Advertisement

Daily Synopsis: Apr 30, 2026

Aritzia expands, Gildan reports Q1, Spin Master braces for rising costs from war, crypto ATM ban discussions, Ikea opening Gatineau Plan and Order point, Regina retail crime increases, and other news.

One Year After Hudson’s Bay’s Collapse, Retail Reshaped

A year after Hudson’s Bay collapsed, Canadian retail continues to evolve as landlords, brands, and spaces adapt to its absence.

Jobs declining in the retail sector: Statistics Canada

On a year-over-year basis, payroll employment in retail trade was down by 26,400 (-1.3%) in February 2026.

Canadian small business sales decline, modest March rebound amid cash flow strain: Xero

Canadian small business sales fell 4.0% in the quarter to March 2026, though March posted 1.0% growth, Xero said amid cash flow pressures.

La Rosée Expands in Canada Through Shoppers Deal

French clean skincare brand La Rosée expands across Canada via Shoppers Drug Mart, targeting growth in the masstige beauty segment.

The End of Anchors: How Canadian Malls Are Being Rewritten

Canadian malls are being reshaped as anchor department stores disappear, leaving millions of square feet to be redeveloped and reimagined.

Reitmans unveils new logo, enters new era with reimagined store concept

Launched at Carrefour Laval on April 18, this concept paves the way for a rollout across Canada beginning in 2027.

Aritzia’s Rise from Canadian Brand to North American Powerhouse

Aritzia’s rapid U.S. expansion and strong financial performance position it as a leading North American retail powerhouse.

Daily Synopsis: Apr 29, 2026

Hudson's Bay flagships sold, Simons signals shift in downtown Vancouver, Chip Wilson at odds with Lululemon board nominees, grocery store cuts seniors' discount, Winners opening in North Battleford, and other news.

Primaris REIT sees hike in total rental revenue in Q1

“The quarter reflected strong leasing and operational execution across the portfolio.”

Deals Signed for Major Hudson’s Bay Buildings Across Canada

Deals signed for major Hudson’s Bay buildings across Canada signal a shift toward redevelopment in downtown Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa.

What Simons Signals for the Future of Downtown Vancouver Retail

La Maison Simons’ Vancouver flagship highlights a shift in downtown retail, as recovery unfolds amid structural changes and new competition.

La Maison Générale Marks Montreal Milestone

La Maison Générale celebrates one year in Montreal as the French lifestyle brand marks its 80th anniversary.

Grocery Fuel Surcharge Fight Reshapes Pricing in Canada

Fuel surcharges are dividing Canada’s grocery sector, widening gaps between major chains and independent grocers.

Mandy’s opening latest location in Toronto’s The Distillery Historic District

Located at 359 Front St E in the District, the 1,900-square-foot space will offer 30 seats indoors, along with an additional 15-seat patio.

Canadian retail resets as 17 million square feet returns to market

“Canada’s retail market is moving through a supply-led reset, but demand has not broken.”

Calgary fashion-tech startup Prévoir expands AI-powered Shopify merchandising platform

It extracts detailed product attributes from a brand's product images, such as colour and fabric, and pairs them with sales data to reveal which styles and design elements perform best.

Cadillac Fairview Dominates Canada’s Top-Performing Shopping Centres

Cadillac Fairview leads Canada’s most productive shopping centres, with seven properties in the national top 10 by sales per square foot.

Daily Synopsis: Apr 28, 2026

Lululemon appoints new leadership, surveillance pricing questioned, Alice + Olivia entering Canada, Quebec furniture manufacturing in jeopardy, mixed feelings in Winnipeg amid crime curb efforts, and other news.

Lululemon Resets Leadership Amid Rising Competition

Lululemon reshapes leadership with a new CEO and board appointments as competition intensifies and growth pressures emerge.

Self-Storage Proposed for Former Hudson’s Bay Centre in Toronto

Brookfield’s new plan for the former Hudson’s Bay Centre at Yonge and Bloor introduces self-storage above street-level retail, signaling a shift in redevelopment strategy.

La Maison Simons Announces Downtown Vancouver store at CF Pacific Centre

The location will occupy part of the mall's former Nordstrom space, and will be a welcome addition to Vancouver's downtown core which saw significant vacancies.

Alice + Olivia to Open First Canadian Store in Yorkville

Alice + Olivia will open its first Canadian store at Yorkville Village in Toronto, reinforcing the area’s strength as a luxury retail hub.

National roadshows strengthening business ties with China

The roadshow series will convene business leaders, government representatives, and industry stakeholders to explore how Canadian companies can expand into the Chinese market.

Canadian consumer still under pressure with food prices: Dalhousie report

Over 80% of Canadians identify food as the expense that has increased the most.

The Brick Chick grows with LEGO popularity

An independent parts and custom design business serving adult collectors across the U.S. and Canada.

Coast Appliances Files for CCAA After Leadership Exit

Coast Appliances enters CCAA after leadership resignations, mounting debt, and operational disruptions across Canada.

Daily Synopsis: Apr 27, 2026

DoorDash partners with Empire, Abercrombie & Fitch returning to Calgary's CF Chinook, No Frills opens in Edmonton, Michaels debuts 10-minute custom framing, Artizia opens flagship, and other news.

DoorDash Expands Grocery Reach Through Empire Partnership

DoorDash adds 1,000+ Empire grocery stores across Canada, expanding its role in on-demand grocery and retail delivery.

Aritzia Unveils Expanded Flagship at CF Toronto Eaton Centre

Aritzia unveils an expanded flagship at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, introducing a larger format store with integrated café and experiential retail features.

Woodbine Mall CCAA Signals Shift to Redevelopment

Woodbine Mall enters CCAA as lenders move to take control, signalling a shift toward redevelopment of aging retail assets in Toronto. Craig Patterson interviews Antony Karabus about the situation.

Canada losing businesses at an alarming rate: CFIB

Business exits in Canada have outpaced new business entries since early 2024, and the problem seems to be getting worse.

Growth planned for QuickBite Collective brands

Although the company was founded in 2024, its legacy brand Teriyaki Experience is celebrating 40 years in business.

GS25 Rumor Highlights Demand for Asian Convenience Retail in Canada

GS25 is not entering Canada despite recent rumours and a news article, but Toronto speculation highlights growing demand for Asian convenience retail concepts.

STRONG Pilates on aggressive expansion path

STRONG Pilates is set to expand from seven studios at the end of 2025, to 22 locations by the end of 2026, with plans to reach 40 by 2027.

Yorkdale Outpaces Canadian Malls by $700 Per Square Foot

Yorkdale leads Canadian malls with $2,368 per square foot, outperforming competitors by over $700 in 2025 rankings.

Bath Depot Opens 50th Store, Expands Western Footprint

Bath Depot, a Canadian home retailer, is set to open its 50th store in Edmonton on April 24, 2026. This opening underscores the company's expanding footprint across Canada with a growing variety of home products.

Loblaws Humbertown Reopens Amid Major Redevelopment

Loblaws reopens at Humbertown as part of a major mixed-use redevelopment transforming the Etobicoke site into a modern retail hub.

Daily Synopsis: Apr 24, 2026

Retail copycats, Freed & Freed’s fashion shoot, Lululemon future questioned with new CEO, 2 FreshCo stores open in one day, Manitoba to cut PST on ready-made food in smaller retailers, Goodwill dealing with breakins, and other news.

From The Desk: Retail Revitalization and Strategic Expansion in Canada

This week’s retail focus highlights strategic Canadian expansions, heritage retail innovation, and the evolving synergy between value and luxury amid shifting consumers, as well as many other topics.

Retail Leaders Outline Strategy Shifts at Rotman Event

Retail leaders discuss strategy, consumer shifts, and growth at Retail Insider’s first in-person event with Rotman.

Inside the Fashion Shoot Shaping Freed & Freed’s Next Chapter

Marissa Freed discusses the creative vision, storytelling, and emotional moments behind Freed & Freed’s latest fashion shoot.

Armco Capital acquires Stephen Avenue Place and adjacent buildings in downtown Calgary

Landmark transaction brings together a prominent Class A office tower and a rare collection of contiguous high-street retail properties on Stephen Avenue, Calgary's most recognized pedestrian corridor.

Retail sales surpass $72 billion in February: Statistics Canada

Core retail sales, which exclude gasoline stations and fuel vendors and motor vehicle and parts dealers, were up 0.6% in February.

Retail security measures driving customers away: DALBAR study

38% of shoppers have abandoned a purchase due to in-store security measures.

DoorDash launching unique Mother’s Day experience

It’s built on a simple insight: moms want one less thing to think about, not necessarily more gifts.

Lunching with Lady Eaton Returns to Toronto May 17

Historic Eaton’s Round Room dining experience returns to Toronto on May 17, 2026, blending retail history with immersive hospitality.

Daily Synopsis: Apr 23, 2026

Vegetable prices up in grocery stores, Lululemon shares fall following new CEO announcement, Pacific Mall in Markham adds 'better' tenants, Longchamp expanding to Vancouver, CF Fairview robber wanted for Oshawa heist, and other news.

Calgary Co-Op reports slight sales growth for fiscal 2025

It reported net earnings of $6.1 million compared to a net loss of $10.04 million the previous year.

Value and Luxury Dominate Canadian Retail: JLL Study

Value and luxury retailers are driving Canadian retail growth as mid-market brands face pressure in a shifting consumer landscape.