Prix d'excellence
Chaque année, le Conseil canadien du commerce de détail reconnaît les personnes qui ont apporté une contribution importante à l'industrie du commerce de détail.
Les Prix de distinction seront remis lors du Gala des Prix d’excellence en commerce de détail le 31 mai 2022.
Award Sponsor
Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year
The Distinguished Canadian Retail of the Year Award recognizes a retail leader that has led his/her company to outstanding business success and innovation and that has consistently demonstrated community commitment and support. The recipient is seen as a role model because of his/her exceptional leadership within the corporation, in the retail industry in Canada and in the community at large, through personal and/or corporate philanthropic activities. While years of service within the company are not a prerequisite, the individual’s term as chief executive officer must commensurate with the company’s outstanding success. The individual must be widely respected throughout the industry for his/her achievements and the corporation he/she represents must be seen as a leader in the business community.
2024 Distinguished Retailer of the Year Award
Dr. George Soleas
President & CEO, LCBO
With more than a decade of experience in the Canadian wine industry, Dr. Soleas began his journey at LCBO in 1997 as the Director of Quality Assurance, gradually assuming more senior leadership positions until his appointment as President & CEO in 2016.
“George Soleas embodies the qualities of a visionary retail leader,” remarked Diane J. Brisebois, President & CEO of Retail Council of Canada. “And while the LCBO operates exclusively in the province of Ontario, its dedication to excellence, innovation, and community engagement, spearheaded by George, has been recognized throughout the retail industry in Canada. We are thrilled to recognize his achievements with this prestigious award.”
Past Recipients
Year
Recipients
Company
2013
Greg Hicks
Canadian Tire Corporation Ltd.
2022
Paul Wood
Giant Tiger
2019
Ron Wilson
Best Buy Canada
2018
Jeff Kinnaird
The Home Depot Canada
2017
Clint Mahlman
London Drugs Limited
2016
Andrew Lutfy
Groupe Dynamite
2015
Terry Leon
Leon’s Furniture Ltd.
2014
Larry Rosen
Harry Rosen
2013
Stephen Wetmore
Canadian Tire Corporation
2012
Brian Hill
Aritzia
2011
Heather Reisman
Indigo Books & Music Inc.
2010
Steve Matyas
Staples Canada Inc.
2009
Louise Wendling
Costco Wholesale Canada Limited
2008
Laurence Lewin
La Senza
Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year
The Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of a local independent retailer to his or her community. The recipient is seen as a visionary, an innovator, and an integral part of the community that his or her business serves. Recipients are known for their community involvement, customer loyalty, and support of locally made products and services. As the name of the award suggests, this individual or business must embody the true spirit of entrepreneurship and community service required to be recognized as an ambassador of the retail industry.
2024 Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year Winner
Jennifer Grimm
Founder, LUX Beauty
Jennifer Grimm, a seasoned entrepreneur and retail educator, epitomizes innovation and excellence in both retail and real estate development. Since founding LUX Beauty Boutique in 1999, an independent specialty store selling high-end, selectively distributed cosmetic brands in Edmonton, Canada Grimm has curated an exceptional space that not only serves the community’s needs but also delights its patrons.
Under Grimm’s leadership, LUX Beauty Boutique has flourished, achieving sales per square foot four times the industry average. The boutique’s exceptional customer experiences and innovative initiatives, such as the adoption of the SelfPay mobile self-checkout app and the launch of the 4 Seasons of LUX subscription box service, have earned widespread recognition, including the prestigious Retailer of the Year award from The Canadian Gift Association in 2018.
Past Recipients
Year
Recipients
Company
2023
Sharon Hayles
Diane’s Lingerie
2022
Shashi Behl
JoyDrop
2021
Brandi Leifso
Evio Beauty Group
2019
Kendall and Justine Barber
Poppy Barley
2018
Sierra Harris
Birch Hill Studio
2017
Allan, Anita and Lisa Malbranck
Diamond Gallery
2016
Cameron Baty and Karina Birch
Rocky Mountain Soap Company
2015
Paul Dragan
Reckless Bike Stores
2014
Don Sheehan
Amos Pewter
2013
Paul and Gleniss Thomey
That Pro Look
2012
Valerie Ventola
Cuckoo’s Nest
2011
Saul Korman
Korry’s Clothiers For Gentlemen
2010
Pat Higgins
Canadian Tire Corporation
2009
Rob Grand
Grassroots
2009
Paul Simmonds
Robert Simmonds Inc.
2008
Karen and Don Cormier
Dayle’s Department Store
2008
John Stuparyk and Jason Bots
United Cycle
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a senior executive with a minimum of 25 consecutive years of retail service who has demonstrated outstanding business success and community service throughout his/her career. Winners are visionaries who have left an indelible mark on the industry through their innovations and commitment to customers and employees. As the name of the award indicates, this honour recognizes a long-term commitment to the industry, to the firm(s) he/she has led, and to the community at large. The recipient is recognized and perceived as a retail role model, as an icon in the industry, and one who has dedicated his/her business life to retail.
2024 Lifetime Achievement Award
Walter Lamothe
President & CEO
Bentley & Co LTD
Walter Lamothe has carved out a distinguished career spanning over four decades in the Canadian retail sector, marked by his recognized leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. Born and raised on a family farm near Ottawa, Mr. Lamothe is a true embodiment of the values of hard work and the entrepreneurial spirit. A self-made man in every sense, he evolved into one of Canada’s most trusted and innovative retail executives, shaping brands, navigating economic storms with characteristic resilience, and embracing market and technological shifts to thrive in the digital age.
Walter Lamothe’s illustrious career serves as a testament to his steadfast dedication to the Canadian retail industry. His ability to navigate through challenges with resilience and creativity, coupled with his passion for innovation, continues to redefine the retail landscape in Canada.
Past Recipients
Year
Recipients
Company
2023
Robert Simmonds
2018
Robin Lee
Lee Valley
2017
Bonnie Brooks
Hudson’s Bay Co.
2016
Louise Wendling
Costco Wholesale Canada
2015
The Billes Family
Canadian Tire Corporation
2014
Michael Budman and Don Green
Roots
2014
Bob Peter
LCBO
2013
Not awarded
2012
Bill McEwan
Sobeys Inc.
2011
Not awarded
2010
Gordon Reid
Giant Tiger Stores Ltd.
2009
Réjean Dionne
Le Groupe Aldo Inc.
2008
Dr. William H. Comrie
The brick Warehouse Corporation
Canadian Retail Hall of Fame
Inductees to the Canadian Retail Hall of Fame are executives working in retail who have demonstrated leadership in advancing and promoting retail as a career within their company and in the industry, and are strong advocates of retail education and training. Hall of Fame inductees are seen as inspirational leaders, promoting and encouraging young people to pursue careers in retail, current employees to acquire more skills to advance in retail, supporting the development of retail courses in schools, and lending support to organizations promoting retail as a career and retail education. Through their actions, these individuals have demonstrated that retail training and education have played an important role in the success of their companies.
Past Recipients
Year
Recipients
Company
2019
Willy Kruh
KPMG
2013
Alasdair Mckichan
Retail Council of Canada
2013
John Torella
J.C. Williams Group
2013
John Williams
J.C. Williams Group
2012
Independent Retail Task Force
Various
2011
John Stanton
Running Room Canada Inc.
2010
Paul Strauss
Home Hardware Stores Ltd.
2009
Fred Singer
Henry Singer Fashion Group
2008
Stephen Bebis
Golf Town
2007
Steve Matyas
Staples Canada Inc.