New program for retailers earns support from Retail Council of Canada

Posted on February 24, 2020
New program for retailers earns support from Retail Council of Canada

At a time when the retail business has changed drastically thanks to technology and new customer expectations, there has never been a greater need for training in what is a leading segment of the economy.

The Schulich ExecEd (Schulich ExecEd), in partnership with The Retail Council of Canada (RCC) and Graff Retail, has launced a new five-day program – developed and delivered by renowned industry coaches – that will equip retail managers in both the brick and the click space with the advanced perspectives and cross-functional skill set they need to become more effective retail executives.

“We are delighted to partner with the Schulich ExecEd and Graff Retail to offer the Schulich ExecEd Certificate of Excellence in Retail Management,” said Diane Brisebois, president & CEO of the Retail Council of Canada. “The Certificate integrates a pertinent retail management curriculum delivered by some of the best retail leaders and experts in Canada. This is a great new initiative and one welcomed by the industry.”

Michael Taylor, program director, said there is no other program like this in Canada, created and led by leading retail experts. “You’re not going to get much better instructors anywhere,” Taylor said.

While large retailers do provide procedures for store management to follow, more than ever there is a need for training that provides practical knowledge on why those procedures are important and how to ensure staff teams understand how they impact the all-important customer experience.

This Schulich ExecEd program, which has been developed in consultation with Graff Retail, specialists in retail training for more than 30 years, is based on needs identified by members of the Retail Council of Canada. It is specifically designed for vice-presidents and directors of retail operations, and district, regional and store sales managers, as well as non-sales general managers and business owners who are responsible for retail performance and policies. It is also of interest to successful senior professionals who wish to make a transition to the retail sector.

The program takes a practical approach to meeting the challenges facing today’s retailers, including disruptive technologies and business models, increasing online competition, changes in demographics and preferences, and customers expecting an omni-channel world with seamless interactions at every touch point.

The five one-day learning modules each look at a critical aspect of a retail operation:

  • Understanding Retail
  • Strategy and Leadership
  • Managing the Store
  • Managing Teams and Performance
  • Managing the Business

Some of the topics covered in these modules look at top-of-mind concerns such as marketing, employee engagement, current operating models for retail stores, strategies to effectively reduce staff turnover rates, creating competitive advantage with internal and external partnerships, and much more.

And members of the Retail Council of Canada are entitled to a 10 -er cent discount on their program tuition.

For more information on the Certificate of Excellence in Retail Management (starting April 20, 2020) visit the program website.