Mario Toneguzzi

Mario Toneguzzi, based in Calgary, has more than 40 years experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He worked for 35 years at the Calgary Herald covering sports, crime, politics, health, faith, city and breaking news, and business. He is the Senior News Editor with Retail Insider in addition to working as a freelance writer and consultant in communications and media relations/training. Mario was named as a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert in 2024.

Craft Brewery ‘3 Brasseurs’ Embarks on Ambitious Expansion as it Begins Franchising Locations in Canada [Interview]

It's a new era for the unique France-based craft brewery concept, which will expand into new provinces in Canada by franchising locations in the country for the first time.

Healthy Fast-Food Chain ‘Mad Radish’ Debuts Franchise Model with New Downtown Toronto Storefront [Interview/Photos]

David Segal, co-founder of DAVIDsTEA, says he's never been more excited about a concept as he is about Mad Radish as it expands and perfects its concept.

Toronto Retail Market Stabilizes in 2024 with Economic Challenges and Limited Leasing Options: JLL Report

JLL forecasts a mixed report for the Toronto retail market this year, with leasing slowing and limited new supply.

Anatomy of a Leader: Walter Lamothe, CEO of Bentley

Lamothe discusses his life from growing up on a farm near Ottawa to becoming a welder, and then eventually moving into various leadership roles with major Canadian retailers.

Montreal-Based Furniture Brand ‘Cozey’ Launches First Permanent Showroom on Queen Street West [Interview/Photos]

The flagship marks a milestone in Cozey's journey, after operating as a digital brand. The brand is now strategizing future retail opportunities.

Chick-fil-A Sets Sights on Alberta: Plans for 20 New Restaurants by 2030 [Interview]

The US-based quick service restaurant concept is rapidly growing its presence in Canada by entering new markets.

Canadian Travel Brand Monos Unveils Plans for Toronto and US Stores with Retail Expansion Planned [Interview]

The Vancouver-based brand, launched in 2019, will be opening unique storefronts in major markets as part of a major expansion initiative into 2025.

French Sports Retailer Decathlon Repositioning with Renovated Stores and Brand Signage, Including Canadian Locations

The world's largest sporting goods retailer will showcase its new look at a new store near Vancouver, with plans to renovate other locations as part of a major company initiative.

Peter Pond Mall in Fort McMurray Sees New Retail Tenants and High Sales Productivity Growth [Interview]

The affluent area has propelled retail sales at the two-level downtown mall to over 30% higher than they were in 2019, prior to the pandemic, with record-breaking sales at a recent Sephora store opening.

Vancouver Retail Market Slows as Demand for Space Remains Strong: JLL Report 

The city is seeing increased demand for retail space despite economic uncertainty, which includes a slowdown in some key categories such as home furnishings and jewellery.

Leger Survey: Consumer Perceptions Vary as Canadians Grapple with Rising Grocery Costs, Blaming Retailers, Government, Global Trends

A survey shows differences in Canadians' opinions and perceptions on what's happening at supermarket chains, including regional differences that are striking.

Anatomy of a Leader: Robin Kovitz, CEO of Baskits Inc.

Through entrepreneurship, she found fulfillment in direct performance-based compensation and flexibility in managing her schedule, with an evolving leadership style that has gained her respect and the company success.

Canadian Retail Sector to Face Challenges and Innovations in 2024 Amid Changing Consumer Behaviours and Rising Insolvencies: CBRE Report

The report forecasts changes in Canadian retail driven by shifting consumer behaviour, prompting innovation among retailers. Despite economic challenges, steady retail spending preferences for in-person shopping suggest a positive outlook in 2024, says Arlin Markowitz.

Sporting Life Group’s Team Town Sports Chain Expanding National Footprint Following Successful Launch [Interview]

The concept launched about a year ago and now has four stores, with plans to open locations across Canada with revenue projections in the $300-$350 million range.

Ottawa’s Retail Real Estate Faces Challenges Amid Economic Headwinds: JLL Report

The dynamics of the Ottawa market are unique according to a report and broker Casdin Parr, who discusses retail leasing and where it's strong and where it's not.

Baskin-Robbins Embarks on Major Expansion and Remodelling Spree Across Canada with Dozens of New Locations Planned [Interview]

The popular ice cream brand is refreshing its Canadian retail operations while expanding with stores to gain market share in new regions.

RONA Completes Nationwide Transformation with Launch of RONA+ and Pilot Conversion of Réno-Dépôt Stores in Quebec [Interview/Photos]

Dozens of former Lowe's stores in Canada have been converted to new banners, following Rona's acquisition of the US-based retailer's Canadian operations.

Streetwear Retailer PLUS Unveils New Flagship Store at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre [Photos/Interview]

The upscale Canadian retailer has opened its largest store to date, attempting to create a wow factor with the store design and product assortment.

The Body Shop Canada Goes into Restructuring and will Close 33 Stores [Article Includes Expert Analysis]

The UK-based retailer filed overseas last month, and its Canadian operations will now be downsized as part of a restructuring that will see many stores remain open for now.

Anatomy of a Leader: Ken Keelor, CEO of Calgary Co-op

After moving to Canada from India in 1995, Keelor began working at Save-on-Foods and then other major retailers as his career progressed upwards.

Modern Golf Opening Innovative Golf Social Experience in Downtown Toronto’s First Canadian Place [Interview]

The 8,500-square-foot Financial District space will feature multiple bays, bars, lounge areas, and partnerships with Food Dudes for food and beverage offerings, marking a significant shift in the company's growth strategy.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Gears Up for Nationwide Expansion in Canada with Innovative Store Formats [Interview]

New locations in new markets are planned, including a mix of Doughnut Café concepts and manufacturing locations for the public called 'Theatre Hubs'.

Growing Crisis in Retail Inventory in Canada as Factory Direct Liquidates Stores [Interview]

The founder of A.D. Hennick & Associates says he's seeing overwhelming demand to liquidate inventory, indicating a concerning trend in the industry as more retailers look to insolvency.

Henry Singer Unveils Downtown Edmonton Flagship Store at the ICE District, Featuring a Bar, Barber and Shoe Shine [Photos/Interview]

Jordan Singer discusses how the upscale menswear retailer recently relocated its Edmonton flagship store from Manulife Place into a 10,000 square foot space at the base of Western Canada's tallest building.

Landlord QuadReal Launches Pickleball Courts in Commercial Properties to Create Consumer Experience [Interview/Photos]

The initiative helps revitalize and re-imagine spaces using sustainable development practices, while incorporating the latest technology to enhance the visitor experience, blending physical and digital elements.

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