SPOTLIGHT ARTICLES

Pajar Acquires GGB as North American Expansion Accelerates

News Craig Patterson -
Pajar Canada acquires GGB, taking over U.S. distribution of Melissa and Mini Melissa as its North American footwear business expands.

Canadian Tire Corporation reports Q2 2026 results, strong SportChek performance due to World-Cup related demand

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Overall retail sales grew to $5,391.6 million, up 4.5%, compared to the second quarter of 2025.

Columbia Sportswear Navigates Softer Canadian Wholesale Sales

News Lee Rivett -
Columbia Sportswear reported lower Canadian sales in the second quarter as wholesale orders softened and shipment timing affected results, while the company continues investing in footwear, digital channels and a broader brand repositioning strategy.

Breakdown of US/Canada trade agreement could cost 102,000 Canadian jobs: CABC report

Retailer News Mario Toneguzzi -
The report estimates that a successful renegotiation would result in an additional 137,000 American jobs and 98,000 Canadian jobs in 2027 compared with the status quo.

KEO Capital launches Canadian operations with up to $50M credit facility

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The company said that its Canadian operations will be conducted through Workeo Canada, extending a platform that allows businesses to access working capital, pay suppliers, anticipate receivables and manage payments through a single digital system.

Happy Belly Food Group opens Rosie’s Burger location in Toronto’s Financial District at First Canadian Place

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Rosie's is a boutique quick-service restaurant brand known for its signature smash burgers, golden fries, poutine, onion rings, and classic milkshakes - delivering nostalgic flavours in vibrant, neighbourhood-driven locations, said the company.

New 50% U.S. tariff on CUSMA-compliant goods to hit Canadian small exporters hard: CFIB

News Mario Toneguzzi -
More than one in three (35%) expect revenues to fall by at least 50%.

Gay Lea Foods to invest more than $200 million in Toronto dairy facility

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The expansion is the first major milestone in the dairy co-operative's approximately $450-million Network for Growth strategy, a multi-year plan to invest in and modernize its Canadian manufacturing network.

Daily Synopsis: August 12, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Metro strike enters 5th month, second-hand retail goes mainstream, malls have long-term growth prospect says TD report, Broadway businesses struggle with Skytrain construction, Oakridge Park Safeway opens Aug 27, and other news.

Shake Shack Canada opening first drive-thru in Calgary

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Shake Shack Canada will open its Macleod Trail drive-thru location in Calgary on August 27.

Kit and Ace Reaches 17 Stores as Canadian Expansion Continues

News Craig Patterson -
Kit and Ace has opened its 17th Canadian store at Hillcrest Mall as the retailer expands its store network and moves into new product categories.

METRO sees sales in Q3 climb to nearly $6.9 billion

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Net earnings of $211.3 million, down 34.6% and adjusted net earnings of $262.6 million, down 20.9%.

CT REIT Sees Tight Retail Property Market as Rents Rise

News Lee Rivett -
CT REIT reports 99.5% occupancy and double-digit rent increases as tight Canadian retail real estate conditions drive competition for properties.

The Home Depot announces interim management plans while CEO takes temporary medical leave

News Mario Toneguzzi -
At the end of the first quarter, the company operated a total of 2,361 retail stores and over 1,280 SRS locations across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico.

Scholastic Highlights Canadian Growth as Dog Man and Hunger Games Drive Book Sales

News Lee Rivett -
Scholastic says Canada helped drive international growth as Dog Man and Hunger Games boosted children's book sales, underscoring the strength of graphic novels and school-based retail channels.

Canada’s Wellness Industry Is Growing. Can Canadian Businesses Keep Pace?

News Retail Insider -
Consumer demand for wellness products continues to grow, but Canadian businesses face increasing challenges as they scale. Learn how CHFA NOW Toronto's State of the Industry keynote will examine competitiveness, consumer demand and the future of the sector.

Sysco Plans to Bring Restaurant Depot Warehouse Format to Canada

News Craig Patterson -
Sysco plans to eventually bring Restaurant Depot to Canada following its proposed US$29.1-billion acquisition, adding a major restaurant-focused warehouse format to the Canadian foodservice market.

No plans revealed yet for Calgary Downtown Bay

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The 115-year-old downtown Bay building was sold by CBRE’s National Investment Team - Calgary to local developer Astra Real Estate Corp., which has been active in recent years in repurposing older downtown office properties into residential conversions.

Back-to-School shoppers taking action on out-of-home ads: Vistar Media

News Mario Toneguzzi -
At a time when marketers are largely focused on clicks, conversions and attribution, the findings suggest many may be overlooking one of the most effective ways to build intent before shopping begins.

Digital wallets account for nearly one-third of Canadian online spending: Global Payments

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Digital wallets, including Apple Pay and Google Wallet, represented 32 per cent of Canadian e-commerce transaction value last year, second only to credit cards at 46 per cent, the 11th edition of the Global Payments Report found.

Americans turn to shorter, closer-to-home trips as travel costs rise: Squaremouth

News Mario Toneguzzi -
U.S. visits to Canada rose 10 per cent between 2024 and 2025, while early data suggests visits could increase another 26 per cent this year, the travel insurance marketplace says.

Chanel Opens New Beauty Boutique at Toronto Pearson Airport

News Craig Patterson -
Chanel opens a standalone Fragrance & Beauty boutique at Toronto Pearson as the luxury brand expands its Canadian retail presence.

Caffeo launches year-long coffee giveaway following Toronto cafe relaunch

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The promotion follows the relaunch of Caffeo's cafe at 405 Richmond Street West and comes alongside a redesigned space and an expanded beverage menu.

Daily Synopsis: August 11, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Storefront improvement program launched in downtown Winnipeg, Bayview Ave in Toronto seeing new businesses, L'Appartment boutique opens in Vancouver's Kits, former RCC head named acting CEO of Ontario Real Estate Association, and other news.

Pet Valu sees revenue jump of 3.6% in Q2

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Opened 7 new stores and ended the quarter with 877 stores across the network.

Being Frenshe expands into Canada with Shoppers Drug Mart launch

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Being Frenshe launched in 2022 and says it has generated more than US$250 million in sales since its debut. The company also recently surpassed US$100 million in annual point-of-sale sales at a single retailer.

Spin Master Enters Critical Holiday Toy Season as Canadian Market Gains Momentum

News Lee Rivett -
Toronto-based Spin Master heads into the 2026 holiday toy season with stronger results, a major PAW Patrol movie launch and a growing Canadian toy market.

Centre Rockland Sold as Future Plans Unfold for Montreal Mall

News Craig Patterson -
Centre Rockland in Montreal has been sold to Jadco in a reported $1 share deal as questions emerge over the shopping centre’s long-term future.

Leon’s Sees Canadian Consumers Trading Down as Premium Shoppers Keep Spending

News Craig Patterson -
Leon’s is seeing middle-market Canadian consumers trade down to lower price points while premium shoppers keep spending, highlighting a widening divide in retail.

Choice Properties Repositions Former Loblaw and Toys “R” Us Spaces Amid Strong Retail Leasing

News Craig Patterson -
Choice Properties is redeveloping former Loblaw and Toys “R” Us spaces while benefiting from strong leasing demand across its grocery-anchored retail portfolio, with additional intensification projects underway across Canada.

Calgary initiative aims to draw visitors, support businesses on Stephen Avenue

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The See You on Stephen Avenue initiative, led by The City of Calgary and community partners, comes as the first block of the Stephen Avenue Revitalization Project between 1 Street S.E. and Centre Street is completed.

Groupe Marcelle targets U.S. beauty market with TikTok Shop launch

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Groupe Marcelle Inc. has expanded into the U.S. market with a dedicated TikTok presence and an online TikTok Shop, giving the Montreal-based beauty company...

Canadian small-business sales fall for third straight quarter: Xero

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The data points to continued pressure on small businesses as they contend with weaker sales and longer waits for invoices to be paid.

CRAFT Beer Market to open third Calgary location at Shepard Flats

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The restaurant will offer craft beer, cocktails and wine alongside a menu featuring a range of food options. It will also include rooftop and outdoor patios, including a rooftop patio designed for year-round seating.

Westrich to Acquire and Redevelop Edmonton City Centre

News Craig Patterson -
Westrich Pacific plans to acquire and redevelop Edmonton City Centre, with 1,500 residential units, new retail, entertainment and wellness uses planned.

Pet Valu raises more than $2.6M for animal causes during annual campaign

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The donations were collected during the company's June campaign, with all proceeds directed to local animal rescues and other designated causes at participating stores.

Daily Synopsis: Aug 10, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Safeway reopening at Oakridge Park this month, Giant Tiger shuts The Pas store, Sysco expanding in Canada, SUKOSHI opening at West Edmonton Mall, and other news.

Jollibee Plans Major Canadian Expansion as 26 New Restaurants Committed Through Franchising

News Lee Rivett -
A 16-restaurant development agreement in British Columbia follows a 10-store commitment in the Edmonton market as Jollibee shifts toward franchise-led growth in Canada.

Vancouver retail continues to be a resilient real estate asset class: Colliers report

News Mario Toneguzzi -
As of mid-year 2026, the Urban Retail Colliers Index Vacancy Rate is 2.96%, down from 2.99% at year-end 2025.

HANK. Opens First Stores as Caulfeild Targets Gap in Canada’s Menswear Market

News Craig Patterson -
HANK. opens at Bayview Village and Upper Canada Mall with Ralph Lauren, BOSS, exclusive brands and a broader Canadian expansion plan.

Canadian Retail Hiring Rebounds, but Labour Market Remains Uneven

News Craig Patterson -
Canadian retail hiring is recovering, but employers face challenges involving wages, specialized talent, part-time work and career progression, says Suzanne Sears.

Lindt Opens First Banff Shop as Premium Chocolate Competition Grows

News Craig Patterson -
Lindt has opened its first Banff Chocolate Shop at Cascade Shops, adding a 52nd Canadian location as premium confectionery competition grows in the Alberta tourism destination.

Biggest marketing lessons from FIFA World Cup: Vistar Media

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Consumers care far more about whether a brand feels relevant to the experience than whether it has official status.

Cozey expands sleeper sofa category with two new products

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The two launches follow the introduction of Cozey's Neptune Sofa Bed in 2023, the company's first sleeper sofa.

Equifax survey finds one in four Canadians expect to make only minimum credit-card payments

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The findings point to growing financial pressure among some households, with 40 per cent of respondents saying they are spending more overall than they were a year ago, compared with 18 per cent who are spending less.

Plaza Retail REIT reports higher second-quarter profit

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Fredericton-based real estate investment trust said that profit and total comprehensive income rose 31.2 per cent to $16.6 million in the three months ended June 30, compared with $12.7 million in the same period a year earlier.

Daily Synopsis: Aug 7, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
New concept liquor store opens at Winnipeg Save-on-Foods, vintage retail concept opens on Dundas St in Toronto, FreshCo opening stores, Calgary food stall opening first brick-and-mortar location, and other news.

From The Desk: Navigating Growth and Resilience in Canadian Retail

News Craig Patterson -
This week in Canadian retail, growth initiatives, rising real estate demands, and strategic leadership shifts highlight sector resilience amid market challenges.

Retail Insider “Policy & Regulation Report”: Affordability Promises Collide With Retail Costs

News Lee Rivett -
Retail Insider’s Q2 2026 policy report finds affordability promises colliding with rising compliance, trade, labour and public-safety costs, while grocery property controls and public-store proposals expose how government action is reshaping Canadian retail operations today.

Crombie REIT Reports Strong Rent Growth Driven by Grocery-Angled Retail

News Craig Patterson -
Crombie REIT posted a seventh consecutive quarter of double-digit renewal rent growth as demand remains strong for grocery-anchored retail space across Canada.
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