Agenda

Dans le cadre de L’événement STORE 25, le CCCD organise le fameux cocktail Québec, le Cinq à sept. Tous les membres du secteur du détail sont invités à prendre part à cette réception gratuite afin de réseauter avec les délégués francophones du Québec et de l’ensemble du Canada. 

Main Session Hall

What will the economy mean for retailers in the year ahead and how should leaders prepare? In this highly anticipated session, Benjamin Tal, Deputy Chief Economist at CIBC, delivers a clear-eyed view of the economic landscape shaping Canadian retail in 2026.  Drawing on the latest data and real-world signals, Benjamin will examine consumer confidence and spending patterns, interest rates, labour dynamics, and global economic pressures, connecting macroeconomic trends directly to retail performance in Canada. Expect sharp insights, practical context, and a forward-looking perspective to help retailers make informed decisions in an evolving market. 

AI is reshaping every moment of the shopping journey, helping customers find the right products, compare options instantly, and make confident decisions. This session explores how retailers are building intelligent, customer-facing tools that adapt to context, elevate discovery, and strengthen overall engagement. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of what effective AI looks like in real retail environments, how to design systems that are both helpful and trustworthy, and the practical steps teams are taking today to integrate personalized AI into the customer experience in ways that drive satisfaction and conversion.

Session details and speaker to be announced

Session details and speaker to be announced

Department stores are at a crossroads. Shifts in consumer behaviour, intensifying competition, and rising operating costs have placed sustained pressure on a model that once defined the retail landscape. Yet some retailers continue to evolve, demonstrating that relevance and growth are still possible. This session explores how leading Canadian legacy retailers are responding to these challenges by elevating the customer experience through immersive environments, curated assortments, and seamless integration of digital and physical channels. A highly anticipated conversation offers insight into how luxury-driven personalization, elevated service models, and community-focused engagement can transform department stores into destinations that inspire discovery rather than just transactions.

All STORE and Excellence in Retailing Awards guests are invited to attend a networking reception following the final conference session of the day.

Enjoy a special gala experience and celebrate the talented visionaries across this country who are redefining retail. Bring your teams, invite your loved ones, enjoy an evening of excellence.

Retail leaders are operating in an environment shaped by disruption, rising expectations, and constant change. In this thought-provoking session, globally renowned author and strategist Rishad Tobaccowala shares his perspective on what modern leadership truly requires today. Drawing on insight and practical experience, he explores how leaders can build resilient teams, drive innovation, and cultivate cultures that perform under pressure. The session concludes with a candid conversation with retail leaders on how these principles are being applied within their own organizations, offering practical insight into leading through uncertainty while positioning retail businesses for sustained relevance and growth.

AI is transforming every moment of the customer journey, unlocking new ways to inspire, guide, and convert shoppers. Eric Morris from Google reveals how leading retailers are using AI to create seamless discovery, smarter experiences, and more meaningful connections with their customers. Attendees will walk away with fresh insights and actionable ideas to elevate their customer journey and drive stronger engagement and growth.

Consumers expect more than campaigns—they expect relevance, consistency, and purpose at every touchpoint. Get a front-row seat to how leading global and Canadian consumer brands are building connection in a fragmented, performance-driven environment. Drawing on perspectives from Miele and Canadian Tire, discover how marketing teams balance brand building with performance, creativity with data, and long-term trust with short-term results designed for marketing leaders focused on growth, loyalty, and authenticity.

Session details and Speaker to be announced

Step inside a live recording of The Voice of Retail as leading retail voices discuss how they are navigating the current landscape. From emerging entrepreneurs to national brands, this dynamic conversation dives into the shifting consumer expectations, technology, and economic pressures that are reshaping the industry. Hear candid insights, bold predictions, and practical strategies for navigating what comes next in an era defined by constant change.

Grand Prix New Product Awards guests are invited to attend a networking reception prior to the awards dinner.

Enjoy industry recognition of your work, reunite with colleagues, and make new connections.