Artificial Intelligence

Apple Launches M6 MacBook Pro in Canada at $2,799

Lee Rivett -
Apple's new 14-inch MacBook Pro with M6 starts at $2,799 in Canada, with faster graphics, on-device AI performance and Wi-Fi 7. Pre-orders open October 28, with retail availability November 6.

Retail Insider “Q3 2026 Retail Technology Report”: AI Faces an Operating Results Test

Lee Rivett -
AI is moving into merchandising, grocery carts and distribution, while payments and commerce systems expand. Retail Insider’s Q3 report examines why reliable data and measurable operating results remain the decisive tests.

Rethink Retail Expands Executive Communities Under Canadian Leadership

Craig Patterson -
Rethink Retail is expanding its executive communities under Canadian CEO Marie Chevrier Schwartz, with Chris Parsons appointed VP of Audience. The company is developing Canadian programming focused on AI, retail media and industry collaboration.

When Every Brand Sounds the Same: The Challenge of Standing Out in the Age of AI

Retail Insider -
As artificial intelligence makes marketing content faster and easier to produce, retailers face a growing challenge: standing out from competitors. Linda Farha explores why authentic brand stories, human expertise and consistent messaging are becoming increasingly valuable in retail marketing.

In the Age of AI, Investing in the Human Touch Is Fundamental for Retailers

Retail Insider -
Charles de Brabant of McGill University's Bensadoun School of Retail Management argues that as artificial intelligence transforms retail, investing in knowledgeable store teams, personal relationships and consumer trust will become an increasingly important competitive advantage.

Are Canadian Retailers Making Shopping Too Complicated? Samsung Research Raises Questions

Craig Patterson -
New Samsung Canada research finds that 68% of Canadians say technology gives them more to manage. Samsung executive Tarik Akad tells Retail Insider why retailers should reconsider how apps, loyalty programs and digital communications affect the customer experience.

Canadian Small Businesses Pursue Growth Despite Economic Uncertainty: Scotiabank

Craig Patterson -
Scotiabank reports that 74% of surveyed small-business clients are optimistic about their business prospects. New findings also identify franchise acquisitions, multi-unit ownership, technology investment and succession planning as priorities for Canadian entrepreneurs facing economic uncertainty and rising operating costs.

Q3 2026 Retail Technology: AI Moves Deeper Into Retail Decisions

Craig Patterson -
Canadian retailers moved AI and digital technology deeper into operating decisions during Q3 2026. Applications at Canadian Tire, Instacart and Loblaw span merchandising, grocery shopping and distribution, while data quality, integration, payments and measurable business results remain important constraints.

Q3 2026 Marketing & Customer Experience: Marketing Moves Closer to Commerce

Craig Patterson -
Retail Insider’s Q3 2026 Marketing & Customer Experience report examines retail media, loyalty, brand activations, AI, sponsorship and commerce-linked measurement, showing how Canadian retailers are connecting attention more directly with customer behaviour.

Apple’s Siri AI Push Creates a New Product Discovery Layer for Retailers

Lee Rivett -
Apple’s iOS 27 rollout gives Siri AI and Safari new capabilities for product discovery, price monitoring and restock alerts. For Canadian retailers, the shift raises a practical question: whether their product data and digital services are ready for more AI-mediated shopping journeys.

From The Desk: Strategic Adaptation and Growth Define Canadian Retail in August 2026

Craig Patterson -
Canadian retail shows resilience and strategic growth with expansions, AI-driven transformations, and evolving consumer behaviours amid economic challenges.

Retail Insider “Retail Technology & Payments Report”: Commerce Infrastructure Gets Smarter

Lee Rivett -
Retail Insider's latest Retail Technology & Payments Report examines how artificial intelligence, payments, loyalty, commerce platforms, and digital infrastructure are becoming increasingly integrated, reshaping retail operations, customer experiences, and competitive advantage across the Canadian retail industry.

Q2 2026 Retail Technology & Payments: Commerce Infrastructure Gets Smarter

Craig Patterson -
Canadian retail technology and payments in Q2 2026 were increasingly defined by the convergence of AI, payments, loyalty, delivery, and automation into integrated commerce ecosystems.

Q1 2026 Retail Technology Retail Report: AI Agents Rewrite The Buying Journey

Craig Patterson -
Q1 2026 saw AI move from retail tool to shopping interface. Winners are building data, loyalty, and execution foundations; laggards risk losing customers.

Leger and Plus Company Introduce Smart Persona for Real-Time Consumer Insights

Craig Patterson -
Leger and Plus Company launch Smart Persona, enabling real-time consumer insights through AI-powered synthetic personas.

IBM study finds executives expect AI to drive revenue growth by 2030 despite uncertainty

Mario Toneguzzi -
The research found that 79 per cent of surveyed executives expect AI to contribute significantly to their revenue by 2030, compared with 40 per cent today.

AI Is Reshaping Retail Search in Canada

Lee Rivett -
AI powered search is changing how consumers find retailers. A new trend report explains why brands are losing visibility faster than expected.

AI revolutionizing retail: Cognizant’s Scott TumSuden on tackling labour challenges with technology

Mario Toneguzzi -
Retail is on the brink of a transformation — one that’s being accelerated by the rise of generative AI and automation.

Cisco Study: North American CEOs embrace AI, but knowledge gaps pose strategic risks

Mario Toneguzzi -
45% of CEOs worry that insufficient technology investment is eroding their competitive edge, says Cisco

AI Transforming Canadian Retail: Insights from Tara Conway

Craig Patterson -
Retail expert Tara Conway shares insights on AI's transformative role in Canadian retail, from efficiency to sustainability and customer engagement.

Cognizant study shows consumers who embrace AI could drive $4.4 Trillion in spending over 5 years 

Mario Toneguzzi -
As AI-influenced buying evolves, businesses must navigate mixed consumer attitudes towards AI, says Cognizant.

AI spending to surge as retail brands embrace innovation: IBM study

Mario Toneguzzi -
The IBM report found that 81% of surveyed executives and 96% of their team are already using AI to a moderate or significant extent.

George Minakakis on AI’s transformative impact on retail 

Craig Patterson -
Retail expert George Minakakis discusses AI's transformative impact, challenges, and strategies for adapting to evolving consumer demands.

Facial Recognition in Stores in Canada May Pose Problems Amid AI-Based Misidentification Potential

Craig Patterson -
The need to mitigate issues around the usage of artificial intelligence is of utmost importance as it becomes commonplace, according to Kathy Baxter of Salesforce.

Clearview AI’s Misconduct Opens Larger Discussion Around Privacy and Use of Technology in Canadian Retail Locations

Sean Tarry -
New York-based technology company found in violation of Canadian privacy rights, highlighting need for regulation of facial recognition.
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