FreshCo

Retail Insider's latest report examines how discount, value and off-price retailers are reshaping Canadian consumer behaviour, retail real estate and competitive strategy as value shopping becomes a mainstream force influencing retailers, landlords and investors alike.

Retail Insider’s Q2 2026 Grocery Report examines how value is reshaping Canadian grocery, from discount expansion and private label to digital tools, prepared foods, grocery-anchored real estate and shifting consumer behaviour.

Canadian value retail in Q2 2026 was defined by mainstream consumer adoption, discount grocery expansion, off-price growth, and value-oriented retailers increasingly shaping real estate and retail strategy.

Empire plans to open 70 new stores across Canada over the next three years, with more than 75% of locations focused on discount retail as the grocery giant expands FreshCo, pharmacy and wholesale operations.

Today's Retail Insider coverage highlights Canadian retail growth with new store openings by Zellers, Soch, Le Creuset, and No Frills plus Empire's robust sales and expansion plans.

In fiscal 2027, the Company expects to open approximately 15 new FreshCo stores across Western Canada, Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

FreshCo will open in Winnipeg in Fall 2026, reviving a long-vacant grocery site and reflecting a broader shift in discount retail expansion across Canada.

DoorDash adds 1,000+ Empire grocery stores across Canada, expanding its role in on-demand grocery and retail delivery.

Heffel gallery solves HBC painting mystery, Maple Leaf and other suppliers introduce fuel surcharges, Quebec hobby store wants French language exemption for global products, Hamilton's Miller Shoes turns 100, Toronto's Barber and Beauty Supply store shuts after almost 90 years downtown, and other news.

FreshCo enters Atlantic Canada with new Halifax-area stores, marking Empire’s first discount grocery expansion into the East Coast.

It’s part of Project Horizon that will see 10-15 more FreshCo stores open in 2021, including further expansion of the South Asian-themed Chalo banner.

Six more locations are planned for the concept including its first stores in Alberta.

Retail Insider is profiling several companies in Canada that are supporting front line workers as well as donating to causes amid the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic.

We’re predicting that this year will be one of highs and lows — Sears Canada will shutter, Nordstrom Rack will enter Canada, marijuana will be legalized, and plenty of other developments.