The Retail Council of Canada has announced the finalists for its 2026 Excellence in Retailing Awards, recognizing retailers across the country that are driving innovation in customer experience, operations, sustainability, marketing, and digital transformation. The annual program arrives at a time when Canadian retail continues to undergo significant change, with retailers adapting to evolving consumer priorities, rising operational pressures, and rapid technological shifts.
This year’s awards program includes 64 finalists across 10 competitive categories, representing companies from sectors including grocery, apparel, home improvement, electronics, beauty, banking, ecommerce, and specialty retail.
Canadian Retailers Navigate a Period of Rapid Change
The finalists announced by RCC reflect a retail sector that continues to evolve quickly in response to changing consumer expectations and economic realities. According to the organization, several themes emerged repeatedly across this year’s submissions, including investments in experiential retail, sustainability initiatives, artificial intelligence integration, and growing support for Canadian-made products and suppliers.
The “buy Canadian” movement in particular has gained momentum across multiple retail categories over the past year, as retailers increasingly highlight domestic brands and local sourcing initiatives. At the same time, many retailers are continuing to invest heavily in store environments and customer engagement strategies designed to build loyalty and encourage repeat visits.
Artificial intelligence is also becoming more visible across Canadian retail operations, particularly in areas tied to customer personalization, inventory management, operational efficiency, and data analysis. RCC noted that this year’s finalists demonstrated how AI is beginning to move beyond experimentation into more practical implementation across retail businesses.
Major Retailers Among 2026 Finalists
The list of finalists includes several of Canada’s largest and most recognizable retail companies, alongside emerging brands and specialty concepts.
Among the finalists are Walmart Canada, Best Buy Canada, IKEA Canada, The Home Depot Canada, Loblaw Companies Limited, Longo’s, Pet Valu, Sleep Country Canada, Sephora Canada, SportChek, Silk & Snow, Staples Canada and Indigo Books & Music Inc., among others.
The finalist roster also reflects the increasingly diverse nature of Canadian retail, with companies ranging from traditional bricks-and-mortar operators to digitally driven businesses and category specialists.
“To be named an ERA finalist is to stand among the most accomplished in Canadian retail,” said Kim Furlong, President and CEO of Retail Council of Canada. “In a complex and demanding year, these organizations demonstrated the kind of leadership and forward momentum that defines excellence.”
Alex Miller Named Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year
Alongside the finalist announcement, RCC also revealed that Alex Miller, President and CEO of Alimentation Couche-Tard, will receive the 2026 Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year Award.
Miller became President and CEO of the Laval, Quebec-based convenience and mobility retailer in September 2024 and is only the third CEO in the company’s 45-year history. RCC described his appointment as reflective of both the company’s leadership culture and long-term operational continuity.
Under Miller’s leadership, Couche-Tard has continued advancing its “Core + More” strategy, which focuses on strengthening core retail categories while investing in future growth opportunities tied to convenience retail and mobility services.
Couche-Tard operates nearly 17,300 stores across 27 countries and territories, including more than 2,100 locations in Canada under the Circle K and Couche-Tard banners.
Prior to joining Couche-Tard in 2012, Miller spent 16 years with BP Plc in roles spanning retail operations, supply chain, strategy, and business development across North America and Europe.
Frontline Retail Operations Remain a Competitive Advantage
RCC emphasized Miller’s focus on frontline retail operations and employee empowerment as a defining aspect of his leadership approach.
According to the organization, Miller has worked to reduce administrative complexity for store teams while pushing decision-making closer to the customer level. RCC said the strategy has contributed to stronger employee engagement, improved retention, and sharper operational execution across the business.
“Alex Miller is a transformational retail leader,” said Furlong. “From the frontline up, he has built a culture of accountability and entrepreneurship, invested meaningfully in the people who serve Canadian customers every day, and brought a clear strategic vision to one of Canada’s most iconic retail brands.”
RCCSTORE26 to Bring Retail Industry Together in Toronto
The Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala will take place on June 2 during RCCSTORE26, which runs June 2-3 in Toronto. RCC said the conference will feature more than 75 speakers and attract retail executives and industry leaders from across North America.
The awards gala will also honour Browns Shoes CEO Michael Brownstein and Jillian Harris as Awards of Distinction recipients.
