SPOTLIGHT ARTICLES

Daily Synopsis: Jul 15, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Jones Soda expands retail, Miss Vicki's returns, no plans for Carlingwood Mall redevelopment sayw owner, Red Apple renovates more stores, London Drugs cuts jobs, and other news.

Quebec Removes QST from Select Foods and Household Essentials

News Lee Rivett -
Quebec has removed QST from selected foods, toilet paper and facial tissues, requiring retailers to update product classifications and checkout systems.

Retail Insider “Real Estate & Leasing Report”: Scarcity and Curation Reshape Canadian Retail

News Lee Rivett -
Retail Insider's latest Real Estate & Leasing Report examines how limited retail space, selective investment, and redevelopment strategies are reshaping Canada's commercial property market, with growing performance gaps between prime retail assets and secondary centres.

Maxi Plans 13,000-Square-Foot Store at Montreal’s Former Forum

News Evan Nagy -
Maxi will open a 13,000-square-foot grocery store at Montreal’s former Forum in 2027, extending Loblaw’s compact urban discount strategy.

B.C.-Built Lemonade Lab Brings Tap Payments to Kid-Run Businesses

News Evan Nagy -
B.C.-built Lemonade Lab gives young entrepreneurs access to tap payments, digital storefronts and business lessons under parental supervision.

How B.C.’s House of Q Built a North American BBQ Brand Through Specialty Retail

News Craig Patterson -
From competition pits to hundreds of retail shelves, B.C.-based House of Q is building a North American BBQ brand through specialty retail and award-winning products.

Toronto-Based Rawcology launches GUT TO GO probiotic snack bites, expands retail distribution across Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The launch marks the company's latest product expansion as it responds to growing consumer interest in convenient foods with added nutritional benefits.

June spending holds steady as Canadians balance essentials and experiences: RBC

News Mario Toneguzzi -
“The breadth of spending increases across categories points to households maintaining a cautiously optimistic view heading into the summer even as they remain selective about bigger-ticket discretionary purchases.”

Retailers risk losing sales as more shoppers expect tap-to-pay, Oobit survey finds

News Mario Toneguzzi -
44% say a no-tap business feels outdated, a perception problem that compounds the lost sales.

Why consumer behaviour is becoming harder to predict in the AI shopping era

News Mario Toneguzzi -
"The whole game is moving from understanding audiences to understanding intent. The brands that make that jump win.”

Why smart retail brands are investing more in in-store experiences despite e-commerce growth

News Mario Toneguzzi -
80% of consumers say in-person events are the most trusted way to discover new products — and 85% are more likely to make a purchase after engaging with a brand in person. 

Daily Synopsis: July 14, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Fake fashion stores mislead Canadian consumers online, how malls have sifted with society, Steve's Music auctioning remaining gear, Healthy Planet opening store, Frenchy's thrift store gets own musical, and other news.

Retail Insider “Luxury Report”: Control, Concentration and the Rise of Canada’s Premier Retail Nodes

News Lee Rivett -
Canada's luxury retail market is becoming increasingly concentrated around a select group of premier destinations as brands prioritize flagship stores, direct customer relationships and experience-led retail. Retail Insider's latest report examines the forces reshaping luxury investment, real estate and competition.

Bakebe Finds Early Success at CF Markville as Experiential Retail Continues to Grow

News Craig Patterson -
Bakebe has opened its first Canadian location at CF Markville, bringing its app-guided baking concept to Canada as experiential retail continues to grow.

Canadian Retailers Face New Discovery Challenge as Shoppers Turn to AI

News Craig Patterson -
Canadian retailers face a new challenge as shoppers turn to AI for product discovery, with Retail Rewired’s Chris Parsons urging stronger content, reviews and product data.

Canadian Retail Employment Rebounds but Remains Down Nearly 72,000 Jobs

News Craig Patterson -
Canadian wholesale and retail employment rose in June but remains down nearly 72,000 jobs, with Suzanne Sears warning of staffing and service pressures.

VIDEO: Aritzia, Group Dynamite outperform retail sector by targeting affluent shoppers: analyst

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Winder said both companies have posted results that far exceed typical retail growth, with strong double-digit sales increases and improved profit margins at a time when many retailers are contending with cautious consumer spending.

Canadians entering pay periods with much of income already committed: MNP survey

News Mario Toneguzzi -
61 per cent of Canadians say at least half of their income is already allocated before they receive it.

Restaurant industry leads Canada in youth job growth through first half of 2026

News Mario Toneguzzi -
While most other industries have been cutting youth jobs, the restaurant industry employed an average of 52,770 more youth during the first half of 2026 than during the same period in 2025.

Jersey Mike’s opening first Manitoba restaurant as Redberry expands Canadian footprint

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The opening also launches a five-day fundraising campaign in support of Make-A-Wish Canada, part of a broader commitment announced in May to raise $1 million for the charity by 2030.

Rising costs and supply chain volatility put consumer goods brands under growing pressure: DOSS

News Mario Toneguzzi -
36% made major business decisions using outdated or incorrect data.

Daily Synopsis: Jul 13, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Aritzia seeing success, 4th generation takes over Prince Albert clothing store, Peter Nygard pleads guilty on sexual assault charges, and other news.

Retail Insider “Consumer Behavior & Retail Economy Report”: Canada’s Market Grows Increasingly Divided

News Lee Rivett -
Retail Insider's latest Consumer Behavior and Retail Economy Report examines how affordability pressures, selective spending, retail real estate polarization, and widening differences between value and premium segments are reshaping Canada's retail landscape and influencing strategic decisions across the industry.

Mondetta Returns to Physical Retail at Holt Renfrew as National Expansion Takes Shape

News Craig Patterson -
Mondetta has returned to physical retail with a Holt Renfrew pop-up in Toronto as the Canadian brand plans permanent stores and a national expansion.

New Retail-Theft Sentencing Rules Take Effect in Canada July 15

News Lee Rivett -
New federal retail-theft sentencing reforms take effect July 15, adding an aggravating factor for theft intended for resale, barter or fraudulent return.

Canadian Shoppers Choose by Mission, Not Channel, New Research Finds

News Craig Patterson -
A recent study from the Retail Council of Canada reveals how Canadian consumers navigate affordability through competitive shopping strategies, using both online and in-store resources to find the best deals.

CHFA launches Greenhouse program to support emerging Canadian wellness brands

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Greenhouse will make its debut at CHFA NOW in Toronto on Sept. 26 and 27, giving participating companies a presence on the trade show floor at an event focused on the natural, organic and wellness products sector.

Kicking Horse Coffee launches Cool Mule cold brew blend as Canadian brand targets new growth

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Cold coffee is one of the fastest-growing segments in Canadian coffee.

Supernatural launches immersive wellness studio focused on sound and sensory experiences

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The company said the studio is built around six programming pillars: Energy, Sound, Breath, Body, Move and Mind.

Little Bellies expands nationwide at Walmart Canada with new organic baby and toddler snacks

News Mario Toneguzzi -
All products are made with carefully selected organic ingredients and contain no artificial colours, flavours, or additives.

Bank of Canada holds interest rates steady as Canadian economy shows stronger-than-expected resilience

News Mario Toneguzzi -
“Economic growth has exceeded expectations, employment has rebounded and the economy has proven more resilient than many anticipated.”

Daily Synopsis: July 10, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Beef price fixing scandal investigated, Vancouver's Kerrisdale thrives while nearby areas struggle, retailers leave downtown Edmonton as office workers return, Honest Ed's signage returns to Mirvish Village, Canada's first Toys R Us shutting down, and other news.

Retail Insider “Grocery Report” Examines How Value Is Reshaping Canadian Grocery

News Lee Rivett -
Retail Insider’s Q2 2026 Grocery Report examines how value is reshaping Canadian grocery, from discount expansion and private label to digital tools, prepared foods, grocery-anchored real estate and shifting consumer behaviour.

Italian Centre Shop expands in Calgary with new Northland location opening July 16

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The new 22,000-square-foot location, which will open at 10 a.m. following a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony, will bring Italian Centre Shop’s signature blend of European grocery, fresh food experiences, and warm hospitality to Northwest Calgary — a growing and vibrant part of the city.

Modern Ambition Opens in Toronto’s Yorkville as Canadian Menswear Brand Plans National Expansion

News Craig Patterson -
Winnipeg-born premium menswear brand Modern Ambition has opened in Toronto’s Yorkville, with plans for over a dozen more stores across Canada.

Employment increases in accommodation and food services sector: Statistics Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Employment was little changed in June, but accommodation and food services led gains with 15,000 new jobs, Statistics Canada said.

65% of marketers say they have differentiation anxiety, new Cashew study finds

News Mario Toneguzzi -
While AI has made content creation faster than ever, marketers say standing out has become significantly harder.

Inside Aritzia’s Expanding Store and Infrastructure Strategy

News Craig Patterson -
Aritzia’s latest filings reveal a larger retail platform taking shape across productive boutiques, major flagships, distribution and real estate.

Knix Founder Joanna Griffiths Steps Down After 14 Years as Nicole Tapscott Takes Leadership

News Craig Patterson -
Knix founder Joanna Griffiths is stepping down after 14 years, with Chief Commercial Officer Nicole Tapscott taking leadership as the Canadian retailer continues its expansion across stores, ecommerce and wholesale.

MTY Food Group to close 68 of its corporate locations in the coming months

News Mario Toneguzzi -
MTY Food Group will close 68 corporate locations after a portfolio review, with an estimated $10 million to $12 million cost.

Montreal-based Richelieu Hardware sees 3.9% sales growth in Q2

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Three acquisitions are adding $27 million in annual sales.

Costco Canada Sales Growth Moderates as Warehouse Expansion Continues

News Lee Rivett -
Costco Canada's June comparable sales growth slowed from earlier in the year, but the warehouse retailer continues to post healthy underlying gains while expanding its Canadian store network.

Daily Synopsis: Jul 9, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Vestis opens Max Mara and Weekend stores in Vancouver, Dollarama growth could be expansive, Joseph Tassoni returns to The Well for immersive show, 7-Eleven marks 60 years of the Slurpee, and other news.

Aritzia Q1 Fiscal 2027 net revenue rises 43.4% to $951M

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Canada net revenue increased 25.0% to $312.9 million, comprising 32.9% of net revenue.

Joseph Tassoni Returns to The Well With ‘Natural Authority’ Fashion Experience

News Craig Patterson -
Canadian designer Joseph Tassoni returns to The Well on Sept. 18 with his reimagined "Natural Authority" runway experience, blending fashion, technology, hospitality and philanthropy.

Honestly Good Chicken Fingers appoints Naomi Kempkes as President

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Prior to her co-founding Honestly Good Chicken Fingers, she held leadership roles with several established restaurant brands, including Recipe Unlimited Corporation, The Burger’s Priest, Fionn MacCool’s and East Side Mario’s.

Vestis Expands with Max Mara’s Return to Oakridge Park

News Craig Patterson -
Vestis Fashion Group has reopened Max Mara and Weekend Max Mara at Oakridge Park, bringing exclusive collections to Vancouver and expanding its luxury retail footprint.

Beyond Store Growth: What’s Next for Dollarama?

News Craig Patterson -
Dollarama's future growth may come from convenience, consumables, deeper market penetration and logistics investments as the retailer expands beyond its store-count ambitions.

Appliance industry innovating against its own customer

News Mario Toneguzzi -
In a national poll of more than 5,600 consumers, smart and connected features ranked near the bottom of purchase drivers — and shoppers under 35 want them no more than their grandparents do. Long-term reliability and value dominate the decision.

Retail Insider “Apparel & Fashion Report”: Market Polarization Reshapes Canadian Apparel Retail

News Lee Rivett -
Retail Insider’s Q2 2026 Apparel & Fashion Report examines how premium brands, value retailers, resale concepts and specialists are reshaping Canadian apparel retail while mid-market chains face growing pressure.
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