Montreal retail

Canadian fashion brand JACOB is entering a new phase under Cristelle Basmaji, daughter of its founders. Once operating more than 250 stores, the Montreal-based business is introducing beauty products and accessories while exploring retail partnerships and potential future apparel collections.

KaleMart24 founder Sam Saoudi and Think Retail's Tony Flanz discuss plans for 100 stores or franchise agreements, Toronto expansion, Vancouver opportunities and the economics of healthier convenience retail in a Retail Insider podcast interview.

Canada's Weston family moves to acquire UK chemist Boots for $9bn, The Brick sells Scarborough site, Ikea opens small-format London ON store, Fortinos opens Popcorn Kitchen in Brampton store, Pattison calls out grocery store violence in BC, and other news.

Jones soda launches at 700 Circle K's, Amazon Prime class-action lawsuit approved in Quebec, retail cannabis growth cools, 6% milk in Ontario grocery stores, only grocery store in Salisbury NB reopens 8 months after fire, and other news.