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Consumer prices on the rise in December: Statistics Canada

Year over year, higher restaurant prices were the largest contributor to faster growth in the all-items CPI in December 2025.

HelloFresh survey highlights role of home cooking in combating winter blues

According to the survey, 35 per cent of Canadians say they skip or delay a meal at least once a week because they cannot face cooking or deciding what to eat.

Post-Holiday Returns Spike Sharply Across Canada: Omnisend

For years retailers have been using data or AI tools more effectively to reduce preventable returns in high-risk categories such as apparel and beauty.

Toronto-founded HBFace frames beauty brand around resilience and mental health on Blue Monday (Photos/Video)

Linking its operations and brand identity to mental health awareness and daily self-care routines

More than half of Canadian shoppers open to AI completing purchases, Adyen report finds

Adyen’s 2026 Retail Report, found 51 per cent of Canadian consumers are open to allowing AI to manage the entire shopping process, including final checkout, once preferences such as budget and brand are set.

New Walmart Supercentre coming to southwest London, Ontario

Walmart Canada said it will become an anchor tenant in this expanding commercial development serving southwest London and the surrounding region.

From the Desk: Retail Expansion, Financial Resilience, and Innovation in Early 2026

As the new year unfolds, the Canadian retail landscape is defined by bold strategic moves, cautious optimism amid economic pressures, and innovative responses to evolving consumer behaviours.

Apple Opens New Sainte-Catherine Store in Downtown Montreal

Apple opens a new Sainte-Catherine Street store in Montreal, relocating its longtime downtown location into a restored heritage building.

Bubble Skincare targets deeper Canadian expansion as affordable skincare gains traction

The company, which launched in Canada in late 2022 and early 2023, is now sold through Walmart Canada and Shoppers Drug Mart, with four new products set to hit shelves at both retailers starting Feb. 1.

Calgary retail vacancy rate continues to fall: Barclay Street Real Estate

Retail development is increasingly being integrated into residential communities through mixed-use formats, extending a trend observed since year-end 2024.

Recipe outlines next phase of Olive Garden expansion in Canada

The planned openings follow Recipe’s recent acquisition of all eight Olive Garden restaurants operating in Western Canada and the signing of a national development agreement with U.S.-based Darden Restaurants Inc., the owner of the Olive Garden brand.

Booster Juice opens first drive-thru location in Ontario

With more than 470 locations across Canada, the company described the opening as a significant step for the franchise system.

L’Oréal Canada appoints Laurie Bouchard as chief corporate affairs and engagement officer

Bouchard brings experience in communications, leadership and public policy to the newly announced role, which oversees corporate affairs and engagement activities.

Canada’s retail property markets expected to remain tight as commercial real estate outlook stabilizes: Morguard

Canada’s retail leasing market is expected to remain tight, with strong demand for high-quality space driving retailer expansion.

Richelieu reports higher 2025 sales, completes 10 acquisitions across North America

The Montreal-based hardware distributor said sales reached $1.96 billion in fiscal 2025, up 7.2 per cent from the previous year, as it completed nine acquisitions during the year and a further deal shortly after year-end.

Helcim launches payment extension allowing merchants to integrate payments into existing software

Helcim said many growing businesses face trade-offs between using specialized software for operations such as scheduling, inventory management or accounting and accepting payment options that are bundled with that software.

Thinking Outside the Big Box: Small Retail Innovations: CBRE

Seasonal stores and pop-ups like Spirit Halloween, Calendar Club and Cozy have always existed to fill up swing spaces in malls.

Caulfeild Launches HANK Multi-Brand Menswear Retail Concept

Caulfeild launches HANK, a multi-brand menswear concept opening in 2026 across the GTA, aimed at rebuilding premium menswear after major Canadian retail exits including Nordstrom, Saks and Hudson’s Bay. 

Canadian economy to grow in Q1 2026: CFIB

CFIB’s estimates and forecasts in partnership with AppEco suggest the Canadian economy grew by 0.6% in the fourth quarter of 2025 and is expected to grow by 3.4% in Q1 2026.

Groupe Dynamite Signals Strong 2026 Outlook

Groupe Dynamite boosts guidance and raises confidence in 2026 growth following strong holiday performance and strategic clarity shared at ICR.

Aritzia Outlines Growth Momentum at ICR Conference

Aritzia highlights inventory discipline, U.S. expansion, and digital strategy as key drivers of growth following the 2026 ICR Conference.

Black Friday tops holiday shopping days in 2025, Moneris data shows

Moneris said Dec. 23 reached 95 per cent of Black Friday’s transaction volume, driven largely by last-minute holiday shopping.

VIDEO: Canadian Retail Faces Ongoing Uncertainty as AI and Affordability Pressures Reshape Sector: George Minakakis

For mid-sized retailers, Minakakis said the most critical near-term decision is clearly defining how AI will be integrated into their business, with speed and responsiveness emerging as key competitive advantages.

AFA United in Style 2026 Unites Fashion Communities

AFA United in Style runs February 8–10, 2026 in Toronto, connecting footwear, apparel and accessories alongside the Thredz Show.

Toys R Us Closes Final British Columbia Store in Langley

Toys R Us has closed its last British Columbia store in Langley, marking a major contraction as the Canadian chain continues widespread closures.

Two-thirds of Canadians plan to cut spending in 2026 as budgets tighten: TD survey

The survey found 67 per cent of Canadians expect to cut back on spending this year, up sharply from 51 per cent in 2025.

Saks Global Bankruptcy Reopens Canadian Retail Wounds

Saks Global’s Chapter 11 filing revives Canadian retail fallout, exposing risks for brands, landlords, and suppliers tied to the former Saks Canada network.

Canadian M&A expected to maintain steady pace into 2026, PwC outlook says

PwC said 642 deals with an announced value of $138.8 billion were recorded between July 1 and Sept. 30, 2025, reflecting what it described as a more consistent level of activity following a downturn that extended through 2023 and 2024.

Fitness World Plans $50M for Canadian Expansion

Fitness World Canada will invest $50 million to open 25 new clubs and launch franchising, targeting Ontario, Alberta, and beyond.

Temu launches Shopify app to expand marketplace access for small businesses

The move is aimed at streamlining cross-border e-commerce for merchants by integrating Temu’s Local Seller Program with Shopify accounts.

Egg Club to Open Edmonton Location as Part of National Expansion

Egg Club opened its first Alberta outlets in Calgary, with locations in Downtown Calgary and on Macleod Trail

Larry Leung Reappointed Chair of CXPA Canada Council

Larry Leung begins a second year as Chair of CXPA Canada, focusing on AI, risk management, and the evolving role of customer experience in retail.

Regal Milano opens bespoke Italian tailoring studio in Vancouver’s Gastown (Photos)

The studio, located at 28 Water Street, establishes a physical presence for Regal Milano in Vancouver and positions the company within one of the city’s established retail and tourism neighbourhoods.

McDonald’s Canada Triggers a New Fast-Food Price War

McDonald’s Canada freezes value pricing for a year, forcing rivals to respond and sending ripple effects through restaurants, processors, and Canadian farms.

Solis Movement Opens Third Toronto Studio in the East End

Solis Movement expands with an 8,000 square foot east-end studio, adding new programming, wellness services, and a deeper Toronto community focus.

Team Town Sports named official footwear retailer for Canadian Premier League, League1 Canada

The agreement gives Team Town Sports a role supporting league merchandise sales in stores and online and aims to expand access to performance footwear for players and coaches across both competitions.

STEFF ELEOFF Expands to Selfridges London

Toronto jewellery brand STEFF ELEOFF enters Selfridges London, marking its first major international department store expansion.

Sephora Canada opens applications for second year of creator program

Applications will open Jan. 19, with the company selecting 10 creators from across the country to form the next Sephora Squad. The new roster is scheduled to be announced in spring 2026.

RBC, Canadian Tire launch loyalty partnership linking Avion and Triangle Rewards

The partnership allows eligible RBC cardholders who link their cards to Triangle Rewards to earn three times Canadian Tire Money on qualifying purchases at Canadian Tire, SportChek, Mark’s and other participating Canadian Tire Corp. banners.

Groupe Boucher to relocate, expand Place Ste-Foy Sports Experts–Atmosphère store

Founded in 1967, the Sports Experts banner now includes more than 100 stores across Quebec, all operated by franchisees based in the province.

Decathlon makes select running shoes unreturnable in January pledge aimed at New Year’s fitness commitments

The initiative includes a loyalty incentive. Members who make the purchase will receive 1,000 bonus loyalty points and will retain those points provided the shoes are not returned for 30 days.

Kits Eyecare appoints Angela MacInnis as chief marketing officer

MacInnis will join the executive leadership team and assume responsibility for the company’s marketing strategy and brand development.

MNP Consumer Debt Index: Canadians brace for challenging 2026 

A majority believe the economy overall will worsen (59%) this year, and as many expect housing affordability to deteriorate (59%).

Uniqlo Entering Winnipeg With Two-Store Launch

Uniqlo confirms its first Winnipeg store at CF Polo Park, with a second location planned at St. Vital Centre as the brand deepens its Canadian expansion.

Groupe Dynamite sees strong comparable sales growth

Groupe Dynamite is updating fiscal 2025 comparable store sales growth guidance to a range of 26.5% to 27.0%.

Moxies to Close Yorkdale Restaurant After 18 Years

Moxies will close its Yorkdale Shopping Centre restaurant on January 17, 2026 as the brand looks ahead to its next phase of growth.

Aesop Opens Robson Street Store in Downtown Vancouver

Aesop has opened a new Robson Street store in downtown Vancouver, marking its fifth location in the city and second in the downtown core.

Toronto Gift + Home Market Returns as Canada’s Largest Spring Wholesale Trade Event

The Toronto Gift + Home Market returns January 25–29, 2026, bringing retailers and exhibitors together for Canada’s largest spring wholesale trade event.

SSENSE Co-Founders Set to Buy Back Luxury Retailer

SSENSE co-founders secure court approval to repurchase the luxury retailer following its CCAA restructuring process.

Google Expands AI Shopping With Walmart, Shopify, Wayfair

Google is expanding AI-powered shopping in Gemini through partnerships with Walmart, Shopify, and Wayfair, signaling a shift toward agent-led commerce.