Clive Melamdowitz shares his fascinating journey and passion for denim and sports retail from South Africa to Canada with pitstops in LA, and other key influential retail cities. He shares his career expertise and insights in branding and licensing past, present, and future. A great listen you don't want to miss.

Contact Clive Melamdowitz directly through LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/clivemelamdowitz-88161132/

Craig Patterson shares his journey from considering a Ph.D. in retail studies to founding Retail Insider, a blog focusing on Canadian retail insights, insider information, and real estate projects. The conversation delves into the blog’s growth, urban planning aspects, and the impact of COVID-19 on the retail industry, with a particular focus on brokers renegotiating leases during the pandemic. Discussions include changes at Yorkdale shopping centre, staffing issues, luxury fashion store openings, and Retail Insider’s upcoming expansion plans in the region.

Listeners are treated to a deep dive into the intricate world of retail, where industry experts share valuable insights, trends, and challenges shaping the retail landscape in Canada and beyond. This episode promises a thought-provoking discussion on retail evolution, urban planning, and the resilient spirit of the industry during challenging times.

https://retail-insider.com/

In this episode of the Retail Pulse Podcast, host Suzanne Sears discusses misconceptions and challenges about retail staffing in Canada. Suzanne disputes the dismissive attitude towards part-time work and explains why it's a desired employment model for many. Breaking down the January 2024 Stats Canada report, she argues the importance of retail jobs to the Canadian economy. She further highlights issues such as the inflexibility of the retail sector, the impact international students’ contributions could have, and the need for valuing 'new Canadian' employees. Stressing the ongoing relevance of part-time work, Suzanne calls retail to become a leader in adapting to current employment trends including advocating for higher wages, more flexibility, and on-site training.

Learn more about Suzanne Sears, Owner of Best Retail Careers International Inc, and connect with her directly on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannesearsretail

This episode is the first to open Season 2 of the Retail Pulse Podcast. Host Suzanne Sears engages in a detailed conversation with Georgi Gvakharia, a fashion industry expert. They discuss the persistent demand for premium goods in spite of inflation and economic instabilities. Other topics include the current demographic trends in the luxury market, the differences in the Canadian and American luxury retail markets, and the challenges young people can face entering the industry. The episode concludes with predictions for the retail industry in 2024.

Georgi has an excellent reputation for his visionary approach to retail. He has been instrumental in the trajectory of both the North American and Canadian retail scenes, by being both strategic and collaborative; to build strong inter-departmental relationships that ensure a consistent and dynamic exchange of insights across the board.

Connect with Georgi Gvakharia via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgigvakharia/ 

Host Suzanne Sears discusses with Co-Host Dr. Deborah Nixon how HR teams can improve attracting and retaining client. An honest discussion about the challenges facing HR and retail in post-COVID hiring, and trends in recruiting that can proactively be adopted to help be the catalyst for change in Canadian organisations, including how Recruiters and Executive training can help find and retain the best talent, and what younger generations are really looking for in employment. 

Dr. Deborah Nixon is an Executive Coach/CEO Advisor, Talent and Leadership Consultant, Executive Search, and Mentor to Executives in Transition. Dr. Deborah consults to many organisations looking to update their Leadership training and employee on-boarding processes and is currently taking on new clients. 

Contact Dr. Deborah Nixon

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnixon/

Website: https://drdeborahnixon.com/

Suzanne and Guest Co-Host Lanita Layton discuss the current state of Luxury Retail brands in Canada and what the difference is between Luxury and Premium brands. What is the future for Luxury brands, and tips for how to market to emerging customer focused buyers. How to hire for luxury brand success.

Lanita Layton provides guidance to Luxury and Premium Brands, strengthening their positioning for launches, expansion, and reorganization primarily in North America. She is the inaugural Class Patron with the Bensadoun Masters Program in Retail Management Program at McGill University, with a pulse on the emerging luxury retail brands and talent in Canada. 

Contact Lanita Layton via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanitalayton/ 

An inspiring chat with Motivational Speaker and Indigenous Influencer Mary Wildman about the barriers many Indigenous communities have to access jobs outside of the reserves; and how Retailers can be a leader in helping bridge the gap and remove barriers to employment. Mary talks with Suzanne candidly about National Truth and Reconciliation and what needs to happen to create true change.

Mary is a First Nation Indigenous woman from Curve Lake First Nations. She is a Motivational Speaker and Indigenous Influencer. Passionate about supporting Indigenous communities and teaching others about Indigenous Culture. Mary educates organisations about National Truth and Reconciliation and advocates for those who have been, and continue to be affected by the child welfare system.

Connect with Mary Wildman to discuss how your organisation can benefit from an Indigenous Consultant when planning and implementing inclusive change.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-wildman-467b03172/

Website: https://iammarywildman.com/

An informative chat with Toronto immigration lawyer Emily Lukaweski about new immigration laws that came into effect in June 2023 that can help Retailers in Canada, what are the challenges of change of status, and working with Quebec and special circumstance work permits for those who speak French. 

Connect with Emily:

https://book.goodlawyer.ca/profile/emilylukaweski 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilylukaweski

More about Suzanne:

Suzanne Sears in an Executive Recruiting Staffing Specialist in the leading Canadian retail markets. Retained executive placement services will save time finding the right person for your team. Suzanne's vast network allows for presentation of qualified candidates to fill your roles quicker, helping you find and retain the best staff for your team.

Connect with Suzanne:

⁠https://brcareers.com/⁠

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannesearsretail/