Sephora Canada opens applications for second year of creator program

By

-

January 13, 2026

Sephora Canada says it will launch a second year of its Sephora Squad Canada creator program, opening applications later this month as the retailer looks to build on what it described as strong interest in the inaugural year.

Applications will open Jan. 19, with the company selecting 10 creators from across the country to form the next Sephora Squad. The new roster is scheduled to be announced in spring 2026.

Rym Nebbak - Sephora Square Alumni — Rym Nebbak – Sephora Square Alumni

Creator program expands into second year

The retailer said the program is designed to bring together Canadian creators with distinct perspectives and connections to their audiences, reflecting what the company described as the diversity and values of Sephora Canada. The selected creators will participate in a partnership that includes content opportunities, brand collaborations, mentorship and networking events.

According to the company, squad members will also receive exposure to a range of beauty brands, founders and products during the program.

Allison Litzinger, senior vice-president of marketing at Sephora Canada, said the company sees the program as a way to deepen relationships with Canadian creators following its first year.

“The response to our first year of Sephora Squad Canada reinforced what we’ve always known – Canada is home to an incredibly talented and diverse creator community,” she said. “As we build on that momentum, we’re continuing to invest in creators whose voices embody our values and our belief that everyone belongs in beauty. This next chapter is about deepening impact, nurturing connection, and continuing to grow alongside and celebrate the incredible communities that our creators represent.”

Applications open Jan. 19

Sephora Canada said the program is open to creators who share beauty-related content across platforms including Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. While experience creating beauty content is required, the company said creators who also focus on areas such as lifestyle, fashion and wellness are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and reside in Canada, according to the company. Additional details about the application process will be available through the Sephora Squad Canada website and the retailer’s Canadian Instagram account.

The company said it will select 10 creators from across the country for the 2026 squad, with each member contributing a different creative approach and point of view.

Smrithi Dhanasekar - Sephora Squad Alumni — Smrithi Dhanasekar – Sephora Squad Alumni

Part of broader brand strategy

Sephora Canada positioned the creator initiative as part of its broader marketing and community strategy, aimed at working with individuals who already have established audiences and engagement on social platforms.

The retailer did not disclose financial terms of the partnerships or how creators are compensated, nor did it outline specific performance metrics for the program.

The first Canadian Sephora Squad was launched last year, and the company said the response to that initial cohort informed the decision to proceed with a second year.

Company background

Sephora is a global prestige beauty retailer with operations in 34 markets, according to the company. It employs about 52,000 people worldwide and operates more than 3,000 stores, along with e-commerce and digital platforms.

The company said it carries close to 500 beauty brands in addition to its own Sephora Collection label, offering products across categories including fragrance, makeup, hair care and skin care. Sephora was founded in 1969 in Limoges, France, and has been part of the LVMH Group since 1997.

Sephora Canada did not say how many applicants it expects for the second year of the program or whether the scope of the initiative could expand beyond the 10 selected creators in future years.

More from Retail Insider:

RBC, Canadian Tire launch loyalty partnership linking Avion and Triangle Rewards

By

Mario Toneguzzi

-

January 13, 2026

Royal Bank of Canada and Canadian Tire Corp. Ltd. have launched a strategic loyalty partnership that links RBC credit and debit cards with Triangle Rewards, expanding how customers earn and redeem rewards across Canadian Tire retail banners.

The partnership allows eligible RBC cardholders who link their cards to Triangle Rewards to earn three times Canadian Tire Money on qualifying purchases at Canadian Tire, SportChek, Mark’s and other participating banners. The companies said the arrangement also deepens RBC’s Avion Rewards network of merchant partners.

How the program works

Under the program, RBC cardholders who link their accounts will receive additional rewards and offers, with further functionality planned later this year.

Eligible RBC credit and debit cardholders can now earn 3x Canadian Tire Money by following these simple steps:

Link your eligible RBC card to your Triangle Rewards account by visiting avionrewards.com/triangle.
When shopping at a participating CTC retail banner, scan your Triangle Rewards card at checkout.
Pay with any linked RBC card to earn 3x CT Money on qualifying purchases at participating locations.

Linked members will also receive exclusive offers from RBC and Avion Rewards. Starting later this year, cardholders will be able to convert Avion points to Canadian Tire Money.

For more information, a full list of eligible card products, and complete terms and conditions, please visit avionrewards.com/triangle.

Strategic focus on loyalty growth

RBC said the partnership is intended to create a more integrated rewards experience for its cardholders while extending the reach of Avion Rewards through the retailer’s network.

“RBC and Canadian Tire Corporation have created a seamless experience that brings tangible everyday value to our millions of RBC cardholders when they shop at some of the country’s most popular and beloved brands,” said Vinita Savani, executive vice-president of cards and loyalty at RBC.

“Together, we’ve developed a rewarding offering that underscores our shared commitment to innovation, putting clients at the centre of everything we do. We look forward to continuing to work with CTC to provide more meaningful benefits to our shared customers.”

Canadian Tire Corp. said the agreement supports the expansion of Triangle Rewards as part of its broader corporate strategy.

“Growing Triangle Rewards is a critical cornerstone of our True North strategy. By partnering with strong Canadian brands like RBC, we are scaling our loyalty program while rewarding more Canadians for their everyday activities,” said Darryl Jenkins, executive vice-president and chief development officer at Canadian Tire Corp.

“This partnership supports our ongoing transformation of Triangle Rewards from a loyalty program into a powerful Canadian ecosystem that offers everyday value to our nearly 12 million members.”

Triangle Rewards and Avion programs

Triangle Rewards enables nearly 12 million members to collect and redeem Canadian Tire Money across most of Canadian Tire Corp.’s retail banners, including Canadian Tire, SportChek and Mark’s. The company said the program is a cornerstone of its True North strategy and is being developed through more personalized offers and a coordinated approach across its stores, Triangle Mastercard program and partnerships with companies including RBC.

RBC said its cards portfolio includes Avion, WestJet, ION and ION+ cards, as well as co-branded and business cards. The bank said Avion Rewards is its proprietary loyalty program and is supported by a network of retail partners.

Corporate background

Royal Bank of Canada described itself as a global financial institution with more than 19 million clients across Canada, the United States and 27 other countries. The bank said it employs more than 100,000 people and operates a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and client experience.

Canadian Tire Corp., founded in 1922, operates a national retail network that includes Canadian Tire, Mark’s, SportChek and other banners. The company said its operations also include a retail petroleum business, a financial services business and a majority interest in CT REIT, a Toronto Stock Exchange–listed real estate investment trust.

The companies said the loyalty partnership is now in effect, with additional features, including the conversion of Avion points to Canadian Tire Money, expected to roll out later this year.

More from Retail Insider:

Groupe Boucher to relocate, expand Place Ste-Foy Sports Experts–Atmosphère store

By

Mario Toneguzzi

-

January 13, 2026

Groupe Boucher says it will relocate and significantly expand its Sports Experts–Atmosphère store at Place Ste-Foy, a project the retailer describes as a key step in its Québec City–area growth plans scheduled for completion in 2026.

The company said construction will begin in the coming weeks, with the store moving within the Place Ste-Foy mall to the former Saks Fifth Avenue space near the Métro entrance. The relocation will increase the store’s total floor space by more than 50 per cent, enabling a broader product assortment and a redesigned in-store layout.

Expansion within Place Ste-Foy

The project involves both relocation and expansion of the existing store rather than the opening of an additional location. Groupe Boucher said the larger footprint will allow it to restore a full range of equipment categories at the Place Ste-Foy site, including hockey, cycling and skiing.

The retailer said the expanded space will also support a complete clothing, footwear and gear offering for children, alongside adult products. According to the company, the changes reflect customer feedback and shifts in the product mix at Place Ste-Foy over the past five years.

Groupe Boucher said the new layout will include branded shop-in-shop concepts from Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Columbia, The North Face, Oakley and Arc’teryx. The company added that the store will continue to carry products and services that have been part of its offering at the location for more than two decades.

Construction timeline and transition period

While construction is underway, the current Sports Experts–Atmosphère store at Place Ste-Foy will continue operating until it closes ahead of the relocation. Groupe Boucher said a closing sale at the existing location will run from Jan. 7 to March 29.

The company said the new Sports Experts–Atmosphère Place Ste-Foy store is scheduled to open on Wednesday, April 1.

Groupe Boucher characterized the project as a long-term investment in its store network and customer experience in the Québec City region. The company said the expansion is intended to modernize the store environment while increasing capacity for products and services.

Broader retail operations

Groupe Boucher owns and operates 28 franchise locations under the Sports Experts, Atmosphère and Entrepôt du Hockey banners. The company is also the majority shareholder of Mathieu Performance, a cycling-focused retailer with locations in Québec City and Lévis.

The retailer said it employs more than 1,000 people across its operations. Its stores are primarily located in Eastern Québec, where the company said it emphasizes local engagement in the communities it serves.

Founded in 1967, the Sports Experts banner now includes more than 100 stores across Quebec, all operated by franchisees based in the province. Groupe Boucher said it has been operating for 38 years and continues to pursue growth through expansion and acquisition projects.

Since 2021, the company said it has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies.

Focus on network investment

The Place Ste-Foy project represents one of Groupe Boucher’s larger single-store investments in recent years, based on the scale of the expansion and relocation. By consolidating operations into a larger, more central mall location, the company said it aims to better align the store with its current product strategy.

The retailer said the increased floor space will allow it to balance equipment categories with apparel and footwear, while also accommodating branded in-store concepts that require dedicated areas.

The company did not disclose the cost of the project or provide financial forecasts related to the expansion. It also did not indicate whether similar relocations or expansions are planned for other locations in its network.

Groupe Boucher said the Place Ste-Foy store will resume full operations in its new location following the April 2026 opening, marking the completion of the transition.

More from Retail Insider:

Decathlon makes select running shoes unreturnable in January pledge aimed at New Year’s fitness commitments

By

Mario Toneguzzi

-

January 13, 2026

Decathlon is temporarily removing return rights on some of its best-selling running shoes in Canada this month as part of a New Year’s initiative that ties purchases to a commitment to stay active.

The sporting goods retailer said customers who buy certain running shoe models between Jan. 1 and Jan. 31, will be asked to waive their right to return the product, with the company framing the move as a way to encourage follow-through on fitness resolutions.

January-only return waiver

Under the program, purchases of Decathlon’s best-selling running shoes during January will be designated as “unreturnable” once customers agree to the terms at checkout. The offer applies to KIPRUN men’s and women’s versatile, water-repellent running shoes, 500 WR, sold online and in Decathlon stores across Canada.

Decathlon said customers will see a warning on the product page stating that by completing the purchase they are agreeing not to return the shoes as part of a pledge to maintain their New Year’s resolution to keep moving.

The initiative includes a loyalty incentive. Members who make the purchase will receive 1,000 bonus loyalty points and will retain those points provided the shoes are not returned for 30 days.

The company positioned the program as a response to the early drop-off many people experience with New Year’s resolutions.

Company rationale

“We see that people want to start the year strong, but the temptation to quit is often too easy,” said Marie-Lou Blais, marketing and communications director at Decathlon.

“Decathlon’s mission goes deeper than convenience as we genuinely care about our customers’ sustained well-being and their ability to commit to themselves. The unreturnable shoe is our playful way of intervening at a pivotal moment, turning a simple purchase into a powerful act of self-commitment, and we’re sweetening the deal with an advantageous point incentive.”

Decathlon cited the prevalence of failed resolutions as part of its explanation for the campaign, noting that the phenomenon has led to the coining of “Quitters Day,” which falls on the second Friday of January. The company also referenced data from Drive Research from 2024 indicating that 92 per cent of adults ultimately do not see their resolutions through.

How the program works

To participate, customers must purchase one of the eligible running shoe models either through decathlon.ca or at a Canadian Decathlon store during the January window. At checkout, they must agree to the condition that the shoes cannot be returned, which the company said represents a symbolic pledge to maintain an active routine.

The 1,000 bonus loyalty points are issued at the time of purchase. Customers keep the points if the shoes are not returned within 30 days, which Decathlon described as the period required to complete the commitment tied to the program.

The company said the initiative is open to anyone interested in beginning the year with a focus on movement, regardless of fitness level.

Broader positioning

Beyond the January campaign, Decathlon said it offers products and support designed to accommodate a range of sports and fitness levels. The company directed customers to its website for additional information about committing to movement throughout the year.

Decathlon operates as a multi-specialist sports brand, designing and manufacturing sporting goods for beginners and elite athletes. The company said it employs more than 100,000 people globally and operates 1,750 stores worldwide. Founded in 1976, Decathlon said its stated ambition is to encourage participation in sport and physical activity.

The unreturnable footwear program is limited to January 2026 purchases and applies only to the specified running shoe models sold in Canada.

More from Retail Insider:

Adyen report finds majority of U.S. shoppers open to AI making purchases on their behalf

By

Mario Toneguzzi

-

January 13, 2026

Over half of U.S. shoppers are now willing to let artificial intelligence handle the entire shopping process, including the final purchase, according to Adyen’s 2026 retail report, signaling a shift in consumer behaviour that could influence retailers’ strategies and operations.

The report highlights that AI adoption among U.S. shoppers has accelerated sharply over the past year. Usage of AI assistants more than doubled, rising from 12 per cent to 35 per cent, with 66 per cent of users saying it saves time and 62 per cent reporting it helps cut through online noise. The same share of shoppers said they want retailers to use AI for proactive product recommendations.

AI moves to the checkout

The willingness to let AI complete purchases is particularly strong among Millennials, with 59 per cent saying they would allow it. Gen X and Gen Z shoppers follow closely at 55 per cent and 48 per cent, respectively, while over a quarter of Baby Boomers (26 per cent) are also open to the approach.

Trust remains a key factor in adopting AI as an autonomous purchasing agent. When asked what is most important to trust AI with the final purchase, 45 per cent of respondents want to be confident the AI is optimised for the lowest price and best value, another 45 per cent seek clarity on accountability if the wrong item is purchased, and 41 per cent want transparency on how the AI selected one product over others.

“We are starting to move beyond just the ‘browsing’ phase and entering into the ‘buying’ phase,” said Trevor Nies, senior vice-president and global head of digital at Adyen.

“Over half of shoppers are ready for AI that not only suggests products but actually completes the purchase. This shift will fundamentally reshape how commerce operates, influencing retailers’ end-to-end business strategies, from customer acquisition through loyalty and retention. To support this transformation at scale, the underlying infrastructure, including payments, must evolve accordingly.”

Protecting brand relationships

The report also raises concerns about the impact of AI on brand loyalty. While 59 per cent of shoppers say they are more likely to buy from brands offering loyalty discounts or benefits, AI-managed purchases could weaken the direct relationship between consumers and retailers. Over one quarter of retailers surveyed cited loss of the customer relationship as a major barrier to adopting AI-powered purchasing.

Retailers recognize the tension between automation and customer engagement. Brand apps that facilitate checkout and loyalty points remain popular, particularly among Millennials (35 per cent) and Gen Z (33 per cent). Without careful design, AI purchasing could disrupt these mechanisms, affecting repeat purchases, upselling opportunities, and brand equity.

Retailers balance growth with safety

Despite these concerns, 60 per cent of U.S. retailers plan to expand AI investments in the next year to improve customer experience. Eighty-eight per cent are open to enabling AI to shop on behalf of consumers, with 56 per cent viewing it as a top strategic priority and 37 per cent planning to invest in the technology within 12 months.

However, many retailers are prioritizing safety over speed. Among factors guiding adoption, 38 per cent cited seamless system integration, 37 per cent highlighted data security, and 31 per cent of those resisting AI adoption cited fear of incorrect or unpredictable purchases leading to financial loss or mistakes.

“While over half of US retailers are prioritizing this technology, many of those who are holding back fear losing that personal connection with the customer,” said Carlo Bruno, vice-president of product at Adyen.

“The way forward is to make sure AI is a powerful additive channel that offers shoppers a new way to transact, while ensuring the retailer remains in control of the customer relationship and data. The biggest hurdle isn’t the technology, it’s the relationship.”

Adyen, which provides global payment and financial technology solutions, said its research was conducted by Censuswide among 2,000 U.S. consumers and 500 retail merchants in late November and early December 2025.

More from Retail Insider:

ZUCORA Appoints David COHN as Vice President of Sales

By

Retail Insider

-

January 12, 2026

Zucora announces the appointment of David Cohn as Vice President of National Sales.

With more than 13 years of proven leadership experience and a consistent focus on revenue growth, David has played a pivotal role in Zucora’s continued success and market expansion.

In this expanded role, David will lead the company’s sales strategy, supporting continued growth and strengthening partnerships with key market partners. He will also continue to lead and coach Zucora’s national sales team, ensuring our representatives and agents remain focused on helping home furnishings retailers drive meaningful growth and lasting success.

“David is relentlessly focused on creating value for our retail partners. His genuine care for people, combined with his strategic mindset, has been instrumental in helping build Zucora into Canada’s leading product protection company.” said Brad Geddes, President and CEO.

Commenting on his appointment, David added “As Vice President of Sales, my focus is simple: helping our partners win. By staying true to our philosophy of people helping people and putting people first, we have the opportunity to support more partners, strengthen relationships, and make a positive, lasting impact.”

This appointment reflects Zucora’s ongoing commitment to partner success, sustainable growth, and engaging in leadership that supports its long-term vision.

About Zucora

For more than 45 years, Zucora has partnered with Canada’s leading home furnishing and appliance retailers to deliver innovative protection plans that add value and help Canadians protect the home investments they’ve worked hard for.

For more information, visit zucora.com.

Media Contact

marketing@zucora.com

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FRENCH VERSION

ZUCORA nomme David Cohn au poste de vice-président, Ventes

London (Ontario) — 1^er janvier 2026

Zucora annonce la nomination de David Cohn au poste de vice-président, Ventes nationales.

Fort de plus de 13 années d’expérience en leadership et reconnu pour son approche axée sur la croissance des revenus, David a joué un rôle déterminant dans le succès continu de Zucora et dans l’expansion de sa présence sur le marché.

Dans le cadre de ces fonctions élargies, David sera responsable de la stratégie nationale des ventes de l’entreprise. Il soutiendra la croissance continue de Zucora tout en renforçant les partenariats avec les acteurs clés du marché. Il continuera également à diriger et à accompagner l’équipe nationale des ventes, afin que les représentants et agents demeurent pleinement engagés à aider les détaillants de meubles et d’électroménagers à générer une croissance durable et des résultats concrets.

« David est animé par une volonté constante de créer de la valeur pour nos partenaires détaillants. Son attention sincère portée aux gens, combinée à sa vision stratégique, a été déterminante dans la croissance de Zucora et dans sa position de chef de file canadien en matière de plans de protection », a déclaré Brad Geddes, président et chef de la direction.

Commentant sa nomination, David Cohn a ajouté : « À titre de vice-président, Ventes, ma priorité est simple : aider nos partenaires à réussir. En restant fidèles à notre philosophie et en plaçant les gens au cœur de nos décisions, nous avons l’occasion de soutenir davantage de partenaires, de renforcer nos relations et d’avoir un impact positif et durable. »

Cette nomination témoigne de l’engagement continu de Zucora envers la réussite de ses partenaires, une croissance durable et un leadership aligné sur sa vision à long terme.

À propos de Zucora

Depuis plus de 45 ans, Zucora collabore avec les principaux détaillants canadiens de meubles et d’électroménagers afin d’offrir des plans de protection novateurs qui créent de la valeur et aident les Canadiens à protéger les investissements qu’ils ont faits pour leur domicile.

Pour en savoir plus, visitez zucora.com.

Contact média
marketing@zucora.com

Maison Territo Opens Luxury Furniture Store at Royalmount

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For January 13, 2026

By

Retail Insider

-

January 12, 2026

News at a Glance

Retail Insider is streamlining its Canadian retail news from around the web to include a handful of top news stories that can be viewed quickly during the day. Here are the top stories from the past 24 hours.

Lululemon says it expects Q4 sales and EPS to be at high end of guidance (Canadian Press)

Reitmans in Yellowknife is closing its doors (Cabin Radio)

Pet Valu Appoints Carmen Fortino and Matt Reindel to Board of Directors (NewsWire)

Time running out for Kingston’s Toys ‘R’ Us store following sale of property (Kingston Whig Standard)

Sobr Market Opens at The Well as Canadian Non-Alcoholic Spending Hits $12.5B (6ix Retail)

Squamish Walmart to become Supercentre with fresh groceries (Squamish Chief)

Canadian government invests in halal beef processing and packaging in PEI (Grocery Business)

Oakridge Park mall and rooftop public park now months away from opening (Daily Hive)

Beloved Loblaws employee and diehard Leafs fan Kevin Wilson remembered (CP24)

David Eby had lots of warning of London Drugs closure, but failed to fix DTES woes (Vancouver Sun)

Police seek suspects after theft of 8 luxury cars from Oakville, Ont., business (CBC)

Lululemon Signals Strong Holiday Quarter Amid Governance Turmoil

By

Lee Rivett

-

January 12, 2026

Lululemon on Robson Street in Downtown Vancouver. Photo: Lee Rivett.

Lululemon Athletica Inc. is entering early 2026 with momentum from a strong holiday selling season, even as the company navigates leadership change and an intensifying governance dispute involving its founder and activist investors.

The Vancouver based athleticwear retailer said Monday that it expects both net revenue and diluted earnings per share for its fourth quarter to land at the high end of previously issued guidance, signalling resilience during one of the most closely watched periods of the retail calendar.

Lululemon chief financial officer Meghan Frank said the updated outlook reflects the company’s performance over the holiday season, which spans some of the busiest shopping periods of the year, including Black Friday, the week leading up to Christmas, and Boxing Day.

The fourth quarter began in early November, and the company had earlier forecast revenue in a range of US$3.5 billion to US$3.56 billion, with diluted earnings per share between US$4.66 and US$4.76. Lululemon said it is now tracking toward the high end of both ranges.

The company did not revise its outlook for gross margin, selling, general and administrative expenses, or its effective tax rate, suggesting that operating assumptions remain intact despite a volatile external environment.

Main floor (women’s) at Lululemon, Yonge & Bloor in Toronto. Photo: Craig Patterson

Strong Results Arrive Amid Leadership Transition

The positive holiday update comes at a pivotal moment for Lululemon, which is preparing for a major leadership transition. On December 11, the company announced that chief executive officer Calvin McDonald will step down at the end of January.

McDonald, who assumed the role in 2018, oversaw a period of significant expansion that included deeper penetration into menswear, major sports league partnerships, and meaningful international growth. At the same time, the brand has faced growing scrutiny around innovation cadence and competitive positioning.

Rivals such as Alo and Vuori have gained traction in the premium athleisure space, while analysts and investors have raised concerns that Lululemon has struggled to deliver sufficient product newness, particularly in colourways, fabrics, and silhouettes that resonate with repeat customers.

Activist Pressure and Founder Criticism Intensify

Lululemon’s strong holiday quarter performance is unfolding against the backdrop of renewed criticism from founder Chip Wilson, who left the board in 2015 but has remained an outspoken critic of management and governance decisions.

Wilson has accused the company’s board of eroding the brand’s premium positioning and destroying shareholder value, and has argued that the search for McDonald’s successor should be led by new, independent directors. In late 2025, he escalated his campaign by indicating his intention to nominate three candidates to Lululemon’s board at the 2026 annual meeting.

Those nominees include Marc Maurer, former co chief executive of Swiss performance footwear brand On Holding, Laura Gentile, former chief marketing officer at ESPN, and Eric Hirshberg, former chief executive of Activision. Wilson has framed the slate as a necessary reset to restore creativity, brand relevance, and long term value creation.

Elliott Management Adds Another Layer of Complexity

Adding to the governance pressure, activist investor Elliott Management has built a stake of more than US$1 billion in Lululemon. Elliott is reportedly advocating for Jane Nielsen, a former Ralph Lauren executive, to be named the company’s next chief executive.

The presence of both Wilson and Elliott has heightened the stakes around the CEO search and board composition, increasing the risk of a prolonged and distracting proxy contest at a time when the company is also addressing slowing growth in North America.

Board Defends Strategy and Governance Record

Lululemon has pushed back against claims that its board lacks independence or experience. The company has noted that more than a third of its directors have joined in the past four years and that the board has overseen nearly US$9 billion in revenue growth and roughly sixfold growth in operating income over the past decade.

In a December 29 press release, the company said, “The Lululemon board of directors will continue to take actions that we believe are in the best interests of all the company’s shareholders.”

The retailer has said it engaged with Wilson to better understand his concerns and sought information about his proposed nominees. At the same time, it has warned that installing his slate and moving to annual board elections could significantly increase his influence and result in a costly proxy fight.

More from Retail Insider:

Apple Services Achieve Record Growth in 2025

By

Lee Rivett

-

January 12, 2026

Apple, an American technology company, is celebrating a record-breaking year for its services in 2025. The company has seen remarkable growth marked by innovations and global expansions that have enhanced user experiences. Significant milestones include increased engagement across key platforms like Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Pay during the past year.

As part of their achievements, Apple services engaged over 850 million average weekly users globally. Apple Music reached all-time highs in listenership and subscribers, while Apple TV saw a substantial increase in viewer hours, achieving a 36% growth compared to the previous year. Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services, remarked on the enthusiasm customers showed during the holiday season, with records set in the App Store and Apple Pay.

Key Highlights from 2025

The App Store facilitated extensive developer earnings, surpassing $550 billion since its inception in 2008. The platform saw unprecedented engagement, particularly between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, along with record customer spending on digital goods and services.

In 2025, Apple Pay played a crucial role in securing transactions, eliminating over $1 billion in fraud. It also generated more than $100 billion in additional merchant sales globally, significantly contributing to the peak holiday shopping period. As Apple introduces Digital ID in Wallet, users can expect enhanced security and convenience when making transactions.

Innovations and Expansions

Apple services have seen transformative updates, improving personalization and user engagement. Apple Maps expanded its Detailed City Experience to new locations and incorporated intelligent features that make navigation more intuitive. New tools in Apple Music, like Lyrics Translation and Enhanced Dialogue, have made the platform more engaging and accessible.

Apple Arcade also saw a boost, launching more than 50 new family-friendly titles without ads, solidifying its place as a leading gaming service. In addition, Apple Fitness+ expanded into 28 new markets, making it more accessible to international users. This move included introducing digital dubbing in multiple languages, further enhancing its appeal.

Looking Ahead

Apple’s performance in 2025 has laid the groundwork for continued innovation. The company aims to maintain its growth trajectory while upholding a commitment to user privacy and exceptional customer experiences. As Apple looks ahead, the focus will remain on developing new functionalities across its service platforms to enrich user engagement.

With an unwavering drive to innovate, Apple aims to enhance its services while expanding its global reach, making 2025 a remarkable year in its history.

More from Retail Insider:

Kits Eyecare appoints Angela MacInnis as chief marketing officer

By

Mario Toneguzzi

-

January 12, 2026

Kits Eyecare Ltd. says it has appointed Angela (Scardillo) MacInnis as chief marketing officer, adding a senior marketing executive to its leadership team as the company continues to scale its operations.

The Vancouver-based eyecare company said the appointment took effect Jan. 6. MacInnis joins the executive leadership team and assumes responsibility for the company’s marketing strategy and brand development.

Image of Angela MacInnis, CMO (CNW Group/KITS Eyecare Ltd.)

Executive appointment

Kits said MacInnis brings more than 15 years of senior leadership experience at Best Buy Canada, including time as senior vice-president of marketing, along with more than 16 years in agency leadership roles at DDB.

The company said her background includes experience in ecommerce, brand building and scaling customer-focused businesses. In her new role, Kits said MacInnis will help shape long-term strategy while strengthening the company’s market presence.

“Angela brings a rare combination of brand leadership, operating rigor, and customer obsession,” said Roger Hardy, co-founder and CEO of Kits Eyecare. “Her experience scaling an iconic consumer brand while maintaining a relentless focus on the customer makes her an excellent fit for KITS as we continue to grow and expand our reach.”

Leadership perspective

MacInnis said the company’s customer-focused approach and growth potential were key factors in her decision to join.

“I was drawn to KITS because the brand is built around the customer and makes eyewear easy,” said MacInnis. “It’s a business designed to scale, and I’m excited to join Roger and the leadership team to help take the brand even further from here.”

Kits said MacInnis will be a key member of the executive team as the company moves into its next phase of growth.

Growth context

The company said the appointment comes during a period of strong momentum as it continues to scale its business. Kits did not provide financial details or specific growth targets in the announcement.

Kits trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol KITS.

Company overview

Kits Eyecare describes itself as a vertically integrated eyecare provider offering prescription glasses and contact lenses through a digital platform. The company said it operates in-house lens manufacturing and uses a digital fitting experience powered by OpticianAI.

Kits said its products are designed in Canada and delivered to customers worldwide. The company did not disclose employee counts, revenues or other operational metrics in the announcement.

More from Retail Insider:

Retail InsiderCanada's Most-Read Online Retail Industry Publication.

Sephora Canada opens applications for second year of creator program

Creator program expands into second year

Applications open Jan. 19

Part of broader brand strategy

Company background

RBC, Canadian Tire launch loyalty partnership linking Avion and Triangle Rewards

Groupe Boucher to relocate, expand Place Ste-Foy Sports Experts–Atmosphère store

Decathlon makes select running shoes unreturnable in January pledge aimed at New Year’s fitness commitments

Adyen report finds majority of U.S. shoppers open to AI making purchases on their behalf

ZUCORA Appoints David COHN as Vice President of Sales

About Zucora

Media Contact

À propos de Zucora

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For January 13, 2026

News at a Glance

Lululemon Signals Strong Holiday Quarter Amid Governance Turmoil

Strong Results Arrive Amid Leadership Transition

Activist Pressure and Founder Criticism Intensify

Elliott Management Adds Another Layer of Complexity

Board Defends Strategy and Governance Record

More from Retail Insider:

Apple Services Achieve Record Growth in 2025

Key Highlights from 2025

Innovations and Expansions

Looking Ahead

More from Retail Insider:

Kits Eyecare appoints Angela MacInnis as chief marketing officer

Executive appointment

Leadership perspective

Growth context

Company overview

FEATURES ON RETAIL INSIDER

About

Contact

Media

Follow