SPOTLIGHT ARTICLES

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.

Cineplex Opens Playdium at Vaughan Mills with Most Attractions in Canada

News Craig Patterson -
Cineplex has opened a 24,000-square-foot Playdium at Vaughan Mills featuring the most attractions of any Playdium in Canada.

Casavogue Announces Big Summer Sale and Exclusive VIP Shopping Event

News Retail Insider -
Casavogue launches its Big Summer Sale with discounts of 30% to 50% off and invites customers to an exclusive VIP event on June 20 and 21.

Blue Rewards partners with Dollarama

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Blue Rewards members with a linked payment card can earn Points on qualifying purchases of $20 or more at more than 1,700 Dollarama stores nationwide.

SalonCentric Canada to acquire Cantin Beauté assets in Quebec

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The deal will add 25 professional-only stores and 132 employees to SalonCentric Canada’s operations, strengthening L’Oréal Canada’s distribution network in Quebec and broadening access to professional salon products across the country.

Marc Cain Eyes Canadian Expansion Under New Leadership

News Craig Patterson -
Marc Cain plans Canadian expansion under Jessica R’Bibo as the German fashion brand targets growth through premium malls and quiet luxury.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 16, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Dollarama launches loyalty program with BMO, Leon's acquires remaining interest in Edmonton DC, INS Market expands to 5 TTC stations, Sherwood Park's JACEK Chocolates named best candy store, and other news

Competition Bureau to investigate competition factors affecting food affordability

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The Bureau said it is seeking input from Canadians and organizations with experience in the food supply chain.

Zellers Brings Back Diner Experience and Kiddie Rides as Toronto Store Opening Nears

News Craig Patterson -
Zellers is bringing back diner-inspired food, kiddie rides and a giant Zeddy Bear as it prepares to open its new Toronto store. COO Joey Benitah discusses customer feedback, Edmonton's success and expansion plans across Canada.

Reitmans sees slight revenue growth in Q1

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Comparable sales, which include e-commerce net revenues, were up 0.3%.

Foodtastic acquires Kinton Ramen: CEO Interview

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Foodtastic is a leading Canadian restaurant franchisor with a portfolio of 30 diverse brands and over 1,200 establishments across the country.

Groupe Dynamite posts 37% revenue growth and 4-year high gross margin in Q1

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Retail sales per square foot increased by 32.4% compared to Q1 2025, reaching $1,001 in Q1 2026.

Generation X Leads Canadians in Throwing Away Food Past Date Labels: Survey

News Sylvain Charlebois -
New survey data suggest Generation X is the most likely Canadian age group to discard food after date labels pass, while Gen Z appears more willing to assess food quality before throwing it away.

Interac survey finds single Canadians are bearing the brunt of rising grocery costs

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Nearly eight in 10 (77 per cent) Canadians who live solo say their grocery bill keeps climbing no matter what they do.

Canadians feeling effects of recession before it was confirmed: Harris & Partners

News Mario Toneguzzi -
95.2% of Canadians say rising costs have impacted their finances.

Pharmasave launches Blue Rewards program at participating stores across Canada

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Canadians are increasingly looking to loyalty programs to help manage everyday expenses, with 78 per cent of respondents saying such programs help them save money on essential purchases.

Daily Synopsis: June 15, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Duty free retail association sounds alarms over reduced Canadian traffic, increase in mall jewellery store thefts, Fabricland closing in New Westminster, who's up and down in Canadian retail, and other news.

Montreal Jewelry Brand Bets on Lab-Grown Luxury

News Craig Patterson -
Montreal-based Sphinx & Emeralds is tapping into growing demand for lab-grown diamonds, transparency, and modern fine jewelry luxury.

Canada Goose Reimagines the Luxury Store Experience with Oakridge Park Opening

News Craig Patterson -
Canada Goose is introducing its new global retail concept to Canada with the opening of a Vancouver store at Oakridge Park. President Carrie Baker discusses experiential retail, clienteling, product expansion and the future of luxury stores.

Rack Attack and RealTruck announce ‘revolutionary’ retail partnership

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The partnership will see official RealTruck ‘store-in-store’ retail shops installed in all 45 Rack Attack locations across North America.

Gem Studio brings hands-on jewelry making to Calgary CF Chinook Centre

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Gem Studio is an experiential jewelry brand that allows guests to design and handcraft their own custom pieces.

Canadians missing out on rewards: Majority fail to maximize loyalty programs, survey finds

News Mario Toneguzzi -
85% of rewards members say they at least try to maximize their rewards, yet only 40% actively optimize wherever possible.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 13, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
Sleep Number files for bankruptcy with sale to Sleep Country Canada, retail space becomes casualty of Toronto condo bust, Starbucks over-charged for non-cow milk, Save-on-Fods opening store, reactions to Oakridge Park in Vancouver, and other news.

Future of Toys “R” Us Stores in Canada Unclear as Operating Platform, Brand Split Among Buyers

News Lee Rivett -
Toys “R” Us Canada's brands, store leases and operating assets are set to be divided among three buyers, leaving questions about the future of the retailer's remaining stores and operations in Canada.

Ruby Liu Unveils TM Wander at Tsawwassen Mills and Outlines Vision for Canadian Retail

News Craig Patterson -
Ruby Liu discusses the launch of TM Wander at Tsawwassen Mills, future expansion plans, shopping centre acquisitions, support for entrepreneurs, and her vision for the future of Canadian retail.

Mondetta Expands Modern Ambition with Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver Stores

News Craig Patterson -
Mondetta is expanding its Modern Ambition menswear brand with new stores in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, while evaluating additional opportunities across Canada, the United States and Europe.

Dollarama Surpasses 1,700 Stores in Canada, With Hundreds More Planned

News Lee Rivett -
Dollarama has surpassed 1,700 stores in Canada and continues to pursue a long-term goal of approximately 2,200 locations nationwide as expansion plans move forward.

Canadians driving surge in event-led travel as domestic bookings jump 15%: Flight Centre

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Travellers are prioritizing meaningful experiences and exploring destinations closer to home.

Roots reports Q1 sales growth of 6.5% to $42.6 million

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Net loss totaled ($10.1) million, as compared to ($7.9) million in Q1 2025.

SportChek opens Canada’s first-ever floating futsal pitch on Toronto Waterfront

News Mario Toneguzzi -
SportChek Harbourfront FC brings together free public programming, interactive fan experiences, community play spaces and retail activations inspired by the growing excitement surrounding soccer in Canada.

Good Earth Coffeehouse opens at University of Alberta Hospital

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Good Earth Coffeehouse is a network of authentic coffeehouses with over 50 locations across Canada.

Federal government launches National Food Security Strategy

News Mario Toneguzzi -
With the average transaction sitting at approximately $12 per person, restaurants provide an accessible source of nourishment for millions of Canadians.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 11, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
HBC Royal Charter welcomed at Winnipeg Ceremony, FreshCo opening 1st Vancouver Island store, Palliser Furniture acquired by Chinese company after 80 years, Bulgari opens in Vancouver, Dickey's Barbecue Pit opening at West Edmonton Mall, and other news.

What Happened to Canada’s Women’s Fashion Chains?

News Craig Patterson -
Many of Canada’s iconic women’s fashion chains have disappeared. Retail expert Antony Karabus explains how fast fashion, casualization and economic shifts changed the industry.

Chanel Opens Largest Store in Canada at Oakridge Park in Vancouver

News Craig Patterson -
Chanel has opened its largest store in Canada at Oakridge Park in Vancouver. The 13,000-square-foot location is the brand's first full-concept store in Canada and a key addition to the development's luxury retail lineup.

Dollarama sees more than 21% year-over-year sales growth in Q1, surpassing $1.8 billion

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Net earnings increased by 10.4% to $302.3 million, resulting in a 13.3% increase in diluted net earnings per common share to $1.11, compared to $0.98.

lululemon Returns to Oakridge Park with New Store Concept

News Craig Patterson -
lululemon has returned to Oakridge Park with one of its newest Canadian store concepts, featuring Pacific Northwest-inspired design, local programming and community engagement.

German outerwear brand Wellensteyn targets 2nd Canadian store after strong Niagara debut

News Mario Toneguzzi -
The success of the 2,350-square-foot store at Outlet Collection at Niagara demonstrates that Canada is a promising market for the international company and the goal is to open another in 2027.

Jersey Mike’s Subs to open 3rd downtown Toronto location

News Mario Toneguzzi -
Redberry will open the third downtown Toronto Jersey Mike’s Subs at 160 Bloor St. E. on Wednesday June 17, with a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Canada.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 10, 2026

Curated Digest Retail Insider -
FIFA store opens in downtown Vancouver without price tags, Calgary's European Bakery marks 20 years, Montreal Dunkin' operators bank on nostalgia, Bulgari unveils Oakridge Park store, vagrancy concerns on Spring Garden Road in Halifax, and other news.
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