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Government Grocery Stores Won’t Fix Food Affordability in Canada

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois explains why government grocery stores won’t work in Canada and what can actually improve food affordability.

IKEA Canada to open newest Plan and order point in Kelowna

IKEA Canada operates 11 Plan and order point locations in BC, Ontario, and Quebec.

Farm Boy Opens Store in Collingwood

Farm Boy opens its 52nd Ontario store in Collingwood, expanding its fresh-market concept with local products and community-focused design.

DoorDash Canada awards $300K in #BlackFoodEnergy grants to 30 black-owned restaurants nationwide

Each recipient will receive over $10,000 in funding, along with a one-year Restaurants Canada membership – providing access to industry-leading research and insights, advocacy on key policy issues, and a national network of operators and partners to help support long-term business growth

Retail Leaders Panel at Rotman Set for April 15

Retail Insider and Rotman host a retail strategy panel on April 15 featuring Canadian industry leaders and insights on the sector’s future.

Daily Synopsis: Mar 31, 2026

Independent grocers warn of effect of high gas prices, Metro workers in Quebec strike, indie bookstores unite, man sets fire to downtown Eastside grocery store in Vancouver following London Drugs closure in the same Woodward's complex, and other news.

Pandora opens new distribution centre in Mississauga to cut down on Canadian delivery times

The shift also reduces Pandora’s exposure to US tariffs, as online jewellery orders destined for the Canadian market no longer need to pass through US customs.

Leyad acquires grocery portfolio spanning six provinces and Yukon

The transaction reflects sustained institutional demand for grocery-anchored real estate supported by strong credit tenants.

Haven Greens growing fast: Ontario greenhouse adds Costco product and plans major expansion

Since its first harvest last March, Haven Greens has become the #1 indoor lettuce grower in Ontario, producing approximately two million pounds of lettuce for Canadians over the past 12 months within its five-acre facility located in King City.

SAIL Leadership Buyout Signals New Growth Phase

SAIL leadership buyout by three executives signals growth, expansion plans, and female-led succession in Canadian retail.

Canada Post Shift Away from Home Delivery Impacts Retail

Canada Post’s shift away from home delivery is set to impact retail marketing, logistics, and store traffic across Canada.

Canadian GDP on the rise in January, retail sector up: Statistics Canada

The retail trade sector expanded 0.8% as six of its nine subsectors were up in January

“Ask for Angela” Expands Across Toronto Ahead of Major Events

Retail locations across Toronto expand “Ask for Angela,” embedding safety support in everyday shopping environments ahead of major events.

Canadian SMBs Question Strength of Buy Canadian Movement

Ignite Digital survey finds Canadian SMBs question the strength of the Buy Canadian movement as rising costs reshape consumer behaviour.

Your Voice is Power returns to engage thousands of Canadian students in coding education through music

The innovative program blends computer science and social justice education pledges to engage 35,000 Canadian middle and high school students.

TradeBeyond insights on global sourcing trends

Global economic growth is expected to remain modest at roughly 3.3% in 2026, with emerging Asian markets such as India and Vietnam continuing to drive manufacturing growth.

Blitz Franchise partners with Crêpe Delicious to accelerate national expansion

Under the partnership, Blitz Franchise said it will ensure franchise recruitment and development strategy to meet Crêpe Delicious mission to elevate everyday dining by bringing fresh, customizable, and globally inspired crêpes to communities around the world in a vibrant, fast-casual setting. 

Daily Synopsis: Mar 30, 2026

Loblaw launches pilot to spotlight small and emerging brands, BYD plans 20 Canadian stores, KaleMart24 expanding, some Metro employees in Quebec go on strike, FreshCo opening at Mic Mac Mal, and other news.

Food Prices Reshape Easter Dinner in Canada in 2026

Rising food prices in Canada are shifting Easter dinner choices in 2026, as consumers trade tradition for affordability.

Leading in Luxury: Teams, Talent and Culture

How leadership, talent development and retail culture define success in the modern luxury industry.

Made with Local expands to 3,500 Canadian retail stores as Halifax snack brand scales nationally

Made with Local remains fully vertically integrated, producing its bars in its own Halifax facility.

Instacart introduces ‘Physical AI’ smart carts to influence grocery shopping in real time

When a retailer deploys a Caper Cart, it’s not just capturing data - it's processing what’s happening in the aisle in real time, directly on the cart.

London Drugs President Clint Mahlman to Retire

London Drugs president Clint Mahlman will retire after 41 years, as longtime executive Nick Curalli is named successor.

Costco Expands Business Centres Across Canada

Costco expands its Business Centre network across Canada, with Winnipeg marking its first Manitoba location and 11th nationwide.

Fast Food Is No Longer the Cheap Option in Canada

Fast food is losing its value edge in Canada as prices rise and consumers shift spending to grocery and more selective dining choices.

Daily Synopsis: Mar 27, 2026

Frozen Foods company fined over mislabeling blueberries as Canadian, city-run grocery plan problematic says experts, Toronto retailers look to neighbourhoods, legal battle keeps Vancouver's Kingsgate Mall in the 1970s, and other news.

Toys “R” Us Canada Launches Sale Process

Toys “R” Us Canada seeks buyers as insolvency deepens, with bids expected in May and a potential sale by July 2026.

Designer Brands Unifies U.S. and Canada Retail

Designer Brands integrates U.S. and Canadian retail operations, streamlining reporting and positioning for efficiency in a challenging market.

From The Desk: Retail Real Estate Tightens as Brands Expand with Purpose and Precision

This week’s retail coverage highlights intensifying real estate scarcity alongside strategic brand expansions and operational innovation shaping Canada’s retail landsc...

Tourism sector sees growth in Q4 2025: Statistics Canada

Annually, real tourism GDP grew 2.2% in 2025. By comparison, economy-wide real GDP by industry grew 1.6%.

JD Sports Expands in Canada with Eaton Centre Flagship 

JD Sports opens a flagship at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, marking continued rapid expansion across Canada’s competitive retail market.

Duty-Free Sector Urges Federal Action Amid Slump

Canadian duty-free retailers warn of closures as cross-border travel declines, urging Ottawa for regulatory reform and support.

Soul Smash Burgers Debuts in Mississauga

Soul Smash Burgers opens in Mississauga with a focused menu, AAA beef, and plans for thoughtful GTA expansion.

RONA expands partnership with AutoShack, launching shop in shop concept across 12 Ontario stores

Following a successful pilot program, this expansion marks the next phase of collaboration between the two companies, bringing AutoShack’s automotive parts into a significantly expanded retail footprint.

No Frills unveils a new look in Komoka, Ontario

The company said the new store is the beginning of an evolution for No Frills.

Daily Synopsis: Mar 26, 2026

Duty Free stores concerned, potential buyers explore options for downtown Vancouver Hudson's Bay building, local grocers flourish in Vancouver area as big ones flatline, Toronto looks to city-run grocery stores, Mirvish Village retail progresses, and other news.

From Chaos to Control: UPS Capital Report Highlights How Merchants Can Win the Last-Mile Battle

With 73% of businesses covering shipping mishap losses out-of-pocket, learn how merchants can regain control of last-mile logistics to manage costs and meet rising consumer expectations.

Elm-Ledbury Retail Vision Takes Shape in Toronto

Elm-Ledbury’s curated retail arcade is taking shape in Toronto, with boutique spaces available in a fast-evolving downtown neighbourhood.

VIDEO: Healthy Planet sees rise of micro meals and demand for cleaner, nutritious snack options

Future store formats will continue to reflect consumer preference for convenient, partially prepared meal options that support healthier eating.

Egg Club founder targets rapid expansion after launching breakfast QSR concept

The idea for Egg Club emerged in 2018 as Jason Yu evaluated the competitive landscape for breakfast food.

Ossington and Leslieville Hit Zero Retail Availability

Ossington and Leslieville record zero retail availability as demand surges across Toronto’s busiest neighbourhood corridors.

Shake Shack taps Toronto’s Pizzeria Badiali for Canadian chef collaboration

Pizzeria Badiali, located at the corner of Argyle and Dovercourt, has built its reputation since 2021 on authenticity, simplicity, and a focused commitment to doing one thing exceptionally well.

New chapter for Windsor Station – Group Society and Laurier Capital acquire iconic Montréal landmark

The retail offering will be diversified and upgraded, including the arrival of a major new 10,000-square-foot restaurant adjacent to the Bell Centre on Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal.

Consumer sector remains resilient but increasingly battle-worn: TD

Goods spending has recently been driven by necessities.

Daily Synopsis: Mar 25, 2026

Vacant Bay box at Pen Centre sees demand, Erin Mills Charmed jewellery store closing due to repeated break ins, Manitoba PST exemption on food not for mom-and-pop shops, Genesis opens in Regina, and other news.

Leyad Expands Leadership as Retail Portfolio Grows

Leyad adds senior leaders while expanding its retail portfolio with major mall acquisitions across Canada.

Joseph Ribkoff Expands Globally Under New CEO

Joseph Ribkoff enters a new growth phase with CEO Stephen Belfer, expanding retail, e-commerce, and global visibility.

Poshmark unveils redesigned app, ushering in new chapter of style discovery

"This redesign reimagines how our shoppers and sellers interact on Poshmark."

Apple Business Launch Brings Maps Ads to Canada

Apple Business launches April 14 with device management and new Apple Maps ads for Canadian businesses.

Food Taxes in Canada Are More Problematic Than They Appear

Sylvain Charlebois discusses how food taxes in Canada quietly impact affordability, and why Manitoba’s PST decision could signal broader policy change.