RETAIL COUNCIL OF CANADA

Excellence in
Retailing Awards

Awards Gala: 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

Urban Focused Assortment for Small Format Success

Walmart Canada

The ''Be Your Own Breast Friend Campaign'' In Collaboration with the Cancer Research Society

La Vie en Rose

Meet Rose: The AI Assistant Bringing In-Store Service to Online Shopping

La Vie en Rose

Fresh Baked Design

Cobs Bread

We’re All In On Ontario

LCBO

Easter Activation - Gold Bunny

Lindt & Sprungli (Canada)

Canada's Home Team

Home Hardware

Get Serious About Sleep

Sleep Country Canada

New RW&CO Flagship Store in St-Bruno, Québec

RW&Co.

Luxury in Langley: Elegance in Appliance Retail Design

Midland Appliance

Reverse Logistic Program For Hangers

La Vie en Rose

Real Sleep Campaign

IKEA Canada

The Orange Apron Recycling Innovation Program

The Home Depot

Canada's Shipping Destination

Staples Canada

Powering Retail with Renewable Energy

Staples Canada

LCBO's Pathways to Success - Transforming the New Manager Experience

LCBO

Eh List

LCBO

Mike chez RONA: The Rebirth of an Iconic Brand

RONA

New Yorkdale Shopping Centre Boutique

Nespresso Canada

Redefining the Appliance Retail Experience

Corbeil Appliances

Putting the Red in InspiRED Design

Appliance Canada

Feast On Love

Pet Valu

Win, Win, Win: Trade-in is Good for Customers, Business, and the Planet

Staples Canada

The Unreal Deal

Save-On-Foods

Enchanting the Holiday Shopper

Lindt & Sprungli (Canada)

S.O.S Spotlight on Shrink & Safety

Staples Canada

Destination Sport Store Concept

SportChek

Strengthening Communities Through School Nutrition: The “nourish to flourish” Program

Farm Boy Company Inc.

Love at First Wash

Sephora

Save-On-Foods Zero Food Waste Initiative

Pattison Food Group

Awards of Distinction

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 was 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