RETAIL COUNCIL OF CANADA
Excellence in
Retailing Awards
Awards Gala is next week: June 2, 2026
Celebrate your work.
Acknowledge your team.
Each year, the Excellence in Retailing Awards (ERA) recognize the industry game changers that go above and beyond to serve their customers and push Canada into the future of retail.
Awards Gala: A Night to Celebrate Your Team
Revel in industry-wide recognition of your work, celebrate with your colleagues in person, and make new connections. Guests enjoy a cocktail reception, a delicious dinner, and inspiring awards ceremonies.
2026 FINALISTS
Get Serious About Sleep
Sleep Country Canada
Get Serious About Sleep
Sleep Country Canada
Sleep Country Canada faced a stagnating retail category where sleep product purchases had become commoditized and easy to postpone. To reignite demand, the brand launched Get Serious About Sleep, a national platform confronting Canadians’ normalized neglect of sleep. “Sleep Daddy” (Eugene Levy) and “Le Sommeil” (Marc Labrèche) interrupted poor bedtime behaviour and challenged consumers to take sleep more seriously. The integrated program spanned TV, digital, social, retail promotions, and owned channels, reinforcing Sleep Country as Canada’s destination for better sleep.
Tailoring the Retail Experience: The SURMESUR Flagship Concept
Surmesur
Tailoring the Retail Experience: The SURMESUR Flagship Concept
Surmesur
SURMESUR reimagined its retail experience with a new flagship concept designed as a modern tailoring atelier. Through
circular design stations, private fitting environments and hospitality-driven spaces, clients are invited to collaborate with their stylist to create a fully personalized wardrobe. The result is a more immersive, service-driven experience that has increased engagement, average order value and client retention.
Canada's Shipping Destination
Staples Canada
Canada's Shipping Destination
Staples Canada
Staples Canada is proud to introduce Canada’s Shipping Destination, a brand new shipping concept that debuted in 10 of our stores in 2025. Our shipping business is growing, as we offer in store packing and shipping services with multiple carriers, returns for Amazon and Pudo, and also package pick up in select stores. This new concept unlocks our growth opportunity via a custom built destination in store catered entirely to the shipping customer, while still reflecting our brand promise of making things easy.
With Its Newly Redesigned Montréal Store, the SQDC Puts In-Store Advice at the Heart of the Customer Experience
Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC)
With Its Newly Redesigned Montréal Store, the SQDC Puts In-Store Advice at the Heart of the Customer Experience
Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC)
As Quebec’s only legal cannabis retailer, the SQDC carries a unique responsibility. After seven years of operating within a highly regulated framework, it set out to rethink how its stores could better support dialogue, trust and informed decision‑making. The redesigned Montréal location embodies this shift, placing human advice at the centre of the in‑store experience while remaining consistent with the SQDC’s mandate.
Destination Sport Store Concept
SportChek
Destination Sport Store Concept
SportChek
The Destination Sport store concept is an elevated, large‑format retail
experience designed to lead with sport, offering a dominant assortment across key performance categories and making it easier for athletes to shop by sport. It brings brands to life through enhanced visual presentation, elevated footwear experience, and sales‑assisted technology, while integrating expanded service offerings such as custom fitting and equipment services. The result is a modern, highly immersive store that positions the brand as a true sport destination—not just a place to buy gear, but a hub that supports customers throughout their athletic journey.
Support Local
LCBO
Support Local
LCBO
In 2025, the LCBO launched “Support Local”, a comprehensive campaign to address increasing food insecurity across the province. As a Crown Corporation, LCBO returns an annual dividend to the province to help fund healthcare, education, and infrastructure across Ontario. As part of our commitment to supporting the essential needs of Ontarians, we introduced an in-store fundraising campaign in support of food security programs, sold tote bags with proceeds benefiting local farmers, and offered employees with opportunities to volunteer at food organizations. Through these efforts, we raised $2.6M, helping to deliver 6.3M meals to communities in need across Ontario.
Brewing a Brand Into Space: Inside Tim Hortons First Experiential TimShop Pop-Up
Restaurant Brands International
Brewing a Brand Into Space: Inside Tim Hortons First Experiential TimShop Pop-Up
Restaurant Brands International
The TimShop Pop-Up at Toronto Eaton Centre marked the first physical retail expression of Tim Horton’s merchandise platform, translating the brand’s most recognizable symbols into immersive design. Sculptural elements such as a donut-shaped cash desk, stacked red cup installation, and retro rec-room lounge transformed everyday icons into architectural storytelling. The result was a discovery driven retail environment that allowed Canadians to step inside the Tim Hortons brand for the first time.
From Compact to Impact
Lindt & Sprungli (Canada)
From Compact to Impact
Lindt & Sprungli (Canada)
Reimagining one of Lindt Canada’s top stores by designing and building a new store concept with a core focus on
improved customer experience, store circulation, dedicated spaces for creative activation, and optimized store operations.
Playtime
Pet Valu
Playtime
Pet Valu
Pet Valu’s Playtime campaign didn’t fight screen time, it hijacked it. By inserting playful interruptions into streaming, gaming, and scrolling moments, the campaign reminded pet parents that play isn’t optional, it’s essential. By interrupting streaming, scrolling, and gaming moments with playful, pet‑provoking media, Pet Valu reframed toys from a “nice‑to‑have” into an essential part of pet health and happiness. The result was a campaign that didn’t just capture attention, it changed behavior, one playful pause at a time.
Redefining the Appliance Retail Experience
Corbeil Appliances
Redefining the Appliance Retail Experience
Corbeil Appliances
Corbeil Appliances’ enhanced in-store experience and design initiative as expressed through our new concept stores in Boucherville and St-Hubert, Quebec. Created with NoBrainer Agency, Dyda Architecture, Léger Market Research, and appliance manufacturer partners, the concept transforms appliance shopping from a traditional showroom into an immersive, customer-centered environment. Through a modular layout, persona-led merchandising, realistic kitchen vignettes, consultative signage, interactive digital tools, and hands-on testing in “The Lab,” we created a store experience that is more engaging, more intuitive, and more aligned with customer needs—while reinforcing Corbeil’s position as a specialist in home appliances.
New Yorkdale Shopping Centre Boutique
Nespresso Canada
New Yorkdale Shopping Centre Boutique
Nespresso Canada
Nespresso Canada opened our newly rennovated boutique in Yorkdale Shopping Centre in March 2025. This elegant space is the latest concept design by the Nespresso global retail design team in Milan, executed by DK Studio Architects. Our in-store experience centers on tastings at the Coffee As An Art (CAAA) bar, where customers engage with coffee specialists while savoring premium blends. This initiative aims to redefine the retail coffee experience, transforming each visit into a memorable event that highlights our commitment to quality and sustainability.
Supply Chain Transformation
Pet Valu
Supply Chain Transformation
Pet Valu
Pet Valu Holdings Ltd. (“Pet Valu”) undertook a major supply chain transformation from 2022 to 2025, investing over $100 million to modernize and consolidate its distribution network across Canada. This initiative aimed to support long-term growth, improve operational efficiency, and advance sustainability and employee experience.
World Cup In-Store Activation
SportChek
World Cup In-Store Activation
SportChek
SportChek, in partnership with adidas, delivered a destination-led World Cup experience that elevated the in-store journey through high-impact visual merchandising and key activations at the front of store and throughout. Designed as a scalable system, the program translated a global sporting moment into impactful visual storytelling, deliberate product adjacencies, and consistent execution across multiple store formats.
Mike chez RONA: The Rebirth of an Iconic Brand
RONA
Mike chez RONA: The Rebirth of an Iconic Brand
RONA
In spring 2025, RONA hit a marketing home run in Quebec with its “Mike chez RONA” campaign featuring a fictitious employee named Mike that became an overnight phenomenon in the province. Leveraging nostalgia and entertainment through a parody of the 70’s hit “My Sharona”, the campaign captured the attention of the public and led to an all-out Mikemania. More than a campaign, Mike became a cultural icon, re-establishing RONA as a trusted and locally relevant home improvement partner.
Meet Rose: The AI Assistant Bringing In-Store Service to Online Shopping
La Vie en Rose
Meet Rose: The AI Assistant Bringing In-Store Service to Online Shopping
La Vie en Rose
To enhance the digital shopping experience and replicate the personalized service of in-store associates online, la Vie en Rose implemented Rose, an AI-Powered Shopping Assistance chatbot. This delivers personalized, omnichannel assistance that reduces friction in the buying journey, improves satisfaction, increases engagement and conversion, and creates a more interactive, customer-centric e-commerce experience.
Project Phoenix: Modernizing Fulfilment at Best Buy Canada’s Brampton Distribution Centre
Best Buy Canada
Project Phoenix: Modernizing Fulfilment at Best Buy Canada’s Brampton Distribution Centre
Best Buy Canada
Last year, Best Buy Canada accelerated its supply chain modernization by implementing AutoStore at its Brampton distribution centre, a key milestone enabled by the Blue Yonder warehouse management system. AutoStore, a high-density automated storage and retrieval system, maximizes space by storing inventory in a compact grid and using robotics to deliver products directly to associates. This goods-to-person model reduces travel, streamlines workflows, and improves efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
Enhancing the Mobile Checkout Process
Bikini Village
Enhancing the Mobile Checkout Process
Bikini Village
To address increasing competition and plateauing conversion rates, Bikini Village set out to enhance its mobile checkout experience through a series of targeted CRO experiments focused on reducing friction and improving completion rates.
SIMU – Transforming Retail & Call Centre Talent Development and Customer Experience
Bell
SIMU – Transforming Retail & Call Centre Talent Development and Customer Experience
Bell
Bell launched SIMU, an AI powered Customer Experience (CX) simulator that generates realistic, back-and-forth
customer interactions for both retail frontline staff and call centre agents. Codeveloped by Bell’s Product Technical team and Internal Learning & Development, SIMU enables safe, repeatable space to practice customer interactions—from greeting and discovery to value articulation and solutioning. This unique experience blends digital microlearning, guided roleplay, and standardized coaching tools based on Bell’s sales and service models. By providing instant feedback, flexible self-serve coaching, and leadership visibility through a Dashboard Tab. SIMU improves morale, accelerates employee ramp-up, and improves customer engagement—driving consistent operational excellence at scale.
We’re All In On Ontario
LCBO
We’re All In On Ontario
LCBO
In a crowded “buy local” moment, LCBO turned Ontario VQA from just another local option to an enticing choice by pairing a bold Ontario rallying cry with guided discovery rooted in the LCBO’s most unique brand advantage: in‐store expertise. The campaign spotlighted real product consultants across multiple channels, lending the category credibility and making the LCBO feel like an approachable destination for local exploration. With a flat budget and a short four weeks, the strategy delivered record results: VQA wine sales rose +60% and new-to-category buyers increased +33% vs. last year. Campaign awareness drove +44% higher LCBO community impact perceptions.
With All Our Hearts: Turning National Pride into Purpose, Partnership, and Performance
Hillberg & Berk
With All Our Hearts: Turning National Pride into Purpose, Partnership, and Performance
Hillberg & Berk
Through the With All Our Hearts campaign, Hillberg & Berk reimagined how Canadians could show up for Team Canada. With a collection designed to be worn, shared, and gifted, the campaign transformed national pride into personal identity. The result was a powerful blend of storytelling and retail performance, generating over $1M in sales and strengthening Hillberg & Berk’s position as a Canadian, purpose-driven brand.
The Art of Home
Silk & Snow
The Art of Home
Silk & Snow
In October 2025, in the heart of downtown Toronto, home retailer Silk & Snow showcased its first experiential marketing experience: The Art of Home. In partnership with experiential marketing agency Mosaic, Silk & Snow created an immersive art gallery experience that transformed our thoughtful, intentional design process into sensory-driven installations and invited the city to experience the brand in a new light.
From Barn to Basket: Reimagining Farm Boy Kanata’s Shop-Within-a-Shop
Farm Boy Company Inc.
From Barn to Basket: Reimagining Farm Boy Kanata’s Shop-Within-a-Shop
Farm Boy Company Inc.
Farm Boy’s new Kanata, Ontario store—purpose built to replace a nearly 30 year old, smaller location—delivers an immersive, shop within a shop fresh market experience rooted in “A Farm Boy Fresh Twist” on grocery shopping: “fresh, local, and made by us.” The design blends warm, farm inspired materials with illuminated focal points guiding shoppers through distinct departments, from a life size barn feature to hand finished bulkheads and facades. Interior design support came from Inicio Design and Greystone Design Group Inc. with all other creative led internally. The result is a larger, better flowing full shop destination that elevates brand presence while delighting families, value seekers, and forward thinking shoppers while still achieving a fresh-market feel.
Win, Win, Win: Trade-in is Good for Customers, Business, and the Planet
Staples Canada
Win, Win, Win: Trade-in is Good for Customers, Business, and the Planet
Staples Canada
Staples Canada partnered with Allstate to launch Staples Trade-in by Allstate, a nationwide program that turns old devices into instant value. Designed to be flexible and effortless, Canadians can convert the old tech they’ve got stashed away in drawers into Staples e-gift cards they receive in moments. Each device is then securely refurbished or responsibly recycled.
Grow With Us
Staples Canada
Grow With Us
Staples Canada
Grow with Us is a national talent development program that opens career pathways for retail associates by turning internal mobility into a real, accessible opportunity. Through practical tools, inspiring career stories, and direct access to hiring leaders, the program makes skills‑based growth visible, achievable, and encouraged across Staples Canada. The result is stronger engagement, increased internal movement, and a more future‑ready workforce built from within.
Powering Retail with Renewable Energy
Staples Canada
Powering Retail with Renewable Energy
Staples Canada
Strengthening our sustainability partnerships with transparent and accessible reporting, Staples is the first retailer to pilot Bullfrog Environmental Tokens. Introduced at our brand‑defining Burlington, Ontario store grand opening, these digital tokens include detailed metadata that provides long‑term traceability of the store’s environmental impact. Customers can access real‑time information about the store’s renewable energy use through in‑store signage with QR codes that link directly to its clean energy profile.
Reverse Logistic Program For Hangers
La Vie en Rose
Reverse Logistic Program For Hangers
La Vie en Rose
La Vie en Rose Group launched a reverse logistics program that keeps merchandise hangers in circulation across our retail network rather than treating them as single‑use. The program advances circularity, reduces waste, and lowers our environmental footprint, while contributing to our community through inclusive employment.
Eliminating Single-Use Packaging Program
La Vie en Rose
Eliminating Single-Use Packaging Program
La Vie en Rose
In summer 2023, la Vie en Rose Group eliminated single‑use shopping bags from all la Vie en Rose banner stores across the country, regardless of municipal packaging regulations. This operational shift was designed to drive a fundamental behavioural change, encouraging customers to transition toward “bring-your-own” and reuse practices.
Enchanting the Holiday Shopper
Lindt & Sprungli (Canada)
Enchanting the Holiday Shopper
Lindt & Sprungli (Canada)
Lindt’s Enchanting the Holiday Shopper program transforms the in-store experience into a premium Christmas destination, inspiring shoppers through elevated displays, gift solutions, and festive storytelling. By combining high-impact merchandising, strategic placement, and sampling, the program drives discovery, impulse purchases, across key holiday occasions. The result is a seamless, gift-ready experience that delights shoppers and positions Lindt as the ultimate destination for holiday chocolate.
Driving Supply Chain Sustainability Through Iceless Innovation
Sobeys Inc.
Driving Supply Chain Sustainability Through Iceless Innovation
Sobeys Inc.
Verdant Technologies has expanded the adoption of its HarvestHold Fresh® product in Canada to improve the sustainability and efficiency of the North American broccoli supply chain. HarvestHold Fresh is an in-box postharvest technology that enables the elimination of ice in broccoli shipping, which significantly improves sustainability through reducing water consumption, freight savings and improving employee safety. Empire Company Limited, parent company of Sobeys Inc. was the first major grocery retailer in North America to adopt the technology, and has since encouraged growers, retailers, and other partners to join the initiative, collectively expanding its sustainability impact across Canadian food systems.
Safeguarding Success: Implementing a Comprehensive Physical & Digital Loss Prevention Strategy Across CANNABIS XPRESS Stores
CANNABIS XPRESS
Safeguarding Success: Implementing a Comprehensive Physical & Digital Loss Prevention Strategy Across CANNABIS XPRESS Stores
CANNABIS XPRESS
CANNABIS XPRESS has implemented one of the most advanced and comprehensive loss prevention programs in Canadian retail, integrating physical security, digital safeguards, and artificial intelligence across its 21 stores in Ontario and New Brunswick. Originating in Grand Bay-Westfield, New Brunswick—the province’s first private cannabis store—the program has achieved a flawless record of zero break-ins or robberies and maintains theft rates 90% below national retail benchmarks. Combining 24/7 monitored surveillance, employee training, layered operational controls, and AI-powered transaction analytics, the system proactively detects and prevents loss before it occurs. This innovative approach not only protects people, property, and profits but also sets a new national standard for safe, efficient, and trustworthy cannabis retailing.
Awards of Distinction
Retailer of the Year
Longo's
Retailer of the Year
Alimentation Couche-Tard
Ambassador of the Year
The Jilly Box
Award Winner
Browns Shoes
Retail Education Scholarship Program
Each year, RCC awards scholarships to students interested in a career in retail or who currently work in retail. In 2025, $62,000 in scholarships will be awarded to students working in retail and who are entering or currently enrolled in a retail-related program at a Canadian post-secondary institution.
Awards Gala hosted by Taylor Kaye
Guests will hear from a variety of industry leaders, including the 2026 Award of Distinction winners, Michael Brownstein and Jillian Harris. Guests will also enjoy an exceptional dinner, prepared under the consultation of world-renowned chef Mark McEwan.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Excellence in Retailing Awards showcases outstanding innovation in the retail section, gathering retail decision makers for a night of recognition and celebration.
Demonstrate thought leadership, build your brand and make new connections through various ERA Sponsorship Opportunities. Contact sponsorship at rccsponsorship@retailcouncil.org
Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala
June 2, 2026. Toronto Congress Centre. North Building. 1020 Martin Grove Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9W 1J1.
As The Voice of Retail™ in Canada since 1963, Retail Council of Canada (RCC) represents over 65,000 independent, regional, national mass and specialty retail businesses and online merchants in general merchandise, drug and grocery.
Application Timeline
MARCH 13, 2026
First Submission Deadline
MARCH 27, 2026
Deadline to Upload all Submission Details
APRIL 2026
Judging Period
MAY 2026
Finalists Announced
JUNE 2, 2026
Winners Announced at the 2026 Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala
Why Apply?
- Benchmark your work: Compare your projects against the best in retail, with over 50 submissions each year.
- Celebrate achievements: Showcase successful initiatives across 12 comprehensive retail categories.
- Gain expert recognition: Esteemed retail judges evaluate every submission.
- Highlight your team: Reward your team’s hard work by putting their efforts in the spotlight.
Awards Categories
The Excellence in Retail Awards recognize outstanding achievements in twelve distinct categories.
- NEW: Unified Commerce
- NEW: AI Operations Innovation
- NEW: Consumer AI Experience & Marketing Award
- E-Commerce Award
- Environmental Leadership
- Health, Safety & Wellness
- In-Store Experience & Design
- Philanthropic Leadership
- Pop-Up Experience & Design
- In-Store Merchandising
- Loss Prevention
- Retail Marketing
- Supply Chain Innovation
- Talent Development