The Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala, hosted by Retail Council of Canada along with presenting sponsor CHASE, is an annual celebration of the individuals and companies who are pushing the boundaries and making a difference in the world of retail. This year’s gala will be held on May 30, 2023, at the Toronto Congress Center, and it promises to be an evening of glitz and glamour, where Canada’s best retail talent will gather to celebrate retail excellence and innovation. The highly anticipated reveal of the winners of the 2023 Excellence in Retailing Awards program will be announced, and three recipients of the prestigious Awards of Distinction will also be honoured.
Winners of The Excellence in Retailing Awards Program to be Announced
The Excellence in Retailing Awards program recognizes outstanding innovation in various categories, including eCommerce Experience, Environmental Leadership, Health, Safety & Wellness, In-Store Experience & Design, Loss Prevention, Omni-Channel, Philanthropic Leadership, Pop-up Experience and Design, Retail Marketing, and Talent Development. The impressive level of excellence to reach finalist status was achieved by more retailers in 2022 than in previous years, demonstrating how retailers across the country are stepping up with forward-thinking solutions to meet the opportunities ahead.
The finalists for the 2023 Excellence in Retailing Awards include dynamic brands such as Amazon, Canadian Tire Corporation, IKEA Canada, Loblaw Companies Limited, Best Buy, Tim Hortons, METRO, LCBO, Sobey, Rona, Rexall, Longos, London Drugs, Golf Town, The Body Shop, II x IV, Mastermind Toys, Peavey Industries, Aldo, Toys R Us, Staples, Pet Valu, Harry Rosen, Big Bear Trading Company, Hillberg & Berk, Ardene, The Ordinary, Telus, Well.ca, Home Hardware, Habitat for Humanity Canada and Walmart Canada, as well as many others. These companies have demonstrated standout success in the various categories while showcasing their commitment to delivering exceptional retail experiences.
Awards of Distinction Recipients to be Honoured
In addition to the Excellence in Retailing Awards, the Gala will also recognize three exceptional individuals with the Awards of Distinction. This year, Paul Simmonds, President of Robert Simmonds Clothing, will receive the Independent Retailer Lifetime Achievement Award for his careers long contribution to his customers and community as independent retailer and advocate. Greg Hicks, President and CEO of Canadian Tire Corporation, will be celebrated with the 2023 Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year Award for his visionary leadership and commitment to customer satisfaction. The gala will also recognize Sharon Hayles, Owner of Diane’s Lingerie, as the 2023 Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year for her leadership in helping the beloved store become known for its highly personalized, relaxed shopping experience, and its exceptional commitment to inclusivity.
 The Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala on May 30, 2023, 4:30pm -8:30pm, will be hosted by international food and travel celebrity and founder of Follow Me Foodie, Mijune Pak. Guests will enjoy an exceptional dinner, prepared under the consultation of world-renowned chef Mark McEwan.
To purchase Gala tickets visit https://retailawards.ca/register-now/.
The Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala end the first day of  RCC STORE 23, Canada’s biggest retail conference, from May 30 – May 31, 2023. RCC STORE 23 that will feature 75+ speakers and is attracting retail leaders from across North America and around the globe.
