popular fillings like matcha, as well as a selection of cakes and cookies, including crowd-pleasers like the strawberry short cake and cereal cookie.
Photo: Time Out – Mello Donuts
Boba Run offers fresh, fun, and unique flavoured bubble tea options
Locally owned and operated Boba Run is a Korean-inspired bubble tea concept on a mission to create drinks that are fresh, fun, and a little defiant. Known for staples like Strawberry Matcha Latte and Korean Banana Milk, as well unique flavour combinations like the Honeycomb Dalgona Latte and Jolly Pong Cereal Shake, Boba Run crafts drinks without artificial ingredients, using fresh or non-dairy milk and house-made syrups made from real fruits and organic cane sugar. At Time Out Market Vancouver, guests will be able to order a range of drinks from the Boba Run menu, including a Brown Sugar Matcha Latte, Thai Iced Tea, and Peach Oolong Milk Tea.
Photo: Time Out -Christine LauPhoto: Time Out – Boba Run
The newly mentioned vendors join the previously revealed:
Chef Rob Feenie will launch Feenie’s at Time Out Market Vancouver to serve gourmet burgers
Chef Chanthy Yen joins with Mee Bar – a celebration of his Cambodian heritage
Lunch Lady is coming to Time Out Market with its renowned Vietnamese street food
At the heart of MaKaam is modern Artisan Thai cuisine from Baan Lao’s Chef-Owner Nutcha Phanthoupheng
DownLow Chicken will serve its iconic crispy fried chicken
Barnacle by Bar Bravo will offer a selection of raw and cooked seafood
Time Out Market is part of Time Out Group PLC, a global brand launched in London in 1968. There are currently more than 10 Markets in cities such as New York (Brooklyn and Manhattan), Montreal, Dubai, Cape Town and Osaka, with several new sites in development, in addition to a pipeline of further locations in advanced discussions.
In recent years shopping centres have become more than just places to shop.
It’s all about the experience.
Cadillac Fairview, one of the largest owners, operators, investors and developers of best-in-class office, retail, multi-family residential, industrial and mixed-use properties in North America, has been at the forefront of providing interactive experiences to customers.
And right now it’s a busy time for the company as it celebrates the Olympics and Chinese New Year.
It has launched CF Play Makers, an immersive, winter play experience coming to select CF shopping centres nationwide. It launched with a flagship activation CF Toronto Eaton Centre on Thursday, transforming the centre into a dynamic hub for winter sport, play, and community spirit, bringing the excitement of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games to the heart of downtown Toronto.
“Timed to coincide with the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, CF Play Makers offers our guests a relevant and timely opportunity to engage with and try out Olympic winter sports at 10 select centres, including CF Toronto Eaton Centre, creating memorable experiences and community connection,” she said.
Jodi Clare
“Our shopping centres serve as true gathering places for our communities, and our curated experiences play a big role as we aim to inspire and delight our guests with each and every visit.”
Clare said the company maintains an ongoing, robust schedule of activations.
“Our dedicated Experience team manages a wide range of initiatives, from small, unique moments to major seasonal campaigns, such as the holiday program. Furthermore, we consistently partner with brands and retailers to host diverse activations across our portfolio throughout the year,” she explained.
“While national campaigns like CF Play Makers utilize a unified strategy, our overall approach is market-specific, tailoring experiences and activations to reflect the unique local markets and communities each CF property serves.”
Until February 22, people are invited to get in the game and participate in a variety of Olympic-inspired activities at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, including:
Team Canada Viewing Lounge – Queen’s Cross Food Hall
In addition to CF Toronto Eaton Centre, CF Play Makers activations will take place across the Greater Toronto Area including CF Sherway Gardens and CF Fairview Mall, featuring hockey and Curling Canada-partnered curling experiences alongside Olympic Games screenings.
Photo: Cadillac Fairview
Cadillac Fairview is also inviting shoppers to celebrate the Year of the Horse at select shopping centres. Until March 4, CF Toronto Eaton Centre, CF Markville and CF Fairview Mall will host a variety of community-focused events, including traditional performances, interactive activities, and festive décor. Activities will also take place until March 3 at CF Pacific Centre and CF Richmond Centre.
Guided by the Horse’s traditional associations with energy, persistence, and social connection, this year’s program mirrors that vitality through high-impact performances and immersive environments. Guests will be greeted by stunning visual displays, including iconic “supertrees” inspired by Singapore Marina Bay’s giant vertical gardens, themed decals, and pillar wraps, said Cadillac Fairview.
Lillian Tummonds
“We are proud to offer a truly vibrant program that embodies the energy and vitality of the Year of the Horse,” said Lillian Tummonds, Senior Vice President, Retail, Cadillac Fairview. “Lunar New Year is a significant celebration for many of our guests, and we are committed to creating an unforgettable, welcoming experience for visitors across our centres. Gung hay fat choy / 恭喜發財.”
Affirm is expanding its partnership with Wayfair, bringing its financial products to shoppers in the UK and Canada.
Whether shopping for a new dining table or the perfect sofa, approved shoppers in the UK and Canada can now split their purchases with Affirm, said the company.
The experience is straightforward: customers receive a quick, real-time approval decision and can choose the payment plan that fits their needs. Affirm never charges late fees or hidden fees, and there is no compounding interest. Customers only pay what they agree to, it said, adding that the announcement builds on the companies’ recently expanded partnership, which brought Affirm to Wayfair’s online and in-store checkouts across the US last October.
“Since first partnering with Affirm nearly a decade ago, we’ve seen how much our customers value having flexible, transparent payment options. Expanding Affirm to the UK and Canada means more shoppers can invest in their homes in a way that works for them, with no hidden fees or surprises.”
Wayne Pommen
“When people are shopping for their homes, they want to focus on finding the right piece for their space — and not worry about fine print or surprise fees that come with it,” said Wayne Pommen, Chief Revenue Officer at Affirm. “We’re proud to expand on our years of successful partnership with Wayfair, delivering the same peace of mind to even more consumers in the UK and Canada.”
With Canadians facing ongoing cost-of-living pressures, Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced food affordability measures to help ease the burden on consumers.
Yu Ma, Professor at McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management, said the expanded Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit does not reduce the grocery bills.
“Instead, it increases the purchasing power of the targeted Canadians. To lower the grocery bills, we need to improve our food supply chains in Canada. In fact, it is often overlooked that the government also announced that they will set aside $500 million from the strategic response fund to encourage greenhouse development, funding food banks, and develop a National Food Security Strategy to strengthen domestic food production,” he said.
“These supply-side measures are what can ultimately lower grocery bills. Although the impact will not be immediate, I think this approach is the only sustainable way to make groceries more affordable in the long run.”
Ma said there is a risk that retailers feel less pressure to engage in aggressive pricing, knowing that 12 million Canadians would receive a cash injection.
Yu Ma
“Also Canada’s grocery sector is a clear oligopoly, which also leads to lack of competition. While the Competition Bureau has flagged this in recent reports, they currently do not have power to force structural changes or break up the dominant players,” he said.
Ma said shoppers are already aggressively pivoting to discount banners and ethnic grocers to stretch their budgets.
“I don’t think this benefit will reverse that structural shift. Given the 27% cumulative increase in food costs over the last five years, this measure feels more like a desperate catchup. It provides a temporary relief but would not restore the lost purchasing power of Canadians,” he said.
How do the announced measures fit into the broader challenges and structural issues in Canada’s food system?
“I see two main points. First, Canada’s food system is heavily dependent on external inputs. Geopolitical uncertainty and ongoing trade disputes will continue to stress our supply chain,” explained Ma.
“While the government is on the right track by incentivizing domestic production (like greenhouse expansion), these systems require deeper, long-term investment to truly build resilience. Second, the high concentration of the grocery sector remains a barrier to competitive pricing. This is a fundamental structural issue that requires perhaps government intervention.”
Ma said these measures are well intentioned, and he can see how they help many Canadians immediately.
“I remain concerned that injecting cash without addressing supply constraints can inadvertently keep prices high. I think the focus should shift more weights from immediate relief to long-term structural reforms.”
Recently, the federal government said the global landscape is rapidly changing, leaving economies, businesses, and workers under a cloud of uncertainty.
“In response, Canada’s new government is focused on what we can control: building a stronger economy to make life more affordable for Canadians. To that end, we are securing new trade and investment partnerships abroad and building our strength at home – to create good career opportunities with higher wages for Canadians,” it said.
“Our plan is moving Canada’s economy from reliance to resilience, though some of the biggest long-term payoffs of this transformation will take time to be felt. To ensure Canadians have the support they need right now, the government has introduced a series of new measures to bring down costs – including cutting taxes for 22 million Canadians, supercharging homebuilding, and protecting and expanding vital social programs.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney
Carney introduced new measures to make groceries and other essentials more affordable:
1. Putting more money back in Canadians’ pockets
The government is introducing the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit – formerly the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit. We are increasing its amount by 25% for five years beginning in July 2026.
In addition to that, we are providing a one-time payment, equivalent to a 50% increase this year.
Combined, this means that a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year, and about $1,400 a year for the next four years; and a single person will receive up to $950 this year, and about $700 a year for the next four years.
The new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will provide additional, significant support for more than 12 million Canadians.
2. Tackling food insecurity, supporting producers, and strengthening supply chains
The government is setting aside $500 million from the Strategic Response Fund to help businesses address the costs of supply chain disruptions without passing those costs on to Canadians at the checkout line.
For the same purpose, the government will create a $150 million Food Security Fund under the existing Regional Tariff Response Initiative for small and medium enterprises and the organisations that support them.
To lower the cost of food production, we are introducing immediate expensing for greenhouse buildings. This allows producers to fully write off greenhouses acquired on or after November 4, 2025, and that become available for use before 2030. This measure supports increased domestic supply and investment in food production over the medium-term.
To ease immediate pressures with food banks, the government is providing $20 million to the Local Food Infrastructure Fund. This supports food banks and other national, regional, and local organisations to deliver more nutritious food to families in need.
To tackle the root causes of food insecurity, we are developing a National Food Security Strategy – one that strengthens domestic food production and improves access to affordable, nutritious food.
This strategy will also include measures to implement unit price labelling and support the work of the Competition Bureau in monitoring and enforcing competition in the market, including food supply chains.
