JRoss Retail Recruiters E-Blast – July 2019 |
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Canada's positive indicators are reflected in the Canadian retail industry's indicators
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Canada's economy is showing encouraging signs. The unemployment rate in May was at its lowest since 1976, with business confidence at its highest since January. On May 21, the Conference Board of Canada reported that consumer spending was bouncing back and there were signs business investing was starting to grow. The GDP continues to grow YoY in line with predictions.
Canada's retail industry is part of that positive picture. Statistics Canada has now reported five months of consistently increasing YoY retail sales growth in 2019, starting at 2.5% YoY growth in January and increasing to 3.8% YoY growth in April. The 3 month trend line Feb-Apr showed 2.8% YoY growth, the highest in 6 months, with all retail sectors heading in the same direction
And Canada's newest retail sector — cannabis — continues to expand, with Ontario opening its second round of store licensing in July to adding another 50 stores to the existing 25. This sector alone (including soon to be legalized edibles) is predicted to account for $5B in annual sales by the end of 2021. For more information visit our blog.
But along with that growth comes competition, both from retailers currently operating in Canada and the 30+ international retailers predicted to open in Canada in 2019. And to compete successfully, you need the right people. Fortunately, we can help!
To get an idea of how we can help, look below for a few examples of candidates we've worked with and searches we've worked on in today's exciting retail world.
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FEATURED CANDIDATE PROFILES
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Vice President of Retail | Toronto
Consumer experience leader, process improver, people developer, and sales & channel expert are just some of the terms we'd use to describe this outstanding operator. Accustomed to a seat at the boardroom table, they have held Regional, Director and VP roles and have been responsible for $400M in top line sales with hundreds of direct reports. With exposure to small national and large international corporations, private and public companies, and vertically integrated businesses, they are mid-career, top of their game and winning awards for promoting a team culture that delivers a superior customer experience and drives profitable sales. If you need a leader with experience in getting results by empowering and inspiring teams, this candidate is a sure win!
Interested in candidates with this type of profile? |
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Director of Merchandising — General Merchandising | Vancouver
"Maximizing opportunities and making a difference" is this candidate's motto. This strategic and entrepreneurially-minded professional offers 15+ years of buying leadership experience managing large portfolios and teams for a top national retailer. In tune with customer demands and able to readily identify emerging trends and opportunities, they have first-hand experience with print, social media, loyalty programs and targeted digital marketing. They're highly effective in building complex buying plans and leading cross-functional teams, with a passion for talent acquisition, people development and team building. This senior merchant would be an asset for any organization looking for a business leader who has a clear vision, welcomes change and gets things done. Is that your organization?
Interested in candidates with this type of profile? |
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Store Manager — Luxury Apparel | Montreal
This fashionable leader has managed sales up to $10M and teams of over 25 associates in both specialty and outlet environments. With over 5 years of tenure in their current role, they're a standout amongst their peers and have assisted with multiple store openings and developing new leaders for their current high profile, contemporary international brand. In every role, this proven professional's focus is exceptional customer service — engaging the customer, building relationships and selling them products that meet their lifestyle needs. A true visual merchandising specialist, they're seasoned at resetting stores to maximize on trend and achieve sales and KPI targets. With limited growth opportunities in their market, they're ready to step into a new challenge. Could that be with you?
Interested in candidates with this type of profile? |
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Manager, Digital & Direct Marketing | Toronto
This stellar candidate has a passion for smart, creative, customer-centric marketing that maximizes brand loyalty. They're a seasoned CRM, loyalty and digital marketing professional with over 15 years of loyalty program and communications experience. In agencies, they've developed hundreds of cohesive communications programs for Fortune 500 brands. In retail, they've developed and launched reward programs and mobile shopping apps, designed numerous experiential programs to augment member advocacy and implemented hundreds of innovative direct marketing campaigns that drove traffic, sales and loyalty. As both a trusted marketing quarterback with proven ability to effectively motivate and galvanize cross functional teams to reach a common goals, and as an idea generator valued for both analytical skills and creative thinking, they’re an asset to any organization. Now, what could they do for yours?
Interested in candidates with this type of profile? |
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Currently open!
Human Resources Manager — Cannabis | Vancouver
This exciting Vancouver based brand carries an assortment of curated products for individuals who wish to enhance their life enjoyment through cannabis. They have fully compliant retail stores currently in operation in western Canada, with additional stores opening soon across the country. They need a strategic partner, an employee advocate, and a change champion to help guide their organization and shape the corporate culture for this progressive retail startup. How much could we help by doing the same for you?
Interested in candidates for this type of role? |
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Successfully filled!
Training Manager — Bath & Beauty | Montreal
This specialty retailer is a division of one of the world's largest cosmetic companies, focused on driving performance through relationship selling, exceptional products and exquisite boutique store environments. They needed a dynamic, highly motivated sales and business leadership trainer to develop and deliver internal training programs and support employee development opportunities. We helped them find an engaging L&D Manager who could develop courses and then facilitate delivery in a blended learning environment including online and classroom settings. Their new Training Manager is working hard to modernize current offerings, improving workplace performance for the benefit of both the business and individual team members. If a highly skilled Training Manager like this candidate would benefit your business and your team, let us know!
Interested in candidates for this type of role? |
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Currently open!
Vice President of Marketing and Customer Experience (CX) | Ottawa
Our client is a retail service arm of a proud Canadian institution dedicated to supporting its members and communities with products and services across the country. They need a leader who can analyze customer insights across all channels and use those insights to direct the strategy for customer acquisition and retention. That strategy will influence the development of brand marketing campaigns, store events, ecommerce and store operations. They've asked us to find them a progressive, strategic senior leader who can take charge of assessing consumer needs, enhancing the customer journey, and engaging and serving those who serve our country. Imagine what a candidate like this could do for you and your customers!
Interested in candidates for this type of role? |
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Successfully filled!
District Manager — Big Box | Calgary
Our client needed an outstanding leader with proven success establishing a culture of achievement, combined with a history of exceeding sales targets in large format retail settings. This role was unique and required someone who could identify opportunities in developing both new and existing business channels. We found them a true business leader who can ensure compliance with corporate controls & directives, while interpreting P&L and other related reports to drive district performance to the next level. In a challenging market like Alberta, this candidate was the ideal choice to build winning teams, troubleshoot challenging situations and leverage existing opportunities and sales momentum. If you'd like a leader who could do the same for you, we'd be happy to help!
Interested in candidates for this type of role? |
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