Shows
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 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 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 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 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
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
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 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 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
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 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
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
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
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
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
The Voice of RetailSpeaker Spotlight | Sara Cullen, Founder & CEO GEMWelcome 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 snapshot episode we meet Sara Cullen, Founder & CEO at GEM, a female-forward nutritional company on a mission to design a simpler, healthier future starting by creating an entirely new kind of daily multivitamin. Sara tells us she build a small but enthusiastic beta set of customers from which she has launched a direct-to-consumer brand heading to retail.Today’s podcast is part of an ongoing series of Com...
2021-01-1513 min
The Voice of RetailSpeaker Spotlight | Brian Berger, Founder & CEO Mack WeldonWelcome 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 CanadaMack Weldon Founder & CEO Brian Berger hated shopping for menswear. Surrounded by a mind-numbing assortment of underwear and socks, he questioned how something so essential could be such a pain to buy. He wanted to modernize the way menswear was sold, and created a DTC brand that could provide great quality with an easy, no-hassle shopping experience:“…there's just a huge opportunity around loyalty in this category. If you ca...
2021-01-1116 min
The Voice of RetailSpeaker Spotlight | Ben Witte, CEO RecessWelcome 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 CanadaRecess Founder & CEO Ben Witte grew up in an era where the fast paced lifestyle sometimes outpaced our ability to process it all…so he leveraged his deep background in building and scaling companies into building a new lifestyle brand for the times, Recess. We talk about his background, two starts and one stop based on his experience…and perspectives around going to market in 2021 and beyond.Today’s podcast...
2021-01-1114 min
The Voice of RetailThe Future of the beauty industry with Ray CivelloWelcome 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 CanadaHas the retail salon industry been forever changed by COVID? More than ever, people take it upon themselves to cut, style, and dye their hair at home. Hair and beauty is one of the industries hit hardest by the pandemic, so how are retailers adapting to these massive shifts in consumer behaviour? In today’s episode, I sit down with serial entrepreneur and industry visionary Ray Civello; we learn about his...
2021-01-0829 min
The Voice of RetailSpeaker Spotlight | Rob SchmultsWelcome 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 welcome back to the podcast one of the savviest and experienced operators in the eCommerce world, Rob Schmults from Mid Ocean Partners who shares his quick “two starts, one stop” based on his observations of year one of the COVID era, and Veronika Sonsev and Scott Silverman, co-founders of CommerceNext on how their powerful community lead the way to their action-packed agenda. ********Thanks t...
2021-01-0429 min
The Voice of RetailDoing Agile Right | Darrell RigbyWelcome 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 meet the veteran retail consultant and business system guru Darrell Rigby,Partner and Director at Bain & Company and talk about his new book “Doing Agile Right.” We explore decades of experience advising C-level executives on making their organizations nimble and responsive, getting his take on retail in the COVID era, and the lessons retailers can and should take away from their experiences.Suppor...
2021-01-0135 min
The Voice of RetailAward-winning actor Colm Feore on leadership, resilience and learning how to show up on the Zoom stageWelcome 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. ‘Tis the season for giving and omNovos can help you give your customers the gift of a personalized experience in 2021. Find out how you can Get Personal and Grow Sales with omNovos at www.realcustomerengagement.comIn this episode I talk leadership, resilience and learning how to show up on the Zoom stage with award-winning actor Colm Feore in this...
2020-12-2446 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
The Voice of RetailRetail leader and author April Sabral on her new book "The Positive Effect" and retailer JP Adamo launches Dimes CannabisThis podcast is intended for listeners 18+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 and with the support of omNovos Canada’s digital customer engagement company. ‘Tis the season for giving and omNovos can help you give your customers the gift of a personalized experience in 2021. Find out how you can Get Personal and Grow Sales with omNovos at www.realcustomerengagement.comIn this episode I welcome back to the podcast retail leader April Sabral on the laun...
2020-12-1847 min
The Voice of RetailSamir Kulkarni, CEO of Showcase and veteran retail CIO Gary Davenport talk innovation, supply chain and mastering the trends for enterprise successWelcome 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 make Personalization EASY by helping you engage the right customer, with the right content, at the right time. Find out how you can get started quickly and affordably so you can focus on doing what matters most--driving revenue and margin growth at www.realcustomerengagement.comThis episode is also supported by riwi, real-time interactive world-wide intelligence, visit www.r...
2020-11-2746 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 min
The Voice of RetailMoose Knuckles Canada CEOs Noah Stern and Ayal Twik on creating global retail and brand momentum, and Snapchat GM Matt McGowanWelcome 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 this episode supported by Snapchat Canada.In this episode I’m in Montreal to meet the co-founders and CEOs of international phenom Moose Knuckles Canada, Noah Stern and Ayal Twik.I talk with both CEOs as they share their vision around their fashion forward brand of outerwear that is polar opposite of the rest of the luxury brands and we hear their take on being successful in retail...
2020-10-1651 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 min
The Voice of RetailLarry Rosen, CEO of Harry Rosen and top executive coach Jane Gaynor help me Set The Tone, and Eric Morris GM Google Canada reveals Canadian shopping patterns in advance of HolidayWelcome 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 special episode I’m helping retailer Harry Rosen Set The Tone with a new online webinar series which invites Canadian thought leaders and role models to chat about current events, their passions and how they set the tone for their personal and professional lives. In this first episode of the series Larry Rosen, Chairman and CEO of Harry Rosen, and top executive coach Jane Gaynor are introduced by series...
2020-10-091h 01Global 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 min
The Voice of RetailJerry McGlynn, CIO, Specialized (formerly) and Adam Coyle, CEO, Digital River sneak-peak panel preview episode of their Oktoberfest Keynote Fireside: “Digital Takes Center Stage: How to Scale Global Gracefully in the Age of COVID”Welcome 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 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 digi...
2020-09-3019 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 RetailAlexandre Guimond, Co-CEO of Altitude Sports and Steffen Schenk, President / COO at mīhī cannabis talk about their relentless focus on customer experience as the winning formula for modern 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 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 travel to Montreal to meet Alexandre Guimond, Co-CEO of Altitude Sports a now pure-play eCommerce retailer focussed on curating high-quality, durable goods for outdoor adventures and urban pursuits. We tal...
2020-09-251h 07The 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 min
The Voice of RetailDiana Dimitian, VP, Managing Director South Europe at Levi Strauss & Co, Amanda Nichols Sr Manager, Industry Marketing from Kronos and Alexandra Zatarain, Co-Founder at Eight SleepWelcome 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 this episode features an interview with our sponsor Kronos who believes that great businesses are powered by great people.On this episode we are going to learn about two great retail businesses, Levi Strauss and Eight Sleep. First up on this episode live from Paris Diana Dimitian, Vice President and Managing Director South Europe at Levi Strauss & Co. talks about the strength of the brand and operating DTC and sto...
2020-05-291h 00The 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 min
The Voice of RetailNadia Vattovaz, EVP Fire & Flower talks about taking on COVID-19 with her retail 2.0 company, Forrester VP Sucharita Kodali on how retailers can survive and thrive, and elite soccer player turned DTC retailer Rachael Rapinoe on launching her CBD brand, MendiWelcome 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 retail veteran Nadia Vattovaz, CFO & EVP Operations at Fire & Flower talks about operating across Canada during COVID-19 powered by their purpose built, retail 2.0 company, allowing them to roll out curb side and home delivery in lightening speed with fantastic results with awesome consumer experience thanks to the power of their peopleNext up Forrester Research Vice President & top retail analyst Sucharita Kodali is back...
2020-05-0858 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 min
The Voice of RetailRoger Martin, top global strategist, Professor Emeritus and author on how retailers can survive COVID-19 and his new book "When More Is Not Better"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 and sponsored by omNovos – Canada’s Retail Customer Engagement Solutions provider, combining data, software, and services to help retailers create and deliver real-time personalized content in your customers’ moments of truth.In this special feature episode a full length interview with one of the sharpest minds in corporate strategy in the world - Roger Martin is my special guest. One of the original founders of Monitor Company, transformative Dean of now the gl...
2020-05-0154 minThe Voice of RetailGeorge Soleas, President & CEO of the LCBO shares their journey to modernization and navigating the COVID-19 crisis, and Canadian Master Sommelier Jennifer Huether on top wine trendsWelcome 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 special episode an exclusive interview with the President and CEO of one of the largest wine and alcohol retailers in the world right in my back yard, George Soleas of Ontario’s LCBO. In a two part interview, the first part one recored in mid March in LCBO’s Toronto boardroom pre-COVID-19, the second part recorded online during the peak of the crisis, George shares the ins and outs of...
2020-04-2455 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 RetailLive from New York Lockie Andrews, CIO and CDO for retailer UNTUCKit on moving fast and operating during the COVID-19 crisis, and Steve Buors, CEO of Reshift Media on COVID consumer social media trends and opportunitiesWelcome 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.Live from New York at the epicentre of technology and the COVID crisis, Lockie Andrews, CIO and Chief Digital Officer for retailer UNTUCKit is my special guest. We talk about the history of this fast growing apparel retailer, starting online then with a single store in Soho with now 85 locations in the U.S, Canada and the U.K. Lockie describes operating during the COVID crisis and how as a ventu...
2020-04-1749 minThe Voice of RetailExclusive interviews with Mimi Lam, Co-Founder & CEO of cannabis retailer Superette and Bruce Linton, Founder & Former CEO of cannabis giant Canopy Growth CorporationWelcome 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 visit with Mimi Lam, CEO and co-founder of cannabis retailer Superette in her soon-to-be opened Toronto store. We explore their award winning brand and retail concept, lessons learned from a fast-paced first year with their store in Ottawa, and what lies ahead for this innovative retailer.Next, the one and only Bruce Linton, Founder and former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Canopy Growth Cor...
2020-03-1348 minThe Voice of RetailLisa Hutcheson, Managing Partner of J.C. Williams on four retail mega trends for 2020, and RCC SVP Public Affairs Karl Littler on the new NAFTA timeline and De Minimis win for retailersWelcome 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 Lisa Hutcheson, Managing Partner of J.C. Williams Group joins us to talk about her rich, decades long background in retail and the retail mega trends brought together in the annual Ebeltoft Groups’s Global Retail Trends and Innovations report, for the past decade or so one of my favourite reads of the year. We talk about the 2020 report, the four key trends that pull together the retai...
2020-03-0653 minThe Voice of RetailGillian Stein CEO of Henry's, Canada's largest independent photographic/digital retailer and certified professional coach Natalie Dumond talks courageous cultures and brave leadershipWelcome 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 welcome Gillian Stein, CEO of Henry’s, a family-owned and -operated business, that first opened its doors in 1909 and is now Canada's largest independent photographic and digital retailer. Gillian takes us through the evolution of the retail brand, the ying and yang of being a mid-sized retailer, and the importance of staying true to your values.Next, Natalie Dumond, certified professional coach and certified Dare t...
2020-02-2849 min
The Voice of Retail"The most interesting store in world", Showfield's CEO Tal Zvi Nathanel plus Forrester VP Sucharita Kodali on the future of retail Live from the NRF podcasting studio at the Big Show in New YorkWelcome to another in a series of special NRF Big Show episodes 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.First up in this episode recorded live from New York City at the NRF Big Show in the NRF podcasting studio I’m joined by Tal Zvi Nathanel, the CEO of “the most interesting store in the world” Showfields. We delve into his origin story beginning in Israel, moving to New York, opening what was for sure the most talked about reta...
2020-01-3151 minThe Voice of RetailLive from the NRF Big Show in New York, Giant Tiger President & COO Paul Wood plus retail strategist and author Steve Dennis talks remarkable retailWelcome to the first of a series of special NRF Big Show episodes 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.First up in this episode recorded live from New York City at the NRF Big Show in the NRF podcasting studio Giant Tiger President and COO Paul Wood joins me and we learn all about this fast growing Canadian retailer based in my hometown of Ottawa, how their business structure keeps them wired directly into the market, how retail CE...
2020-01-2445 minThe Voice of RetailRecorded in front of a live audience Retail Insider's Craig Patterson talks Canadian Shopping Centre Report and Engagement Agents Sean Snyder talks effective mall marketingWelcome to 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 sponsored by Engagement Agents, Engagement Agents makes it easy for retailers to engage their shopping centers’ marketing channels, in order to promptly drive a Return on Engagement!First up in this episode recorded in front of a live audience from the main stage at RCC's Brick & Mortar forum, Retail Insider and author of the Canadian Shopping Centre 2019 report Craig Patterson and I talk about the genesis of his passion for...
2020-01-1754 minThe Voice of RetailCanadian eCommerce leader Tanbir Grover talks culture and insights plus veteran retail store operations and people leader April Sabral on how retailers can win in 2020Welcome to The Voice of Retail, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of CanadaFirst up in this episode Tanbir Grover joins me for the first of a two part interview, reflecting on his twelve years at the forefront of digital retail and eCommerce in Canada, working for retail brands including Sears Canada, Hudson’s Bay and Lowe’s Canada. We talk corporate culture, the history of Canadian eCommerce and the state of online retail today and how we got here from there and where we’re go...
2020-01-0347 minThe Voice of RetailRetail strategist David Ian Gray talks Black Friday performance, Canadian farmer-advocate Cherilyn Jolly-Nagel, and Michel Sirios President of BlueStar Canada unpacks the retail technology ecosystemWelcome to 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 in this episode I catch up with David Ian Gray, founder and strategist behind retail consultancy DIG 360; we touch base on his ongoing and recent research into consumer behaviour in partnership with Leger into Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Day - consumer shopping results.Next Cherilyn Jolly-Nagel, a farmer-advocate spokesperson joins me again on the podcast after our session together in Ottawa at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Mar...
2019-12-201h 01The Voice of RetailCatie Riordan from Enterprise Ireland and a Irish Retail Tech Summit with Chris Parsons from Home Hardware, Scott Adel from Mckesson, Michelle Read-Kulig from Pizza Pizza and digital pioneer Shelly NandkeolyarWelcome to a special Irish Retail Tech 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.Recorded live in Dublin and then Waterford Ireland, first up is an interview with Catie Riordan, Vice President of Consumer Retail & Retail Technology for Enterprise Ireland. We talk about her work in the U.S. , the connection to retail and their long-standing QVC partnership, the wonders of St. Patrick’s Day, and finally the Showcase Ireland buying show that connects retailers from around the worl...
2019-12-181h 06The Voice of RetailSerial retail innovator and now CEO of iStore Joel Teitelbaum plus Charles de Brabant, Executive Director, Bensadoun School of Retail Management at McGill UniversityWelcome to the Voice of Retail for the week of November 18, 2019 I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.In this weeks episode I’m on the trade show floor of RCC’s DTLQC conference in Montreal talking with local key retailers and retail industry players based in Quebec.First of all serial retail innovator and now CEO of iStore Joel Teitelbaum is my guest. Joel shares the details behind his rich retail background and reflects on his experience starting at Dylex and La Sen...
2019-11-2250 minThe Voice of RetailRetail Flyer Forum special edition featuring veteran retail marketer Patrick Dickinson in conversation on the main stage and Jerry Kennelly CEO of Tweak recorded live from DublinWelcome to a very special Retail Flyer Forum edition 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.Recorded live on the main stage at the Carlu in Toronto during RCC’s annual Retail Flyer forum, my one to one interview with the one and only Patrick Dickinson, retail consultant and veteran retail marketer most recently with Hudson’s Bay. We talk about how and why the retail flyer, in both paper and digital, is such a resilient media and significant element...
2019-11-1240 minThe Voice of RetailThird generation butcher, bespoke grocer and entrepreneur Stephen Alexander, president of Cumbrae's grocery in Toronto, plus Philippe Cantin talks retail sustainability from MontrealWelcome to the Voice of Retail for the week of October 7, 2019 I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada and brought to you by Atomic Reach. Atomic Reach offers Atomic AI, the world's leading Smart Content Platform. By optimizing product descriptions and marketing content to match shopper's reading and emotional preferences, we deliver sales conversion improvement and personalization at scale.In this week’s episode just in time for Thanksgiving - an exclusive interview with 3rd generation butcher, bespoke grocer and entrepreneur Stephen Alexander president of C...
2019-10-1143 minThe Voice of RetailExclusive interview with CBC Dragon and veteran entrepreneur Vince Guzzo from Montreal, and RCC B.C. Director of Government Relations Greg Wilson in VancouverWelcome to the Voice of Retail for the week of September 30, 2019 I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.In this week’s episode an exclusive interview with Vince Guzzo, Montreal-based CBC Dragon, entrepreneur and philanthropist. In a fun and wide ranging interview we talk about the retail and consumer environment in Quebec, his experiences during the taping of his second season of Dragons Den, how the deals he’s seeing this year are different, how he determines whether he is "In" or "Out" (and with who...
2019-10-0449 minThe Voice of RetailAuthor Jeremy Miller on his latest book "Brand New Name" & from GELF NYC via L.A Nisha Oza head of brand partnerships for Chinese LaundryWelcome to the Voice of Retail for the week of September 23rd, 2019 I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada. This episode is dedicated to John C. Williams a retail legend, advocate, friend and mentor to many who left us September 21, 2019.In this week’s episode an exclusive interview with keynote speaker and author Jeremy Miller on his new book “Brand New Name” - “A proven step-by-step process to create an unforgettable brand name “ We talk about the inspiration for the book, the challenges it helps solve an...
2019-09-2759 min
The Voice of RetailDigital rock star, global keynote speaker and agency pioneer Mitch Joel helps us Decode the Future, and Vice President Marketing/eCommerce for The Kersheh Group Johnny Russo talks culture, personalization and retail techWelcome to the Voice of Retail for the week of September 2, 2019 I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.
He's been called the “rock star of digital media”, by Strategy Magazine and “the real deal” by Seth Godin…veteran podcaster, best selling author of two groundbreaking books and global keynote speaker Mitch Joel is my very special guest. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with Mitch for almost two decades, but we catch up after almost five years surrounded by images of the 50th anniv...
2019-09-0656 minThe Voice of RetailPurolator President & CEO John Ferguson's ONE BILLION DOLLAR plan and Clearly CEO Arnaud Bussieres from Vancouver talks about this innovative retailer's vision for the futureWelcome to the Voice of Retail for the week of August 26, 2019 I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.
He's leading the Canadian package delivery and eCommerce shipping industry with a ONE BILLION DOLLAR investment...hear all about capacity being created in Canada’s shipping infrastructure, the enhanced capabilities that deliver competitive advantage to their customers all from Purolator Inc. President & CEO John Ferguson in my exclusive interview!
Next I connect with Arnaud Bussieres, the CEO of retailer Clearly. Started in Vancouver in 2000 as a...
2019-08-3052 minThe Voice of RetailHead of Retail for Google Canada Eric Morris helps me search for retail innovation, and RCC Atlantic Director Jim Cormier from Halifax on what retailers need to knowWelcome to the Voice of Retail for the week of August 12, 2019 I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.
My guest was Google employee No. 2 in Canada, one of the first 500 in the entire company - Eric Morris, Head of Retail for Google joins me for an exclusive live and interactive interview where we search for answers to the state of retail, how consumers are interacting online, and what’s next for retailers from the Google Tickle-Trunk.
Next we head to the East Coas...
2019-08-1653 minThe Voice of RetailForrester Vice President & Principal Analyst Rick Parrish on the new 2019 Canadian CX Index report, and CX guru Tara O'DohertyWelcome to the Voice of Retail for the week of August 5, 2019 I’m your host Michael LeBlanc, and this podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.
The feature spotlight for this episode is CX, Customer Experience. We kick it off with an exclusive interview with Rick Parrish, Vice President and Principal Analyst from Forrester who joins me to discuss his latest Canadian CX Index report. This report, covering 161 brands across 14 industries including retail with Forrester talk to over 62,000 Canadian consumers.
Next I’m joined by Customer Experience guru Tara O’Dohert...
2019-08-0957 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 minThe Voice of RetailSpecial Retail Council of Canada Retail Cannabis Forum Edition: Rethinking Traditional In-store Experience panel discussionWelcome to the Voice of Retail special Retail Cannabis Forum Store edition, I’m your host Michael LeBlanc and this special edition podcast is brought to you in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.
Recorded live in Toronto March 26 at RCC’s first ever Retail Cannabis forum I moderated the Rethinking Traditional In-store Experience panel.
According to Environics Analytics CannabisInsights, powered by Vividata, 29% of Canadians 19 and older have consumed cannabis, 41% of Canadians under the age 35 have consumed cannabis.
Canada currently has 206 bricks and mortar retail cannabis locations, in all Provinces and Territories except for...
2019-03-2637 minThe Voice of RetailAndrew Siegwart talks Chinese tourism, award winning eCommerce retailer Kristy Wieber reveals her pivot of Rent Frock RepeatWelcome to the Voice of Retail for the week of March 18, 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 part two of my interview with Blue Mountain Village Association President Andrew Siegwart chatting about Chinese tourism and the best ways for retailers to maximize the visitor opportunity, plus an exclusive interview with Rent Frock Repeat Co-Founder & President Kristy Wieber with breaking news on her...
2019-03-2242 minThe Voice of RetailRetail HR trends, main-street retailers collaborating, Sobeys Farm Boy urban strategy + Hudson Yards opens in NYCTwo back-to-back great interviews in this week's edition! First up, Sonny Brar, MC and session moderator for Retail Council of Canada's upcoming Retail HR Forum on April 17 (http://rcchrconference.ca/ ) joins us to talk about Retail HR trends and give us a sneak peak into the great sessions planned for the event.
Next, we catch up with RCC alumni Andrew Siegwart who joins us for the first of a two-part interview chatting about his (not so new) gig at Blue Mountain Village Association, working with local main-street retailers, the essence of collaboration, and the importance of the...
2019-03-1541 min