SPOTLIGHT ARTICLES

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.

Empire Co. Ltd. CEO Charts Growth Strategy with Discount Focus

News Craig Patterson -
Empire plans to open 70 new stores across Canada over the next three years, with more than 75% of locations focused on discount retail as the grocery giant expands FreshCo, pharmacy and wholesale operations.

Factor Meals accelerates nationwide expansion with new “state-of-the-art” Distribution Centre in Calgary

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Initially launched in 2022 to serve Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes, the Calgary expansion allows Factor Meals to seamlessly scale its dietitian-approved, chef-crafted meal deliveries from coast to coast.

WeCook launches nationwide delivery with expansion into six new Canadian markets

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The company said the expansion follows a period of rapid growth. It has grown by more than 1,000% since 2020, created over 600 jobs, and now delivers more than four million meals annually.

FIFA World Cup boosts brand opportunities in Toronto and Vancouver through out-of-home Advertising

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Influx of people is creating a major opportunity for brands looking to reach large crowds, even without paying the steep costs associated with official FIFA sponsorships.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 18, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Today's Retail Insider coverage highlights Canadian retail growth with new store openings by Zellers, Soch, Le Creuset, and No Frills plus Empire's robust sales and expansion plans.

Inside Zellers’ New Toronto Store as Crowds Turn Out for Opening Day

News Craig Patterson -
Retail Insider visited Zellers' new Toronto store on opening day, finding strong customer interest, value-focused merchandise, nostalgic touches and a modern standalone retail concept.

Empire Company sees sales reach $31.95 billion in Fiscal 2026, more growth planned for FreshCo brand

News Mario Toneguzzi -
In fiscal 2027, the Company expects to open approximately 15 new FreshCo stores across Western Canada, Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

Canadians Seek Connection and Community Through Retail: Study

News Craig Patterson -
A new HumanKind study suggests Canadians are increasingly prioritizing connection, community and meaningful experiences. The findings offer valuable insight into evolving consumer behaviour and the retail trends shaping Canada's marketplace.

India’s Soch Expands to Surrey as Canadian Growth Strategy Continues

News Lee Rivett -
India-based fashion retailer Soch has opened its second Canadian store in Surrey, British Columbia, continuing an expansion strategy that began with its Brampton debut and highlighting the growing importance of demographic-driven retail growth in Canada.

VIDEO: Love Ur Curls founder Sahar Saidi eyes retail expansion after decade of DTC growth

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The company was born out of personal frustration with the lack of effective products for curly hair.

Eat Chips Every Day, Snackish launches across North America

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Snackish is available now nationwide at Target across the U.S and at Loblaws and Whole Foods across Canada.

Canadian cardholder spending holds up but momentum eases: RBC report

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Clothing, shoes and related apparel remained a notable source of strength with spending rising 1.8%, and maintaining a 1% three-month average gain.

Le Creuset Expands to Park Royal as Canadian Strategy Evolves

News Craig Patterson -
Le Creuset will open its 13th Canadian store at Park Royal in West Vancouver, continuing a retail strategy focused on premium lifestyle destinations, experiential store formats, and selective expansion.

Specsavers Canada becomes an official partner of the Toronto Blue Jays

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The partnership includes Specsavers as the Blue Jays presenting sponsor of the Strike Zone Challenge, based on the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 17, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Tesoro grocery store shuts in Edmonton after less than 2 years, Shindico begins preleasing Winnipeg centre, Pret a Manger opens at YVR Airport, Oakridge Park Skytrain connection anticipated, and other news.

Fresh St. Market to Become Grocery Anchor for CF Richmond Centre Redevelopment

News Lee Rivett -
Fresh St. Market will open its first Richmond location at CF Richmond Centre in Summer 2027, bringing a grocery anchor to the mixed-use redevelopment as residential density and retail expansion continue.

Cineplex Opens Playdium at Vaughan Mills with Most Attractions in Canada

News Craig Patterson -
Cineplex has opened a 24,000-square-foot Playdium at Vaughan Mills featuring the most attractions of any Playdium in Canada.

Casavogue Announces Big Summer Sale and Exclusive VIP Shopping Event

News Retail Insider -
Casavogue launches its Big Summer Sale with discounts of 30% to 50% off and invites customers to an exclusive VIP event on June 20 and 21.

Blue Rewards partners with Dollarama

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Blue Rewards members with a linked payment card can earn Points on qualifying purchases of $20 or more at more than 1,700 Dollarama stores nationwide.

SalonCentric Canada to acquire Cantin Beauté assets in Quebec

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The deal will add 25 professional-only stores and 132 employees to SalonCentric Canada’s operations, strengthening L’Oréal Canada’s distribution network in Quebec and broadening access to professional salon products across the country.

Marc Cain Eyes Canadian Expansion Under New Leadership

News Craig Patterson -
Marc Cain plans Canadian expansion under Jessica R’Bibo as the German fashion brand targets growth through premium malls and quiet luxury.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 16, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Dollarama launches loyalty program with BMO, Leon's acquires remaining interest in Edmonton DC, INS Market expands to 5 TTC stations, Sherwood Park's JACEK Chocolates named best candy store, and other news

Competition Bureau to investigate competition factors affecting food affordability

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Bureau said it is seeking input from Canadians and organizations with experience in the food supply chain.

Zellers Brings Back Diner Experience and Kiddie Rides as Toronto Store Opening Nears

News Craig Patterson -
Zellers is bringing back diner-inspired food, kiddie rides and a giant Zeddy Bear as it prepares to open its new Toronto store. COO Joey Benitah discusses customer feedback, Edmonton's success and expansion plans across Canada.

Reitmans sees slight revenue growth in Q1

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Comparable sales, which include e-commerce net revenues, were up 0.3%.

Foodtastic acquires Kinton Ramen: CEO Interview

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Foodtastic is a leading Canadian restaurant franchisor with a portfolio of 30 diverse brands and over 1,200 establishments across the country.

Groupe Dynamite posts 37% revenue growth and 4-year high gross margin in Q1

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Retail sales per square foot increased by 32.4% compared to Q1 2025, reaching $1,001 in Q1 2026.

Generation X Leads Canadians in Throwing Away Food Past Date Labels: Survey

News Sylvain Charlebois -
New survey data suggest Generation X is the most likely Canadian age group to discard food after date labels pass, while Gen Z appears more willing to assess food quality before throwing it away.

Interac survey finds single Canadians are bearing the brunt of rising grocery costs

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Nearly eight in 10 (77 per cent) Canadians who live solo say their grocery bill keeps climbing no matter what they do.

Canadians feeling effects of recession before it was confirmed: Harris & Partners

News Mario Toneguzzi -
95.2% of Canadians say rising costs have impacted their finances.

Pharmasave launches Blue Rewards program at participating stores across Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Canadians are increasingly looking to loyalty programs to help manage everyday expenses, with 78 per cent of respondents saying such programs help them save money on essential purchases.

Daily Synopsis: June 15, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Duty free retail association sounds alarms over reduced Canadian traffic, increase in mall jewellery store thefts, Fabricland closing in New Westminster, who's up and down in Canadian retail, and other news.

Montreal Jewelry Brand Bets on Lab-Grown Luxury

News Craig Patterson -
Montreal-based Sphinx & Emeralds is tapping into growing demand for lab-grown diamonds, transparency, and modern fine jewelry luxury.

Canada Goose Reimagines the Luxury Store Experience with Oakridge Park Opening

News Craig Patterson -
Canada Goose is introducing its new global retail concept to Canada with the opening of a Vancouver store at Oakridge Park. President Carrie Baker discusses experiential retail, clienteling, product expansion and the future of luxury stores.
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