STORE Agenda

Full Agenda
Monday, June 2
Tuesday, June 3
Wednesday, June 4

Monday, June 2

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM EST

Cocktail Québec Cinq à Sept

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. 

Tuesday, June 3

7:30 AM - 7:00 PM EST
Registration Open - Sponsored by Interac
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM EST
Continental Breakfast
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM EST

Welcoming Remarks

Main Session Hall

Diane J. Brisebois

President & CEO

Retail Council of Canada

Santo Ligotti

Vice President of Member Services and Marketing

Retail Council of Canada

Jayme Johnson

Partner and Industry Leader

IBM Consulting, Canada

9:15 AM - 9:45 AM EST

Navigating Economic and Social Currents in Retail 

Ira Kalish

Chief Global Economist

Deloitte

Main Session Hall

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. 

9:45 AM - 10:15 AM EST

Unlock AI’s Potential: 5 Themes for Transforming Retail with AI

Main Session Hall

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.

Karl Haller

Partner, Consumer Center-of-Competency

IBM

Christine Munroe

Senior Director, Strategic Partnership & GenAI

Loblaw Digital

10:15 AM - 10:20 AM EST

Sponsor Spotlight: Strategies for Maintaining Brand Relevance and Customer Loyalty

Kerri-Ann Santaguida

VP & General Manager of Merchant Services Canada

American Express

Main Session Hall

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.

10:20 AM - 10:50 AM EST

Cracking the Consumer Code in an Evolving Landscape

Eric Morris

Managing Director, Head of Retail

Google Canada

Main Session Hall

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.

10:50 AM - 10:55 AM EST

Sponsor Spotlight: Retail Reimagined: Activating Generative AI 

Main Session Hall

Join Thinkmax, now becoming Talan, and Microsoft for a powerful 5-minute keynote on how AI — and more specifically Generative AI — is transforming the retail landscape. Discover how industry expertise, modern frameworks, and cutting-edge tools like Microsoft Copilot are enabling retailers to activate real-world use cases today. From customer engagement to operational efficiency, this session will showcase practical examples of AI in action and how your business can take the next step. 

Kais Makhlouf

Vice President, Digital Solutions

Talan

Sherief Ibrahim

General Manager, AI Business Solutions Small & Medium Enterprise

Microsoft Canada

10:55 AM - 11:30 AM EST
Networking Break
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM EST
Morning Concurrent Sessions
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM EST

How Top Retailers Maintain Relevancy and Customer Loyalty

AI-Powered Stores: Transforming Experience, Operations, and Intelligence

RFID Un-plugged: How RFID is Changing the Game 

Embracing Data-Driven Agility for Resilience and Growth 

12:15 PM - 1:45 PM EST
Networking Lunch Sponsored by Niagara Falls Convention Centre
12:45 PM - 1:35 PM EST
Lunch and Learn Sessions
12:45 PM - 1:05 PM EST

The Future of Retail Workforce Management: How Indigo is Unlocking Agility and Efficiency 

Canadian Consumer Spending Trends

1:15 PM - 1:35 PM EST

Shaping the Future of Shopping with Innovative Retail Store Design

Driving Commerce Everywhere 

1:45 PM - 2:30 PM EST
Afternoon Concurrent Sessions
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM EST

Retail Strategies for Inclusivity and Growth with Newcomers 

Store Traffic Is a Gift – Making Every Visit Count in Uncertain Times

Maximize Revenue Growth Across the Retail Value Chain with Agentic AI

Psychology of Brand Trust

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM EST
Networking Break Sponsored by Discover
3:00 PM - 3:40 PM EST

The Blueprint for Modernizing the Value Chain in Retail 

Main Session Hall

Join KPMG for an engaging fireside chat with Mary Ann Vitale, VP of Merchandising at Group Dynamite Inc. Fresh off Group Dynamite’s IPO, they will discuss the company’s identity, the evolution of retail, modernization efforts, future market trends, merchandising strategies, and keys to success in fashion retail. Key takeaways from this session will include discovering how retailers are using innovative technology to enhance efficiency, learning about trends affecting retail such as shifts in consumer behaviors and building resilient value chains, and understanding how innovations will reshape the value chain and improve consumer experiences.

Alain Sawaya

Partner, National Lead, Supply Chain and Procurement

KPMG Canada

Mary Ann Vitale

VP, Merchandising

Garage, Groupe Dynamite

3:40 PM - 3:45 PM EST

Sponsor Spotlight: International Payment Trends Impacting the Retail Industry

Phil Hogg

President

Worldpay Canada Corporation

Main Session Hall

In today’s retail industry, consumers hold all the power, expecting convenience and choice in their payments experience. As one of the largest payment processors, Worldpay publishes the annual “Global Payments Report” (GPR), offering insights that help businesses—from Big Tech to SMEs—understand evolving customer preferences and refine payment strategies. The GPR addresses current trends and forecasts up to 2030. Phil will highlight changing consumer preferences and their impact on the retail industry globally.

3:45 PM - 4:30 PM EST

Connecting with Canadians for Over 60 Years – How a Proud Retailer is Embracing its Community Heritage

Ian White

President & CEO

Home Hardware Stores Ltd.

Main Session Hall

From humble beginnings in St. Jacobs, Ontario to becoming a household name across Canada, Home Hardware has always stayed true to what matters most: a commitment to service, community, and the strength of independent Dealers. In today’s ever-changing retail landscape, Home proudly celebrates its genuinely Canadian heritage, with a renewed focus on ‘Made in Canada,’ amplifying local products, supporting Canadian suppliers, and staying rooted in the communities it serves.

4:30 PM - 4:30 PM EST
Closing Remarks
4:30 PM - 5:45 PM EST

Networking Reception

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.

6:00 PM - 8:30 PM EST

Wednesday, June 4

7:30 AM - 7:00 PM EST
Registration Open - Sponsored by Interac
7:30 AM - 9:05 AM EST
Scholarship Breakfast Sponsored by JRoss Retail Recruiters
8:00 AM - 9:05 AM EST
Continental Breakfast
9:05 AM - 9:20 AM EST

Welcoming Remarks

Main Session Hall

Diane J. Brisebois

President & CEO

Retail Council of Canada

Jayme Johnson

Partner and Industry Leader

IBM Consulting, Canada

9:20 AM - 9:55 AM EST

The Playbook for Leadership Success

Brian Burke

NHL Leader, Community Activist, Philanthropist

Main Session Hall

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.

9:55 AM - 10:45 AM EST

The New Rules of Engagement: Brand Growth in a Competitive Marketplace 

Main Session Hall

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. 

Ian Rosen

President & COO

Harry Rosen

Duncan Fulton

Chief Corporate Officer

Restaurant Brands International

Jeanne Beker

Style Editor

Rogers Communications

10:45 AM - 10:50 AM EST

Sponsor Spotlight: Why Nature is a Business Imperative

Lauren Adey

Vice President, Marketing & Retail

Cool Climate Club

Main Session Hall

75% of gen Z’s are worried about the future and suffer from climate anxiety and 63% of retailers said that sustainability initiatives helped boost revenues. A sustainability strategy is no longer optional for retailers, it’s an expectation from customers, who are increasingly shopping with their values. Learn more about how Cool Climate Club – a nature based solution to climate action – provides customizable, turnkey solutions for retailers to build and amplify their sustainability strategy, while engaging younger audiences through bold marketing opportunities.

10:50 AM - 11:25 AM EST

The AI Advantage in Retail 

Main Session Hall

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!

Sharon Gai

AI and Innovation Expert

Samir Kulkarni

CEO

Showcase

Keran McGuire

Senior Vice-President, AI and Technology Platforms

Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited

11:25 AM - 11:45 AM EST
Networking Break
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM EST
Morning Concurrent Sessions
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM EST

Beyond Retail Media: How to Win Trade, Shopper Marketing, and Brand Dollars in the Digital Shift 

Retail Resilience: Workforce Optimization Amid Rising Wages and Economic Uncertainty

Beyond Satisfaction: Unlocking What Drives Consumers in 2025

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM EST
Networking Lunch - Sponsored by Version Image Plus
12:55 PM - 1:15 PM EST
Lunch and Learn Sessions
12:55 PM - 1:15 PM EST

Préparer le magasinage de demain grâce à la conception novatrice de magasin de détail

On-Demand Delivery: Providing Customers What They Need, When They Need It

2:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST
Exhibit Floor Closes
2:00 PM - 2:40 PM EST

From Chaos to Competitive Advantage

Doug Stephens

Retail Prophet

Main Session Hall

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.

2:40 PM - 2:45 PM EST

Sponsor Spotlight: Powering Retail With End-to-End Solutions and Proven Delivery Excellence 

Magali Amiel

Director Business Consulting, Head of Practice Transport & Logistics Canada

CGI

Main Session Hall

At CGI, we empower Canadian retailers through end-to-end solutions and a legacy of proven delivery excellence. From consulting to innovation, we help clients enhance customer experiences, optimize operations, and drive growth. With deep industry expertise and a global-local approach, CGI is your trusted partner in shaping the future of retail. 

2:40 PM - 3:25 PM EST

Perspectives on the Retail Landscape 

Per Bank

President & CEO

Loblaw Companies Limited

Main Session Hall

Join Loblaw President & CEO Per Bank as he provides his candid thoughts on the state of the retail industry – both here in Canada and internationally – gleaned since taking over as leader of the country’s largest grocer and pharmacy network in late 2023. Faced with an inflationary crisis, a trade war and more, Per’s time with Loblaw has been nothing short of unique and unprecedented. 

3:25 PM - 3:30 PM EST
Closing Remarks
4:00 PM - 5:15 PM EST

Grand Prix Networking Reception

Grand Prix New Product Awards guests are invited to attend a networking reception prior to the awards dinner. 

5:30 PM - 8:00 PM EST