Retail Council of Canada

Retail Council of Canada (RCC), also known by its French name Conseil canadien du commerce de détail, is a not-for-profit trade association established in 1963. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with additional offices across Canada including Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Vancouver, RCC serves as the authoritative "Voice of Retail™" in Canada. Its core mission is to advocate for, promote, and protect the retail industry through effective advocacy, communications, education, and research, ultimately enhancing opportunities for retail success and increasing awareness of the sector's significant contribution to Canadian communities and customers.

The Council represents a diverse membership base encompassing small, mid, and large retail businesses nationwide. This includes over 54,000 storefronts across various formats such as department stores, grocery chains, specialty retailers, discount stores, independent merchants, online platforms, and quick-service restaurants. RCC provides a comprehensive suite of services to its members, including group buying services, national conferences, networking events, and government relations, and it manages the voluntary retail Scanner Price Accuracy Code.

Kim Furlong currently serves as the President and CEO, a role she is set to officially assume on September 2, 2025, succeeding Diane J. Brisebois, who led the organization for over three decades. The retail sector, championed by RCC, is Canada's largest private-sector employer, providing jobs for over 2.3 million Canadians and generating more than $91 billion annually in wages and employee benefits. Recent activities include announcing the 2026 Excellence in Retailing Awards Finalists and honoring Michael Brownstein with a Lifetime Achievement Award. RCC has also been actively involved in policy discussions, such as advocating for broader tax exemptions on ready-made foods in Manitoba, and its leadership regularly provides insights on Canadian retail trends and economic pressures.

Latest updates

Couche-Tard CEO Alex Miller Honored as Canada's Top Retailer

Event summary

  • Alex Miller, CEO of Alimentation Couche-Tard, named Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year by Retail Council of Canada.
  • Miller has led Couche-Tard since September 2024, the third CEO in the company's 45-year history.
  • Couche-Tard operates 17,300 stores across 27 countries, including 2,100 in Canada.
  • Miller's 'Core + More' strategy focuses on strengthening core categories while investing in next-generation convenience retail.
  • Award to be presented at RCCSTORE26 conference in Toronto on June 2, 2026.

The big picture

Alex Miller's recognition underscores the growing emphasis on operational excellence and employee empowerment in the convenience retail sector. As Couche-Tard navigates a rapidly evolving market, Miller's strategic vision and leadership style could set a new benchmark for global retailers. The company's scale—17,300 stores across 27 countries—positions it as a key player in shaping the future of convenience retail.

What we're watching

Strategic Execution
Whether Miller's 'Core + More' strategy can sustain growth amid evolving consumer preferences.
Talent Retention
The impact of Miller's frontline employee focus on operational efficiency and customer experience.
Industry Leadership
How Couche-Tard's global scale and innovation influence the broader convenience retail sector.

Canadian Retail Awards Spotlight Buy-Local Push, AI Adoption

Event summary

  • The Retail Council of Canada (RCC) announced 64 finalists for the 2026 Excellence in Retailing Awards across 10 categories.
  • The awards gala will be held June 2-3, 2026, as part of the RCCSTORE26 conference, featuring 75+ speakers.
  • Finalists include major Canadian retailers such as Loblaw, Home Depot, Walmart, and cannabis retailer SQDC.
  • The awards highlight a focus on buy-Canadian initiatives, experiential retail, AI adoption, and sustainability commitments.

The big picture

The 2026 Excellence in Retailing Awards reveal a Canadian retail landscape adapting to shifting consumer behavior and economic pressures. The emphasis on local sourcing and AI adoption reflects a broader global trend toward resilience and digital transformation. The inclusion of cannabis retailers like SQDC signals the continued integration of previously regulated industries into the mainstream retail ecosystem.

What we're watching

Buy Local Momentum
The prominence of 'buy-Canadian' initiatives suggests a sustained shift in consumer preference and retailer strategy, potentially impacting import-dependent businesses.
AI Integration
The increasing adoption of AI across customer experience and operations indicates a broader trend toward automation and data-driven decision-making within the Canadian retail sector.
Sustainability Reporting
The consistent recognition of sustainability efforts may pressure retailers to further enhance transparency and accountability in their environmental practices, potentially impacting operational costs.
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