SPOTLIGHT ARTICLES

Why Vancouver’s West 4th Retail District Continues to Thrive

News Craig Patterson -
New retailers including Sephora, Aritzia and Mandy's Gourmet Salads are investing in Vancouver's West 4th retail district as the Kitsilano corridor continues to attract shoppers while maintaining its distinctive character.

Circle K Advances 750-Store Expansion Plan as Foodservice and Loyalty Drive Growth

News Lee Rivett -
Circle K parent Alimentation Couche-Tard is advancing its plan to build 750 new stores by 2030 while investing in foodservice, beverages, loyalty programs and digital engagement to drive future growth.

Canada’s only commercial olive farm on Salt Spring Island to be sold through online auction (Video)

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Farm produces extra virgin olive oil used by restaurants across the country and internationally.

‘Buy Canadian’ movement gains momentum as shoppers prioritize local brands: Healthy Planet

News Mario Toneguzzi -
“Canadians are becoming more intentional about the brands they support.”

Secondhand shopping growth outpacing retail overall: Mastercard

News Mario Toneguzzi -
When asked what specific factors consumers consider most important when making purchasing decisions, cost (63%), longevity (52%) and brand trust (45%) lead.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 23, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Walmart Canada looks for innovative suppliers at growth summit, RONA recognized as a 'best workplace', Bay Centre buyer looks to add experiential tenants, Loblaw opens at Broadway and Granville in Vancouver, and other news.

VIDEO: Indoor farming push seen as key to Canada’s food security: GoodLeaf CEO

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Food security in Canada hinges on ensuring consistent, year-round access to fresh produce despite the country’s extreme seasonal swings.

Most small businesses worry higher fuel costs could cool summer tourism season: CFIB

News Mario Toneguzzi -
"Fuel costs have been squeezing small businesses from all sides: at the pump, across their supply chains and in their customers' wallets."

RioCan announces new grocery, fitness, and apparel tenants for HBC space at Georgian Mall in Barrie

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Georgian Mall is the largest enclosed shopping centre in Barrie and the greater Simcoe County area.

VIDEO: Amazon Prime Day 2026 expected to draw Canadian shoppers despite affordability pressures: Bruce Winder

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Consumers are grappling with elevated living costs, including higher fuel prices and persistent food inflation.

RH to Open in Former Club Monaco Building on Toronto’s Bloor Street

News Craig Patterson -
RH is set to open a store in the former Club Monaco flagship building at 157 Bloor Street West in Toronto, bringing a new home furnishings tenant to one of Canada's most prominent retail locations.

How Consumer Preferences Are Reshaping Canadian Grocery Retail

News Craig Patterson -
Canadian grocery retail is evolving as consumers embrace curated assortments, ethnic supermarkets, private-label products and value-focused shopping. Industry veteran Michael Commisso shares insights into the trends reshaping the sector.

Competition Bureau Continues Multi-Year Push Against Grocery Property Controls

News Craig Patterson -
The Competition Bureau of Canada has expanded its investigation into Sobeys' use of property controls, continuing a multi-year effort that began with its 2023 grocery competition study and has already prompted changes across the grocery industry.

Prime Day spending set to hit $5.4B in Canada as participation jumps from 52% to 65% in a year

News Mario Toneguzzi -
70% expect to spend the same amount (51%) or more (19%) than they did last year.

Fran Deck, Steward of Toronto Landmark Fran’s Restaurant, Dies at 89

News Craig Patterson -
Fran Deck, longtime steward of Toronto's historic Fran's Restaurant, has died at age 89. His legacy lives on through one of the city's most enduring dining institutions.

SELLIT9 raises $4.1M to expand recommerce trade-in platform across North America

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The funding round was led by the Business Development Bank of Canada’s Seed Venture Fund, with participation from MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund, AQC Capital and Anges Québec.

Federal government investing $173.7 million to expand women entrepreneurship supports

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Addressing persistent barriers faced by women entrepreneurs and to build on existing federal programming designed to support business creation and growth.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 22, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Manitoba eyes shrinkflation law, FIFA impacts Vancouver retail differently depending on location, Zellers nostalgia drives return, retailers open at Toronto's Pearson Airport, 7-Eleven closing at College and Spadina in Toronot, and other news.

Toys “R” Us Brand and Stores Head to Different Owners in Canada

News Lee Rivett -
An Ontario court has approved the breakup of Toys “R” Us Canada, with the brand, stores and Vaughan Mills lease heading to separate buyers. The future of the remaining stores after January 2027 remains uncertain.

Alimentation Couche-Tard reports revenue of $19.5 billion in Q4, up close to 20% from a year ago

News Mario Toneguzzi -
For fiscal 2026, revenues increased by $3.6 billion, or 5.0%, compared with fiscal 2025.

Dollarama Reaches 96% of Canadian Households: Survey

News Craig Patterson -
A new Field Agent Canada survey found that 96% of Canadian households shopped at Dollarama within the past 60 days, with strong appeal across income levels and growing visit frequency.

Shake Shack Canada to open first drive-thru location in Canada in Calgary

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The first-ever drive-thru restaurant, expected to open this fall 2026 at 9253 Macleod Trail Southwest.

Consumer prices continue to rise: Statistics Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Excluding gasoline, the CPI still rose at a faster pace year over year in May (+2.2%) compared with April (+2.0%)

Leyad acquires the Bay Centre in Victoria

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Bay Centre is a trophy retail and mixed-use asset spanning an entire city block and serving as a cornerstone of the city's retail and pedestrian core.

Specsavers joins PC Optimum program

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Specsavers says PC Optimum members can earn 10 points per $1 on eligible purchases nationwide, expanding its relationship with Loblaw.

VistaPrint: 80% of small business owners are happier than being employees

News Mario Toneguzzi -
VistaPrint found 80% of small business owners are happier than when they were employees, with 46% saying they’re much happier.

Retail theft in Canada is now a data integrity crisis—and retailers are missing the biggest risk

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Most retailers are investing in guards, cameras and policy changes while ignoring the systems that actually track inventory and transactions in real time.

Cozey expands in the U.S. market with Chicago pop-up (Photos)

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Cozey has opened a U.S. retail pop-up in Chicago’s Gold Coast, marking another step in its North American expansion.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 19, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Canada's affordability crisis could fuel Zellers expansion, Putman floats rebrand in new Toys R Us court docs, Ottawa imposes surcharge on canned veggie imports, Burlington Ikea features Indigenous kitchen room setting, The Beer Store opening new stores after shutting others, Vancouver businesses struggle despite FIFA crowds, and other news.

Hermès to Open Standalone Store on Calgary’s Stephen Avenue

News Craig Patterson -
Hermès is planning its first standalone Alberta store on Calgary’s Stephen Avenue, exiting Holt Renfrew and reinforcing downtown Calgary’s growing luxury retail presence.

From The Desk: Canadian Retail Evolution Through Innovation, Expansion, and Experience

News Craig Patterson -
This week's retail news highlighted an industry balancing change and opportunity. From the end of a chapter in Canadian furniture manufacturing to major investments in luxury retail, experiential concepts, and new store openings, retailers continue to adapt to evolving consumer expectations and economic pressures.

The Hidden Cost of Grocery Promotions in Canada

News Sylvain Charlebois -
Supplier-funded grocery promotions may be creating hidden costs throughout Canada's food supply chain. Sylvain Charlebois examines how these practices can affect prices over time.

Fuel boosts retail sales growth to $73 billion in April: Statistics Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The largest increase in retail sales in April was observed at gasoline stations and fuel vendors (+5.1%).

Palliser Sale Marks End of an Era for Canadian Furniture Manufacturing

News Craig Patterson -
Palliser Furniture's sale to MotoMotion ends more than 80 years of family ownership, raising questions about Canadian manufacturing, retailer relationships and the future of the iconic furniture brand.

Empire Co. Ltd. CEO Charts Growth Strategy with Discount Focus

News Craig Patterson -
Empire plans to open 70 new stores across Canada over the next three years, with more than 75% of locations focused on discount retail as the grocery giant expands FreshCo, pharmacy and wholesale operations.

Factor Meals accelerates nationwide expansion with new “state-of-the-art” Distribution Centre in Calgary

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Initially launched in 2022 to serve Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes, the Calgary expansion allows Factor Meals to seamlessly scale its dietitian-approved, chef-crafted meal deliveries from coast to coast.

WeCook launches nationwide delivery with expansion into six new Canadian markets

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The company said the expansion follows a period of rapid growth. It has grown by more than 1,000% since 2020, created over 600 jobs, and now delivers more than four million meals annually.

FIFA World Cup boosts brand opportunities in Toronto and Vancouver through out-of-home Advertising

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Influx of people is creating a major opportunity for brands looking to reach large crowds, even without paying the steep costs associated with official FIFA sponsorships.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 18, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Today's Retail Insider coverage highlights Canadian retail growth with new store openings by Zellers, Soch, Le Creuset, and No Frills plus Empire's robust sales and expansion plans.

Inside Zellers’ New Toronto Store as Crowds Turn Out for Opening Day

News Craig Patterson -
Retail Insider visited Zellers' new Toronto store on opening day, finding strong customer interest, value-focused merchandise, nostalgic touches and a modern standalone retail concept.

Empire Company sees sales reach $31.95 billion in Fiscal 2026, more growth planned for FreshCo brand

News Mario Toneguzzi -
In fiscal 2027, the Company expects to open approximately 15 new FreshCo stores across Western Canada, Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

Canadians Seek Connection and Community Through Retail: Study

News Craig Patterson -
A new HumanKind study suggests Canadians are increasingly prioritizing connection, community and meaningful experiences. The findings offer valuable insight into evolving consumer behaviour and the retail trends shaping Canada's marketplace.

India’s Soch Expands to Surrey as Canadian Growth Strategy Continues

News Lee Rivett -
India-based fashion retailer Soch has opened its second Canadian store in Surrey, British Columbia, continuing an expansion strategy that began with its Brampton debut and highlighting the growing importance of demographic-driven retail growth in Canada.

VIDEO: Love Ur Curls founder Sahar Saidi eyes retail expansion after decade of DTC growth

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The company was born out of personal frustration with the lack of effective products for curly hair.

Eat Chips Every Day, Snackish launches across North America

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Snackish is available now nationwide at Target across the U.S and at Loblaws and Whole Foods across Canada.

Canadian cardholder spending holds up but momentum eases: RBC report

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Clothing, shoes and related apparel remained a notable source of strength with spending rising 1.8%, and maintaining a 1% three-month average gain.

Le Creuset Expands to Park Royal as Canadian Strategy Evolves

News Craig Patterson -
Le Creuset will open its 13th Canadian store at Park Royal in West Vancouver, continuing a retail strategy focused on premium lifestyle destinations, experiential store formats, and selective expansion.

Specsavers Canada becomes an official partner of the Toronto Blue Jays

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The partnership includes Specsavers as the Blue Jays presenting sponsor of the Strike Zone Challenge, based on the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 17, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Tesoro grocery store shuts in Edmonton after less than 2 years, Shindico begins preleasing Winnipeg centre, Pret a Manger opens at YVR Airport, Oakridge Park Skytrain connection anticipated, and other news.

Fresh St. Market to Become Grocery Anchor for CF Richmond Centre Redevelopment

News Lee Rivett -
Fresh St. Market will open its first Richmond location at CF Richmond Centre in Summer 2027, bringing a grocery anchor to the mixed-use redevelopment as residential density and retail expansion continue.
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