Opinion
Is lululemon Taking a Page from Gap’s Comeback Playbook?
Brand strategist Cydney Shapiro examines lululemon's GANNI collaboration, its dance-led campaign and Brooklyn activation, drawing parallels with Gap's recent brand comeback and considering how fashion, movement and community can rebuild consumer excitement.
Could Ending Daylight Saving Time Change How Canadians Shop and Eat?
As Canadian provinces take different approaches to seasonal clock changes, Sylvain Charlebois considers what permanent time policies could mean for grocers, restaurants and consumers. Research on spending patterns suggests that changes in daylight may have commercial consequences, although the long-term effects remain uncertain.
From The Desk: Social Media Growth, Store Modernization and AI’s Impact on Retail Marketing
Canadian retailers focus on digital-driven growth, store upgrades and authentic brand experiences amid rising AI-produced marketing content and property shifts.
When Every Brand Sounds the Same: The Challenge of Standing Out in the Age of AI
As artificial intelligence makes marketing content faster and easier to produce, retailers face a growing challenge: standing out from competitors. Linda Farha explores why authentic brand stories, human expertise and consistent messaging are becoming increasingly valuable in retail marketing.
In the Age of AI, Investing in the Human Touch Is Fundamental for Retailers
Charles de Brabant of McGill University's Bensadoun School of Retail Management argues that as artificial intelligence transforms retail, investing in knowledgeable store teams, personal relationships and consumer trust will become an increasingly important competitive advantage.
From The Desk: Experiential Retail and Leadership Moves Shape Canadian Market
Craig Patterson examines Canadian retail trends, from Aritzia's expansion and labour challenges to AI adoption and the evolving role of physical stores.
Canada’s Food Affordability Crisis Goes Beyond Grocery Prices
As World Food Day approaches, Sylvain Charlebois examines the widening divide between Canada's agricultural strength and household food security. New income and expense comparisons show why rising disposable incomes have not eliminated affordability pressures for lower- and middle-income Canadians.
Weak Canadian Dollar Could Drive Grocery Prices Higher in 2027: Sylvain Charlebois
Sylvain Charlebois warns that a weaker Canadian dollar and rising commodity costs could push grocery prices higher this winter and into 2027.
From The Desk: Retail Growth Divides and AI’s Expanding Role in Canadian Retail
Canadian retail growth splits between value and premium players as AI reshapes merchandising and real estate adapts on varying performance and consumer demand.
Why Grocery Pricing Rules Could Help Some Retailers and Hurt Others
Minimum advertised pricing can make it harder for discount grocers to promote lower prices. Independent retailers argue those same rules can help them compete against national chains with greater purchasing power.
From The Desk: Polarized retail growth, evolving formats and AI-driven customer engagement
Canadian retail faces polarization between value and premium tiers, driving format changes, franchising growth and AI tools to sharpen differentiation and customer eng...
Canada’s Retail Market Is Polarizing. Where Does That Leave the Middle?
Canada’s retail market is increasingly polarized between value and premium. Linda Farha examines why differentiation, positioning and a clear customer proposition are becoming critical for retailers caught in the middle.
From The Desk: Retailers adapt formats and expansion amid labour, cost and consumer shifts
Canadian retailers adjust store formats and expansion amid labour challenges, cost pressures and uneven spending, balancing growth with operational control.
Grocery Prices Face New Pressure as Diesel Costs Rise Across Canada
Rising diesel costs are adding pressure across Canada’s food supply chain, potentially pushing grocery prices higher in the months ahead.
From The Desk: Strategic growth, pricing resilience and retail real estate shifts
Canadian retail sees real estate consolidation, disciplined pricing, and growth in discount sectors amid cost pressures and shifting consumer demand.
How Premium Brands Defend Pricing as Products Become Easier to Copy
Why can some brands still charge premium prices when cheaper alternatives are everywhere? Justin Walford examines Canada Goose, Aritzia and Arc’teryx.
Why Food Inflation Is Running Hotter in Canada Than the U.S.
Canadian grocery prices have risen faster than in the U.S. Sylvain Charlebois examines tariffs, productivity, competition, processing capacity and scale.
How SMBs can deliver like large retailers this holiday season: UniUni (Opinion)
The holiday season can make or break a small or medium-sized e-commerce business.
Canadian Consumers Keep Spending Despite Weak Economy and Trade War
Canadian consumers continue spending despite trade tensions and a weaker labour market, with Walmart, TJX and other retailers posting strong results.
Canada’s New Counter-Tariffs to Impact Food Sector Supply Chains
As counter-tariffs come into effect on September 8, Canadian food processors and retailers brace for economic impacts. This article explores how these tariffs could lead to shrinkflation and affect consumer prices in the near future.
From The Desk: Canadian Retail Navigates Expansion, Consumer Shifts, and Supply Challenges
This week in Canadian retail: store expansion, shifting consumer spending, tariffs, supply chain pressures, loyalty strategies and key industry developments.
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.
Canadians Are Grocery Shopping More Often but Buying Less Each Time
Canadian grocery shoppers are making more frequent purchases with smaller baskets as traditional grocers lose share, private labels gain ground and consumers increasingly spread spending across multiple retail channels.
Community pharmacies play a bigger role in Canadians’ health and local economies than many realize (Opinion)
Community pharmacy contributes nearly $23 billion annually to Canada’s economy.
From The Desk: Expansion and Adaptation Define This Week’s Canadian Retail Landscape
Canadian retail accelerates expansion with new stores and strategic investments amid evolving consumer demands and trade challenges.
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