eTail Canada Releases Innovation Report Ahead of September Conference in Toronto

Date:

Share post:

Ahead of the highly anticipated  in Toronto on September 28-29, an Innovation Briefing has been released for 2022. []

The report provides insight into how some of the biggest retailers are pushing the boundaries while seeing success with e-commerce at a time when consumers are shopping online more than ever. The report makes readers better equipped to implement and optimize similar strategies through learnings and experience. 

Included is a discussion of how Canadian Tire is investing in its e-commerce — the retail behemoth has seen strong sales from its expanded online channel, as well as its membership program. Walmart Canada, which is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in its Canadian operations, is a point of discussion showcasing how over the course of a decade, it grew its online channel from almost nothing to billions of dollars in annual revenue. 

The discussion then goes to to how Lowe’s and Google Cloud services are supercharging app development and how Loblaws is adapting to evolving shopping trends and eating habits — grocery retailers in particular have seen a huge spike in online business since the start of the pandemic. 

Big-box retailer Costco, known for its busy stores, has seen its online sales rise drastically in the face of changing consumer — while inexpensive hot dogs are an attraction at stores, so is the convince of being able to shop from home. All of these retailers have shown tremendous innovation in developing and expanding online channels.

[]

The highly anticipated  will take place September 28-29 in downtown Toronto at the  located at 370 King Street West. Dozens of speakers have already been confirmed. []

eTail is a two day retreat designed to help businesses increase profits with action-packed strategies and connections made with the top mind’s at Canada’s most successful retailers. 

Download the  to see the completeand inspiring sessions at this year’s eTail Canada Conference, we hope to see you there.

[]

[]

[]

[]

*Partner content. To work with Retail Insider, email: craig@retail-insider.com

RELATED ARTICLES

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required

RECENT articles

Lululemon Cuts Store SKUs by 15% as Retailer Slows Expansion

Lululemon is cutting store SKUs by 15%, testing localized assortments and slowing net expansion while continuing to invest in Canadian stores.

Jollibee marks 10 years in Canada with promotional campaign and plans for 26 more restaurants

The Filipino fast-food chain, which opened its first Canadian restaurant in Winnipeg in December 2016, now has 28 locations across five provinces.

Massive T&T Supermarket to open in former Bay space at CF Markville

CF Markville will be T&T’s 18th location in Ontario, and it also marks the fourth partnership with Cadillac Fairview, following CF Fairview Mall, CF Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke, and CF Polo Park in Winnipeg.

Canada loses 42,000 jobs in August: Statistics Canada

Wholesale and retail trade (-55,000; -1.8%) recorded the largest decline across industries over the past 12 months.

Pilgrim Plans Canadian Expansion After Oshawa Store Opening

Pilgrim CEO Robert Hayes discusses the jewelry brand's Canadian expansion plans, new Oshawa Centre store, suburban performance, growing wholesale network and the increasing role of piercing services.

Typical expanding its reach and its stretchable towel product

Typical is now selling through The Knot, Anthropologie, and Nordstrom, while building out corporate gifting and hospitality channels alongside its DTC business.

Calgary’s Forum Thermal to open 18,000-square-foot urban spa in late 2026

With six signature pools, three saunas and two steam rooms, Forum will offer a series of interconnected experiences. 

OpenRoad Auto announces 16-acre Surrey automall development

The Surrey Auto Loop, located at 13340 76 Avenue, is being developed in partnership with Conwest Developments and will include seven lots and approximately 166,000 square feet of commercial space.

Many small businesses at risk due to trade war: CFIB

One in five (18%) small exporters and 11% of importers affected by the Canada-U.S. trade war say they would stop being financially viable if the trade war lasts three months or more.

IKEA showcases miniature homes in three cities as part of new in-store experience

Miniature homes have been installed in public locations in Melbourne, Chengdu and Beijing as part of the launch of IKEA open house, an in-store program running from late August through September.

Grocery Prices Face New Pressure as Ottawa Imposes Counter-Tariffs

Sylvain Charlebois examines how Canada’s new counter-tariffs could affect grocery prices, food inflation and affordability as Ottawa extends fuel-tax relief.

Daily Synopsis: September 3, 2026

Lululemon reports numbers, Gather Packaging pivots after US tariffs, Couche-Tard shifting convenience store mix, D Spot Expansion, and other news.

Lululemon Canada Sales Fall 11% as Outlook Weakens

Lululemon's Canadian revenue fell 11% in Q2 as traffic and product challenges intensified, with the retailer warning of deeper declines ahead.

Retail Insider’s Canadian Retail Monitor — August 2026 Edition: Demand Strengthens as Volumes Rise

Retail Insider’s first edition of the Canadian Retail Monitor finds demand strengthened, with sales volumes rising faster than headline sales. Health, apparel and general merchandise led growth, while grocery weakened and e-commerce rebounded sharply.

Gather Packaging Pivots to Canada After 50% U.S. Tariff

Toronto-based Gather Packaging is targeting Canadian retailers after a 50% U.S. tariff disrupted a market representing more than 75% of its plant volume.

Canadian puzzle brand Villager Puzzles builds business around women artists and retail growth

Villager Puzzles collaborates with Canadian women artists, who receive uncapped royalties from every puzzle sold. Some artists have earned between $10,000 and $28,000 over the past year.

BRP raises full-year earnings guidance as second-quarter revenue climbs 18.5 per cent

The Quebec-based powersports company reported revenue of $2.24 billion for the three months ended July 31, up from $1.89 billion a year earlier.

D Spot Dessert Café expands into U.S. with Dallas launch, eyes Houston, Chicago, Nashville and Atlanta

Founded in Canada in 2014, D Spot has grown to more than 55 locations nationwide and recently launched its first American location, marking a significant milestone for the brand.

Restaurants Canada welcomes extension of Federal Fuel Excise Tax suspension

Gas costs have risen by an average of 46% since December 2025, contributing to higher food and transportation costs and supplier fuel surcharges, reported by 86% of restaurants.

Couche-Tard Reshapes Convenience Store Mix as Consumer Habits Change

Couche-Tard is shifting store assortments as food, energy drinks and functional products grow while traditional convenience categories soften.