Toys ‘R’ Us Canada has won court approval to launch a sale and investment process as it restructures under creditor protection, according to Canadian Press reports. Bids are due in May, with a buyer expected by June and closing, possibly in July. The retailer may sell all or part of its business, which includes up to about 18 stores, trademarks, and assets valued at $126.8 million. Ancaster, Ontario-based holding company Putman Investments acquired Toys ‘R’ Us Canada in 2021. (Toys ‘R’ Us Canada – www.toysrus.ca)………….
Yami, U.S. online marketplace for authentic Asian goods, has announced that its strategic partnership with Mitsubishi Corp. is now officially operational. The alliance marks Yami’s full leverage of a Japanese conglomerate’s resources to bring authentic Japanese products to North America. Mitsubishi has entered a long-term operating alliance with Yami, designed to modernize how Japanese food and lifestyle brands scale in North America. By pairing Mitsubishi Shokuhin’s 100-year-old supply chain infrastructure and network of 6,500 suppliers with Yami’s data-driven, direct-to-consumer platform, the companies are building a new market entry model for Japanese brands in the U.S. Anchored by a Series C strategic investment from Mitsubishi Corp., this strategic partnership reinforces Yami’s role as a key U.S. growth engine for Asian brands and will help fund the company’s expansion into Canada, marking the next phase of its international growth. (Yami – www.yami.com) & (Mitsubishi Corp.- www.mitsubishicorp.com)………….
Canadian delivery network, Skip has brought Loblaw Co. Ltd. onto its expanding retail network to bring fast and convenient grocery delivery coast to coast. From fresh produce to pantry staples and last-minute essentials, Canadians can now order their grocery needs on Skip across 13 participating Loblaw banners like No Frills, Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Maxi, and Your Independent Grocer. The collaboration marks another key milestone in Skip’s continued grocery expansion. Skip is Canada’s homegrown delivery network. What started in 2012 as a local start-up in the Prairies has grown into a Canadian technology success story, connecting millions of Canadians in over 450 cities and towns with more than 50,000 local restaurant, grocery, convenience and retail partners. (Loblaw Co Ltd – www.loblaws.ca) & (Skip – www.skipthedishes.com)……..
Consumer electronics repair and resale platform Dr. Phone Fix Canada Corp. has been named to the Financial Times list of The ‘Americas’ Fastest Growing Companies’ 2026 for the second consecutive year. Founded in 2019, Dr Phone Fix has rapidly scaled its footprint to 44 corporately owned locations nationwide, with a continued focus on disciplined growth through a combination of organic expansion, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. As Dr. Phone Fix continues to scale, management believes the combination of increasing store density, improving unit economics, and strategic partnerships is expected to support continued revenue growth and long-term shareholder value. (Dr. Phone Fix Canada Corp – www.docphonefix.com)…………
Next week, the ICSC is hosting the Canadian Law Conference (April 23rd and 24th) at the Hilton Toronto on Richmond St West in downtown Toronto. This annual event brings together retail real estate lawyers, landlords, tenants, developers, brokers, etc. to learn, network and discuss the latest legal issues that are affecting the retail property sector. In short, it’s a proven specialized legal and business forum designed to help retail real estate stakeholders stay compliant, reduce risk, and make smarter property decisions in a changing market.
In addition to various seminars and workshops, each morning there is a series of Roundtables on a wide range of leasing-related legal issues moderated by experienced legal professionals. They are concurrent Roundtables, each with a lot to offer. Take a close look at the subjects and pick what’s best for you.
Considering the changing face of the retail real estate industry in Canada, ICSC+Canadian Law is an event not to miss but bring your own shark repellent.
Have a great week and Buy Canadian.