Walmart is expanding in Alberta, where U.S. brands Chipotle, Krispy Kreme and Firehouse Subs have also opened recently — but the trend is met with trepidation amongst local shops.

About 18,000 Teamsters are set to strike 56 Costco stores across six states early Saturday unless an 11th-hour agreement prevents what would be the largest retail strike in US history.

With the new year truly underway, retailers around the world are putting their game faces on for a volley of fresh challenges. From ever-changing consumer ...