Retailer News

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.

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.

Margins, Losses, Surplus: What Food Waste Really Costs Small Businesses

FoodHero is helping independent Canadian retailers turn surplus food into revenue, reduce waste and reach new customers as it expands its platform.

Kit and Ace Relocates at CF Sherway Gardens as Expansion Continues

Kit and Ace has relocated at CF Sherway Gardens, moving into a 2,370-square-foot store that CEO David Lui says is performing better.

Gap Sales Surge as Old Navy Reshapes Canadian Store Network

Gap continues its strong sales momentum as Old Navy works to improve performance while reshaping its Canadian store network through closures and new locations.

Why Brand Activations Are Becoming an Important Part of Retail Marketing

Brand activations are becoming a bigger part of retail marketing as brands use physical experiences, creator content and memorable environments to connect with consumers.

Canadian Tire, Tim Hortons launch linked loyalty program

The program is aimed at connecting the two loyalty ecosystems and giving customers additional rewards for purchases at participating Tim Hortons restaurants.

Jimmy John’s opens first Calgary restaurant in city’s University District

This is the second location in Alberta since the brand’s first Canadian location opened in November 2024, with plans to open over six more before the end of the year.

New U.S. Tariffs Add to Cost Pressures for Canada’s Restaurant Industry: Restaurants Canada 

Restaurants Canada research shows that 41% of operators are now operating at a loss or barely breaking even, compared with 12% in 2019.

Planet Fitness to open third Halifax-area location in Lower Sackville

The company also has locations in Moncton, Saint John and St. John's elsewhere in Atlantic Canada.

Couche-Tard Earnings Rise as Canadian Convenience Sales Flatten

Couche-Tard reports higher Q1 earnings as Canadian merchandise sales remain flat, while fuel volumes and margins strengthen.

MONTONI partners with Super C and Jean Coutu to develop new retail complex in Mascouche, Quebec

MONTONI develops, builds and manages real estate projects and it has completed more than 700 projects representing over 30 million square feet of industrial, commercial, institutional and residential construction and 30 corporate campuses, with another 25 million square feet under development–an impressive portfolio of properties across Québec.

Michael Hill Plans Further Canadian Store Expansion After Record Year

Michael Hill is targeting further growth in Canada after a record year, with store upgrades planned and additional locations under consideration.

Loblaw Plans More No Frills and Maxi Stores in $1.2B Expansion

Loblaw plans $1.2 billion in capital spending through the rest of 2026 as it accelerates No Frills and Maxi expansion across Canada.

Tapo Canada launches direct-to-consumer online store

The new e-commerce operation allows Canadians to buy Tapo products directly from the brand while the company continues to sell through online and physical retailers across the country.

NerdWallet Canada study finds ‘doomspending’ spans generations

NerdWallet Canada refers to the behaviour as “doomspending,” describing it as buying things people do not need because the future feels uncertain or saving money seems pointless.

Build-A-Bear Refocuses Strategy as Canadian Store Network Evolves

Build-A-Bear is refocusing on customization and experiential retail after a weaker summer, as the retailer evolves its Canadian store network and targets collectors.

Temu Is Becoming a More Local Competitor for Canadian Retailers

Temu is expanding its local seller model as PDD Holdings invests in fulfillment and supply chains, with growing implications for Canadian retailers.

Canada Emerges as Leading Growth Market for Williams-Sonoma

Williams-Sonoma says Canada is leading international growth as Pottery Barn, West Elm and Williams Sonoma gain market share and expand digital and trade channels.

CHFA NOW Toronto Is Coming Up: Why Retailers Should Attend

CHFA NOW Toronto returns September 25–27, 2026. Discover new wellness products, emerging Canadian brands and industry connections at Exhibition Place.

Happy Belly Could Reach 183 Restaurants by 2027: Stifel

Happy Belly Food Group could reach 183 restaurants by the end of 2027 as franchising, development agreements and U.S. expansion drive growth, according to Stifel.

35 Years Since Simpsons Disappeared: The Story of a Canadian Department Store Icon

Thirty-five years after Simpsons disappeared, a look back at the department store’s rise, HBC takeover, St. Regis Room, Queen Street flagship and 1991 end.

Scandinavian furniture brand OMHU expands into the Canadian market

OMHU is best known for its TEDDY—the modular, boneless sofa that’s taken over the internet.
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