SPOTLIGHT ARTICLES

Daily Synopsis: Mar 10, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Loblaw investigates data breach after hack, Cellcosmet beauty launches at Holt Renfrew, former RCC director joins CFIG, downtown safety efforts, and other news.

Leyad Acquires Lloyd Mall in Lloydminster

News Craig Patterson -
Leyad acquires Lloyd Mall in Lloydminster, strengthening its strategy of investing in necessity-anchored regional retail centres.

AI-Driven Fraud Scams Impact Canadian Retail: Interac

News Craig Patterson -
Interac survey finds AI-driven fraud scams rising in Canada, influencing consumer trust and retail shopping behaviour across the country.

Home Improvement Spending Shifts in Canada

News Craig Patterson -
New Environics Analytics data links online mass merch shoppers to renovation growth, aging-in-place trends, and shifting population dynamics.

Kettlemans Bagel eyes franchising push as sandwich sales drive growth: Amer Wahab interview

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The company operates four locations in Ottawa, two in Toronto and one in Montreal. The original store opened about 32 years ago at 912 Bank St. in Ottawa.

Beavertails eyes growth through retail expansion and strategic store openings: Pino Di Ioia interview

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The company’s brick-and-mortar operations are experiencing double-digit growth.

Daily Synopsis: Mar 9, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
HBC coat collection auctioned, alcohol consumption down, cannabis budtenders join UFCW union, Quebec weekend shopping pilot begins this week, Vancouver grocery store rallies behind customer cancer journey, and other news.

Westmount Mall Redevelopment to Create Open-Air Centre

News Craig Patterson -
First Capital REIT plans to redevelop Edmonton’s Westmount Shopping Centre into an open-air retail complex while key anchors remain open.

Foodtastic expands Noodlebox brand across Canada with eyes on Montreal launch

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Asian fusion concept has grown to 71 locations across the country, with roughly 14 new restaurants opening in 2025 and another 25 currently in development.

Oil Prices Could Push Canadian Grocery Inflation Higher

News Sylvain Charlebois -
Rising oil prices could push Canadian grocery inflation toward 6–8% in 2026 as energy costs ripple through the food supply chain.

Wayfair Launches Loyalty Program in Canada

News Craig Patterson -
Wayfair launches Wayfair Rewards in Canada as the home retailer deepens its loyalty strategy and expands its omnichannel presence.

Moneris reporting 4% increase in reported fraud cases in 2025

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Fraudulent activity has also become more sophisticated, particularly with the growth of AI and other tools that can make it difficult for businesses to identify and report suspect behaviour.

Daily Synopsis: Mar 6, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
L’OCA Quality Market shutting, HBC retail spaces vacant a year later, Aburi Market opens 3rd Vancouver mini grocery store, undercover language inspectors deployed in Quebec, and other news.

L’OCA Quality Market to Close Edmonton-Area Stores

News Craig Patterson -
L’OCA Quality Market will close its Sherwood Park and Edmonton stores March 12 after less than two years of operation.

From The Desk: Navigating Retail Evolution Through Expansion, Tech, and Consumer Shifts

News Craig Patterson -
Sephora's Canadian expansion, AI reshaping shopping, and retail bifurcation highlight evolving strategies amid market pressure and consumer shifts in 2026.

Hudson’s Bay Collapse: One Year After the CCAA Filing

News Craig Patterson -
A year after Hudson’s Bay filed for CCAA protection, the retail industry reflects on the collapse of a 355-year-old institution.

VIDEO: Iran conflict’s impact on retailers and consumers

People Mario Toneguzzi -
Retailers are focusing on controlling costs and expanding private-label offerings while increasing promotions to help shoppers manage tighter budgets.

MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual Surpasses 50 Locations in Canada

News Lee Rivett -
MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual expands to more than 50 restaurants across Canada after opening seven new locations in 2025.

Sundays Opens Terminal HQ Showroom in Vancouver

News Craig Patterson -
Canadian furniture brand Sundays opens a 15,000-square-foot Terminal HQ showroom in Vancouver, expanding its retail footprint and introducing sister brand Hetta.

Quebec Retailers Face Rising Language Compliance Pressure

News Craig Patterson -
Bill 96, OQLF inspections, and rising complaints are reshaping Quebec retail operations, hiring, signage, and digital marketing strategies.

Dixie Outlet Mall in Mississauga Placed into Receivership

News Craig Patterson -
Dixie Outlet Mall in Mississauga enters receivership as redevelopment plans and long-term transformation of the site move forward.

BAPE Opens First Canadian Store on Vancouver’s Alberni Street

News Lee Rivett -
Japanese streetwear brand BAPE opens its first Canadian store at 1028 Alberni Street in downtown Vancouver, entering the Canadian retail market.

Daily Synopsis: Mar 5, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Gas prices to impact food, George Weston sees revenue climb as Loblaw and Choice Properties gain, Costco Canada comp sales up 10%, Sunterra appeals cheque kitting ruling, Krazy Bins store opening in Edmonton, and other news.

Sungiven Foods Expanding Metro Vancouver Footprint

News Craig Patterson -
Sungiven Foods plans up to 15 new Metro Vancouver stores as it refines its small-format, private-label grocery model.

Governments suffer big decline in alcohol earnings: Statistics Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Overall, liquor authorities and other retail outlets sold $25.8 billion worth of alcoholic beverages in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, down 1.6% from fiscal year 2023/2024.

Vivo Avanti Expands with Restaurant in King City

News Craig Patterson -
Vivo Avanti has opened in King City, introducing an elevated Italian dining concept from the team behind Vivo Pizza + Pasta.

The Reset Team Leads Retail Merchandising in Canada

News Craig Patterson -
Canadian firm The Reset Team helps retailers nationwide with scalable merchandising, fixture installation and precise execution for complex rollouts.

Why Retailers Can’t Afford a Bad Delivery Experience in 2026

News Retail Insider -
Rising consumer expectations make delivery performance critical for brand reputation and revenue. Learn how retailers can take control of the last mile with proactive strategies and shipping protection.

Happy Belly Food Group’s iQ Food Co. secures 1st Western Canada location in Calgary

News Mario Toneguzzi -
iQ is a flagship brand in Canada's premium healthy eating market and is strategically located in urban and central business districts.

A&W reports Q4 and 2025 financial results, with annual sales increasing to $1.92 billion

News Mario Toneguzzi -
System Sales in 2025 increased by $51.8 million (2.8%) to $1.92 billion

Joe Fresh becomes 1st pure apparel retailer on DoorDash in Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Over 220 Joe Fresh stores are now shoppable on DoorDash across all provinces and one territory.

Daily Synopsis: Mar 4, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
SSENSE lays off more than 200, Joe Fresh 1st apparel retailer on DoorDash, Save-on-Foods opening in new Langley retail project, Brampton charging retailers $100 for every abandoned shopping cart in city, and other news.

Kits Eyecare reports Q4 and 2025 financial results with record annual revenue

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Gross profit increased by 34.4% to $72.1 million or 35.6% of revenue, , compared to $53.7million, or 33.7% of revenue; an expansion of 190 basis points.

Eau Claire Distillery Unveils Flagship Single Malt as Inventory Growth Fuels Expansion

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Pedro Ximénez-finished single malt, made with 100 per cent Alberta malted barley, marks a milestone for the distillery, which says it now has sufficient aged inventory to support larger, sustained releases after more than a decade in operation.

Teen Founder Builds Chic & Charmed Jewellery Brand

News Craig Patterson -
Chanelle Chalazan, 16, started Chic & Charmed at 13 and is scaling the Canadian jewellery brand nationally through trade shows and pricing discipline.

Tariff uncertainty and affordability pressures causing Canadians to put brakes on car ownership: Turo

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Three in four Canadians (75%) are concerned tariffs will push vehicle prices higher in 2026.

Quebec’s New Weekend Store Hours Win Support and Criticism

News Lee Rivett -
Quebec allows stores to stay open until 9 PM on weekends under a new pilot, drawing support from some retailers and criticism from others.

One year into the trade war, half of Canadian small businesses no longer feel the U.S. is a reliable trading partner: CFIB

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Three-quarters (75%) of small businesses say the tariff fight has strained their relationships with U.S. partners or clients, up sharply from 49% in March 2025.

Iran Tensions Could Push Canadian Grocery Prices Higher

News Sylvain Charlebois -
Rising tensions with Iran and risks to the Strait of Hormuz could push energy costs higher, adding pressure to Canadian grocery prices.

Sephora Expands Footprint in Canada’s Beauty War

News Craig Patterson -
Sephora prepares to open its 144th Canadian store as competition intensifies in Canada’s evolving beauty market following Hudson’s Bay’s exit.

Daily Synopsis: Mar 3, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Roots launches review that could lead to sale, Canadians shop local with impact, Winnipeg security guard charged with using brass knuckles on shoplifter, cottage cheese shortage in Montreal, and other news.

Roots Launches Strategic Review, Sale Explored

News Craig Patterson -
Roots strategic review explores a potential sale as investors weigh valuation gap and growth prospects.

Eddie Bauer Store Leases Marketed in Canada

News Craig Patterson -
RCS markets Eddie Bauer store leases in Canada and U.S. amid Chapter 11 proceedings and liquidation sales.

Into the Kitchen Brings Toronto’s Top Kitchens to Guests

News Craig Patterson -
Into the Kitchen puts guests beside top Toronto chefs for a three-hour kitchen immersion, with optional chef’s menu and wine pairing.

Samsung Builds Store of the Future in Mississauga

News Craig Patterson -
Samsung unveils a connected store of the future in its Mississauga headquarters, highlighting immersive retail technology for Canadian retailers.

Retail investment in Calgary dips in 2025: Barclay Street Real Estate

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Transaction volume remained consistent with historical levels, with 54 deals completed and activity evenly split between the first and second halves of the year.

Spot & Tango launches dog nutrition and wellness brand in Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The brand was founded in 2018 and is based in New York. It has become a best-seller in the U.S. with more than 130 million meals served.

Michael Hill Profit Turnaround Fueled by Canada

News Lee Rivett -
Michael Hill reports H1 FY2026 profit turnaround, driven by record Canadian sales and improved margins.

VIMALIFE Expands Toronto Fitness with Leslieville Club

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
VIMALIFE expands Toronto fitness with an 11,000 sq. ft. membership-only club in Leslieville focused on community, design, and long-term wellness.

Luxury and Value Retail Dominate Canada

News Retail Insider -
Luxury and value retail in Canada is accelerating as spending concentrates among top earners and discount giants gain ground.
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