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
Dubai Inspired Chocolate Activation
Lindt & Sprungli (Canada)
Dubai Inspired Chocolate Activation
Lindt & Sprungli (Canada)
The Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate Bar launch sought to reinforce Lindt’s premium brand with a Dubai inspired product. Exclusive retail availability aimed to generate excitement, prompt impulse purchases, and position the Lindt bar as a top gifting choice. The activation featured luxury displays to highlight exclusivity, quality, and value, targeting strong initial sales, brand awareness, and lasting impressions for future wholesale success.
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.
Bar Down Blast: Western Family x Vancouver Canucks Ice Cream
Pattison Food Group
Bar Down Blast: Western Family x Vancouver Canucks Ice Cream
Pattison Food Group
When hockey culture meets the freezer aisle, something special can happen. Save-On-Foods and the Vancouver Canucks brought their partnership to life with Bar Down Blast, a cobranded Western Family ice cream launched through fan voting, mascot-led moments, and unforgettable in-arena reveals. From centre ice to store freezers, the flavour became a fan favourite, delivering standout sales, soaring brand recall, and high-energy engagement across Canucks Nation.
Strengthening Communities Through School Nutrition: The “nourish to flourish” Program
Farm Boy Company Inc.
Strengthening Communities Through School Nutrition: The “nourish to flourish” Program
Farm Boy Company Inc.
Launched province wide in 2024, “nourish to flourish” provides grants for fresh meals; hands on food education; school gardens; farm field trips; and guest speakers—helping students both eat well and understand where food comes from. In its first year, the program funded $55,000 across 30 schools; in its second year, Farm Boy expanded the program to $161,000 in grants for 46 schools, significantly increasing impact and reach. This represents a 193% year-over year increase in total funding, clearly showcasing the need for a program of this kind.
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.
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.
Supporting Canadian Farmers with Duck's Unlimited Canada
Loblaw Companies Limited
Supporting Canadian Farmers with Duck's Unlimited Canada
Loblaw Companies Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited is proud to submit our initiative focused on sustainable plastic packaging, driven by the Golden Design Rules (GDRs) for Plastics Packaging as defined by the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF). This initiative encompasses significant conversions within our control brand (President’s Choice, no name, etc.) and in-store plastic packaging.
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.
The Heart of the Home, Reimagined: An Immersive Kitchen Experience
IKEA Canada
The Heart of the Home, Reimagined: An Immersive Kitchen Experience
IKEA Canada
IKEA Canada returned to Canada’s premier design stage, the Toronto Interior Design Show 2026, with an immersive kitchen experience that challenged perceptions of what affordable design can be. Built on insights from IKEA Canada Life at Home research and hundreds of real home visits across the country, the fully functional space invited guests to explore, interact, and rethink the role of the kitchen in everyday living. The result was a standout installation, proving beautiful design can be practical, accessible, and built to last.
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.
S.O.S Spotlight on Shrink & Safety
Staples Canada
S.O.S Spotlight on Shrink & Safety
Staples Canada
S.O.S: Spotlight on Shrink & Safety is Staples Canada’s national engagement program designed to reduce shrink, strengthen operational discipline, and elevate safety awareness across all retail, fulfillment, and delivery operations. Through weekly education, behavior-based recognition, and real-time analytics, the program empowers associates to protect people, property, and profits. In 2025, S.O.S delivered more than 52,000 recognitions, driving measurable improvements in inventory accuracy, hazard reporting, and shrink reduction across high-risk categories.
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.
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.
Eh List
LCBO
Eh List
LCBO
After the US government implemented retaliatory tariffs, the Ontario Government directed LCBO to pull American products—including many perennial best-sellers —off of their shelves. LCBO, as a champion of local industry, saw a huge opportunity to take a moment of upheaval, where many customers were forced to choose something new, and turn it into transformative growth for the local industry. Embracing our role as a champion of the local beverage alcohol industry, LCBO launched “Eh List,” a campaign celebrating and elevating Ontario- and Canadian-made products, and helping convince Ontarian customers to make “buying local” part of their new habit.
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.
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.
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.
Fuelling Futures, One Meal at a Time
Loblaw Companies Limited
Fuelling Futures, One Meal at a Time
Loblaw Companies Limited
The President’s Choice Children’s Charity (PCCC), one of Canada’s Top 10 Youth Impact Charities (Charity Intelligence Canada) has proudly reached its goal of feeding 1 million kids a year. Through Power Full Kids™, PCCC delivers meals directly to schools—safe spaces where all children can access nourishing food. These programs not only feed kids but also empower them with knowledge about nutrition and cooking.
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.
Fresh Baked Design
Cobs Bread
Fresh Baked Design
Cobs Bread
To amplify the brand’s promise of fresh-baked quality, the design reimagines the traditional bakery layout by opening up the back-of-house to full customer view. By integrating visible prep stations and a transparent bread wall, the design maximizes a small retail footprint to create a high-touch, sensory experience where seeing is believing. The result is an elevated front-of-house flow that seamlessly connects the artistry of the bakers with the community they serve.
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.
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.
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.
Urban Focused Assortment for Small Format Success
Walmart Canada
Urban Focused Assortment for Small Format Success
Walmart Canada
Walmart Canada’s Port Credit store showcases how disciplined merchandising can deliver big‑store capability within an urban format less than half the size of a traditional Supercentre. Through curated assortment, intentional adjacencies, elevated fixtures, and omni‑enabled decision points, the store maintains clarity, confidence, and perceived completeness at Everyday Low Price. The result is a scalable, merchandising‑led model designed for modern urban shoppers.
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.
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.
Feast On Love
Pet Valu
Feast On Love
Pet Valu
Feast on Love transformed holiday pet feeding into a shared ritual of love, inviting Devoted Pet Lovers to include pets in the season’s most meaningful moments. Pet Valu inspired pet lovers to elevate holiday feeding rituals with expert guidance, creator storytelling, and a digitally led, social‑first campaign. The result was a warm, culturally resonant idea that connected emotionally while delivering strong commercial impact.
Easter Activation - Gold Bunny
Lindt & Sprungli (Canada)
Easter Activation - Gold Bunny
Lindt & Sprungli (Canada)
Lindt Canada Retail’s 2025 Easter merchandising campaign centred around the iconic Gold Bunny, creating
engaging window displays and exclusive in-store experiences. The initiative aimed to attract Easter shoppers, boost foot traffic, and drive sales with visually striking décor and dynamic messaging. By showcasing the largest selection of Gold Bunny products, the campaign positioned Lindt stores as the prime destination for seasonal premium chocolate gifts, achieving increased sales and brand visibility.
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.
Real Sleep Campaign
IKEA Canada
Real Sleep Campaign
IKEA Canada
To prove IKEA Canada’s mattress quality, we launched the Real Sleep campaign – a clever, multi-layered effort challenging the idea that a great night’s sleep comes with a premium price tag. We started by capturing attention with late-night DMs targeting people up scrolling when they should have been sleeping and later proved our comfort in the most convincing way possible: real people, caught on camera, talking in their sleep. The campaign resonated with Canadians, driving visitation and sales while cementing IKEA as a credible destination for high-quality, affordable mattresses.
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