In a rapidly shifting retail landscape, forward-thinking and adaptability is everything. Join Mat Povse, President of Best Buy Canada, for an inside look at how the company is investing and evolving to meet consumers’ needs and be the best place to go for tech and wireless. From strategic partnerships, to high-performing ecommerce, to innovative store formats, to supply chain transformation, Best Buy Canada is rewriting the playbook. Mat will share candid insights into the challenges facing retailers today, the opportunities to grow amid disruption, and his vision for what’s next. 

Retail in Western Canada is undergoing a transformation—and consumers are leading the charge. In this insightful session, Leger unveils the seven most impactful trends redefining how Western Canadians shop, spend, and engage with brands. Drawing on the latest data from our comprehensive consumer research, we’ll explore how shifting demographics, values, and economic pressures are influencing everything from channel preference to brand loyalty. 

Sponsor Spotlight

In today’s retail industry, consumers hold all the power, expecting convenience and choice in their payments experience. As one of the largest payment processors, Worldpay publishes the annual “Global Payments Report” (GPR), offering insights that help businesses—from Big Tech to SMEs—understand evolving customer preferences and refine payment strategies. The GPR addresses current trends and forecasts up to 2030. Phil will highlight changing consumer preferences and their impact on the retail industry globally. 

Lunch & Learn

With RADDAR now fully deployed in British Columbia, this session will showcase how Transcontinental is helping small- and mid-sized regional retailers achieve better results through smarter, data-backed marketing strategies. In partnership with our analytics experts at Targeo, we’ll explore how the right retail marketing mix—blending print and digital—can significantly boost ROI. Attendees will see practical examples of how localized insights lead to more effective campaigns and stronger customer connections. 

Ideal for regional retailers looking to make every marketing dollar count. 

In an industry known for high turnover, how do you attract, engage, and retain the career-minded retail professional? This breakout session dives into the evolving expectations of today’s retail workforce and explores strategies to build a culture where long-term talent can thrive. From meaningful engagement and leadership development to flexible work models and purpose-driven culture, discover what it takes to reduce churn and inspire loyalty.

The lines between physical and digital retail continue to blur—and so do the expectations of today’s consumers. In this session, explore how modern retailers are adapting their digital marketing strategies to thrive in an omnichannel world. From leveraging data and personalization to working with fractional CMOs and agile marketing teams, we’ll unpack innovative approaches to building brand, driving conversion, and staying competitive. Whether you’re in-house, hybrid, or outsourcing leadership, learn how to future-proof your marketing strategy for what’s next. 

Sponsor Spotlight

Return-It is transforming beverage container recycling in B.C.—with over 25 billion containers collected and counting. Discover how your business can partner to reduce return-related workload, increase store visits, and tap into AI-driven innovations that are shaping the future of recycling. 

What happens when elevated merchandising meets innovation in consumer engagement? In this conversation, Shannon Stewart, Chief Merchandising Officer at Harry Rosen, and Cameron Conn, CEO of Champlain, come together to explore how brands can thrive in a time of rapid retail evolution. 

Together, they’ll discuss how customer expectations are shifting, the role of data and storytelling in creating meaningful experiences, and how premium retail can continue to lead through personalization, innovation, and purpose. This dynamic dialogue will offer unique cross-industry insights on how to connect deeply with today’s consumer.

Few brands have navigated the retail landscape with the consistency and clarity of Aritzia. In this rare and candid conversation, Brian Hill, Founder and Executive Chair of Aritzia, shares his perspective on what it takes to build and sustain a beloved Canadian brand in today’s competitive environment. From strategic growth to staying culturally relevant, Brian will reflect on Aritzia’s journey, the principles that continue to guide its success, and the leadership mindset required to thrive in a fast-changing world. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of Canada’s most visionary retail leaders.