Lee Rivett

Toys “R” Us Brand and Stores Head to Different Owners in Canada

Lee Rivett -
An Ontario court has approved the breakup of Toys “R” Us Canada, with the brand, stores and Vaughan Mills lease heading to separate buyers. The future of the remaining stores after January 2027 remains uncertain.

India’s Soch Expands to Surrey as Canadian Growth Strategy Continues

Lee Rivett -
India-based fashion retailer Soch has opened its second Canadian store in Surrey, British Columbia, continuing an expansion strategy that began with its Brampton debut and highlighting the growing importance of demographic-driven retail growth in Canada.

Fresh St. Market to Become Grocery Anchor for CF Richmond Centre Redevelopment

Lee Rivett -
Fresh St. Market will open its first Richmond location at CF Richmond Centre in Summer 2027, bringing a grocery anchor to the mixed-use redevelopment as residential density and retail expansion continue.

Future of Toys “R” Us Stores in Canada Unclear as Operating Platform, Brand Split Among Buyers

Lee Rivett -
Toys “R” Us Canada's brands, store leases and operating assets are set to be divided among three buyers, leaving questions about the future of the retailer's remaining stores and operations in Canada.

Consumers Are Losing Trust in Influencers Says Canadian Study

Lee Rivett -
Field Agent Canada research finds consumers increasingly trust real people and reviews over influencers when making purchases.

Why Grocery E-Commerce Still Struggles With Impulse Discovery

Lee Rivett -
Canadian grocers are investing heavily in digital grocery, but physical stores still outperform online platforms in product discovery and impulse buying.

Why Physical Grocery Retail Still Drives Product Discovery

Lee Rivett -
Canadian consumers still discover and try food products primarily in-store despite growing digital grocery engagement.

Food World Plus Set to Transform Former Highland Farms in Mississauga

Lee Rivett -
Food World Plus is preparing to open a massive international grocery and food destination in a former Highland Farms space in Mississauga.

ROYALMOUNT Expands Luxury Race Week Experience in Montreal

Lee Rivett -
Concours ROYALMOUNT returned during Formula 1 week with luxury automotive displays, retail activations and public programming.

L’Oréal Canada and Shoppers Drug Mart Launch First Multi-Brand Fragrance Refill Fountain

Lee Rivett -
L’Oréal Canada and Shoppers Drug Mart introduce Canada’s first multi-brand fragrance refill fountain in select Beauty Boutique stores.

Michaels Expands Into Celebration Retail with Experiential In-Store Concepts

Lee Rivett -
"Michaels expands celebration retail with a 60% party assortment expansion and experiential customization bars in stores across North America."

Shoot 360 Opening Largest Canadian Facility in Oakville

Lee Rivett -
Sport-tech basketball company Shoot 360 will open its largest Canadian facility in Oakville this month as the AI-driven training concept expands across Canada.

Happy Belly Expands iQ Food Co. Into Calgary

Lee Rivett -
Happy Belly is bringing iQ Food Co. to Calgary as the wellness-focused chain expands beyond Toronto into Western Canada.

Atelier Munro Opens Vancouver Flagship House

Lee Rivett -
Atelier Munro has opened its Vancouver flagship House, expanding its hospitality-driven menswear concept in Canada.

SHEIN Opening Toronto Pop-Up in Former Zara Queen West Space

Lee Rivett -
SHEIN is opening a Toronto pop-up inside the former Zara store on Queen Street West as the retailer expands its experiential retail strategy across Canada.

Loblaw Says ChatGPT Grocery Integration Is Ahead of Plan

Lee Rivett -
Loblaw says customer adoption of its ChatGPT grocery integration is ahead of expectations as the retailer expands AI initiatives.

Warehouse One and Bootlegger to Liquidate All Stores Under CCAA

Lee Rivett -
Warehouse One and Bootlegger will liquidate all 128 stores across Canada after filing for CCAA protection in Manitoba.

RioCan Sees Retail Leasing Surge as HBC Spaces Refilled

Lee Rivett -
RioCan reports strong leasing spreads and occupancy, with former Hudson’s Bay spaces re-leased as demand for retail space remains high.

Happy Belly Expands Footprint as It Nears 100 Locations

Lee Rivett -
Happy Belly rapidly expands its restaurant footprint across Canada, emerging as a growing tenant while managing expansion-related costs.

FreshCo Targets Underserved Markets with Winnipeg Opening

Lee Rivett -
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.

MINISO Hello Kitty Pop-Up Draws Crowds at STC

Lee Rivett -
MINISO’s Hello Kitty pop-up at Scarborough Town Centre draws major crowds, highlighting demand for IP-driven retail in Canada.

RCC Names 2026 Excellence in Retailing Awards Finalists

Lee Rivett -
Retail Council of Canada names 2026 Excellence in Retailing Awards finalists, highlighting top retailers and key industry trends.

Grocery Fuel Surcharge Fight Reshapes Pricing in Canada

Lee Rivett -
Fuel surcharges are dividing Canada’s grocery sector, widening gaps between major chains and independent grocers.

Lululemon Resets Leadership Amid Rising Competition

Lee Rivett -
Lululemon reshapes leadership with a new CEO and board appointments as competition intensifies and growth pressures emerge.

Coast Appliances Files for CCAA After Leadership Exit

Lee Rivett -
Coast Appliances enters CCAA after leadership resignations, mounting debt, and operational disruptions across Canada.
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