TOP STORIES

Natural, organic and wellness sector facing growing pressure from tariffs

Mario Toneguzzi -
The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) warns of impacts across the NOW industry that generates approximately $39.7 billion in economic output, contributes $18.7 billion to Canada’s GDP, and supports approximately 147,100 full-time equivalent jobs, according to research by MNP.

Central Walk Details Redevelopment of Former Bay Spaces at Woodgrove and Mayfair

Craig Patterson -
Central Walk owner Ruby Liu details plans for 310,000 square feet of former Hudson’s Bay space at Woodgrove  Centre in Namaimo and Mayfair Centre in Victoria, including H Mart, Haidilao and TM Wander.

8 in 10 Canadians cutting back on restaurants: Restaurants Canada

Mario Toneguzzi -
Restaurant sales are expected to reach $130 billion in 2026, but rising costs and thin margins continue to depress bottom lines.

Retail sales dip in July: Statistics Canada

Mario Toneguzzi -
The largest decrease was observed at general merchandise retailers, in which retail sales were down 1.9% in July, after increasing 2.5% in June.

7-Eleven Brings Korean Bestsellers to Canada as Global Food Strategy Expands

Lee Rivett -
7-Eleven Canada is importing top-selling Korean snacks from another 7-Eleven market for the first time, extending a food strategy that increasingly draws on products tested elsewhere in its global network. The move follows the success of its Japanese-style egg salad sandwich.

Osmow’s reaches 250 locations as family-run restaurant marks 25 years

Mario Toneguzzi -
The company was founded by Sam Osmow in 2001 after he converted a small Streetsville sub shop into the first Osmow’s Shawarma location.

KaleMart24 preparing for rapid expansion in the coming months

Mario Toneguzzi -
17 locations have now been secured, with eight of those under construction and expected to open by the end of the fall, while five additional franchisees are still looking for locations.

Altea leases 51,000 square feet for new wellness club in Toronto’s Leaside

Mario Toneguzzi -
The deal marks the second project between Altea and RioCan and comes as the Canadian fitness and wellness operator looks for additional sites in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta.

Gallery Streetwear brings exclusive streetwear brands to Downtown Kelowna

Mario Toneguzzi -
Gallery Streetwear owner Todd Daniels discusses the boutique’s Kelowna roots, exclusive brands, community focus and plans for future expansion.

Oatly turned Toronto’s Ossington Avenue into a monochromatic Matcha Hotel Suite

Mario Toneguzzi -
Oatly transformed a narrow Ossington Avenue storefront into its Matcha-tality Suite, an immersive green hotel-inspired experience in Toronto.

Packaging, EPR and ZEVs: Inside This Year’s RCC Retail Sustainability Conference

Retail Insider -
Retail Council of Canada’s Retail Sustainability Conference runs October 27-28 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre

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.

Healthy Planet launches $1M grant for emerging Canadian health and wellness brands

Mario Toneguzzi -
The Homegrown Grant will provide selected brands with Healthy Planet media value through visibility and promotional programs, with the company saying the initiative is intended to help smaller Canadian businesses reach more consumers.

Harry Rosen Opens New Yorkville Flagship in Toronto

Craig Patterson -
Harry Rosen opened its impressive new 38,000-square-foot Yorkville flagship in Toronto on Wednesday, the largest single store investment in the company’s history.

Cineplex to consider potential sale of company in Strategic Review, appoints new CEO

Mario Toneguzzi -
Board will consider a number of strategic alternatives including the potential sale of the company.

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CURATED NEWS

Retail Insider Articles, by Category, can be found below.

RETAILER NEWS

Latest retail store openings, closings, expansions, etc.

News

Natural, organic and wellness sector facing growing pressure from tariffs

Mario Toneguzzi -
The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) warns of impacts across the NOW industry that generates approximately $39.7 billion in economic output, contributes $18.7 billion to Canada’s GDP, and supports approximately 147,100 full-time equivalent jobs, according to research by MNP.

Central Walk Details Redevelopment of Former Bay Spaces at Woodgrove and Mayfair

8 in 10 Canadians cutting back on restaurants: Restaurants Canada

7-Eleven Brings Korean Bestsellers to Canada as Global Food Strategy Expands

Osmow’s reaches 250 locations as family-run restaurant marks 25 years

RETAILER FINANCIALS & DATA

Latest retail financial results, industry data, and third-party research affecting Canadian retail.

News

Payroll employment increases in retail trade: Statistics Canada

Mario Toneguzzi -
From February to July, payroll employment in this sector generally trended up, with an overall increase of 25,300 (+1.3%).

Retail sales dip in July: Statistics Canada

RBC: Canadian Consumer Spending Broadens as Cardholder Purchases Rise in August

Reitmans (Canada) Limited reports Q2 financial results, net revenues decrease 1.9% y/y

Dollarama Q2 sales increase 17.6% y/y to surpass $2 billion

RETAILER PEOPLE NEWS

Latest retail news focused on leaders, recognition, etc.

RETAILER OP-EDS

Latest retail opinion editorials.

News

From The Desk: Strategic growth, pricing resilience and retail real estate shifts

Craig Patterson -
Canadian retail sees real estate consolidation, disciplined pricing, and growth in discount sectors amid cost pressures and shifting consumer demand.

How Premium Brands Defend Pricing as Products Become Easier to Copy

Why Food Inflation Is Running Hotter in Canada Than the U.S.

How SMBs can deliver like large retailers this holiday season: UniUni (Opinion)

Canadian Consumers Keep Spending Despite Weak Economy and Trade War

RETAILER NEWS (Con't)

News

KaleMart24 preparing for rapid expansion in the coming months

Mario Toneguzzi -
17 locations have now been secured, with eight of those under construction and expected to open by the end of the fall, while five additional franchisees are still looking for locations.

Altea leases 51,000 square feet for new wellness club in Toronto’s Leaside

Gallery Streetwear brings exclusive streetwear brands to Downtown Kelowna

Oatly turned Toronto’s Ossington Avenue into a monochromatic Matcha Hotel Suite

Packaging, EPR and ZEVs: Inside This Year’s RCC Retail Sustainability Conference

RETAILER FINANCIALS & DATA (Con't)

RETAILER PEOPLE NEWS (Con't)

RETAILER OP-EDS (Con't)

News

Canada’s New Counter-Tariffs to Impact Food Sector Supply Chains

Sylvain Charlebois -
As counter-tariffs come into effect on September 8, Canadian food processors and retailers brace for economic impacts. This article explores how these tariffs could lead to shrinkflation and affect consumer prices in the near future.

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

Grocery Prices Face New Pressure as Ottawa Imposes Counter-Tariffs

Canadians Are Grocery Shopping More Often but Buying Less Each Time

Community pharmacies play a bigger role in Canadians’ health and local economies than many realize (Opinion)

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