Craig Patterson

Samsung Canada Reinforces Role of Physical Retail as Technology Evolves

Craig Patterson -
Samsung Canada is investing in experience-led stores that support product discovery, education and service as consumers increasingly move between digital and physical shopping channels.

Canadian Restaurants Avoid Broad Food Tariff Hit as Supply Costs Face Pressure

Craig Patterson -
Restaurants Canada welcomes Ottawa’s targeted tariff approach, but new duties on packaging, equipment and selected foods could add costs for operators.

Knix Opens First Atlantic Canada Store in Halifax as Retail Expansion Continues

Craig Patterson -
Knix has opened its first Atlantic Canadian store at Halifax Shopping Centre as the Toronto-based intimates brand continues expanding its physical retail network.

Birks names Sophie Nélisse brand ambassador as it launches new national campaign

Mario Toneguzzi -
Nélisse, who was born in Montreal and is known for her performances in Yellowjackets and Heated Rivalry, said the brand has been familiar to her since childhood.

Canada announces $27.6B in counter-tariffs on U.S. goods as retailers, restaurants and small businesses weigh impact

Mario Toneguzzi -
“Canada’s retail sector will shoulder a significant share of this burden, with so many essential consumer goods targeted."

Toronto Waterfront Looks to Events and Activation as District Builds Toward 2035

Craig Patterson -
Waterfront BIA is mapping a new events and activation strategy as transit, development and commercial growth reshape Toronto’s waterfront through 2035.

Arc’teryx Sees Potential for 200 Stores in North America as Expansion Accelerates

Craig Patterson -
Arc’teryx sees potential for roughly 200 stores across North America as the Vancouver-founded brand expands retail, women’s and footwear.

Canadian Retailers Push Sustainability Deeper Into Operations as Business Case Evolves

Craig Patterson -
Canadian retailers are integrating sustainability into stores, logistics, packaging, resale and supply chains as regulation and business economics evolve.

Walmart+ Takes Bigger Role as Walmart Expands Canadian Digital Strategy

Craig Patterson -
Walmart is expanding its Canadian digital strategy as Walmart+ membership, e-commerce, Marketplace and fulfillment investments gain importance.

From The Desk: Strategic Adaptation and Growth Define Canadian Retail in August 2026

Craig Patterson -
Canadian retail shows resilience and strategic growth with expansions, AI-driven transformations, and evolving consumer behaviours amid economic challenges.

Joe Mimran Outlines Product and Global Growth Plans for Roots

Craig Patterson -
Joe Mimran discusses plans for Roots product, stores and U.S. growth as Marquee Brands and Roots CEO Meghan Roach point to significant international expansion.

TJX Says Winners, Marshalls and HomeSense Are Gaining Major Market Share in Canada

Craig Patterson -
TJX says Winners, Marshalls and HomeSense are gaining major market share in Canada as customer transactions rise and the retailer expands in prominent malls and downtown locations.

AutoCanada Sees Canadian Auto Market Remaining Challenging

Craig Patterson -
AutoCanada says affordability pressures continue to weigh on Canadian vehicle buyers as it improves dealerships, used sales and collision operations.

Roots to Go Private as Joe Mimran Takes Key Operating Role

Craig Patterson -
Roots has agreed to go private in a $4.10-per-share deal that will see Joe Mimran and Frank Rocchetti’s JM&A take a central operating role in the Canadian retailer.

Preparing Retail for the Age of Autonomous Commerce: Why Trust and Fraud Prevention Matter

Craig Patterson -
As AI shopping agents emerge, retailers face new challenges around fraud, trust and authentication. Here's what merchants should know about preparing for autonomous commerce.

Boston Pizza Accelerates Canadian Restaurant Renovations, Adds New Locations

Craig Patterson -
Boston Pizza is ramping up investment across Canada with more than 40 restaurant renovations possible in 2026 and three new locations under construction.

HelloFresh Expands Factor Across Canada as Ready-to-Eat Strategy Grows

Craig Patterson -
HelloFresh is expanding Factor across Canada as it invests in ready-to-eat meals, new distribution channels and a broader convenience-food strategy.

Canadian Tire Prepares for AI Shopping as Retail Strategy Evolves

Craig Patterson -
Canadian Tire is using AI to reshape merchandising, back-to-school assortments and digital content as shoppers increasingly turn to AI for product discovery.

Shopify Expands Cross-Border Ecommerce Tools for Canadian Retailers

Craig Patterson -
Shopify is expanding Managed Markets to eligible Canadian merchants as Global-e reports growing adoption and strong cross-border ecommerce demand.

SportChek Plans More Destination Sport Stores as HBC Spaces Create Opportunities

Craig Patterson -
SportChek is accelerating its Destination Sport rollout across Canada as Canadian Tire eyes former Hudson’s Bay and other department-store spaces for expansion.

DAVIDsTEA Opens Square One Flagship as Canadian Store Expansion Advances

Craig Patterson -
DAVIDsTEA opens a flagship at Square One in Mississauga as it targets 25 Canadian stores and reports broader sales benefits from new locations.

Primaris Invests $19M to Transform Former Hudson’s Bay at Galeries de la Capitale

Craig Patterson -
Primaris REIT is investing $19 million to redevelop the former Hudson’s Bay at Galeries de la Capitale, with Imaginaire and ZIBO! among new tenants.

Higher Back-to-School Spending Masks Budget Pressure for Canadian Families

Craig Patterson -
Canadian families expect to spend more on back-to-school in 2026 as inflation pressures budgets and shoppers turn to deals, discount retailers and Amazon.

Inside Leon’s $1.17 Billion Canadian Real Estate Portfolio

Craig Patterson -
Leon’s has valued its Canadian real estate portfolio at $1.17 billion as the retailer advances redevelopment projects and continues plans for a publicly traded REIT.

Absolutely Fabrics Expands in Toronto with Summerhill Flagship

Craig Patterson -
Toronto fashion retailer Absolutely Fabrics is opening a 7,000-square-foot Summerhill flagship, adding menswear and expanding its curated multi-brand concept.
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