SPOTLIGHT ARTICLES

Longines to Open First Canadian Boutique in Downtown Vancouver

News Craig Patterson -
Swiss watchmaker Longines will open its first Canadian boutique in downtown Vancouver’s Luxury Zone.

KINTON RAMEN introduces children’s menu aimed at expanding family dining business

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The new Kids Menu combines a children's meal with activities designed to introduce young diners to elements of Japanese language and culture while they eat.

Clutch opens Halifax customer hub as online used-car retailer expands physical network

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Halifax site spans 11,000 square feet on a three-acre property and is intended to support customers completing vehicle transactions through the company's website.

Canadian Consumers Increasingly Verify Wellness Claims Before Buying: CHFA Study

News Craig Patterson -
New CHFA research finds Canadian consumers are increasingly verifying wellness claims through packaging, professionals, reviews and AI before buying.

Daily Synopsis: Jul 28, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
CF Toronto Eaton Centre sees washroom redesigns, grocery sustainability takes centre stage, and Just Cuts expands with location in Ontario.

Protein price spikes offset broad grocery relief in July: Agri-Food Analytics Lab

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Lab said its 50-item food basket increased by 0.3% from June to July, rising by approximately $0.89 to an equal-city average of $298.38.

Inside the Redesign of CF Toronto Eaton Centre’s High-Traffic Washrooms

News Craig Patterson -
WZMH Architects redesigned the Level 2 washrooms at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, adding capacity, durable materials and a water-inspired interior.

Faire report says independent retailers outpacing online-only stores, adapting to economic shifts

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Retailers in smaller cities and towns are outpacing those in major metropolitan centres and are identifying emerging consumer trends before they become mainstream.

Study Finds Grocery Stores Could Cut Plastic Produce-Bag Use

News Lee Rivett -
University of Toronto research involving 30 Toronto grocery stores and a Longo’s pilot suggests retailers could reduce disposable plastic produce-bag use through signage, reusable alternatives and changes to dispenser placement.

Canadians plan average of 18 hours of summer driving as road trips dominate travel: Turo report

News Mario Toneguzzi -
55 per cent of Canadian travel between June and September will be by road, while seven in 10 road trippers plan to take at least two trips over the season.

Clinique Canada partners with AFC Toronto, Canadian Women & Sport on campaign aimed at keeping girls in sport

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The partnership comes as Canadian Women & Sport points to research showing declining participation among teenage girls despite growing visibility for women's professional sports.

Just Cuts opens salon in Guelph, plans Ontario expansion

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Plans to open locations at Masonville Place in London in November, followed by Limeridge Mall in Hamilton and Dufferin Mall in Toronto in early January.

Daily Synopsis: Jul 27, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Costco marks 50 years, BodyMods expanding in Calgary, Superstore updates Heritage Meadows store, DUER looks to expand despite tariffs, and other news.

First Capital REIT reports Q2 financial results, indicating a strong leasing volume

News Mario Toneguzzi -
On a quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year basis, total portfolio occupancy decreased 0.1% to 97.1% at June 30, 2026, from 97.2% at March 31, 2026 and June 30, 2025, respectively.

Back-to-School now a $4.5 billion retail market in Canada: Retail Council of Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Average household spending ranges from $600 to $750 per child when electronics are included, making it one of the most significant retail events of the year.

Iconic Bavarian Inn site for sale in Bragg Creek, Alberta

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Known by many as the BAV TAV, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant has been serving guests since the 1970s and has built a long-standing reputation for quality, consistency, and warm hospitality.

Omnichannel no longer enough as retailers shift focus to customer decision-making: Report

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The brands delivering the best experiences are no longer simply the ones with the most touchpoints.

Wilkes & Bowens Debuts at Toronto’s Stackt Market Ahead of Bloor Rebrand

News Craig Patterson -
Wilkes & Bowens has opened a temporary Stackt Market residency ahead of the rebranding of Toronto Designers Market on Bloor Street.

Retail Insider Books & Entertainment Report: Fandom, Community and Experience Reshape the Market

News Lee Rivett -
Retail Insider's latest Books & Entertainment Report examines how Canadian retailers are using fandom, community, intellectual property and experiential formats to strengthen customer engagement, with insights into bookstores, collectibles, entertainment venues and evolving consumer behaviour.

Gen Z is Redefining the Checkout Experience for Canadian Retailers

News Craig Patterson -
Many Gen Z shoppers are reshaping checkout expectations by prioritizing privacy, trust and payment choice, creating new opportunities and challenges for Canadian retailers.

Poor customer service abroad is driving travellers to switch banks: Gradient Labs

News Mario Toneguzzi -
1,000 of the 1,998 travellers surveyed reported experiencing a card, payment, or banking issue abroad in the past two years. 

AI security spending rises as retailers face surge in deepfake and identity attacks: Thales

News Mario Toneguzzi -
72% of retail organizations cite rapid changes in AI ecosystems as their leading security concern, undermining the ability of traditional tools to keep pace.

Air Canada Amenity Kits Spotlight Canadian Brand Partnerships

News Retail Insider -
Air Canada’s new amenity kits bring together Sahajan and Hunter Amenities, showing how Canadian brand partnerships can create wider business value.

From The Desk: Navigating Retail Growth Amid Trade Shifts and Experience-Driven Strategies

News Craig Patterson -
This week in Canadian retail highlights strategic expansions, evolving consumer experiences, and the complex impacts of trade tensions shaping growth opportunities.

Daily Synopsis: Jul 24, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Local food hubs proposed to address grocery competition, Loblaw brings 'goss' campaign back for Ossfest in Toronto, Toys R Us stores clearning out in Winnipeg, and other news.

Roots Opens New Store at Vancouver International Airport

News Craig Patterson -
Roots has opened a new store at Vancouver International Airport as the Canadian retailer expands travel retail and continues investing in key locations.

Why Retailers Should Attend the Fall Toronto Gift + Home Market

News Retail Insider -
Discover new products, Canadian brands and supplier connections at the Fall Toronto Gift + Home Market, August 9–12 in Toronto.

Retail Insider Convenience Retail Report: Food-Led Formats and Digital Loyalty Redefine the Channel

News Lee Rivett -
Retail Insider's latest Convenience Retail Report examines how foodservice, digital loyalty, beverages and modern store formats are reshaping Canada's convenience sector as operators respond to changing consumer behaviour, evolving revenue sources and growing competition across multiple retail channels.

Esprit Returns to Canada Exclusively at Walmart

News Craig Patterson -
Esprit has returned to Canada exclusively at Walmart as the retailer and Centric Brands build a growing portfolio of recognizable apparel labels.

Amazon launches Amazon Family and Add to Delivery for Prime members in Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Amazon has invested more than $65 billion in its Canadian operations since 2010, employing more than 46,000 people across the country.

Bota Bota opens second floating pavilion as Montréal spa expands wellness facilities

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Docked perpendicular to the original vessel, the expansion introduces additional amenities focused on relaxation while extending the spa’s signature water circuit.

Shoppers Drug Mart and Obesity Canada partner on obesity care, virtual weight management access

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The alliance will focus on improving awareness of obesity, promoting evidence-based care resources, and supporting multidisciplinary approaches to long-term weight management for eligible Canadians.

The Keg launches first-ever delivery service through exclusive DoorDash partnership

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Customers can now order a range of its signature menu items, including steaks, appetizers and desserts, through the delivery platform, marking a significant expansion of how the company serves customers beyond its restaurant dining rooms.

Medik8 to launch in all Sephora Canada stores as part of North American expansion

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Products will become available online at Sephora Canada beginning Aug. 11 and in all 147 Sephora Canada stores starting Aug. 14.

Daily Synopsis: July 23, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Organic Traditions expanding, Bramalea City Centre transforming with new tenants, retail sales continue to climb, and other news.

Bramalea City Centre Builds Momentum with New Retailers and Future Growth Plans

News Craig Patterson -
Bramalea City Centre GM Andrew Butler discusses Walmart, new retailers, food investment, community programming and future mixed-use growth.

Retail Insider Jewelry Report: Experience and Accessible Premium Reshape the Market

News Lee Rivett -
Retail Insider’s Q2 2026 jewellery report examines how experiential luxury, accessible premium brands, new luxury destinations and lab-grown diamonds are changing competition across the Canadian market.

Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust reports results for Q2 with a higher net loss

News Mario Toneguzzi -
On its website, the REIT said it had 699 properties, more than 18 million square feet in the development pipeline, 37 million square feet of grocery-anchored retail in the portfolio, and it had an industry-leading balance sheet with 7.0x Debt/EBITDA.

A&W Food Services releases Q2 results as sales and revenue grow

News Mario Toneguzzi -
During the quarter, the company opened eight new A&W restaurants and the first franchised Pret shop.

Small business confidence improves but new tariff threat looms: CFIB

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Fuel costs remained the top cost constraint affecting 60% of small firms across Canada, while shipping and receiving costs stayed elevated for 45% of businesses.

Retail sales continue to climb: Statistics Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The largest increase in retail sales in May was observed at gasoline stations and fuel vendors (+3.1%).

Groupe Dynamite appoints former Cohere executive Martin Kon to board of directors

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The appointment comes as Groupe Dynamite continues to expand its retail and digital operations internationally while focusing on technology, data and artificial intelligence as part of its business strategy.

Moxy Ottawa Downtown hotel opens in iconic Byward Market district

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The hotel also offers a variety of amenities designed to balance social energy with relaxation, including a fitness centre, and flexible gathering spaces for both work and play.

Canadian Pet Spending Holds Firm Amid Economic Pressures

News Craig Patterson -
A new Canadian pet shopping report finds owners are protecting pet budgets while seeking value, shopping across channels and embracing auto-ship.

Organic Traditions Secures $10.5M to Accelerate U.S. Expansion

News Craig Patterson -
Organic Traditions has raised US$10.5 million in Series A financing to expand across North America, grow U.S. retail distribution and invest in product innovation following more than 25 years of growth in Canada.

Retail Insider Sporting Goods & Outdoor Report: Participation and Experience Reshape Growth

News Lee Rivett -
Retail Insider's latest Sporting Goods & Outdoor Report examines how participation, community engagement and experiential retail are reshaping Canada's sporting goods sector, with implications for retailers, landlords, brands and investors as operators compete for long-term customer relationships.

Daily Synopsis: Jul 22, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Grocery code reports finds hesitancy to report concerns, Quebec Court of Appeal enforces SSENSE settlement, Happy Belly expanding Yolks to Edmonton's Brewery District, Ariana Grande hosting 'Petal' listening parties in Canadian record stores, and other news.

ZoRaw Chocolates Targets Mainstream Retail Growth with Chocolate-First Strategy

News Evan Nagy -
The Mississauga-based company is expanding through grocery and club retailers while using in-house manufacturing and automation to support its next phase of growth.

Sweat and Tonic Sets October Opening for Yorkville Club

News Craig Patterson -
Sweat and Tonic will open its 18,000-square-foot Yorkville club this October, bringing together strength training, cycling, yoga, recovery and hospitality as the Toronto wellness company continues to evolve.

Premiers sign final agreement towards Canada-wide direct-to-consumer alcohol sales 

News Mario Toneguzzi -
“Canada's independent wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries have waited a long time to see direct-to-consumer alcohol shipping finally become a reality.”
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