Startups & Business

Queen Street's Retail Scene Gets a Tech Makeover with AR Shopping

Retailers on Queen Street West are adopting augmented reality shopping experiences to boost foot traffic and blend digital and physical browsing.

June 22, 2025 at 15:27 – By Naomi Choi

A new fintech app from a Liberty Village startup is reshaping how young Canadians manage their money. Designed with Gen Z in mind, the app uses AI to track spending, suggest budgets, and recommend tailored investments. The interface is gamified, offering rewards for hitting savings goals and tracking financial milestones.

According to co-founder Jessica Mendez, the app responds to common complaints from younger users who feel traditional banking tools are outdated. 'We built something that’s mobile-first, friendly, and smart enough to understand your lifestyle and cash flow,' she said.

The app integrates securely with major Canadian banks and uses machine learning to detect risky spending behaviors. For example, it might flag frequent food delivery orders and suggest cheaper dining alternatives or grocery hacks.

A standout feature is the 'pay yourself first' engine, which moves small amounts into savings automatically after each purchase. Users can also set up 'challenge goals'—like saving for a concert ticket or weekend getaway—with friends for added accountability.

The startup has already signed up 75,000 users within three months, with most coming from student unions, TikTok influencers, and campus tours. It plans to launch a subscription-free version with ad support later this year.

Financial experts applaud the effort, noting that personal finance education is often missing from school curriculums. The app, they say, could fill that gap in a relatable and effective way.