Canadian Retail Collective Conference in Toronto, ON
The Canadian Retail Collective Conference returns on May 6, 2026 in Toronto, bringing together Canada's leading retail executives, innovators, and academic researchers for a one-day forum focused on shaping the future of retail.
The conference's goal is to bridge industry and academia, creating a space where real-world challenges meet evidence-based insights, and where meaningful conversations lead to practical, forward-looking solutions. The conference is co-organized by the Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ Institute of Marketing.
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Location: Toronto, Canada
Time:Â 8:45 AM - 5:30 PM
Attendees will gain strategic perspectives on emerging trends, consumer behaviour, technology and retail innovation, while building valuable connections across the retail ecosystem. Whether you are driving retail strategy and transformation, shaping customer/employee experience or conducting cutting-edge research, the conference offers a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, and help define what’s next for retail in Canada.
Opening Featured Speaker
Purpose-Driven Retail: Fireside Chat with Selwyn Crittendon, CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA Canada
The conference will kick-off with a special opening fireside chat featuring Selwyn Crittendon, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA Canada. This engaging conversation will explore the evolving role of purpose in retail, from sustainability and affordability to community impact and customer experience.
Selwyn will share insights from his leadership journey and discuss how IKEA embeds purpose into everyday decision-making, balances economic realities with long-term sustainability goals, and delivers meaningful value to customers across both physical and digital channels. Attendees will gain a forward-looking perspective on the future of purpose-driven retail and the opportunities for emerging leaders and the academic community to shape the industry.
2026 Speakers Include
- Francesca Cardarelli
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER, MCDONALD’S CANADA - Tanbir Grover
FORMER CHEIF MARKETING & DIGITAL OFFICER, PET VALU - Shannon Stewart
EVP, CHIEF MERCHANDISING OFFICER, HARRY ROSEN - Hardeep Kharaud
SVP, FOOD BASICS, METRO INC. - Hicham El Chazli
PARTNER & HEAD OF HYBRID CLOUD MIGRATION & MODERNIZATION, IBM - Sophie Marai
VP, CLIENT STRATEGY, ENVIRONICS ANALYTICS
About MIM
The Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ Institute of Marketing (MIM) was founded by a group of Â鶹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ Management professors in keeping with the Desautels Faculty of Management's mandate of providing business education and conducting research which is both significant and relevant.
The institute supports the research and pedagogical agenda of Desautels Faculty of Management as related to the field of marketing.
