Best Retail Insider Canada Podcasts (2024)

1
A Model for 10x eCommerce Growth with Sabir Semerkant 31:55

8h ago31:55

31:55

Meet Sabir Semerkant, an eCommerce consulting guru with 25+ years in e-commerce and over a billion dollars in revenue growth to his credit. Sabir shares insights into his framework, which unlocks 2X-10X growth for any e-commerce business with Product-Market Fit. About Michael Michael is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a sen…

1
Around The World & Back Again: Veteran Retailer James Connell 30:59

6d ago30:59

30:59

In a wide-ranging and overdue conversation, I catch up with James Connell, one of the industry's most experienced retail marketing, customer experience, brand and omnichannel executives. We talk about the evolution of customer experience, marketplaces, lessons learned from Asia and abroad, and his local & global consulting work here in Canada About…

1
Opinion: Simons Expands including Former Toronto Nordstrom 13:42

7d ago13:42

13:42

Craig and Lee discuss La Maison Simons’ ambitious expansion into Toronto, focusing on the retailer’s move into spaces vacated by Nordstrom at CF Toronto Eaton Centre and the Yorkdale Shopping Centre. With a $75 million investment, Simons plans to open two new stores which could become the top-sellers in the chain. The expansion reflects Simons’ str…

1
Fashion Meets Purpose with Rob Smith, CEO and Founder of The Phluid Project, GET Phluid and The Phluid Phoundation (Encore) 23:46

13d ago23:46

23:46

Welcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada. My guest on this Encore episode from the summer of 2023 is Rob Smith, veteran retailer and now the CEO and Founder of The Phluid Project, GET Phluid, and The Phluid Phoundation; he has created a brand, combinin…

1
A Masterclass In Retail Returns & Reverse Logistics with John Lee 31:42

20d ago31:42

31:42

In this episode, I tap into John Lee's decades of reverse retail logistics experience. He discusses the importance of a seamless customer returns process, reasons for cart abandonment due to unclear return methods, and strategies using data analytics and personalization to reduce returns. We also explore managing high return rates, innovative solut…

1
Radical Innovation, Leadership and Winning Every Race with Craig Baxter, Group President of Techtronic Industries Canada Inc. (Milwaukee, Ryobi, and Hoover) 37:13

27d ago37:13

37:13

On this episode, I sit down with a colleague from back in my work on the brand side, Craig Baxter, Group President ofTechtronic Industries Canada Inc., part of a global 13 billion dollar powerhouse tool house of brands that includes Milwaukee, Ryobi, andHoover. In a wide-ranging and engaging conversation, Craig talks about radical innovation, retai…

1
Live from SMU in Dallas, Texas, Steve Dennis & Leaders Leap, Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption 39:45

1M ago39:45

39:45

Recorded at the Cox School of Business at SMU in Dallas, Texas, in front of a live studio audience, my guest is my good friend and Remarkable Retail podcast partner Steve Dennis on the occasion of the book launch event for Leaders Leap, his latest book already climbing up the charts as one of the top business books of the year. About Steve Steve De…

1
The Inside Story Behind Ikea Canada's "Second-Hand Tax (SHT) is Happening" campaign with Tanya Bevington, Head of Communications for IKEA Canada, and Anthony Chelvanathan, Chief Creative Officer at Edelman ... 24:46

1M ago24:46

24:46

My guests on this episode are Tanya Bevington, Head of Communications for IKEA Canada, and Anthony Chelvanathan, Chief Creative Officer at Edelman Canada. They discuss the insights and unique creative partnership behind Ikea Canada's clever and brilliant "Second-Hand Tax (SHT) is Happening" campaign. The brand discovered recently that in Canada, th…

1
Stephen Bailey (Fluevog): Exploring Fluevog's Unique Footwear Philosophy 18:03

1M ago18:03

18:03

Craig interviews Stephen Bailey, Chief Marketing Officer of iconic Vancouver-based footwear brand John Fluevog. They discuss the evolution and unique positioning of John Fluevog Shoes within the footwear industry. Bailey reflects on his 20 years with the Vancouver-based company, emphasizing its dedication to creating “unique soles for unique souls.…

1
Decoding The True Cost of Retail Fraud: Insights with Kim Sutherland, VP of Fraud and Identity at LexisNexis Risk Solutions 23:55

2M ago23:55

23:55

In this episode, we're talking about evolving fraud trends in retail with Kim Sutherland, Vice President of Fraud and Identity from LexisNexis Risk Solutions. Explore strategies for mitigating fraud risks while maintaining a seamless customer experience. Gain insights from their latest True Cost of Fraud study, which revealed the significant financ…

1
INLAND (Sarah Power): Inland Pop-Up Celebrates Decade 11:45

2M ago11:45

11:45

Craig and Sarah Power, Founder of INLAND, discuss the journey of the INLAND platform that has helped shape the landscape of Canadian fashion by showcasing over 500 designers since its inception in 2014. This year marks the 10th anniversary, and the celebration is set to take place at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Power discusses INLAND's commitment …

1
Hard-Fought Leadership Lessons from U.S. Navy Seal & French Foreign Legionnaire Taylor Cavanaugh 29:06

2M ago29:06

29:06

In this leadership-focussed episode, something different, something new. My guest is Taylor Cavanaugh, who takes a big, complicated life and shares insights from his time with the U.S. Navy Seals and the French Foreign Legion (the first American in history to be part of both), emphasizing leadership and resilience. He discusses his public exposure …

1
Navigating Transparency in Sustainability Goals with icebreaker's Alicia Chin, Director of Sustainability at VF Corporation 28:48

2M ago28:48

28:48

Meet Alicia Chin, Director of Sustainability and Social Impact at VF Corporation, who discusses activewear brand and retailer icebreaker's open admission of falling short in their 100% plastic-free ambition. We delve into the challenges, the progress made, and how their transparency sets a precedent for retail industry-wide sustainability efforts. …

1
A Fresh Take on Retail Leadership with Deb Craven, President, Longo's 25:08

2M ago25:08

25:08

Meet Deb Craven, President of Longo's, one of Canada's most popular grocery stores with dozens of locations and more on the way across Southern Ontario. I joined Deb in the Longo's Store Support offices, and we talked about leadership and what it takes to innovate and compete in the crowded Southern Ontario grocery marketplace. Deb also previews he…

1
Adam X Atelier: Fashion's Artistic Journey 15:41

2M ago15:41

15:41

Craig and Adam X., Founder and Creative Director at Adam X Atelier, discuss the foundation and philosophy behind his designs, highlighting his multicultural background and his passion for art and fashion. Adam’s journey began with foundational courses at George Brown College and styling at Ryerson University, leading him to discover the communicati…

1
Leadership Lessons from Rose Patten, Chancellor of the University of Toronto and author of Intentional Leadership 35:40

3M ago35:40

35:40

Meet Rose Patten, one of Canada's pre-eminent business and strategic thinkers. We talk about her life, stellar career, role as Chancellor of the University of Toronto, and her book, Intentional Leadership, filled with insights on strategy and leadership that you need to hear again, or for the first time, in my interview from spring 2023. In this ep…

1
Opinion: Yorkville Harry Rosen Moves About In Yorkville 20:01

3M ago20:01

20:01

Craig and Lee discuss the relocation of Harry Rosen’s flagship store from 82 Bloor Street West to 153 Cumberland Street in Toronto’s upscale Yorkville neighborhood. This move from its long-standing Bloor Street location represents a major development in the city’s retail scene. The store’s design features will include a three-floor layout and expan…

1
Katz (RioCan): Commercial Real Estate Insights 18:43

3M ago18:43

18:43

Craig and Josh Katz, Assistant Vice President of Leasing at RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust, discuss Katz’s extensive career in commercial real estate, starting with his entry into the industry right before the 2008 financial crisis. Katz highlights the resilience of certain retail categories and the innovative approaches taken by RioCan to nav…

1
Morrow (Wicked Rose): Women's Martial Gear 13:14

3M ago13:14

13:14

Craig interviews Christina Morrow, Founder at Vancouver-based Wicked Rose, about Morrow’s journey of creating a groundbreaking women’s martial arts activewear brand. Morrow shares her personal motivation, driven by the lack of suitable clothing options for women in martial arts, which led her to develop a brand that combines high quality, performan…

1
Bionic Retail: How to Thrive in an Exponential World with author Gary Hawkins 31:09

3M ago31:09

31:09

Gary Hawkins is a visionary and retail industry treasure whose deep industry knowledge combines operational experience and technology savvy to provide a unique perspective. Gary joins Michael to discuss his fourth book, coming this April but available for pre-order now, "Bionic Retail: How to Thrive in an Exponential World." About Gary Gary Hawkins…

1
Leblanc (Simons): Halifax store and ongoing expansion 21:09

3M ago21:09

21:09

Craig Patterson and Bernard Leblanc, President and Chief Executive Officer at La Maison Simons, discuss the opening of Simons’ new store in Halifax, marking the Quebec City-based retailer’s first venture into the Atlantic provinces. Leblanc shares insights into the $20 million investment and the store’s design, which pays homage to Halifax’s mariti…

1
ALL PRIDE, NO EGO: A Queer Executive's Journey to Living and Leading Authentically with author Jim Fielding 33:02

3M ago33:02

33:02

Jim Fielding's dynamic career has spanned senior leadership roles at top global brands, including Disney, DreamWorks, and Twentieth Century Fox, anchored in experience and an early career at The Gap, Lands' End, and as CEO of Claire's Stores; He joins me in an exclusive interview to talk about this new book ALL PRIDE, NO EGO: A Queer Executive's Jo…

1
Opinion: Yorkville's Pusateri's and Flo's Diner 10:03

3M ago10:03

10:03

Craig and Lee discuss the recent announcement of closures of two long-standing establishments in Yorkville, Toronto – Pusatiri’s grocery and Flo’s Diner. Pusatiri’s, known for its upscale grocery offerings, is closing due to a strategic decision by the owners, with plans for the space potentially converting into a restaurant. The closure of Flo’s D…

1
Ali Baker (Avison Young): Retail Trends Shift To Suburban Markets 13:45

3M ago13:45

13:45

Craig and Ali Baker, Vice President at Avison Young in Toronto, discuss the dynamic landscape of Canadian retail, focusing on the transformative effects of the pandemic and the shift towards suburban markets. In the conversation, Baker highlights the resurgence of suburban strip plazas and the competitive nature of these markets, driven by the pand…

1
Driving Retail Transformation with consultant and author Oliver Banks 34:04

3M ago34:04

34:04

Retail Transformation maven Oliver Banks is back on the podcast live from the U.K., discussing his new book, "Driving Retail Transformation: How to Navigate Disruption and Change." Using a clever set of automotive metaphors, Oliver takes us through his retail transformation steering wheel tool. He takes us to a better place in our journey to becomi…

1
Opinion: Retail Changes on Robson 21:05

3M ago21:05

21:05

Craig and Lee discuss the latest retail developments on Robson Street, a key shopping area in downtown Vancouver. They highlight significant changes, such as the transformation of the former Victoria’s Secret location into an adidas Concept store and the relocation of Roots due to Arc’teryx taking over its prime spot. This episode delves into the d…

1
A View To Rapid Store Expansion with Bill Moir, Managing Director and EVP Canada, Specsavers 23:00

4M ago23:00

23:00

Bill Moir, Managing Director and EVP Canada for Specsavers is back on the podcast as this Vancouver-based international retailer celebrates the opening of its 100th store in Canada, including a successful launch in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, with plans for expansion into Manitoba. Together, we unpack the successful business model and m…

1
Eric Sherman (First Capital REIT): Retail Insights 22:54

4M ago22:54

22:54

Craig and Eric Sherman, Head of National Operations at First Capital REIT discuss Eric’s extensive experience in the retail real estate industry, highlighting his journey from a summer student to the head of national operations at First Capital REIT. Eric reflects on his start in the industry, emphasizing the lack of awareness about retail real est…

1
Opinion: CF Sherway Gardens: Strong Sales as Retailers Open 21:23

4M ago21:23

21:23

Craig and Lee discuss CF Sherway Gardens, a Toronto shopping centre that boasts high sales per square foot productivity as new retailers open. The mall is anchored by Hudson’s Bay, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Harry Rosen, and will be welcoming new retailers such as Arcteryx, Ray Ban, and Alo Yoga. The future of Saks Fifth Avenue at the mall is uncertain…

1
The Past, Present and Future of Retail RFID with Marshall Kay, Global Director, Retail Transformation Services for Avery Dennison Smartrac 32:53

4M ago32:53

32:53

Meet Marshal Kay, Global Director, Retail Transformation Services for Avery Dennison Smartrac, who takes us through the retail business case for RFID, from supper accurate inventory to Loss Prevention, seamless self-checkout and more, and what it takes to break through with this robust process and technology solution. Avery Dennison's RFID homepage…

1
Simplifying The Complex World of Carbon Accounting for Retailers & Brands with Alyssa Rade, Chief Sustainability Officer at Sustain.Life 25:15

4M ago25:15

25:15

Meet Alyssa Rade, chief sustainability officer at Sustain.life, a leading carbon accounting platform, where she leads the company’s strategy for product content, guiding retailers across North America on their decarbonization and ESG journeys. Alyssa unpacks the complexities of carbon accounting for all of us, providing a uniform model for retailer…

1
Opinion: Loblaws Opens at Vancouver's Post 12:43

4M ago12:43

12:43

Craig and Lee discuss the recent opening of a Loblaws City Market in downtown Vancouver’s historic The Post building, an important addition to the city’s grocery shopping availability. The store occupies a substantial 45,000 square feet on the second floor of the renovated Canada Post building, introducing a vast retail and grocery space to the are…

1
Rethinking Ethnic & Modern Retail Marketing with Ariela Nerubay, EVP & Chief Marketing Officer at LA Based Curacao Retail 25:12

4M ago25:12

25:12

Something different on the podcast for this episode: Meet Ariela Nerubay, EVP & Chief Marketing Officer at Curacao retail stores, a fellow 2024 ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert and leader in ethnic and modern marketing strategies and tactics. You might not recognize the LA-based retail stores she leads, but the insights, challenges and opportunitie…

1
Opinion: Oakridge Welcomes New Vancouver Luxury Retailers 14:52

4M ago14:52

14:52

Craig and Lee discuss Oakridge Park's transformation into a luxury retail hub, as revealed in their latest podcast. The announcement includes a mix of luxury and upper contemporary brands, such as Christian Louboutin, Miu Miu, Alexander Wang, Maison Margiela, and Versace, marking a significant upscale shift for the shopping center. With about 20% o…

1
Retail Media Networks from the Inside Out with Aran Hamilton, CEO & Co-Founder, Vantage 24:37

4M ago24:37

24:37

The past, current and future state of Retail Media Networks are in the spotlight in this dynamic, live interview from the ReThink Retail podcasting studio on the NRF Big Show show floor in New York City with Aran Hamilton, Co-Founder & CEO of Toronto's Vantage. Aran is a pioneer in the retail media space and offers valuable lessons and powerful ins…

1
Michael Bungay Stanier & How to Work with (Almost) Anyone. 25:46

5M ago25:46

25:46

Meet Toronto-based Michael Bungay Stanier, best known for The Coaching Habit, the best-selling coaching book of the century, today talking with me about his most recent book, How to Work with (Almost) Anyone. It's a fantastic conversation. Michael is a thoughtful and engaging guest, and we talk about the hard truth: most of us leave the health and …

1
Just Like Being There: Jim Harris on Tech Conference CES & Davos World Economic Forum 31:19

5M ago31:19

31:19

Jim Harris, one of North America's foremost thinkers on disruption and innovation, is back on the podcast sharing his experiences and insights from CES, the world's biggest technology conference, and the World Economic Forum in Davos. Jim has been attending these important events for decades and takes us inside with his informed perspective for ret…

1
Bailey (Interac) and Nagy (eCommerce Canada): Interac Insights and Small Business Success in Canada 18:06

5M ago18:06

18:06

Craig, Leo, and David delve into the realm of small and medium-sized businesses in Canada. Leo highlights Interac's focus on authentic support, emphasizing the importance of the small business community in Canada's economic landscape. The discussion unfolds around Interac's initiatives, including the Dollar One Hub, offering tools for goal setting,…

1
Climate change concerns and consumption with Kristina Rogers, EY Global Consumer Leader 29:03

5M ago29:03

29:03

The one and only Kristina Rogers, Global EY Consumer Chairwoman, is back on the podcast with the latest powerful insights from her 13th Future Consumer Index report. Climate change is becoming a growing reality for people worldwide and Canada, disrupting ingrained consumption habits. If you think COVID-19 shocked consumer behaviour, brace yourself …

1
Martin Moriarty (Marcus & Millichap): Vancouver Retail Insights 18:11

5M ago18:11

18:11

Craig Patterson and Martin Moriarty, Senior Vice President at Marcus & Millichap, discuss the dynamic nature of Vancouver’s retail market and growth. Moriarty sheds light on the transformation of key areas like the luxury zone along Alberni Street, the vibrancy of Robson Street, and the promising developments around Granville Street. He notes the a…

1
Lisa Hutcheson (JCWG): Ebeltoft Group's Retail Innovations Book 28:31

5M ago28:31

28:31

Craig and Lisa (Phillips) Hutcheson, Managing Partner at J.C. Williams Group, discuss insights gathered in the Ebeltoft Group's newly released Retail Innovations 19 book. They highlight the role of sustainability in modern retail, both as an environmental concern and as a foundational element in business models. From Canadian initiatives like Good …

1
Ani Nersessian (VM-ID): Visual Merchandising Significance 15:47

5M ago15:47

15:47

Retail Insider’s Craig Patterson and Ani Nersessian, Founder at VM ID Inc., discuss the role of visual merchandising in the retail sector. Nersessian emphasizes the importance of visual merchandising in creating inviting retail environments and enhancing customer engagement. She highlights the challenges small businesses face in visual merchandisin…

1
The Approachable Retail Leader with Steve Worthy, Founder and CEO, Worthy Retail 31:00

5M ago31:00

31:00

Welcome to a new year, and maybe a new you, regarding your perspectives around leadership. My special guest is Steve Worthy, who, with over 27 years of North American on the front lines as a senior retail store leader and operator, brings a unique mix of executive coaching, training, and real-world experience to senior retail leaders and corporate …

1
Opinion: 2023’s Most Read Articles and Upcoming 16:41

6M ago16:41

16:41

Craig and Lee delve into the most read articles of 2023, providing insights into the retail industry’s notable stories and trends. They begin by discussing Hudson’s Bay Company’s relaunch of Zellers, a major retail development that generated buzz and curiosity. The hosts evaluate the initial success of the relaunch and potential challenges in the f…

1
Global Expansion, the Critical Role of Product Innovation & the Role of Failure with Jenna Flateman Posner, Chief Digital Officer, Solo Brands 17:08

6M ago17:08

17:08

In this episode, a lift from my Global eCommerce Leaders #podcast presented by StreamCommerce, meet the force of nature that is Jenna Flateman Posner, just two months into her new gig with innovative home products brand, wholesaler and direct-to-consumer retailer Solo Brands. We cover a lot of ground in this interview, not unlike what Jenna did as …

1
Casdin Parr (JLL): Canadian Retail Landscape: Insights and Trends 17:15

6M ago17:15

17:15

Craig and Casdin Parr, Vice President of Retail Advisory Services at JLL Toronto, discuss Casdin's insights on the state of Canadian retail. The duo delves into the evolving trends and positive momentum the industry is witnessing, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between retailers and landlords. Casdin Parr sheds light on the exciting trajecto…

1
Winning Retail in 2024 with Mat Povse, SVP of Operation & Eric Stockner, VP & Category Officer Best Buy Canada 36:20

6M ago36:20

36:20

In a wide-ranging conversation, meet two of Best Buy Canada's standout veteran retail leaders: Mat Povse, Senior Vice President of Operations, and Eric Stockner, Vice President and Category Officer for Food, Home, and Baby. Mat and Eric join me on the mic to talk about big-picture trends, the current and future state of product innovation, this yea…

1
Scott Mulligan (CDNGlobal): Expansion Strategies Revealed 7:34

6M ago7:34

7:34

Craig and Scott Mulligan, Managing Partner and Broker of Record at CDN Global, discuss an overview of CDN Global's recent expansion into the Toronto market through a successful merger with Ellington Partners Corporate Real Estate Advisors. The discussion unveils the unique position of CDN Global as a boutique brokerage, emphasizing its ownership st…

1
Tony Flanz (Think Retail): Retail Trends and Insights 21:55

7M ago21:55

21:55

Craig and Tony Flanz, the founder and CEO of Montreal-based brokerage Think Retail, shed light on the ever-evolving Canadian retail landscape. The interview spans topics from the success story of Think Retail to Tony's valuable insights on international brands making their mark in Canada. With a keen focus on experiential shopping, Tony emphasizes …

1
A Masterclass in The State of Retail & Retail Turnarounds with Michael Appel, Managing Director, Getzler Henrich & Associates 29:55

7M ago29:55

29:55

Meet Michael Appel, a seasoned senior executive with over 50 years of experience in the retail industry, including turnaround CEO at Rue21. As the Managing Director at New York-based Getzler Henrich & Associates, he leads the Retail Practice for the firm, specializing in operational turnarounds for retail businesses. We talk about the state of reta…

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Retail Insider Canada Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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