SPOTLIGHT ARTICLES

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.

Calgary Co-op officially opens its new North Hill Food Centre

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The new, 41,000-square-foot Food Centre sits at the base of the Royop Development Corporation Munro Apartments, marking Calgary Co-op’s first urban mixed-use store with residential above and underground parking.

Daily Synopsis: Mar 2, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Yellowknife sees store closures, AI App helps households compare grocery prices, Dollarama security guard punches and threatens to kill thief in Winnipeg, Aburi Market opens in Vancouver, and other news.

Nearly half of Canadians regret their debt as persistent ‘debt blind spots’ leave many financially vulnerable: MNP

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Concern about current debt is highest among Gen Z (55%, +13 pts 2025 vs. 2020) and Millennials (55%, unchanged 2025 vs. 2020).

KRWN founder says Quebec barber brand broadens retail push as network grows to eight locations (Video)

News Mario Toneguzzi -
From a single opening in Quebec City in 2014, the company has expanded across multiple regions of the province, added a tattoo operation and built a growing product line now reaching retailers provincewide.

Nutrius CEO says trade uncertainty has had no impact on operations as company pushes innovation pipeline

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Central to the company’s growth strategy is a large and continuous product development pipeline.

Why Easter and other seasonal retail items hit shelves months early now: EY Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
“At the end of the day, they usually plan these calendars in retail months in advance."

Galeries de la Capitale Adding Retail Tenants

News Craig Patterson -
Lululemon is set to open a new store at Galeries de la Capitale in Quebec this fall, joining other new retail additions including Winners and Kiokii.

Kit and Ace Opens Victoria Flagship Store

News Craig Patterson -
Kit and Ace opens a new Victoria flagship as part of a broader Canada-first retail expansion strategy under Unity Brands.

AI Reshaping Canadian Consumer Shopping Journey

News Craig Patterson -
New research shows nearly half of Canadians use AI during shopping, reshaping discovery, personalization, and in-store decision-making.

Leon’s Q4 Results Impacted by Strike, Weather

News Craig Patterson -
Leon’s Q4 results missed estimates as a postal strike, snowstorms and softer demand weighed on sales and outlook.

RNR Tire Express Entering Canada with Oshawa Debut

News Lee Rivett -
RNR Tire Express enters Canada with a lease-to-own tire store in Oshawa, marking its first international franchise expansion.

Retail Insider Partners with EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc.

News Retail Insider -
Retail Insider has formed a national partnership with EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc. (ELL Comms) to expand its editorial reach and commercial presence across Canada.

Atlantic Gift + Home Market Expands in Halifax

News Retail Insider -
CanGift and Craft East unite in Halifax for the largest gift and craft trade show in the Maritimes, March 8 to 10, 2026.

Daily Synopsis: Feb 27, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Mercatto expands to Mississauga, Chip Wilson says board response is 'insufficient', coffee prices expected to drop, Ste-Catherine reno in Montreal to be sped up, Quebec bakery warned over English TikToks, Kerrisdale retailer forced out due to rent after 77 years, and other news.

GDP in decline in Q4: Statistics Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Real gross domestic product GDP declined 0.2% in the fourth quarter of 2025, after rising 0.6% in the third quarter.

From The Desk: Canadian Retail Expansion Meets AI Innovation and Market Realities

News Craig Patterson -
Canadian retail sees bold store investments and AI advances amid evolving consumer behaviour and market dynamics impacting expansion and operations.

Neo Naturelle targets Canadian market with hormonal skincare strategy

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Neo Naturelle plans to scale its distribution across Canada with an emphasis on health food stores, pharmacies, and independent practitioners.

Interest in circular economy buoys Zero Collective

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Rather than purchasing items for single ownership, members gain flexible access to designer handbags from brands like Chanel, Dior, Celine, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada through a subscription model.

Winning brands invest in emotional connection and brand meaning: Skip

News Mario Toneguzzi -
2026 will mark a defining reset for how brands approach loyalty, performance marketing, and growth.

YYC Food & Drink Experience returns in March with more than 115 local restaurants participating

News Mario Toneguzzi -
More than 115 restaurants across Calgary have signed on to participate, the highest number in the festival’s history, inviting diners to explore bold flavours, creative menus, and exceptional value at every turn.

Daily Synopsis: Feb 26, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Broccoli slaw the culprit in Loblaw fine for mislabeling as Canadian, NSLC closes downtown liquor store following theft surge, b.cycle acquires SPINCO, Eggslut enters Canada, wealthy economize, Aburi Market opens in downtown Vancouver, and other news.

b.cycle Acquires SPINCO in National Fitness Deal

News Lee Rivett -
b.cycle acquires SPINCO, creating a coast-to-coast boutique fitness platform with over 30 studios across Canada.

Transit DOOH advertising surges in Canada as commuters return to public transit: Vistar Media Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Transit DOOH stands out because of the quality of attention it delivers.

64% of wealthy Canadians say they’ve switched to cheaper products in the past year: Omnisend

News Mario Toneguzzi -
43% say they have substituted name brands with store brands, compared with 38% of all consumers. 

Small business optimism climbs above historical norms for the first time since 2022: CFIB

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Confidence levels among almost all provinces hovered just above or around their historical averages, while most sectors saw gains in their 12-month outlook.

Leon’s reports annual sales in 2025 of close to $3.1 billion

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Same store sales increased 3%

Eggslut to Enter Canada with Toronto, Vancouver Sites

News Craig Patterson -
Chef-driven breakfast concept Eggslut will open its first Canadian locations in Toronto and Vancouver starting in spring 2026.

Daily Synopsis: Feb 25, 2026 – Retail Expansion and Innovation

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Empire expands discount banners in Western Canada, Loblaw pivots to discount brands, former Vancouver London Drugs could become police academy, former Hudson's Bay store sees FIFA decorations, and other news.

Jimmy John’s Opens First Saskatoon Location

News Briefs (Bulletin/Quick Reads) Craig Patterson -
Jimmy John’s opens its first Saskatoon location, advancing the brand’s national Canadian expansion strategy.

Sales at restaurants and bars sector decline in December, but annual sales surpass $100 billion in 2025: Statistics Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
In December 2025, the largest decrease in dollar terms came from lower sales at full-service restaurants (-0.4%), followed by limited-service eating places (-0.3%).

VIDEO: Grocery Shift: Discount expansion, rising food inflation, trade uncertainty reshape market

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Canada’s grocery store density is declining. The country now has about 19 to 20 stores per 100,000 people, down from more than 22 per 100,000 in 2020.

Loblaw retail revenue surpasses $16 billion in 2025

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Loblaw continued to invest in its future growth by opening 77 new stores across its banners in 2025.

Amazon Launches AI-Powered Creative Agent in Canada

News Craig Patterson -
Amazon launches AI-powered Creative Agent in Canada, enabling advertisers to create professional-quality ads at no additional cost.
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