News
KaleMart24 Eyes 100-Store Network as Canadian Expansion Accelerates
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.
Tanya Taylor Opens First Canadian Store in Toronto’s Summerhill Neighbourhood
Toronto-born designer Tanya Taylor has opened her first Canadian boutique at The James in Summerhill. The 750-square-foot store is her brand's third standalone location and joins a growing mix of specialty retailers at Scrivener Square.
Loblaw Expands Multi-Brand Apparel Strategy Beyond Joe Fresh
Loblaw is expanding Joe Fresh with national and licensed apparel brands as Costco, Walmart and Winners compete for Canadian clothing shoppers.
Toronto-Based REFORMD Expands to California with Major Fitness and Wellness Studio
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.
MTY Food Group Shifts Focus to Franchising as Canadian Restaurant Sales Stabilize
MTY Food Group is reducing corporate-owned restaurants and reviewing its brand portfolio as Canadian sales stabilize. Mall-based restaurants, breakfast concepts and sushi brands are among the strongest performers, while the company targets renewed growth through franchising.
Oakridge Park Hosts Fashion Showcase with John Legend and Joe Zee in Vancouver
Vancouver's Oakridge Park hosted its inaugural Front Row fashion showcase on October 15, with Joe Zee hosting and John Legend performing live at the piano. The event brought together the city's luxury retail community as the newly opened development expands its cultural programming.
Groupe Marcelle partners with Dentsu Creative Canada on brand growth
Montreal-based beauty company Groupe Marcelle has partnered with Dentsu Creative Canada to support the development of its Marcelle, Watier and Annabelle brands.
Recipe Unlimited to acquire Greece-based restaurant operator Evergood
The Canadian restaurant company has signed an agreement to acquire Evergood, which operates more than 575 restaurants across five brands in Greece and regional markets.
Daily Synopsis: October 15, 2026
Patagonia opening downtown Kelowna store Friday, No Frills opening in SW Edmonton, Denny's expanding with Woodstock location, metro Vancouver restaurant named best in North America, and other news.
Canada’s Food Affordability Crisis Goes Beyond Grocery Prices
As World Food Day approaches, Sylvain Charlebois examines the widening divide between Canada's agricultural strength and household food security. New income and expense comparisons show why rising disposable incomes have not eliminated affordability pressures for lower- and middle-income Canadians.
mini mioche Returns to Toronto Retail as Trade War Reshapes Growth Strategy
mini mioche opens a Toronto flagship as CEO Jacquelyn Corbett discusses trade uncertainty, Canadian manufacturing, wholesale growth and retail expansion.
Who Shopped HBC’s Women’s Floor, and Where They’ve Gone
New Environics Analytics research examines Hudson’s Bay’s affluent women’s clothing shoppers, their spending habits and the retailers attracting them.
Are Canadian Retailers Making Shopping Too Complicated? Samsung Research Raises Questions
New Samsung Canada research finds that 68% of Canadians say technology gives them more to manage. Samsung executive Tarik Akad tells Retail Insider why retailers should reconsider how apps, loyalty programs and digital communications affect the customer experience.
Canadians keep spending through higher oil prices but momentum eased in September: RBC
RBC data shows Canadian consumer spending continued to grow in September, led by services, while higher fuel costs pressured household purchasing power and discretionary goods spending remained subdued.
Canadian Retailers Face a Costly Employee Retention Challenge
Canadian retailers face rising employee turnover costs. Suzanne Sears explains how training and career development can help businesses retain staff.
Golf Town invests $15 million in Oakville flagship store
The 40,000-square-foot Oakville store becomes Golf Town’s 50th Canadian location, featuring expanded custom fitting, golf simulators and dedicated brand spaces.
Reitmans commits to providing one million meals through five-year food bank partnership
The Canadian apparel retailer is marking its 100th anniversary with a five-year partnership with Food Banks Canada to support people facing food insecurity.
Daily Synopsis: October 14, 2026
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
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.
Thai Express Is Betting on Calamari as Canada’s Next Quick-Service Premium Protein
Following the success of last year's lobster launch, the Canadian-born QSR brings another premium seafood favourite beyond the traditional restaurant appetizer.
Retail Insider @ Rotman Returns November 3 with Four Canadian Retail Leaders Exploring Customer Fit
Retail Insider and Rotman reunite November 3 for four fireside chats on finding customer fit. Leaders from Harry Rosen, Roots, SMYTHE and Absolutely Fabrics will discuss changing consumer expectations, retail strategy and the future of Canadian retail.
AI-Powered Scams Target Holiday Shoppers as Retail Fraud Risks Rise, Infobip Report Finds
Infobip’s 2026 Fraud & Security Report examines how AI is scaling phishing scams and how retailers can use AI-powered detection to protect shoppers.
Browns Shoes Expands Canadian Store Network Following Toronto Eaton Centre Flagship Opening
Browns Shoes opens a new Toronto Eaton Centre flagship and outlines Canadian store openings, renovations and relocations planned through 2027.
Calgary’s Stoked Oats Doubles Revenue as It Expands Into Costco and Asian Markets
Calgary-based Stoked Oats nearly doubled revenue in 2025 and expects further growth in 2026, expanding its oat-based products across Canada, Japan and South Korea.
Bonobos rolls out Shopify-powered online shopping and in-store technology
The menswear retailer is introducing digital fit profiles, automated customer follow-ups and integrated checkout across its e-commerce platform and 48 U.S. Guideshops.
- Advertisement -
