In a time of accelerated transformation and rising consumer expectations, retailers in Canada are proving once again that they don’t just adapt—they lead. Retail Council of Canada (RCC) announced the 14 winners of the 2025 Excellence in Retailing Awards (ERA) Tuesday night at the much-anticipated Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala, a highlight moment of RCCSTORE25 Conference in Toronto. The gala evening also saw the presentation of three distinguished Awards of Distinction and 14 Retail Education Scholarships, spotlighting both seasoned leadership and the next generation of retail talent.
“This year’s ERA winners exemplify the bold, purpose-driven spirit that defines retail in Canada today,” said Diane J. Brisebois, President and CEO, Retail Council of Canada. “From championing employee well-being to reimagining the in-store experience and investing deeply in sustainability and community, these retailers are setting a global standard for what it means to lead with impact.
“I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to this year’s distinguished recipients of the Awards of Distinction: François Roberge from la Vie en Rose and Jenn Harper from Cheekbone Beauty for exceptional achievements, resilient leadership and courageous, forward-thinking strategies. At a time when it might be easier to take a cautious path, these retailers have chosen to lead with vision, integrity, and impact.”
François Roberge, President and CEO of la Vie en Rose, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Jenn Harper, Founder & CEO, Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics Inc., was awarded Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year.
2025 Excellence in Retailing Awards winners are:
| Award Category | Winner |
| E-Commerce Experience | RONA |
| Environmental Leadership | Sobeys Inc. |
| In-Store Experience & Design | Indigo Books & Music Inc. |
| In-Store Experience & Design | Best Buy Canada |
| In-Store Merchandising | Walmart Canada |
| Loss Prevention | Pet Valu Canada |
| Omni-Channel | Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) |
| Philanthropic Leadership | Pattison Food Group |
| Philanthropic Leadership | IKEA Canada |
| Pop-Up Experience & Design | Sephora Canada |
| Retail Marketing | IKEA Canada |
| Retail Marketing | Le Groupe Aldo Inc. |
| Supply Chain Innovations | Staples Canada |
| Talent Development | Purdys Chocolatier |
This year’s Gala also marked a poignant moment of celebration as the industry honoured Brisebois for her remarkable 30-year tenure as President & CEO of RCC with an induction into the Canadian Retail Hall of Fame. “Diane’s unwavering commitment and tireless leadership have elevated the retail sector to new heights,” said Santo Ligotti, Vice President, Marketing and Membership, RCC. “Her legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of retail leaders across the country.”
Among the 14 students awarded Retail Education Scholarships, four received additional honours.Â
- Alana Tollenaar (sponsored by JRoss Recruiters)
- Emilio Velazquez (sponsored by RCC)
- Amaira Bons (sponsored by Browns Shoes)
- David Medcalfe (sponsored by Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd.)
Learn more about the Excellence in Retail Awards selection criteria, and the Retail Education Scholarship Program.
Retail is Canada’s largest private-sector employer with over 2.3 million Canadians working in the industry. This sector is a major economic contributor, generating more than $93 billion annually in wages and employee benefits. In 2024, core retail sales (excluding vehicles and gasoline) exceeded $508 billion. RCC members account for more than two-thirds of these core retail sales and 95 per cent of the grocery market. Membership extends across the country, embracing over 54,000 storefronts in diverse formats such as department, grocery, specialty, discount, independent retailers, online merchants, and quick service restaurants.
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François Roberge to receive Retail Council of Canada’s Lifetime Achievement Award
