SPOTLIGHT ARTICLES

MUJI opening first Vancouver Island store as Canadian expansion continues

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Japanese retailer is introducing a community partnership program in Victoria, with plans to extend the initiative to future Canadian store openings.

WitchSchool Canada Tests ‘Reciprocal Retail’ Model in Ottawa’s ByWard Market

News Craig Patterson -
WitchSchool Canada is testing a collaborative retail model in a 160-square-foot storefront in Ottawa’s ByWard Market. Founder Kiki Keskinen says the grant-supported residency connects independent entrepreneurs through shared programming, customer referrals and promotional opportunities, while raising questions about long-term operating costs.

Cozey doubles size of Toronto flagship showroom (Photos)

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The furniture retailer is expanding its Queen Street West location as it adds products and prepares for new store openings in Edmonton and New York City.

CouchHaus Expands Toronto Presence With New King East Pop-Up Showroom

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Canadian furniture brand is returning to Toronto after its 2024 Stackt Market test, using an in-person showroom to support customer experience and national growth.

Retail Insider “Q3 2026 Grocery Report”: More Capacity, a Harder Fight for the Basket

News Lee Rivett -
Canadian grocers are adding stores, converting banners and reworking online fulfilment. The Q3 report examines whether more capacity can capture additional household spending at an acceptable cost.

Two-thirds of small business owners plan to exit within decade, CFIB says

News Mario Toneguzzi -
A CFIB report says limited succession planning could put Canadian business assets, jobs and community services at risk as owners prepare to retire or sell.

One in four Canadian small business owners required to guarantee financing personally: Equifax

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Equifax Canada survey finds younger entrepreneurs are more likely to use personal credit and assets to support their businesses as owners face customer, cost and cash-flow pressures.

Canadian small businesses expand teams as employee turnover declines: Wagepoint

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Wagepoint’s 2026 report finds median hourly pay rose 27% from 2019 to 2025, while part-time roles declined and Gen Z’s share of small-business workers more than doubled.

HEINZ enters Canada’s ready-to-eat soup market with six new products

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Kraft Heinz Canada is introducing six soup varieties in portable bags, targeting consumers seeking convenient meal options beyond traditional canned soup.

Pinterest teams up with Mattel for Barbie experience

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The experience lets Pinterest users bring Barbie DreamHouse inspiration into their homes through five signature style edits, offering a new example of how brands can use personalized, visual experiences to move people from inspiration to action.

Mine & Yours Celebrates 13 Years with Glamorous Toronto Fashion Show as Canadian Expansion Continues

News Craig Patterson -
Mine & Yours celebrated its 13th anniversary with a glamorous fashion show at Toronto's El Mocambo featuring Jeanne Beker and luxury designer labels. Founder Courtney Watkins also confirmed new Holt Renfrew developments in Montréal, Mississauga and Calgary as the Canadian resale retailer expands.

Kleanr Cosmetics Launches First Ever Machine Washable Makeup Brushes

News Mario Toneguzzi -
This proprietary collection of machine-washable makeup brushes and cleaning tools is designed with hygiene, efficiency, and sustainability in mind.

More Canadians tapping into savings or borrowing to pay for food: Dalhousie report

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Agri-Food Analytics Lab survey finds private labels gain ground and dining out pushes food budgets higher

Daily Synopsis: October 21, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Grocery prices up, Indigo names top books, Sweat and Tonic announces Yorkville opening, Prince St. Pizza opening second Toronto location at Yonge and Eg, Crumbl opening near Montreal, and other news.

Retail Insider “Q3 2026 Food Service Report”: Growth Must Pay at Restaurant Level

News Lee Rivett -
Canada’s restaurant chains are expanding while consumers trim visits, extras and delivery spending. The Q3 report examines whether new occasions and locations can support repeat demand and restaurant returns.

JACOB Begins New Chapter as Founder’s Daughter Revives Canadian Fashion Brand

News Craig Patterson -
Canadian fashion brand JACOB is entering a new phase under Cristelle Basmaji, daughter of its founders. Once operating more than 250 stores, the Montreal-based business is introducing beauty products and accessories while exploring retail partnerships and potential future apparel collections.

Odd Cookie Expands Across Canada, Reaching Nearly 1,000 Retail Locations in First Year

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Meta Description: and Devin Connell discuss Odd Cookie’s retail expansion, Sobeys growth plans, a Costco Roadshow and the strategy behind its crispy snack format.

When Every Brand Sounds the Same: The Challenge of Standing Out in the Age of AI

News Retail Insider -
As artificial intelligence makes marketing content faster and easier to produce, retailers face a growing challenge: standing out from competitors. Linda Farha explores why authentic brand stories, human expertise and consistent messaging are becoming increasingly valuable in retail marketing.

Inside Dynamite 3.0: How Groupe Dynamite Is Reinventing Its Canadian Stores

News Lee Rivett -
Groupe Dynamite is expanding its Dynamite 3.0 store concept across major Canadian shopping centres, bringing upgraded interiors, personalized styling and a more premium shopping experience to its established fashion banner. The investment reflects a broader focus on store productivity and brand positioning.

Alrifai  Real Estate planning modular apartments on Gateway Mall rooftop in Prince Albert

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Modules are pre engineered and fabricated off site in controlled Canadian manufacturing facilities, then assembled rapidly via crane.

New Walmart Supercentre coming to Calgary’s Southcentre Mall

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Calgary Southcentre Walmart Supercentre will open in the former Hudson’s Bay space in the mall, relocating Walmart Canada’s existing Supercentre at 9650 Macleod Trail SE.

Revenue Brand Uses ’80s Action TV Nostalgia to Reimagine Fashion Marketing (Video)

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Toronto streetwear founder Kyle Hosick discusses REVENUE’s entrepreneurial roots, its target market and ambitions to expand into major Canadian retailers.

TD Insurance Brings Small Business Advice to Toronto Entrepreneurs Through Elevator Pitch Event

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The TD initiative at STACKT Market offers entrepreneurs personalized insurance guidance, banking advice and insights into business risk management.

Roku Expands Streaming Strategy as Competition for Viewers Grows

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Explore Roku’s latest developments, business strategy and efforts to strengthen its position in the streaming market.

Daily Synopsis: October 20, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Nova Scotia shoe retailer closing after 120 years, Wingstop's largest Canadian location opening at CF Chinook Centre, Choice acquires retail site, and other news.

Retail Insider “Loss Prevention & Security Q3 2026 Report”: Different Risks Demand Different Responses

News Lee Rivett -
Retail Insider’s Q3 2026 security report examines worker safety, merchandise theft, digital identity and fraud, explaining why retailers need to match security decisions to the specific risks facing their businesses.

Museum of Toronto to Transform Historic Downtown Bank Space into New Cultural Destination

News Craig Patterson -
Museum of Toronto will open at 2 Queen Street East in April 2027, converting a former Bank of Montreal space into a free cultural destination backed by a $35 million gift.

Canadians plan to spend less on holidays as budgets tighten: survey

News Mario Toneguzzi -
A Retail Council of Canada survey finds inflation, value and Canadian-made products are shaping shopping plans, with Black Friday remaining a key sales period.

Amazon to hire 9,000 seasonal workers across Canada for holiday season

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The company is offering seasonal positions at 55 Canadian sites, with average hourly base pay of nearly $24 and select benefits from the first day.

JLL expert talks about the current retail landscape in Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
JLL’s Paul Ferreira explains how rising development costs, shrinking supply and population growth are reshaping retail real estate opportunities across Canada.

Nintendo and EB Games Detail Strategy Behind Toronto Store-Within-a-Store

News Craig Patterson -
Nintendo and EB Games executives discuss the strategy behind Toronto's first North American Nintendo store-within-a-store, including physical retail, the Canadian gaming market and potential expansion.

The Generall Store Launches National Gift Guide Featuring 88 Independent Canadian Retailers

News Craig Patterson -
The Generall Store has launched a national holiday gift guide featuring 88 independent Canadian retailers. Founder Lisa Tyldesley is also developing a free online platform connecting shoppers with local businesses, events and promotions across the country.

Aritzia Could Target $10 Billion in Revenue as Stifel Examines Next Phase of Growth

News Lee Rivett -
Aritzia could unveil a fiscal 2032 revenue target of up to $10 billion at its October 27 Investor Day, according to Stifel. The analysis examines U.S. store expansion, international growth, profitability and potential opportunities in menswear.

TJL Collection Cuts Customer Acquisition Costs With Targeted Marketing for Tall Women

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Founder Tiffany Jones explains how freelance marketing support, customer insights and creative testing helped the fashion brand lower acquisition costs and grow revenue.

Vistar Media Research Shows How Seasonal Products Shape Canadian Consumer Behaviour

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Vistar Media’s Scott Mitchell explains how nostalgia, recognizable branding and out-of-home advertising help retailers build anticipation and influence shopping decisions.

Toronto Hair-Removal Clinic Owner Sees Shift Toward Sugaring, Laser and Long-Term Savings

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Aroma Waxing & Laser Clinic founder Mary Miljan discusses evolving client expectations, men’s grooming, treatment choices and the challenges facing independent clinics.

Twenty Two Media Launches foodism Creator Program With Six Toronto Influencers

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The new initiative connects brands with food, wine, travel and lifestyle experts through creator-led video, editorial oversight and multi-channel campaigns.

Daily Synopsis: October 19, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Grocery prices moderate, T&T Supermarket's Tina and Cindy Lee receive Ontario Family Business Award of Excellence, Maxi opens 3rd New Brunswick store, Kith prepares to open at Oakridge Park in Vancouver, and other news.

Primaris to Sell $41.8 Million Stake in Kingston’s Cataraqui Centre Amid Portfolio Reshaping

News Craig Patterson -
Primaris REIT has agreed to sell its 50% managing interest in Kingston's Cataraqui Centre for $41.8 million. The transaction follows its acquisition of Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket, signalling change.

Golf Town Plans National Store Modernization Following $15 Million Oakville Flagship

News Craig Patterson -
Golf Town is planning a three-to-five-year modernization of its Canadian store network following the opening of a $15-million flagship in Oakville, Ontario. Sporting Life Group executive Barry Williams outlines potential new flagships, expanded fitting services and personalization.

Bank of Canada surveys show consumers pulling back as trade uncertainty persists

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Canadian households are scaling back spending plans while businesses navigate higher costs, tariff pressures and uncertainty over trade, according to the central bank’s latest surveys.

Mississauga entrepreneur opens butter-focused retail shop and expands wholesale business

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Butter Bar Boutique sells gourmet flavoured butters and Canadian-made culinary products, while new retail partnerships extend the brand's distribution across Ontario.

Staples Canada launches new business brand targeting organizations of all sizes

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Richmond Hill-based retailer is introducing two business purchasing programs, combining procurement, technology, delivery and workplace services for Canadian organizations.

Canadian consumers facing higher prices: Statistics Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Despite the year-over-year slowdown in prices for groceries, prices have increased 33.0% since September 2020.

In the Age of AI, Investing in the Human Touch Is Fundamental for Retailers

News Retail Insider -
Charles de Brabant of McGill University's Bensadoun School of Retail Management argues that as artificial intelligence transforms retail, investing in knowledgeable store teams, personal relationships and consumer trust will become an increasingly important competitive advantage.

Shoppers Drug Mart partners with Pinterest on first beauty trend report

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The collaboration features a curated Pinterest board and sponsored digital placements highlighting fall beauty products and emerging makeup trends.

Crate & Barrel Holdings expands into wallcoverings with new collections

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The home furnishings retailer is partnering with York Wallcoverings to introduce more than 45 exclusive designs across three of its brands.

STRONG Pilates launches global campaign promoting single fitness membership (Video)

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Australian-founded fitness franchise is targeting consumers seeking combined cardio, strength and Pilates training as it expands its global studio network.

Daily Synopsis: October 16, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Grocery store cyber attacks become concern, Longo's opening in former King City Coppa's, Comox Centre Mall comes to market, Newmarket Mayor pushes for Walmart to stay open, Legendary Noodles shuts in Vancouver's West End, and other news.

From The Desk: Experiential Retail and Leadership Moves Shape Canadian Market

News Retail Insider -
Craig Patterson examines Canadian retail trends, from Aritzia's expansion and labour challenges to AI adoption and the evolving role of physical stores.
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