JLL

Daily Synopsis: October 20, 2026

Retail Insider -
Nova Scotia shoe retailer closing after 120 years, Wingstop's largest Canadian location opening at CF Chinook Centre, Choice acquires retail site, and other news.

JLL expert talks about the current retail landscape in Canada

Mario Toneguzzi -
JLL’s Paul Ferreira explains how rising development costs, shrinking supply and population growth are reshaping retail real estate opportunities across Canada.

Scarce Retail Space Gives Canadian Landlords New Leverage

Craig Patterson -
Canada’s tight retail real estate market is shifting negotiating power toward landlords as limited construction and high occupancy constrain available space. JLL, Primaris, RioCan, McDonald’s and Empire executives discuss the implications, including the temporary opportunity created by former Hudson’s Bay locations.

Canadian Retail Construction Hits Decade Low as Scarcity Reshapes Expansion

Craig Patterson -
Canadian retail construction has fallen to its lowest level in a decade, but the national slowdown masks major differences across the country: JLL data.

Canada’s Retail Market Is Polarizing. Where Does That Leave the Middle?

Retail Insider -
Canada’s retail market is increasingly polarized between value and premium. Linda Farha examines why differentiation, positioning and a clear customer proposition are becoming critical for retailers caught in the middle.

AI redesigns jobs, not cuts them: JLL study reveals business leaders expect workforce growth ahead

Mario Toneguzzi -
Global study finds organizations further in AI adoption anticipate workforce growth, prioritize full-time roles and focus on productivity

Calgary retail market stable with healthy demand: JLL

Mario Toneguzzi -
The vacancy rate remains stable at 2.4 per cent − among the lowest in North America.

Value and Luxury Dominate Canadian Retail: JLL Study

Craig Patterson -
Value and luxury retailers are driving Canadian retail growth as mid-market brands face pressure in a shifting consumer landscape.

Ossington and Leslieville Hit Zero Retail Availability

Craig Patterson -
Ossington and Leslieville record zero retail availability as demand surges across Toronto’s busiest neighbourhood corridors.

Toronto Retail Availability Hits Record Low

Craig Patterson -
Toronto retail availability falls to 6.22% as leasing demand intensifies across key urban corridors.

Most Hudson’s Bay Boxes Likely Leased Within Two Years: JLL

Craig Patterson -
JLL forecasts that 65% of former Hudson’s Bay retail space in Canada will be committed within two years, largely through multi-tenant retail strategies.

Jim Pattison Group Buys Cherry Lane Shopping Centre

Craig Patterson -
Jim Pattison Group has acquired Penticton’s Cherry Lane Shopping Centre, the South Okanagan’s only enclosed mall, following Hudson’s Bay’s closure.

JLL Canada Holiday Retail Survey: Less on gifts, more on experiences, self-treats, and shopping centre visits

Mario Toneguzzi -
When it comes to where they're headed for holiday shopping and experiences, Canadians are turning to shopping centres, with 90% saying they'll visit at least once this season.

Landlords Highlight Retail Resilience and Evolution at JLL Retail Spotlight

Craig Patterson -
Oxford Properties and La Caisse leaders discuss retail resilience, placemaking, and innovation at JLL’s ICSC Toronto event.

Canadian retail sales surge despite economic uncertainty: JLL

Mario Toneguzzi -
Canadian retailers see strong discretionary spending in early 2025, driven by "Buy Canadian" trends, tight retail space, and rising demand for experiences, says JLL.

Demand for experience drives most new store openings: JLL report

Mario Toneguzzi -
Dining remains the main driver of retail expansion, with more than 40% of the opening announcements, said JLL

Stock T.C. to Open in Former Pusateri’s Space in Yorkville

Craig Patterson -
Stock T.C. is expanding into Toronto’s Yorkville, taking over the former Pusateri’s space at Bay and Yorkville. The move brings gourmet food retail back to a prime luxury location.

JLL Canada Tops $1M for Breakfast Club, Launches 2025 Drive

Craig Patterson -
JLL Canada surpasses $1 million raised for Breakfast Club of Canada as it launches its 2025 fundraising campaign, continuing to support children nationwide.

Toronto condo retail market sees 53% drop in sales dollar volume: JLL Report

Mario Toneguzzi -
The Condo Retail Sales Report: Trends and Insights 2019-2024 by JLL examined the condo retail real estate market trends in Toronto, analyzing transaction data to provide insights into market performance and dynamics. 

Retail market in Calgary remains resilient amid uncertainty, says JLL’s Ron Odagaki

Mario Toneguzzi -
About 1.6 million square feet were absorbed in 2024, higher than in 2023, with greater net absorption in general retail, said JLL.

Ralph Lauren Opens 2nd Full-Priced Store in Canada

Craig Patterson -
Ralph Lauren expands in Canada with a new 5,500-square-foot store on Vancouver’s Alberni Street, joining a growing luxury retail corridor downtown.

Canada’s grocery sector remains strong with expansion and discount growth: JLL

Mario Toneguzzi -
Grocery-anchored retail remains one of the most stable and sought-after asset classes in real estate, with post-pandemic recovery driving increased foot traffic to these centres.

Canadian retail sector shows resilience: JLL

Mario Toneguzzi -
According to JLL’s recent Canadian Commercial Real Estate 2025 Outlook, the retail sector is showing resilience as limited new supply is supporting solid rental growth, with mall sales reaching record levels even when adjusted for inflation.

Toronto Retail Market Sees High Demand, Space Shortages: JLL

Craig Patterson -
Toronto’s retail market faces high demand and limited space, with rising rents and strong competition for prime locations, especially in luxury and F&B sectors.

Calgary food and beverage sector booming: JLL

Mario Toneguzzi -
Restaurants are at the forefront of new openings, from fast food to ethnic-food concepts, with restaurants opening mostly in West Calgary, says JLL.
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