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The Retail Insider Podcast Network

The Retail Insider Podcast Network

By: Retail Insider Canada Lee Rivett Craig Patterson
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 A collection of podcast episodes from both "The Weekly" and "The Interview Series" podcasts created by Retail Insider Canada.Copyright 2021 Retail Insider Canada Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Kris Zanuldin (Interac) Growth and Expansion of KONEK

    Kris Zanuldin (Interac) Growth and Expansion of KONEK
    Nov 14 2025

    Craig Patterson and Kris Zanuldin, head of KONEK at Interac Corp. (Interac), discuss how the new Canadian e-commerce payment solution was developed to address key gaps in online checkout experiences. KONEK focuses on accessibility, trust, and convenience—factors Zanuldin says are essential for driving adoption in payments. Built to give Canadians more choice, the system aims to solve pain points around rising payment costs, fraud, and increasingly demanding customer expectations.

    Zanuldin outlines how KONEK benefits merchants by improving conversion rates while also reducing payment-processing expenses. By working collaboratively with major financial institutions, KONEK enables features like bank-grade fraud protection, liability shift, and a streamlined checkout flow. The platform also tackles cart abandonment by offering customers more payment options, particularly pay-by-bank methods that resonate strongly with Gen Z and trust-conscious shoppers.

    He also highlights the advantage of a made-in-Canada solution built for Canadian regulations, consumer behavior, and security expectations. With Staples as the first national launch partner, KONEK is set to showcase a smoother checkout and improved customer experience. Looking ahead, Zanuldin expects KONEK to play a major role in Canada’s shift from offline to digital commerce, providing a trusted, lower-cost payment alternative as digital wallets and online retail continue to accelerate.

    Merchants who are interested in learning more about KONEK can visit KONEK.ca.

    Interviewed this episode:

    • Kris Zanuldin, head of KONEK at Interac Corp. (Interac),
    • KONEK
    • Interac Corp. (Interac),

    This podcast is the audio version of the The Interview Series video podcasts by Retail Insider Canada are available through our Retail Insider YouTube Channel where you can subscribe and be notified when new video episodes are available.

    Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Retail Insider Podcast!

    Follow Craig:

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/CraigPattersonToronto
    Instagram: @craig_patterson_toronto
    Twitter: @RI_EIC

    Follow Retail Insider:

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/Retail-Insider
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetailInsider/
    Twitter: @RetailInsider_
    Instagram: @Retail_Insider_Canada

    Share your thoughts!

    Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!

    Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
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    19 mins
  • Albert Chow (Silk & Snow): Canadian Roots, Sleep Country, and Expansion

    Albert Chow (Silk & Snow): Canadian Roots, Sleep Country, and Expansion
    Sep 22 2025

    Craig Patterson and Albert Chow, co-founder & CEO at Silk & Snow, discussed the company’s origins and growth trajectory. Launched in 2017 as a mattress-in-a-box brand, Silk & Snow quickly distinguished itself by leveraging Toronto’s local manufacturing ecosystem. From the beginning, the brand emphasized thoughtful design, supply chain transparency, and strong relationships with family-owned manufacturers, eventually expanding into bedding, bedroom furniture, and living room essentials.

    Chow highlighted the pivotal role of Silk & Snow’s 2023 acquisition by Sleep Country Canada in accelerating the company’s expansion. While the brand began with mattresses, its timely pivot during the pandemic into bedding and furniture positioned it for long-term growth. Today, Silk & Snow complements Sleep Country’s digital and retail presence, with showrooms and shop-in-shop concepts across Canada. The company currently operates seven standalone stores, aiming to reach 10 by year’s end, with further plans to grow to 15 locations.

    Looking ahead, Silk & Snow remains focused on refreshing its product lines with new bed frames, sofa colors, and evolving designs while staying true to its Canadian identity. Chow noted shifting consumer behavior, with shoppers blending online research and physical store visits, especially in categories like mattresses and furniture where tactile experience matters. He also pointed to broader retail trends, including the decline of department stores, the rise of specialty retailers, and growing consumer interest in supporting Canadian-made products.

    Interviewed this episode:

    • Albert Chow, co-founder & CEO at Silk & Snow
    • Silk & Snow

    This podcast is the audio version of the The Interview Series video podcasts by Retail Insider Canada are available through our Retail Insider YouTube Channel where you can subscribe and be notified when new video episodes are available.

    Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Retail Insider Podcast!

    Follow Craig:

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/CraigPattersonToronto
    Instagram: @craig_patterson_toronto
    Twitter: @RI_EIC

    Follow Retail Insider:

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/Retail-Insider
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetailInsider/
    Twitter: @RetailInsider_
    Instagram: @Retail_Insider_Canada

    Share your thoughts!

    Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!

    Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
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    21 mins
  • Kocur/Alizadeh (The Waterfront BIA): Transforming Toronto’s Waterfront

    Kocur/Alizadeh (The Waterfront BIA): Transforming Toronto’s Waterfront
    Jul 31 2025
    Craig Patterson discusses the Toronto Waterfront BIA with Tim Kocur, Executive Director and Dorsa Alizadeh–Shabani, Manager of Operations. The conversation ranges from the revitalization and rising energy across Toronto’s Waterfront, focusing on the seasonal buzz, new retail openings, and exciting new restaurants like Queen’s Harbour. Alizadeh-Shabani notes the summer’s delayed start due to record rainfall but emphasizes a strong rebound with full crowds and booming cafes. Kocur shares that the eastern waterfront is evolving into a “development powerhouse,” with a wave of new businesses, patios, and community engagement shaping the area into a livelier destination. The addition of unique spaces like Ethos Climbing and new patios at Irene and Simona are just some signs of the district’s renaissance. They also discuss major infrastructure and placemaking efforts reshaping connectivity and public space. The long-awaited LRT project has gained traction, now in the city’s Transit Expansion Office, with interim bus lanes already installed. Wayfinding signage has been expanded to help visitors discover hidden eateries and attractions beyond the water’s edge. A temporary park at 40 Queens Quay East, complete with whimsical seating, aims to activate otherwise unused space, while beautification efforts around industrial zones like the Redpath Sugar Refinery are gradually improving the area’s appeal. Hotel developments at One Yonge and on Bathurst, plus enhancements at Billy Bishop Airport like U.S. pre-clearance, are adding long-term vibrancy. Looking ahead, Kocur and Alizadeh-Shabani highlight a future of integrated experiences across east, central, and west waterfront zones. Key developments include a bridge connecting the Parliament Slip to a new island park, expanded green space, and enhanced access to the Toronto Islands with improved bike rentals. They also hint at large-scale placemaking potential at the Rees parking lot, with ideas for sports viewing areas and hospitality activations. From Harborfront Centre’s daily programming and cultural exhibits to fireworks on Canada Day, it’s clear the Toronto Waterfront BIA is building not just a destination—but a multi-generational ecosystem of community, culture, and commerce. Interviewed this episode:Dorsa Alizadeh, Manager of Operations at The Waterfront BIATim Kocur, Executive Director at The Waterfront BIAThe Waterfront BIA This podcast is the audio version of the The Interview Series video podcasts by Retail Insider Canada are available through our Retail Insider YouTube Channel where you can subscribe and be notified when new video episodes are available. Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Retail Insider Podcast! Follow Craig:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/CraigPattersonTorontoInstagram: @craig_patterson_torontoTwitter: @RI_EIC Follow Retail Insider:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/Retail-InsiderFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetailInsider/Twitter: @RetailInsider_Instagram: @Retail_Insider_Canada Share your thoughts!Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
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    20 mins
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