Why retailers must invest in people as AI advances
Artificial intelligence may transform how retailers operate, but Charles de Brabant, Executive Director of the Bensadoun School of Retail Management, says the human touch could become their greatest competitive advantage.
In the Age of AI, Investing in the Human Touch Is Fundamental for Retailers
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into retail, Executive Director Charles de Brabant argues that technology alone will not be enough to create lasting competitive advantage. While AI can enhance efficiency, decision-making and customer experience, retailers that continue investing in trust, expertise, empathy and meaningful human relationships will be best positioned to succeed.
Reshaping retail: AI, customer relevance and smarter decisions
On September 29, 2026, the Bensadoun School of Retail Management (BSRM) hosted its annual Reshaping the Future of Retail Conference at the Ritz-Carlton Montréal, powered by KPMG.
New McGill research finds Too Good To Go partnership reduced fresh-food waste by 11% at Circle K U.S. stores
Drawing on two years of data from 5,279 U.S. Circle K stores, the study provides the first large-scale causal evidence of how a surplus-food partnership affects food waste, and finds it also brought more visits to stores without cannibalizing regular sales.
Read full articleProfessor Maxime Cohen’s new book decodes how AI is rewriting the rules of pricing
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SHEIN's cooling appeal in Montreal
Shein’s latest Montreal pop-up has drawn less interest than its 2023 edition, potentially reflecting growing consumer discomfort with the brand’s environmental and labour record.
Rising prices reshape back-to-school shopping
As rising prices put pressure on family budgets, Canadian parents are taking a more strategic approach to back-to-school shopping.
Siddhanth Mookerjee, professor of marketing at McGill University, says families are starting earlier and making multiple shopping trips to find the best value on clothing, shoes and school supplies.
Canada seeks stronger trade ties beyond the U.S.
As Canada faces the threat of 50 per cent U.S. tariffs on billions of dollars in exports, Ottawa is looking to reduce its long-term dependence on its largest trading partner. Saibal Ray, professor of supply chain management at McGill Desautels, says expanding trade relationships in Asia and other markets could strengthen Canada’s resilience over time.
Merch pop-ups reshape the concert experience
As concert merchandise pop-ups become a standard feature of major music tours, Ariana Grande’s Montreal shop drew thousands of fans seeking exclusive items and a shared experience.
Meet the winning teams of our Retail Gen AI Hackathon
Congratulations to our winning teams of the Bensadoun School’s 2nd annual Retail Gen AI Hackathon.
We had 38 student teams register representing diverse faculties across McGill University. Over two days, 10 finalist teams hacked creative Gen AI solutions for our title sponsor ALDO Group.
Participate in the Fall 2023 edition of the Retail Gen AI Hackathon
October 5-13, 2023Want to work collaboratively in a fun yet competitive environment to develop innovative generative AI solutions for the ALDO Group’s Data & Analytics Corporate Team?
Bensadoun School receives $5M in provincial funding for retail innovation
The Quebec Ministry of Economy and Innovation has awarded the Bensadoun School of Retail Management with $5 million in funding over the next four years. According to Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon, a significant portion of the funds will support the Bensadoun School’s retail innovation lab. Unveiled earlier this year, the live laboratory store is designed to provide insights that will help accelerate Quebec retailers along the path of digital transformation.
McGill University and Alimentation Couche-Tard launch unique laboratory store to propel retail industry and customers into the future
Partnering with Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., the new retail innovation lab at McGill’s Bensadoun School of Retail Management will enable ground-breaking research and test innovations, including frictionless technologies
