Retail Council of Canada (RCC) has announced the 2017 finalists for its Excellence in Retailing Awards, with winners to be announced at the Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala on May 30, 2017, in Toronto. In total, 61 finalists from 35 standout companies will receive the coveted recognition as being amongst the most creative and innovative retailers in Canada.

"The Excellence in Retailing Awards program is one of the most exciting opportunities retailers in Canada have to be celebrated for their ingenuity," said Diane J. Brisebois, President and CEO of Retail Council of Canada. "Retail in Canada needs creative and innovative leaders who can work together and drive ongoing business success. These finalists represent the very best in our industry.” Ms. Brisebois went on to say, "The Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala, when we announce the actual winners, is always a highlight, with the incredible energy and dynamic that only these most talented retail innovators can inspire."

The finalists were selected by a volunteer panel of 36 hand-selected retail industry leaders that included retailers, vendors, and media. First time and returning judges from across Canada worked closely together to bring rigor and new perspectives to the evaluation.

Each submission was evaluated against criteria relating to 10 specific categories including: in-store experience, retail marketing, environmental leadership, talent development, and online and omnichannel operations.

The 2017 winners will be announced at the Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala on May 30, 2017. The Gala, one of the most high-energy and looked-forward to evenings of the year for the retail industry, completes the first day of STORE Conference 2017, which this year is May 30th to May 31 at the Toronto Congress Centre. For more information on the Excellence in Retailing Awards or to purchase Gala tickets click here: http://www.retailawards.ca/tickets.

This year's Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala will also honour Bonnie Brooks with the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award, and present Clint Mahlman and London Drugs as the winner of the 2017 Distinguished Canadian Retailer of the Year Award.

Canadian Retail News From Around The Web: May 11, 2017