Missed the RCC STORE Conference 2025? We've got you covered.
Whether you missed the event or want a smart recap of this year’s RCC STORE conference, this post covers the core trends, key takeaways, and everything that mattered. Know how Tru’s strategy aligns with event insights, and what retail teams should prepare for next.
RCC STORE Conference 2025: What, When & Where?
Believing retail is only about going digital is a costly misconception. Getting smarter with the tech you already have is the only truth. This was literally the front and center at RCC STORE 2025.
Hosted at Toronto’s Congress Centre on June 2-4, the conference brought together over 2,000 retail decision-makers, thought leaders, and influencers, making it Canada’s premier retail networking event.
Across two full days, attendees dove into critical themes on AI, data and CX through expert-led sessions, interactive panels, and showcase exhibits. From AI-driven operations to consumer-driven values, the conversations reflected the priorities behind tomorrow’s most impactful retail strategies.
The Big Ideas Driving Retail, From RCC STORE 2025
The Retail Council of Canada’s STORE 2025 event spotlighted bold ideas that pushed retail leaders to rethink strategy and tactical innovation. Here’s a closer look at the themes that led the conversation:
1. AI in Action: Smarter Retail, End-to-End
AI x Retail is undoubtedly the top talk! Speakers from IBM and Loblaw shared ways generative AI, computer vision, and automation are boosting productivity and personalizing experiences. Sharon Gai continued the conversation with examples of AI making real-time decisions in merchandising, ops, and service design.
2. Cracking the Consumer Code in an Evolving Landscape
Google Canada’s Eric Morris took the stage to decode how retailers could stay ahead in a dynamic consumer landscape. Backed by rich data and AI-powered tools, he shared how businesses had been anticipating needs, customizing experiences, and driving growth in a rapidly shifting market.
3. Retail Designs Meet Digital Thinking
The in-store experience is no longer separate from the digital one, and the best-performing brands are blurring those lines by design. From immersive signage to frictionless checkout, sessions explored the influence of digital behavior on modern retail spaces.
4. Enterprise Data as a Growth Lever
Sobeys’ VP of Enterprise Data shared how their teams are unlocking customer value through a smarter data strategy. It’s about using connected systems to improve service, streamline operations, and enhance shopper journeys across every touchpoint.
RCC STORE 2025 reflected how retailers are leveraging data analytics services to drive sharper, faster decision-making. It’s not just a trend, it’s a strategic shift toward stronger customer connections and sustainable, scalable growth.
Turning Insights into Action: Tru’s Advice for Retail Leaders
The ideas shared at the RCC STORE 2025 were like a call to action. As retail evolves, leaders need to move from awareness to execution. Based on the event’s biggest signals, here are five strategic priorities Tru recommends to help retail teams turn insight into impact.
1. Master Existing Technology
Drive more value from the tools you already use than buying new ones. Deep integration and smart usage amplify impact, without always needing something new.
2. Use Data to Anticipate and Personalize
Go beyond basic customer understanding. Leverage data to predict needs and deliver tailored experiences that build loyalty and increase engagement.
3. Embed Analytics in Every Decision
Make data-driven insights the core of operational and strategic choices across merchandising, marketing, and customer service for faster, smarter outcomes.
4. Invest in Skills and Culture
Equip your teams with training. Foster a culture that embraces innovation and agility to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.
5. Align Tech with Customer-Centric Strategies
Technology is only as good as the customer experience it enables. Prioritize seamless, personalized interactions to strengthen customer relationships and drive growth.
Start smarter with Tru’s digital transformation services. Your future won’t wait!
Powering What’s Next in Retail—With Strategy That Sticks
Adopting the latest tools for digital transformation isn’t enough. Businesses need to activate the intelligence behind them. At Tru, we help retail brands harness the full potential of their business and boost revenue.
From digital strategy and user experience design to data analytics, AI, and personalized marketing, Tru delivers end-to-end solutions tailored for modern retail. Our expertise includes development, infrastructure modernization, platform integration, CDPs, performance-driven marketing, and actionable insights, driving growth across every customer touchpoint.
The themes at RCC STORE 2025 reflect what’s already built into Tru’s DNA: making innovation real, actionable, and measurable.
