Canada

Food Safety Needs an AI Upgrade: Why Better Risk Communication Matters for Grocery Retail

Sylvain Charlebois -
Opinion: Dr. Sylvain Charlebois examines how AI could transform food safety communications, helping grocery retailers, suppliers and consumers navigate recalls with greater precision and confidence.

Lululemon Opens Massive Automated Distribution Centre in Brampton

Lee Rivett -
Lululemon’s new one-million-square-foot Brampton distribution centre will support e-commerce fulfillment across Eastern Canada and the eastern U.S.

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

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.

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

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

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.

Inside Aritzia’s Expanding Store and Infrastructure Strategy

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

Costco Canada Sales Growth Moderates as Warehouse Expansion Continues

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.

Food Inflation Creates More Tactical Grocery Shoppers in Canada

Lee Rivett -
A new Milesopedia survey finds grocery shoppers are comparing prices more often, buying more private label and questioning whether loyalty rewards meaningfully offset rising food costs.

Daily Synopsis: Jul 7, 2026

Retail Insider -
Canadians turn to 'pay later' for groceries amid struggles, Subaru sees increased sales, Innovative eyewear launching in Canadian stores, Toronto Metro rebranding as Food Basics, St. Vital Walmart fire deemed arson, and other news.

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

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

Canada’s U.S. Alcohol Bans Are Coming Back to Haunt Provinces

Sylvain Charlebois -
Provincial bans on U.S. alcohol are emerging as a new Canada-U.S. trade flashpoint, writes Sylvain Charlebois, as American lawmakers push for scrutiny of provincial liquor monopolies.

Q2 2026 Canadian Grocery: Value Reshapes the Market

Craig Patterson -
Canadian grocery retail is being reorganized around value, while discount expansion, food inflation, experiential grocery, digital tools, and grocery-anchored real estate reshape the sector.

Canadian Consumers Signal Unexpected Rebound in Spending Intentions

Craig Patterson -
A new Stifel Canada survey finds 57% of Canadians expect to increase discretionary spending, with gains in apparel and dollar stores but weakness in furniture.

Daily Synopsis: July 6, 2026

Retail Insider -
RioCan gains from slow construction, Sephora introduces low-sensory store experience, Beer Store loses 'sabotage' real estate lawsuit, Flying Tiger opening at Vaughan Mills this week, 60 grocers receive Foodland Ontario award, and other news.

Costco Expands Retail Footprint Across Canada with New Warehouses Planned

Craig Patterson -
Costco is advancing a significant expansion in Canada, with new warehouses set to open in various communities. This growth reflects the retailer's confidence in the Canadian market as it targets both new regions and existing locations with high demand.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 26, 2026

Retail Insider -
Flying Tiger enters Canada with competition, Saks Global rebrands, Lululemon directors approved, Metro strike hits earnings, retail theft pilot in Ottawa sees crime reduction, and other news.

Vaughan Mills Celebrates New Playdium with Kia Nurse Appearance and Interactive Activation

Craig Patterson -
Vaughan Mills is celebrating the opening of its new Playdium with the Swish & Strike activation and a special appearance by Toronto Tempo star Kia Nurse, highlighting the growing role of experiential retail in Canadian shopping centres.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 24, 2026

Retail Insider -
Co-op grocery store opening in downtown Winnipeg Portage Place redevelopment, Walmart opening GTA fulfillment centre, Costco opening in Milton ON, Bailey Nelson opening South Granville store in Vancouver, and other news.

Why Bureaucratic Delays Are Making Food More Expensive in Canada

Sylvain Charlebois -
Administrative delays affecting imported meat shipments may be adding millions in unnecessary costs to Canada's food supply chain, argues Sylvain Charlebois.

Circle K Advances 750-Store Expansion Plan as Foodservice and Loyalty Drive Growth

Lee Rivett -
Circle K parent Alimentation Couche-Tard is advancing its plan to build 750 new stores by 2030 while investing in foodservice, beverages, loyalty programs and digital engagement to drive future growth.

Canada’s Food Prices Have Outpaced Inflation Every Month Under Carney

Sylvain Charlebois -
Food inflation has exceeded Canada's overall inflation rate for 15 consecutive months under Prime Minister Mark Carney, highlighting ongoing affordability concerns for households.

The Hidden Cost of Grocery Promotions in Canada

Sylvain Charlebois -
Supplier-funded grocery promotions may be creating hidden costs throughout Canada's food supply chain. Sylvain Charlebois examines how these practices can affect prices over time.

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

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.

Canada’s Economy Is Shrinking. Why Hasn’t the Food Sector Followed?

Sylvain Charlebois -
Canada's economy is shrinking, but the food sector remains resilient. Sylvain Charlebois examines why agri-food has held up and the risks ahead.

Canada’s Counter-Tariffs Result in Temporary Price Increases

Craig Patterson -
In 2025, Canada imposed counter-tariffs on US imports, causing a notable increase in retail prices. The analysis reveals that these price hikes were short-lived, largely dependent on retailers' expectations and transparency with consumers.
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