Retailers, both in Canada and around the globe, have been faced with a considerable amount of challenges and hurdles to overcome in recent years in order to sustain growth and success within the industry. And, those challenges, nor the hurdles, are set to abate anytime soon. Amid a continuously shifting landscape and ever-evolving consumer preferences and behaviour, brands are perpetually required to assess and reassess their operations in efforts to find efficiencies and cost reductions. To help retailers, large and small, throughout the country navigate through the current climate, Retail Insider the magazine is pleased to announce the start of development of its second volume of content with the release of Volume two Issue one of the digital publication on Monday, April 17.
Expert analysis
Within the upcoming jam-packed issue, a number of industry experts weigh in, providing their perspectives on some of the trends impacting retailers most significantly today. Supply chain guru, Gary Newbury, contributes an article that highlights the challenges that have blighted supply chains around the world since the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic, while addressing the increasingly critical redesign of the supply chain that’s required in order for retailers to effectively manage inventory and deliver the experiences that their customers are demanding.
Renowned industry analyst and advisor, George Minakakis, shares his views on the revolutionary power inherent in AI technologies, focusing on the potential that AI chatbots represent when it comes to improving retailer interactions with customers through personalized recommendations, powerful browsing tools, targeted marketing messages, and exceptional customer service.
With the advancement of digital technologies come opportunities for retailers to get closer to their customers through the collection of their personal data. But, how much is too much? Data privacy thought-leader, Ritchie Po, contributes an article that goes a long way toward helping retailers understand their obligations concerning data collection, identifying the things brands can do to avoid or address overcollection.
State of the Canadian shopping centre
In addition, a robust examination of the Canadian shopping centre is executed to determine its current state and the direction in which it might be heading. To help assess the state of the Canadian mall thoughtfully and accurately, the perspectives of some of the most insightful commercial real estate players and developers were sought, including those of Andy Clydesdale, Executive Vice President – Retail at QuadReal Property Group; Paul Lessner, Senior Vice President, National Shopping Centre Leasing at JLL; Michael Kehoe, Broker of Record at Fairfield Commercial Real Estate; and Lisa Hutcheson, Managing Partner, Retail Strategy, Master Planning and Operations at J.C. Williams Group.
The Well
Toronto’s soon-to-be-opening massive mixed-use development, The Well, and its breathtaking array of features and attractions is spotlighted. Speaking with Alex Edmison, Senior Vice President at CBRE, and John Ballantyne, Chief Operating Officer for RioCan, the potential impact of the endeavour is explored, as well as the enhancements to Toronto’s, and Canada’s, global reputation that the project may trigger when it comes to world-class innovation and development.
A Canadian icon
And, to help celebrate its first century of success, and launch its second, Canadian retail icon Canadian Tire is featured in a special brand profile. Diving into the history of Canadian Tire Money and the evolution of the company’s loyalty programs and initiatives, its efforts to continuously and consistently improve and enhance the products, offering and experience that it provides its customers is highlighted.
Intent on keeping its finger on the pulse of the Canadian retail scene, Retail Insider the magazine is committed to continue reporting on the trends and influences shaping the current and future state of the industry. Don’t miss Volume two Issue one of the digital publication, available Monday, April 17, 2023.
