SPOTLIGHT ARTICLES

Rack Attack and RealTruck announce ‘revolutionary’ retail partnership

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The partnership will see official RealTruck ‘store-in-store’ retail shops installed in all 45 Rack Attack locations across North America.

Gem Studio brings hands-on jewelry making to Calgary CF Chinook Centre

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Gem Studio is an experiential jewelry brand that allows guests to design and handcraft their own custom pieces.

Canadians missing out on rewards: Majority fail to maximize loyalty programs, survey finds

News Mario Toneguzzi -
85% of rewards members say they at least try to maximize their rewards, yet only 40% actively optimize wherever possible.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 13, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Sleep Number files for bankruptcy with sale to Sleep Country Canada, retail space becomes casualty of Toronto condo bust, Starbucks over-charged for non-cow milk, Save-on-Fods opening store, reactions to Oakridge Park in Vancouver, and other news.

Future of Toys “R” Us Stores in Canada Unclear as Operating Platform, Brand Split Among Buyers

News Lee Rivett -
Toys “R” Us Canada's brands, store leases and operating assets are set to be divided among three buyers, leaving questions about the future of the retailer's remaining stores and operations in Canada.

Ruby Liu Unveils TM Wander at Tsawwassen Mills and Outlines Vision for Canadian Retail

News Craig Patterson -
Ruby Liu discusses the launch of TM Wander at Tsawwassen Mills, future expansion plans, shopping centre acquisitions, support for entrepreneurs, and her vision for the future of Canadian retail.

Mondetta Expands Modern Ambition with Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver Stores

News Craig Patterson -
Mondetta is expanding its Modern Ambition menswear brand with new stores in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, while evaluating additional opportunities across Canada, the United States and Europe.

Dollarama Surpasses 1,700 Stores in Canada, With Hundreds More Planned

News Lee Rivett -
Dollarama has surpassed 1,700 stores in Canada and continues to pursue a long-term goal of approximately 2,200 locations nationwide as expansion plans move forward.

Canadians driving surge in event-led travel as domestic bookings jump 15%: Flight Centre

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Travellers are prioritizing meaningful experiences and exploring destinations closer to home.

Roots reports Q1 sales growth of 6.5% to $42.6 million

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Net loss totaled ($10.1) million, as compared to ($7.9) million in Q1 2025.

SportChek opens Canada’s first-ever floating futsal pitch on Toronto Waterfront

News Mario Toneguzzi -
SportChek Harbourfront FC brings together free public programming, interactive fan experiences, community play spaces and retail activations inspired by the growing excitement surrounding soccer in Canada.

Good Earth Coffeehouse opens at University of Alberta Hospital

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Good Earth Coffeehouse is a network of authentic coffeehouses with over 50 locations across Canada.

Federal government launches National Food Security Strategy

News Mario Toneguzzi -
With the average transaction sitting at approximately $12 per person, restaurants provide an accessible source of nourishment for millions of Canadians.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 11, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
HBC Royal Charter welcomed at Winnipeg Ceremony, FreshCo opening 1st Vancouver Island store, Palliser Furniture acquired by Chinese company after 80 years, Bulgari opens in Vancouver, Dickey's Barbecue Pit opening at West Edmonton Mall, and other news.

What Happened to Canada’s Women’s Fashion Chains?

News Craig Patterson -
Many of Canada’s iconic women’s fashion chains have disappeared. Retail expert Antony Karabus explains how fast fashion, casualization and economic shifts changed the industry.

Chanel Opens Largest Store in Canada at Oakridge Park in Vancouver

News Craig Patterson -
Chanel has opened its largest store in Canada at Oakridge Park in Vancouver. The 13,000-square-foot location is the brand's first full-concept store in Canada and a key addition to the development's luxury retail lineup.

Dollarama sees more than 21% year-over-year sales growth in Q1, surpassing $1.8 billion

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Net earnings increased by 10.4% to $302.3 million, resulting in a 13.3% increase in diluted net earnings per common share to $1.11, compared to $0.98.

lululemon Returns to Oakridge Park with New Store Concept

News Craig Patterson -
lululemon has returned to Oakridge Park with one of its newest Canadian store concepts, featuring Pacific Northwest-inspired design, local programming and community engagement.

German outerwear brand Wellensteyn targets 2nd Canadian store after strong Niagara debut

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The success of the 2,350-square-foot store at Outlet Collection at Niagara demonstrates that Canada is a promising market for the international company and the goal is to open another in 2027.

Jersey Mike’s Subs to open 3rd downtown Toronto location

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Redberry will open the third downtown Toronto Jersey Mike’s Subs at 160 Bloor St. E. on Wednesday June 17, with a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Canada.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 10, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
FIFA store opens in downtown Vancouver without price tags, Calgary's European Bakery marks 20 years, Montreal Dunkin' operators bank on nostalgia, Bulgari unveils Oakridge Park store, vagrancy concerns on Spring Garden Road in Halifax, and other news.

Licensed establishments in Alberta now able to serve alcohol as early as 6 a.m.

News Mario Toneguzzi -
This change gives licensees the option to open earlier to meet business needs and customer demand, including during occasions such as international sporting events and cultural celebrations.

How small businesses are leveraging social media and AI to capture consumer attention: Constant Contact

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Globally, 73% of small business owners identify as "Creators" in some capacity.

A&W launching major Canadian airport expansion of Pret A Manger

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The first Canadian Pret airport location is expected to open in the international terminal at YVR in early June, with additional airport openings anticipated to continue through the second half of 2026.

VIDEO: Calgary Downtown Revitalization gains momentum

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Addressing safety remains a priority, with the city advancing a community-based strategy alongside increased enforcement and services.

Canadian Tire Positioned to Gain Market Share as Retail Consolidation Continues: Report

News Craig Patterson -
A new analyst report suggests Canadian Tire is well positioned to benefit from retail consolidation in Canada through its banners, loyalty program, owned brands and True North strategy.

Cineplex partners with Too Good To Go to tackle food waste

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Since its launch in 2015, Too Good To Go has helped save more than 600 million meals, avoiding emissions of 1.6M tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

IKEA introduces meatball-flavoured lollipops

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The meatball-flavoured lollipop is not an IKEA product but the result of a creative collaboration with Chupa Chups. It will be available for tasting only and will not be sold.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 9, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Ikea bringing meatball-flavoured lollipops to stores, Birks secures loan for store renos, Lego opening store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, T&T Supermarket to begin construction in Burnaby's Brentwood, and other news.

UNIQLO announces 5 new Canadian store openings for Fall 2026

News Mario Toneguzzi -
With these five new stores, UNIQLO's Canadian network will grow to 42 locations.

Royal de Versailles Builds Multi-Brand Luxury Hub on Bloor Street

News Craig Patterson -
Royal de Versailles unveils a major Bloor Street renovation including new Tudor and Omega boutiques in Toronto.

Stockouts push shoppers to competitors as loyalty erodes, DOSS study finds

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Out-of-stock products are costing brands more than a single sale.

Canadian Franchise Association to Mark World Franchise Day

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The franchise industry in Canada contributed over $143 billion to the national GDP in 2025—far exceeding the previous projection of $133 billion.

VIDEO: Canada’s economic uncertainty driving entrepreneurs toward franchising: TD explains why

News Mario Toneguzzi -
A recent TD survey found that 27% of Canadians say the economy is too uncertain to start a business and 24% are not comfortable with the financial risk involved.

Accencis Opens Osha Mookata Thai Restaurant in Scarborough

News Craig Patterson -
Accencis Group has opened Osha Mookata, a new Thai restaurant in Scarborough featuring interactive tabletop grill and hot pot dining inspired by Thailand’s mookata tradition.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 8, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Surveillance pricing concerns, Loblaw bringing back frozen concentrated juice, Competition Bureau looks into Sobeys store leases, Reformation opening at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, and other news.

Creative Production Supports Retail Growth in Canada

News Craig Patterson -
Brandomatic Studios helps retailers scale creative production across digital and in-store channels with consistent execution.

Open Farm partnering with PetSmart

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Open Farm is partnering with PetSmart.ca to expand its pet nutrition portfolio to nearly 1,700 stores across the U.S., Canada and online.

Canada’s Luxury Retail Market Enters a More Strategic Era

News Craig Patterson -
Canada’s luxury retail market is evolving through flagship expansion, mixed-use development, and shifting urban retail ecosystems. Craig Patterson interviews Casdin Parr.

Endy expands retail partnership with Silk & Snow through new Winnipeg store

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The companies have previously collaborated on co-branded locations in Edmonton and Vancouver.

DAVIDsTEA Returns to Oshawa Centre as Expansion Continues

News Craig Patterson -
DAVIDsTEA has opened a new store at Oshawa Centre as the retailer continues its Canadian expansion with locations planned in Mississauga, Edmonton and Burnaby.

Retail Remains an Outlier as Canada’s Labour Market Rebounds

News Craig Patterson -
Canada added 88,000 jobs in May, but retail lost 35,000. Suzanne Sears explains how careers, hiring and AI are reshaping retail employment.

Instacart expands Fulfillment Pro with new delivery management, picking capabilities

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Designed to help grocers streamline order fulfillment by bringing delivery, picking and labour management into a single system, addressing inefficiencies caused by disconnected tools.

CF Market Mall partners with Calgary Wild FC on in-mall soccer activation (Photos)

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The event, called “The Ultimate Tryout,” will run until June 27 inside the Calgary shopping centre and feature a series of soccer-themed activities, digital simulations and athlete appearances.

From The Desk: Strategic Expansion and Consumer Shifts Define Canadian Retail in Early June

News Craig Patterson -
Canadian retail continued to evolve this week, with store expansions, leadership changes, consumer trends, and economic insights shaping the industry's direction.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 5, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Questions about Zellers' success in struggling retail sector, pot stores have high hopes for World Cup fans, downtown Calgary Hudson's Bay building shows signs of disrepair, widespread criminal gangs hit retail, and other news.

VIDEO: Franchise model helps Ontario bakery owner navigate economic uncertainty

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Franchising can offer operational assistance such as human resources and technology support, along with brand recognition that helps create a stronger foundation for new business owners.

Jobs increase in May, unemployment rate edges down: Statistics Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Accommodation and food services sees employment growth while wholesale and retail trade experience decrease.

Veronica Beard Opens Third Canadian Store at Vancouver’s Oakridge Park

News Craig Patterson -
Veronica Beard has opened its third Canadian store at Vancouver's Oakridge Park, building on strong growth in Toronto, Montreal, and online.

Inside the Brokerage Deals Reshaping Luxury Retail in Canada

News Craig Patterson -
Luxury retail expansion at Oakridge Park and Yorkdale is reshaping Canada’s retail landscape as brokerages help global fashion brands secure flagship locations in the country’s top luxury destinations.
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