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In 2018, the ten largest companies had 48% of national retail sales. This number was 43% in 2014, signifying steady growth. Since then, the boom experienced by several retail players has remained constant in Canada.
Today, most Canadian retail brands in 2022 are giving significant competition to these large players. While they were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, they were fast to recover.
Here is a list of the most significant retail brands in Canada:
Loblaw Companies Limited's monthly unique visitors: 26,932
Loblaw Companies Limited's web sales: $10M - $25M
Loblaw is a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, one of the largest conglomerates in Canada. They were the pioneers of the grocery retail market as early as 1919. With a focus on food, health, and wellness, they have carved a large market for themselves.
Over 90% of Canadians live within ten kilometers of a Loblaw store, and there are over 2600 stores across the country. Their loyalty program ‘PC Optimum’ is also Canada’s largest.
With an estimated footfall of one billion every year, they continue to remain the top retail company in 2022 that Canada has seen.
Sobeys Inc's monthly unique visitors: 188,868
Order volume: 10,000 - 50,000
Sobeys Inc's web sales: $10M-$25M
The second most popular chain of supermarkets after Loblaw, Sobeys is a part of the Canadian giant ‘Empire Company.’ They have over 15,000 stores and function under various banners such as Safeway, FreshCo, Lawtons Drugs, etc.
They have a 100-year legacy, putting them on every trusted list of top Canadian retail companies to bank on.
As of 2022, they service over 928 communities that are constantly growing. The company also focuses on sustainable practices and nurturing communities outside of its business.
Walmart Store Inc.'s monthly unique visitors: 2,918,338
Order volume: >50,000
Walmart Store Inc.'s web sales: $1B-$5B
Although they are an American supermarket franchise, they have a strong footing in the Canadian market. Established in 1994, Walmart will continue to remain one of the best Canadian retail companies in 2022.
As of January 2022, Walmart has over 408 retail units across the country. They work with over 2,200 Canadian suppliers to ensure they help groom and grow the local markets.
Walmart also has a strong background in managing the scale and global bandwidth to always bring in new products and innovations.
Metro Inc.'s monthly unique visitors: 300,400
Order volume: >50,000
Another local Canadian retailer, they're a trusted name for food products and groceries. They operate as many as 950 food stores and hold various banners such as Metro Plus, Super C, Jean Coutu Drug store, and more.
Metro Inc. has over 1,600 sales avenues and over 90,000 employees in Quebec alone. With over 75 years of experience, they are the third-largest retailer in Canada.
In 2005, the company acquired A&P Canada and catapulted its sales to more than Can$ 4.6B.
Canadian Tire's monthly unique visitors: 2,338,194
Canadian Tire's web sales: $100M-$250M
Canadian Tire is a parent company that operates under many divisions such as automobiles, sports goods, and leisure. Their subsidiaries such as Marks FGL sports and PartSource are the largest Canadian retail brands 2022 has seen.
Their ‘Triangle Rewards' loyalty program is one of the most talked-about programs in Canada. Despite their robust store network, they also service customers via their eCommerce platforms.
Home Depot Canada's monthly unique visitors: 2,390,919
Order volume: >50,000
Home Depot Canada's web sales: $500M - $1B
Home Depot is the world’s most popular DIY home-improvement store and the go-to destination for construction materials. Originally an American company, it has a strong presence for its niche in Canada.
Home Depot has over 182 stores in all prominent towns and each of these stories is as large as 100,000 sqft. They have over 40,000 products at each store that are curated based on the local community's needs.
Lululemon Athletica's monthly unique visitors: 2,897,131
Order volume: >50,000
Lululemon Athletica's web sales: $1B - $5B
Lululemon is a Vancouver-based apparel retail brand that was founded in 1998 as a destination for yoga-related clothing. The brand later diversified into running, training, and other forms of apparel. Their most popular product is their distinct collection of yoga pants and sweatpants.
Although a niche brand, they are valued at $52 billion, having a better net worth compared to other major players such as Under Armour and Puma. They also run many initiatives to promote sustainable fashion.
Simons' monthly unique visitors: 272,551
Order volume: >50,000
Simons' web sales: $100M-$250M
Simons has been a popular fashion destination for as long as 1840. It is the most popular fashion brand across the belt. It started as a department store in the early days but moved on to fashion later.
Each Simons store is distinctly designed, incorporating a lot of tasteful art in each of them.
Mejuri's monthly unique visitors: 286,199
Order volume: 10,000 - 50,000
Mejuri's web sales: $100M-$250M
This Canadian eCommerce company is taking personal jewelry to a whole new dimension. They believe in creating jewelry that women can use every day and not just those reserved for special occasions.
Based on a report by Forbes, their founders believe that making jewelry is as typical as buying shoes or bags.
Holt Renfrew's monthly unique visitors: 313,355
Order volume: >50,000
Holt Renfrew's web sales: $100M - $250M
Holt is one of the best Canadian retail companies in 2022 in the luxury category. Founded in 1837, they focus on fashion, beauty, and design.
Although they have only 9 stores across the country, they are known for their quality, class, and distinct sense of taste.
North West Company's monthly unique visitors: 6039
North West is a proud retailer to underserved rural communities across northern and western Canada. As of today, they are also present in the Caribbeans and Alaska.
They essentially focus on selling a wide variety of food products at a better rate than other large companies. This also provides a shopping experience that is indigenous to each town and household.
MemoryExpress' monthly unique visitors: 322,157
MemoryExpress' web sales: $100M - $250M
Since 1996, Memory Express has built a name for itself as a computer products and services store. They have grown since to become a million-dollar company and service clients all over Canada.
They are a business built purely on faith and word-of-mouth and remain a reliable vendor for Microsoft, Intel, and AMD.
Aldo's monthly unique visitors: 380,993
Order volume: 10,000 - 50,000
Aldo's web sales: $100M - $250M
Many in the world still remain unaware of the origin of Aldo. This store that sells luxury shoes and handbags started in Canada and continues to remain the front-runner in its segment.
They have since grown to 1,600 stores in more than 80 countries.
Aritzia's monthly unique visitors: 1,731,775
Order volume: 10,000 - 50,000
Aritzia's web sales: $250M - $500M
Known for their everyday luxury products, they have an incredible apparel collection. They started inside a department store in Vancouver around 70 years ago, and today they have 100+ boutiques across North America.
They also function as a design studio that makes more of their products unique and steers clear of the mass-production model.
SportChek's monthly unique visitors: 496,817
SportChek's web sales: $250M - $500M
In the list of top Canadian retail companies, SportChek is one to watch out for in the sports division. They are a retail outlet for sports goods from many popular brands. From gear to wearables to shoes—they have them all under one roof.
The collection of many brands under a single banner allows them to share attractive discounts and provide a wholesome sports-shopping experience.
Lowe's monthly unique visitors: 550,774
Order volume: >50,000
Lowe's web sales: $50M - $100M
Lowe's started as an American retailer but has opened a large number of stores in Canada. With a focus on home-improvement goods and do-it-yourself-solutions, its stores breathe the philosophy of "larger-than-life."
In Canada, it has more than 470 stores and services under various banners such as RONA, Reno-Depot, and also Dick’s Lumber. They have carefully designed stores to cover all areas of one's home and ensure that each person's shopping experience is wholesome and complete.
Staples' monthly unique visitors: 400,211
Order volume: 10,000 - 50,000
Staples' web sales: $250M - $500M
The global leader in stationery and office needs is also a top player in Canada. A major chunk of their business comes from office supplies sales, both from the retail outlet and bulk bookings online.
They have a strong balance of both B2B and B2C sales and are one of the few companies that have managed to find the perfect balance between the two sectors.
Structube's monthly unique visitors: 266,109
Structube's web sales: $100M - $250M
What started as a family business in 1974, is now one of the top Canadian retail companies for affordable home furnishing. They focus on contemporary and modern home decor while keeping costs low.
Today, Structube holds more than 70 stores across Canada and is only expected to grow with time.
In the year 2021, the sale from retail stores in Canada was around Can$ 670B. This is almost an 11% increase since 2019. The growth of retail will continue irrespective of the digital boom.
Trust, brand quality, and familiarity with shopping experiences all play a key role in keeping this trend alive.
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