Looking back to 2025, the economic picture feels decidedly mixed—inflation and interest rates have cooled down, which should be good news, but Canadians are still feeling squeezed. Tariffs are still shaking Canada’s economy, and their impact can be felt through all links of the supply chain.

Internally, purchasing power has eroded since 2022, and even though economic growth is slightly better than in 2024, with some positive trends in recent months, the overall sentiment is one of frustration. Job growth is slowing down, and the country is still working through the 7-year high unemployment rates recorded in 2024. To the average consumer, the talk of the economy "hitting its stride" feels like optimistic forecasting that hasn't quite reached the shelves yet. Every day, Canadians are stretching their grocery budgets the best way they can, and making price-conscious choices feels more and more like a necessity.

Consumers remain skeptical of grocery retailers, as they also hold them somewhat accountable for the increase in cost-of-living.

Which Canadian retailers are best prepared to navigate this scenario of uncertainty and sustain long-term growth in this shifting landscape? This report will reveal those answers.