Canadian Retail Collective Conference

Bridging the Gap Between Industry & Academia

May 7, 2025   |   8:30 AM - 5:30 PM   |   Toronto, Ontario 

About the Canadian Retail Collective

The Canadian Retail Collective is an initiative to unite leading academic researchers and industry executives to foster collaboration and drive innovation in the Canadian retail sector. Spearheaded by the David Sobey Retailing Centre at Saint Mary’s University, the Retail Leadership Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University, Centre for Cities and Communities at University of Alberta and the McGill Institute of Marketing, this initiative aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge academic research and real-world retail challenges.

By bringing together top researchers studying various aspects of retail and industry leaders shaping the future of retail, the Canadian Retail Collective will serve as a hub for the exchange of ideas, insights, and collaborative research. Our goal is to support the retail sector while producing world-class research that informs and enhances retail practices in Canada and beyond.

Join us for our inaugural conference on May 7, 2025, at Toronto Metropolitan University. This exclusive gathering will feature keynote presentations, industry panel discussions and academic research presentations, covering critical topics in today’s retail landscape. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with industry experts, gain valuable insights, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of retail in Canada.

Industry Speakers

  • Doug Stephens

    FOUNDER & PRESIDENT, RETAIL PROPHET

  • Joe Jackman

    FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE CHAIR, JACKMAN REINVENTS

  • Diane J. Brisebois

    PRESIDENT & CEO, RETAIL COUNCIL OF CANADA

  • Julia Knox

    CHIEF TECHNOLOGY & ANALYTICS OFFICER, EMPIRE COMPANY LIMITED

  • Frederick LeCoq

    CHIEF MARKETING & DIGITAL OFFICER, SPORTING LIFE GROUP

  • Dave Stevens

    CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER, GROUPE DYNAMITE