By Luke O’Hare, President, JAK’s Beer, Wine & Spirits
As a retail leader rooted in Western Canada, I know firsthand how essential it is to stay connected with the unique dynamics of our region. That’s why attending Retail Council of Canada’s Retail West Conference on November 6, 2024 is a must. This event offers insights and inspiration tailored specifically for the challenges and opportunities we face. Whether you’re running a local shop or a growing chain in Western Canada, Retail West delivers practical takeaways that can truly make a difference in how we approach our businesses.
Take the session “Best Buy Express on Embracing a Bold, Growth Mindset.” Jennifer Barr from Best Buy Express Canada and Ivano Pirro from Bell, Virgin Plus & Best Buy Express will share how they achieved the remarkable feat of joining two distinct cultures and opening 167 Best Buy Express stores in just five months. Their story of agility and adaptation highlights how even the boldest strategies can come to life when you’re open to unconventional opportunities. For small and medium-sized businesses, this session offers practical insights on applying a growth mindset to scale up while inspiring your team.
In “Winning the West: SMB Multi-Channel Success Strategies,” Dr. Lana Porter from Leger will dive into new research on shopping trends and media habits unique to Western Canada. This session will give small-medium businesses a clear path to making the most of in-store and digital channels. Sessions like this provide real, actionable strategies you can implement right away to enhance your business.
One of the most important challenges Western retailers face is the increase in organized crime and business interruption. The session “Collaborating on Retail Crime” with Sgt. Craig Reynolds of the Vancouver Police Department takes an in-depth look at how retailers can partner with law enforcement to combat retail crime. Practical advice and case studies make this session particularly valuable, providing retailers with real-world strategies to protect their businesses.
And for those of us looking to optimize our productivity with cutting-edge learning, the session “Demystifying AI with Practical Applications for Retail” with IBM Consulting’ Rob Dunlop offers a look at how AI is transforming retail. From predictive inventory management to personalized customer experiences, this session covers how even smaller businesses can start leveraging AI to improve efficiency and profitability.
Beyond the sessions, what I love most about Retail West is the sense of community. You’re surrounded by people who understand the unique challenges of doing business in Western Canada. You’ll walk away not only with new strategies but also with a renewed sense of energy, inspired by peers and innovators in the field.
Retail West is the event where grit, innovation, and community come together to shape the future of retail in Western Canada. If you want to grow your business and stay ahead of the curve, this is the place to be. Make sure you don’t miss it!
$100 Early Bird Saving ends Wednesday October 9, 2024. For more information on tickets, visit the Retail West website.
Luke O’Hare, President, JAK’s Beer, Wine & Spirits
Luke joined JAK’s in January of 2024. Previously to that, Luke spent the last 10+ years with Urban Barn as the leader of Retail and then Supply Chain.
Luke currently sits on the advisory boards with the Retail Council of Canada and has most recently completed his term as Chair of the Canadian Retail Shippers Association.
Away from work, Luke lives in Burnaby and has been married to his wife Lenka for 8 years and has 2 children – Milan (Milo) and Olivia.
Past Retail Council of Canada Events: 2024’s Must-Attend RCC Retail Events: Learn, Grow, Connect and Thrive
