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  • Lululemon Appoints Heidi O’Neill as CEO After Comparable Sales Drop Nine per Cent

    Lululemon Appoints Heidi O’Neill as CEO After Comparable Sales Drop Nine per Cent

    Former Nike executive Heidi O’Neill took charge of Lululemon on September 8 after second-quarter comparable sales dropped nine per cent.

    Net revenue fell four per cent year over year. In the United States, comparable store sales sank 12 per cent.

    The Vancouver-based activewear company lowered its full-year financial outlook and scaled back its physical retail pipeline. Lululemon now plans to open 35 net new stores in 2026, down from an earlier target of 40. It will also trim its operational pop-up fleet to about 40 locations, down from 65 at the end of last year.

    Slowing Demand Hits Global Expansion

    For landlords and retail operators across Asia and the Pacific, the pullback signals that premium athleisure no longer guarantees footfall. Rapid international sales growth previously cushioned softening retail demand in North America. That buffer eroded in the second quarter when international comparable sales slipped into decline.

    Fast-growing rivals such as Vuori and Alo Yoga continue to capture shelf space and customer loyalty across key metropolitan hubs. Lululemon must defend high price points without the product novelty that originally justified them. That leaves franchise partners and department store landlords facing softer conversion rates.

    Product Fatigue and Pricing Pressure

    Expansion into non-core lifestyle categories failed to resonate with shoppers looking for technical performance. High price tags compounded the problem as consumers rejected premium pricing on basic assortments.

    “The reason they are is that Lululemon has gone firmly off the boil,” said Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData.

    O’Neill’s operational task centres on rebuilding the product engine rather than relying on discounts. Americas revenue slipped three per cent in the first quarter, then dropped eight per cent in the second quarter. Core customer fatigue is accelerating.

    Targets for the Turnaround

    Momentum has slowed over several quarters. The brand built its original market dominance on proprietary yoga fabrics and studio ambassador networks. Aggressive international scaling then diluted its product focus and slowed its development cycles.

    Investors and retail property operators are tracking O’Neill’s initial 90-day operating review and the third-quarter earnings release. Progress against the revised 35-store opening plan will show whether core product fixes can stabilise full-price sales.

  • PharmaResearch Rolls Out Rejuran Cosmetics Across 148 Sephora Canada Stores

    PharmaResearch Rolls Out Rejuran Cosmetics Across 148 Sephora Canada Stores

    South Korea’s PharmaResearch launched its Rejuran Cosmetics skincare line across all 148 Sephora Canada stores on Sept. 1.

    The nationwide rollout places eight product formulations, including its Turnover Ampoule and Dual Effect Ampoule, into Canadian retail stores alongside Sephora’s online channel.

    Featured on Sephora Canada’s Skincare Next Big Thing Wall, the collection relies on c-PDRN, a cosmetic ingredient purified from wild salmon DNA. PharmaResearch developed the compound from the polynucleotide technologies it uses in its injectable aesthetic skin boosters sold across more than 50 countries.

    Translating Clinical Injectables to Prestige Shelves

    The Canadian retail launch extends a clear playbook: converting medical aesthetic brand equity into mass prestige topical products. Consumers familiar with professional clinic procedures in Asia are increasingly seeking the same bio-active ingredients in daily skincare regimens.

    “Through a tailored omnichannel strategy, we aim to build meaningful connections with Canadian consumers and strengthen our market presence,” said Jooyeon Song, Head of Cosmetics at PharmaResearch USA.

    Margin Pressures and Shelf Competition

    Derma-cosmetic brands derived from Asian pharmaceuticals face a different commercial environment in North American retail compared to domestic clinic networks. Prestige beauty retailers demand heavy promotional support, co-op marketing fees, and dedicated floor space allocations that can compress wholesale margins if inventory turns slow down.

    Competition on the derma-skincare wall is intense. Rejuran must defend shelf share against entrenched clinical lines and lower-priced Korean skincare competitors already commanding established followings across Canadian cities.

    US Manufacturing Shapes North American Strategy

    In July, PharmaResearch agreed to acquire California contract manufacturer Cosmetic Group USA to secure domestic production capacity and stabilize supply lines across the Americas. That transaction followed the brand’s US retail debut in Sephora stores earlier in the year and coincided with a concurrent retail entry into Sephora Singapore.

    PharmaResearch will now focus on closing the integration of Cosmetic Group USA’s production facilities to supply North American retail channels directly and cut transpacific freight lead times from its Gangneung base.

  • Chinese Electric Vehicle Makers Prepare Canada Launch with Lower Cost Models

    Chinese Electric Vehicle Makers Prepare Canada Launch with Lower Cost Models

    Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are preparing shipments to Canada, offering advanced vehicle technology at price points below established North American competitors.

    Domestic assembly plants across China have scaled output to supply overseas export corridors as international distribution plans advance.

    Export expansion into North America

    Production lines inside Chinese EV facilities are shifting capacity toward global specifications. Manufacturers have focused on software integration, high-voltage battery architecture, and cabin electronics to compete directly with legacy marques.

    Canada represents a key entry corridor in North America. Integrated local supply chains and battery manufacturing scale allow Chinese carmakers to price vehicles competitively even after international freight costs.

    Pricing pressure and regulatory hurdles

    Competitive pricing remains the primary lever for Chinese automakers entering developed automotive markets. By controlling component supply, cell manufacturing, and digital operating systems in-house, these plants maintain substantial production cost margins.

    Establishing certified retail networks and securing federal safety approvals in Ottawa remain the operational steps ahead of the first scheduled consumer deliveries.

  • Lululemon Cuts Full-Year Forecast to US$10.35 Billion as Sales Slide

    Lululemon Cuts Full-Year Forecast to US$10.35 Billion as Sales Slide

    Lululemon Athletica lowered its full-year sales forecast to between US$10.35 billion and US$10.5 billion, posting its second consecutive guidance downgrade in three months.

    Comparable store sales dropped 9 per cent across the second quarter ended August 2, falling below market estimates and marking the company’s first quarterly decline on that metric since the pandemic.

    Shares tumbled 15 per cent in extended trading in New York following the announcement. The activewear maker has seen its equity lose more than 40 per cent of its value in 2026, trading at less than a quarter of its late-2023 record high.

    Slumping Americas and Rising Rivals

    Revenue in the Americas contracted 8 per cent during the quarter, while women’s apparel sales slipped 4 per cent. International revenue offered the lone bright spot, rising 4 per cent across overseas markets.

    Discounts and design missteps have eroded the brand’s pricing power across primary markets, opening space for fast-growing athleisure competitors such as Alo and Vuori. In Asia-Pacific, where premium sportswear demand has remained relatively steady, Lululemon faces a tight battle against agile regional entrants alongside these expanding Western labels.

    “While we continue to navigate some challenging dynamics, we are taking a prudent approach with our revised full-year outlook,” interim co-chief executive Meghan Frank said.

    Leadership Handover and Boardroom Truce

    Former Nike executive Heidi O’Neill assumes the chief executive role next week, concluding a four-month transition period after her appointment. She inherits depleted executive ranks following several senior departures this year.

    O’Neill must also manage relations with billionaire founder Chip Wilson. Wilson entered a cooperation pact with the board in May, agreeing to regular strategy sessions with O’Neill and an 18-month freeze on public criticism.

    Her first major operational milestone arrives with the release of third-quarter earnings in December, when investors will assess whether the product pipeline can arrest the slide in North American foot traffic.

  • Jason Archer Ascends to APAC MD Role at Canada Goose: Driving Expansion and Luxury Presence in Asia

    Jason Archer Ascends to APAC MD Role at Canada Goose: Driving Expansion and Luxury Presence in Asia

    Canada Goose, the luxury outerwear retailer, has recently appointed Jason Archer as Managing Director (MD) of the Asia Pacific region (APAC). This move signifies the brand’s strategy to strengthen its luxury positioning and extend its market footprint in the region.

    Role and Responsibilities

    Jason Archer, based in Hong Kong, will report directly to the President of APAC for Canada Goose, Daniel Binder. His key responsibilities will involve steering the region’s strategy, managing commercial execution, and supervising operations.

    Archer brings more than twenty years of professional experience to the role. Prior to his promotion, he held the position of Senior Vice President, APAC operations and business development for Canada Goose.

    Impressive Track Record

    Over his tenure at Canada Goose, Archer has already made significant strides in the company’s development. His accomplishments include driving double-digit revenue growth within the APAC region, enhancing the brand’s direct-to-consumer performance, and ensuring brand consistency across various markets.

    Binder expressed his confidence in Archer, stating that his excellent work has significantly strengthened the company’s regional operations. He further stated, “With his global experience and strong leadership, Archer is the right person to guide us forward and unlock the brand’s full potential.”

    Noteworthy Appointments

    In another significant move in 2024, Canada Goose had appointed French designer Haider Ackermann as its inaugural Creative Director, thereby highlighting its commitment to further enhancing its luxury positioning.

    Questions & Answers

    Who is the newly appointed MD of APAC for Canada Goose?
    Jason Archer has been appointed as the new Managing Director of APAC for Canada Goose.

    What are the key responsibilities of his new role?
    His main responsibilities will be to steer the region’s strategy, oversee commercial execution, and supervise operations.

    What has Jason Archer accomplished in his tenure at Canada Goose?
    Archer has driven double-digit revenue growth in the APAC region, enhanced the brand’s direct-to-consumer performance, and ensured brand consistency across various markets.

  • Heytea Unveils First Experimental ‘Lab’ Store in Canada at Toronto Eaton Centre

    Heytea Unveils First Experimental ‘Lab’ Store in Canada at Toronto Eaton Centre

    Heytea, a renowned Chinese tea chain, has recently expanded its global presence by launching its pioneering ‘Lab’ store in Canada, situated in the bustling downtown Toronto Eaton Centre. This addition to the Toronto cityscape represents a significant milestone in the expansion of the bubble tea market segment.

    Encompassing an area of 1800 square feet, the ‘Lab’ store, strategically located on the mall’s main level, is a deviation from Heytea’s conventional store design. The ‘Lab’ concept focuses on offering a range of limited-edition and innovative products instead of a standard fixed menu.

    This unique Toronto location features an exclusive selection of eight beverages, only available at this site. Many of these drinks are centred around a ‘Rock Oolong’ tea base, which Heytea leverages to enhance the appeal of its premium-priced and specialty products.

    Furthermore, the ‘Lab’ store’s menu also showcases collaborative creations developed with esteemed Toronto chef, Susur Lee. These innovative offerings incorporate high-end ingredients, including caviar, into select beverages and desserts.

    Heytea launched its initial foray into Canada in 2023 when it opened its first store in Vancouver. Since then, the company has continued to grow its Canadian presence, now boasting six stores across Vancouver and Toronto. The opening of the Toronto Eaton Centre location further solidifies its foothold in the country.

    Established in 2012, Heytea has established a significant global presence, operating approximately 4000 stores in over 330 cities worldwide. This includes more than 100 locations spread across Hong Kong, Macau, and various international markets, with over 45 stores in North America alone.

    Questions & Answers

    What is unique about Heytea’s ‘Lab’ store in Toronto Eaton Centre?
    The ‘Lab’ store deviates from Heytea’s typical store format, focusing on offering customers limited-edition and innovative products rather than a standard fixed menu.

    What specific beverages are available only at the Toronto ‘Lab’ location?
    The Toronto ‘Lab’ store offers an exclusive selection of eight drinks, many of which are centred around a ‘Rock Oolong’ tea base.

    What collaborative creations are included in the menu of Heytea’s ‘Lab’ store?
    The ‘Lab’ store’s menu features collaborative creations developed with renowned Toronto chef, Susur Lee. These unique offerings incorporate high-end ingredients like caviar into select beverages and desserts.

  • Cargojet Bolsters Global Presence: New Direct Air Cargo Service Bridges Canada and Europe

    Cargojet Bolsters Global Presence: New Direct Air Cargo Service Bridges Canada and Europe

    Cargojet Inc. has expressed delight in the launching of a direct air cargo service bridging Canada and Europe, set to commence on November 1, 2025. The service will establish a connection between Liege Airport (LGG), an outstanding cargo gateway in Europe, and the principal cargo hubs in Canada.

    Strengthening Transatlantic Ties

    Co-CEOs of Cargojet, Pauline Dhillon and Jamie Porteous, jointly remarked on the new service. They asserted that this move would further solidify the ties between Canada and Europe, in addition to offering broader opportunities for their clientele. They further noted that by leveraging Cargojet’s unmatched reputation for punctuality and dependability, the service is set to position Cargojet at the heart of transatlantic trade. This will effectively cater to the forwarder community’s changing demands by providing quicker transits, reliable service, and superior flexibility for shippers across both continents.

    Welcome to Liege Airport

    VP Marketing & Sales at Liege Airport, Torsten Wefers, voiced his excitement about welcoming Cargojet to Liege Airport, which is acknowledged as one of the top cargo hubs in Europe. He emphasized that this collaboration signifies a significant advancement for the LGG community and Europe-Canada logistics, providing new prospects and connectivity for their clients and partners.

    Expansion of Global Network

    This weekly service denotes a considerable broadening of Cargojet’s global network, guaranteeing customers reliable, time-sensitive capacity and improved intercontinental connectivity. Incorporated within Cargojet’s domestic overnight network, the route promises to offer streamlined connections throughout Canada, enhancing overall transit times and providing increased flexibility for freight forwarders, logistics providers, and shippers.

    The route, initially operating once a week, improves access to one of Europe’s most strategic cargo hubs, with intentions to amplify frequency as demand and opportunities persistently grow. This integration bolsters Cargojet’s long-term expansion design and reaffirms its status as a dependable associate in the global logistics market.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of Cargojet’s new direct air cargo service?
    The service strengthens the ties between Canada and Europe, expands opportunities for Cargojet’s customers, and positions the company at the center of transatlantic trade.

    What benefits does the weekly service provide?
    The service extends Cargojet’s global network, offers reliable, time-sensitive capacity, and enhances connectivity across continents. It also provides streamlined connections throughout Canada and increased flexibility for freight forwarders, logistics providers, and shippers.

    What are the future plans for this route?
    Initially, the route will operate once a week, with plans to increase frequency as demand and opportunities continue to grow. This move supports Cargojet’s long-term expansion strategy in the global logistics market.

  • South Korean Eyewear Innovator, Gentle Monster, To Launch Flagship Store In Canada

    South Korean Eyewear Innovator, Gentle Monster, To Launch Flagship Store In Canada

    South Korean eyewear brand, Gentle Monster, is poised to make its debut in Canada with a flagship store set to open later this year at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. The store, which will span over 5,300 square feet, is located in the luxury wing of the mall, keeping company with other high-end brands such as Louis Vuitton, Thom Browne, and Acne Studios. The brand, known for its bold, trendsetting eyewear and unconventional store designs, is expected to bring a unique shopping experience to the Canadian retail landscape.

    A Unique Retail Experience

    Founded in Seoul in 2011 by Hankook Kim, Gentle Monster treats each of its stores as a standalone creative installation. Every location showcases a distinctive theme, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to providing not just a shopping venue, but a complete immersive experience for its customers. The upcoming Canadian flagship is anticipated to follow this creative trend, offering an art gallery-style environment that marries fashion, design, and immersive experiences.

    Product Offering

    Gentle Monster’s eyewear is typically priced between US$200 to $500. The brand launches over 20 new styles annually, maintaining a catalogue of more than 50 silhouettes. This steady stream of new products, along with the brand’s distinctive designs, helps to ensure Gentle Monster stays at the forefront of the fashion industry.

    Global Presence

    Gentle Monster currently runs 78 flagship stores across 13 countries, and its products can be found in over 200 partner retail locations worldwide. The brand’s expansion into Canada demonstrates its continuing ambition to increase its global reach.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Gentle Monster known for?

    Gentle Monster is recognized for its innovative, fashion-forward eyewear and unique store designs. Each store is treated as a unique creative installation, offering an immersive shopping experience for its customers.

    Where is Gentle Monster’s Canadian flagship store located?

    Gentle Monster’s Canadian flagship store will be located at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto.

    What is the price range for Gentle Monster’s eyewear?

    Gentle Monster’s eyewear is typically priced between US$200 and $500. The brand launches over 20 new styles annually, maintaining a catalogue of more than 50 silhouettes.

  • Canada probes Ralph Lauren on alleged use of forced labor in China

    Canada probes Ralph Lauren on alleged use of forced labor in China

    Canada’s corporate ethics watchdog said on Tuesday it was investigating Ralph Lauren’s Canada unit to probe allegations the apparel retailer’s supply chain and operations in China used or benefited from the use of Uyghur forced labor.

    The Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) said it had published an initial assessment report after complaints filed by a coalition of 28 civil society organizations in June 2022 against the Polo shirts maker.

    CORE said the report published detailed allegations the company had supply relationships with Chinese companies that use or benefit from the use of Uyghur forced labor.

    The watchdog said it was also looking into similar allegations for Canada-based mining and property investment firm GobiMin.

    Ralph Lauren and GobiMin did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

    A similar investigation was launched by CORE into Nike Canada and Dynasty Gold in July over allegations they have or had supply chains or operations in China identified as using or benefiting from the use of Uyghur forced labor.

    In the last couple of years, several large US and Canadian multinational companies have been accused of using Uyghur forced labor either directly or in their supply chains.

    CORE monitors and investigates human rights abuses mainly by Canadian garment, mining and oil and gas companies operating abroad.

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  • Paris Baguette opens its first store in Canada

    Paris Baguette opens its first store in Canada

    Bakery cafe franchise Paris Baguette is opening its first Canadian storefront, kicking off the brand’s planned expansion into Canada. The bakery cafe offers coffee bar drinks, bread, pastries and cakes. Paris Baguette plans to open seven more locations across Canada this year, as well as more than 64 new storefronts in the United States.

    “The expansion of our bakery cafes into Canada marks an exciting period of growth for Paris Baguette,” said Darren Tipton, chief executive officer, Paris Baguette North America. “We can’t wait to celebrate moments of joy with our guests as we establish our neighborhood bakery cafes in Toronto and bring our vision to life throughout Canada.”

    The new Toronto location boasts a 2,300-square-foot cafe space with seating for up to 20 guests. An open kitchen design allows customers to observe bakers at work while a center island displays some of the cafe’s signature baked foods.

  • Vietnamese favor Canadian lobsters, snow crabs

    Vietnamese favor Canadian lobsters, snow crabs

    Vietnam spent US$65 million importing Canadian seafood, mainly lobsters and snow cabs last year, doubling 2021 imports and trebling 2020.

    Among Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam was Canadian’s biggest seafood importer, Steve Craig, Minister of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, said at a recent business networking event in HCMC.

    Although Vietnam is the world’s fourth largest seafood exporter with an annual turnover of $11 billion, it is still a fertile ground for Canadian products, he said, noting that Vietnamese are among the world’s top seafood consumers.

    Tran Van Truong, CEO of Royal Seafood chain, an official importer of Canadian seafood in large quantities, said the seafood is famous in Vietnam because their prices are always stable and often 5-20%, sometimes 40%, lower than imports other countries.

    Currently, in the Vietnamese market, Canadian lobsters are priced at VND1.4 million ($59.3) per kilogram, and Australian lobsters at VND2.4 million. The price of cod, oysters, and geoducks imported from Canada are also lower.

    Between 50 and 60 Vietnamese firms directly import Canadian seafood, and the number of Canadian seafood shops in Vietnam is rising.

    Canada will create more favorable conditions for Canadian and Vietnamese seafood to penetrate more deeply into each other’s markets, Craig said, stating that the Vietnamese market is very promising.

    Overall, bilateral trade between Canada and Vietnam was $14 billion last year, he said, noting that Vietnam is Canada’s biggest trading partner in Southeast Asia.

     

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  • Canadian luxury jewellery brand Korite to expand to Asia

    Canadian luxury jewellery brand Korite to expand to Asia

    Canadian luxury jewellery brand Korite has named Kaimirra Tutan as its exclusive distributor in Asia.

    Kaimirra Tutan will bring Korite’s luxury lines of jewellery and ammolite gemstones to customers across Asian markets, including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and South Korea. The partnership between the two jewellers follows the launch of Kaimirra Tutan’s flagship boutique in Malaysia’s shopping complex Mid Valley Megamall earlier this year.

    “Kaimirra Tutan gives us the ability to reach customers through their retail stores, e-commerce, and wholesale opportunities,” said David Lui, CEO at Korite. “This partnership not only allows us to work with another Canadian company, but it is also an essential element of our future growth and we couldn’t be more excited.”

    Founded in 1979, Korite specialises in ammolite gemstones and jewellery that is ethically mined and handcrafted by skilled artisans. Kaimirra Tutan is a luxury jewellery brand launched in 2010 in Toronto.

    In case you missed this news, Japanese bridal jewellery company I-Primo has opened its first Southeast Asia flagship store in Singapore after launching a pop-up in June.

  • Canada imports 50% more Vietnamese garments, seafood

    Canada imports 50% more Vietnamese garments, seafood

    Vietnamese garment and seafood exports to Canada have surged 50% year-on-year, totaling values of $1.1 billion and $334 million, respectively.

    As the two categories saw the most significant increases in exports to Canada of the last three years, other categories such as wood, chemicals, metal, cashew nuts, handbags, and machines also recorded growth of between 3% and 30%, according to statistics from the Vietnam Customs Office.

    Total exports from Vietnam to Canada have risen 28.7% year-on-year to nearly $5.5 billion over the same period.

    Canada is Vietnam’s second-largest export market in the Americas, behind the U.S.

    And Vietnam is Canada biggest export market in ASEAN.

    But Canada has been increasing its trade safeguards against Vietnam recently, and Vietnamese authorities have proposed that the country impose a fairer trade policy with Vietnamese goods in line with regulations of the World Trade Organization, said Vo Tan Thanh, deputy chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).

    He said that Canada should be more open to importing competitively priced Vietnamese agricultural products such as vegetables and coffee.

    At the 29th APEC Summit in Thailand, Vietnam President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau agreed to expand and deepen bilateral cooperation in all fields, especially trade and investment.

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  • Pork imports nearly triple

    Pork imports nearly triple

    Frozen pork imports nearly tripled in the first 10 months of this year to 332,000 tons, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

    Also imported were 350,000 pigs on the hoof from Thailand, a 50 percent increase year on year.

    Together they cost US$617 million. Its five biggest pork suppliers were Russia, Germany, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Canada.

    Vietnam also imported 50,000 tons of beef worth $220 million, half of it from Australia, the department added.

    Over 800 enterprises from 19 markets have been allowed to export pork to Vietnam, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

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  • Canada Goose names new Asia-Pacific president

    Canada Goose names new Asia-Pacific president

    Canada Goose has appointed Paul Cadman as its new president for the Asia-Pacific region.

    In his new role, Cadman will oversee the business’ activities including commercial, financial, and marketing across Apac markets, including Greater China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

    “Paul is a trusted brand advisor, having consulted for us for years,” said Dani Reiss, president, and CEO of Canada Goose. “His extensive knowledge in the luxury sector and his deep experience in developing brands across the region has provided our team with a valuable perspective.”

    Cadman has more than 30 years of strategic luxury goods experience and held leadership positions with global brands, including Salvatore Ferragamo, Asprey & Garrard, Bvlgari, and Estee Lauder.

    “Paul’s experience, entrepreneurial nature, and regionally-specific industry knowledge make him the best fit for the role as we strengthen our brand presence and further execute against our long-term growth strategy,” said Reiss.

    Cadman also founded PMC Global Hong Kong, a strategic management and business consultancy focused on the luxury goods industry.

    The appointment is in line with Canada Goose’s strategy to deepen its influence in the Apac region, including its recent store openings in Harbin, Nanjing, Ningbo, Beijing, Taipei, and Macau.

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