RETAIL WEEK: University of Alberta School of Retailing: October 4-10

Date:

Share post:



Photo: Callison ArchitecturePhoto: Callison Architecture

Photo: Callison Architecture

We’re honoured to be taking part in this year’s Retail Week, hosted by the University of Alberta School of Retailing in Edmonton. The event takes place between October 4 and October 10, and will will include networking, recruiting and celebratory activities for students and the retail industry.



Alberta is becoming a hot spot for international retailers looking to expand into Canada. Benefitting from Canada’s strongest economy, Alberta has seen record-setting retail sales growth from a burgeoning young population with a remarkably high disposable income and low unemployment rate.

Alberta is home to Canada’s first Nordstrom store, opening next week (Friday, September 19) at Calgary’s Chinook Centre. North America’s’s largest mall, West Edmonton Mall, is undergoing changes and we’re told that several new upscale retailers will join its tenant mix. Improvements are being made in both downtown Calgary and Edmonton, including new retail, office and residential projects.

University of Alberta School of Retailing is at the forefront of retail trends, preparing Canada’s brightest retail industry-focused students for careers in the industry. We’ll periodically report on what’s happening with the School of Retailing, including updates on its spectacular new office which is scheduled to open this November at the university’s HUB Mall.

Tomorrow we’ll discuss the School of retailing’s contest, Nominate Your Manager, where retail store staff may nominate their manager for an award. The winning manager wins a trip for two to Mexico, and the winning store staff wins $500 for submitting the nomination. 

Today’s Retail News From Around The Web: September 9, 2014


RELATED ARTICLES

Load more

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required

RECENT articles

Donatella Versace and REVOLVE launch joint venture focused on beauty and fashion

The new business will combine Donatella's creative direction and cultural influence with REVOLVE’s digital commerce platform, technology, consumer intelligence and operating capabilities.

Tourism spending on the rise: Statistics Canada

Tourism GDP accounted for 1.77% of nominal GDP in the second quarter, virtually unchanged from the first quarter.

Pharmacy Brands Canada Grows to more than 300 Locations in Canada

PBC's growth has accelerated across the country, with particularly strong expansion in Ontario, where the network has added more than 50 locations over the past two years.

From The Desk: Retailers adapt formats and expansion amid labour, cost and consumer shifts

Canadian retailers adjust store formats and expansion amid labour challenges, cost pressures and uneven spending, balancing growth with operational control.

Daily Synopsis: September 25, 2026

Competition Bureau seeks info on grocers in new wave, Marc Giroux steps in as CEO of Metro Inc., Pokemon thefts rise, Starbucks closing some Canadian locations, ABC Books shutting on Yonge St. in Toronto, and other news.

Aritzia’s Store Network Has Shifted South as U.S. Expansion Accelerates

Aritzia now operates more boutiques in the United States than in Canada as the Vancouver-founded retailer directs most new-store growth south of the border. Its mature Canadian network offers a useful template for the company’s push toward a potential 180-to-200-store U.S. footprint.

Starbucks undertakes massive refresh of North American locations and closing 250 stores

A refresh of Starbucks cafés is designed to bring customers back to what they love most about the coffeehouse: great coffee, craft, connection, and community.

Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop has ambitious growth plans in Canada and internationally

Tommy Gun’s CEO Keenan Fisher discusses the Canadian barbershop brand’s growth, franchising strategy and plans for 80-plus new locations worldwide.

MEC to Open Small-Format Whistler Store as Retailer Tests New Concept

MEC will open a 2,200-square-foot store in Whistler Village, testing a smaller retail format backed by curated inventory and its broader online assortment.

Lavazza Targets Canadian Growth as It Moves to Double North American Business by 2028

Lavazza is expanding its Canadian presence as part of a strategy to more than double its North American business by 2028, with growth opportunities in distribution, Western Canada and experiential marketing.

Guac Mexi Grill Marks 10 Years With 56 Locations, Eyes U.S. Expansion

Oakville-based Guac Mexi Grill is marking its 10th anniversary with 56 Canadian locations and plans to add 10 to 15 restaurants annually while expanding into the U.S. and India.

Rawcology Founder Tara Tomulka turns personal health journey into growing plant-based food business

Rawcology has grown from a nutrition blog into a food brand offering organic, low-sugar products, with founder Tara Tomulka eyeing further growth in Canada and international markets.

AI transforming retail pricing, from dynamic discounts to personalized offers

McGill professor Maxime Cohen examines how artificial intelligence could reshape retail pricing, customer discounts, fairness and the future of AI-driven commerce.

Retailers face growing trust challenge as AI reshapes customer personalization

Amperity co-founder Derek Slager explains why accurate customer data, privacy, transparency and governance are becoming critical as retailers expand AI-powered shopping experiences.

Daily Synopsis: September 24, 2026

Economists optimistic amid new retail data, consumers could benefit from Empire ending property controls, Starbucks closing 250 North American locations, OVO marks 25 years of Degrassi, and other news.

Natural, organic and wellness sector facing growing pressure from tariffs

The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) warns of impacts across the NOW industry that generates approximately $39.7 billion in economic output, contributes $18.7 billion to Canada’s GDP, and supports approximately 147,100 full-time equivalent jobs, according to research by MNP.

Kraft Dinner teams up with Solly’s Cream Soda for unique beverage

KD is teaming up with Solly’s Craft Soda to give fans a new way to satisfy their KD cravings in a beverage that combines the taste of cream soda with a hint of KD’s iconic cheesiness

Payroll employment increases in retail trade: Statistics Canada

From February to July, payroll employment in this sector generally trended up, with an overall increase of 25,300 (+1.3%).

Fuel costs, tariff pressures drag small business confidence down in September: CFIB

Weak demand remained the leading growth constraint for nearly half (49%) of small businesses, while shortage of skilled labour persisted for 41% of small firms.

Central Walk Details Redevelopment of Former Bay Spaces at Woodgrove and Mayfair

Central Walk owner Ruby Liu details plans for 310,000 square feet of former Hudson’s Bay space at Woodgrove  Centre in Namaimo and Mayfair Centre in Victoria, including H Mart, Haidilao and TM Wander.