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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Cellzy preparing for aggressive launch in Canada

A new modern retail concept focused on accessories, electronics and repair services, is preparing for an aggressive launch phase, with plans to open five new locations in 2026.

HEAL Wellness expands across Canada and U.S., targets 100 locations by end of 2026

What started as a single Ontario location has now grown to more than 37 locations across the country.

Big City Mayors call for federal action to bolster downtowns, drive economic growth

City leaders say revitalizing downtowns is central to broader national economic goals, with impacts on employment, business activity and community well-being.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 4, 2026

T&T Supermarkets opening at CF Sherway Gardens, MEC owner acquires Saint John Mall, Lululemon reports slower Canadian sales, Walmart launches Walmart+ membership in Canada, and other news.

Lululemon Sees Canadian Sales Decline as North American Growth Slows

Lululemon reported declining sales in Canada and lowered its annual outlook as the retailer works to rebuild momentum in North America amid growing competition.

T&T Supermarket to open at CF Sherway Gardens

T&T Supermarket will open at CF Sherway Gardens in Toronto, taking over the former Pusateri's and Saks Fifth Avenue food hall space.

MEC Owner Tim Gu Acquires McAllister Place Mall in Saint John

MEC owner Tim Gu has acquired McAllister Place in Saint John for $64 million, expanding Smart Investment's growing Canadian shopping centre portfolio. Craig Patterson speaks with Gu in an exclusive interview.

What Best Buy Says About Consumer Spending in Canada Right Now

Best Buy's latest results suggest Canadian consumers remain cautious and value-focused, but continue spending when products offer innovation and clear value.

Walmart+ membership launched in Canada

Canada is the first Walmart market outside of the United States to launch Walmart+.

Jacques Pérusse and Daughter Scale Teaology Across Canada

Beauty industry veteran Jacques Pérusse and daughter Valérie are expanding Teaology across Canada through major pharmacy retailers.

Sustainability-focused retailer HG Vintage weighs growth opportunities across Canada

Moe Khoja launched HG Vintage in 2019 after decades in conventional fashion retail.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 3, 2026

Zellers opening 2 Ontario stores, man sues Birks over lost watch, fire closes Mission Canadian Tire, Sunrises Records opening in Brandon, Loblaw City Market prepares to open in Vancouver's South Granville, and other news.

Leyad acquires Intercity Shopping Centre in Thunder Bay

Intercity Shopping Centre serves as the city's primary retail hub and draws shoppers from across Northwestern Ontario.

Zellers announces plans for expansion into Ontario and Zeddy’s comeback

Zellers is expanding into Ontario with two new stores in Toronto and Windsor, building on strong momentum from its Edmonton comeback.

Purdys Chocolatier expands into the Maritimes

The company said the expansion is a direct response to “vocal enthusiasm from Maritimers who have been asking for a local shop for years.”

Before launches Brilliant Breath MouthWash with plans for Whole Foods distribution

First mouthwash in North America packaged in fully home compostable, plastic-free Vivomer, made entirely from plants.

King Living opens first Québec showroom at Quartier DIX30

King Living has opened its first Québec showroom at Quartier DIX30 in Brossard, expanding to its fourth Canadian location.

Kiokii and… Expands Across Canada’s Top Malls Ahead of U.S. Growth

Kiokii and… is expanding across Canada’s leading shopping centres while preparing for U.S. growth as Asian beauty retail gains momentum.

World Cup demand may not translate into revenue gains for many small businesses: Merchant Growth

22 per cent of Canadians plan to watch World Cup matches at a locally or independently owned business.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 2, 2026

METRO names new CEO as Eric La Fleche retires, future of downtown Saskatoon questions 1 year post-HBC closure, massive Princess Auto opens in winnipeg with archery range and workshop, and other news.

How AI Personas Are Transforming Retail Decision-Making

AI-powered personas are reshaping retail decisions, enabling faster insights across marketing, merchandising, and customer experience.

METRO names Marc Giroux as next President and CEO

With annual sales of more than $22 billion, METRO Inc. is a food and pharmacy leader in Québec and Ontario, providing employment to more than 97,000 people.

Millennials Are Trading Down And Splurging At The Same Time: Study

A Calgary-based Cashew Research study finds Millennials are trading down in some categories while still spending selectively on premium products and experiences.

Consumers Are Losing Trust in Influencers Says Canadian Study

Field Agent Canada research finds consumers increasingly trust real people and reviews over influencers when making purchases.

Rewards being repositioned from passive perks to active financial strategy: Chexy

Cashback transaction volume among users under 40 rose 125 per cent between Q4 2025 and Q1 2026.

VIDEO: Edmonton entrepreneur warns of growing small business crisis across Canada

“For many business owners, survival has become a daily battle."

Motion-based digital billboards outperform static ads: Vistar Media

3D motion creative was found to be 67% more effective at driving brand awareness compared to standard DOOH creative 

Inside Harry Rosen’s Reimagined Oakridge Park Store in Vancouver

Harry Rosen's new Oakridge Park store in Vancouver reflects the retailer's evolving strategy, featuring luxury brands, hospitality and innovative design.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 1, 2026

Canada sees middle market squeeze, Metro's Carmen Fortino and London Drugs' Clint Mahlman retire on same day, Pepper Lunch closes in Richmond, 16,000 fake World Cup merch items seized, No Frills opens 1st Lloyminster store, and other news.

Canada’s Economy Is Shrinking. Why Hasn’t the Food Sector Followed?

Canada's economy is shrinking, but the food sector remains resilient. Sylvain Charlebois examines why agri-food has held up and the risks ahead.

Casavogue Emphasizes Personalized Design Guidance for Montréal Homes

Casavogue offers personalized furniture guidance, customizable options, and curated interiors for homeowners seeking high-end furniture in Montréal.

Mirvish Village Comes to Life as Toronto Retail District Opens

Mirvish Village begins opening at the former Honest Ed’s site with independent retail, food halls, heritage restoration, and public gathering spaces.

Mailo’s The Pasta Project to open first North American location in Toronto

The concept is a fast-casual restaurant brand known for its signature "street pasta" concept, combining premium ingredients with the convenience of modern urban dining.

Dr. Phone Fix reports record Q1 2026 results

Gross profit increased 34% to $1.62 million, compared to $1.21 million in Q1 2025.

Why Grocery E-Commerce Still Struggles With Impulse Discovery

Canadian grocers are investing heavily in digital grocery, but physical stores still outperform online platforms in product discovery and impulse buying.

Businesses brace for more cost-related obstacles: Statistics Canada

Nearly half (48.8%) of businesses expect inflation to be an obstacle over the next three months, marking it as the most commonly expected obstacle among businesses.

One Year After Hudson’s Bay Closed Its Stores

One year after Hudson's Bay closed its stores, redevelopment, new retail concepts, and a changing marketplace continue to reshape Canadian retail.

High Sociétéa debuts in Toronto

At its heart, High Sociétéa is a social experience, celebrating connections between loved ones, longtime friends, and new relationships.

From The Desk: Retail Reinvention Through Experience, Sustainability and Strategic Growth

This week’s retail insights show Canadian brands expanding thoughtfully with experiential stores, circular economy initiatives, and strategic hiring amid recessionary ...

Daily Synopsis: May 29, 2026

Oakridge Park opens in Vancouver, Buy-Low Foods stores transition to new format, Mac's Convenience found liable in court for exploiting nearly 900 workers, and other news.

Sephora Canada to open its first-ever small store in Kitsilano, Vancouver

The opening marks Sephora Canada's 147th store nationwide.

Canada moves into a technical recession, but retail sector sees quarterly growth

Retail trade rose 1.0% in the first quarter, with health and personal care retailers (+3.5%) and general merchandise stores (+3.2%) contributing the most to the sector's quarterly growth.

Tilley Expands Retail Footprint With Three New Stores

Tilley is expanding its Canadian store network with new locations at The Well, Victoria and Bayview Village as the brand evolves beyond hats.