SPOTLIGHT ARTICLES

Dupray brings part of air purifier production back to Canada amid U.S. tariff uncertainty

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Montreal-based Dupray is moving production from overseas to Canada, starting with its Bloom air purifier, amid U.S. tariff uncertainty and supply-chain concerns.

Poshmark launches new brand campaign focused on fashion discovery

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Called “Try Yourself On,” the campaign launched Sept. 8 during New York Fashion Week and is running across film, out-of-home advertising, social media and experiential activations in New York City, Los Angeles and Toronto.

It’s Not Too Late to Attend CHFA NOW Toronto This Weekend

News Retail Insider -
CHFA NOW Toronto takes place September 25–27 at Exhibition Place. There’s still time for qualified industry professionals to attend, with on-site registration available.

Daily Synopsis: September 21, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
FreschCo gaining market share amid expansion, Meta's Muse AI blocked by Amazon, CAA closing some storefronts, Armani Cafe opening at Oakridge Park, Piri Piri chicken launches first food truck in Montreal, and other news.

Big League Food Company targets $100 million revenue as Ontario expansion accelerates

News Mario Toneguzzi -
On track to reach a revenue run rate of nearly $70 million entering 2027.

Absolutely Fabrics Opens Grand Summerhill Flagship in Toronto

News Craig Patterson -
Absolutely Fabrics has opened a 7,000-square-foot Summerhill flagship in Toronto, adding menswear as the affluent neighbourhood sees new residential and retail investment.

Reitmans’ Store Investments Show Gains as Flagships Post Double-Digit Growth

News Craig Patterson -
Reitmans and RW&CO flagships at CF Carrefour Laval and CF Toronto Eaton Centre posted double-digit sales growth as RCL invests in larger, more productive stores.

RBC: Canadian Consumer Spending Broadens as Cardholder Purchases Rise in August

News Mario Toneguzzi -
RBC says Canadian consumer spending remained resilient in August, with gains across goods and services despite higher gasoline costs and trade uncertainty.

Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn and West Elm to Open in Former Nordstrom at CF Rideau Centre

News Craig Patterson -
Three Williams-Sonoma Inc. banners will open at CF Rideau Centre in spring 2027 as Cadillac Fairview moves ahead with the redevelopment of the former two-level Nordstrom space.

One in five small business owners describe their business as “weak” or “critical”: CFIB

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Small business tax relief needs to be at the top of the agenda to restore small business confidence

Tourisme Montréal launches free guided tours aimed at local residents

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The initiative forms part of Tourisme Montréal's broader consideration of local tourism and the role residents play in the tourism experience.

Tim Hortons teams up with adidas with a new footwear and apparel collection 

News Mario Toneguzzi -
TIm Hortons said the collection includes a running-inspired lineup of adidas footwear, apparel and accessories that feature Tims signature coffee and cream tones and Tims Run Club graphics.

Dunkin’ has room to grow in Canadian market: SATOV report

News Mario Toneguzzi -
"Dunkin’ enters from a position of strength, with existing brand familiarity reducing the challenge of attracting consumers to try the brand."

Grocery Prices Face New Pressure as Diesel Costs Rise Across Canada

News Sylvain Charlebois -
Rising diesel costs are adding pressure across Canada’s food supply chain, potentially pushing grocery prices higher in the months ahead.

Naturium expands Sephora presence in Canada and Mexico

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The brand, which is owned by e.l.f. Beauty, began selling through Sephora in both markets Sept. 9, with Naturium products now available at Sephora Canada stores nationwide and online, while its Mexican launch is exclusive to Sephora Mexico stores and its website.

Jumbo to Open First Canadian Store at Vaughan Mills in Former Toys “R” Us

News Lee Rivett -
Greek value retailer Jumbo will open its first Canadian store at Vaughan Mills, taking about 47,000 square feet formerly occupied by Toys “R” Us.

Daily Synopsis: September 18, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Ikea pitches affordability in Canada, Mandy's lands in Vancouver's Kits, No Frills opens in former Whole Foods, Pokemon cards stolen, dogs in restaurants discussed, and other news.

From The Desk: Strategic growth, pricing resilience and retail real estate shifts

News Craig Patterson -
Canadian retail sees real estate consolidation, disciplined pricing, and growth in discount sectors amid cost pressures and shifting consumer demand.

Empire Plans ‘E-Commerce 2.0’ as Voilà Strategy Enters New Phase

News Craig Patterson -
Empire is planning an “e-commerce 2.0” strategy as the Sobeys parent combines Voilà, third-party delivery and customer data to drive online growth.

Flight Centre Canada expands physical retail footprint with two new stores

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The expansion follows what the company describes as a third consecutive record year for Flight Centre Travel Group, the parent company of Flight Centre Canada

Supernatural brings longevity wellness to retail space with new Yorkville concept

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Toronto wellness destination Supernatural is bringing the growing longevity category into retail with a curated Yorkville space focused on sleep, recovery, performance and wellness products.

Angelcare Group Expands Litter Genie Line and Retail Strategy in Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Montreal-based Angelcare Group is expanding Litter Genie with new products, retail partnerships and a broader cat-care ecosystem in Canada.

Faire report: Social media is reshaping fashion trends and giving independent retailers an edge

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Faire’s latest report finds social is accelerating fashion trends, with independent retailers using faster buying cycles to respond to changing demand.

AI agents and the shopping experience: Myndlab

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The technology is advancing because AI-referred shoppers are commercially valuable.

Daily Synopsis: September 17, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Stefano Ricci luxury boutique in Vancouver shuttering, Metro reaches deal with striking workers, Harry Rosen opens Toronto flagship September 22, GTA furniture retailer appears to go bankrupt, and other news.

Reitmans (Canada) Limited reports Q2 financial results, net revenues decrease 1.9% y/y

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Net earnings were $10.1 million ($0.20 basic and diluted earnings per share) as compared with net earnings of $13.1 million ($0.26 basic and diluted earnings per share) a year earlier.

Primaris Raises $200M With More Than $1B in Canadian Mall Acquisitions Under Negotiation

News Craig Patterson -
Primaris is raising $200 million in new equity while negotiating more than $1 billion in potential mall acquisitions. The financing adds capacity as the REIT continues buying major Canadian shopping centres from institutional owners and expanding its national portfolio.

Gen Z demands authentic digital experiences as AI reshapes retail: Sitecore

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Sitecore research finds 89% of Gen Z wants more authentic digital experiences, while nearly 70% have reduced engagement with brands they distrust.

Dollarama’s $5 Ceiling Is Becoming a Test for Canadian Retail

News Lee Rivett -
Dollarama is holding its $5 maximum price point as Canadian traffic continues to rise and cost pressures build. The widening performance gap with parts of mainstream retail raises questions about whether value shopping is becoming a permanent part of household spending.

STRONG Pilates launches new connected training technology as franchise expands globally

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The technology is being introduced in two phases, beginning in Australia and the United States, with a second phase planned for later this year that will add expanded data capabilities, deeper technology integration and a global rollout.

Bloor Street Retail Update: New Stores, Flagships and Major Changes Reshape Toronto Luxury Corridor

News Craig Patterson -
Toronto’s Bloor Street is seeing another wave of retail change, with RH, Delysées and Tiffany arriving, Holt Renfrew evolving, Harry Rosen relocating and major redevelopment projects moving ahead.

Verifran launches franchise intelligence platform to streamline candidate qualification

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Toronto-based company is positioning the platform as an intelligence layer between an initial franchise inquiry and a franchise development team

WestJet, Tim Hortons announce new in-flight coffee and loyalty partnership

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The partnership will see WestJet serve a new Tim Hortons coffee blend called Flight Roast on flights that currently offer in-flight refreshments, while members of the two companies' rewards programs will eventually be able to earn points through eligible Tim Hortons purchases.

BCG: Canadian retail spending splits further as higher- and lower-income households diverge

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Higher-income buyers place more weight on service and the buying experience, especially for bigger purchases like appliances.

Daily Synopsis: September 16, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Mine & Yours Marks 13 Years as Luxury Resale Starts Looking More Like, TryCanadian.ca launches as Consumers Search for Canadian Alternatives, Dollarama Q2 sales increase 17.6% y/y to surpass $2 billion, RBC says grocery prices likely to keep rising faster than overall, and other retail news.

Cozey to open first permanent Montreal store as furniture retailer expands physical footprint

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Montreal location is part of a broader expansion that has seen Cozey increase its physical retail presence while also entering new international markets.

RONA names Alain Ménard CEO as J.P. Towner moves to Sycamore Partners advisory role

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The company says Towner and Ménard will continue to work closely together during the transition as RONA moves into its next phase of growth.

Amazon invests more than $78 million in pay increases for Canada operations employees  

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Amazon is raising its average hourly base wage in Canada to $26.27 per hour — up from $25.27 in 2025 — representing a 4% year-over-year increase. 

Mine & Yours Marks 13 Years as Luxury Resale Starts Looking More Like Luxury Retail

News Lee Rivett -
Mine & Yours marks 13 years as the Canadian luxury reseller expands its retail footprint, deepens its Holt Renfrew partnership and builds a business model in which customers increasingly serve as both shoppers and suppliers.

BRP focusing on off-road vehicle market

News Mario Toneguzzi -
BRP is planning to introduce a major off-road vehicle innovation every six months over the next four years.

TryCanadian.ca Launches as Consumers Search for Canadian Alternatives to U.S. Brands

News Craig Patterson -
TryCanadian.ca launches with more than 900 companies, helping shoppers find Canadian alternatives to U.S. brands as buying habits shift.

eBay Live partners with Toronto International Film Festival

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Until September 20 Shop the TIFF Edit will be a dedicated eBay Live destination featuring TIFF-inspired live shopping experiences hosted by sellers, with vintage finds, luxury pieces, statement looks, premiere-worthy fashion and movie-inspired style all up for discovery.

Canada business groups welcome Productivity Mega Deduction as boost to investment

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Restaurants Canada and the Retail Council of Canada welcome the federal government’s proposed Productivity Mega Deduction, saying it could spur investment in equipment, technology and infrastructure.

Home Depot Canada Foundation uses Fortnite to raise awareness of youth homelessness

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Home Depot Canada Foundation created a custom Fortnite map and Twitch campaign to raise awareness of youth homelessness and its challenges in Canada.

Dollarama Q2 sales increase 17.6% y/y to surpass $2 billion

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Net earnings increased by 8.7% to $349.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2027, compared to $321.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2026.

RCC Names Walmart and SC Johnson Executives Inaugural Sustainable Leaders of the Year

News Craig Patterson -
Retail Council of Canada names Walmart’s Kathleen McLaughlin and SC Johnson’s Fisk Johnson its inaugural Sustainable Leaders of the Year.

RBC says grocery prices likely to keep rising faster than overall inflation in near term

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The report said the largest recent spike occurred between 2021 and 2023, when grocery inflation reached its highest level since the early 1980s and food prices rose 11 per cent year-over-year in late 2022.

Canadian businesses face rising debt, payment stress: Equifax

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Average commercial debt per business rose 7.3 per cent year-over-year to $30,581, while the 60-plus-day delinquency rate on financial credit products reached 4.0 per cent, its highest level since 2019 and a 19.7 per cent increase from a year earlier.

Daily Synopsis: September 15, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Canadian companies look to capitalize on 'elbows up', Circle K capitalizes on back-to-school rush, No Frills takes North York No Frills, London Drugs launches community pharmacies, Costco opening 4 Canadian stores, and other news.

Nespresso opens new experiential kiosk in Montreal’s Royalmount

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The concept is inspired by Nespresso’s collaboration with Dua Lipa and its “By the Pool” campaign, bringing a colourful, summer-inspired and immersive experience to the shopping centre.
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