Retail Insider

From The Desk: Canadian Retail Evolution Through Innovation, Expansion, and Experience

Craig Patterson - June 19, 2026

This week's retail news highlighted an industry balancing change and opportunity. From the end of a chapter in Canadian furniture manufacturing to major investments in luxury retail, experiential concepts, and new store openings, retailers continue to adapt to evolving consumer expectations and economic pressures.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 18, 2026

Retail Insider - June 18, 2026

Today's Retail Insider coverage highlights Canadian retail growth with new store openings by Zellers, Soch, Le Creuset, and No Frills plus Empire's robust sales and expansion plans.

Inside Zellers’ New Toronto Store as Crowds Turn Out for Opening Day

Craig Patterson - June 18, 2026

Retail Insider visited Zellers' new Toronto store on opening day, finding strong customer interest, value-focused merchandise, nostalgic touches and a modern standalone retail concept.

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

Craig Patterson - June 16, 2026

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.

From The Desk: Strategic Expansion and Consumer Shifts Define Canadian Retail in Early June

Craig Patterson - June 7, 2026

Canadian retail continued to evolve this week, with store expansions, leadership changes, consumer trends, and economic insights shaping the industry's direction.

Zellers announces plans for expansion into Ontario and Zeddy’s comeback

Mario Toneguzzi - June 3, 2026

Zellers is expanding into Ontario with two new stores in Toronto and Windsor, building on strong momentum from its Edmonton comeback.

Leyad Acquires St. Vital Centre for $160.5 Million

Craig Patterson - February 13, 2026

Leyad buys Winnipeg’s St. Vital Centre for $160.5 million as Uniqlo prepares to join the dominant regional mall.

From the Desk: Navigating Retail Expansion and Consumer Caution in Early 2026

Craig Patterson - January 23, 2026

Canadian retail in 2026 balances expansion, experiential stores, AI adoption, and cautious consumer spending amid inflation and economic uncertainty.

Zellers Sets Sights on National Expansion After Edmonton Debut

Craig Patterson - January 22, 2026

Zellers plans national expansion after strong Edmonton launch, marking the next phase of its Canadian retail revival.

Inside Zellers’ Comeback: Joey Benitah Shares the Playbook

Craig Patterson - October 31, 2025

Zellers returns with a new vision as COO Joey Benitah outlines how the Canadian retail icon plans to rebuild and expand nationwide.

Zellers returns with a fresh start and revised store concept in Edmonton

Mario Toneguzzi - October 29, 2025

Zellers will return with a soft launch store opening October 30 at Edmonton's Londonderry Mall.

Zellers re-launch delayed now until October (Photos/Video)

Mario Toneguzzi - September 7, 2025

The first Zellers new store, spanning 60,000 square feet, will open at Londonderry Mall in Edmonton.

Retail experts talk about the launch of a new Zellers

Mario Toneguzzi - August 30, 2025

The first new Zellers store, spanning 60,000 square feet, will open at Londonderry Mall in Edmonton

Zellers Returns to Canada with 1st Edmonton Store

Craig Patterson - August 28, 2025

Zellers returns to Canada with a 60,000 sq. ft. store at Edmonton’s Londonderry Mall, marking a major retail comeback following the demise of Hudson’s Bay.

What Canadian Tire Might Do with Hudson’s Bay Brands

Craig Patterson - May 20, 2025

Canadian Tire’s $30M purchase of Hudson’s Bay’s trademarks opens the door to new product lines, revived brands, and national retail expansion, says an expert.

Nostalgia vs Reality: Exclusive Poll Shows Canadians Warm to Zellers’ Return but Hesitate to Shop One Year After Relaunch

Mario Toneguzzi - April 10, 2024

Zellers relaunched a year ago as shop-in-stores at Hudson's Bay, and a poll done for Retail Insider shows that Canadians' think the current offerings fall short.

Hudson’s Bay to Expand Zellers Pop-ups to All Remaining Locations

Mario Toneguzzi - September 6, 2023

Zellers began rolling out in Hudson's Bay stores earlier this year, and soon all locations will have a presence for the brand

Zellers to Open 21 Pop-ups in Hudson’s Bay Stores in Canada, Aiming to Shape Future Retail Strategy

Mario Toneguzzi - July 18, 2023

The Zellers concept is being tested in smaller markets following a spring relaunch of the brand within Hudson's Bay stores.

Hudson’s Bay to Close Store in Burlington ON, will Relocate Zellers Shop-in-Store [Exclusive]

Craig Patterson - July 11, 2023

One of two Hudson’s Bay department stores in the city will close next year as the retailer strategizes its real estate portfolio.

HBC to Expand Zellers Brand Across Canada in Larger Footprints After Spring Pop-Up Store Launch [Interviews]

Mario Toneguzzi - May 23, 2023

The Hudson’s Bay Company is ramping up its investment in Zellers while also freeing up liquidity to grow its operating businesses with other banners.

J.C. Williams Group on Zellers 2.0 [Video Interview]

Retail Insider - April 11, 2023

Craig interviews the team at J.C. Williams Group, who share their experiences at the new Zellers 2.0 locations. The conversation includes what The Bay has done right with the first 25 Zellers shop-in-stores locations, as well as some concerns and what could be improved.

Zellers Relaunch: What’s in Store and Will it be a Success? [Podcast]

Retail Insider - April 2, 2023

Craig and Lee discuss the relaunch of the iconic Canadian retailer including what’s in-store, and Craig’s opinion of the success of the future of the new Zellers concept. Included is a discussion on Zellers’ new Anko line and its various categories, which has seen success at Kmart Australia where it first launched.

Zellers