Speakers:

Rob McEvoy
Shopper Insights, Canada
The Hershey Company
“Leveraging conscious and unconscious measures to get to the truth of what works at shelf”

Richard Hamori
SVP Store Planning & Design at Hudson’s Bay Company
“Global Retail Strategies” Global Reach, Canadian Roots

James Fraser
General Manager, US at Hunter Straker, Toronto
“How to Activate your Brands at Retail”

Exclusive discount for RCC members. Register at the member rate for only $170.00.
Click here to register today!

MySTORE Advisory Board

Print

Bob Ianson

Diane Petryna

Diane Petryna is a passionate independent retailer who understands the challenges and rewards of running her own business. For the past 19 years she’s owned and operated Take A Hike, an outdoor lifestyle store in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Despite facing many challenges along the way, Diane’s business is thriving and she continues to do what she loves.

Diane holds a Master’s degree from the University of Waterloo, previously worked as a small business advisor at Confederation College, and for several years was self-employed as a research and planning consultant. She is one of only eight independent retailers inducted into the RCC’s Retail Hall of Fame.

Her secrets in how to build a successful independent store will be shared in an upcoming book she’s co-authoring with retail specialist Barbara Crowhurst.

Eleanor LeFave

Fred Pritchard

Fred is a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants Association & the Certified General Accountants Association with over 25 years’ experience in a variety of industries including manufacturing, property management, professional services, software development and retail.

Founded in 1999, Fred is co-owner of Golda’s Kitchen, Canada’s leading online retailer for cookware, bakeware and cake decorating products based in Mississauga. Golda’s Kitchen has been honoured by the Canadian Gift and Tableware Association as Kitchenware Retailer of the Year.

In 2013, Fred became a Fellow of the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada. He was inducted into the Canadian Retail Hall of Fame by the Retail Council of Canada in 2012. In 2003 he received the CGA Ontario distinguished service award for his extensive volunteer efforts with the accounting association and the local community.

Currently is a member of the Advisory Group for the MyStore Division of the Retail Council of Canada. He is also volunteers as the Treasurer of his local Tennis club, and was elected as Treasurer of the Milton Federal Liberal Riding Association. Previously he has been involved with several organizations including acting as Treasurer of the Lesbian Gay Community Appeal, Treasurer for the Gay and Lesbian Counseling Centre, Vice Chair and Treasurer of the Refugee Information Centre. He has also acted as an auditor to the campaign of an MP and an agent to the campaign of an MPP.

He was also very active for CGA Ontario and has sat on the Discipline Committee, was a member of Discipline Tribunals, lectured, marked student assignments, and invidulated student exams. He also spent 10 years in various roles with CGA Toronto Chapter becoming Chair in 2001-2002.

Jennifer Grimm

Jennifer Grimm has 15 years of retail expertise as the owner and CVO of LUX Beauty Boutique, an independent specialty store selling high-end, selectively distributed cosmetic brands in Edmonton, Canada. A born entrepreneur, Jennifer is passionate about all matters of retail, from business strategy to store design, which culminates in creating an exceptional customer experience. Always innovating, she and her team have built sales per square foot to three times industry average, and are actively expanding to omni-channel commerce in multiple store locations. Jennifer graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in Business Commerce.

Linda Maslechko

Linda Maslechko is CEO and Founder of Calgary-based Triple Flip, a dynamic girls’ activewear brand that recognized the gap in the market for great, comfortable clothes for active girls aged 6 – 14 and takes a stand for fashion that supports healthy lifestyles and positive images that develop a girl’s self-confidence. Triple Flip has achieved growth from its original Calgary flagship store in 2005, to 12 retail stores across the country, and an online store www.tripleflip.ca Triple Flip TEAM – a custom team wear division, serves more than 400 teams nationwide. Linda was recognized with the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2009.

Misti Mussatto

Misti and her husband Gary left a career on the cruise lines as entertainers to begin their entrepreneurial journey with an indoor play centre called “The Gator Pit” in 1997. Soon after, their first retail store “Toy Jungle” was born of their passion to marry a children’s story they were creating to an interesting and fun retail experience. They later also purchased the second oldest toy store in Canada called the Toybox and continue to pursue creating innovative retail concepts and children’s stories.

As well as serving as co-chair for the Retail Council Independent Advisory Board, Misti also serves on the board of the Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada.

Paul Simmonds

Paul Simmonds has been in the retail clothing and footwear business for over 40 years, all at the independent level.

In 1998, Mr. Simmonds founded his own independent clothing business and has since expanded four times in different markets affiliated with the company’s core business.

Mr. Simmonds has been on the past boards of Junior Achievement, Women in Transition House and was a past member of the Board of Directors of The Fredericton Community Foundation, which serves the greater Fredericton area. This Foundation has established a fund for emerging youth, to which Robert Simmonds Clothing donates a portion of annual sales.

In addition, Robert Simmonds is associated with many local charities, from supporting the homeless, to helping many other non-profit organizations.

Mr. Simmonds has been a Retail Council of Canada member for Seventeen years and was previously a ten-year member in his last role as managing partner of an independent clothing store. Mr. Simmonds is current co-chair of the Canadian Independent retail committee My Store and a current board member of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in New Brunswick As well as VP of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Simmonds has lived in Fredericton, New Brunswick, for most of his life and graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Business degree as well from The Wallace McCain institute in the Entrepreneurs Leaders Program.

Ron Pradinuk

7:30-8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30-9:30 a.m. Presentation

The Leaders in Retail Breakfast Series provides an exclusive and unique opportunity for vendors/suppliers to hear directly from senior leaders of Canada’s biggest retail brands with none of their fellow retailers/competitors or media in the room. Seating is limited so act now to secure your spot.

No other program provides you with such direct access to some of the most successful senior leaders in Canadian retail, in such an intimate environment.

Stefan Sjöstrand, President, IKEA Canada

Stefan, best known for his high energy level, drive and results-focused attitude, transitioned into the role of president of IKEA Canada in September 2014, where he is committed to securing IKEA’s position as the leader in life at home.

He joined IKEA in 2007 as Global Manager, based in Amsterdam, Netherlands to build up a new supply chain for Green Plants, as well be part of building the new purchase process within IKEA. After two years, Stefan transitioned to IKEA of Sweden, which is IKEA’s design house, where he was chosen to be one of seven global leaders in product development. In 2012, Stefan joined IKEA France as Senior Vice President.

Prior to joining IKEA, Stefan quickly climbed the ranks at several high-profile international organizations including OLW, a leading consumer snack brand in Sweden, where he rose and became CEO; Besthand, a start-up company where Stefan was tasked with building the company and creating strong organic growth; and finally Weibull Trädgård, a horticultural and garden supply company, where Stefan acted as CEO for the Nordic market. He has a strong reputation as a leader in senior level executive positions internationally with a focus on marketing, sales, innovation, and change management.

Stefan currently lives in Toronto and is married to his wife Helén and has three children.

VANCOUVER, September 25, 2015: The movers and shakers of western Canada’s retail industry will meet in Vancouver on October 7 for Retail West 2015, a day-long conference hosted by Retail Council of Canada (RCC) and presented by Interac Association. The annual event brings together more than 300 retailers of all sizes and categories, from independent merchants to Canada’s largest chains, as well as industry vendors and suppliers.

“The Retail West sessions will cover innovative ideas, real-life case studies and the key retail trends that are transforming today’s retail market,” said Mark Startup, Vancouver-based Vice President of Retail Council of Canada’s MySTORE division, which serves the independent merchant community. “It’s a very competitive retail environment out there, and this event is designed to provide retailers with the insights and inspiration they need to keep on top of their game. We have also ensured there will be ample time to network with peers and with the retail industry experts who will be in attendance.”

The jam-packed conference agenda features an esteemed group of retail leaders and industry authorities, including:

• Brian Hill, Founder & CEO of fashion retailer Aritzia, on the future of retail, entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership
• Nadia Shouraboura, CEO & Founder of apparel chain Hointer, on marrying the digital and physical worlds to improve the in-store shopping experience and customer service
• Carla Flamer, President, Marketing Canada, Ipsos Reid, on why retailers must connect with millennials, today’s most influential consumers
• Barbara Crowhurst, CEO of Retail Makeover, on strategies, tactics, tips and techniques to take your retail business to the next level
• Dave Rodgerson, Retail Industry Lead, Microsoft Canada, on how emerging trends in technology and society are changing the shopping experience
• Jackie Ross, Principal and Lead Recruiter, JRoss Retail Recruiters; and Tess Sloane, Senior Recruiter and Talent Scout Lead, lululemon athletica, on how to attract western Canada’s top retail talent in an increasingly competitive marketplace
• Jim Hourigan, COO, BuildDirect Technologies, on how his company is using custom and proprietary web analytics and forecasting tools to provide a seamless customer experience
• Daniela Cubelic, Founder & Owner of organic teas and bodycare retailer Silk Road Tea, on brand-building through passion, innovation and entrepreneurial expertise
• Brooke Harley, Founder & Partner, Campfire Capital; and McCarthy Tetrault’s Miranda Lam, Partner, Litigation Group, and Genevieve Pinto, Partner, Business Law Group, on key ways retail businesses can best prepare for growth opportunities
• Tara O’Doherty, VP, Customer Experience Strategy (CX/UX/UI), Cossette, on common pitfalls of e-Commerce/m-Commerce and how to maximize profit and engagement digitally
• Phil Lichtsztral, Partner, Richter, on the Canadian retail landscape with research conducted by Richter’s Retail Consulting Services Group
• Kyle Vucko, CEO & Founder of menswear retailer Indochino, on expanding from online-only sales to bricks-and-mortar stores
• Braden Hoeppner, Head of eCommerce for fashion retailer Kit and Ace, on the new omni-channel retail landscape and the challenges for e-Commerce teams within traditional retail environments

Retail West, to be held at the Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver, is open to RCC members and non-members. Media are invited to attend the conference. For registration information, click here.

Following the conference, independent retailers are invited to attend an evening of networking and learning at the Vancouver stop of RCC’s MySTORE MySTORY fall roadshow. Entrepreneur and motivational speaker Dai “Coach Moose” Manuel will outline what it takes to become your own brand architect. The event, to be held at the Steamworks Pub beginning with a reception at 6 pm, is free for independent merchants. For further information, click here.

About Retail Council of Canada
Retail Council of Canada (RCC) is the Voice of Retail in Canada representing more than 45,000 store fronts of all retail formats, including department, specialty, discount, and independent stores, and online merchants in general merchandise, grocery and drugs. Its membership represents over two thirds of all retail sales in Canada. RCC is a strong advocate for retailing in Canada and works with all levels of government and other stakeholders to support employment growth and career opportunities in retail, to promote and sustain retail investments in communities from coast-to-coast, and to enhance consumer choice and industry competitiveness. RCC also provides its members with a full range of services and programs including education and training, benchmarking and best practices, networking, advocacy, and industry information. RetailCouncil.org @RetailCouncil #RetailWest15

For further information:

Colin Asuncion
Retail Council of Canada
casuncion@retailcouncil.org
1.888.373.8245

7:30-8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30-9:30 a.m. Presentation

The Leaders in Retail Breakfast Series provides an exclusive and unique opportunity for vendors/suppliers to hear directly from senior leaders of Canada’s biggest retail brands with none of their fellow retailers/competitors or media in the room. Seating is limited so act now to secure your spot.

No other program provides you with such direct access to some of the most successful senior leaders in Canadian retail, in such an intimate environment.

Andrée T. Brien, Senior Vice President of National Merchandising – Canadian Division at Costco Wholesale Corporation

Andrée T. Brien serves as the Senior Vice President of National Merchandising – Canadian Division at Costco Wholesale Corporation. She previously served as Senior Vice President of Merchandising – Non-Foods & Ecommerce – Canadian Division at Costco Wholesale Corporation.

Registration Rates: Member, Non-Retailer: $175 & Non-Member, Non-Retailer: $275.00

<!–

.myButton {
-moz-box-shadow:inset 0px 1px 0px 0px #ffffff;
-webkit-box-shadow:inset 0px 1px 0px 0px #ffffff;
box-shadow:inset 0px 1px 0px 0px #ffffff;
background-color:#ffffff;
-moz-border-radius:6px;
-webkit-border-radius:6px;
border-radius:6px;
border:1px solid #dcdcdc;
display:inline-block;
cursor:pointer;
color:#666666;
font-family:Arial;
font-size:15px;
font-weight:bold;
padding:15px 40px;
text-decoration:none;
text-shadow:0px 1px 0px #ffffff;
}
.myButton:hover {
background-color:#f6f6f6;
}
.myButton:active {
position:relative;
top:1px;
}

–>

September 21, 2015 (Halifax) The New Brunswick Government’s proposal for recycling electronics is misguided; will hide eco-fees from consumers while inflicting costs on businesses that are not seen anywhere in Canada.

The government’s proposal would force retailers to imbed the eco-fee within the retail price and hide it from the consumer on the point of sale receipt. The eco-fee is the chosen approach in Canada to fund the costs of collecting and recycling end-of-life electronics. The government’s directive would run counter to a retailer’s national or regional harmonized approach while forcing retailers to advertise a different price in New Brunswick for in-store and online electronics purchases.

New Brunswick is the last province in Canada to introduce a program for recycling end-of-life electronics. “Despite RCC’s continual efforts, it is unfathomable that a government elected on a promise to increase transparency, would force businesses to hide fees from New Brunswick consumers. Furthermore, for a government that publicizes its commitment to reducing the regulatory burden on businesses, it is disappointing that the New Brunswick government refuses to harmonize its electronics recycling program with proven practices that have been working for years in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and all across Canada,” said Jim Cormier, Atlantic Director for Retail Council of Canada (RCC). Programs for end-of-life electronics have been successfully implemented all across Canada by sharing and harmonizing best practices. After years of delay in New Brunswick, retailers are dismayed that the provincial government is considering a Department of Environment recommendation to force an unworkable, inefficient and un-harmonized program on New Brunswick retailers.

“Retailers support stewardship programs and already take part in close to one hundred such programs across the country. We would welcome the opportunity to manage efficient and relevant environmental stewardship programs in New Brunswick but the government proposal would force an unworkable, inefficient stewardship program on retailers. The government plan would increase costs, create red tape and be out of step with best practices all across Canada,” said Cormier.

Cormier added, “This proposal will force retailers to develop separate flyers, a separate website and a separate point of sale system only for New Brunswick. It will also mean that the advertised price for a television in New Brunswick will be higher than the advertised price for the same television, from the same retailer in Nova Scotia.”

RCC has spent several years trying to inform the provincial government that this ‘made in New Brunswick’ proposal is not only bad for business but runs counter to best practices in electronics recycling that have been developed and harmonized across Canada. “This proposal doesn’t provide better environment outcomes than the model used in the neighboring provinces. It is bad for business in New Brunswick and leaves consumers wondering why they are paying more than their neighbours.”

Retail is Canada’s largest employer with 2.2 million Canadians working in our industry. The sector annually generates payroll of $60 billion and $350 billion in sales (excluding vehicles and gasoline) as of 2014. Retail Council of Canada (RCC) members’ represent more than two thirds of retail sales in the country. RCC is a not-for-profit industry-funded association and represents small, medium and large retail business in every community across the country. As the Voice of Canadian retailers we proudly represent more than 45,000 storefronts in all retail formats, including department, grocery, specialty, discount, independent retailers and online merchants.

RetailCouncil.org   @RetailCouncil   @RCCMySTORE

For further information:

Jim Cormier, Atlantic Director
Retail Council of Canada
jcormier@retailcouncil.org
902-818-7738