It’s been said that the future is most often shaped by our current challenges and the lessons that result from mistakes that we make and victories we achieve. To effectively lend toward the creation of a positive mould requires an astute understanding of the current environment and landscape, the forcing functions at play, market shifts and swings, and influential trends that are rearing on the horizon. For retailers operating across the country, the importance of doing so, in actively shaping the future of their operations, and the industry as a whole, is paramount. And, in an effort to support the success of the Canadian retail industry, Retail Insider the magazine is excited to launch the inaugural issue of the publication. Set to be distributed in April, our first edition will include a robust lineup of content aimed at exploring, analyzing and dissecting the most pressing challenges impacting retail operations today, offering expert insights that can help merchants overcome these challenges and discover opportunities for further growth.
Supply chain disruption
It’s painfully obvious how severely current global supply chain disruptions have impacted retail businesses in Canada and around the world. Predominantly caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, port closures, congestion and delays, container shortages and price inflation continue to wreak havoc on operations, resulting in a great deal of uncertainty and, in some cases, completely crippling the ability to forecast and plan. And, with an ever-increasing need for agility and flexibility and a highlighted requirement to pivot and adjust on the spot with changing market shifts and trends, the supply chain is set to play an even more critical role in retail success going forward. With the help of transportation and logistics experts, we’ll explore the many layers and components of effective supply chain management and how the development of a new kind of strategic focus is set to differentiate competitors within the industry.
Continued rise of ecommerce
Another equally compelling consequence of the pandemic has been the accelerated digitization of the world around us. It’s a technological evolution that’s changed the way people everywhere interact, communicate and share information. It’s also resulted in preference changes with respect to the ways people want to engage and shop with their favourite brands – changes that are most dramatically evident in the sharp rise in ecommerce adoption among consumers. And, its impact has been just as dramatic, entirely changing the way retailers operate, sell and fulfill product. To help Retail Insider the magazine and the Canadian industry remain on top of the current state of ecommerce in the country, David Nagy, digital pioneer and Founder of Ecommerce Canada, will contribute the first of his quarterly columns aimed at helping businesses understand the evolving landscape and the digital tools that can be leveraged in order to scale the heights of online success.
The evolving retail experience
As important as developing a strong online presence and ecommerce offering is to the continued growth of retail businesses, the in-store retail experience remains central to the overall omnichannel ecosystem and critical toward ensuring the very best customer service and engagement. Supporting the expansion of the integrated retail journey and experience, helping to bridge the gap between the online and offline worlds, are technologies like virtual and augmented reality. In order to help retailers operating across the country navigate the new digital world and its influence on a transforming customer experience, Retail Insider the magazine is partnering with Snap Inc. Canada to host a virtual roundtable discussion involving a number of Canadian executive decision-makers. Expected to be a lively exchange, the conversation will focus on the challenges inherent within the evolving retail environment, the opportunities available to enhance the customer experience and the tools and tactics being leveraged to do so.
Retail talent shortage
Despite the wonders of the current digital revolution and the ease and convenience that it provides for both retailers and consumers, however, retail will always be about people. It’s human resources and intelligence that continues to disseminate data and apply it to strategic decisions and direction. And, when it comes to executing on delivering the exceptional experience and engagement that customers expect, it’s people on the frontlines that make or break any brand, providing the oft-subtle differentiators between success and failure. Underpinning the importance of ensuring that stores are staffed with great retail talent is the harmful labour shortage that the industry’s currently stricken by. With a mind on the future, we’ll dissect the forcing functions facilitating the ‘Great Resignation’ and the areas retailers must focus on in order to attract the right talent to their organizations, and retain that talent.
Exclusive special report
In addition, Retail Insider the magazine is pleased to present the very first edition of our special reports, which will feature exclusive news featuring new retail entrants to the Canadian market as well as a list of homegrown Canadian retailers expanding their operations. Driven by Retail Insider Media Ltd. Founder, Craig Patterson, this comprehensive view of the thriving Canadian retail market will be unique to the Retail Insider the magazine readership and will contain information that cannot be found anywhere else. Packed full of news concerning international retail entrants, new store openings, insights related to brand expansion strategies, and much more, this special report will feature the excitement behind the expansion of the retail industry in Canada, providing a perspective and context around the impressive growth.
Exciting time for retail
It’s an exhilarating time to be a part of Canadian retail. And, everyone at Retail Insider the magazine is thrilled to be introducing the publication’s inaugural issue to merchants and their teams. With an aim to deliver the most meaningful, insightful and engaging content, we hope to be able to assist those within the industry to more easily identify the challenges and opportunities that are at play today, as well as those that will pose impact in the future. Look out for the digital distribution of Retail Insider the magazine during the week of April 4, 2022. We can’t wait to continue building and developing the magazine and will look forward to receiving the reaction and response of our valued Retail Insider community.
For more information on Retail Insider the magazine, including sponsorship opportunities and media kit, feel free to reach out to: advertising@retail-insider.com and visit TheRImagazine.com.
