Agenda

Dans le cadre de L’événement STORE 25, le CCCD organise le fameux cocktail Québec, le Cinq à sept. Tous les membres du secteur du détail sont invités à prendre part à cette réception gratuite afin de réseauter avec les délégués francophones du Québec et de l’ensemble du Canada. 

In an era defined by economic volatility, demographic transitions, and evolving social trends, retailers face unprecedented challenges and opportunities in the global business landscape. Ira Kalish, Chief Global Economist with Deloitte explores how macroeconomic factors such as inflation, supply chain disruptions, and international trade policies intersect with shifting consumer demographics and social expectations. 

AI is the biggest inflection point in 50 years. For retailers, it’s no longer optional; it’s an imperative. As we move from thinking about the future to building it out, retailers shift to an AI-First approach. Drawing on IBM’s unmatched experience from thousands of successful AI projects, this session will discuss five themes for successfully transforming your retail operations including actionable steps to create organizational momentum around this next wave of transformation.

Sponsor Spotlight 

For 175 years, American Express has built its brand on trust, security, and service while evolving to stay relevant. In this session, Kerri-Ann Santaguida, VP & GM of Merchant Services, will share strategies for retailers to deepen customer loyalty through innovation, strategic partnerships, premium experiences, and exclusive access.

Discover how Google Canada is unlocking the secrets of consumer behavior to help businesses thrive in an evolving retail landscape. This session will explore cutting-edge tools, insights, and strategies to connect with today’s empowered shoppers and drive growth through data-driven decision-making.

Lunch and Learn

As retail faces increasing pressure to balance operational efficiency with employee satisfaction, Indigo is taking a proactive approach to workforce management. Lisa Nordin, VP of Retail Experience and Operations at Indigo, sits down with Laurence Painell, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Quinyx, to explore how AI-powered flexible scheduling, labor optimization, and demand forecasting are transforming the way retailers operate. Gain insights into how Indigo is driving agility, reducing costs, and creating a more engaged workforce in an ever-changing retail landscape. 

Consumer spending continues to be a hot topic of discussion as Canadian consumers and merchants navigate uncertain economic times. Sean McCormick, Vice President of Business Development, Moneris Data Services, will share Moneris spending data from key consumer spending categories, including apparel, grocery and more. Sean will also highlight how major events are impacting consumer spending and discuss how businesses can adapt to the quickly changing economic climate, leveraging data and insights to anticipate shifts and enhance consumer engagement. Session attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to navigate consumer spending shifts in their specific industries and optimize their approach in response to dynamic market conditions.

Join Leger as they explore the evolving retail landscape and the pivotal role newcomers play in shaping its future. This session will reveal how retailers can better serve Canada’s growing newcomer population by embracing multicultural offerings, celebrating cultural events, and addressing unique challenges. Drawing from Leger’s extensive research, they’ll uncover insights into newcomers’ shopping habits, integration challenges, economic hurdles, preferred retailers, and the influence of loyalty programs and community ties. With a special focus on the grocery sector, this presentation will empower brands to engage more meaningfully with diverse communities, building loyalty and driving growth. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights and position your brand as a champion of inclusivity and innovation in retail. 

The retail landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by market shifts, technological advancements, and changing consumer expectations. This session shares insights on how brands are adapting to new challenges with innovative strategies from the impact of global tariffs to AI-driven decision improving merchandising, allocation, stores, and distribution channels. Retailers must continuously adapt to an unpredictable market by embracing innovation and agility. 

Watch for speaker announcements coming soon! 

All STORE attendees and Excellence in Retailing Awards guests are invited to attend a networking reception following the final conference session of the day- complete with food, drinks, and great opportunities to mingle and connect.

A gala event recognizing the year’s most innovative retailers in a variety of categories.

Register your submissions until March 14 at RetailAwards.ca. Tickets and tables will be available for purchase in Spring 2025. 

Hockey legend Brian Burke shares powerful insights on leadership and team success from his storied career in the NHL and Team USA Olympic hockey. Drawing on decades of experience, Burke outlines three pillars of effective leadership: operating like a business, engaging your audience, and fostering community impact. With captivating stories and actionable advice, this session offers a fresh perspective on building resilient, high-performing teams in any field.

In today’s competitive marketplace, brands must adapt to a rapidly changing landscape to grow. Join us as we explore evolving consumer behaviors, and the importance of brand loyalty, and community building. Learn how data-driven personalization and insights drive success, and why brand authenticity and transparency build trust. Discover strategies for adjusting to changing styles and shopping habits, and how refreshing retail footprints enhances customer service. 

Dive deep into the transformative power of AI with visionary futurist and former Head of Global Key Accounts at Alibaba, Sharon Gai. Through exclusive interviews with trailblazing retail leaders, discover groundbreaking insights and unparalleled opportunities that will redefine the future of retail. This session will deliver actionable steps for businesses to harness AI for a competitive edge—streamline operations, automate workflows, and make smarter, data-driven decisions to drive growth and profitability. Leave inspired to harness AI’s potential and reshape your business for success!

From the start 2025 has proven to be a year of chaos.  Geopolitical tensions, economic upheaval and intense technological shifts, have all combined to create tremendous disruption for businesses across categories.  However, if viewed through a different lens, such moments of crisis can also unlock breakthrough strategies and opportunities for those with the courage to seize them.  Join bestselling author and global industry futurist, Doug Stephens as presents an entirely new way of thinking about the chaos currently engulfing our industry and lays out a means of turning it into a competitive super-power.

Watch for an exciting keynote speaker announcement coming soon! 

Finalists, winners and distinguished guest of the Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards are invited to attend a networking reception prior to the awards dinner.

Enjoy industry recognition of your work, reunite with colleagues, and make new connections. Tickets and tables will be available for purchase in Spring 2025.