Agenda

Dans le cadre de L’événement STORE 24, 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.

Attend the pre-conference cinq à sept cocktail reception hosted by Conceil canadien du commerce détail (Retail Council of Canada, Quebec) to network with fellow French-speaking delegates from Quebec and across Canada.

Main Stage

Main Stage

More than a million Canadians visit McDonald’s each day, not just because they love the food, but because they share a community connection. Michèle Boudria, President & CEO, McDonald’s Canada talks about innovating for tomorrow’s customer, driving business results and creating a bigger impact to deliver on McDonald’s purpose of feeding and fostering communities. From building technology to better serve its guests and people, to supporting local farmers and providing youth with their first jobs, it’s always about more than the burger.

Main Stage

GenAI technology is a marvel, but leaders are ready to see results. Generating ideas, improving efficiency, and personalizing experiences are just the edge of what this transformative technology can do. Google and BCG deliver a powerful session sharing how these new types of generative AI have the potential to significantly accelerate AI adoption, including in organizations still cracking the code to implementation.

Fast Five Sponsor Highlight – Main Stage

Generation Alpha is here and already making waves in the retail industry.  In this session, Kerri-Ann Santaguida, VP and GM of Merchant Services for Amex Canada, will share key trends driving how Gen A like to shop, their influencer on the purchasing behaviour of other generations, and how retailers can win with this demographic.

Main Stage

Diana Dimitian, Global Retail Commerce Executive, explores the dynamic landscape of European retail trends and experiences, inspiring Canadian retailers to draw on for their own innovation. Discover strategies for maintaining strong customer connections, and witness purpose-driven innovation.

Concurrent Theatre A

Generation Alpha is officially on the map and already influencing the retail industry. In this session, we’ll explore the trends that are shaping the future of retail and how they’re impacting shopping behaviour among each generation of consumers. From Gen A to Boomers, what’s influencing how they spend their money? And who they’ll spend it with?

Concurrent Theatre D

Gain valuable insights into creating immersive experiences, optimizing content delivery, and measuring the effectiveness of digital advertising campaigns in-store. Leading retailers will share how they are rethinking customer experience in store to captivate customers and drive sales. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover actionable tactics to enhance your retail presence and boost your bottom line.

Concurrent Theatre C

Ecommerce returns are the classic double-edged sword. Done correctly, they differentiate businesses, drive profitability and boost loyalty. Yet, excessive returns pose challenges. Join us as we share insights from a series of surveys with Canadian shoppers and retailers. We’ll distill five key findings into a session that guides the creation of an effective return strategy that benefits retailers, customers and our planet.

Concurrent Theatre B

Discover how leading retailers are advancing their DEI strategies with the support of community partnerships. Our speakers will discuss how integrating diversity into corporate culture—through employee resource groups (ERGs), DEI education, and strategic alliances—enables retailers to establish authentic connections with the communities they serve. The session will explore supplier diversity, including both direct and indirect procurement practices, emphasizing the positive impact of sourcing merchandise and services from diverse suppliers. Join us for an in-depth look at how these approaches foster inclusion and drive meaningful change in the retail landscape.

Lunch and Learn – Concurrent Theatre B

A data-driven focus can help your business extract insights, allocate resources effectively, and help keep your business competitive. In this session get an inside look at how the current inflationary period is altering consumer spending, how to use transaction data to improve loyalty insights, and how leverage data like where customers work, live and play. Leave this session feeling confident with how to adapt your data driven strategy as market conditions change.

Lunch and Learn – Concurrent Theatre C

Le développement durable est une préoccupation grandissante pour toutes les marques. Entre la gestion du changement, l’alignement des parties prenantes et la communication publique, les marques sont confrontées à de nombreux défis. Les accusations d’écoblanchiment – et autres types de blanchiment – ainsi que d’éco-silence (greenhushing) rendent la communication de ses pratiques ESG au marché encore plus importante. Lily Barrière-Groppi, stratège principale chez lg2, partagera les meilleures pratiques en communication et des études de cas de marques nationales et internationales pour vous aider à communiquer vos efforts en matière de critères ESG avec succès et à faire ainsi de vos communications un levier stratégique puissant pour passer de la gestion de risques à la création de valeur dans un contexte de transition durable.

Lunch & Learn – Concurrent Theatre A

Retail Industry veterans Chris Gardner & Achille Ettorre discuss how they utilized advanced analytics to grow some of the most iconic brands in Canada. They will share their insight around GenAI and how it will change how retailers operate and grow.

Concurrent Theatre B

Discover how consumer needs are changing as more people choose electric vehicles, with fresh insights from new research by Leger, commissioned by FLO. The study surveyed over 1,500 Canadians, including both EV drivers and non-EV drivers, in contrast to previous surveys which often focused solely on affluent high-income EV drivers. Learn how the narrative changes when considering a broader demographic.

Concurrent Theatre C

As the retail landscape evolves rapidly, AI emerges as a pivotal force reshaping customer experiences, operational efficiency, and business strategies. In this session Thinkmax and Microsoft partner to share AI-driven initiatives tailored specifically for the retail sector. This session dives into real-world examples showcasing how retailers can utilize this transformative technology to bring competitive advantage to all business functions. Prepare to be inspired and equipped with the knowledge to unlock new opportunities and drive success in the ever-evolving retail landscape.

Concurrent Theatre C

With a reflection on the program’s journey over recent years AIR MILES President Shawn Stewart offers insights into its evolution as it enters the new era in loyalty. Following this, Shawn will be joined onstage by prominent AIR MILES executives and esteemed coalition partners. Together, they will delve into the dynamic interplay of how loyalty interacts within various industries, discussing emerging trends, data-driven insights shaping retail strategies, and more. As loyalty continues to act as a cornerstone for competitive advantage in the retail landscape, discover how it could potentially revolutionize your brand.

Concurrent Theatre D

Discover integrated opportunities that Retail Media Networks offer, from enhancing the in-store experience to amplifying your brand message to customers. Learn how to integrate Retail Media efforts with your store operations, collaborate with category and trade teams, and seize key moments in your planning cycle to maximize impact. Don’t miss these valuable insights and actionable strategies for harnessing the power of Retail Media to propel your retail business forward.

Concurrent Theatre B

Explore how Moose Knuckles simplified payments across all channels and stores, empowering seamless customer experiences and driving innovation across all channels. Learn about the strategic integration tactics, prioritizing of customer-centric solutions, and discover the impact of innovative retail payment technologies. Walk away with actionable steps and tangible results to navigate the evolving retail landscape with confidence.

Concurrent Theatre A

The affordability crisis is reshaping the Canadian retail landscape and consumer priorities, presenting a pivotal shift in shopping behaviors and brand relationships. This retail-focused presentation, underpinned by Leger’s comprehensive multi-year research, delves into the profound effects of inflation on consumer mental well-being, coping strategies of Canadian shoppers, highlighting the shift towards frugality as a newfound badge of honor and the resulting fluctuation in brand loyalties. Leveraging Leger’s advanced analytics, we aim to provide deep insights into the retail sector’s evolving dynamics, illustrating the significant impact on consumer behavior and projecting future trends in Canada’s retail industry and consumer lifestyles. 

Main Stage

Explore how a circular economy goes beyond waste reduction, inspiring innovation in technology, organization, and society. Join Maya Colombani, at L’Oréal, Kimi Walker, with Canadian Tire, and Derrick Emsley, of Tentree, as they discuss the significance of circular practices and their direct influence on customer connections and values.

Fast Five Sponsor Highlight – Main Stage

Explore how customer driven retail solutions that leverage AI are transforming the retail landscape, enhancing market responsiveness, operational workflow, and pricing strategies. Trevor Bremner from Centric Software shares how this comprehensive approach has helped global brands significantly improve operating margins within a single fiscal year and gaining a competitive edge thanks to AI insights. 

Main Stage

Amid relentless change, how do you decide what brand essentials to keep and what business priorities to evolve? Join IKEA Canada’s CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer, Selwyn Crittendon to learn how one of the world’s most recognizable brands continues to adapt. Learn how decades of in-depth research steers the understanding of customers essential needs while showcasing an unwavering commitment to affordability in a challenging business landscapes. Be inspired by one of the world’s beloved brands and realize how history is a strength to protect a better future.

Main Stage

For Sephora Canada, performance excellence is not just a goal – it’s the key to success.  Recognized as a Best Employer by Forbes and Great Places to Work; Sephora Canada encourages employees to take bold steps, define trends, innovate and embrace diversity. Thomas Haupt, Country Manager, Sephora Canada talks about the value of prioritizing employee experience; ensuring diverse voices are heard and reflected, making Sephora a great place to work, play and shop.  

Fast Five Sponsor Highlight – Main Stage

Integration of in-store behavior into customer data platforms allows retailers to enhance digital activation across the purchase journey. Ben Reynolds of Walkbase shares best practices and technologies for full-funnel attribution and incrementality, advancing standardization. The session explores how brands and retailers can align on in-store measurement standards for effective in-store media and new measurement approaches that maintain privacy while providing valuable insights into in-store shopper behavior. 

Main Stage

Join world-renowned retail Futurist, Doug Stephens, as he takes us into the exciting future of competitive advantage. As we stand at the intersection of innovation and disruption, Doug will unveil the new pillars of future advantage and what it will take for organizations to win. Discover how leading-edge companies are laying the foundation for what promises to be the greatest leap in competitive advantage in modern history. Doug will spotlight trailblazers who are not just adapting for the future but are actively shaping it.

Fast Five Sponsor Highlight – Main Stage

In this session, Naqaash Pirani, Head of Digital Strategy, Adobe Canada, will delve into the current landscape of the retail industry’s utilization of artificial intelligence. Discover how AI is being employed to engage high-potential leads effectively and drive business objectives forward.
Naqaash will also highlight the latest advancements from Adobe that help produce seamless and scalable personalized customer experiences.

Main Stage

Everything is changing. The “big issues” Canadians are most concerned about have real impacts on their interactions with retailers. We need to translate daily headlines into action plans. The session will help address how to turn four big challenging trends: demographic changes, immigration policies, economic headwinds, and erosion of social cohesion, into opportunities.

Concurrent Theatre A

Unlock the power of digital merchandising in today’s retail landscape. Join Adam Halim, SVP of Product and Marketing as he discusses how groundbreaking advancements in AI and digital technology will impact the way retailers market and merchandise. Discover how the fusion of traditional merchandising expertise with cutting-edge tools like human-in-the-loop AI can drive the “5 Rights” of digital merchandising success.

Concurrent Theatre C

Mr Lube has achieved great success with its simple, effective, no-appointment approach, based on proximity to their customers in their 170 locations. But the fact that they are first and foremost a company firmly rooted in their physical locations doesn’t mean they aren’t sophisticated digital marketers. David Waterfall, VP Marketing with Mr. Lube chats with Adam Luck, Managing Director, Canada with DAC about how their partnership has enabled them to take advantage of the data and opportunities offered by digital to increase their brand visibility and in-store performance and how they are exploring how AI can improve efficiency and results.

Concurrent Theatre D

The solutions to mitigate organized retail crime and rising violence in stores requires a collaborative effort not only among retailers but with law enforcement and other community partners too. Gain insights into the agile, strategic collaborations that are reshaping the fight against retail crime.

Concurrent Theatre B

Explore the dynamic landscape of work at Walmart Canada, driven by people-led, tech-powered approach and the strategic development of associates through upskilling and reskilling initiatives, fostering opportunities across the entire Walmart network. Engage in a captivating conversation between AnnMarie Mercer, Chief People Officer at Walmart Canada, and Kimberly Lee Minor, CEO of the Women of Colour Retail Alliance, as they illuminate Walmart’s innovative approach to filling salaried roles with internal talent. Discouver the transformative impact of mentorship and sponsorship in propelling employees towards retail career success.

Concurrent Theatre C

La crise de l’abordabilité actuelle affecte directement le commerce de détail et change les priorités des consommateurs. Cela incite les gens à la fois à repenser leur façon de faire leurs achats et leur relation avec les marques. Grâce aux analyses de Léger, vous aurez des éclaircissements par rapport aux changements d’habitudes de consommation et voir quels nouveaux comportements pourraient perdurer dans l’avenir.

Concurrent Theatre B

Sustainability is top of mind for every brand, but between getting all key constituents aligned and communicating publicly there is a lot to consider. The risks of being accused of “greenwashing” (or other types of washing), “greenhushing” and more can make talking about your ESG practices even more challenging. Keith Barry, Partner and VP, Strategy at LG2 will share best practices and case studies from national and international brands to prove you can successfully communicate where your business is at and do it today. Use your communications as a powerful strategic lever to move from risk management to value creation in the eyes of employees, partners and consumers.

Lunch and Learn – Concurrent Theatre C

Explore post-pandemic shifts in consumer behavior and their impact on product discovery, qualification, and conversion. Colleen Martin of Caddle and Chris Parsons of Home Hardware analyze the influence of digital platforms and e-commerce on consumer habits and share insights into how consumers assess and qualify products. Leave this session with new strategies and inspiration to optimize conversion across all channels.

Lunch and Learn – Concurrent Theatre B

Discover practical ideas to drive value messaging while enhancing customer engagement as well as exploration and education in-store. Look at how you can build positive brand equity with a look at examples from leading retailers including grocery and convenience and leave with innovative ideas to take back to the team.

Main Stage

Explore trailblazing strategies that transform customer experiences, both online and in-store, tailored to enhance loyalty and sales in Canada’s retail landscape.  Peter Hughes, National Customer Leader at KPMG, shares the latest retail disruptors and then sits down to chat with retailers who are breaking the mold. Enjoy one on one conversations on how they have pushed the boundaries on customer experience and continue to delight customers.

Fast Five Sponsor Highlight – Main Stage

Retail media ad spend is projected to reach $140 billion this year, over 20% of global ad spend. Most Retail Media Network revenue currently comes from online and mobile advertising, but these channels have plateaued. Chris Riegel, CEO of STRATACACHE shares a 3 point plan to supercharge future growth that increases the enterprise value of in-store monetization and effectiveness of the right in-store media for shoppers, merchants, and brands.

Main Stage

How can retailers effectively navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world marked by disruption and evolving consumer demand – all in the face of an uncertain macroeconomic climate? Greg Hicks, President and CEO of Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC) and the RCC’s 2023 Distinguished Canadian Retailer, shares insights on how a renowned brand like Canadian Tire is striking a balance between navigating the present dynamic conditions while continuing to forge its future.