Shows
The Voice of RetailBonus Episode: Black Friday & Cyber Monday Exclusive Flash ResultsWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.In this extraordinary Black Friday and Cyber Monday bonus episode, Sean McCormick, Head of Growth Strategy, Spendscape, Moneris joins us with breaking news and real spending numbers telling us the tale of the tape for 2022 Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Sean leverages powerful analytical tools to provide a snapshot of year-over-year and week-over-week consumer spending numbers. Let's listen in now!https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsmccormick/https://www...
2022-12-0516 min
The Voice of RetailSpecial Feature: Competition Bureau Canada: Antitrust and the Abuse of DominanceWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.Meet Daniel Jenson, Major Case Director at Competition Bureau Canada, with the third of four episodes created to help us understand the laws governing and protecting retailers. If you want to learn more about the Competition Bureau and how it operates, tune into the series' first episode back in October. In this episode, Daniel unpacks antitrust and abuse of dominance for us, providing us with a specific case study to illustrate both the c...
2022-12-0234 min
The Voice of RetailEric Morris, Managing Director of Google Canada Retail on Changing Consumer Habits and Finishing StrongWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.Eric Morris, Managing Director of Google Canada Retail, is back on the podcast sharing the latest research looking at some of the changing consumer habits we can expect from shoppers this holiday season and practical tips for retailers to finish strong through to 2023 and beyond!Thanks for tuning into this special episode of The Voice of Retail. If you haven’t already, be sure and click subscribe on your favourite podcast plat...
2022-11-2534 min
The Voice of RetailMEC CEO Eric Claus on Putting The Heritage Back Into A Modern Retail BrandWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.In this episode, Mountain Equipment Company CEO Eric Claus is back on the podcast, recorded live in person from the MEC Vancouver boardroom. We catch up and talk about the incredible journey of turning the business around during the COVID era, the innovative partnership with Hudson's Bay, and putting the heritage back into this modern retail brand. Thanks for tuning into this special episode of The Voice of Retail. If you hav...
2022-11-0431 min
The Voice of RetailSpecial Feature: Competition Bureau Canada and Price-Fixing, Collusion and Cartel Behaviour InvestigationsWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.Meet Mark Aylward, Senior Competition Law Officer at Competition Bureau Canada, with the second of a series of four episodes created to help us understand the laws governing and protecting retailers. If you want to learn more about the Competition Bureau and how it operates, tune into the first episode of the series to learn all about it. In this episode, Mark takes us through the law and perspectives around price-fixing, c...
2022-10-2622 min
The Voice of RetailSpecial Feature: Competition Bureau Canada and Deceptive Marketing PracticesWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.Meet Nicola Pfeifer, Senior Competition Law Officer, Cartels and Deceptive Marketing Practices from Competition Bureau Canada, with the first of a series of four episodes between now and the end of the year created for retailers to help them understand the laws governing and protecting retailers. In this episode, Nicola gives us an overview of Competition Bureau Canada that will provide the foundation for the series and then dives into her particular area o...
2022-10-1739 min
The Voice of RetailWes Hall, the "King of Bay Street" and CBC Dragon, on his new book "No Bootstraps When You're Barefoot"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.In an exclusive interview, the one and only Wes Hall join the podcast to talk about his new book "No Bootstraps When You're Barefoot: My rise from a Jamaican plantation shack to the boardrooms of Bay Street." Wes shares his story and advice for retailers on how they can genuinely help black entrepreneurs and adds hints for anyone who winds up in front of him on CBC's Dragon's DenThanks for...
2022-10-0731 min
The Voice of RetailÉric Champagne, CIO for Boutique La vie en Rose, and Olivier Roy, co-founder and CEO of Leav talk mobile self-checkoutWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.In this episode, meet Éric Champagne, CIO for Boutique La vie en Rose, and Olivier Roy, co-founder and CEO of Leav join the podcast together to share insights around the tradecraft of retail technology innovation and implementing frictionless in-store self-checkout solutions.Thanks for tuning into this special episode of The Voice of Retail. If you haven’t already, be sure and click subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so new episodes will...
2022-09-3032 min
The Voice of RetailLauren Fernandes, Global Director, Thought Leadership for Nielsen IQ, and their 2022 Brand Balancing Act ReportWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.In this episode, meet Lauren Fernandes, Global Director, Thought Leadership for Nielsen IQ, joins the podcast to share the powerful insights for retailers and brand owners from their 2022 Brand Balancing Act, the global implications, and lessons for retailers in Canada.Thanks for tuning into this special episode of The Voice of Retail. If you haven’t already, be sure and click subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so new episodes will lan...
2022-09-2333 min
The Voice of RetailPhyl Terry revolutionizes the executive job search with his new book "Never Search Alone"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.In this episode, meet Phyl Terry, as we catch up and share experiences going back 25 years together in the eCommerce usability field and talking about his new book, Never Search Alone. Based on 25 years of experience working with thousands of leaders, the book provides a time-tested, multi-step process to find the right job now – one that sits at the intersection of hopes, dreams, and market realities.Learn more about Slow Art Day...
2022-09-1638 min
The Voice of RetailWinning Digital Customers with WSJ Best-Selling Author Howard TierskyWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.In this episode, meet Howard Tiersky, Author of the Wall St.Journal best-selling book, Winning Digital Customers: The Antidote To Irrelevance. In a wide-ranging interview with this digital veteran, Howard takes us through his five-step roadmap to thriving in a digital world.Thanks for tuning into this special episode of The Voice of Retail. If you haven’t already, be sure and click subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so new epis...
2022-09-0932 min
The Voice of RetailFuture Consumers in the Quasi-Post-Pandemic Retail World: Kristina Rogers, EY Global Consumer LeaderWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.Kristina Rogers, Global Consumer Industries Leader, Retail for EY, is back on the podcast with an update from their Future Consumer Index looking at the quasi-post-COVID, inflation battered but more resilient and agile customer retailers face for the back half of 2022 and beyond.Thanks for tuning into this special episode of The Voice of Retail. If you haven’t already, be sure and click subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so new...
2022-09-0235 min
The Voice of RetailRaj Grover, CEO, High Tide on Cannabis Retail Consolidation, Growth and AccelerationWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.Raj Grover, CEO at High Tide, is not only Canada's biggest non-franchised cannabis retailer but also one of the world's savviest consumer focussed operators in the entire industry. Raj returns to the podcast, and we catch up on two-plus years of consolidation, growth and acceleration in Canada and beyond.Thanks for tuning into this special episode of The Voice of Retail. If you haven’t already, be sure and click subscribe on...
2022-08-2632 min
The Voice of RetailLisa Perlmutter SVP, Marketing & E-Commerce at Brilliant Earth and Lauren Thomas, Retail Reporter, CNBC Talk About Sustainability and Sustainable Competitive AdvantageWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.Recorded live in person at the 2022 CommerceNext Ecommerce Growth Show, I sat down with some of the top trailblazers and change-makers that joined the CommerceNext community in New York City to discuss the future of digital commerce and share the latest strategies for E-commerce acceleration.On this episode, an excerpt from my Conversations with CommerceNext podcast, Lisa Perlmutter, Senior Vice President, Marketing & E-Commerce at Brilliant Earth and Lauren Thomas, Retail Reporter...
2022-08-1926 min
The Voice of RetailMeet Marianne Lewis, co-author of the breakthrough new book Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest ProblemsWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.Meet Marianne Lewis, co-author of the breakthrough new book from the Harvard Business Review Press, Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest ProblemsThanks for tuning into this special episode of The Voice of Retail. If you haven’t already, be sure and click subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so new episodes will land automatically twice a week, and check out my other retail industry media properties; the...
2022-08-1231 min
The Voice of RetailMichael Medline, President and CEO and Mohit Grover, Senior Vice President, Innovation, Sustainability and Strategy of Empire, share their bold new three-year Climate Action Plan roadmap.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.In this episode, Michael Medline, President and CEO of Empire Company Limited, is back on the podcast, joined by Mohit Grover, Senior Vice President, Innovation, Sustainability and Strategy, to talk about what Empire is doing at all levels around real progress in environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues.Michael and Mohit share their new three-year Climate Action Plan roadmap. We talk about actual results, fundamental strategies and action plans, the partnerships a...
2022-07-2928 min
The Voice of RetailCraig Brommers, CMO American Eagle Takes On The Metaverse: Best of Conversations with CommerceNext #podcastWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.In this special edition episode, I am thrilled to be sharing one of the many fantastic interviews Recorded live in person at the 2022 CommerceNext E-commerce Growth Show back in June. I sat down with some of the top trailblazers and change-makers that joined our community in New York City to discuss the future of digital commerce and share the latest strategies for E-commerce acceleration.So now, let's meet Craig Br...
2022-07-2220 min
The Voice of RetailUpper District CEO & Founder Karly Gramlich Takes Us Through Sustainable, Scaleable Luxury Retail BrandsWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.On this special Canada Day episode, meet Edmonton-based entrepreneur and sustainable brand maven Karly Gramlich. Karly talks about her leap of faith to pursue a passion and develop sustainable luxury fashion and accessories for the modern professional with her brand and online retail store Upper District. Karly also shares with us how her personal journey has built the resilience and fortitude to take Upper District to the next level on the global stage...
2022-07-0128 min
The Voice of RetailGlobal retail, brand and organizational visionary Oliver Brunschwiler Introduces us to Zurich based FreitagWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.From a professional snowboarder to a CEO that eliminated his role by distributing his responsibilities into a leadership collective, get ready for a fascinating interview from Zurich with Oliver Brunschwiler, and meet retailer FreitagFreitag is a super innovative and agile retailer that takes truck tarps and fashions them into unique handbags and accessories. Oliver takes us through his origin story, which is also the origin story of Freitag. How they...
2022-06-1027 min
The Voice of RetailMeet Peter Vigilante, Ento Country Manager Sharing Exclusive Research & Solutions for HR Retail LeadersWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.Founded in Australia in 2009, Ento is a powerful workforce management solution that allows shift-based workforces to manage rostering, time & attendance, leave, and onboarding from one centralized platform.In this episode, I meet Peter Vigilante, Ento's Canadian Country Manager, and in a wide-ranging interview, talk about how this young company has come to this market to help retailers solve issues around their hourly workforce, mainly on the front lines.Peter...
2022-06-0325 min
The Voice of RetailCanadian Tire's Greg Shelly, VP Enterprise Digital Marketing & Michael Klein, Global Director, Industry Strategy & Marketing, Adobe Systems with a Masterclass on Modern Digital Marketing and the ConsumerWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.On this special expanded format episode of the podcast, I'm joined by two internationally recognized thought leaders in the digital marketing space to share their insights in a back-to-back set of interviews.First, Greg Shelly, Vice President, Enterprise Digital Marketing at Canadian Tire Corporation, takes us inside the inner workings of one of the largest digital marketing teams in retail, with a masterclass in structuring teams for the modern era, attribution...
2022-05-301h 01
The Voice of RetailMeet Paul Wood, CEO Giant Tiger and Retail Council of Canada's Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the YearWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.The RCC Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year recognizes a retail leader who has led their company to outstanding business success and innovation and consistently demonstrated community commitment and support. The recipient is seen as a role model because of their exceptional leadership within the corporation, Canada's retail industry, and the community through personal and corporate philanthropic activities. In this episode, I'm thrilled to welcome back to the podcast Pa...
2022-05-2734 min
The Voice of RetailUnprecedented: Part 2 with Michael Medline, CEO, SobeysWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.Unprecedented is a remarkable collection of exclusive, first-person stories on leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic from 29 chief executives at iconic Canadian companies.In this second and final part of a two-part series, I speak with the one and only Michael Medline, CEO of Sobeys, one of the retail leaders contributing to this necessary book for our times and the times ahead.I take Michael back to the very early...
2022-05-2032 min
The Voice of RetailTop Global Retail Strategist and Educator Carl Boutet Live In Montreal on the State of Retail Innovation and the Great AccelerationWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.Live at the SIAL Food Innovation show in Montreal in The Food Professor podcast studio, and I welcome back retail educator and global retail strategist Carl Boutet. Together we catch up in person with pants on in a wide-ranging conversation around retail education, the great acceleration two years on, the future of globalization, the role of innovation, and discover whether Carl is a metaverse skeptic or optimist.We also have a s...
2022-04-2238 min
Global eCommerce Leaders PodcastGELF LA 2022 Preview: June Van Heel at Bala, Isabel Gan, Rose Planet International Brand Management and Nicole Granucci, Citcon.Welcome back to Global E-Commerce Tech Talks, episode 23!I’m your host Michael LeBlanc and in today’s episode, a preview to the great thought leadership live in person on the stage at the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum happening April 21st in L.A., I get a sneak preview chatting with June Van Heel, Head of International at Bala, Isabel Gan, Founder/CEO of Rose Planet International Brand Management Inc and Nicole Granucci, Vice President of Product Marketing of Citcon. Together with GELF co-founder Kent Allen they will be exploring where the best oppor...
2022-04-1417 min
The Voice of RetailWinning Online with Veteran Retailer & Head of eCommerce for Vega, Andrew CherwenkaWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.For my last in-person episode recorded live in my Las Vegas pop-up podcast studio at Shoptalk #2022 pop-up recording studio, I'm thrilled to welcome back to the podcast long time friend and colleague, veteran retail technologist, Andrew Cherwenka As a skilled poker player, Andrew is right at home, walking the aisles at Shoptalk, and right at home in Vegas. But in his role as head of eCommerce for Vega, a Va...
2022-04-1133 min
Global eCommerce Leaders PodcastThe Echo-Boom of Global eCommerce: Kent Allen and Jim Okamura, Co-Founders of the Global eCommerce Leaders Forum Getting Ready for GELF LA 2022Welcome to Global eCommerce Tech Talks, I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. Live from my podcasting studio high above the Vegas sands during Shoptalk 2022, I sit down and talk about the latest news and developments in the global eCommerce industry with two of the sharpest minds in the space.Kent Allen and Jim Okamura, consultants, advisors, industry analysts and co-founders of the Global Ecommerce Leaders Forum, are back as my special guests in-person together for an exclusive interview in my Las Vegas podcast studio. We catch up and talk about the latest developments in glo...
2022-04-0630 min
The Voice of RetailSimons new CEO Bernard Leblanc on modern retail and leading an iconic Canadian retailerWelcome to The Voice of Retail. I'm your host Michael LeBlanc. This podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.For the first time in its 180 year history, La Maison Simon, better known as Simons, based in Quebec City, will be led by a non-family member as CEO. And you are about to meet him.Simons was founded in 1840 by John Simons in Quebec City. It is Canada's oldest private family business, with 15 Simons stores, nine in Quebec, including its head office in Quebec City, three in Alberta, one in British C...
2022-03-2137 min
The Voice of RetailNRF Big Show 2022 Bonus: Jordan Ekers, Co-Founder, Chief Operating Officer, Nudge.Welcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.Welcome to a special NRF Big Show 2022 bonus episode of podcast, one of a series of exclusive interviews produced to support the show, the vendors and industry thought leaders heading into the new year. This episode: Jordan Ekers, Co-Founder, Chief Operating Officer, Nudge.These bonus episodes all follow a similar format: first, we learn about my guest and the company they work for, and what they are talking abou...
2022-01-2015 min
The Voice of RetailWhat's New & Next For Luxury Retail, with Karen Katz, Steve Sadove and Oliver Chen: best of Remarkable Retail #podcastWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.On this special episode I am thrilled to be sharing an excerpt from one of the most popular Remarkable Retail podcast of our third season, where my podcast partner & best selling author Steve Denis and I host a blockbuster panel featuring three of the most experienced and insightful veterans of the luxury world: Karen Katz (former President & CEO of the Neiman Marcus Group, Steve Sadove (former Chairman and CEO of Sa...
2021-12-2426 min
The Voice of RetailPOS eCommerce Innovation with Clik2Pay’s Founder & CEO Mike BradleyWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada Clik2Pay is transforming the payment experience for consumers and the online transaction capabilities for online retail. Riding the rails of the Great Acceleration of eCommerce, this company has created an intuitive, quick and secure POS system that’s both consumer- and retailer-friendly.By leaning into Interac e-Transfer technology, the system steps away from the cumbersome and expensive card-centric payment processes that currently dominate online sales....
2021-12-0330 min
The Voice of RetailSocial Media Masterclass with Groupe Dynamite's Michael Regina & SnapWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.It was already happening before the pandemic. And Snap, COVID accelerated its adoption almost overnight. Mastering social media is more than another tool of the marketing toolkit in retail. It's table-stakes. On this episode of The Voice of Retail, I'm joined by Sr. Paid Media Specialist at Groupe Dynamite Michael Regina and Snap's Retail Vertical Lead Matt Bolivar, who take us through both the evolution of social media in...
2021-11-1926 min
The Voice of RetailSay Less, Get More: A Refreshing Take on Modern NegotiationWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.Fotini Iconomopoulos is the person you call if you need to get what you want.After a decade in the retail space, Fotini refined her negotiation skills in the consumer packaged goods industry before becoming a management consultant. Today, she teaches MBA Negotiations at the Schulich School of Business, speaks to audiences all over the world and, most recently, wrote a book titled “Say Less, Get More: Unconventional Nego...
2021-11-1525 min
The Voice of RetailMeet the AI that’s Clearing the Path for Retailers in the Great AccelerationWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada. Now more than ever before, digital marketers and retailers have a wealth of first-party data on consumers. Or at least they should - different podcast. However, providing an authentic and unique eCommerce experience for audiences continues to prove difficult. On this episode of The Voice of Retail, I’m joined by Frank Faricy, the CEO + Founder of XGen AI. We talk about the chronic pains o...
2021-11-0832 min
The Voice of RetailDelivering the Future: Canada PostWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.The Great Acceleration of eCommerce brought on by the pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented influx in deliveries. For Canada Post, every day of the last eighteen months has felt like Christmas.In this episode of The Voice of Retail, I am thrilled to chat with Canada Post’s Director of eCommerce, Steve Eggers. After debriefing on how the pandemic has brought on challenges and opportunities for the Crow...
2021-11-0532 min
The Voice of RetailA brand and retailing masterclass from the Land Down Under: meet BunningsWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.You need to get to know Michael Schneider. It’s not that easy, as he lives and works a world away running one of the largest retailers in Australia and New Zealand, Home Improvement retail powerhouse Bunnings. But I’m doing my part - Michael was my very special guest recently at Retail Council of Canada’s STORE2021 thought leadership conference, so I thought it only appropriate to bring our conversat...
2021-10-2531 min
The Voice of RetailPeavey Mart’s VP of Marketing on COVID, Community + StorytellingWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.Jest Sidloski grew up within the Peavey Mart brand from the storefront to the executive level. Now, as the Vice President of Marketing, Customer Experience & eCommerce, he tells the company’s compelling origin story and offers insider insights on how this western Canadian legacy is charging into the future. On this episode of The Voice of Retail, Jest and I talk about the role that Peavey Mart...
2021-10-2232 min
The Voice of RetailRetail and Community at the Forefront of Human Connection with Cadillac FairviewWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.Since 1974 Cadillac Fairview has been creating landmark retail and commercial real estate around the world.In the face of the pandemic and changing social times, how is this influential commercial real estate company weaving the retail landscape into its impact-driven strategy? On this episode of The Voice of Retail, my guest is retail veteran Inge van den Berg, Vice President of Strategic Planning and Ris...
2021-10-1828 min
The Voice of RetailUnwrapping Insights on the 2021 Holiday Season and Canadian ShoppersWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada. Our second pandemic holiday shopping season is fast approaching. Because supply chains and consumer behaviour have changed fundamentally in the last twenty months, predicting the outcome of major retail events like Holiday is becoming increasingly difficult for retailer marketers. Join me in discussion with Jason Furlano the SVP of Commercial at MiQ, a programmatic media partner for marketers and agencies. Together, Jason and I unpa...
2021-10-0828 min
The Voice of RetailObsessed: Building a Brand People Love From Day OneWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.Emily Hayward is Obsessed. The co-founder and chief brand officer of Red Antler was my very special guest recently at Retail Council of Canada’s STORE2021 thought leadership conference, so I thought it only appropriate to bring our conversation onto the podcast.We talk about how her agency is now the “go-to” agency for retailers looking to create brands that people want to talk about, and what it takes to b...
2021-10-0429 min
The Voice of RetailConsumption-Based Forecasting and Planning with SAS's Charles W. ChaseWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.Charles Chase has spent his entire career working with high end analytics to help understand and predict consumer behaviour.In his new book, Consumer-Based Forecasting and Planning, Predicting Changing Demand Patterns in the New Digital Economy, Charlie takes this experience and combines it with world leading analytics powerhouse SAS to delivery an incisive and novel approach to forecasting demand for retailers. In a book and this int...
2021-10-0138 min
The Voice of RetailThe Power of Customer-Based Valuation with special guest Daniel McCarthy from Remarkable Retail #podcast Season ThreeWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.On this special episode I am thrilled to be sharing an excerpt from the most popular Remarkable Retail podcast of our third season, where my podcast partner & best selling author Steve Denis and I interview Daniel McCarthy, professor of marketing at Emory's Goizueta Business School, co-founder of Theta Equity Partners and pioneering thought leader on customer-based corporate valuation. It's a fast-paced MasterClass on how the cost of acquisition, retention rates an...
2021-09-2730 min
The Voice of RetailUnderstanding COVID-era labour law with Joseph Cohen-LyonsWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada. The COVID era has brought with it not only questions around consumer behavioural changes and retail strategy deep dives but also raised many, many new questions around labour practices and labour law. Can I mandate COVID testing in the workplace, what must I accommodate, can I field a mandatory employee survey and the big one, can I require vaccines in my business. Joseph Cohen-Lyons is a l...
2021-09-2435 min
Global eCommerce Leaders PodcastScaling Digital-Driven Distribution Globally with Tile & ScalefastThe pandemic-driven shift to ecommerce jolted many international markets where brick-and-mortar stores previously generated most retail sales. This was especially true in LATAM markets where in recent years legacy distributors may have resisted brands’ ecommerce-direct objectives. Kathy Ando, VP of DTC and Marketing, Tile and Xavier Heriat, VP Client Success, Scalefast join me to chat about their backgrounds, answer our "two starts and one stop" question and they speak briefly to their upcoming panel where they weighs] in on the international ecommerce growth opportunities ahead – and the operational challenges they face as digital wholesale disruption transforms the traditional ways that bra...
2021-09-2114 min
The Voice of RetailSpecial The Food Professor #podcast edition: Serge Boulanger, SVP Procurement & Corporate Brands at Metro Inc.Welcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada. On this special episode I am thrilled to be sharing an excerpt from the recent season opener of my podcast with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, The Food Professor. On one of our most popular episodes this year, Sylvain and I interview very special guest, Serge Boulanger, Senior Vice President Procurement & Corporate Brands at Metro Inc., Serge talks about his rich background in marketing, sourcing and groce...
2021-09-2032 min
The Voice of RetailChina eCommerce expert Frank Lavin on his new book "The Smart Business Guide to China eCommerce"Welcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.Frank Lavin has devoted much of his professional life to working in and understanding the Asian market, from top level roles in U.S. government including Undersecretary of Commerce, Ambassador to Singapore and other White House appointments, to much time in the private sector a top roles such as Chairman of Public Affairs, Asia Pacific for Edelman. All of which means now as the Chairman and...
2021-09-1725 min
The Food ProfessorPost-Pandemic Grocery featuring an exclusive interview with Serge Boulanger, SVP MetroWelcome to the The Food Professor podcast episode 32, back from our brief summer hiatus! I’m Michael LeBlanc, and I’m Sylvain Charlebois!We’re back and we have a very special guest, Serge Boulanger, Senior Vice President Procurement & Corporate Brands at Metro Inc., BTW, be sure and check out our bonus episode with my interview with Vice President and Director, Metro’s Corporate Brands, Marie-France Gibson and Paula DeaneSerge talks about his rich background in marketing, sourcing and grocery, the brand and banner strategies for Metro, eCommerce expansion, dealing with pandemic and what /how Metro’s...
2021-09-1658 min
Global eCommerce Leaders PodcastA Data-based Model to Drive International DTC Growth Strategies and ProfitabilityWe welcome the GELF community back to the Global Stage as the GELF NYC ’21/CommerceNext In Real Life conference heads into Day 2. Our morning keynote tackles how multi-portfolio brands are investing in global DTC strategies in maturing and fast-growing international markets.Marquee Brands has successfully extended its ‘digital first’ approach to global markets, launching advanced localized webstores across three of the group’s key brands: BCBG, Motherhood and A Pea in the Pod. Marquee Brands’ President – Digital Ventures, Jonathan Greller and Global-e’s CEO North America, Matthew Merrilees, will discuss how customized strategies based on advanced big-data analysis and dyna...
2021-09-1415 min
The Voice of RetailFika Herbal Goods veteran retail COO Christopher Kane preps for geometric growthWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.The retail cannabis industry in Canada is growing, well, as they would say, like a weed. This kind of fast paced growth with new companies in an new sector calls out for experienced retail operators to help navigate and bring to the industry experience and operational expertise to survive and thrive in what is an increasingly crowded competitive market.Christopher Kane is a savvy retail operator that brings wit...
2021-09-1027 min
The Voice of RetailPaws on the Ground: A Conversation with PetValu’s CMO + CDO Tanbir GroverWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.Tanbir Grover is an accomplished and popular retail leader recently drawn back to the retail industry that he has called home for so many years.Now after nearly a year as the Chief Marketing and Digital Officer at Canadian pet supply retailer, PetValu, Tanbir has a host of insights to share on PetValu’s omnichannel brand positioning within the greater scope of retail marketing and eCommerce.Tanb...
2021-09-0626 min
The Voice of RetailLessons in consumer trust, relationship-building and resultsWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.From a kitchen lab start-up in a blender to a fully-fledged direct-to-consumer internationally respected beauty brand, Isomers Skin Care is a great example of a resilient and responsive independent brand and DTC retailer.Since 1988, Isomers has been developing and producing skincare solutions that are grounded in science. In an industry that can be notorious for empty promises, founder and CEO Manuela Marcheggiani wanted to offer reliability and authenticity to...
2021-09-0332 min
Global eCommerce Leaders PodcastGlobal E-Commerce Leaders Forum New York IRL Speaker Feature: Josh Rockoff, former Chief Digital Officer at Diane von Furstenberg and Juliana Pereira, VP Marketing, Flow CommerceGlobal E-Commerce Leaders Forum co-founder Kent Allen joins Josh Rockoff, former Chief Digital Officer at Diane von Furstenberg and Juliana Pereira, VP of Marketing, Flow Commerce to discuss how Diane von Furstenberg expanded its global e-commerce footprint to shoppers in other markets.Our guests each talk about how the Diane von Furstenberg team leaned into cross-border, offering insight into the strategic approach the brand took to grow their international business as well as share some advice in Michael’s patented “two starts and one stop” format. They will also provide a brief overview of what they will be talk...
2021-09-0216 min
The Voice of RetailH&M Country Manager Frédéric Tavoukdjian on scaling new heights of Resale RetailWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.The resale economy is taking retail by storm. And, come September, this global fashion retailer will be jumping head-on into the surge - starting with the Canadian market.On this episode of The Voice of Retail, I talk with the Country Manager of H&M Canada, Frédéric Tavoukdjian, about H&M’s newest project “Rewear.” We discuss what the Rewear platform is all about, how it will work...
2021-08-3018 min
The Voice of RetailThe Disruptive DNA of Neo FinancialWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.Neo Financial has accomplished a lot since its conception in 2019. This becomes especially apparent when compared to the hundreds-year-old financial institutions Neo is challenging in Canada.In the distinct and gridlocked Canadian banking system, Jeff Adamson Co-founder & Head of Partnershipsand his Neo co-founders are making room for innovation and customer-first service - giving traditional financial institutions a run for their money.In this ep...
2021-08-2728 min
The Voice of RetailInclusive Growth: Daria Burke, CMO JustFab from Conversations with CommerceNextWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada. On this special episode I am thrilled to be sharing a full episode from my all new Conversations with CommerceNext podcast featuring Daria Burke, Chief Marketing Officer at JustFab I launched the Conversations with CommerceNext podcast with my U.S. based partners to meet the top practitioners and thought leaders in the DTC & eCommerce marketing space, and explore both their tradecraft and share the lear...
2021-08-2041 min
The Voice of RetailRetail marketing & eCommerce in dog years; Ren’s Pets moving fast and staying loyalWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada. Larissa Wasyliw has a rich background in national and regional retail brand marketing. Now, as the Vice President of eCommerce & Marketing at specialty pet store Ren’s Pets, all of her skills are being tested. In a short amount of time with Ren’s, she’s seen the company through many stages of transition and growth right through the middle of the COVID era. In this epi...
2021-08-1640 min
Global eCommerce Leaders PodcastGlobal E-Commerce Leaders Forum New York IRL Speaker Feature: Kai Li, VP of International at REVOLVE, Agustin Farias, International GM at Everlane and Matthew Steinbrecher, Vice President, Platforms & Partnerships at ReachGlobal E-Commerce Leaders Forum co-founder Kent Allen join Kai Li, VP of International at REVOLVE, Agustin Farias, International GM at Everlane and Matthew Steinbrecher, Vice President, Platforms & Partnerships at Reach to catch up on all thing cross-border and talk about their exciting session at of the upcoming GELF event in New York, September 28th and 29th 2021! Our guests each talk about their respective businesses, state of cross-border eCommerce, two starts and one stop advice and finally give a brief overview of what they will be talking about at the NYC IRL GELF 2021 event. There’s light...
2021-08-0917 min
The Voice of RetailThe Hybridization of Retail from the Remarkable Retail podcast with Steve DennisWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.On this special episode I am thrilled to be sharing a full episode from Season Three of my Remarkable Retail podcast, a discussion with my podcast partner, Steve Dennis. Steve is an advisor, keynote speaker and author of the best selling Remarkable Retail: How to Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption.I launched the Remarkable Retail podcast in 2020, and we just kicked off Season Three, which also...
2021-08-0648 min
The Voice of RetailThe Resale Retail Market is on the RiseWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.It’s true, the resale trend is here to stay - but it doesn’t look like the resale retail spaces we might be thinking of. Departing from dusty consignment-style stores, the resale space has a new look and feel. The founder of Mine & Yours, Courtney Watkins, talks about riding the rising wave of luxury fashion resale.In this episode, Courtney and I talk about her unique...
2021-07-2326 min
Global eCommerce Leaders PodcastGlobal E-Commerce Leaders Forum co-founders Kent Allen and Scott Silverman talk about the exciting news of the upcoming GELF event in New YorkGlobal E-Commerce Leaders Forum co-founders Kent Allen and Scott Silverman join me to catch up on all thing cross-border and talk about the exciting news of the upcoming GELF event in New York, September 28th and 29th 2021!There’s light on the horizon! On September 28th and 29th, the Global Ecommerce Leaders Forum (GELF) community returns to New York City live and in person. This year we’re bigger and better than ever as we join our friends from the CommerceNext team at the New York Hilton!GELF NYC 2021 will co-locate its annual gathering in New Yo...
2021-06-1624 min
DELIVERING ECOMMERCEEP 11 Delivering eCommerce with Michael LeBlanc we chat about the Top 10 eCommerce Myths!DELIVERING ECOMMERCE is a weekly podcast & live stream hosted by me, Chris Parsons. Along with industry experts around the globe and my 20 years plus in retail, we tell our stories and have some fun along the way. Listen to this episode as I have the pleasure of interviewing Michael LeBlanc and speaking about Top 10 Ecommerce MythsMichael LeBlanc Bio https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeleleblanc/Leveraging both my twenty-plus years of front line retail experience in marketing, promotions, digital retail, CRM and e-Commerce and my unique perspective as the Voice of Retail in...
2021-06-141h 20
The Voice of RetailHow COVID-19 has transformed the lives of consumers and the tradecraft of global consultingWelcome to the The Voice of Retail , I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.In this episode I’m in Chicago welcoming back Kristina Rogers, Global Consumer Industries Leader, Retail for EY and we catch up talking about the tradecraft of global consulting in the COVID era and beyond, lesson learned and observed advising clients around the world, and we get a glimpse into the post-COVID retail customer from both a global and Canadian perspective thanks to EY’s Future Consumer Index.T...
2021-04-3032 min
Global eCommerce Leaders PodcastGlobal E-Commerce Leaders Forum AccelerateIn this episode Kent Allen, Principal of The Research Trust and Co-Founder at Global eCommerce Leaders Forum puts on a master-class in understanding the issues, mechanics, eco-system and complexities that is the reality of cross-border global eCommerce.Mark you calendars and JOIN us for GELF ACCELERATE: A GLOBAL GROWTH SUMMIT Thursday, March 25th – from 1PM to 5PM ET as the GELF community dives into a series of engaging keynotes, actionable panel discussions and fast-paced workshops and breakouts.If you liked this podcast you can subscribe on Apple iTunes, Spotify, and now on Amazon music podcast ch...
2021-03-2333 min
Global eCommerce Leaders PodcastUnpacking Brexit for eCommerce cross-borderGlobal E-Commerce Leaders Forum co-founder Kent Allen welcomes Aaron Bezzant from Zonos. And Alex Yancher back to the podcast to catch up on the state of cross-border eCommerce in the Brexit era and with the newly revised trade agreement between Canada and the U.S.******************Thanks to Alex and Aaron for their insights on the implications of Brexit, USMCA, CUSMA and governments increasing search for tax revenues, and the year of the partner!Mark you calendars and JOIN us for GELF ACCELERATE: A GLOBAL GROWTH SUMMIT Thursday, March 25th – from 1PM to 5PM...
2021-02-2552 min
Global eCommerce Leaders PodcastGlobal E-Commerce Predictions 2021Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum founders Kent Allen, Jim Okamura and Scott Silverman gather for one last time in 2020 to dish on their predictions for the cross-border E-Commerce Industry for the year ahead! Leveraging collectively decades of experience and access to the world’s top community of thought leaders in the space, the team from GELF reveal what they are hearing from leading retailers, brands, service providers and leading industry thought leaders on cross border for 2021 in this first of a two-part series to wrap 2020. ******************Thanks to Kent, Scott and Jim for thei...
2020-12-2231 min
Remarkable Retail PodcastDigitally EnabledThis episode we begin the journey to remarkable by digging into Essential #1 in Steve's "8 Essentials of Remarkable Retail" framework. And we've gone global with a great panel of joining us from New York City, Montreal and London.Our panel of experts, includes UNTUCKit CIO/CDO Lockie Andrews, digital strategist extraordinaire Carl Boutet and retail transformation consultant Oliver Banks.We unpack the profound shift towards digitally-driven customer journeys during the past decade and the great acceleration brought about by the COVID crisis. We also discuss how to strike the right balance between the analog, more human...
2020-11-1038 min
Remarkable Retail PodcastChoose Remarkable"The problem is, you think you have time."- Carlos Castaneda, Journey to IxtlanAs we transition to the second part of our inaugural season, we take a brief look back at the core principles behind why even very good is not good enough any more and why we must choose remarkable. As the pace of digital disruption accelerates, consumers are faced with a plethora of choices, creating ever more pressure for retailers to be the compelling, intensely customer relevant signal amid all the noise.We also delve into four key questions companies...
2020-11-0336 min
Global eCommerce Leaders PodcastGlobal E-Commerce Leaders Forum Oktoberfest 2020 Thought Leadership Series ReCapGlobal E-Commerce Leaders forum co-founders Kent Allen, Jim Okamura and Scott Silverman get together and share their observations, insights and action items coming out of the 2020 Oktoberfest online thought leadership event held over three days in October. *****Thanks to Kent, Scott and Jim for their comprehensive top line summary of the three action packed days from the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum OktoberfestIf you liked this podcast you can subscribe on Apple iTunes, Spotify, and now on Amazon music podcast channel or your favourite podcast platform, please rate and review with a fi...
2020-11-0339 minRemarkable Retail PodcastChallengers of the Status Quo with Coresight Research's CEO & Founder Deborah Weinswig"How did you go bankrupt?" Bill asked."Two ways," Mike said. "Gradually, then suddenly."- Ernest Hemingway, The Sun Also ArisesWhy do so many companies defend the status quo even when it becomes increasingly obvious that their business model is losing customer relevance and remarkability? Why do others think they can cost cut and store close their way to prosperity? In this episode we look at the roots causes of how and why retailers sink into irrelevance and risk a mass extinction event. Then we flip these questions on their head...
2020-10-2738 minRemarkable Retail PodcastThe Future Will Not Be Evenly Distributed with Publicis' Chief Commerce Strategy Officer Jason "Retail Geek" GoldbergWilliam Gibson, the great American-Canadian speculative fiction author, once said: "The future is already here, it's just not very evenly distributed." This episode features a deep dive into several key concepts to navigate the COVID economy and execute the journey to remarkable. First and foremost is the idea that much of the disruption that will determine future winners and losers is already in play, though we may yet see it or fully appreciate its importance. Second, we must be careful not to fall into the trap of managing by averages or becoming overly obsessed with more t...
2020-10-2043 minRemarkable Retail PodcastThe Collapse of the Middle with Deloitte Consulting's Kasey LobaughIn this episode we delve into a topic that sits at the core of the need to be remarkable: the on-going bifurcation of the retail market.For more than a decade success has largely been found at either end of the spectrum. At one end, brands that offered incredible value and convenience have been gobbling up market share and opening hundreds of stores, even in the face of the so-called "retail apocalypse." At the other end of the continuum, many higher-end stores and well-honed specialty concepts have similarly enjoyed expanding sales, profits and, in many cases, store...
2020-10-1343 minGlobal eCommerce Leaders PodcastGlobal Growth Showcase: CanadaCurious about how much consumers in Canada are planning to spend this holiday – and on what products? Wondering what fulfillment and shipping strategies will pay off during peak season?Join our panelists to learn more about how the Canadian shopping journey is evolving as we head into the Next New Normal.We’ll also learn more about the “New NAFTA” and how the USMCA/CUSMA trade pact will reduce friction and create new cross-border opportunities for retail brands selling into Canada.Speakers:Shelly Wilson, VP Ecommerce and Digital Marketing, SAXXJamie Briggs, Director, eCommerce...
2020-10-0727 minRemarkable Retail PodcastThe End of Scarcity with best-selling author Seth GodinIn this episode we talk about the end of scarcity that previously characterized much of retail's evolution. As we entered the 21st century, some 98% of all retail was done in brick & mortar locations where access, product choice and the information about what product and services would best meet our needs--and the price we should pay-- was highly constrained. Now e-commerce and the ubiquity of smart devices has created an anytime, anywhere, anyway landscape and a world of abundant choice, where even very good is no longer good enough.Then we interview with the one and only Seth...
2020-10-0647 minRemarkable Retail PodcastA World Turned Upside Down with Forrester Research's Sucharita KodaliIn our inaugural episode we explain what Season 1 is about and the structure of the podcast. We talk about why Steve wrote his book, the underlying concepts of ""Remarkable Retail: How to Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Digital Disruption" and his "8 Essentials" framework. We unpack the idea that "shift happens", dissect the Black Swan event that is the global pandemic and delve into whether Steve would have changed anything in this book given it was completed just a few months before the COVID-19 crisis. Next Sucharita Kodali Vice President and Principal Analyst at Forrester Research joins us for...
2020-09-2954 minGlobal eCommerce Leaders PodcastJerry McGlynn, CIO, Specialized (formerly) and Adam Coyle, CEO, Digital River in a sneak-peak panel preview episode of their closing Keynote Fireside at the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum Oktoberfest October 1, 2020Welcome to Global E-Commerce Tech Talks, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum.In this episode we meet Jerry McGlynn, CIO, Specialized (formerly) and Adam Coyle, CEO, Digital River who In this sneak-peak panel preview episode of their closing Keynote Fireside: “Digital Takes Center Stage: How to Scale Global Gracefully in the Age of COVID” give a sense of the fantastic discussion to happen October 1, 2020 at Oktoberfest with their “two starts and one stop” advice for retailers and brands on their digital and global eComme...
2020-09-2919 min
The Voice of RetailTracy Hermans Director of eCommerce from L-Space by Monica Wise and Casey Gee Sr. International Manscaped give us a preview of their upcoming Oktoberfest Executive Leaders PanelWelcome to a special bonus episode of The Voice of Retail, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.In this episode we meet Tracy Hermans, Director of Ecommerce, L-Space by Monica Wise and Casey Gee, Sr. International Business Manager, MANSCAPEDBoth from the Oktoberfest Executive Leaders Keynote Panel: How Bold Guesses and “Happy Accidents” Help Digital and Wholesale Teams Work as One Team”. (Register here:http://bit.ly/gelfokto)In this sneak-peak panel preview episode you’ll learn about Tracy and Casey’s b...
2020-09-2320 minGlobal eCommerce Leaders PodcastTracy Hermans Director of eCommerce from L-Space by Monica Wise and Casey Gee Sr. International Manscaped give us a preview of their upcoming Oktoberfest Executive Leaders PanelWelcome to Global E-Commerce Tech Talks, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum.In this episode we meet Tracy Hermans, Director of Ecommerce, L-Space by Monica Wise and Casey Gee, Sr. International Business Manager, MANSCAPEDBoth from the Oktoberfest Executive Leaders Keynote Panel: How Bold Guesses and “Happy Accidents” Help Digital and Wholesale Teams Work as One Team”. (Register here:http://bit.ly/gelfokto)In this sneak-peak panel preview episode you’ll learn about Tracy and Casey’s background, their “two-star...
2020-09-2320 min
The Voice of RetailJean Louis Bellemare, President of Farm Boy and David Ian Gray, retail strategist talk about the state of modern retail, and the strategic and tactical decisions retailers need to make now to survive the COVID-19 eraWelcome to the The Voice of Retail, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada and with the support of omNovos, Canada’s digital customer engagement company. omNovos makes Personalization EASY by helping you connect with your customers, connect with your data, and connect with your systems. Learn HOW at www.realcustomerengagement.com.On this episode I’m in Ottawa to meet Jean Louis Bellemare, President and General Manager of Farm Boy Company and 2020 Golden Pencil recipient. We talk about the rich history of Farm Boy, the...
2020-09-181h 05Global eCommerce Leaders PodcastTop global eCommerce trends, GELF OktoberFest speaker insights and a quick dive into the Canadian marketWelcome to Global E-Commerce Tech Talks, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum.In this episode I connect with my partners Kent Allen and Jim Okamura for a wide ranging discussion on the global eCommerce trends they are hearing first hand from the thought leaders that are speaking at the all new GELF OktoberFest which will deliver a mix of strategic insights and tactical cross-border To Dos about global retail expansion practices and how to prioritize the key operational aspects of your global com...
2020-09-0938 min
The Voice of RetailRaj Grover, CEO High Tide and Drummond Munro Chief Brand Officer at Superette talk retail operations in the COVID era, the benefits of scale and each share exciting newsWelcome to the The Voice of Retail, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.On this episode we’re off to Calgary to catch up with Raj Grover, Founder & CEO of High Tide right after the announcement of the merger with Meta creating the largest cannabis retailer in Canada at 63 store. We talk about what it takes to run a cannabis retail network in the COVID era and still hit your gross margin and operating cost targets, the benefits of size and scale and what...
2020-09-0447 minGlobal eCommerce Leaders PodcastJeff Lord, VP of Global Direct and Digital Commerce at Burton Snowboards talks global retail trends, operating in a pandemic and the power of lessons learnedWelcome to Global E-Commerce Tech Talks, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum.In this episode my co-host Kent Allen and I connect with Jeff Lord, Vice President of Global Direct and Digital Commerce at Burton Snowboards. Both an eCommerce and cross-border veteran, comfortable operating from Burton’s hometown in Vermont or on the mountain in Japan or in one of the brand’s flagship stores in Toronto, Jeff shares insights on omni-channel and cross border optimization, China as the tip of the spear i...
2020-08-2443 minThe Voice of RetailDavid Bolotsky, Founder & CEO UncommonGoods shares his philosophy and retail strategies from 20+ years in eCommerce plus Bruce Winder, retail strategist and authorWelcome to the The Voice of Retail, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.On this episode we meet a long time friend and colleague David Bolotsky, Founder & CEO, UncommonGoods. For twenty plus years David has been a leader this innovative, category defining eCommerce website through the dot com boom, bust, echo and now shares his origin story with us, and the fundamental underlying philosophy and business strategies that have created long term sustainable growth.Next retailer, consultant, media retail pundit and now...
2020-08-0753 min
The Voice of RetailKen Keelor, CEO of Calgary Co-op and Ian Madell, President Level5 Strategy share their perspectives on brand, retail strategy and the changing consumer in the COVID-19 eraWelcome to the The Voice of Retail, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.On this episode we meet Ken Keelor, CEO of one of the biggest cooperative grocers in North America, Calgary Co-op. We start by tracing back and discovering the origins of where Ken gets his obvious enthusiasm for retail and the consumer, and the genesis of his strategic thinking around the Calgary Co-op brand and diversified business. We then talk about the huge changes to the business both pre-covid with their chan...
2020-07-3159 minGlobal eCommerce Leaders PodcastKim Walls, CEO & co-founder of Furtuna Skin puts on a master class in beauty brands and global e-commerce, and Kent Allen updates us on GELF and the communities top prioritiesWelcome to Global E-Commerce Tech Talks, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum.In this episode we connect with Kim Walls, CEO and co-founder of Furtuna Skin, former Global GM of Lime Crime Cosmetics, Entrepreneur, Clean Beauty Pioneer, Advocate and a wealth of knowledge, experience and perspectives on global eCommerce. Kim puts on a master class in understanding the brand ladders behind beauty brands, and how to take those brands global.Next Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum co-founder and my co-host on the...
2020-07-2853 min
The Voice of RetailJoe Megibow, CEO of Purple and Ken Cassar of CassarCo Strategy each give us a sneak peak into their keynote presentations on digital retail strategy and U.S. online consumer behaviour during the COVID crisisWelcome to the The Voice of Retail special CommerceNext Bonus episode part 2, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of CanadaOn this episode I talk with Joe Megibow, CEO of innovative mattress brand and manufacturer Purple. With decades of senior level dot com experience with the likes of Expedia and American Eagle behind him, Joe is helping Purple break through the huge sleep category.Next veteran retail and consumer analyst Ken Cassar, Principal of CassarCo Strategy and Analytic Consultants. Ken takes us throu...
2020-07-2331 min
The Voice of RetailEleanor Lynch, President Kiaro & James Jesty, President Friendly Stranger explore the always dynamic and evolving retail cannabis market from the West Coast to OntarioWelcome to the The Voice of Retail, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of CanadaOn this episode we head west to Vancouver and then back again to Toronto to meet two great retail cannabis operators innovating, growing their brand and retail footprint.Building and leading a team that are Cannabis enthusiast first, retailers second and 100% dedicated to their community and customer satisfaction Eleanor Lynch, President Of Operations at Kiaro is back on the podcast as we catch up on their latest retail st...
2020-07-1755 minThe Voice of RetailGet ready for CommerceNext featuring Rob Schmults, Laura Joukovski and founders Scott Silverman & Veronika SonsevWelcome to the The Voice of Retail special CommerceNext Bonus episode, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of CanadaOn this episode I talk to CommerceNext founders Scott Silverman and Veronika Sonsev talk about the Genesis of the CommerceNext thought leadership event and community, its overarching objectives and about the Virtual Summit July 28/29.Next Rob Schmults, Executive Board, Midocean Partners and Laura Joukovski, President, Global Fashion Brands, Techstyle Fashion Group both return to the podcast and give me "two starts" and one "stop" pie...
2020-07-1540 min
The Voice of RetailStockX Co-Founder Josh Luber & Ashley Merrill, CEO/Founder of Lunya share their retail origin stories behind the intersection of passion and profit, positioning their innovative online sites for the COVID era and beyondWelcome to the The Voice of Retail, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of CanadaOn this episode we’re in the motor city, Detroit, to talk with innovative online retailer and sneaker marketplace StockX co-founder Josh Luber. We talk about the intersection of passion and profit, how StockX innovative formula drives authenticity and credibility into the collectible re-sell market, and how a perfect price transparency model based on the stock market is driving record sales even in the face of the covid crisis. Last, we expl...
2020-07-1052 min
The Voice of RetailTal Zvi Nathanel, CEO of Showfields and Dan Pink, NYT best selling author share their insights on retail experience, working and adapting in the COVID-19 eraWelcome to the The Voice of Retail, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of CanadaOn this episode Tal Zvi Nathanel, CEO of Showfields in New York City returns to the podcast to catch us up on how the thinking that created “the most interesting store in the world” and certainly the retail concept that had attendees and pundits at January’s NRF Big Show buzzing has adapted to the COVID-19 crisis. We talk about the key foundational principles that helped them navigate the early weeks of...
2020-07-0355 minGlobal eCommerce Leaders PodcastUnderstanding LATAM eCommerce with Jose Farinas, Latin America President Wahl Clipper from Brazil and Mariano Migues, Mercado Libre based in Argentina.Welcome to Global E-Commerce Tech Talks, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum.In this episode we pivot to Latin America to understand the vast opportunities that Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile and other nations afford for global brands looking to expand their market presence in this huge but complex online retail ecosystem. Along with GELF co-founders Kent Allen and Jim Okamura, we talk with Jose Fernando Farinas, Latin America President & Global Manager | Wahl Clipper Corporation based in São Paulo, Brazil and Mariano Migue...
2020-06-2954 min
The Voice of RetailSimon Rodrigue, Chief Digital Officer for Staples on modern eCommerce, and Andrew Resnick on key retail operational strategies at storefront creating an amazing digital experienceWelcome to the The Voice of Retail, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of CanadaOn this episode we help celebrate a great milestone and anniversary with Simon Rodrigue, Chief Digital Officer of Staples Canada. We look a the brand and mission transformation of Staples just over a year ago, and Simon talks about the team and technology stack assembled to re-platform and re-imagine the online and digital presence of one of Canada’s top eCommerce sites.Next Andrew Resnick, veteran retail operator joins...
2020-06-2658 minGlobal eCommerce Leaders PodcastTravis Heard, Head of Finance/Operations at brand/retailer Outerknown & Rob Keve CEO & Co-Founder of Flow discuss global opportunities in the COVID-19 era and beyondWelcome to Global E-Commerce Tech Talks, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum.In this episode highlights from the recent GELF community webinar, The Path Ahead: Crafting a Cross-Border Strategy in Response to Today's Environment. Featuring introductions by my partners on the podcast Jim Okamura and Kent Allen, and then a great discussion featuring Travis Heard, Head of Finance, Operations & Strategy at brand /international DTC retailer Outerknown better known as the apparel brand from Kelly Slater, widely regarded as the greatest professional surfer of all...
2020-06-1545 min
The Voice of RetailMichael Schneider, Managing Director of Bunnings, Australia/New Zealand's leading big box home improvement retailer, plus Amar Singh, Principal Analyst at Kantar ConsultingWelcome to the The Voice of Retail, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.On this episode we’re going global - all the way to Melbourne Australia for an exclusive interview with Michael Schneider, Managing Director of Bunnings, one of the leading big box home improvement retailers in the world. If you don’t know Bunnings, they are a $13billion retailer with 377 trading locations employing over 44,000 team members. We talk about the one-two punch of the Australia wild fires and COVID-19, and how the bus...
2020-06-0558 minGlobal eCommerce Leaders PodcastNathan Isaacson, GM Digital at New Balance talks digital commerce leadership, the platform world and cracking the code with AmazonWelcome to Global E-Commerce Tech Talks, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum.The global pandemic has super-charged the growth of E-commerce in markets around the world – and accelerated digital commerce trends for retail brands selling direct-to-consumer (DTC).As different countries respond to the global pandemic with different timelines, retail stores will reclaim a small share of sales that has shifted online. But the shift to digital has legs; a Kantar/Detail Online study found that six out of ten consumers say...
2020-06-0154 minThe Voice of RetailMichael Graydon, CEO FCPC on the early successes and long term challenges of the COVID-19 era, and Jane Gaynor, founder of Gain Your Edge Coaching on managing during challenging timesWelcome to the The Voice of Retail, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.First up on this episode an exclusive interview with Michael Graydon, CEO at Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC) the national industry association in Canada representing the food, beverage and consumer products industry. We talk about how brands reacted to the shockwave of demand for food and household products, how retailers and their vendor partners came together to keep Canadians fed and take care of their new and essential needs, and...
2020-05-1545 minGlobal eCommerce Leaders PodcastA special edition featuring GELF Co-Founder Kent Allen on the latest COVID-19 retail era research on Cross Border E-Commerce and the path aheadWelcome to Global E-Commerce Tech Talks, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum.In this special episode Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum co-founder Kent Allen takes over the mic to provide us with a comprehensive look and interpretation at top drawer global COVID-19 era retail and consumer research coming out of McKinsey Consulting, and super interesting and exclusive insights from within and around the GELF community itself with front-line observations from the practitioners of global E-Commerce from Australia to China to Hong Kong and th...
2020-05-1234 minGlobal eCommerce Leaders PodcastFounders Kent Allen and Jim Okamura talk the art of brand building and science of digital cross border E-Commerce into ChinaWelcome to Global E-Commerce Tech Talks, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum.In this episode, part two of my interview with Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum founders Kent Allen and Jim Okamura We talk about the brand building challenges and opportunities going into China, the reality of the multiple platform future that can accelerate brand awareness and adoption, and a broadening of tastes that is framing new purchasing decisions for new brands.Next Jim and Kent look at the trends that exi...
2020-05-0427 minGlobal eCommerce Leaders PodcastPartners Kent Allen and Jim Okamura lay out a master-class on winning in the "Headwaters of Retail Commerce Innovation": ChinaWelcome to Global E-Commerce Tech Talks, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum.In this our very first episode, part one of a two part interview with my partners Kent Allen from San Francisco and Jim Okamura from Chicago we discuss both the quantitative and qualitative research on going cross border into the “headwaters of retail commerce innovation, China. With this proprietary research, including exclusive round-table discussions that happened both in New York and at the recent Leaders Forum in L.A., we look a...
2020-04-2029 minThe Voice of RetailSpecial Guest Co-Host Dave Rodgerson + round-table interview from the Purolator Podcasting Studio with Q Division's Manolo Almagro, Ben Gauthier and Stratacache's Michael ArnettWelcome to the Voice of Retail for the week of July 29, 2019 I’m your host Michael LeBlanc,
[and I’m Dave Rodgerson, guest host for this episode]
and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada. So it’s the hazy, crazy days of summer and what better time to invite friends and colleagues from the retail industry to join me on The Voice of Retail and share perspectives about the retail news of the week!
[Well thanks Mike for the invite, looking forward to delving into Retail This W...
2019-08-0258 minThe Voice of RetailExclusive interview with Canadian retailer Knix CMO Danielle Brown, Stocard Managing Director Jesse Michael and RCC's Kalie Belanger on Canadian Independent Bookstore DayWelcome to the Voice of Retail for the week of April 7 2019 I’m your host Michael LeBlanc and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada and sponsored by Stream Commerce, North America’s fastest growing Shopify plus agency, learn more at www.StreamCommerce.com
In this episode an exclusive interview with Danielle Brown, freshly minted CMO for award winning Canadian DTC retailer www.Knix.ca
Next, we meet up Jesse Michael from Stocard and talk about their innovative solution for managing loyalty programs from the palm of consumers hands that...
2019-04-1250 min