Standing Up for Our Industry: A Conversation with Michael Medline

Date:

Share post:

Amidst the unparalleled challenges, diverse perspectives, and exciting opportunities in the retail sector, Retail Council of Canada is hosting a standout networking breakfast as part of the highly popular In Conversation With Retail Leaders in Canada series. This latest installment will feature a candid discussion with Mr. Michael Medline, President & CEO of Empire Company Limited and Sobeys Inc. Scheduled for Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 7:30-9:15am ET, at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Airport & Conference Centre, 655 Dixon Road in Toronto, it’s an especially relevant event for retailers and the vendor and supplier community.  

Titled ‘Standing Up for Our Industry’ this session will feature an interview with Mr. Medline, renowned for his straightforward and passionate defense of the grocery sector and be moderated by Hollie Shaw, former Financial Post retail reporter celebrated for her incisive questions and keen analysis, the conversation is set to be both enlightening and provocative. 

This discussion will delve into key topics shaping the future of retail, such as the implementation of the Grocery Code of Conduct, the enhancement of fairness and transparency in business negotiations, and the role of the government in the retail sector. 

Michael Medline, renowned for his frankness, has been a vocal advocate for the Grocery Code of Conduct and is not one to shy away from rebuking politicians, pundits, and media for unfounded criticism of grocers. Participants can anticipate a session filled with his straightforward and insightful commentary.  

This In Conversation with Retail Leaders in Canada breakfast is an extraordinary opportunity to directly hear from and engage with Mr. Medline, one of Canada’s preeminent business leaders. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain unrivalled perspectives and be part of a pivotal dialogue steering the future of retail in Canada.  Tickets are available for purchase, with a 20% discount for groups of five or more. This is a not-to-be-missed chance to be part of a conversation that truly matters.

*Partner content – Retail Insider worked with Retail Council of Canada to publish this article.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

RELATED ARTICLES

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required

RECENT articles

Inside the Redesign of CF Toronto Eaton Centre’s High-Traffic Washrooms

WZMH Architects redesigned the Level 2 washrooms at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, adding capacity, durable materials and a water-inspired interior.

Faire report says independent retailers outpacing online-only stores, adapting to economic shifts

Retailers in smaller cities and towns are outpacing those in major metropolitan centres and are identifying emerging consumer trends before they become mainstream.

Study Finds Grocery Stores Could Cut Plastic Produce-Bag Use

University of Toronto research involving 30 Toronto grocery stores and a Longo’s pilot suggests retailers could reduce disposable plastic produce-bag use through signage, reusable alternatives and changes to dispenser placement.

Canadians plan average of 18 hours of summer driving as road trips dominate travel: Turo report

55 per cent of Canadian travel between June and September will be by road, while seven in 10 road trippers plan to take at least two trips over the season.

Clinique Canada partners with AFC Toronto, Canadian Women & Sport on campaign aimed at keeping girls in sport

The partnership comes as Canadian Women & Sport points to research showing declining participation among teenage girls despite growing visibility for women's professional sports.

Just Cuts opens salon in Guelph, plans Ontario expansion

Plans to open locations at Masonville Place in London in November, followed by Limeridge Mall in Hamilton and Dufferin Mall in Toronto in early January.

Daily Synopsis: Jul 27, 2026

Costco marks 50 years, BodyMods expanding in Calgary, Superstore updates Heritage Meadows store, DUER looks to expand despite tariffs, and other news.

First Capital REIT reports Q2 financial results, indicating a strong leasing volume

On a quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year basis, total portfolio occupancy decreased 0.1% to 97.1% at June 30, 2026, from 97.2% at March 31, 2026 and June 30, 2025, respectively.

Back-to-School now a $4.5 billion retail market in Canada: Retail Council of Canada

Average household spending ranges from $600 to $750 per child when electronics are included, making it one of the most significant retail events of the year.

Iconic Bavarian Inn site for sale in Bragg Creek, Alberta

Known by many as the BAV TAV, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant has been serving guests since the 1970s and has built a long-standing reputation for quality, consistency, and warm hospitality.

Omnichannel no longer enough as retailers shift focus to customer decision-making: Report

The brands delivering the best experiences are no longer simply the ones with the most touchpoints.

Wilkes & Bowens Debuts at Toronto’s Stackt Market Ahead of Bloor Rebrand

Wilkes & Bowens has opened a temporary Stackt Market residency ahead of the rebranding of Toronto Designers Market on Bloor Street.

Retail Insider Books & Entertainment Report: Fandom, Community and Experience Reshape the Market

Retail Insider's latest Books & Entertainment Report examines how Canadian retailers are using fandom, community, intellectual property and experiential formats to strengthen customer engagement, with insights into bookstores, collectibles, entertainment venues and evolving consumer behaviour.

Gen Z is Redefining the Checkout Experience for Canadian Retailers

Many Gen Z shoppers are reshaping checkout expectations by prioritizing privacy, trust and payment choice, creating new opportunities and challenges for Canadian retailers.

Poor customer service abroad is driving travellers to switch banks: Gradient Labs

1,000 of the 1,998 travellers surveyed reported experiencing a card, payment, or banking issue abroad in the past two years. 

AI security spending rises as retailers face surge in deepfake and identity attacks: Thales

72% of retail organizations cite rapid changes in AI ecosystems as their leading security concern, undermining the ability of traditional tools to keep pace.

Air Canada Amenity Kits Spotlight Canadian Brand Partnerships

Air Canada’s new amenity kits bring together Sahajan and Hunter Amenities, showing how Canadian brand partnerships can create wider business value.

From The Desk: Navigating Retail Growth Amid Trade Shifts and Experience-Driven Strategies

This week in Canadian retail highlights strategic expansions, evolving consumer experiences, and the complex impacts of trade tensions shaping growth opportunities.

Daily Synopsis: Jul 24, 2026

Local food hubs proposed to address grocery competition, Loblaw brings 'goss' campaign back for Ossfest in Toronto, Toys R Us stores clearning out in Winnipeg, and other news.

Roots Opens New Store at Vancouver International Airport

Roots has opened a new store at Vancouver International Airport as the Canadian retailer expands travel retail and continues investing in key locations.