Ontario

NAPA Canada Sales Rise 9% as Acquisitions Drive Expansion Amid Soft Market

Lee Rivett -
NAPA Canada reported 9% sales growth in the third quarter of 2026, supported by its acquisition of Benson Auto Parts. Comparable sales rose just 1%, highlighting subdued demand as parent UAP expands its Canadian automotive distribution and repair network.

Imaginaire Targets National Expansion with 2–3 New Stores Annually

Craig Patterson -
Quebec-based hobby and collectibles retailer Imaginaire is prioritizing Ontario as it plans two to three new stores annually beginning in 2027 and builds toward a national footprint.

Daily Synopsis: October 6, 2026

Retail Insider -
Wild Fork retreats from Ontario after closing four stores, contrasting with Jollibee's rapid Canadian growth and MINISO's launch of a larger store format in Mississauga. Their differing strategies reflect varied approaches to scaling retail operations in competitive markets.

Shake Shack Expands Canadian Footprint With New Ontario Restaurants

Lee Rivett -
Shake Shack is expanding in Canada with new restaurants in Oakville, Burlington and London as it adds drive-thrus and grows beyond the GTA.

Canadian Retail Hiring Rebounds, but Labour Market Remains Uneven

Craig Patterson -
Canadian retail hiring is recovering, but employers face challenges involving wages, specialized talent, part-time work and career progression, says Suzanne Sears.

Belleville Costco Warehouse Planned as Canadian Expansion Continues

Lee Rivett -
Plans for a new Costco warehouse in Belleville, Ontario, have moved forward following an announcement by Mayor Neil Ellis. The project highlights Costco's continued Canadian expansion and the retailer's strategy of serving growing regional markets.

Permanent Daylight Time Could Redirect Canada’s Food Spending

Sylvain Charlebois -
Sylvain Charlebois examines how permanent daylight time could shift Canadian food spending between grocery stores, restaurants and other businesses.

Walmart Takes Former Hudson’s Bay Space at Place d’Orléans

Craig Patterson -
Walmart Canada will open a 115,500-square-foot Supercentre in the former Hudson's Bay store at Place d'Orléans in Ottawa, providing an early example of Primaris REIT's strategy to repurpose former HBC spaces with new anchors.

Cineplex Opens Playdium at Vaughan Mills with Most Attractions in Canada

Craig Patterson -
Cineplex has opened a 24,000-square-foot Playdium at Vaughan Mills featuring the most attractions of any Playdium in Canada.

Zellers Brings Back Diner Experience and Kiddie Rides as Toronto Store Opening Nears

Craig Patterson -
Zellers is bringing back diner-inspired food, kiddie rides and a giant Zeddy Bear as it prepares to open its new Toronto store. COO Joey Benitah discusses customer feedback, Edmonton's success and expansion plans across Canada.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 3, 2026

Retail Insider -
Zellers opening 2 Ontario stores, man sues Birks over lost watch, fire closes Mission Canadian Tire, Sunrises Records opening in Brandon, Loblaw City Market prepares to open in Vancouver's South Granville, and other news.

Food Inflation Cools, But Canada’s Grocery Pain Is Far From Over

Sylvain Charlebois -
Canada’s food inflation slowed in April, but grocery affordability pressures continue as structural costs and global risks weigh on consumers.

Felicia Launches in Canada with Retail Expansion

Craig Patterson -
Italian pasta brand Felicia expands into 800+ Canadian stores while launching a $55 million manufacturing hub in London, Ontario.

Graze Craze Enters Canada with First Ontario Location

Craig Patterson -
Florida-based charcuterie franchise Graze Craze enters Canada with a Stoney Creek, Ontario opening and broader franchise expansion plans.

Canadian Retailers Keep Expanding, So Why Are Jobs Disappearing?

Craig Patterson -
Canadian retailers continue expanding while retail employment declines, raising questions about staffing, service levels, and the future of in-store retail.

Woodbine Mall CCAA Signals Shift to Redevelopment

Craig Patterson -
Woodbine Mall enters CCAA as lenders move to take control, signalling a shift toward redevelopment of aging retail assets in Toronto. Craig Patterson interviews Antony Karabus about the situation.

Loblaws Humbertown Reopens Amid Major Redevelopment

Craig Patterson -
Loblaws reopens at Humbertown as part of a major mixed-use redevelopment transforming the Etobicoke site into a modern retail hub.

Rawcology Scales with AMI Partnership, Niagara Retail Debut

Craig Patterson -
Rawcology Inc., a Canadian food brand, has entered a strategic joint venture with AM Ingredients, enhancing its manufacturing capabilities and facilitating national and global expansion. The partnership highlights plans for new product launches and a retail presence in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

IKEA to Open London Store in Former Hudson’s Bay Space

Craig Patterson -
IKEA will open a 43,000 sq. ft. store in London, Ontario, taking over former Hudson’s Bay space at White Oaks Mall.

Daily Synopsis: Apr 2, 2026

Retail Insider -
Nations takes HBC space in Oakville, Walmart closing 2 Montreal stores amid concern, more violent Pokemon card store thefts, fake maple syrup sold in Quebec contains sugar cane, fruit and vegetable shortage in Quebec amid Metro strike, Ferrero Rocher opening Toronto pop-up, and other news.

Farm Boy Opens Store in Collingwood

Lee Rivett -
Farm Boy opens its 52nd Ontario store in Collingwood, expanding its fresh-market concept with local products and community-focused design.

Mars Canada Invests $180M in Ontario Manufacturing

Lee Rivett -
Mars Canada completes $180M investment across Ontario to boost manufacturing, sustainability, and production capacity.

Ford Considers Family Day Mall Openings in Ontario

Craig Patterson -
Ontario may review Family Day retail closures as Premier Doug Ford signals possible changes to mall opening rules.

WOW Index Shows In-Store Experience Slipping in 2026

Craig Patterson -
Leger’s WOW Index finds in-store experience scores fell in Ontario and edged down in Western Canada, with price and staffing issues leading irritants.

Wine Rack and Farm Boy enter a new partnership (Photos)

Mario Toneguzzi -
With 164 wine boutiques conveniently located throughout Ontario and four brand new boutiques launching at Farm Boy, Wine Rack provides a breadth of quality Ontario and International Canadian Blended wines.
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