Retail Council of Canada Launching Independent Retailer Project
Thousands of small retailers to benefit from industry research
 Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism) |
| When: | June 2, 2008, 8:00 a.m. |
| Where: | STORE 2008 — Canada's Retail Conference Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Road, Toronto, ON |
Chaired by Paul Simmonds, President of Robert Simmonds Clothing in Fredericton, N.B., the task force driving this project for RCC will include representatives from across Canada. "I'm excited to be a part of this initiative," says Simmonds. "As an independent retailer myself, I know there can be obstacles to success. What we need to know is what's happening in the industry now and how to stay ahead of the game. Bringing independents together is a great way to build support for the entire independent retailer community."
Research for Independent Retail: A Changing Landscape (www.independentretailer.ca) will include regional Town Hall meetings designed to bring independent retailers together, as well as a nationwide survey sponsored by RCC and Scotiabank Small Business. RCC will then use the information gathered to create free statistics and resources for independent retailers.
"At Scotiabank, we understand the importance of retailers to the Canadian economy," says Kyle McNamara, Head, Small Business, Scotiabank. "Identifying challenges, solutions and opportunities, as well as delivering relevant advice and services, helps business owners reach their goals."
2008 Town Hall meeting schedule:
| August 25 — Fredericton, N.B. August 26 — Halifax, N.S.
September 24 — Toronto, ON
October 14 — Edmonton, AB |
Independent retail is one of Canada's leading industries. More than 90 per cent of all Canadian retailers have only one store, with the same number having sales less than $2 million and fewer than 50 employees. Independent Retail: A Changing Landscape is a resource designed to help merchants spot future obstacles and understand the trends that are driving the industry.
Task force members include:
| Paul Simmonds, President Robert Simmonds Clothing Fredericton, N.B. |
Fred Pritchard, CGA, Vice-President Golda's Kitchen Mississauga, ON |
| Carole Didier, President Entrée Lifestyles Victoria, B.C. |
Diane Petryna, President Take A Hike! Thunder Bay, ON |
| Ron Pradinuk, President Journey's Travel & Leisure SuperCentre Winnipeg, MB |
Betsy Thomas, President Bummis Inc. Montreal, QC |
| Kevin Graff, President The Graff Retail Group Oakville, ON |
Sandra Avery, Owner A Special Touch St. John's, NL |
Retail Council of Canada (www.retailcouncil.org) is the Voice of Retail. It is a not-for-profit association representing more than 40,000 stores of all retail formats, including independent merchants, regional and national mass and specialty chains, and online merchants. More than 80 per cent of RCC's members are independent retailers.
For further information, contact Sarah Ryeland, Independent Retail Project Coordinator, at (416) 922-6678, ext. 224, Toll Free: (888)373-8245; e-mail: sryeland@retailcouncil.org.