Retail Council of Canada has announced that Michael Brownstein, CEO of Browns Shoes will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Excellence in Retailing Awards. This honour is presented to a distinguished industry leader whose business success and community leadership have had an enduring impact on the retail industry. Brownstein joined Browns in 1973 and was appointed President in 1998. Over the next 25 years, he transformed the Montreal institution into a national chain expanding the Browns banner to over 70 locations across Canada and cementing the brand’s status as North America’s largest independent footwear retailer. He also launched a successful sister chain, B2, which has grown to nine locations nationwide. The Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala will cap off the first day of RCCSTORE26 taking place in Toronto on June 2 and 3, 2026 (Retail Council of Canada – www.retailcouncil.org)……….
Real estate investment and development firm, Montreal-based Leyad last week announced a series of senior appointments and promotions as the firm continues to scale its national platform and deepen its operational capabilities. Anthony Casalanguida has been appointed Vice President, Retail, bringing over 25 years of experience leading high-performing retail, office, and mixed-use portfolios across Canada. Prior to joining Leyad, he spent 16 years at Oxford Properties Group, where he most recently served as Vice President, Retail, overseeing a portfolio exceeding $4 billion across multiple provinces and leading a team of over 400 professionals. He previously served as General Manager of Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. Leyad has also appointed Dina Lianos as Director of Operations. Ms Lianos joins from Colliers, where she developed extensive experience in property operations and asset performance. In her new role, she will focus on enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the continued growth of Leyad’s national portfolio. In addition, Gregory Castiel has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Commercial Properties. In this expanded role, Castiel will oversee Leyad’s national commercial portfolio, comprising approximately $2 billion in assets across eight provinces, and lead a broad team of leasing, operations, and property management professionals. (Leyad – www.leyad.ca)………….
Minto Apartment REIT has entered into an agreement to sell its 150 Roehampton property in Toronto to a private real estate investor. The sale price is $90.75 million(Cdn). Upon closing, the proceeds of approximately $67 million, net of mortgages and commissions, will be used to repay a portion of the REIT’s variable-rate revolving credit facility and for general trust purposes. 150 Roehampton was built in 2007 and comprises 148 newly-renovated suites and a full-suite of amenities and is located near the intersection of Yonge and Eglinton in Toronto. The transaction is anticipated to close in Q2 2026. (Minto Apartment REIT – www.mintoapartmentreit.com)………….
Curaleaf Holdings Inc., a leading international provider of consumer cannabis products, opened its new dispensary in Cape Coral, located at the Shops at Del Mar plaza at 345 SW 10th Pl Cape Coral in Florida last week. This new location brings the company’s Florida footprint to 72 stores and its nationwide store count to 163. “With 72 stores statewide, our growing presence in Florida reflects our commitment to the state and its medical patients,” said Chairman, CEO Boris Jordan. “Our longstanding roots, market expertise, and quality products allow us to expand thoughtfully into communities needing greater access to medical cannabis, while delivering an exceptional retail experience to our patients.” (Curaleaf Holdings Inc. – www.curaleaf.com)…………
Over the weekend, Happy Belly Food Group Inc. celebrated the grand opening of its newest Heal Wellness at 800-49th Ave SW, in the Britannia neighbourhood of Calgary. “This Calgary opening marks another meaningful step forward as we continue scaling Heal across high-quality, health-forward markets throughout Canada,” said CEO Sean Black. “Reaching our 35th Heal Wellness location nationwide is an important milestone for the brand and a reflection of the continued demand we are seeing for convenient, wellness-focused food offerings.” Heal Wellness is a fast-growing quick-service restaurant brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, açaí bowls, and smoothies, built around clean ingredients and a better-for-you lifestyle. The chain continues to expand rapidly across Canada and into the United States with more than 173 restaurants in development. (Happy Belly Food Group – www.happybellyfg.com)………..
Tim Hortons is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the launch of Timbits back in 1976 with a special limited-edition 50-pack Timbits box that will start rolling out to restaurants across Canada shortly. “Fifty years ago, a little bite-sized donut started something much bigger than anyone could have imagined,” said President Axel Schwan. “From being passed around the car during a road trip, to being shared in the stands at the hockey rink, or on the field after a fun soccer game, Timbits became a treat that Canadians enjoyed together during special moments with family and friends.” While Timbits have been around for half a century, they continue to be incredibly popular, in fact, more Timbits were sold across Canada in 2025 compared to any other year on record. The most popular classic Timbits flavour in Canada last year – and for several years running – was the Chocolate Glazed. (Tim Hortons – www.timhortons.ca)…………
At the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards 2026, hosted in Montreal on April 23rd, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Groupe Dynamite, Andrew Lutfy will receive the Outstanding Achievement Award. This distinction recognizes his leadership and transformative impact across fashion, real estate, and hospitality. At the helm of Groupe Dynamite, Lutfy has led the evolution of a homegrown brand into a modern fashion platform, expanding across North America, successfully going public in 2024 and entering the UK. (Groupe Dynamite – www.groupedynamite.com)………..
Congratulations to Michael Brownstein and Andrew Lutfy. Have a great week and stay safe………….