Canada, allies mull changes to tackle organized crime Canada and its closest allies are eyeing restraints on prepaid currency cards and looking at even greater intelligence sharing as a means of combating transnational organized crime. The ever-popular prepaid cards offered by retailers are a convenient form of currency for consumers, but organized criminals have taken advantage of the fact many can be used around the world to "smuggle and launder proceeds of crime". The little-known Strategic Alliance Group, which comprises federal law enforcement officials from five countries to jointly tackle organized crime are working on various means to combat the illegal transfer of funds. (Source thechronicleherald.ca)

As U.S. retailers threaten two more Canadian retailers merge - Leon's and The Brick Storied Canadian furniture retailer Leon’s is buying high-profile rival The Brick in a $700-million friendly deal aimed at fending off U.S. competitors making inroads in Canada. With American retail giants such as Walmart and Target threatening their share of the marketplace, the two Canadian companies announced a deal that would see Leon’s take ownership of The Brick but operate the two under separate banners. (Source calgaryherald.com)

Downtown Calgary shopping centre on global list of most expensive retail rents CORE in Calgary has annual rent per square feet at $98 in US dollars. The most expensive main street in Canada was Toronto’s Bloor Street at $314, which ranked it 20th in the world. Other streets in Canada listed were: Robson Street, Vancouver, $216; Saint-Catherine W — street level, Montreal, $177; and Queen Street West, Toronto, $98. (Source calgaryherald.com)

Walmart Canada appeals 'unreasonable' $1.2M award in ex-employee lawsuit Boucher sued Wal-Mart and her former manager, Jason Pinnock, for intentional infliction of mental suffering and constructive dismissal, meaning she was asked to work in intolerable conditions. The trial heard that Pinnock was mentally abusive toward her and would criticize her in front of other staff, such as when he made her count a row of skids to prove she could count to 10 and that Walmart didn’t take action against him. The jury ordered Walmart to pay her $1 million in punitive damages and $200,000 in aggravated damages, as well as awarding her $250,000 from Pinnock. “The findings of the jury were a substantial wrong and/or a miscarriage of justice,” Walmart said in its notice of appeal. (Source canadiangrocer.com)

Cargo Theft thief in Brampton, Canada identified, stole $200,000 worth of televisions. Investigators from the Commercial Auto Unit are investigating a theft of 210 43" and 32" Samsung plasma televisions from a Brampton truck compound. On Wednesday November 7th, 2012 the suspect entered the trucking yard and stole a trailer containing 210 Samsung televisions with a value of approximately $200 000. The trailer was located empty in the City of Vaughn later the same date. On November 10th the entire load of televisions was located in a warehouse in Toronto. Also located within the same address was stolen property from two other thefts, totaling $400 000. Police have identified the suspect and are seeking the public’s assistance in locating him. An arrest warrant has been issued for Sukhvir Singh, age 31, of Brampton. (Source bramptonguardian.com)

Now that Rona's CEO is gone how long will it be before Lowe's makes another run on them? The only thing standing in their way will be the new government and they pledged to fight it. Or was that merely to keep the former CEO happy? We'll see soon enough.


Quarterly Same Store Sales Results


Metro Q4 up 1.1% with sales up 11.1%
Sear's Canada down 5.7% with revenue down 6%