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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Retail development is increasingly being integrated into residential communities through mixed-use formats, extending a trend observed since year-end 2024.
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.
Bouchard brings experience in communications, leadership and public policy to the newly announced role, which oversees corporate affairs and engagement activities.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Saks Global’s Chapter 11 filing revives Canadian retail fallout, exposing risks for brands, landlords, and suppliers tied to the former Saks Canada network.
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.
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 freezes value pricing for a year, forcing rivals to respond and sending ripple effects through restaurants, processors, and Canadian farms.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Toronto Gift + Home Market returns January 25–29, 2026, bringing retailers and exhibitors together for Canada’s largest spring wholesale trade event.
Google is expanding AI-powered shopping in Gemini through partnerships with Walmart, Shopify, and Wayfair, signaling a shift toward agent-led commerce.