SPOTLIGHT ARTICLES

Toronto restaurant to introduce build-your-own pho concept in September

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The restaurant will offer customers a choice of ingredients to create individual meals, including traditional broth-based pho as well as dry pho, which the company is introducing as an alternative preparation.

Flying Tiger Opens First Canadian Store, Begins GTA Expansion

News Craig Patterson -
Flying Tiger has opened its first Canadian store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, introducing a Danish retail concept built around discovery, design and constantly changing merchandise as the company begins a five-store GTA expansion.

Retail inventory stress soars as tariffs, TikTok trends, and AI gaps challenge planning: DOSS Study

News Mario Toneguzzi -
DOSS says 75% of retail professionals have lost sleep over inventory decisions, with tariffs, TikTok trends and AI gaps worsening planning.

Calgary Stampede drives meaningful lift for local businesses: Mastercard Economics Institute

News Mario Toneguzzi -
MEI estimates that the 2025 Calgary Stampede generated an approximate 18 per cent lift in spending at local merchants relative to baseline, with restaurants experiencing one of the strongest lifts at roughly 29 per cent.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 25, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Retail Insider published nine articles covering Vaughan Mills' Playdium, Dollarama's market reach, and Kraft Dinner's move into instant noodles, among others.

Why Major Brands Can No Longer Ignore Dollarama

News Craig Patterson -
As Dollarama's customer base and traffic grow, suppliers are increasingly viewing the retailer as a strategic channel rather than a secondary outlet.

Gen X Shoppers Want Global Flavours, But Discovery Still Happens in Store: Study

News Evan Nagy -
A new Cashew Research study finds Gen X shoppers are increasingly seeking international foods, but product discovery still happens primarily in-store, creating merchandising opportunities for grocery retailers.

Maison Territo Introduces Moooi’s Distinctive Design World to Montréal

News Craig Patterson -
Maison Territo is now an official destination for discovering and ordering Moooi furniture, lighting, and accessories in Montréal.

Tourism spending edges up in Q1 2026: Statistics Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Tourism spending in Canada (+0.1%) edged up in the first quarter of 2026, as increased spending by international visitors (+0.9%) more than offset lower tourism spending by Canadians in Canada (-0.2%).

Pattison Food Group expands automated grocery fulfillment operations at B.C. distribution centre

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The investment reflects Pattison Food Group's efforts to adapt its warehouse operations to changing demand while reducing manual processes and increasing efficiency in moving products through its supply chain.

Alberta business exodus feared if separation process begins: Calgary Chamber of Commerce

News Mario Toneguzzi -
63 per cent of respondents report separatism is already having a negative impact on their business.

The Clayfield hotel project positions Niagara-on-the-Lake for next phase of tourism growth

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Clayfield, part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, a 102-room hotel anchoring a broader mixed-use project known as Clayfield Commons.

Spirits brands shift to experiential marketing as consumption declines: Gradient report

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Consumers are demanding more meaningful, higher-quality experiences when they do drink.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 24, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Co-op grocery store opening in downtown Winnipeg Portage Place redevelopment, Walmart opening GTA fulfillment centre, Costco opening in Milton ON, Bailey Nelson opening South Granville store in Vancouver, and other news.

Why Bureaucratic Delays Are Making Food More Expensive in Canada

News Sylvain Charlebois -
Administrative delays affecting imported meat shipments may be adding millions in unnecessary costs to Canada's food supply chain, argues Sylvain Charlebois.

Longo’s Opens First Welland Store as Growth Continues

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Longo’s is a family-operated Canadian organization that started in 1956 when three brothers, Tommy, Joe and Gus opened their first fruit market.

Why Vancouver’s West 4th Retail District Continues to Thrive

News Craig Patterson -
New retailers including Sephora, Aritzia and Mandy's Gourmet Salads are investing in Vancouver's West 4th retail district as the Kitsilano corridor continues to attract shoppers while maintaining its distinctive character.

Circle K Advances 750-Store Expansion Plan as Foodservice and Loyalty Drive Growth

News Lee Rivett -
Circle K parent Alimentation Couche-Tard is advancing its plan to build 750 new stores by 2030 while investing in foodservice, beverages, loyalty programs and digital engagement to drive future growth.

Canada’s only commercial olive farm on Salt Spring Island to be sold through online auction (Video)

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Farm produces extra virgin olive oil used by restaurants across the country and internationally.

‘Buy Canadian’ movement gains momentum as shoppers prioritize local brands: Healthy Planet

News Mario Toneguzzi -
“Canadians are becoming more intentional about the brands they support.”

Secondhand shopping growth outpacing retail overall: Mastercard

News Mario Toneguzzi -
When asked what specific factors consumers consider most important when making purchasing decisions, cost (63%), longevity (52%) and brand trust (45%) lead.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 23, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Walmart Canada looks for innovative suppliers at growth summit, RONA recognized as a 'best workplace', Bay Centre buyer looks to add experiential tenants, Loblaw opens at Broadway and Granville in Vancouver, and other news.

VIDEO: Indoor farming push seen as key to Canada’s food security: GoodLeaf CEO

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Food security in Canada hinges on ensuring consistent, year-round access to fresh produce despite the country’s extreme seasonal swings.

Most small businesses worry higher fuel costs could cool summer tourism season: CFIB

News Mario Toneguzzi -
"Fuel costs have been squeezing small businesses from all sides: at the pump, across their supply chains and in their customers' wallets."

RioCan announces new grocery, fitness, and apparel tenants for HBC space at Georgian Mall in Barrie

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Georgian Mall is the largest enclosed shopping centre in Barrie and the greater Simcoe County area.

VIDEO: Amazon Prime Day 2026 expected to draw Canadian shoppers despite affordability pressures: Bruce Winder

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Consumers are grappling with elevated living costs, including higher fuel prices and persistent food inflation.

RH to Open in Former Club Monaco Building on Toronto’s Bloor Street

News Craig Patterson -
RH is set to open a store in the former Club Monaco flagship building at 157 Bloor Street West in Toronto, bringing a new home furnishings tenant to one of Canada's most prominent retail locations.

How Consumer Preferences Are Reshaping Canadian Grocery Retail

News Craig Patterson -
Canadian grocery retail is evolving as consumers embrace curated assortments, ethnic supermarkets, private-label products and value-focused shopping. Industry veteran Michael Commisso shares insights into the trends reshaping the sector.

Competition Bureau Continues Multi-Year Push Against Grocery Property Controls

News Craig Patterson -
The Competition Bureau of Canada has expanded its investigation into Sobeys' use of property controls, continuing a multi-year effort that began with its 2023 grocery competition study and has already prompted changes across the grocery industry.

Prime Day spending set to hit $5.4B in Canada as participation jumps from 52% to 65% in a year

News Mario Toneguzzi -
70% expect to spend the same amount (51%) or more (19%) than they did last year.

Fran Deck, Steward of Toronto Landmark Fran’s Restaurant, Dies at 89

News Craig Patterson -
Fran Deck, longtime steward of Toronto's historic Fran's Restaurant, has died at age 89. His legacy lives on through one of the city's most enduring dining institutions.

SELLIT9 raises $4.1M to expand recommerce trade-in platform across North America

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The funding round was led by the Business Development Bank of Canada’s Seed Venture Fund, with participation from MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund, AQC Capital and Anges Québec.

Federal government investing $173.7 million to expand women entrepreneurship supports

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Addressing persistent barriers faced by women entrepreneurs and to build on existing federal programming designed to support business creation and growth.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 22, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Manitoba eyes shrinkflation law, FIFA impacts Vancouver retail differently depending on location, Zellers nostalgia drives return, retailers open at Toronto's Pearson Airport, 7-Eleven closing at College and Spadina in Toronot, and other news.

Toys “R” Us Brand and Stores Head to Different Owners in Canada

News Lee Rivett -
An Ontario court has approved the breakup of Toys “R” Us Canada, with the brand, stores and Vaughan Mills lease heading to separate buyers. The future of the remaining stores after January 2027 remains uncertain.

Alimentation Couche-Tard reports revenue of $19.5 billion in Q4, up close to 20% from a year ago

News Mario Toneguzzi -
For fiscal 2026, revenues increased by $3.6 billion, or 5.0%, compared with fiscal 2025.

Dollarama Reaches 96% of Canadian Households: Survey

News Craig Patterson -
A new Field Agent Canada survey found that 96% of Canadian households shopped at Dollarama within the past 60 days, with strong appeal across income levels and growing visit frequency.

Shake Shack Canada to open first drive-thru location in Canada in Calgary

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The first-ever drive-thru restaurant, expected to open this fall 2026 at 9253 Macleod Trail Southwest.

Consumer prices continue to rise: Statistics Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Excluding gasoline, the CPI still rose at a faster pace year over year in May (+2.2%) compared with April (+2.0%)

Leyad acquires the Bay Centre in Victoria

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Bay Centre is a trophy retail and mixed-use asset spanning an entire city block and serving as a cornerstone of the city's retail and pedestrian core.

Specsavers joins PC Optimum program

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Specsavers says PC Optimum members can earn 10 points per $1 on eligible purchases nationwide, expanding its relationship with Loblaw.

VistaPrint: 80% of small business owners are happier than being employees

News Mario Toneguzzi -
VistaPrint found 80% of small business owners are happier than when they were employees, with 46% saying they’re much happier.

Retail theft in Canada is now a data integrity crisis—and retailers are missing the biggest risk

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Most retailers are investing in guards, cameras and policy changes while ignoring the systems that actually track inventory and transactions in real time.

Cozey expands in the U.S. market with Chicago pop-up (Photos)

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Cozey has opened a U.S. retail pop-up in Chicago’s Gold Coast, marking another step in its North American expansion.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 19, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Canada's affordability crisis could fuel Zellers expansion, Putman floats rebrand in new Toys R Us court docs, Ottawa imposes surcharge on canned veggie imports, Burlington Ikea features Indigenous kitchen room setting, The Beer Store opening new stores after shutting others, Vancouver businesses struggle despite FIFA crowds, and other news.

Hermès to Open Standalone Store on Calgary’s Stephen Avenue

News Craig Patterson -
Hermès is planning its first standalone Alberta store on Calgary’s Stephen Avenue, exiting Holt Renfrew and reinforcing downtown Calgary’s growing luxury retail presence.

From The Desk: Canadian Retail Evolution Through Innovation, Expansion, and Experience

News Craig Patterson -
This week's retail news highlighted an industry balancing change and opportunity. From the end of a chapter in Canadian furniture manufacturing to major investments in luxury retail, experiential concepts, and new store openings, retailers continue to adapt to evolving consumer expectations and economic pressures.

The Hidden Cost of Grocery Promotions in Canada

News Sylvain Charlebois -
Supplier-funded grocery promotions may be creating hidden costs throughout Canada's food supply chain. Sylvain Charlebois examines how these practices can affect prices over time.

Fuel boosts retail sales growth to $73 billion in April: Statistics Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The largest increase in retail sales in April was observed at gasoline stations and fuel vendors (+5.1%).

Palliser Sale Marks End of an Era for Canadian Furniture Manufacturing

News Craig Patterson -
Palliser Furniture's sale to MotoMotion ends more than 80 years of family ownership, raising questions about Canadian manufacturing, retailer relationships and the future of the iconic furniture brand.
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