A new industry event examining the evolving dynamics of Canada’s retail sector is set to take place in Toronto this spring. The conference, organized by Insolvency Insider, will bring together executives, lenders, advisors, and restructuring professionals for a focused morning of discussion.
The Canadian retail in transition conference will be held on May 8, 2026 at the offices of PwC Canada at 18 York Street. The half-day event is positioned as a practical and candid forum to examine the forces reshaping retail in Canada, from insolvencies and restructuring activity to broader structural changes across the sector.
A Sector Under Pressure and Transformation
Canadian retail continues to navigate a period of significant disruption. While some formats remain resilient, others face mounting pressure driven by shifting consumer behaviour, supply chain volatility, tariffs, and the continued rise of e-commerce.
The conference agenda reflects these realities, beginning with a panel focused on the changing face of Canadian retail. Industry insiders will examine which segments are performing, where weaknesses are emerging, and how operators and stakeholders can interpret current market signals.
Subsequent discussions will explore operational turnaround strategies, including store footprint optimization, vendor relationships, and liquidity management. These topics have become increasingly relevant as more retailers look to stabilize performance without entering formal insolvency proceedings.
Craig Patterson to Share Frontline Perspective
The morning will include a fireside chat titled “The Retail Insider View,” featuring Craig Patterson, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Retail Insider. Drawing on extensive coverage of the sector, Patterson will examine recent retail insolvencies in Canada, identifying warning signs, structural challenges, and emerging patterns across cases.
The discussion is expected to provide insight into both high-profile failures and less visible pressures affecting retailers across the country. It will also explore how broader economic and competitive forces are influencing outcomes.
From Turnaround to Formal Proceedings
Later sessions will shift toward the mechanics of formal restructuring processes. Panels will examine how insolvency proceedings unfold in practice, including the role of monitors, debtor-in-possession financing, creditor dynamics, and landlord considerations.
As retail restructurings become more complex, particularly in cross-border contexts, the conference will also address valuation challenges, intellectual property considerations, and the evolving landscape for buyers and investors.
Bringing Together Key Industry Stakeholders
The event is designed for a wide range of participants, including retail executives, lenders, real estate professionals, and advisors working directly within the sector.
Confirmed speakers include senior professionals from PwC, Stikeman Elliott, Torys, Tiger Group, and FAAN Advisors, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of retail restructuring today.
Attendance is complimentary for many industry participants, including retailers, landlords, and investors, while restructuring professionals and advisors can attend for a fee.
With limited capacity and a focused half-day format, the conference aims to deliver high-value insights and meaningful networking opportunities for those actively engaged in Canada’s retail landscape.
