Core Insights - Loblaw Companies plans to invest C$2.4 billion ($1.75 billion) in Canada in 2026 to expand and refurbish its store network, enhance supply chain capacity, and support job creation nationwide [1][4] - The investment will include the opening of 70 new outlets and upgrades at 191 existing locations, aiming to improve access to retail and healthcare services for Canadians [1][3] Investment Details - The investment will create approximately 9,700 jobs across retail and construction sectors [2] - Specific regional impacts include the addition of four stores and over 600 jobs in Eastern Canada, 15 stores and more than 1,985 jobs in Quebec, and 27 stores and 3,775 jobs in Ontario [2][3] Strategic Goals - This investment marks the second phase of Loblaw's plan to invest C$10 billion in Canadian communities by 2030, building on over C$8 billion already invested since 2020 [4] - The company aims to enhance the affordability and accessibility of food and healthcare services, addressing pressures faced by Canadians [3][5]

The investment is part of a 5-year plan to invest $10 billion in Canadian communities by 2030BRAMPTON, Ontario, Feb. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L, “Loblaw” or the “Company”), Canada’s food and pharmacy leader, announced that it will spend $2.4 billion in 2026 to expand and renovate its store network, enhance its supply chain capabilities, and create jobs for people all across Canada. At a time when Canadians are struggling with affordability and access to healthcare s ...

Core Insights - Lidl plans to add 16 supermarkets in Northern Ireland by 2032, increasing its regional network to over 60 outlets [1] - The expansion is expected to contribute approximately £475 million ($644.6 million) annually to the local economy and increase Lidl's workforce in Northern Ireland to around 2,400 employees [1] - The development of new stores will require an investment of £500 million [2] Expansion Plans - Lidl is currently employing 1,400 people in Northern Ireland and holds nearly 10% of the grocery market share in the region [1] - The retailer has been upgrading or rebuilding several existing locations in Northern Ireland alongside the new store openings [2] UK Expansion - Lidl Great Britain announced plans to open 19 new stores as part of its ongoing expansion in the UK [3] - The company has invested over £40 million to refurbish more than 70 existing outlets nationwide, which is expected to create up to 640 jobs [3] Acquisitions and Restructuring - Lidl received approval from France's competition authority to acquire 19 Auchan Supermarché food stores and eight associated petrol stations [4] - In October 2025, Lidl cut 130 jobs in its UK HR and recruitment teams as part of a centralization effort at its London headquarters [4]

Core Insights - Lego plans to expand its retail presence in India by opening 50 branded outlets by 2030, focusing on major metropolitan areas [1] - Online sales account for about 50% of Lego's revenue in India, with quick commerce contributing over 10% [2] - The local business is growing at over 50% annually, significantly outpacing the global growth rate, which is in single digits [3] Expansion Plans - Currently, Lego operates four stores in Gurugram, Bengaluru, and Chennai, with plans for significant expansion in the Indian market [1] - The company is fast-tracking its strategy in India and committing substantial resources, although specific details were not disclosed [2] Competitive Landscape - In the Indian toy sector, Lego competes with Mattel, Hasbro, and local brand Funskool [3] - Increased parental spending on non-digital play products and interest from adult hobbyists are driving demand for Lego products [3] Product Performance - Formula One-themed Lego sets have exceeded sales expectations, positioning India as a top market for this product line by 2025 [4] - Discussions are ongoing with the Indian Government regarding potential domestic manufacturing, although no immediate production plans exist [4] Market Positioning - Lego targets the premium segment of the Indian market with large, experience-focused stores, complemented by e-commerce and third-party retail to reach smaller cities [5] - A $1 billion manufacturing facility was opened in Vietnam to support regional growth and improve product availability [5]

Core Insights - iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc. is making significant progress in retail expansion, brand development, and capital structure initiatives in the cannabis industry [1] Retail Expansion - The Company plans to open its 26th GrowHealthy dispensary in Tequesta, Florida, on or about March 27, 2026, pending regulatory approvals, to enhance patient access in Palm Beach County [2] - The Tequesta dispensary aims to provide convenient access to high-quality cannabis products and is designed to meet the diverse wellness needs of the local community [3][4] Brand Development - In New Jersey, iAnthus has expanded its brand, The Vault, which features a curated archive of cannabis genetics aimed at resonating with distinct consumer segments [5] Capital Structure Initiatives - iAnthus, along with its subsidiary iAnthus New Jersey, LLC, has entered into amending agreements with related-party lenders to amend the terms of senior secured bridge notes issued on February 2, 2021 [6] - The maturity date of the Bridge Notes has been extended from February 16, 2026, to June 24, 2027, with an amendment fee of 2% of the principal amount, which is approximately US$8.4 million as of February 16, 2026 [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - Levi Strauss & Co has appointed Vicky Skelton as the new Managing Director for East Asia Pacific to enhance growth in this important region [1] Group 1: Vicky Skelton's New Role - Skelton will oversee all commercial operations across various channels and focus on driving sustainable, long-term growth in East Asia Pacific [2][7] - The company has identified retail expansion, digital acceleration, and brand-driven growth as key areas for potential growth, supported by strong consumer demand and solid local partnerships [3] Group 2: Leadership and Track Record - Gianluca Flore, Chief Commercial Officer, praised Skelton for her ability to deliver strong results and build high-performing teams, expressing confidence in her replicating past successes in the new role [4] - Skelton has over 13 years of experience with Levi's, having held several senior leadership positions, including General Manager of Canada, where she implemented a focused direct-to-consumer strategy and achieved strong commercial performance [5][8]

Core Viewpoint - Red Light Holland's subsidiary, Happy Caps, is expanding its partnership with Albertsons Companies to increase distribution of its mushroom home grow kits to 123 Safeway stores in Oregon and Washington, coinciding with the American Thanksgiving holiday [1][2][5]. Expansion Details - The distribution will increase by 86% from the initial 66 stores to 123 stores, with the rollout scheduled for the week of November 17, 2025 [2][5]. - A replenishment order is planned for the week of December 5 to support the holiday season [2][6]. Product Offering - Happy Caps will feature premium home grow kits for Shiitake, Lion's Mane, and Oyster mushrooms, produced locally in Oregon in collaboration with Trailbridge Mushroom Farm [3][5]. - The kits emphasize local freshness, sustainability, and improved profit margins [3]. Company Growth and Strategy - The expansion reflects strong consumer demand and confidence in the Happy Caps brand, aiming to enhance the company's retail footprint in the U.S. [5]. - The company is committed to expanding its premium mushroom product offerings across North America [5]. Financial and Equity Incentives - The company granted 100,000 stock options to a new employee, exercisable at $0.05 per share until November 3, 2030, with vesting over two years [6]. - Additionally, 4,250,000 restricted stock units (RSUs) were granted to officers, employees, and consultants, also vesting over two years [7]. Related Transactions - The company approved the issuance of 5,611,250 shares to directors and consultants at a deemed price of $0.035 per share as part of a debt settlement strategy [9][10].

Group 1 - GEN has expanded its grocery retail footprint through a new partnership with 300 Safeway stores, in addition to existing distribution through 300 Pavilions, Albertsons, and Vons stores [1][2] - The company's Ready-to-Cook Meats line, launched last month, will now be available in over 300 Safeway stores, increasing total retail distribution to 600 grocery stores across California and Hawaii [2][3] - The rapid expansion to 600 stores is expected to be fully in place by the end of November 2025, indicating strong consumer demand for authentic Korean BBQ and effective growth strategies [3] Group 2 - GEN Korean BBQ is one of the largest Asian casual dining restaurant concepts in the United States, founded in 2011, with 57 company-owned locations [4] - The dining experience at GEN allows guests to serve as their own chefs, preparing meals on embedded grills, featuring a menu of traditional Korean and Korean-American food [4]

Core Insights - Salomon is expanding its retail presence in North America with the opening of its first West Coast store in Los Angeles, marking a significant step in its U.S. strategy [1][5] - The new store in West Hollywood is designed to reflect the brand's outdoor-inspired aesthetic while incorporating urban influences, aligning with Salomon's focus on culture, lifestyle, and performance [2][3] - The West Hollywood location is intended to serve as a hub for products, events, and community connections, indicating a broader strategy for brand engagement in the area [4][3] Retail Expansion - The West Hollywood store is Salomon's fourth retail location in North America and the first in California, part of a plan that includes four openings by 2025 [5] - The store spans 1,900 square feet and aims to enhance the brand's presence in Los Angeles, with plans for further expansion across the city [1][3] Financial Performance - Amer Sports, Salomon's parent company, reported a 23% increase in revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, reaching $1.24 billion, compared to $1.00 billion in the same period last year [6] - The company also turned a net income of $18.2 million for the quarter, a significant improvement from a net loss of $3.7 million in the previous year [6] Future Outlook - Ahead of its investor day, Amer Sports raised its revenue growth guidance for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 to the high 20s percentage, up from an earlier estimate of approximately 20% [7] - The company anticipates strong performance across all segments, particularly from Salomon Softgoods and a reacceleration of Arc'teryx [8]

Core Insights - Aldi plans to invest £1.6bn ($2.17bn) in the UK to open 80 new stores over the next two years, aiming to expand its footprint to 1,500 locations from the current 1,060 [1][5] - The company has identified 20 priority locations for new store openings, including areas in Greater London and other regions [2] - Total sales in the UK and Ireland reached £18.1bn, a slight increase from £17.9bn in 2023, attributed to the opening of new stores [3][4] Financial Performance - Operating profit decreased to £435.5m in 2024 from £552.9m in 2023, resulting in a profit margin of 2.4% [3][4] - The decline in operating profit is linked to continued price reductions for customers, investments in infrastructure, and higher wages for staff [4] Strategic Goals - The investment is part of Aldi's strategy to meet the demand for affordable groceries in underserved communities across the UK [5]