Robert Yusim

It's part and parcel with retailers - they will try to leverage their position power to extract more from suppliers. More services, more money. Heck, LCL is (in)famous for it - they are a classic retailer bully. In this case, it seems the CEO of Cannabis Xpress learned this (maybe at Origin House as they negotiated acquisitions) and applied it...until he got caught. Many others sell their transaction data, and maybe (maybe) it is purely a data sale and nothing more (yeah right). If a supplier does not support, let's say, the retailer's charity or their company Christmas party, or their data deal, that typically ends up reflecting on that supplier. In Alberta, the payment of inducements in beverage-alcohol is illegal, but back in 2011, Liquor Stores NA (now Alcanna and interestingly, owned by SNDL), as an example, had a CEO who tried every angle he could find, to try to force us to pay over and above funds - he couldn't and it pissed him off big-time. But we were not going to enter that dark forest. It can be hard as a supplier to say no, especially if that could mean a significant hit to your revenues - it might be where the Cannabis Council of Canada does what it should have done 6 years ago and led the syndication of store level transaction data - Spirits Canada does that for spirits and the data we had was some of the best, most granular, sales data that I ever saw in my 25 years in CPG. Maybe they have to outlaw data sales by retailers, if they cannot be trusted to not tie it to listings and purchases (I know, trust a retailer, good one - they have earned that mistrust). But, Cannabis Xpress got caught, got fined, and hopefully, lost most of their credibility.

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We would like to welcome a new member company to the UWEBC: Laughlin Constable   Laughlin Constable was founded in 1976 and is a full-service Brand Experiences Agency. With a company vision to create brand experiences that "Make It Personal,” Laughlin Constable helps brands grow and thrive at the intersection of Strategic Intelligence, Brand Creativity, Human Context, and Connected Experiences. By combining creativity with content placed in exactly the right context, Laughlin Constable works hard to create work that connects on a personal level.   We are super excited to have them be a part of the Consortium. Welcome, Laughlin Constable! #UWEBC #LaughlinConstable #BrandExperiences #MakeItPersonal #CreativeAgency #MarketingAgency #Branding #BrandGrowth #BrandThrive #StrategicIntelligence #BrandCreativity #HumanContext #ConnectedExperiences #ContentCreation #Creativity #Personalization #WelcomeNewMember #AgencyLife #MarketingWorld #DigitalMarketing #CreativeWork #InnovativeAgency #BrandConnection #ExcitedCollaboration #BusinessGrowth

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#Marketers be warned, if you are going to make #green claims, you better be able to back them up. Or you could cost your client / employer BIG TIME. I am tired, of seeing companies of all sizes tout how #sustainable they are, when in reality, they are doing the bare minimum. If that. As someone who has fought the good fight, with #integrity over the past decade, it is so disheartening to learn how much greenwashing goes on. Much of that learning, coming from experience and following the path. With such a large quantity of GhG emissions stemming from business activities, the need for sustainability is greater than ever. #marekting

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Some Ontario grocery stores feel hoodwinked by new bottle return requirements that "may make it impossible" to participate in Premier Doug Ford’s expansion of alcohol sales. "Ontario grocery stores — particularly smaller, independent shops — say new bottle return requirements that were sprung on them a week before they’re set to take effect may make it impossible to participate in Premier Doug Ford’s expansion of alcohol sales. Grocery stores that aren’t already selling alcohol can start stocking their shelves with beer, wine and coolers as of Thursday, the next step in Ford’s expedited rollout. Uptake has been relatively low, with just over 400 new grocery stores signing on to join the existing 450 grocers licensed to sell alcohol, out of around 5,000 such stores in the province. Grocery stores were already concerned that those who sell alcohol will also have to accept empties. Having the smell of stale beer mingling with the smell of fresh food — and having to put not-quite-entirely-empty bottles that become fruit fly magnets near produce sections — would not be good for business, they said. But with new and detailed requirements communicated to them this week by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario just days before they begin, retailers say they don’t know how they will make it work, and some are planning to hand back their licences. https://lnkd.in/ghySFa3y

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The AGLC is reminding the Canadian cannabis industry that cannabis product samples may only be provided by provincially-registered cannabis representatives within retail stores. The provincial cannabis regulator (Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis) sent out a memo on October 18 to all cannabis licensees, representatives, and suppliers, reminding them of the province’s rules around cannabis sampling.  While the AGLC allowed cannabis sampling in 2023, cannabis suppliers must be registered with the AGLC as “cannabis representatives,” and samples can only be provided by those representatives directly to retail cannabis store licensees in retail cannabis stores. These product samples, reminds the AGLC, are for licensee use only and may not be provided directly to a licensee’s staff or the general public. The memo also notes that “AGLC inspectors attended recent cannabis industry events and observed Cannabis Representatives and Cannabis Suppliers providing cannabis product samples to event attendees.” From the memo: “Cannabis product samples may only be provided by Cannabis Representatives directly to Retail Cannabis Store Licensees in retail cannabis stores. Cannabis product samples are for licensee use only and may not be provided to a licensee’s staff or the general public. They must meet all Health Canada requirements including packaging, labeling and federal compliance reporting. Records of all cannabis product sampling activities must be retained for 6 years. Cannabis Suppliers are not permitted to represent or promote cannabis products in Alberta including engaging in cannabis product sampling activities unless they are a registered Cannabis Representative with AGLC. Cannabis Representatives and Cannabis Suppliers may not sell or give away cannabis products in Alberta.”

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Thursday's a big moment for 7-Eleven owner Seven & i as it fights an attempted takeover by Circle-K operator Couche-Tard. The Japanese convenience store giant reports earnings and that’s a chance to demonstrate how it could be worth far more than the $39 billion bid Couche-Tard has dangled. In September I argued Seven & i should get a wriggle on and sell its Japanese superstores unit plus its near-50% stake in Seven Bank. The good news is that it’s on the case, as Bloomberg News exclusively reported last week. Probably better to sell the Seven Bank holding in full rather than just part of it (as reported)...but at least the board appears to be working on a proper defense strategy. Details of concrete action here would surely go down well with investors. Read my column for Bloomberg Opinion: https://lnkd.in/e3Z2NSgd

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🚨 Made in Canada? Just Talk, No Action! 🚨 It’s great to hear Canadian premiers promoting Made in Canada products. But here’s the reality check: almost none of them follow up on that promise. Take office furniture, for example. Big-name brands flood the market with products NOT MADE IN CANADA, sold at exorbitant markups by Canadian sales teams. Meanwhile, Canadian manufacturers, who create high-quality, locally made goods, are left out in the cold costing local investment in machinery and trained personnel. Here is a simple challenge: go around any government office and check for yourself. The federal and provincial governments? They’re still stuck in rhetoric mode. Where’s the real support for Canadian businesses and workers? If you truly care about local jobs, sustainability, and our economy, it’s time to walk the talk. 📢 Let’s start holding decision-makers accountable for their words! #MadeInCanada #ShopLocal #SupportLocalBusiness #CanadianManufacturing #SupportCanadianJobs #BuyCanadian #CanadianEconomy #ManufacturingMatters #Sustainability #SupportSmallBusiness #LocalEconomy #EconomicGrowth

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Discover the buying power of new Canadians, who represent 20% of the population. They are 1.6x more willing to try new products, 1.3x more willing to try new brands, and 2.4x more attentive to ads with celebrity endorsements or local influencers. Understanding their preferences can help brands build strong connections and drive success in the Canadian market. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/geEWAunn

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🤔 What is the best way to target specific retail customers? 💡Our latest analysis of Canadian grocery store shoppers and hardware store shoppers shows that branded e-mails are most effective with both types of consumers. Want to see how you should be targeting your target audience? 👉 Book a demo with our expert team to see how YouGov Profiles can provide you with detailed consumer insights: https://lnkd.in/ei3ZduZf

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Neither of the contributors know jack-shite about strategy - and even less about consumer packaged goods... ...so, let's have them write an article about it - dumb, dumb, dumb. I will say it again, monosyllabic, so as to not confuse those for whom Mensa is not holding a chair: There - is - no - first - move - good - in - C - P - G. If you have a winning value proposition for your chosen consumer, they will switch to you, when you get there - they've done it for a hundred years. And retailers will list you because shoppers/consumers want to buy it and use it. Wait and prove out what you have and ensure a clear line of sight forward. At the Canadian federal gov't level, do you really think that setting new cannabis policies is anywhere near a priority - they just finished ignoring excise tax reform in the latest Budget. US federal legalization will be costly and complex and competitive - the last time I looked, there are a ton of incumbent suppliers and retailers. You better be sure your VP will win, otherwise, you will lose a lot of money, really quick. And the last thing the Canadian cannabis industry needs is the ability to import cannabis into Canada - it would have a lower total delivered cost than what's grown here now - that's a promise. Dumb, dumb, dumb. https://lnkd.in/gHJiJm5C

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Are you a brand owner looking to take your business to the next level? Partnering with a private label manufacturer in Canada might be the answer you've been searching for. Find out more on Vedic Ventures new blog post. Link below 👇 #privatelabel #nutraceuticals #supplements #GMPcertified #NHP #VedicVentures

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Technology in retail is an incumbent giant strength. It is going to be very hard to displace Amazon, Walmart, and a few others. Although... someone once said their margin is our opportunity... so maybe disruptors to come. What's happening - well Sobeys is the latest retailer to slow down their rollout of Ocado powered warehouse. That's after Kroger did the same. Kroger has the financial capability of pivoting, abandoning, doing whatever they want. Ocado market cap keeps sinking, making access to $ harder. They don't look to be in terrible shape, but, what happens if they crumble? How does a retailer Sobeys size (big, but not with billions in free cash flow) adapt and adjust? Placing good bets on winners, and/or small scale bets is the game for everyone but the 10(?) biggest retailers in the world. Some of them will get it right. But the risks are bigger. Action for sales teams: no change. E-com continues to be the individual most important store for all retailers that have a web presence. Lean in.

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Drive Wheel Expands to Canada: Launching Exclusive CPG Manufacturer Peer Group! 🍁🚀 Culture Advisory Group has exciting news for Canadian CPG manufacturers! Drive Wheel is thrilled to announce the launch of our first Canadian CPG Manufacturer Peer Group, specifically designed for companies exporting or looking to export to the U.S. market. 🗓️ Launching: December 2 & 3, 2024 📍 First Meeting: Inn on the Twenty, Jordan, ON Why Join? Connect with fellow Canadian CPG leaders Make confident, growth-driven decisions Learn best practices and benchmark performance Leverage collective knowledge for strategic growth About Drive Wheel 20+ years of experience 25+ peer groups for Food and CPG leaders Bi-annual, two-day in-person meetings 150+ participating CPG companies Exclusive Canadian Focus A Roadmap to the US for Emerging Brands -This new group is tailored to address the unique needs and interests of Canadian companies in the CPG sector seeking to expand into the US market. Added Value Culture Advisory Group will co-facilitate meetings and assist eligible companies in obtaining government grants to offset participation costs. Ready to accelerate your business growth? Learn more about how this can be your most productive business experience: https://lnkd.in/exvjVMCm James Pippen of Good Now Foods will be participating in this inaugrual event “Ways to get listed and expand your business at Whole Foods US” Our mission is to market organic, non-GMO, and clean brands so that they are exposed to the broadest customer base and supported with fair and reasonable promotions and other sales support. #CPG #CanadianBusiness #PeerGroup #BusinessGrowth #DriveWheel

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Pot dealing in Qc and the RoC As Tokyo Smoke seeks bankruptcy protection, it’s worth considering whether Quebec’s more restrictive approach to cannabis retailing might actually be the smarter path forward. While private players across Canada have struggled to find their footing in a competitive and often oversaturated market, La Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) has quietly been evolving into a robust and stable alternative. The SQDC, once reminiscent of the old-school, behind-the-counter shopping experience, is now transforming its stores into more welcoming environments, with bright spaces and easy-to-navigate product displays. Their 100th store opening is not just a milestone—it may be a signal that their model is working. With 63% of cannabis consumers in Quebec now choosing SQDC, it’s clear that the public option is more than just a safe bet; it might just be the key to replacing the grey or black market. The removal of overly restrictive ID checks and the introduction of 90-minute delivery in many areas are examples of how the SQDC is adapting to consumer needs while maintaining tight control over the market. In contrast, the free-market experiment in other provinces is proving to be less reliable. Could it be that a state-controlled model, with its focus on stability and gradual expansion, is better suited to the challenges of the cannabis industry?

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Build Something That Stands Tall Through Time When the CN Tower was built, it was more than just a radio tower. It was a statement. A beacon of innovation that transformed a practical necessity into a symbol of Toronto’s identity. What if we built our companies and brands with the same vision? Not just to solve today’s problems like ‘give me MORE PROTEIN’ … but to become timeless icons. To take what’s functional and turn it into something that is timeless. To inspire pride and identity. All of the world class brands do this. Just like the CN Tower wasn’t merely a structure but a revitalization for a city, our businesses can be more than products or services—they can redefine what it means to stand tall through time. So my question going into the weekend for all of us is … How will you build your legacy? #cultureFIRSTleadership 🎥 … running & exploring Toronto this morning. 👇🏼

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Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, get ready! The agricultural sector has seen huge technological leaps in recent years but is still playing catch-up when it comes to event-based lead generation and ROI measurement. Terry Foster, Christine Ortiz and I will be at the event this week seeing customers in action with their event lead capture strategy. We’re excited to support Greenworks with #sustainabilty using software to engage people through their activations and capture lead data! #NoMoreLeadLeakage If you’re going to the show and want to see how Limelight Platform can help you reap the rewards of your hard work and investment in events. We can help you: - Capture and qualify leads, even without proper internet. - Follow up with interested customers and alert the right dealers. - Report on the success of events, trade shows and activations (booths & demos). If you’re going to be at the event, give me a shout because I’d love to connect!

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Make each display a memorable moment that keeps customers coming back! #KDDisplays #InStoreInnovation #KDDisplays #VisualExcellence RetailExcellence #CanadaBusiness #StoreDisplay #RetailSolutions #RetailTrends

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