Retail Technology

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.

From The Desk: Retail Growth Divides and AI’s Expanding Role in Canadian Retail

Craig Patterson -
Canadian retail growth splits between value and premium players as AI reshapes merchandising and real estate adapts on varying performance and consumer demand.

Retail Insider Releases Q3 2026 Canadian Retail Reports

Craig Patterson -
Retail Insider has released 18 Q3 2026 reports examining Canadian retail sectors, consumer behaviour and the businesses supporting the industry. The collection brings together reporting and data on store investment, real estate, technology, supply chains, marketing, security and policy.

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.

Daily Synopsis: September 15, 2026

Retail Insider -
Canadian companies look to capitalize on 'elbows up', Circle K capitalizes on back-to-school rush, No Frills takes North York No Frills, London Drugs launches community pharmacies, Costco opening 4 Canadian stores, and other news.

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.

Daily Synopsis: August 27, 2026

Retail Insider -
Chapman's Ice Cream to cut American ingredients, Montreal Shein pop-up sees protest, Saskatchewan launches 50% US alcohol tariff, Drake launching U of T collection for fall, SSENSE grapples with new tariffs, and other news.

Retail Insider “Loss Prevention & Security Report”: Retail Risk Moves Beyond Theft

Lee Rivett -
Retail risk is moving beyond merchandise theft as organized crime, violence, cyberattacks, fraud and data failures reshape store operations, customer experience and investment decisions across Canada. Retail Insider’s Q2 2026 report examines the widening mandate for loss prevention.

Retail Insider “Retail Logistics Report”: Optionality Replaces Lean Efficiency

Lee Rivett -
Canadian retailers are redesigning supply chains for recurring disruption, trading some lean efficiency for diversified sourcing, stronger inventory visibility and more flexible fulfilment networks. Retail Insider’s Q2 2026 report examines the operating and competitive implications of this shift.

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.

Retail Insider “Grocery Report” Examines How Value Is Reshaping Canadian Grocery

Lee Rivett -
Retail Insider’s Q2 2026 Grocery Report examines how value is reshaping Canadian grocery, from discount expansion and private label to digital tools, prepared foods, grocery-anchored real estate and shifting consumer behaviour.

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.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 8, 2026

Retail Insider -
Surveillance pricing concerns, Loblaw bringing back frozen concentrated juice, Competition Bureau looks into Sobeys store leases, Reformation opening at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, and other news.

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.

Samsung Builds Store of the Future in Mississauga

Craig Patterson -
Samsung unveils a connected store of the future in its Mississauga headquarters, highlighting immersive retail technology for Canadian retailers.

From The Desk: Canadian Retail Navigates AI Shifts and Operational Pressures

Craig Patterson -
AI innovation, store closures, and labour challenges shape mid-February’s retail landscape as Valentine’s Day spending approaches.

Rousseau Chocolatier launches digital twin for online shopping

Craig Patterson -
Rousseau Chocolatier partners with David Sobey Centre to create a digital twin, offering an immersive online shopping experience that mirrors its Halifax boutique.

Crisis Management and its Importance for Retailers in Canada at a Challenging Time

Retail Insider -
Expert Josh Cobden discusses reputational risks that may come from a crisis situation and what can be done in advance.

Canada’s 1st Fully Automated Furniture Retailer ‘dex10’ Opens Store in Downtown Calgary [Photos]

Mario Toneguzzi -
The innovative retailer merges e-commerce technology with a traditional showroom.

How Agile Data Helps Canadian Retailers Generate Sale Recoveries

Retail Insider -
Knowing local markets is key, and a new software product provides insights.

Canadian Autonomous Vehicle Company Gatik Prepares for Expansion Amid Major Retail Partnerships

Mario Toneguzzi -
The company’s next move is to winterize vehicles for year-round autonomous vehicle distribution which is poised for significant growth.

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

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