The U.S. Federal Trade Commission recently finalized a rule banning the sale or purchase of fake reviews, including those generated by AI or undisclosed employee reviews. The rule prohibits businesses from buying or selling reviews, manipulating testimonials, suppressing reviews, or faking social media influence, allowing the agency to seek civil penalties against violators.

Rebecca Dumais

Mattress Firm and DoorDash have teamed up to offer two-hour, on-demand delivery of mattresses and bedding from over 2,300 Mattress Firm locations across the U.S.. The DoorDash app will provide real-time delivery tracking. DashPass members will benefit from waived delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders.

Rebecca Dumais

Costco Wholesale Corp. has received approval for the construction of a store in the west end of Regina, its second in Saskatchewan’s capital. The warehouse, which will clock in at about 160,000 square feet, complies with existing zoning regulations. Costco’s other Regina location, near the Sakimay First Nation reserve, opened its doors in 2018, replacing a smaller store dating to 1993.

The latest instalment of our podcast series What’s In Store goes live this week! In this episode, Hardlines president Michael McLarney takes us behind the scenes of the creation of the 2024 Hardlines Retail Report. Find out how we gather our data, why it matters, and what we forecast for the coming year in the industry. Sign up now to get updates about the latest free podcasts in your inbox!

Stanley Black & Decker has announced the appointment of Deborah K. Wintner as SVP and chief human resources officer (CHRO). Wintner, previously SVP of HR operations and CHRO for tools and outdoor, now joins the executive team, effective Aug. 1. In her new role, she reports to CEO and president Donald Allan, Jr., and succeeds John T. Lucas.

Canadian rail service continues to maintain full operation following an order on Saturday from the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) that the Canadian National Railway and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference end work stoppages and begin binding arbitration with the latter’s 9,000 members.

Today, Canadian Pacific Kansas City rail workers will return to work following a similar CIRB order. Last Thursday, CPKC and CNR locked out teamster members, triggering rail stoppages across the country. Teamsters have said they will appeal the order in federal court.

Sarah McGoldrick

Orgill Canada is seeking a Sales Representative who will be instrumental in selling Orgill products, programs, and services. This individual will cultivate relationships with customers, spending 90 percent of their time travelling within the territory (northern Ontario and northern Quebec). For details, check out our Hardlines Classifieds page!

Retail sales declined by 0.3 percent in June from the previous month, according to new StatCan data, dragged by lower automotive sales. LBM and garden sales however bucked the trend with a 0.6 percent increase. Seven provinces logged declines, with the steepest in Ontario. Core retail sales, which exclude fuel and automotive categories, rose by 0.4 percent.

Loblaw Companies Ltd. has announced plans to pilot a new concept of value-based no name stores in September in three Ontario markets: Windsor, St. Catharines, and Brockville. The no name store will have lower operating costs and carry only a targeted assortment of products. The company plans to lower operating costs by shortening hours, offering limited products, no refrigeration, and reduced logistical costs.

Sarah McGoldrick

Luxury banner Perigold, which falls under Wayfair Inc.’s brand portfolio, announced that it has plans to open its first physical retail store. The first opening is slated for 2025 in West Palm Beach, Fla., within the CityPlace shopping centre. The store’s total square footage will be nearly 30,000 over two floors.

Rebecca Dumais