retail expansion

Sephora to Reach 150 Canadian Stores as Prestige Beauty Competition Intensifies

Craig Patterson -
Sephora will open its 150th Canadian store in Oakville on November 13 as it expands into neighbourhood retail, adds luxury skincare brands and faces growing competition from Shoppers Drug Mart.

Daily Synopsis: November 5, 2026

Retail Insider -
Crombie acquires 13 Ontario retail properties, FreshCo opens first Vancouver store, SportChek closes second Vancouver store, Flying Tiger opening more Ontario stores, Victoria's Market Square comes to market, and other news.

Daily Synopsis: November 4, 2026

Retail Insider -
Some Canadians skipping meals amid grocery costs, Diwali finds wider audience, Amazon breaks ground on huge Nova Scotia warehouse, 3 bookstores opening in Vancouver, 2 Costco stores opening soon in Alberta, and other news.

Toys“R”Us Canada to Make Comeback Through Nearly 300 Staples Stores

Craig Patterson -
Toys“R”Us Canada is returning through a national partnership with Staples Canada, with shop-in-shops planned for close to 300 stores through 2027. The first location opens November 14 in Richmond Hill, introducing Toys“R”Us alongside the new Parties“R”Us concept.

Daily Synopsis: October 28, 2026

Retail Insider -
Halloween costumes fly off the shelves in stores, Ossington vendor market above coffee shop, calls for street and retail safety in BC, CFIG winners announced, and other news.

Aritzia Targets $10 Billion as Canadian Store Strategy Shifts Toward Stronger Boutiques

Craig Patterson -
Aritzia is targeting up to $10.5 billion in annual revenue by fiscal 2032 while expanding to 160 U.S. boutiques. In Canada, the retailer expects a slight decline in store count as it optimizes existing locations and consolidates legacy branded stores.

LEGO Opens Store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Expanding Downtown Toronto Retail Presence

Craig Patterson -
The LEGO Group has opened a 2,637-square-foot store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, occupying a retail unit previously used by Rodd & Gunn and Ted Baker. The opening is part of a three-store GTA expansion, with the downtown leasing transaction handled by Odyssey Retail Canada's Ryan McCarthy.

Daily Synopsis: October 26, 2026

Retail Insider -
Older workers and non-permanent residents greater share of retail workforce, Beaumont thrift store forced out due to community growth, Voyatique opens at CF Sherway Gardens, Circle K expands in Newfoundland, and other news.

Daily Synopsis: October 21, 2026

Retail Insider -
Grocery prices up, Indigo names top books, Sweat and Tonic announces Yorkville opening, Prince St. Pizza opening second Toronto location at Yonge and Eg, Crumbl opening near Montreal, and other news.

Aritzia Could Target $10 Billion in Revenue as Stifel Examines Next Phase of Growth

Lee Rivett -
Aritzia could unveil a fiscal 2032 revenue target of up to $10 billion at its October 27 Investor Day, according to Stifel. The analysis examines U.S. store expansion, international growth, profitability and potential opportunities in menswear.

Golf Town Plans National Store Modernization Following $15 Million Oakville Flagship

Craig Patterson -
Golf Town is planning a three-to-five-year modernization of its Canadian store network following the opening of a $15-million flagship in Oakville, Ontario. Sporting Life Group executive Barry Williams outlines potential new flagships, expanded fitting services and personalization.

KaleMart24 Eyes 100-Store Network as Canadian Expansion Accelerates [Video Interview]

Craig Patterson -
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.

Toronto-Based REFORMD Expands to California with Major Fitness and Wellness Studio

Craig Patterson -
Toronto-based REFORMD will open its first U.S. Lagree studio at The Commons at Calabasas in January 2027, featuring 37 machines and wellness services.

Daily Synopsis: October 14, 2026

Retail Insider -
Walmart expands toys, Golf Town opens flagship in Oakville, Korean diner opens in Edmonton, and other news.

SMYTHE Appoints Former Canada Goose Executive Ana Mihaljevic CEO as Brand Expands

Craig Patterson -
Toronto fashion brand SMYTHE has appointed former Canada Goose executive Ana Mihaljevic as CEO as it prepares to open at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in 2027. Mihaljevic will also speak at Retail Insider @ Rotman on November 3.

Daily Synopsis: October 9, 2026

Retail Insider -
Geely Auto entering Canada with retail, Winnipeg Giant Tiger closer sparks food desert concerns, McCain acquires Indian food processing business, T&T opens in North York, and other news.

From The Desk: Retail Growth Divides and AI’s Expanding Role in Canadian Retail

Craig Patterson -
Canadian retail growth splits between value and premium players as AI reshapes merchandising and real estate adapts on varying performance and consumer demand.

Aritzia’s Stronger Store Performance Supports Continued North American Expansion

Craig Patterson -
Aritzia is reporting stronger boutique productivity and customer traffic as it expands across North America. The Vancouver-based fashion retailer plans additional U.S. openings and repositionings in Quebec and California while continuing to invest in larger stores and digital commerce.

Montreal’s Transformer Table Reaches $145 Million in Revenue as U.S. Retail Expansion Accelerates

Craig Patterson -
Montreal-founded Transformer Table is expanding its U.S. retail footprint with new microstores and a Maryland flagship as CEO Chris Wantlin discusses the company's revenue growth, retail partnerships and future expansion plans.

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: September 29, 2026

Retail Insider -
Aritzia withstands U.S. tariff pressures while growing revenues, and Canadian brands STEFF ELEOFF and Craig’s Cookies broaden their retail reach through pop-ups and franchising, and other news.

Aritzia Absorbs U.S. Tariff Hit as Growth Outpaces the Cost

Lee Rivett -
Aritzia is absorbing significant U.S. tariff costs as strong American sales growth and margin expansion continue to offset the pressure.

Daily Synopsis: September 23, 2026

Retail Insider -
Juan Valdez coffee expands into Canada, RCC speaks to supply chain issues, Cozey bets on struggling Ste-Catherine St., cashierless grocery store gets mixes reviews in Ottawa, Danforth retailers struggle amid construction, Jersey Mikes enters Vancouver, and other news.

Daily Synopsis: September 22, 2026

Retail Insider -
Arc’teryx launched its largest Montreal store on Sainte-Catherine, while UNIQLO revamped its Eaton Centre flagship with new services. Adopt Parfums plans five new outlets in Quebec and Ontario, signalling growth in both urban and mall formats.

Daily Synopsis: September 9, 2026

Retail Insider -
Tariff hikes may not hit retail shelves for a while, Leyad acquires retail real estate portfolio, Walmart announces Kawartha Lakes Supercentre, Book City marks 50 Years, and other news.
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