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Fuel disruptions in Asia test supply chains, but Canada unlikely to see COVID-style shortages

Fuel disruptions across Asia are straining global supply chains, but experts say Canadian retailers are better prepared than during COVID-19, with inventory buffers limiting shortages while price pressures rise.

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.

Canadian consumer still under pressure with food prices: Dalhousie report

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

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.

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.

EMMYDEVEAUX Opens Kelowna Store as Founder Runs for Mayor

EMMYDEVEAUX opens a Kelowna store as founder Emily Salsbury launches a mayoral bid.

Gastown Plan Targets Retail Revival in Vancouver

Vancouver approves Gastown Public Spaces Plan to boost retail, foot traffic, and tourism ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026.

Canadian GDP to rebound in the first two quarters of 2026: CFIB

Canadian economy grew 1.6% in Q1 2026 and is expected to increase to 1.6% in Q2.

Government of Canada investing in quality tourism experiences and attractions in Alberta

The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) launched in 2023 with $108 million over three years to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small and medium-sized businesses, and not-for-profit organizations.

Atelier Munro Opening Vancouver Store, Expands West

Atelier Munro opens its third Canadian location in Vancouver, advancing its direct-to-consumer expansion strategy.

KFC Canada Brings Montreal Forum Seats to Restaurants

KFC Canada installs original Montreal Forum seats in select locations to tap hockey nostalgia during the NHL playoffs.