SPOTLIGHT ARTICLES

Groupe Dynamite appoints Jennifer Vincent as Head of Global Communications

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Jennifer Vincent joins Groupe Dynamite with more than 15 years of communications experience as the retailer continues its international expansion.

Carol Deacon takes the helm as Bed Bath & Beyond prepares Canadian store comeback

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Bed Bath & Beyond Canada president Carol Deacon discusses relaunching the retail brand online, plans for smaller stores in 2027 and the support of Sleep Country.

Canadian Tire shifts focus to growing fandom after reaching women’s sport investment milestone

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Canadian Tire’s Eva Salem discusses the company’s strategy to increase visibility, build audiences and grow women’s professional sport in Canada.

Sundayfawn Targets 200 Retail Locations With Personalized Book ‘Story Pass’ Model

News Evan Nagy -
Toronto-based personalized children’s book company SundayFawn is preparing to expand into physical retail with a model designed to let stores sell customized books without carrying finished-book inventory.

Nintendo’s first store-within-a-store in North America opens Saturday October 17 in Toronto

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Nintendo space at EB Games brings Nintendo games, characters and worlds together in an immersive new retail environment.

A&W launches new mission and corporate strategy

News Mario Toneguzzi -
System Sales in Q3 of $497.6 million increased by $18.0 million (3.8%)

KaleMart24 Eyes 100-Store Network as Canadian Expansion Accelerates [Video Interview]

News Craig Patterson -
KaleMart24 founder Sam Saoudi and Think Retail's Tony Flanz discuss plans for 100 stores or franchise agreements, Toronto expansion, Vancouver opportunities and the economics of healthier convenience retail in a Retail Insider podcast interview.

Tanya Taylor Opens First Canadian Store in Toronto’s Summerhill Neighbourhood

News Craig Patterson -
Toronto-born designer Tanya Taylor has opened her first Canadian boutique at The James in Summerhill. The 750-square-foot store is her brand's third standalone location and joins a growing mix of specialty retailers at Scrivener Square.

Loblaw Expands Multi-Brand Apparel Strategy Beyond Joe Fresh

News Lee Rivett -
Loblaw is expanding Joe Fresh with national and licensed apparel brands as Costco, Walmart and Winners compete for Canadian clothing shoppers.

Toronto-Based REFORMD Expands to California with Major Fitness and Wellness Studio

News Craig Patterson -
Toronto-based REFORMD will open its first U.S. Lagree studio at The Commons at Calabasas in January 2027, featuring 37 machines and wellness services.

MTY Food Group Shifts Focus to Franchising as Canadian Restaurant Sales Stabilize

News Lee Rivett -
MTY Food Group is reducing corporate-owned restaurants and reviewing its brand portfolio as Canadian sales stabilize. Mall-based restaurants, breakfast concepts and sushi brands are among the strongest performers, while the company targets renewed growth through franchising.

Oakridge Park Hosts Fashion Showcase with John Legend and Joe Zee in Vancouver

News Craig Patterson -
Vancouver's Oakridge Park hosted its inaugural Front Row fashion showcase on October 15, with Joe Zee hosting and John Legend performing live at the piano. The event brought together the city's luxury retail community as the newly opened development expands its cultural programming.

Groupe Marcelle partners with Dentsu Creative Canada on brand growth

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Montreal-based beauty company Groupe Marcelle has partnered with Dentsu Creative Canada to support the development of its Marcelle, Watier and Annabelle brands.

Recipe Unlimited to acquire Greece-based restaurant operator Evergood

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Canadian restaurant company has signed an agreement to acquire Evergood, which operates more than 575 restaurants across five brands in Greece and regional markets.

Daily Synopsis: October 15, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Patagonia opening downtown Kelowna store Friday, No Frills opening in SW Edmonton, Denny's expanding with Woodstock location, metro Vancouver restaurant named best in North America, and other news.

Canada’s Food Affordability Crisis Goes Beyond Grocery Prices

News Sylvain Charlebois -
As World Food Day approaches, Sylvain Charlebois examines the widening divide between Canada's agricultural strength and household food security. New income and expense comparisons show why rising disposable incomes have not eliminated affordability pressures for lower- and middle-income Canadians.

mini mioche Returns to Toronto Retail as Trade War Reshapes Growth Strategy

News Craig Patterson -
mini mioche opens a Toronto flagship as CEO Jacquelyn Corbett discusses trade uncertainty, Canadian manufacturing, wholesale growth and retail expansion.

Who Shopped HBC’s Women’s Floor, and Where They’ve Gone

News Retail Insider -
New Environics Analytics research examines Hudson’s Bay’s affluent women’s clothing shoppers, their spending habits and the retailers attracting them.

Are Canadian Retailers Making Shopping Too Complicated? Samsung Research Raises Questions

News Craig Patterson -
New Samsung Canada research finds that 68% of Canadians say technology gives them more to manage. Samsung executive Tarik Akad tells Retail Insider why retailers should reconsider how apps, loyalty programs and digital communications affect the customer experience.

Canadians keep spending through higher oil prices but momentum eased in September: RBC

News Mario Toneguzzi -
RBC data shows Canadian consumer spending continued to grow in September, led by services, while higher fuel costs pressured household purchasing power and discretionary goods spending remained subdued.

Canadian Retailers Face a Costly Employee Retention Challenge

News Craig Patterson -
Canadian retailers face rising employee turnover costs. Suzanne Sears explains how training and career development can help businesses retain staff.

Golf Town invests $15 million in Oakville flagship store

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The 40,000-square-foot Oakville store becomes Golf Town’s 50th Canadian location, featuring expanded custom fitting, golf simulators and dedicated brand spaces.

Reitmans commits to providing one million meals through five-year food bank partnership

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Canadian apparel retailer is marking its 100th anniversary with a five-year partnership with Food Banks Canada to support people facing food insecurity.

Daily Synopsis: October 14, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Walmart expands toys, Golf Town opens flagship in Oakville, Korean diner opens in Edmonton, and other news.

SMYTHE Appoints Former Canada Goose Executive Ana Mihaljevic CEO as Brand Expands

News Craig Patterson -
Toronto fashion brand SMYTHE has appointed former Canada Goose executive Ana Mihaljevic as CEO as it prepares to open at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in 2027. Mihaljevic will also speak at Retail Insider @ Rotman on November 3.

Thai Express Is Betting on Calamari as Canada’s Next Quick-Service Premium Protein

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Following the success of last year's lobster launch, the Canadian-born QSR brings another premium seafood favourite beyond the traditional restaurant appetizer.

Retail Insider @ Rotman Returns November 3 with Four Canadian Retail Leaders Exploring Customer Fit

News Craig Patterson -
Retail Insider and Rotman reunite November 3 for four fireside chats on finding customer fit. Leaders from Harry Rosen, Roots, SMYTHE and Absolutely Fabrics will discuss changing consumer expectations, retail strategy and the future of Canadian retail.

AI-Powered Scams Target Holiday Shoppers as Retail Fraud Risks Rise, Infobip Report Finds

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Infobip’s 2026 Fraud & Security Report examines how AI is scaling phishing scams and how retailers can use AI-powered detection to protect shoppers.

Browns Shoes Expands Canadian Store Network Following Toronto Eaton Centre Flagship Opening

News Craig Patterson -
Browns Shoes opens a new Toronto Eaton Centre flagship and outlines Canadian store openings, renovations and relocations planned through 2027.

Calgary’s Stoked Oats Doubles Revenue as It Expands Into Costco and Asian Markets

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Calgary-based Stoked Oats nearly doubled revenue in 2025 and expects further growth in 2026, expanding its oat-based products across Canada, Japan and South Korea.

Bonobos rolls out Shopify-powered online shopping and in-store technology

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The menswear retailer is introducing digital fit profiles, automated customer follow-ups and integrated checkout across its e-commerce platform and 48 U.S. Guideshops.

Are Canadian Retailers Making Shopping Too Complicated? Samsung Research Raises Questions

News Craig Patterson -
New Samsung Canada research finds that 68% of Canadians say technology gives them more to manage. Samsung executive Tarik Akad tells Retail Insider why retailers should reconsider how apps, loyalty programs and digital communications affect the customer experience.

Empire’s Family of Support Expands Access to Children’s Mental Health Care Across Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Empire’s Family of Support has helped children’s hospitals assess nearly 300,000 children and youth, supporting early intervention and mental health care nationwide.

Canadian Tire Corporation makes “landmark” commitment to women’s professional sports

News Mario Toneguzzi -
CTC turns its focus to helping more Canadians discover, follow, and support women's sport.

Canadian Small Businesses Pursue Growth Despite Economic Uncertainty: Scotiabank

News Craig Patterson -
Scotiabank reports that 74% of surveyed small-business clients are optimistic about their business prospects. New findings also identify franchise acquisitions, multi-unit ownership, technology investment and succession planning as priorities for Canadian entrepreneurs facing economic uncertainty and rising operating costs.

Deloitte projects 14% drop in Canadian holiday spending to record low

News Mario Toneguzzi -
A Deloitte survey finds shoppers are increasingly focused on discounts, with tariffs, inflation concerns and economic uncertainty shaping holiday budgets.

Levi’s Canadian Retail Strategy Takes Shape After Hudson’s Bay Closure

News Lee Rivett -
Levi's adapts its Canadian retail strategy after Hudson's Bay, balancing stores, Walmart, Mark's and Holt Renfrew as global wholesale sales grow.

Daily Synopsis: October 13, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Hollister opens at CF Chinook Centre, Crumbl Cookies expands to Winnipeg, Denny's opening at Regina's Southland Mall, and other news.

Apple Expands Smart Home Ambitions with New Hub and Connected-Home Products

Retailer News Lee Rivett -
Apple is expanding its connected-home business in Canada with the new HomeView display and accessories developed with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. The rollout brings new competition to home security, climate control and automation categories while creating opportunities for connected-home retail and services.

Weak Canadian Dollar Could Drive Grocery Prices Higher in 2027: Sylvain Charlebois

News Sylvain Charlebois -
Sylvain Charlebois warns that a weaker Canadian dollar and rising commodity costs could push grocery prices higher this winter and into 2027.

Sold-Out Dealmaking Floor Caps Strong ICSC@CANADA in Toronto

News Craig Patterson -
ICSC@CANADA returned to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre's North Building from October 5 to 7, drawing retail landlords, brokers, developers and retailers from across the country

Athletic Brewing named official non-alcoholic beer partner of NHL in Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The multiyear deal includes marketing campaigns, retail promotions and fan activations, beginning with the 2026 NHL Heritage Classic in Winnipeg.

AI Could Push Retail Into a ‘Sea of Sameness’: Carl Boutet

News Craig Patterson -
In The Flip, retail strategist Carl Boutet explores how AI is reshaping commerce and why human judgment, distinctive experiences and trust matter more.

Villages Calgary closes retail operation after more than 40 years

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Calgary fair-trade retailer is ending its store operations after decades of supporting artisan groups, following plans to relocate amid declining revenue and customer traffic.

BrandMo Tech launches adtech platform with global headquarters in Toronto

News Mario Toneguzzi -
BrandMo Tech plans to expand its Toronto team over the next two years as it introduces an AI-optimized advertising platform focused on cultural audience insights.

Canadian small businesses turn to AI to save time as holiday shopping season nears

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Constant Contact's Dave Charest says independent retailers face rising costs and cautious shoppers, while AI offers new ways to streamline marketing and strengthen customer relationships.

SUPER MINISO Opens at Square One as Retailer Confirms Montréal Expansion

News Lee Rivett -
MINISO opens its first international SUPER MINISO at Square One in Mississauga and confirms new store openings in Montréal, Winnipeg and Toronto.

Canada’s Retail Employment Puzzle: Why Store Expansion Isn’t Telling the Whole Story

News Craig Patterson -
Canada's retail employment picture is changing as stores expand. Suzanne Sears examines staffing, hiring trends and workforce challenges.

Australian fitness franchise REVL Training targets U.S. and Canadian expansion

News Mario Toneguzzi -
REVL Training plans to expand into North America, starting in Florida, as the Australian fitness franchise targets 100 studios across 10 countries by 2028.

Richelieu Hardware sales rise 12.6% as acquisitions boost growth

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Montreal-based distributor reported higher quarterly earnings and announced five acquisitions adding $145 million in annual sales, alongside a $15-million distribution centre expansion.
1234...66Page 3 of 66