How to Emerge from the Pandemic with a Digital Growth Plan
Please note that this event has passed. Please view our upcoming events page or contact events@retailcouncil.org for inquiries about future events.
May 18, 2021 - May 20, 2021
| 1:00pm - 2:00pm ET | 12:00pm - 1:00pm CT | 10:00am - 11:00am PT
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed what we buy and how we do it. It has changed how we communicate, how we work and how we spend our leisure time. In short, it has changed almost every aspect of our daily lives.
With vaccines rolling out across the country, we are at last starting to see some light at the end of the COVID tunnel. As people being to consider what life after the pandemic looks like, retailers should be actively putting their digital sales, distribution and marketing strategies in place.
The Retail Council of Canada and Reshift Media have created a three-part retail series that explores how Canadian retailers have been impacted by the pandemic, what they have done to adapt, and what they can do to emerge with a strong plan for growth.
Session Descriptions
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on retailers around the world. The closure of stores and the need for people to social distance has accelerated the adoption of ecommerce, curbside pickup, delivery and other remote buying behaviours. Retailers have had to rapidly adapt both their in-store and online strategies to remain relevant.
During this session, we will examine how consumer purchasing and digital media consumption has changed since COVID-19 began, and we will discuss what this could mean for businesses in the future. One thing is certain: the “new normal” will be different from what we knew pre-COVID.
Speakers
Welcoming Remarks
Diane J. Brisebois, President & CEO, Retail Council of Canada
Steve Bours, CEO & Co-Founder, Reshift Media
Although every retailer has been impacted by the pandemic, the degree and nature of the impact has varied between sectors and between companies. Canadian retailers have had to rapidly adapt based on their unique circumstances.
As the second session in our series, our panel of retail industry insiders will share what their experience has been during the pandemic. We will discuss what trends they have seen first-hand, what changes they have implemented, and where they see the retail industry going post-pandemic.
Speakers
Derek Weidl, Director, eCommerce & Loyalty, M&M Food Market
Michèle Bilodeau, Marketing & Client Experience Director, Surmesur
Michael LeBlanc, Senior Retail Advisor, Retail Council of Canada, Host & Producer, Voice of Retail Podcast
Kirk Allan, COO and Co-Founder, Reshift Media (Moderator)
As vaccinations roll out around the world, people are turning their attention to what “normal” life looks like after the pandemic. Canadian retailers should be already be preparing and implementing their “pandemic emergence” plans to ensure they are well positioned to capitalize on the expected economic boom.
As a conclusion to our retail series, we will discuss specific digital strategies and tactics that you as a Canadian retailer can pursue in order to ensure you are well positioned to grow your business. We will discuss topics such as ecommerce, SEO, localization and digital marketing, and outline how you can apply them to your business.
Speakers
Kim Hamm, President & CEO, Dogtopia, Canada
Trinh Tham, Chief Marketing Officer, Harry Rosen
Steve Bours, CEO & Co-Founder, Reshift Media