Retail Council of Canada recognized retailers, brands, product innovators, and industry leaders through two major awards programs held as part of RCCSTORE2026 in Toronto this week.
The awards celebrated achievements in customer experience, sustainability, product development, supply chain modernization, merchandising, talent development, and leadership across Canada’s retail and grocery sectors.
RCCSTORE is Canada’s largest retail conference, bringing together retailers, suppliers, technology providers, and industry experts for educational sessions, networking opportunities, and discussions on emerging trends shaping the industry. Retail Insider attended the conference, where topics including artificial intelligence, retail crime, customer experience, employee development, and operational efficiency were among the recurring themes.
Those same themes were reflected in many of this year’s award recipients.
“The ERA winners represent the best of what Canadian retail has to offer; those retailers who are investing in innovation, reimagining the customer experience, and setting the standard for the industry,” said Kim Furlong, President and CEO of Retail Council of Canada. “Nights like this matter. This is the sector coming together to recognize the companies executing at the highest level.”
Excellence in Retailing Awards Recognize Industry Leadership
The 2026 Excellence in Retailing Awards highlighted retailers making investments in customer experience, sustainability, supply chain innovation, merchandising, and employee development. The awards were presented during a sold-out gala event held in conjunction with RCCSTORE2026.
Among the notable winners was Staples Canada, which received recognition in the In-Store Experience & Design category. The retailer has been investing in a new generation of stores, including its Burlington concept location, which features redesigned merchandising, expanded technology and learning departments, a dedicated seasonal area, open sightlines, and an enhanced service hub intended to improve customer engagement and navigation.
Pet Valu earned recognition for Supply Chain Innovations following several years of investment in distribution infrastructure and logistics modernization, while Sobeys Inc. was honoured for Environmental Leadership.
The awards also recognized Loblaw Companies Ltd. for Loss Prevention, Walmart Canada for In-Store Merchandising, IKEA Canada for Pop-Up Experience & Design, and la Vie en Rose for E-Commerce Experience. Farm Boy Company Inc. received the Philanthropic Leadership award, LCBO was recognized for Talent Development, and both Indigo Books & Music Inc. and RONA earned honours in the Retail Marketing category.
Awards of Distinction Honour Retail Leaders
Some of Canada’s most respected retail leaders were also recognized through RCC’s Awards of Distinction program.
The 2026 recipients were Michael Brownstein of Brown’s Shoes, Deb Craven of Longo’s, Alex Miller of Couche-Tard, and Jillian Harris of The Jilly Box. According to RCC, the awards recognize individuals whose influence extends beyond their own organizations and contributes to the broader advancement of the retail industry.
The organization also awarded Retail Education Scholarships to sixteen students pursuing careers in retail, with five students receiving additional specialty awards sponsored by industry partners.
Canadian Grand Prix Awards Celebrate Product Innovation
RCC also presented its 33rd annual Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards, recognizing innovation across food, grocery, household, health, pet care, and consumer packaged goods categories. The program honoured 41 category winners representing a broad cross-section of products sold through Canadian retailers.
The Grand Prix winners included products from major retailers and consumer brands such as Metro, Loblaw Companies Limited, Sobeys Inc., Federated Co-operatives Ltd., Pattison Food Group, Café William, Demetres, Kraft Heinz, Happy Planet, Maple Lodge Farms, Saputo, and Calgary Co-operative Association.
Several special accolades were also awarded. Federated Co-operatives received the All-Canadian trophy for its Blueberry Sea Buckthorn Fruit Spread, while Demetres was recognized for Excellence in Ethnic Product. OHME! earned the Innovation and Originality award, Café William received recognition for Innovative Packaging, and Loblaw Companies was honoured for Overall Consumer Value for its President’s Choice Probiotic Yogurt for Gut Health.
Lifetime Achievement Awards Presented
As part of the Canadian Grand Prix gala, RCC presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to Cara Keating, CEO of PepsiCo Canada, and Sandra Sanderson, Chief Marketing Officer of Empire Company Limited.
“Cara Keating and Sandra Sanderson have spent careers pushing this industry to be better,” said Furlong. “Their contributions have made Canada’s grocery sector stronger, more innovative, and more dynamic, and that deserves to be recognized.”
Together, the winners recognized during RCCSTORE2026 offered a snapshot of the priorities shaping Canadian retail today. From experiential store design and e-commerce innovation to sustainability, product development, supply chain efficiency, and workforce development, the awards highlighted how retailers and brands continue to invest in growth while adapting to changing consumer expectations and operating environments.
