George Minakakis

Canadian Retailers Embrace Circular Economy to Meet Consumer Demands for Sustainability [Feature/Expert Interviews]

Consumers are starting to not only question a retailer’s impact on the environment but they have more options than ever say experts.

More Shop-in-Shops Being Seen in Larger Canadian Retailers [Feature/Expert Interviews]

Experts discuss the trend and how it can bring customers into stores, as a range of smaller brands from the affordable to luxury find space within host retailers.

Competition in Eyewear in Canada Unprecedented with Fallout Expected Following Specsavers Entry [Op-Ed]

A former CEO of Luxottica describes a vastly changing Canadian retail landscape which includes UK-based Specsavers which grabbed 40% of Australian market share following its entry.

Why So Many American Retailers have Failed in Canada [Feature/Expert Interviews]

Following the announcement of Nordstrom's exit from Canada, Retail Insider interviewed a panel of experts about why various retailers from the US have struggled here.

Competition Heats Up In Canada’s Eyewear Retail Landscape [Interview]

The eyewear industry in Canada is seeing unprecedented competition according to George Minakakis, formerly of Luxottica, with new entrants grabbing market share while locals struggle.

New Technologies Changing Consumer Expectations of Retailers in Canada [Expert Interview]

George Minakakis says that retailers need to understand new technologies such as ChatGPT and chatbots to stay ahead as retail shifts rapidly following the pandemic.

The Best of Times and the Worst of Times: Canadian Retail Wrap-up for 2022 [Interviews]

A chaotic year saw unprecedented changes to the industry, with more challenges on the way as we head into 2023.

Survey: Many Small Businesses in Canada Considering Credit Card Transaction Surcharges for Consumers

Experts are saying that retailers could lose customers to competitors depending how the situation plays out in the coming months.

Art, Science and a Little Bit of Ingenuity Required from Canadian Retailers Looking to Drive Growth [Feature Expert Interview]

A noted industry veteran says that retailers need to look at scenario planning while planning for the worst as things unfold heading into the fall.

Canadian Consumers Spending Despite Inflation Pinch, with Challenges to Come [Expert Comments]

Experts interviewed by Retail Insider say that while things are looking positive with StatCan numbers, things could get much worse for certain sectors given new fundamentals.

Bed Bath & Beyond Sales Plunge 25% in a Year, Bringing its Future into Question: Canadian Expert Comment

The retailer is reducing hours and even air conditioning to cut down on costs. Experts such as Doug Stephens question its future.

Video Interview: George Minakakis Discusses the Biggest Mistakes Retailers are Making Today

The experienced retail CEO talks about what retailers should be doing to survive and thrive, labour shortages in the industry, closures of businesses, whether consumers are back spending, and how retailers need to be street smart, tech driven, customer obsessed and bold innovators.

Spike of Insolvency Cases in Canada Could Signal More to Come for Retailers: Expert

An expert says that things will likely worsen under the stress of inflation and the withdrawal of pandemic-related government support, among other factors.

Greed and Profiteering in the Supply Chain Causing Unsustainable Price Increases for Retail Goods in Canada: Experts

Incredible disruption from the pandemic and war in the Ukraine are wreaking havoc on logistics and the consumer will suffer say experts.

Rising Inflation Pushes More Canadians to Discount Stores: Interviews

Rising inequality is seeing customers shifting away from middle-market to either discount or luxury.

Uncertainty for Retailers in Canada with Bankruptcies Expected to Increase in 2022: Experts

A predicted retail apocalypse hasn't happened as of yet, but a series of events could lead to chaos and struggles for some retailers as we move further into 2022.

Retail Veteran George Minakakis Releases New Book on the Future of Retail

The Canadian former Luxottica executive provides insights into the retail industry which is seeing significant shifts because of the pandemic.

Amazon Announces Significant Expansion in Canada, will Hire 15,000 Employees and Increase Wages

The Seattle-based retail behemoth continues to gain market share in Canada as it significantly bolsters its employee base.

Why Fewer Physical Stores Makes Sense for Retailers Amid a Shift to Digital: George Minakakis

The retail expert explains how shifting consumer preferences are changing the way retailers need to look at footprints.

The Unintended Consequences of a Pandemic and the Planning of a Retail Recovery: OpEd

Industry expert George Minakakis provides an overview of what might be in store for Canadian retailers this decade amid uncertainty.

Second Round of Pandemic Lockdowns Could See 225,000 Small Businesses Close in Canada

Experts say that there is still room to pivot at a challenging and uncertain time.

Large Retailers to Come Out Ahead as COVID-19 Hits Smaller Businesses Hard: Expert

George Minakakis says that about half of all small and mid-sized businesses are at risk and many will fail in the coming months.

Retailers in Canada Must Address Changing Consumer Habits Amid Coronavirus Isolation: Expert

George Minakakis says that retailers will have to adapt as consumers shift away from physical retail, which will also hit landlords in a big way.

Canadian Retail and Technology: A Perfect Pair or Doomed to Fail?

In the last decade, technology has both increased competition and become an internal transformational juggernaut to stay competitive, according to expert George Minakakis.
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