Retail Insider Canada
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Canadian retail news and analysis.
Recent Posts
News•Feb 24, 2026
Home Depot Sees Fiscal 2025 Sales Surpassing $164 Billion US
Home Depot reported fiscal 2025 sales of $164.7 billion, a 3.2% increase over the prior year, driven by modest comparable sales growth. Fourth‑quarter sales slipped 3.8% to $38.2 billion, reflecting a shorter reporting period and lingering consumer uncertainty. Net earnings fell slightly despite higher revenue, while adjusted diluted EPS declined to $14.69. The retailer forecast FY2026 sales growth of 2.5%‑4.5% and plans to open roughly 15 new stores while targeting a 33.1% gross margin.
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 24, 2026
Partnerships Key to Unlocking Value in Payments Space: KPMG International
KPMG International’s new report warns that banks and retailers must forge strategic partnerships to keep pace with rapid payment‑technology change. Survey data from 500 banks and 500 retailers shows 54 % of retailers consider payment modernization essential, yet only 45 % say...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 24, 2026
Quebec Retail Hours Pilot Expands Weekend Shopping
Starting March 11, 2026 Quebec will launch a province‑wide, one‑year pilot that lets most retailers stay open until 9:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, ending the long‑standing 5:00 PM weekend curfew. Participation is voluntary, allowing merchants to choose hours based on staffing...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 24, 2026
Cautious Holiday Spending Softens Typical January Credit Card Delinquency Spike: Equifax Canada
Equifax Canada’s Q4 2025 credit report shows total consumer debt rose to $2.65 trillion, up 3.1% year‑over‑year, driven by higher mortgage balances and a 4.5% jump in non‑mortgage debt. Non‑mortgage delinquency peaked at 1.73%, with the 26‑35 age group posting the highest...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 23, 2026
Reese’s Quality Debate Highlights Shrinkflation Risk
Brad Reese, grandson of the Reese’s creator, publicly accused Hershey of lowering quality in newer Reese’s extensions, while the company insists the classic cup remains unchanged. The criticism highlights a shift toward cheaper ingredients and smaller portions in seasonal and...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 20, 2026
U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Trump Tariffs a Welcome Development for Canadian Businesses
The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday struck down many of President Trump’s tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, including several that targeted Canadian imports. The ruling was hailed by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business as a...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 20, 2026
Why Ethical Shopping Intentions Fail at Checkout
Canadians express strong support for ethically produced goods, yet rising food prices push cost to the forefront of purchase decisions. Researchers found that framing the ethical premium as a price increase discourages buying, while offering the same price with a...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 20, 2026
Loblaw Expands AI Commerce With Google Gemini
Loblaw Companies Limited has partnered with Google to let Canadian shoppers buy health, beauty and apparel items directly through Google Search’s AI Mode and the Gemini app. The move makes Loblaw the first major Canadian retailer to enable purchases via...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 20, 2026
Vancouver Dessert Brand Plans Expansion Through Franchising
Vancouver‑based dessert chain The Praguery, known for European‑style chimney cakes with ice cream, is moving from four locations to a franchise model after six years of organic growth. Founder Jaroslav Mestka has codified a repeatable operating system and finalized franchise...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 20, 2026
Retail Sales Decrease in December: Statistics Canada
Retail sales in Canada slipped 0.4% to $70 billion in December, marking the first monthly decline of the year. The drop was driven by a 1.6% fall in motor vehicle and parts dealers, while gasoline stations and fuel vendors posted a...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 20, 2026
Activity Picking up at Calgary CF Market Mall and CF Chinook Centre
Calgary’s CF Market Mall and CF Chinook Centre are seeing a surge in leasing activity as Cadillac Fairview secures new retailers and brand expansions. Recent deals include Samsung, La Vie en Rose doubling its footprint, and first‑to‑market concepts like The...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 20, 2026
CFIB Survey: Tax Burden Tops Small Business Concerns in Canada as Retailers Cite Costs, Regulation and Crime
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) released its latest Members Opinion Survey, revealing that 72% of small and medium‑sized enterprises cite tax burden as their top concern. Regulation and labour shortages follow closely, each affecting roughly half of respondents,...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 18, 2026
RioCan REIT Reports ‘Strong Year’ for 2025 with 5 Million Square Feet of Leasing Activity
RioCan REIT reported a robust 2025, delivering 5 million square feet of leasing activity and a record‑high new‑lease spread of 37.3%. Blended leasing spreads rose to 21.1%, while same‑property NOI grew 3.6% for the year. The trust repatriated $741.7 million of capital,...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 18, 2026
KITS Issues First-Quarter Guidance, Projects Revenue of up to $60 Million
Kits Eyecare Ltd. forecast first‑quarter revenue of $58 million to $60 million, reflecting 25‑29% organic growth. Glasses sales are expected to top $10 million, a year‑over‑year increase of more than 50%. The company projects adjusted EBITDA margins of 4‑6% while maintaining a disciplined...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 18, 2026
CT REIT Reports Q4 and 2025 Annual Financial Results, Portfolio Continues to Expand
CT Real Estate Investment Trust reported a strong 2025 year, investing roughly $235 million in projects and expanding its portfolio by about 893,000 sq ft of gross leasable area. The fourth quarter saw net income rise to $191.3 million, up $56 million year‑over‑year, and AFFO...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 18, 2026
Rising Costs Reshape Canadian Retail Development
Canadian retail development is confronting a new cost regime, with construction, labour and soft‑costs rising to a permanent higher baseline. Developers, tenants and investors are forced to recalibrate rent expectations and yield targets, creating a three‑way tug‑of‑war over profitability. Necessity‑anchored...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 18, 2026
Ford Considers Family Day Mall Openings in Ontario
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the province will explore amending the Retail Business Holidays Act to allow most malls to remain open on Family Day. Currently, the law forces closures on nine statutory holidays, though downtown Toronto’s Eaton Centre operates...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 17, 2026
How To Sell On Social Media: What You Need To Know Before Posting Products
The article outlines a step‑by‑step framework for selling products on social media, emphasizing platform selection, compliance, and visual storytelling. It details how Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube each suit different buyer intents and highlights common pitfalls such as category...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 17, 2026
AI Transcription Technology Is Helping Retail Teams Automate Meetings and Content
AI transcription technology is being adopted by retail teams to automatically capture meeting conversations, turning spoken updates into searchable text. The solution eliminates reliance on handwritten notes and fragmented recap emails, ensuring every detail—from inventory decisions to task assignments—is preserved....
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 17, 2026
The Future of Retail: Integrating 3D Renderings Services with Augmented Reality (AR)
E‑commerce is moving from static product images to immersive 3D renderings that power augmented reality “see in your room” experiences. High‑quality, low‑poly models with PBR materials and optimized formats like USDZ and glTF enable real‑time performance on smartphones while preserving...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 17, 2026
HEYTEA Opens First Canadian Lab in Toronto
HEYTEA opened its first Canadian HEYTEA Lab on Level 1 of Toronto’s CF Eaton Centre, marking the brand’s experimental flagship debut in Canada and its second Lab in North America after New York. The 1,800‑sq‑ft store showcases research‑driven tea concepts, limited‑edition drinks...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 17, 2026
RONA Foundation Opens Applications for $1M Build From the Heart Campaign
RONA Foundation has launched its 2026 Build from the Heart campaign, allocating $1 million to support construction and renovation projects for vulnerable Canadians. Applications are open from February 16 to March 13, and seven nonprofit organizations will be selected to receive grants. The...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 17, 2026
Daily Synopsis: Retailers Embrace Sustainability and Experiential Growth
Retailers across Canada are doubling down on sustainability and experiential growth. Toronto chocolatier Aline Nasseh used a seasonal pop‑up at Holt Renfrew Yorkdale to showcase customizable bonbons, proving a low‑cost path to premium retail exposure. Montreal‑based Leyad acquired Winnipeg’s St. Vital Centre for...
By Retail Insider Canada
Deals•Feb 16, 2026
Leyad Acquires St. Vital Centre for $160.5 Million
Montreal-based Leyad has acquired Winnipeg's St. Vital Centre for $160.5 million, expanding its presence in the Prairie provinces. The acquisition positions Leyad to leverage the mall's strong tenant mix and anticipated Uniqlo store, aiming for long‑term value creation.
Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 15, 2026
Diamonds-USA.com: Luxury Jewelry. Personal Attention. Real Trust
Diamonds‑USA, founded by gemologist David Braverman in 1997, blends boutique‑level service with an online platform to sell certified diamonds and custom jewelry. The company’s hand‑checked ordering process and 100% money‑back guarantee have produced a near‑zero return rate, a rarity in...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 14, 2026
Aline Nasseh Chocolates Pop Up at Holt Renfrew
Toronto‑based Aline Nasseh Artisan Chocolates launched a seasonal pop‑up at Holt Renfrew Yorkdale, running through February 22 and featuring a limited‑edition Valentine’s collection. The activation gave the two‑year‑old brand exposure to a luxury retail audience and generated stronger‑than‑expected sales despite post‑holiday lulls...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 13, 2026
Kildonan Place Announces $30-Million Redevelopment and New Zero Waste Food Court (Renderings)
Kildonan Place in Winnipeg is investing $30 million to redevelop its centre, featuring a new zero‑waste food court, a redesigned entrance, and the demolition of the former theatre. The food court will expand from eight to ten vendors, increase seating from...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 13, 2026
Canadians Plan to Drink Less Alcohol and Power up Protein in 2026: Square
Canadians are dialing back alcohol, with 28% intending to reduce consumption in 2026, according to a Square survey. While non‑alcoholic drink sales rose 4.3% in early January, alcoholic‑beverage sales still grew 8.6%, indicating moderation rather than abstinence. Health and cost...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 13, 2026
Return Policies Deterring Nearly Half of Shoppers Before Checkout: Cashew Research
Cashew Research’s "Data Drop: The Returns Revolt" surveyed 2,000 North‑American shoppers and found that 47% hesitate to buy when return shipping isn’t free. The study shows returns act as a trust signal that shapes conversion rates before checkout, not just...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 11, 2026
First Capital REIT Delivers “Solid” Financial Results with Total Portfolio Occupancy up to 97.1%
First Capital REIT reported solid Q4 and full‑year 2025 results, with operating FFO per unit rising 7% YoY to $0.34 and total portfolio occupancy reaching 97.1%, a 30‑basis‑point improvement. Lease‑renewal spreads jumped 15.8% and average net rental rates hit a...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 11, 2026
Slate Grocery REIT Sees 1.7 Million Square Feet of Total Leasing in 2025
Slate Grocery REIT reported completing 1.7 million square feet of total leasing in 2025, underscoring the durability of grocery‑anchored assets amid a shifting macro environment. Renewals were secured at 14.9% above expiring rents while new leases commanded a 34.9% premium to...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 10, 2026
GARAGE Launches U.K. E-Commerce as Part of International Expansion
GARAGE, the Montreal‑based women’s apparel brand, has launched a dedicated e‑commerce platform for the United Kingdom, offering shipping to all four nations. The digital rollout precedes the opening of its first physical stores on London’s Oxford Street and at Bluewater...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 10, 2026
Consumer Insolvencies Reach Second-Highest Annual Level on Record in 2025 as Business Filings Fall
Consumer insolvencies in Canada rose 2.3% in 2025 to 140,457 filings, the second‑highest on record and averaging 385 per day. Household debt hit $2.62 trillion, up 3.4% YoY, while average non‑mortgage debt reached $22,321. Business insolvencies fell 21.8% to 4,840 filings...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 10, 2026
Dr. Phone Fix Reports Preliminary 2025 Revenue of $12.1 Million, EBITDA Improvement
Dr. Phone Fix Canada Corp. posted preliminary 2025 results showing revenue of about $12.1 million, a 19% increase over 2024, and adjusted EBITDA rising to roughly $0.6 million. Gross margins remained in the high‑40% range while the store base expanded from 35 to...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 10, 2026
Canadian Apparel Market Rebounded Strongly in 2025
Canadian apparel sales are projected to grow about 8.5% in 2025, erasing the 2.8% decline recorded in 2024. The rebound is anchored by a pronounced consumer shift toward value, fueling a 16.7% surge in resale apparel. Retailers that excelled in...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 9, 2026
Steve’s Music Restructures, Closing Most Stores
Steve’s Music, the Montreal‑born musical instrument retailer founded in 1965, announced a major restructuring that will close four of its five Canadian stores, leaving only its flagship on Rue Sainte‑Catherine East open. The company has launched “everything must go” liquidation...
By Retail Insider Canada
News•Feb 9, 2026
Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For February 9, 2026
Canadian retail headlines on Feb 9, 2026 highlight heightened regulatory pressure, aggressive discount expansion, and a surge in experiential initiatives. Canadian Tire agreed to pay a $1.29 million fine for false‑pricing in Quebec, while Loblaw rolled out new Maxi discount stores and Walmart...
By Retail Insider Canada
Deals•Feb 3, 2026
Grosvenor Acquires Full Ownership of Broadmead Village Shopping Centre for $47.75M
Grosvenor has bought out ADMNS’s 50% stake in the Broadmead Village shopping centre in Victoria, BC, paying $47.75 million and valuing the asset at $95.5 million. The transaction consolidates full ownership of the grocery‑anchored retail asset, marking one of the first large...
Retail Insider Canada
Deals•Jan 21, 2026
Northland Properties Acquires Full Canadian Rights to Denny’s Brand
Northland Properties, a Vancouver‑based hospitality firm, has acquired the trademarks, intellectual property and exclusive rights to the Denny’s brand in Canada, including an equity stake in Denny’s Inc. The deal gives Northland full control of the 85‑restaurant chain after three...
Retail Insider Canada