SPOTLIGHT ARTICLES

Licensed establishments in Alberta now able to serve alcohol as early as 6 a.m.

News Mario Toneguzzi -
This change gives licensees the option to open earlier to meet business needs and customer demand, including during occasions such as international sporting events and cultural celebrations.

How small businesses are leveraging social media and AI to capture consumer attention: Constant Contact

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Globally, 73% of small business owners identify as "Creators" in some capacity.

A&W launching major Canadian airport expansion of Pret A Manger

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The first Canadian Pret airport location is expected to open in the international terminal at YVR in early June, with additional airport openings anticipated to continue through the second half of 2026.

VIDEO: Calgary Downtown Revitalization gains momentum

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Addressing safety remains a priority, with the city advancing a community-based strategy alongside increased enforcement and services.

Canadian Tire Positioned to Gain Market Share as Retail Consolidation Continues: Report

News Craig Patterson -
A new analyst report suggests Canadian Tire is well positioned to benefit from retail consolidation in Canada through its banners, loyalty program, owned brands and True North strategy.

Cineplex partners with Too Good To Go to tackle food waste

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Since its launch in 2015, Too Good To Go has helped save more than 600 million meals, avoiding emissions of 1.6M tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

IKEA introduces meatball-flavoured lollipops

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The meatball-flavoured lollipop is not an IKEA product but the result of a creative collaboration with Chupa Chups. It will be available for tasting only and will not be sold.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 9, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Ikea bringing meatball-flavoured lollipops to stores, Birks secures loan for store renos, Lego opening store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, T&T Supermarket to begin construction in Burnaby's Brentwood, and other news.

UNIQLO announces 5 new Canadian store openings for Fall 2026

News Mario Toneguzzi -
With these five new stores, UNIQLO's Canadian network will grow to 42 locations.

Royal de Versailles Builds Multi-Brand Luxury Hub on Bloor Street

News Craig Patterson -
Royal de Versailles unveils a major Bloor Street renovation including new Tudor and Omega boutiques in Toronto.

Stockouts push shoppers to competitors as loyalty erodes, DOSS study finds

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Out-of-stock products are costing brands more than a single sale.

Canadian Franchise Association to Mark World Franchise Day

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The franchise industry in Canada contributed over $143 billion to the national GDP in 2025—far exceeding the previous projection of $133 billion.

VIDEO: Canada’s economic uncertainty driving entrepreneurs toward franchising: TD explains why

News Mario Toneguzzi -
A recent TD survey found that 27% of Canadians say the economy is too uncertain to start a business and 24% are not comfortable with the financial risk involved.

Accencis Opens Osha Mookata Thai Restaurant in Scarborough

News Craig Patterson -
Accencis Group has opened Osha Mookata, a new Thai restaurant in Scarborough featuring interactive tabletop grill and hot pot dining inspired by Thailand’s mookata tradition.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 8, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Surveillance pricing concerns, Loblaw bringing back frozen concentrated juice, Competition Bureau looks into Sobeys store leases, Reformation opening at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, and other news.

Creative Production Supports Retail Growth in Canada

News Craig Patterson -
Brandomatic Studios helps retailers scale creative production across digital and in-store channels with consistent execution.

Open Farm partnering with PetSmart

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Open Farm is partnering with PetSmart.ca to expand its pet nutrition portfolio to nearly 1,700 stores across the U.S., Canada and online.

Canada’s Luxury Retail Market Enters a More Strategic Era

News Craig Patterson -
Canada’s luxury retail market is evolving through flagship expansion, mixed-use development, and shifting urban retail ecosystems. Craig Patterson interviews Casdin Parr.

Endy expands retail partnership with Silk & Snow through new Winnipeg store

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The companies have previously collaborated on co-branded locations in Edmonton and Vancouver.

DAVIDsTEA Returns to Oshawa Centre as Expansion Continues

News Craig Patterson -
DAVIDsTEA has opened a new store at Oshawa Centre as the retailer continues its Canadian expansion with locations planned in Mississauga, Edmonton and Burnaby.

Retail Remains an Outlier as Canada’s Labour Market Rebounds

News Craig Patterson -
Canada added 88,000 jobs in May, but retail lost 35,000. Suzanne Sears explains how careers, hiring and AI are reshaping retail employment.

Instacart expands Fulfillment Pro with new delivery management, picking capabilities

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Designed to help grocers streamline order fulfillment by bringing delivery, picking and labour management into a single system, addressing inefficiencies caused by disconnected tools.

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

News Mario Toneguzzi -
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

News Craig Patterson -
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

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
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

News Mario Toneguzzi -
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

News Mario Toneguzzi -
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

News Craig Patterson -
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

News Craig Patterson -
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

News Mario Toneguzzi -
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

News Mario Toneguzzi -
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

News Mario Toneguzzi -
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

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
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

News Craig Patterson -
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

News Mario Toneguzzi -
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

News Craig Patterson -
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

News Craig Patterson -
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

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Canada is the first Walmart market outside of the United States to launch Walmart+.

Jacques Pérusse and Daughter Scale Teaology Across Canada

News Craig Patterson -
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

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Moe Khoja launched HG Vintage in 2019 after decades in conventional fashion retail.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 3, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
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

News Mario Toneguzzi -
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

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

Before launches Brilliant Breath MouthWash with plans for Whole Foods distribution

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

Purdys Chocolatier expands into the Maritimes

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

King Living opens first Québec showroom at Quartier DIX30

News Mario Toneguzzi -
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

News Craig Patterson -
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

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

Daily Synopsis: Jun 2, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
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

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