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
From Storefront to Shoreline: Reimagining Retail Experience Design
Rogers Communications Inc.
From Storefront to Shoreline: Reimagining Retail Experience Design
Rogers Communications Inc.
From Storefront to Shoreline: Reimagining Retail Experience Design introduces a new era of retail by merging physical space with lifestyle experience. Anchored in a waterfront destination, the integrated store and branded patio create a fluid, design-forward environment that extends engagement beyond the traditional footprint. The result is a curated, immersive experience that redefines how and where customers connect and engage with the brand.
Customer In Focus
IKEA Canada Limited Partnership
Customer In Focus
IKEA Canada Limited Partnership
To equip co-workers with upskilling on all available and updated digital tools which translates to customers engaging with IKEA through multiple channels, including online platforms, social media, mobile apps, and in-store interactions – thus driving sales potential.
Personalized By Design: Delivering Human-Centred Development at Scale
Longo Brothers Fruit Markets Inc.
Personalized By Design: Delivering Human-Centred Development at Scale
Longo Brothers Fruit Markets Inc.
Rooted in 70 years as a family business, Longo’s invests in leadership development that meets people where they are. In partnership with Growthspace, leaders receive personalized support through coaching, workshops, and collaborative problem‑solving experiences aligned to real moments and challenges. The result is confident leaders, stronger collaboration, and lasting organizational impact.
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.
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.
The Orange Apron Recycling Innovation Program
The Home Depot
The Orange Apron Recycling Innovation Program
The Home Depot
In 2025, The Home Depot Canada diverted over 14,000 pounds of associate aprons from landfill when it launched a national apron recycling program to further advance circular innovation in store operations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New RW&CO Flagship Store in St-Bruno, Québec
RW&Co.
New RW&CO Flagship Store in St-Bruno, Québec
RW&Co.
Opened in October 2025, RW&CO.’s first-ever flagship store at Primaris’ Promenades St-Bruno marks a key milestone in the brand’s evolution. Designed by Dalziel & Pow, the 7,800-square-foot space brings RW&CO.’s recent rebrand to life through an elevated, customer-centric retail experience. As the brand’s largest store to date, the flagship reflects RW&CO.’s refined positioning as a Canadian fashion authority, blending timeless essentials with occasion-ready fashion.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Even Santa Shops Here
Indigo Books & Music Inc.
Even Santa Shops Here
Indigo Books & Music Inc.
Even Santa Shops Here was designed to reinforce Indigo’s position as a trusted, inspiring holiday gifting destination during the most competitive retail period of the year. By placing the world’s most iconic gift giver at the centre of the story, the campaign communicated credibility, magic, and emotional warmth—signalling that customers can deliver gifts as special as Santa’s by shopping at Indigo.
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.
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.
LCBO's Pathways to Success - Transforming the New Manager Experience
LCBO
LCBO's Pathways to Success - Transforming the New Manager Experience
LCBO
Pathways to Success is the LCBO’s onboarding experience that prepares new Store Managers to lead with confidence, connection, and capability from day one. The program combines eLearning, in-person training, hands-on application, mentorship and ongoing reinforcement to create a consistent and clearly structured learning journey. It unifies leadership development, operational excellence, and LCBO values into one experience that supports every new manager across the province. Pathways to Success is building strong leaders who elevate performance, culture, and the customer experience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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