SPOTLIGHT ARTICLES

Lululemon Cuts Store SKUs by 15% as Retailer Slows Expansion

News Craig Patterson -
Lululemon is cutting store SKUs by 15%, testing localized assortments and slowing net expansion while continuing to invest in Canadian stores.

Jollibee marks 10 years in Canada with promotional campaign and plans for 26 more restaurants

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Filipino fast-food chain, which opened its first Canadian restaurant in Winnipeg in December 2016, now has 28 locations across five provinces.

Massive T&T Supermarket to open in former Bay space at CF Markville

News Mario Toneguzzi -
CF Markville will be T&T’s 18th location in Ontario, and it also marks the fourth partnership with Cadillac Fairview, following CF Fairview Mall, CF Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke, and CF Polo Park in Winnipeg.

Canada loses 42,000 jobs in August: Statistics Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Wholesale and retail trade (-55,000; -1.8%) recorded the largest decline across industries over the past 12 months.

Pilgrim Plans Canadian Expansion After Oshawa Store Opening

News Craig Patterson -
Pilgrim CEO Robert Hayes discusses the jewelry brand's Canadian expansion plans, new Oshawa Centre store, suburban performance, growing wholesale network and the increasing role of piercing services.

Typical expanding its reach and its stretchable towel product

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Typical is now selling through The Knot, Anthropologie, and Nordstrom, while building out corporate gifting and hospitality channels alongside its DTC business.

Calgary’s Forum Thermal to open 18,000-square-foot urban spa in late 2026

News Mario Toneguzzi -
With six signature pools, three saunas and two steam rooms, Forum will offer a series of interconnected experiences. 

OpenRoad Auto announces 16-acre Surrey automall development

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Surrey Auto Loop, located at 13340 76 Avenue, is being developed in partnership with Conwest Developments and will include seven lots and approximately 166,000 square feet of commercial space.

Many small businesses at risk due to trade war: CFIB

News Mario Toneguzzi -
One in five (18%) small exporters and 11% of importers affected by the Canada-U.S. trade war say they would stop being financially viable if the trade war lasts three months or more.

Grocery Prices Face New Pressure as Ottawa Imposes Counter-Tariffs

News Sylvain Charlebois -
Sylvain Charlebois examines how Canada’s new counter-tariffs could affect grocery prices, food inflation and affordability as Ottawa extends fuel-tax relief.

Daily Synopsis: September 3, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Lululemon reports numbers, Gather Packaging pivots after US tariffs, Couche-Tard shifting convenience store mix, D Spot Expansion, and other news.

Lululemon Canada Sales Fall 11% as Outlook Weakens

News Craig Patterson -
Lululemon's Canadian revenue fell 11% in Q2 as traffic and product challenges intensified, with the retailer warning of deeper declines ahead.

Retail Insider’s Canadian Retail Monitor — August 2026 Edition: Demand Strengthens as Volumes Rise

News Craig Patterson -
Retail Insider’s first edition of the Canadian Retail Monitor finds demand strengthened, with sales volumes rising faster than headline sales. Health, apparel and general merchandise led growth, while grocery weakened and e-commerce rebounded sharply.

Gather Packaging Pivots to Canada After 50% U.S. Tariff

News Craig Patterson -
Toronto-based Gather Packaging is targeting Canadian retailers after a 50% U.S. tariff disrupted a market representing more than 75% of its plant volume.

Canadian puzzle brand Villager Puzzles builds business around women artists and retail growth

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Villager Puzzles collaborates with Canadian women artists, who receive uncapped royalties from every puzzle sold. Some artists have earned between $10,000 and $28,000 over the past year.

BRP raises full-year earnings guidance as second-quarter revenue climbs 18.5 per cent

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Quebec-based powersports company reported revenue of $2.24 billion for the three months ended July 31, up from $1.89 billion a year earlier.

D Spot Dessert Café expands into U.S. with Dallas launch, eyes Houston, Chicago, Nashville and Atlanta

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Founded in Canada in 2014, D Spot has grown to more than 55 locations nationwide and recently launched its first American location, marking a significant milestone for the brand.

Restaurants Canada welcomes extension of Federal Fuel Excise Tax suspension

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Gas costs have risen by an average of 46% since December 2025, contributing to higher food and transportation costs and supplier fuel surcharges, reported by 86% of restaurants.

Couche-Tard Reshapes Convenience Store Mix as Consumer Habits Change

News Craig Patterson -
Couche-Tard is shifting store assortments as food, energy drinks and functional products grow while traditional convenience categories soften.

Daily Synopsis: September 2, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Canadian Tire launches loyalty program with Tim Hortons, Lululemon expands resale program to Canada, City of Edmonton launches shop local campaign, 100+ year Lunenburg women's store closing, Ontario teachers reportedly gouged with Staples pricing, and other news.

Margins, Losses, Surplus: What Food Waste Really Costs Small Businesses

News Craig Patterson -
FoodHero is helping independent Canadian retailers turn surplus food into revenue, reduce waste and reach new customers as it expands its platform.

Kit and Ace Relocates at CF Sherway Gardens as Expansion Continues

News Craig Patterson -
Kit and Ace has relocated at CF Sherway Gardens, moving into a 2,370-square-foot store that CEO David Lui says is performing better.

Gap Sales Surge as Old Navy Reshapes Canadian Store Network

News Lee Rivett -
Gap continues its strong sales momentum as Old Navy works to improve performance while reshaping its Canadian store network through closures and new locations.

Why Brand Activations Are Becoming an Important Part of Retail Marketing

News Craig Patterson -
Brand activations are becoming a bigger part of retail marketing as brands use physical experiences, creator content and memorable environments to connect with consumers.

Canadian Tire, Tim Hortons launch linked loyalty program

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The program is aimed at connecting the two loyalty ecosystems and giving customers additional rewards for purchases at participating Tim Hortons restaurants.

Jimmy John’s opens first Calgary restaurant in city’s University District

News Mario Toneguzzi -
This is the second location in Alberta since the brand’s first Canadian location opened in November 2024, with plans to open over six more before the end of the year.

New U.S. Tariffs Add to Cost Pressures for Canada’s Restaurant Industry: Restaurants Canada 

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Restaurants Canada research shows that 41% of operators are now operating at a loss or barely breaking even, compared with 12% in 2019.

Planet Fitness to open third Halifax-area location in Lower Sackville

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The company also has locations in Moncton, Saint John and St. John's elsewhere in Atlantic Canada.

Daily Synopsis: September 1, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Surge in demand for Canadian-made food and products, New Lululemon CEO faces turnaround challenge, used bookstores navigate bulk orders amid AI book shredding fears, Safeway opens at Oakridge Park in Vancouver, and other news.

Couche-Tard Earnings Rise as Canadian Convenience Sales Flatten

News Craig Patterson -
Couche-Tard reports higher Q1 earnings as Canadian merchandise sales remain flat, while fuel volumes and margins strengthen.

MONTONI partners with Super C and Jean Coutu to develop new retail complex in Mascouche, Quebec

News Mario Toneguzzi -
MONTONI develops, builds and manages real estate projects and it has completed more than 700 projects representing over 30 million square feet of industrial, commercial, institutional and residential construction and 30 corporate campuses, with another 25 million square feet under development–an impressive portfolio of properties across Québec.

Michael Hill Plans Further Canadian Store Expansion After Record Year

News Craig Patterson -
Michael Hill is targeting further growth in Canada after a record year, with store upgrades planned and additional locations under consideration.

Loblaw Plans More No Frills and Maxi Stores in $1.2B Expansion

News Craig Patterson -
Loblaw plans $1.2 billion in capital spending through the rest of 2026 as it accelerates No Frills and Maxi expansion across Canada.

Tapo Canada launches direct-to-consumer online store

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The new e-commerce operation allows Canadians to buy Tapo products directly from the brand while the company continues to sell through online and physical retailers across the country.

NerdWallet Canada study finds ‘doomspending’ spans generations

News Mario Toneguzzi -
NerdWallet Canada refers to the behaviour as “doomspending,” describing it as buying things people do not need because the future feels uncertain or saving money seems pointless.

Canadian Retailers Enter Holiday 2026 With Spending Momentum and Price-Sensitive Shoppers

News Craig Patterson -
Canadian shoppers are spending more heading into Holiday 2026, but Salesforce says price sensitivity, promotions, shipping costs and hybrid shopping will shape the season.

Build-A-Bear Refocuses Strategy as Canadian Store Network Evolves

News Lee Rivett -
Build-A-Bear is refocusing on customization and experiential retail after a weaker summer, as the retailer evolves its Canadian store network and targets collectors.

Temu Is Becoming a More Local Competitor for Canadian Retailers

News Lee Rivett -
Temu is expanding its local seller model as PDD Holdings invests in fulfillment and supply chains, with growing implications for Canadian retailers.

Dr. Phone Fix reports 32% revenue growth in Q2

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Revenue increased 32% to $3.76 million, compared with $2.86 million in Q2 2025. Approximately 60% of the year-over-year increase was attributable to same-store sales growth. Revenue also increased 19% from Q1 2026.

Canada Emerges as Leading Growth Market for Williams-Sonoma

News Craig Patterson -
Williams-Sonoma says Canada is leading international growth as Pottery Barn, West Elm and Williams Sonoma gain market share and expand digital and trade channels.

Daily Synopsis: August 31, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Happy belly expanding, 35 years since Simpsons shuttered, Westcliff expanding following Kingsway Mall acquisition, and other news.

CHFA NOW Toronto Is Coming Up: Why Retailers Should Attend

News Retail Insider -
CHFA NOW Toronto returns September 25–27, 2026. Discover new wellness products, emerging Canadian brands and industry connections at Exhibition Place.

Happy Belly Could Reach 183 Restaurants by 2027: Stifel

News Lee Rivett -
Happy Belly Food Group could reach 183 restaurants by the end of 2027 as franchising, development agreements and U.S. expansion drive growth, according to Stifel.

35 Years Since Simpsons Disappeared: The Story of a Canadian Department Store Icon

News Craig Patterson -
Thirty-five years after Simpsons disappeared, a look back at the department store’s rise, HBC takeover, St. Regis Room, Queen Street flagship and 1991 end.

Scandinavian furniture brand OMHU expands into the Canadian market

News Mario Toneguzzi -
OMHU is best known for its TEDDY—the modular, boneless sofa that’s taken over the internet.

Toronto’s newest wellness destination – The Practice

News Mario Toneguzzi -
From psychotherapy to sound baths, red light yoga to a rooftop patio - everything your nervous system has been asking for, under one 4-story roof 

Westcliff Open to Further Acquisitions Following Kingsway Mall Deal

News Craig Patterson -
Westcliff discusses its Kingsway Mall acquisition, return to Western Canada and strategy for further shopping centre acquisitions across Canada.

AI, Traceability and Resilience Reshape Global Retail Supply Chains: TradeBeyond Executive

News Mario Toneguzzi -
"Three decades in fashion and retail supply chains have taught me that change is constant, but the pace and complexity of change have accelerated dramatically."

Food Basics Launches ‘More Flavours of Home’ Cookbook Series Celebrating Ontario’s Cultural Food Traditions

News Mario Toneguzzi -
An opportunity to dive deeper beyond the hundreds of imported products key to many ethnicities that it carries, and into showcasing the people, recipes and traditions that make culture worth experiencing.

KFC Canada’s $30M bet on beverages

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The scale of the expansion is significant: Kwench is rolling out to more than 170 locations by summer’s end, with plans to reach 600 locations in 2027. 
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