SPOTLIGHT ARTICLES

Accenture Study: Canadians More Cautious Than Global Consumers About AI-Powered Shopping

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Only 60% of Canadians are open to an AI agent completing commerce tasks on their behalf, such as negotiating deals, resolving complaints, or renewing subscriptions, compared to 74% globally

RW&CO Brings Reimagined Store Concept to CF Toronto Eaton Centre

News Lee Rivett -
RW&CO has opened a new 9,800-square-foot store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, bringing its reimagined retail concept to Toronto as the Canadian fashion retailer selectively expands the design nationally.

Primaris Looks to Unlock Up to $375 Million from Excess Mall Lands

News Craig Patterson -
Primaris REIT says its excess mall lands could be worth up to $375 million as the company evaluates more than 100 acres for potential residential, hotel and seniors housing development.

Tostitos opens stadium eatery at BC Place during FIFA World Cup 2026

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The launch marks the brand's first Bar TOSTITOS location and expands its presence beyond packaged snack products into stadium food service.

World Cup opener draws non-local fans as retail traffic rises around SoFi Stadium, mobility data suggests

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The findings offer an early indication of how the tournament may influence consumer activity in host cities as matches continue.

Canadian economy rebounds in April with GDP growth: Statistics Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Real gross domestic product (GDP) grew 0.5% in April, after contracting 0.1% in March.

Eggslut to Open First Vancouver Restaurant on Alberni Street

News Lee Rivett -
Eggslut's first Vancouver restaurant has come into public view on Alberni Street, adding another internationally recognized food brand to the city's growing luxury and hospitality district.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 29, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Rick Rabba says FIFA good for business, Canada looks to grow more food and rely less on imports, Saskatchewan minimum wage going up, St. Albert retail robberies concern, and other news.

Carlingwood at 70: How an Ottawa Mall Survived Seven Decades of Change

News Lee Rivett -
Ottawa's Carlingwood Shopping Centre is celebrating its 70th anniversary after surviving decades of change in Canadian retail through continual reinvention and community relevance.

Urban Nature Store Reaches 10 Locations as More Canadians Embrace Backyard Birding

News Craig Patterson -
Urban Nature Store has opened its 10th location in Thornhill as more Canadians embrace backyard birding, nature appreciation and locally made products.

Why Cadillac Fairview Is Selling CF Shops at Don Mills

News Craig Patterson -
The proposed sale of one of Toronto's pioneering open-air shopping centres appears to be part of a broader strategy to concentrate capital in a smaller number of flagship assets while creating a rare redevelopment opportunity for a new owner.

Celebrate Canada Worldwide eyes new international markets as trade landscape shifts

News Mario Toneguzzi -
"Our purpose is really to promote trade, investment and culture."

Corby bets on ready-to-drink growth as consumer habits shift, new CEO says

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The company is benefiting from long-term changes in consumer behaviour that favour convenience, portion control and premium products.

Redbrick proposes landmark hotel redevelopment for downtown Victoria

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The property was once home to the historic Westholme Hotel, which first opened in 1911.

CFIB calls for Alberta small business tax relief alongside energy rebate

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The organization said a $100 rebate would represent only a small portion of the higher monthly costs many business owners continue to face.

Pinterest unveils new AI advertising tools as search shifts to conversational discovery

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Pinterest rolled out a new set of AI ad tools focused on three things marketers care about right now: performance, workflow efficiency, and interoperability. 

Daily Synopsis: Jun 26, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Flying Tiger enters Canada with competition, Saks Global rebrands, Lululemon directors approved, Metro strike hits earnings, retail theft pilot in Ottawa sees crime reduction, and other news.

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.

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.
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