
9:00 am - 9:05 am
Welcoming Remarks
9:05 am - 9:35 am
Consumer Insights for Western Canada with Leger
How has the pandemic impacted how we shop? Is that different here in Western Canada? Will there be a return to normal, or will we put the past in the rear view mirror and look forward? Leger has analyzed the purchasing shifts across Canada with a special emphasis here in Western Canada.
9:35 am - 10:05 am
Answering the Great Resignation
The labour concerns regarding the great resignation are not overblown. This is a very real concern in Western Canada as well as Quebec. Canadians are not just shifting the jobs but shifting what they care about and what they value. Retailers are responding with strategies that increase engagement and demonstrate the values employees are looking for. This panel discussion will share tips and insights that will help you prepare for the coming surge in holiday hiring and the long-term strategy of maintaining a strong team.
10:05 am - 10:10 am
Customer Engagement meets Product Demand through Digital Transformation Fast Five Sponsor Highlight with SAS Institute, Inc.
Supply Chain efficiency has never been more critical to the customer. Discover how SAS’s Intelligent demand planning harnesses the power of machine-learning, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to streamline and automate complex planning tasks that improve supply chain efficiency while deliver superior customer experiences.
10:10 am - 10:40 am
Supply Chain Made Me Pivot
Supply chain challenges are no longer a matter of picking up the phone to find an alternate partner but a matter of teams coming together to evaluate challenges and opportunities. This session is a discussion among retailers who are responding to these challenges by augmenting offerings, managing consumer expectations and getting creative with the last mile.
10:40 am - 10:50 am
Networking Break
10:50 am - 11:00 am
Voice of Retail: Advocacy Update
Get the latest update on government relation activities based out of our Pacific office. Learn the status and details of our goals to support retailer’s concerns about the tight labour market, new employer-paid sick days, the increase in minimum wage and the impact for retailers on the government’s campaign against plastic.
11:00 am - 11:20 am
Has your ecommerce approach kept up with what consumers expect?
Canadian ecommerce sales have grown more than 135% in the last two years, which has required an extreme level of flexibility and adaptability by retailers. Ecommerce today is completely different than what we knew at the start of 2020. Due to the rapid pace of change, many companies have not been able to keep up with evolving consumer expectations. As we head into the critical holiday season, it is critical that retailers ensure they have their ecommerce strategies in place. During this informative and entertaining session, we will challenge your preconceived notions about how ecommerce works and what consumers expect from you. We will discuss transformational ideas around mobile commerce, first party data, search optimization and user-centric online sales. This session is a must-attend for anyone who sells products or services online.
11:20 am - 11:25 am
Amplifying the Retail Experience through Audio Fast Five Sponsor Highlight
How can audio truly elevate the customer experience? With integrated, intelligent network audio solutions, Canadian retailers can amplify the customer experience from the parking lot right through to check-out. Join the Axis Communications team - Rick Snook, BDM for Retail and Rodrigo Eng, BDM for Audio - as they open up the world of network audio and discuss how it can impact your business and the customer experience today and tomorrow.
11:25 am - 12:00 pm
Experiences that Keep Customers Coming Back
Incredible customer experiences vary from one retailer to the next. The right experience depends on your product, store format, and of course meeting your customers needs. In this new ERA of retail what experiences are consumers looking for and how can you safely and effectively integrate it into your business strategy for growth? This session will look at what new experiences can look like, online and offline, and how they are making an impact in daily consumer shopping and discovery.