Canadian retail

From The Desk: Canadian Retail Navigates Expansion, Consumer Shifts, and Supply Challenges

Craig Patterson -
This week in Canadian retail: store expansion, shifting consumer spending, tariffs, supply chain pressures, loyalty strategies and key industry developments.

Lululemon Cuts Store SKUs by 15% as Retailer Slows Expansion

Craig Patterson -
Lululemon is cutting store SKUs by 15%, testing localized assortments and slowing net expansion while continuing to invest in Canadian stores.

Daily Synopsis: September 3, 2026

Retail Insider -
Lululemon reports numbers, Gather Packaging pivots after US tariffs, Couche-Tard shifting convenience store mix, D Spot Expansion, and other news.

Retail Insider’s Canadian Retail Monitor — August 2026 Edition: Demand Strengthens as Volumes Rise

Craig Patterson -
Retail Insider’s first edition of the Canadian Retail Monitor finds demand strengthened, with sales volumes rising faster than headline sales. Health, apparel and general merchandise led growth, while grocery weakened and e-commerce rebounded sharply.

Daily Synopsis: August 27, 2026

Retail Insider -
Chapman's Ice Cream to cut American ingredients, Montreal Shein pop-up sees protest, Saskatchewan launches 50% US alcohol tariff, Drake launching U of T collection for fall, SSENSE grapples with new tariffs, and other news.

Daily Synopsis: August 21, 2026

Retail Insider -
FreschCo opens 1st Atlantic stores, Apple stores prepare for product expansion, Lordco expands in Western Canada, thrift stores deal with excess donations, Columbia House Records shuting down, and other news.

Daily Synopsis: August 20, 2026

Retail Insider -
FreshCo expands in Nova Scotia, Circle K promotes customized drinks, downtown Ottawa retail expected to return to pre-pandemic levels, Kiokii and opens in Windsor, and other news.

Daily Synopsis: August 17, 2026

Retail Insider -
Australian vs Canadian beef in grocery stores, Purdy's looks to relocate Vancouver factory, rare orange lobster named 'Pumpkin' in Chatham Superstore, Justin Trudeau seen dancing with Kaky at a Montreal Home Hardware, and other news.

From The Desk: Strategic Expansions and Resilience Shape Canadian Retail Landscape

Craig Patterson -
Canadian retail sees continued store expansion, shifting real estate strategies and changing consumer behaviour amid ongoing economic and labour market pressures.

Daily Synopsis: Aug 10, 2026

Retail Insider -
Safeway reopening at Oakridge Park this month, Giant Tiger shuts The Pas store, Sysco expanding in Canada, SUKOSHI opening at West Edmonton Mall, and other news.

Retail Insider “Policy & Regulation Report”: Affordability Promises Collide With Retail Costs

Lee Rivett -
Retail Insider’s Q2 2026 policy report finds affordability promises colliding with rising compliance, trade, labour and public-safety costs, while grocery property controls and public-store proposals expose how government action is reshaping Canadian retail operations today.

Daily Synopsis: August 6, 2026

Retail Insider -
Retail Insider published 12 articles today on Canadian retail including Birks’ market move, Mattel’s strategy shift, Realm Fitness’ community, and McDonald’s new beverage platform.

Retail Insider “Loss Prevention & Security Report”: Retail Risk Moves Beyond Theft

Lee Rivett -
Retail risk is moving beyond merchandise theft as organized crime, violence, cyberattacks, fraud and data failures reshape store operations, customer experience and investment decisions across Canada. Retail Insider’s Q2 2026 report examines the widening mandate for loss prevention.

Retail Insider “Retail Logistics Report”: Optionality Replaces Lean Efficiency

Lee Rivett -
Canadian retailers are redesigning supply chains for recurring disruption, trading some lean efficiency for diversified sourcing, stronger inventory visibility and more flexible fulfilment networks. Retail Insider’s Q2 2026 report examines the operating and competitive implications of this shift.

Second Cup Appoints Joe Walker as CEO to Lead International Franchise Growth

Craig Patterson -
Canadian-founded Second Cup has named Joe Walker CEO of its international franchise business as the company looks to expand its global footprint, with the Middle East serving as a strategic growth hub.

Daily Synopsis: Jul 31, 2026

Retail Insider -
Sleep Country completes Sleep Number acquisition, ranking Canada's grocery loyalty programs, Atlantic salmon prices jump in July, Giant Tiger shutting downtown Winnipeg store, Quebec gov't extends hours for 'erotic' stores, and other news.

Aesop Expands Canadian Store Network with New CF Richmond Centre Location

Craig Patterson -
Aesop, an Australian skincare retailer, is opening a boutique at CF Richmond Centre, continuing its expansion across Canada. This move marks a significant milestone in Aesop's strategy to establish standalone stores and enhance direct-to-consumer connections.

Daily Synopsis: Jul 28, 2026

Retail Insider -
CF Toronto Eaton Centre sees washroom redesigns, grocery sustainability takes centre stage, and Just Cuts expands with location in Ontario.

Study Finds Grocery Stores Could Cut Plastic Produce-Bag Use

Lee Rivett -
University of Toronto research involving 30 Toronto grocery stores and a Longo’s pilot suggests retailers could reduce disposable plastic produce-bag use through signage, reusable alternatives and changes to dispenser placement.

Daily Synopsis: Jul 27, 2026

Retail Insider -
Costco marks 50 years, BodyMods expanding in Calgary, Superstore updates Heritage Meadows store, DUER looks to expand despite tariffs, and other news.

Retail Insider Books & Entertainment Report: Fandom, Community and Experience Reshape the Market

Lee Rivett -
Retail Insider's latest Books & Entertainment Report examines how Canadian retailers are using fandom, community, intellectual property and experiential formats to strengthen customer engagement, with insights into bookstores, collectibles, entertainment venues and evolving consumer behaviour.

Daily Synopsis: Jul 24, 2026

Retail Insider -
Local food hubs proposed to address grocery competition, Loblaw brings 'goss' campaign back for Ossfest in Toronto, Toys R Us stores clearning out in Winnipeg, and other news.

Retail Insider Convenience Retail Report: Food-Led Formats and Digital Loyalty Redefine the Channel

Lee Rivett -
Retail Insider's latest Convenience Retail Report examines how foodservice, digital loyalty, beverages and modern store formats are reshaping Canada's convenience sector as operators respond to changing consumer behaviour, evolving revenue sources and growing competition across multiple retail channels.

Canadian Pet Spending Holds Firm Amid Economic Pressures

Craig Patterson -
A new Canadian pet shopping report finds owners are protecting pet budgets while seeking value, shopping across channels and embracing auto-ship.

Retail Insider Sporting Goods & Outdoor Report: Participation and Experience Reshape Growth

Lee Rivett -
Retail Insider's latest Sporting Goods & Outdoor Report examines how participation, community engagement and experiential retail are reshaping Canada's sporting goods sector, with implications for retailers, landlords, brands and investors as operators compete for long-term customer relationships.
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