Katie Mares CTDP MCATD CPS

#Nordstrom is making a significant move by returning to Canada — re-entering the market just over a year after its departure. Following their previous departure due to profitability challenges, this decision marks a new chapter for the company as they embrace a pure-play ecommerce strategy, opting for a digital-only presence over physical stores. This strategic shift raises a fundamental question: Will an ecommerce-focused approach deliver better financial outcomes for Nordstrom in Canada? With the rise of online shopping and consumers' increasing comfort with digital retail, this move could improve performance and customer reach. We'd love to hear your thoughts! Will Nordstrom's digital-only strategy be successful in Canada? Let us know in the comments. 🇨🇦

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Yonge and Bloor Leadership Opportunity Alert Hello future leaders, Do you believe that people are the heart of any organization, and that fostering a positive workplace culture is paramount? Do you prioritize the development of individuals under your guidance, recognizing that investing in people yields long-term success? Do you lead by example, setting high standards and inspiring those around you to reach their full potential? Do you believe that transparency is key to nurturing growth and trust within teams? Do you believe that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible? If these beliefs resonate with you and you're interested in joining our Yonge and Bloor leadership team, I invite you to apply using the link below and share this post with potential leaders you may know. Just Do It!

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Yonge and Bloor Leadership Opportunity Alert Hello future leaders, Do you believe that people are the heart of any organization, and that fostering a positive workplace culture is paramount? Do you prioritize the development of individuals under your guidance, recognizing that investing in people yields long-term success? Do you lead by example, setting high standards and inspiring those around you to reach their full potential? Do you believe that transparency is key to nurturing growth and trust within teams? Do you believe that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible? If these beliefs resonate with you and you're interested in joining our Yonge and Bloor leadership team, I invite you to apply using the link below and share this post with potential leaders you may know. Just Do It!

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Canadian consumers are resilient and love to shop for apparel - and I am definitely one of them! Last year, Canadian apparel's sales growth outpaced the overall sector performance. Despite economic challenges like inflation and high interest rates, the Trendex North America report reveals that Canadian consumers have not shied away from refreshing their wardrobes, particularly in the women’s and luxury segments. 👗 Women’s apparel surged ahead with significant gains across all categories, while luxury apparel grew by approximately 10%, bolstered by increased tourism and expanded high-end retail spaces at places like Yorkdale and the Mink Mile. Interestingly, e-commerce saw a slight decline in the apparel segment, as consumers favoured the in-person shopping experiences. As we look ahead, the market is expected to continue growing in 2024, albeit at a more moderate pace. It’s a dynamic time for Canadian retailers, who must balance between traditional and digital realms to cater to evolving consumer preferences. #RetailTrends #FashionIndustry #ConsumerBehavior #SustainableFashion #LuxuryRetail #CanadianEconomy #MarketInsights 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gg4KP5wS

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THIS IS WHO SHOULD BE THE NEXT CEO OF MICHAELS Michaels Stores is the largest arts and crafts retailer in North America, operating over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at Michaels.com and Michaels.ca. The Michaels Companies, Inc. also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of custom and specialty framing merchandise, and MakerPlace by Michaels, a dedicated handmade goods marketplace. With the announcement that CEO Ashley Buchanan is leaving the company, Michaels has launched a CEO search via Spencer Stuart. In my opinion, the top candidate to become the next CEO of Michaels is Kecia Steelman. Kecia has an extensive business and operations background across multiple retailers including Target and Dollar General. Kecia is currently the President of Ulta Beauty. Gina Boswell, CEO of Bath & Body Works; or Sonia Syngal, would also do well as the CEO of Michaels. However, it’s plausible that Andrew Jhawar, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Michaels, will want to make a big move instead of merely replacing Buchanan. For example, Jhawar may choose to negotiate a merger between Etsy and Michaels. The financing will be a challenge but not impossible. I believe a merger of Michaels and Etsy would be a perfect fit for both companies. Such a move would allow Josh Silverman, the CEO of Etsy, to become the CEO of the combined companies. If a merger occurs, Nicholas Daniel and Raina Moskowitz should be given greater levels of responsibility; both individuals are highly competent. As for Ashley Buchanan, I believe he was selected to become the CEO of Kohl's not only because of his extensive retail experience, but primarily because of his experience working with Apollo Global Management, Inc., an alternative asset management company. I anticipate that the funds managed by Apollo are going to be interested in acquiring Kohl’s. In 2020, Kohl’s was worth nearly $8B. Today, Kohl’s has a market cap of only $1.5B. An acquisition of Kohl’s by Apollo would be a wise move. (I believe Amazon should acquire Kohl’s. Lidl US, ALDI USA, Wayfair or Kroger may have an interest in acquiring Kohl’s.) Note: Andrew Jhawar has worked for Apollo since 2000, and he is a Partner in the firm and the Head of Private Equity. I wish Michaels Stores the best. https://lnkd.in/gqD8GrdY

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“THE GREATEST LEADER IS NOT NECESSARILY THE ONE WHO DOES THE GREATEST THINGS. HE IS THE ONE THAT GETS THE PEOPLE TO DO THE GREATEST THINGS.” #buildingleaders 🎯 . . #fashionretail #retailmanagement #internationalmarketing #marketing #advertising #visualmerchandising #canadamarketing #regionalmanager #canadamerchandiser #internationalvisualmarketing #management #retailmanagement #storemanagement #retailchain #fashionevents #NewJob #CareerMove #NextChapter #CareerSuccess #ProfessionalDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #CareerGoals #OpportunityKnocks #CareerChange #NewBeginnings #CareerAdvancement

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🍨 Let's talk colours, #promotions, and #merchandising today🍨 Initial reaction: 👀😮🤩 Besides being an almost 100% Canadian Set 🍁 (the Nestles on the bottom were on clearance), what made me stop was how nicely merchandised this was: 🌈 Squamish Water Kefir Co. The fun, bright, and refreshing "new kid on the block" vibe 🍨Nora's Plant-Based Ice Cream The nostalgic "Ice Cream Parlour" vibe 🍋 Righteous Gelato The Minimalistic and sophisticated "grown up" vibe Another point to mention is #SeasonaItems and #Promotions💲Annual planning comes (very) early and sometimes we forget to include seasonal items upon promotion submission to the Retailer 🙈 If that has happened, take a look at your Sales Report at the end of the promo period and ask yourself: 1️⃣ Was the velocity similar across all SKUs? 2️⃣ Was their higher sales for the Seasonal SKUs (despite not on promo) compared to the regular SKUs because they were limited edition? 3️⃣ Was their higher sales for the Seasonal SKUs during the promo period (of the regular SKUs) because the promo attracted customers to the Set? 4️⃣ Did I use social media to promote my Seasonal SKUs and the promotion at this Banner? 5️⃣ How were my sales overall when compared to other months when on promo (month, period, and % discount)? 🤓 Sabrina Horlyck Kristin Campbell Sunny Gurnani James Boettcher

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I had an interesting experience with a CFL player recently while he was shopping in our store. He was needing to be heard without judgement, and then asked for advice. I shared a few things I've learned being in therapy that has translated well into my own behaviours when it comes to everyday life. Perception and intention are not the same thing. Just because you intended one thing, does not mean that's how it was perceived. It opens a higher level of understanding and empathy. All feelings are valid, right or wrong. You can't control someone else's feelings. It's incredibly important to make sure to validate those feelings whether you agree with them or not. It boils down to making sure the other person feels that they've been heard. People who feel like they're being heard, tend to respond better to opportunities for solution minded thinking. This doesn't mean that your feelings are invalidated just because they conflict with theirs. It just means you can see past your feelings and understand that the other person has needs different from yours. You can't control others behaviours and attitudes. Their behaviour is a reflection on them. Your behaviour is a reflection on you. Make sure it's the reflection you want to see. I have diagnosed BPD and high functioning anxiety. I also have features of undiagnosed ADHD. I can't begin to tell you how beneficial therapy has been for being able to sort through a million thoughts, emotions and experiences. It's been hard to learn how to communicate. It doesn't always come easy but it's the best thing you'll ever learn.

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Are You Sabotaging Your Vision? The Shocking Truth About Skipping Eye Exams Did you know that skipping your regular eye exams could be silently sabotaging your vision and overall health? Many people underestimate the importance of these check-ups, thinking that if they can see well enough, everything must be fine. But the reality is far more alarming. The Silent Deterioration Your eyes are incredibly adaptive, and minor vision changes might go unnoticed for a long time. But just because you don't notice a problem doesn't mean it isn't there. Eye exams can detect issues like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration—conditions that often show no early symptoms. By the time you notice a problem, irreversible damage might already have occurred. Beyond Vision Correction Eye exams do much more than just update your prescription. They are a crucial part of maintaining your overall health. An eye test can reveal signs of systemic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and even certain types of cancer. Your eyes provide a unique window into your overall health, and regular check-ups can lead to early detection and treatment of these serious conditions. The Digital Age Dilemma In our digital age, we are spending more time than ever in front of screens, which increases the risk of digital eye strain and other vision-related issues. Regular eye exams can help mitigate these risks by ensuring you have the correct prescription and possibly recommending blue light lenses to protect your eyes from digital screens. The Cost of Neglect Skipping eye exams might save you time and money in the short term, but the long-term costs can be staggering. Vision loss, reduced quality of life, and expensive treatments for advanced eye conditions are just a few potential consequences. Investing in regular eye exams is a small price to pay for maintaining your vision and health. Take Action Today Don’t let complacency sabotage your vision. Schedule your eye exam today and take the first step towards safeguarding your sight and overall well-being. 🌐 https://lnkd.in/gTaS8pDP ↗ (https://lnkd.in/e3Dxpc6e) #EyeHealth #VisionCare #RegularEyeExams #ProtectYourSight #BottomleyOpticians #EyeHealthAwareness #PreventBlindness #HealthyEyes #EyeCare #UKOpticians #WestYorkshire #BetterAtBottomleys

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Let’s remember that gratitude isn’t just about appreciating what we have—it’s also about honoring the growth we’ve achieved and the progress we deserve to celebrate. As you head off for a few days to enjoy the holiday, I want you to ask yourself... Am I maximizing my revenue potential? Am I showing up in my business, home, and relationships like I want to? ​ Am I surrounded by a team that can support our growth, or am I trying to do it all on my own? Am I providing my team with the training they need to be the leaders they want to be, showing up as their best version of themselves? Sometimes, the best way to show gratitude is to take the next step. If you have a few minutes over the coming days, I encourage you to visit www.runninggreatstores.com and learn what we can do together.

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Nike Ontario- Leadership Opportunity Alert Hello future leaders, Do you believe that people are the heart of any organization, and that fostering a positive workplace culture is paramount? Do you prioritize the development of individuals under your guidance, recognizing that investing in people yields long-term success? Do you lead by example, setting high standards and inspiring those around you to reach their full potential? Do you believe that transparency is key to nurturing growth and trust within teams? Do you believe that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible? If these beliefs resonate with you and you're interested in joining our Ontario leadership teams, I invite you to apply using the link below and share this post with potential leaders you may know. Just Do It!

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We're just one week out from this fantastic webinar where I'll be in conversation with Angela Coté, CFE and Clint Smith (moderated by the wonderful Lizzy Young, CFE) discussing best practices for managing you teams. Hope you can join us!

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Running Great Stores is growing and we now offer leadership training on mindset, leadership and teamwork. Does training make a difference, you bet it does! Especially when we come alongside you and your organization and help embed the learnings into your culture. Click here and book a 15 minute free call to learn more about our leadership courses. https://lnkd.in/guKV6KBM #mindset #leadership #teamwork

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