A unique ‘innovation challenge’ is taking place at the Dx3 Conference in Toronto this year, and the winner may debut their concept at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, or another premium Oxford centre. Applications for the Canadian Retail Innovation Challenge are being accepted until January 27, so you’re encouraged to act fast, if interested.

Dx3 Canada has partnered with Oxford Properties Group, retail futurist Doug Stephens (aka 'Retail Prophet’), and the Retail Council of Canada for this first-ever initiative.

How it works: Applications will be accepted from across Canada, with six startup finalists selected to pitch their business concepts in front of judges from Oxford Properties Group, and Mr. Stephens/Retail Prophet. The competition features two broad categories: retail merchants that provide consumers with a different product, service, or shopping experience, and retail technology, which offers innovation that could change or influence the consumer shopping experience.

Two winners will get the chance to debut their concepts at either Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto or another Oxford Properties-owned shopping centre. Winners also receive the opportunity to meet and pitch to the Retail Council of Canada board of directors, which include executives from companies like Best Buy Canada and Kit and Ace. Winners will be featured in Canadian Retailer and invited to participate in the STORE 2017 conference (May 30-31) in Toronto.

Three finalists from each category will be invited to attend the Dx3 Conference in Toronto this spring, with the finals to take place during the conference on March 9 in front of an audience.

“Dx3 has always been about celebrating Canada’s digital marketing, advertising and retailing communities, and our hope is that we will encourage innovation in these categories across the country,” said Duncan Payne, Dx3 co-founder. “Our mission is to help develop and grow Canada’s startup community, and we’re hopeful that this initiative is seen as us putting that commitment into practice.”

Applications are being accepted until January 27, as mentioned, and the selected participants will be notified during the first week of February 2017. For more information, visit: dx3canada.com/canadian-retail-innovation-challenge.

*Sponsored content. To work with Retail Insider, contact Craig Patterson at: craig@retail-insider.com.

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web: January 18, 2017

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