Redefining Retail Human Resources Strategies in an AI-Driven Era

Date:

Share post:

In this dynamic era shaped by AI-driven advancements, retail human resource professionals navigate a landscape rich in complexity and transformation. Understanding and addressing employee needs has become more crucial than ever for cultivating vibrant workplace environments and cultures. Embracing this challenge, Retail Council of Canada (RCC) is excited to host the essential one-day Retail Human Resources Conference on April 25, 2024, at the International Centre in Mississauga. Promising a packed agenda with distinguished speakers, this event is set to be a pivotal gathering for retail HR professionals, offering a wealth of insightful strategies and valuable knowledge as well as 3.5 hours of HRPA pre-approved professional development credits . 

The conference will explore the pressing issues shaping the future of retail HR. Attendees will learn to strike a balance between leveraging AI and other technologies for operational efficiency and the critical task of engaging with employees to nurture thriving workplaces. Discussions will encompass AI’s impact on workforce development, the nuances of compensation and labor relations, and inventive tactics for attracting talent, enhancing employee experiences, and boosting retention.

Featured sessions include:

Just announced! Mastering Finance for HR: Winning Executive Buy-In for Change

Robert Laufer CFO of Browns Shoes Inc. and RCC President and CEO Diane J. Brisebois discuss crafting a compelling HR investment proposal, focusing on alignment with leadership and demonstrating HR’s role in supporting organizational growth and change.

What Employees are Seeking Beyond “Competitive Pay”

John Mortimer and Shelly Patel from LabourWatch present frontline strategies to enhance retail workers’ daily experiences, boosting engagement, customer loyalty, and business performance.

Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Empowering your DEI Strategy

Rochele Padiachy, Learning Manager at the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion will lead a session on transformative DEI strategies and their integration into business plans for an inclusive future.

AI-Driven Innovations for Tomorrow’s Workforce

David Lloyd, Chief Data and AI Officer at Ceridian, examines the role of AI in retail HR, from streamlining tasks to providing actionable insights and improving workforce efficiency.

Revitalizing Inspired Employee Engagement

Deb Craven of Longo’s shares their journey in enhancing employee engagement, highlighting key lessons, accountability, and the positive impact on workplace dynamics.

Additionally, RCC’s Retail Human Resources Conference offers extensive networking opportunities, complete with delicious snacks and a filling lunch. It’s the perfect setting for participants to connect with peers, meet other HR professionals, exhibitors, and solution providers. This year introduces peer-to-peer learning and roundtable discussions, providing a unique forum for sharing ideas and addressing common industry challenges.

Secure your spot at this unmissable conference at www.rcchrconference.ca. Groups of five or more can enjoy a 20% discount, making it an ideal opportunity for team building and mentoring junior HR professionals.

*Partner content. To work with Retail Insider, email: craig@retail-insider.com

RELATED ARTICLES

Load more

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required

RECENT articles

Lessons for Mid-Market Retail from the Roots Acquisition

The Roots acquisition offers lessons for mid-market retailers on differentiation, brand value, cultural relevance and protecting the assets customers value.

Samsung Canada Reinforces Role of Physical Retail as Technology Evolves

Samsung Canada is investing in experience-led stores that support product discovery, education and service as consumers increasingly move between digital and physical shopping channels.

GARAGE to open new Birmingham store as Montréal brand expands international reach

The Birmingham location will be the latest in a series of UK openings for the brand, which has already established stores at Bluewater Shopping Centre, Oxford Street in London and Manchester Arndale. GARAGE also plans to open another location at the Trafford Centre this fall.

Reitmans Names Lilly Singh and Katherine Levac as New National Ambassadors for Fall 2026 Campaign

On Monday, August 17, Reitmans brought fashion courtside at Scotiabank Arena, transforming the Toronto Tempo court into a...

Corby Spirit and Wine Limited sees record full-year Fiscal 2026 results 

FY26 Revenue of $271.6 million (+10%) and Organic Revenue +11%.

Purdys Chocolatier to open four Maritime locations Sept. 4

The expansion adds a new regional market for the Vancouver-based company, which has operated as a family-owned business since 1907.

Canadian retailers could face higher costs and rising prices due to tariffs: Coface

Furniture, cosmetics, hardware, appliances, dairy and seafood are among the retail categories most exposed to the current tariff measures.

The Book Corner pop-up launches at Guildford Town Centre (Photos)

The independent pop-up for book lovers will feature 1,000+ books with 100% of proceeds supporting the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society and literacy initiatives

HEQ partners with Sleep Country to offer perks to Ontario homeowners

The partnership will provide HEQ homeowners with exclusive Sleep Country offers, although the companies did not disclose the specific terms or value of the perks.

IKEA and Xbox launch gaming-focused home collection in Canada

The collection was developed jointly by IKEA and Xbox, with one designer from each company working on every piece.

Daily Synopsis: August 26, 2026

Buy Canadian movement accelerates, tariff war collides with Amazon plans, Loblaw flags tariff products, Mayrand opening Quebec store, downtown Toronto tailor offering $80k vicuna suit, and other news.

Promenades St-Bruno to invest $49.5M in food court redevelopment, new retail space

The project will relocate the existing lower-level food court to the current Marché des Promenades location, allowing the former food court area to be converted into retail space.

Joseph Ribkoff launches global direct-to-consumer platform, names Elizabeth Hurley campaign face

The campaign is built around its new brand philosophy, Elegance in Motion, which focuses on the idea that elegance changes with the women who wear the clothing.

Record results for Happy Belly Food Group in Q2

Record system-wide sales of $28.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, representing an increase of approximately 75% compared to $16.2 million in the same quarter of fiscal 2025.

Grocery, pharmacy and fitness fuel strong leasing demand for RioCan properties

The company’s retail portfolio is now effectively 99 per cent leased, supported by population growth, limited new retail supply and a tenant base that has become more resilient and necessity-focused.

MadHatters poised for continued growth

The new store has been designed around a simple philosophy: keep a good store, a happy ambiance, and happy staff, so customers have fun while they shop.

Canadian Restaurants Avoid Broad Food Tariff Hit as Supply Costs Face Pressure

Restaurants Canada welcomes Ottawa’s targeted tariff approach, but new duties on packaging, equipment and selected foods could add costs for operators.

Knix Opens First Atlantic Canada Store in Halifax as Retail Expansion Continues

Knix has opened its first Atlantic Canadian store at Halifax Shopping Centre as the Toronto-based intimates brand continues expanding its physical retail network.

Cadillac Fairview’s It’s Better in Real Life campaign targets today’s consumers

New consumer research suggests shoppers are looking for more than just stores, with nearly one-third of visits to its properties now driven by social reasons such as meeting friends or spending time together.

IKEA study finds household clutter creating tension as living spaces get smaller

The IKEA Store & Organise Report 2026: Finding Meaning in the Mess surveyed 31,488 people across 31 markets and found that 38 per cent of homes have someone who leaves things out with the expectation that another person will deal with them.