Retail Council of Canada has named Kathleen McLaughlin of Walmart Inc. and Fisk Johnson of SC Johnson as the inaugural recipients of its Sustainable Leaders of the Year Award. The award recognizes leaders who have achieved measurable environmental progress across the retail value chain and advanced sustainability through business practices, innovation, and policy. Ms McLaughlin, Walmart’s Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, has led initiatives covering sustainable sourcing, supply chains, jobs, and community resilience. A major achievement is Walmart’s Project Gigaton, which engaged more than 5,900 suppliers to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by one gigaton. Walmart reached this goal in 2024, six years ahead of its 2030 target.
Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson, has championed practical solutions to plastic waste, renewable energy, carbon reduction, green chemistry, and ingredient transparency. He has advocated for stronger plastic regulations, including Extended Producer Responsibility, and supports a global treaty to address plastic pollution. His leadership has earned numerous environmental awards. RCC will also recognize 60 finalists across ten Retail Sustainability Excellence Award categories at the October 28 gala, following RCC’s Retail Sustainability Conference at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on October 27th and 28th. (RCC’s Retail Sustainability Conference – www.retailcouncil.org)………..
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business reports that most Canadian municipalities are not creating favourable conditions for small businesses. Its first-ever Open for Business: Canada’s 2026 Municipal Report Card, based on data collected through December 31, 2025, assessed 66 municipalities using eleven indicators covering costs, regulations and business friendliness. The results were concerning: 39 municipalities received an F, 18 received a D, five earned a C-, and only three received a C. Red Deer, Alberta, ranked highest with a C+, followed by Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and Strathcona County, Alberta, both receiving a C. Coquitlam, Saguenay and Mission ranked among the lowest, receiving an F. CFIB argues that municipalities have a major influence on small businesses but are not doing enough to support them. Higher-ranked municipalities generally offered fairer property taxation, targeted tax relief, simpler permits, digital licensing, clear permit timelines, construction mitigation measures and business-friendly online services. To improve conditions, CFIB recommends reducing unnecessary permits and regulations, providing tax relief, publishing service standards, creating online red-tape feedback portals, supporting businesses affected by construction and improving access to municipal procurement opportunities. Future report cards will track progress and highlight successful practices. (Canadian Federation of Independent Business – www.cfib-fcei.ca)………
Lola Beans, a rapidly expanding dual drive-thru beverage brand, has signed a five-unit development agreement to enter the Miami market. The six-year-old company offers handcrafted coffee, energy drinks, teas, lemonades and its signature Lola Colas, or infused sodas. The agreement follows recent expansion deals, including a six-unit agreement in Delaware. The Miami franchisees, Daniela Gonzalez and Joangel ‘Joey’ Lopez, chose Lola Beans because they believe its modern drive-thru model combines the convenience needed by Miami’s fast-paced lifestyle with the personal connection and community spirit associated with traditional cafecito culture. The couple plans to develop five locations over the next five years. The Miami deal adds to Lola Beans’ rapid growth since franchising began in early 2025. Recent agreements include six units in Delaware and 120 units in Texas. The company has also assembled an experienced franchise support team focused on operations, marketing, site selection, supply chain and procurement as it expands nationwide. (Lola Beans – www.lolabeans.com)………
Groupe Robin has announced a major expansion of its Holiday Inn Express hotel in Saint-Hyacinthe in Quebec, converting the property into a dual-brand Holiday Inn Express & Suites and Candlewood Suites. Construction begins in August 2026 and is slated to finish in 2027, adding 40 rooms and introducing Candlewood’s extended-stay concept. The new accommodations will include studios and suites designed as mini-apartments with fully equipped kitchens and dedicated workspaces; suites will feature a separate enclosed bedroom. This project builds on Groupe Robin’s broader Quebec hotel development, reflecting the strength of its IHG partnership since 2009, which has yielded seven IHG-branded hotels in Quebec. (Groupe Robin – www.grouperobin.com)……….
Have a great week and get your appointment lined up for ICSC@Canada. It’s only a few weeks away……………