Retail
Will a lack of happy accidents hurt innovation?
A chance observation at a burger joint highlights why Bond’s Sean Claessen has concerns about brands finding a path forward.
Canadian Tire names chief brand and customer officer
Susan O’Brien’s promotion follows a mixed quarter, with the sales impact of COVID-19 coming with a 400% growth in ecommerce.
Second Cup extending its brand into gas and grocery
The coffee chain furthers its strategic pivot with new drive-thrus at Petro Canada, a return to CPG and ambitions for its own branded cannabis products.
IKEA goes off-book with this year’s catalogue
The pandemic furthers a push to digitization, with a launch campaign aimed at meeting consumers where they are.
Personalization offers bigger returns on loyalty programs
This year’s report from Bond Brand Loyalty notes that, once again, experience overcomes points in engaging members.
A look at Empire’s plan to take on rivals
Sobeys’ parent co is behind on grocery delivery and analytics, but experts see potential in the grocer’s new three-year strategy.
Long & McQuade changes the tune on its marketing mix
The music retailer had a huge boost in online podcast and recording equipment sales, but it’s no replacement for in-store business.
Brand switching may be a threat to certain categories
A report finds that shoppers are favouring price over brands they trust in categories like clothing, electronics and even CPG.
Moms more concerned about prices than safety in back-to-school shopping
A survey also finds ecomm habits developed during COVID are tough to break.
Air Miles gets real with collectors
Actual Canadians make the cut in ads that talk up the loyalty program’s new and evolving opportunities for rewards.
Canadian retail sales remain in free fall
The latest analysis by Ed Strapagiel shows that sales gains from food and drug is helping to pull the parachute ripcord.
Mini Babybel focuses on shelf
Cheese tastings have been nixed in store, so the brand is focusing primarily on store signage and coupons to drive trial.
Decathlon goes big with simple billboards from Rethink
The retailer’s first-ever national campaign may seem unassuming, but the brand’s mission is not.
Second Cup parent company opens its cannabis store
Aegis Brands’ Hemisphere Cannabis is pursuing a premium retail experience that guides all consumers to the right product.
COVID-19 is accelerating digital and self-care trends
PwC compares attitudes and behaviours from before and during the pandemic, finding which ones are here to stay.
