In the pre-conference rush last week, the publication gremlins paid us a visit, leaving some confusing information in one of the published reports. In the report on Forum’s Marche Lechenaie in Terrebonne, the addition of the new Pizza Hut will leave only one unit, a 3310 square foot location, available for immediate occupancy. Incorrect copy from a previous report stating that two units were available somehow found its way into the report. The correct version is in the quarterly report and D&C’s Top Sites (www.devandchains.com)………….
Toronto Premium Outlets, located in the Town of Halton Hills has submitted plans to the city for a 116,000 square foot expansion that could add about 25 stores and a new four-level parking garage, according to recent INsauga online news reports. Depending on approvals, construction could start this year. Simon Property Group opened the 800,000 square foot outlet mall in 2013. (Toronto Premium Outlets – www.premiumoutlets.com)………
Earlier this week, the Calgary Flames and Imperial Oil announced a partnership in support of the Esso Community Arena, a 1,000-seat indoor community rink located at Scotia Place in Calgary, scheduled to open in 2027. As Calgary’s only downtown indoor community rink, the Esso Community Arena will be an integral component of the Scotia Place development and surrounding district. The Esso Community Arena will support both professional and community hockey. Designed to prioritize community access, the multi-use facility will support new and existing Flames Foundation programs as well as the broader Calgary community. The arena will also be utilized as a practice facility for the Calgary Flames, Calgary Hitmen and Calgary Wranglers. (Imperial Oil – www.imperialoil.ca)……….
Earlier in the month, Edmonton-based AutoCanada Inc. announced the completion of its acquisition of Modern Autobody, a single-location collision and refinish repair facility located in Edmonton. Then, earlier this week, the multi-location Canadian automobile dealership and collision repair group, announced that it has completed the sale of Toyota of Lincoln Park dealership in Chicago. This dealership is part of the U.S. dealerships reclassified as discontinued operations at year-end 2024. The disposition of Toyota of Lincoln Park represents continued progress in the company’s previously announced plan to exit its U.S. Operations segment. AutoCanada’s Canadian Dealership Operations include 64 franchised dealerships representing 23 automotive brands across eight provinces, as well as three independent used dealerships. (AutoCanada Inc. – www.autocan.ca)…………..
For its first quarter that ended December 20th, 2025, food store and drug store network METRO Inc. reported sales of $5,285.8 million(Cdn), up 3.3 percent versus the first quarter of the prior year which ended on December 21, 2024. Sales were negatively impacted by the transfer of one significant pre-Christmas shopping day to the second quarter this year and by the temporary shutdown of its frozen food distribution centre in Toronto. Food same-store sales were up 1.6 percent in the first quarter of Fiscal 2026 and up 1.9 percent when adjusting for the Christmas shift. Online food sales were up 25.8 percent versus last year. Pharmacy same-store sales were up 3.9 percent, with a 5.1 percent increase in prescription drugs and a 1.3 percent increase in front-store sales, primarily driven by health and beauty and partially offset by a delayed cough and cold season. (METRO Inc – www.metro.ca)…………
Arc’teryx Equipment, the global design company specializing in technical high-performance apparel and equipment, has appointed Avery Baker as its first-ever Chief Brand Officer, a newly created executive role that marks a significant step in the company’s global evolution. Ms Baker will report to CEO Stuart Haselden and will lead global brand strategy, marketing, communications, and the establishment of an industry-leading consumer experience team. In addition, Tobia Prevedello has been appointed General Manager, EMEA, bringing more than 20 years of international leadership experience across EMEA and APAC. Most recently, Prevedello served as Managing Director for EMEA at CELINE, overseeing regional business strategy, operations, and performance. These appointments follow several strategic executive additions strengthening Arc’teryx’s world class global leadership capabilities, including Matt Bolte as Chief Merchandising Officer, Marissa Pardini as General Manager, Veilance, and Ben Stubbington as Creative Director, Veilance. (Arc’teryx Equipment – www.arcteryx.com)……….
French Connection Group, the London-based global fashion brand has announced a long-term partnership with New York-based G-III Apparel Group, a global expert in fashion, to develop and distribute men’s and women’s apparel and selected accessory products across North America. Effective February 1, 2026, the agreement marks a major milestone in French Connection’s growth strategy, reinforcing the long-term vision set by its current owner, MIP Holdings. G-III Apparel Group owns and licenses a portfolio of more than 30 preeminent brands, including DKNY, Donna Karan, Karl Lagerfeld, and Vilebrequin, and licenses over 20 major brand in global fashion, including Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Levi’s, Nautica, Champion, Halston, Converse, BCBG, and major national sports leagues, among others. (French Connection Group – www.frenchconnection.com) & (G-III Apparel Group – www.giii.com)……….
Have a great week and don’t forget, buy Canadian…………