In this must-listen episode, Eric Morris, Managing Director of Retail at Google Canada, returns for his annual visit with fresh insights from Google’s 2025 Holiday Retail Report. Eric breaks down how AI is reshaping search, discovery, and consumer behaviour, and why this year represents Canada’s first true AI-powered holiday season. He and Michael explore Gen Z’s complex decision journeys, rising visual and conversational search trends, and the strategic moves retailers must make now to win in 2025 and 2026.

In this episode, Michael welcomes Elisa Swern, National Consumer Markets Leader at PwC Canada, to explore the firm’s 2025 Canadian Holiday Outlook. Elisa reveals how Canadians plan to spend 10 percent less this season, why affordability dominates, and how “Made in Canada” sentiment continues to rise. Together, they discuss generational spending gaps, in-store experiences versus e-commerce, and AI’s growing impact on consumer discovery and retail strategy—all while offering timely guidance for the industry’s next chapter.

On this episode of The Voice of Retail, Michael welcomes Martha McKimm, Co-Founder of Hopson Grace, and Shelley Simpson, Founder of Mud Australia, for a lively conversation about the art and business of modern retail. From building a design-focused brand in a crowded marketplace to the evolution of e-commerce, community-driven stores, and authentic partnerships, they share lessons on staying true to values, scaling creativity with integrity.

In this episode of The Voice of Retail, EY leaders Malin Andrée and Jon Copestake reveal findings from the 15th Future Consumer Index, based on 20,000 shoppers across 27 countries. Host Michael LeBlanc explores what’s driving retail’s next era—from the omnichannel reinvention of physical stores to the uneasy balance between sustainability, affordability, and trust in AI. Together, they decode the data behind changing consumer values and what retail innovators must do to keep pace with the world’s new shopper.

Michael welcomes branding visionary Jean-Pierre Lacroix, President of SLD, to discuss his latest book "Think Blink: Creating Deep, Lasting Emotional Brand Connections in the Blink of an Eye". They explore how emotion drives consumer decisions, why incremental thinking is dead, and how AI is reshaping brand strategy. Lacroix unpacks the “seven tenets” that transform brands from functional to emotional, offering lessons from decades of global design leadership across markets from Toronto to Shanghai.

Rob Garf, now VP and Head of Industry Strategy at Cordial, joins host Michael LeBlanc to explore how AI is reshaping retail marketing, consumer discovery, and the customer journey. Together they unpack Cordial’s new research showing how retailers can break through the noise to create truly individualized engagement. From collapsing the marketing funnel to managing data trust, brand storytelling, and organizational change, Garf shares strategic advice for marketers navigating AI adoption in a fast-evolving retail landscape.

In this episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes Chris Parsons, VP Partner Growth & Marketing at Hale Performance Marketing and first-time author of his new book, "Retail Rewired: Retail Rewired: How Modern Retail Leaders Drive Growth and Reinvention". Chris reflects on his career from Walmart to Home Hardware, now the agency side at Hale, and the writing of his new book. Together they explore the four pillars of retail leadership, emotional loyalty, customer immersion, and future retail ecosystems. A practical, future-focused conversation for leaders navigating today’s changing marketplace.

Michael Zabaneh, Vice President of Sustainability at the Retail Council of Canada, joins The Voice of Retail to explore how sustainability is reshaping retail operations. From extended producer responsibility and climate initiatives to supply chain challenges, Michael shares insights on how retailers can balance environmental goals with economic realities. He also previews the upcoming Retail Sustainability Conference, featuring global leaders from Costco and PepsiCo. A must-listen episode for retailers navigating regulatory pressures, consumer expectations, and sustainable growth.

On this episode Michael welcomes Sebastian Picardo, President & CEO of Holt Renfrew, for an in-depth, farewell conversation on luxury retail in Canada and beyond. Sebastian shares his global journey from Buenos Aires to London to Toronto, and his vision for evolving Holt Renfrew during a period of disruption. He unpacks Canadian consumer dynamics, the competitive retail landscape, AI’s impact on shopping, and his leadership philosophy. As his tenure closes, Sebastian reflects on lessons learned and what’s next.

On this episode of The Voice of Retail, Michael LeBlanc welcomes Mark Ryski, Founder & CEO of HeadCount and author of Store Traffic is a Gift. Mark explains why retailers should stop relying on transactions as a proxy for store visits and start treating traffic as a vital, first-party data source. Together they explore post-pandemic retail dynamics, the limits of AI, and how leaders can convert every store visit into meaningful sales growth.

This episode of The Voice of Retail features Fawad Baig, Retail Industry Lead for Canada with Accenture, as we explore Accenture’s new global report (with Canadian content) on AI-powered consumer engagement. From the startling rise in uncertainty among Canadians to the growing trust in generative AI for shopping and decision-making, Fawad shares why this shift matters for brands and retailers. We discuss loyalty, AI agents, ethical AI, and the strategies retailers need to thrive in this transformative moment.

Retail strategist David Ian Gray, Principal of DIG360 Consulting and faculty at Capilano University, joins Michael on The Voice of Retail to unpack his latest Angus Reid research on Canada’s booming pre-owned market. With 77% of Canadians shopping second-hand, motivations span affordability, sustainability, and uniqueness. From Facebook Marketplace dominance to luxury brand resale programs, David explores opportunities, challenges, and what retailers must understand about circular commerce to stay competitive in a shifting consumer economy.

In this encore episode host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Carson Arthur, television personality and founder of Carson’s Garden & Market in Prince Edward County. Carson shares how he transitioned from brand builder at Procter & Gamble to HGTV design star and finally to small business retail owner. From global sourcing trips to pandemic-driven tourism spikes, Carson reflects on the highs and lows of retail entrepreneurship while offering invaluable advice to indie retailers and policymakers alike

In this episode of The Voice of Retail, Michael LeBlanc welcomes Cameron Conn, CEO of Vancouver-based Champlain Apparel, for an inspiring conversation about his unconventional path from casino development to luxury menswear. Cameron explains how hospitality principles, disciplined wholesale execution, and authentic storytelling have landed Champlain in retailers like Harry Rosen. He also preview shis upcoming Retail Council of Canada’s Retail West appearance on September 25 with Harry Rosen’s Chief Merchandising Officer Shannon Stewart, where they’ll be exploring brand partnerships, customer engagement, and loyalty in today’s competitive retail market.

In this special encore episode, I sit down with retail expert, fellow NRF Top Voice, and ReThink Top Retail Expert Liza Amlani to discuss her recent book, The Whole Sale: Profitable Wholesale Strategies for Brands. We explore retail fundamentals, wholesale growth strategies, brand partnerships, getting and keeping listings with retailers, merchandising strategies and insider tips, and how direct-to-consumer brands can successfully scale into physical retail while maintaining profitability.

On this Encore episode, I welcome back one of my favourite guests on the pod, my good friend Montreal-based Carl Boutet. Carl is a retail strategist, professor, and author of his latest book, "Blind Spot: Navigating the Unseen Effects of Technology on Commerce.". We discuss Carl's journey into academia, AI's evolving role, and the future of technology in commerce. Carl also shares insights on curiosity, innovation, and digital transformation.

In this episode of The Voice of Retail, I’m joined by Chris Jones, Founder and CEO of Cannabis Xpress. Chris returns to the podcast to share how his retail-first, low-cost model has scaled to (soon) 21 locations across Ontario and New Brunswick. We dive deep into the state of cannabis retail in Canada, lessons from the U.S., regulatory challenges, the role of location and staff training, and what's next for Cannabis Xpress—including growth, private label, and potential acquisition.

Recorded live on the stage at STORE2025 in Toronto, Simone Lumsden, SVP, Triangle Customer Loyalty and Triangle Retail Media at Canadian Tire, and Sandra Duff, Founder of AnotherStory Consulting, join me on the stage to take on some of retail's most essential topics - "Beyond Satisfaction: Unlocking What Drives Consumers in 2025". We pick up the conversation after a brief presentation by Sandra on the current state of customer satisfaction, and with Simone answering my question: what has changed in terms of loyalty drivers for customers, and what has altered in the loyalty environment within which you operate.

In this episode I sit down with James B. Smith, Founder and CEO of Rare Placement, to explore the evolving nature of retail leadership. Drawing from a storied career in media, publishing, and executive search, James unpacks the importance of storytelling, agility, and culture fit in talent placement. He also shares practical tips for executives navigating career transitions, succession planning, and building high-impact boards in today’s hybrid, fast-moving retail environment.

In this special encore live episode of The Voice of Retail, recorded at SMU’s Cox School of Business, Michael LeBlanc sits down with his Remarkable Retail #podcast partner Steve Dennis, retail visionary and bestselling author, to discuss his latest book, Leaders Leap. Drawing on decades of executive experience and personal insight, Steve breaks down why many transformations fail, introduces his seven “leadership mind leaps,” and shares a compelling framework for disrupting the status quo. This is a must-listen for retail leaders seeking lasting, meaningful change.