Retail Real Estate

WitchSchool Canada Tests ‘Reciprocal Retail’ Model in Ottawa’s ByWard Market

Craig Patterson -
WitchSchool Canada is testing a collaborative retail model in a 160-square-foot storefront in Ottawa’s ByWard Market. Founder Kiki Keskinen says the grant-supported residency connects independent entrepreneurs through shared programming, customer referrals and promotional opportunities, while raising questions about long-term operating costs.

Inside Dynamite 3.0: How Groupe Dynamite Is Reinventing Its Canadian Stores

Lee Rivett -
Groupe Dynamite is expanding its Dynamite 3.0 store concept across major Canadian shopping centres, bringing upgraded interiors, personalized styling and a more premium shopping experience to its established fashion banner. The investment reflects a broader focus on store productivity and brand positioning.

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.

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.

Daily Synopsis: October 19, 2026

Retail Insider -
Grocery prices moderate, T&T Supermarket's Tina and Cindy Lee receive Ontario Family Business Award of Excellence, Maxi opens 3rd New Brunswick store, Kith prepares to open at Oakridge Park in Vancouver, and other news.

Primaris to Sell $41.8 Million Stake in Kingston’s Cataraqui Centre Amid Portfolio Reshaping

Craig Patterson -
Primaris REIT has agreed to sell its 50% managing interest in Kingston's Cataraqui Centre for $41.8 million. The transaction follows its acquisition of Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket, signalling change.

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.

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.

Retail Insider Releases Q3 2026 Canadian Retail Reports

Craig Patterson -
Retail Insider has released 18 Q3 2026 reports examining Canadian retail sectors, consumer behaviour and the businesses supporting the industry. The collection brings together reporting and data on store investment, real estate, technology, supply chains, marketing, security and policy.

Entertainment Becomes a New Anchor for Canadian Shopping Centres

Craig Patterson -
Entertainment operators are taking larger positions in Canadian shopping centres as landlords redevelop former department stores and add attractions designed to extend visits. JLL is tracking a 16.5-million-square-foot North American pipeline as concepts including Playdium, Activate, Splitsville and Forever Young expand.

Q3 2026 Real Estate & Leasing: Strong Leasing Faces the Test of Delivery

Craig Patterson -
Canadian retail property conditions remained selective during Q3 2026, with near-full necessity-oriented portfolios contrasting with major former department-store vacancies. The report examines leasing spreads, committed occupancy and redevelopment requirements, focusing on the capital and execution needed to produce open, rent-paying space.

Q3 2026 Policy & Regulation: Tariffs, Grocery Competition and Tax Changes

Craig Patterson -
Retail Insider’s Q3 2026 Policy & Regulation report examines tariffs, grocery competition, Quebec tax changes, consumer rules and investment incentives, focusing on how policy implementation affects retailer costs, market access, systems and capital decisions.

Vaughan Mills Turns 10,000-Box Pasta Tumble Into Mall-Wide Community Activation

Craig Patterson -
Vaughan Mills staged a 1.7-kilometre chain reaction using 10,000 pasta boxes before donating them to Vaughan Food Bank, extending the initiative through the weekend with its After-Tumble activation combining community programming, entertainment and retail promotions.

SUPER MINISO to Enter Canada as Retailer Expands Multi-Format Store Strategy

Lee Rivett -
SUPER MINISO will make its Canadian debut October 10 at Square One in Mississauga, with another location planned for CF Polo Park. The format joins MINISO LAND as the retailer expands its larger, IP-driven store strategy across major Canadian shopping centres.

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.

From The Desk: Polarized retail growth, evolving formats and AI-driven customer engagement

Craig Patterson -
Canadian retail faces polarization between value and premium tiers, driving format changes, franchising growth and AI tools to sharpen differentiation and customer eng...

Daily Synopsis: October 1, 2026

Retail Insider -
Tsawwassen Mills plans a large H Mart grocery and entertainment expansion while CF Chinook Centre adds Old Navy, SportChek, and Winners to boost retail offerings. In Quebec, La Cordee is shutting, and other news.

Daily Synopsis: September 28, 2026

Retail Insider -
Malls make a comeback in Canada, Little Debbie snacks return to Canada, Duer launches print magazine, Winnipeg perfume retailer in home ordered to close, Fort McMurray prepares for Walmart opening, and other news.

Aritzia’s Store Network Has Shifted South as U.S. Expansion Accelerates

Lee Rivett -
Aritzia now operates more boutiques in the United States than in Canada as the Vancouver-founded retailer directs most new-store growth south of the border. Its mature Canadian network offers a useful template for the company’s push toward a potential 180-to-200-store U.S. footprint.

Daily Synopsis: September 17, 2026

Retail Insider -
Stefano Ricci luxury boutique in Vancouver shuttering, Metro reaches deal with striking workers, Harry Rosen opens Toronto flagship September 22, GTA furniture retailer appears to go bankrupt, and other news.

Daily Synopsis: September 11, 2026

Retail Insider -
Weight loss drugs boost grocer pharmacy, skyrocketing diesel could impact groceries, Costco opening more Canadian stores, Alberta Safeway employees vote to strike, downtown Edmonton sees retail vacancies, and other news.

From The Desk: Canadian Retail Navigates Expansion, Consumer Shifts, and Supply Challenges

Craig Patterson -
This week in Canadian retail: store expansion, shifting consumer spending, tariffs, supply chain pressures, loyalty strategies and key industry developments.

From The Desk: Expansion and Adaptation Define This Week’s Canadian Retail Landscape

Craig Patterson -
Canadian retail accelerates expansion with new stores and strategic investments amid evolving consumer demands and trade challenges.

From The Desk: Strategic Adaptation and Growth Define Canadian Retail in August 2026

Craig Patterson -
Canadian retail shows resilience and strategic growth with expansions, AI-driven transformations, and evolving consumer behaviours amid economic challenges.

CT REIT Sees Tight Retail Property Market as Rents Rise

Lee Rivett -
CT REIT reports 99.5% occupancy and double-digit rent increases as tight Canadian retail real estate conditions drive competition for properties.
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