Due to coming events and a related travel schedule, Developers & Chain will not be published on May 6th. The next Developers & Chains source letter will be issues on May 11th, 2026…………..
The says the federal Spring economic update offers a few helpful measures but falls short of addressing Canada’s ongoing small business decline. CFIB criticized Ottawa for prioritizing major projects and large corporations while leaving small and medium-sized businesses burdened by taxes and red tape. President Dan Kelly warned that without stronger support, Canada’s “entrepreneurial drought” will continue. A key positive is the reduction in CPP premiums from 9.9 percent to 9.5 percent, which CFIB says will save employers and employees $3 billion, partly offsetting rising EI costs. The group also welcomed new apprenticeship grants, a $10,000 wage incentive for trades employers, and the permanent Employee Ownership Trust tax exemption. However, CFIB remains concerned about persistent large deficits, warning they could lead to future tax hikes, while small business confidence remains fragile amid tariff and energy price uncertainty. (Canadian Federation of Independent Business – www.cfib.ca)………..
Global online fashion and lifestyle retailer SHEIN is expanding its partnership with the CoComelon children’s series through a new co-branded kidswear collection inspired by the popular children’s series. Designed for toddlers and babies, the CoComelon x SHEIN line features playful, comfortable clothing showcasing beloved characters from the show, blending fashion with the educational, music-driven spirit CoComelon is known for. The collection aims to offer affordable, everyday styles that support children’s active routines while appealing to parents and young fans alike. Prices range from $3 to $25, reflecting SHEIN’s accessible approach to fashion. The collaboration builds on both brands’ growing presence in children’s lifestyle products, combining SHEIN’s global retail reach with CoComelon’s massive international popularity. Known for teaching life skills through music, CoComelon reaches audiences in over 80 countries, while this partnership further extends its influence into family-friendly apparel and consumer products. (SHEIN – www.sheingroup.com) & (CoComelon – www.cocomelon.com)……..
Fiera Capital reports that Maxime Ménard has returned as Global President and CEO, effective immediately, after a medical leave. Gabriel Castiglio, who served as Interim CEO during Ménard’s absence, will return to his previous role as Executive Director and Global COO. Executive Chair Jean-Guy Desjardins welcomed Ménard back and thanked Castiglio for his leadership. Montreal-based Fiera Capital is a global independent asset management firm offering investment solutions across public and private markets, with offices in major financial centres worldwide. (Fiera Capital – www.fieracapital.com)………….
Reston, Virginia-based Comstock Holding Companies, Inc., an asset manager, developer, and operator of mixed-use and transit-oriented properties in the Washington, D.C. region, announced that it has assumed management of Dulles Town Center, a 1.4 million square foot regional shopping mall located in Dulles, Virginia, effective May 1, 2026. Dulles Town Center is Loudoun County’s largest and only fully enclosed regional mall and is located by two of the wealthiest counties in America. Comstock’s experience with planning, developing, and operating of multiple large-scale, mixed-use projects, including some of the largest in Northern Virginia, will bring Dulles Town Center an operating platform with a track record of strategic asset management and extraordinary customer service. Comstock is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the property, including property management, leasing, tenant relations, coordination of on-site activities and vendors, and marketing oversight. The company will also provide strategic asset direction services to property ownership, which includes the evaluation of re-development options that could increase overall utilization of the land where Dulles Town Center is situated. (Comstock Holding Companies Inc. – www.comstock.com)…………
Jacqueline Kalina has been appointed COO at Pizzaiolo, the Toronto-based chain of about 60 quick casual pizza restaurants in Ontario. A CPA, Ms Kalina brings over ten years’ experience in the restaurant industry, most recently as senior director, franchising and operations analytics at Tim Hortons. (Pizzaiolo – www.pizzaiolo.ca)…………
Coast Appliances has launched going-out-of-business sales at all 17 Canadian locations and online after filing under CCAA, with Hilco Global overseeing liquidation. Shoppers and trade buyers can access ten to 30 percent discounts on premium appliances. (Hilco Global – www.hilcoglobal.com)………..
In early June, La Cage – Brasserie Sportive opens its second location in France in Aix-en-Province. In 2024, La Cage opened its first international location in Bordeaux-Begles in France through a 2023 agreement with Francois Bultel, founder of Boulangerie Ange. Operating since 1984 in Quebec, La Cage is a chain of over 35 sports-themed restaurants. (La Cage – www.cage.ca)………………
Don’t forget, next weekend is Mother’s Day, definitely not a day to forget. And have a great day………….