Latest news with #FrançoisRoberge


Malaysian Reserve
5 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Winners of the 2025 Excellence in Retailing Awards Announced
Retailers in Canada Raise the Bar Again, Showcasing Bold Innovation and Leadership TORONTO, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ – In a time of accelerated transformation and rising consumer expectations, retailers in Canada are proving once again that they don't just adapt—they lead. Retail Council of Canada (RCC) proudly announced the 14 winners of the 2025 Excellence in Retailing Awards (ERA) tonight at the much-anticipated Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala, a highlight moment of RCCSTORE25 Conference in Toronto. The gala evening also saw the presentation of three distinguished Awards of Distinction and fourteen Retail Education Scholarships, spotlighting both seasoned leadership and the next generation of retail talent. 'This year's ERA winners exemplify the bold, purpose-driven spirit that defines retail in Canada today,' said Diane J. Brisebois, President and CEO, Retail Council of Canada. 'From championing employee well-being to reimagining the in-store experience and investing deeply in sustainability and community, these retailers are setting a global standard for what it means to lead with impact.' 2025 Excellence in Retailing Awards winners are: Award Category Winner E-Commerce Experience RONA Environmental Leadership Sobeys Inc. In-Store Experience & Design Indigo Books & Music Inc. In-Store Experience & Design Best Buy Canada In-Store Merchandising Walmart Canada Loss Prevention Pet Valu Canada Omni-Channel Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) Philanthropic Leadership Pattison Food Group Philanthropic Leadership IKEA Canada Pop-Up Experience & Design Sephora Canada Retail Marketing IKEA Canada Retail Marketing Le Groupe Aldo Inc. Supply Chain Innovations Staples Canada Talent Development Purdys Chocolatier Brisebois added: 'I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to this year's distinguished recipients of the Awards of Distinction: François Roberge from la Vie en Rose and Jenn Harper from Cheekbone Beauty for exceptional achievements, resilient leadership and courageous, forward-thinking strategies. At a time when it might be easier to take a cautious path, these retailers have chosen to lead with vision, integrity, and impact.' This year's Gala also marked a poignant moment of celebration as the industry honoured Diane J. Brisebois for her remarkable 30-year tenure as President & CEO of RCC with an induction into the Canadian Retail Hall of Fame. 'Diane's unwavering commitment and tireless leadership have elevated the retail sector to new heights,' said Santo Ligotti, Vice President, Marketing and Membership, Retail Council of Canada. 'Her legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of retail leaders across the country.' Among the fourteen students awarded Retail Education Scholarships, four received additional honours. Alana Tollenaar (sponsored by JRoss Recruiters) Emilio Velazquez (sponsored by RCC) Amaira Bons (sponsored by Browns Shoes) David Medcalfe (sponsored by Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd.) Learn more about the Excellence in Retail Awards selection criteria, and the Retail Education Scholarship Program. About Retail Council of Canada Retail is Canada's largest private-sector employer with over 2.3 million Canadians working in our industry. This sector is a major economic contributor, generating more than $93 billion annually in wages and employee benefits. In 2024, core retail sales (excluding vehicles and gasoline) exceeded $508 billion. Retail Council of Canada (RCC) members account for more than two-thirds of these core retail sales and 95 per cent of the grocery market. Our membership extends across the country, embracing over 54,000 storefronts in diverse formats such as department, grocery, specialty, discount, independent retailers, online merchants, and quick service restaurants. As the Voice of Retail™ in Canada, RCC, a not-for-profit, industry-funded association, proudly represents retail businesses of all sizes, from small independents to large national chains, in communities nationwide.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Winners of the 2025 Excellence in Retailing Awards Announced
Retailers in Canada Raise the Bar Again, Showcasing Bold Innovation and Leadership TORONTO, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ - In a time of accelerated transformation and rising consumer expectations, retailers in Canada are proving once again that they don't just adapt—they lead. Retail Council of Canada (RCC) proudly announced the 14 winners of the 2025 Excellence in Retailing Awards (ERA) tonight at the much-anticipated Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala, a highlight moment of RCCSTORE25 Conference in Toronto. The gala evening also saw the presentation of three distinguished Awards of Distinction and fourteen Retail Education Scholarships, spotlighting both seasoned leadership and the next generation of retail talent. "This year's ERA winners exemplify the bold, purpose-driven spirit that defines retail in Canada today," said Diane J. Brisebois, President and CEO, Retail Council of Canada. "From championing employee well-being to reimagining the in-store experience and investing deeply in sustainability and community, these retailers are setting a global standard for what it means to lead with impact." 2025 Excellence in Retailing Awards winners are: Award Category Winner E-Commerce Experience RONA Environmental Leadership Sobeys Inc. In-Store Experience & Design Indigo Books & Music Inc. In-Store Experience & Design Best Buy Canada In-Store Merchandising Walmart Canada Loss Prevention Pet Valu Canada Omni-Channel Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) Philanthropic Leadership Pattison Food Group Philanthropic Leadership IKEA Canada Pop-Up Experience & Design Sephora Canada Retail Marketing IKEA Canada Retail Marketing Le Groupe Aldo Inc. Supply Chain Innovations Staples Canada Talent Development Purdys Chocolatier Brisebois added: "I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to this year's distinguished recipients of the Awards of Distinction: François Roberge from la Vie en Rose and Jenn Harper from Cheekbone Beauty for exceptional achievements, resilient leadership and courageous, forward-thinking strategies. At a time when it might be easier to take a cautious path, these retailers have chosen to lead with vision, integrity, and impact." This year's Gala also marked a poignant moment of celebration as the industry honoured Diane J. Brisebois for her remarkable 30-year tenure as President & CEO of RCC with an induction into the Canadian Retail Hall of Fame. "Diane's unwavering commitment and tireless leadership have elevated the retail sector to new heights," said Santo Ligotti, Vice President, Marketing and Membership, Retail Council of Canada. "Her legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of retail leaders across the country." Among the fourteen students awarded Retail Education Scholarships, four received additional honours. Alana Tollenaar (sponsored by JRoss Recruiters) Emilio Velazquez (sponsored by RCC) Amaira Bons (sponsored by Browns Shoes) David Medcalfe (sponsored by Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd.) Learn more about the Excellence in Retail Awards selection criteria, and the Retail Education Scholarship Program. About Retail Council of Canada Retail is Canada's largest private-sector employer with over 2.3 million Canadians working in our industry. This sector is a major economic contributor, generating more than $93 billion annually in wages and employee benefits. In 2024, core retail sales (excluding vehicles and gasoline) exceeded $508 billion. Retail Council of Canada (RCC) members account for more than two-thirds of these core retail sales and 95 per cent of the grocery market. Our membership extends across the country, embracing over 54,000 storefronts in diverse formats such as department, grocery, specialty, discount, independent retailers, online merchants, and quick service restaurants. As the Voice of Retail™ in Canada, RCC, a not-for-profit, industry-funded association, proudly represents retail businesses of all sizes, from small independents to large national chains, in communities nationwide. SOURCE Retail Council of Canada View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio


Cision Canada
30-04-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
François Roberge to receive Retail Council of Canada's Lifetime Achievement Award Français
TORONTO, April 30, 2025 /CNW/ - Retail Council of Canada (RCC) is proud to announce that François Roberge, President and CEO of la Vie en Rose, will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Excellence in Retailing Awards. This honour is presented to a distinguished industry leader whose vision and impact have reshaped the retail landscape. Roberge is being recognized not only for his outstanding business leadership, but also for his lasting contributions to elevating Quebec's fashion industry and strengthening Canada's presence on the global retail stage. Raised on a farm in Quebec and born into a family of merchants, François Roberge began his career in retail behind the wheel of a delivery truck for Boutiques San Francisco. In 1996, he acquired la Vie en Rose and began a thoughtful transformation of the brand, relocating its headquarters to Montreal and charting a course for growth. Under his leadership, la Vie en Rose expanded internationally, entering the Saudi Arabian market in 2004, acquiring Bikini Village in 2015, and launching into the United States in 2024. Today, the brand is recognized as a global leader in intimate apparel, with over 400 stores across 20 countries and a team of more than 5,000 employees. Roberge's impact extends well beyond the success of la Vie en Rose. As the founder of the non-profit organization MMODE, he has played a pivotal role in positioning Quebec as a global fashion hub—driving international growth while championing local talent. In 2002, he established the Roses of Hope Foundation, which has since contributed over $4 million to breast cancer research and women's wellness initiatives. More recently, his philanthropic efforts have expanded to include environmental causes, raising $1 million for nature conservation in 2024, with plans to match that support again in 2025. "François's career has always been about more than building a retail business — it's been about leading with heart, purpose, and a bold vision for innovation and creativity," said Diane J. Brisebois, President and CEO of RCC. "As la Vie en Rose marks 40 years, it stands not only as a Canadian success story, but as a testament to François' values of entrepreneurship grounded in community, excellence guided by empathy, and a legacy that will inspire generations to come." The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented at Retail Council of Canada's Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala on June 3, 2025, at the Toronto Congress Centre. Capping off the first day of RCCSTORE25, Canada's premier retail conference, the Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala will celebrate the industry's top performers. Taking place June 3–4, 2025, RCCSTORE25 will feature 75+ expert speakers and draw retail leaders from across North America and beyond. Media are invited to attend this prestigious event celebrating François Roberge and other esteemed award recipients. About la Vie en Rose Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Montreal, la Vie en Rose is Canada's leading specialty lingerie retailer. Offering a complete range of lingerie, sleepwear, loungewear, and swimwear, the company is known for its focus on quality, comfort, and confidence. With more than 400 locations worldwide, la Vie en Rose continues to expand while staying true to its Canadian roots and commitment to women's well-being. About Retail Council of Canada Retail is Canada's largest private-sector employer with over 2.3 million Canadians working in our industry. This sector is a major economic contributor, generating more than $93 billion annually in wages and employee benefits. In 2024, core retail sales (excluding vehicles and gasoline) exceeded $507 billion. Retail Council of Canada (RCC) members account for more than two-thirds of these core retail sales and 95 per cent of the grocery market. Our membership extends across the country, embracing over 54,000 storefronts in diverse formats such as department, grocery, specialty, discount, independent retailers, online merchants, and quick service restaurants. As the Voice of Retail™ in Canada, RCC, a not-for-profit, industry-funded association, proudly represents retail businesses of all sizes, from small independents to large national chains, in communities nationwide.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LSL PHARMA GROUP ANNOUNCES THE SIGNING OF TWO AGREEMENTS TO MARKET NEW OPHTHALMIC PRODUCTS IN CANADA
Sales of new products expected to start as of Q4-2025 BOUCHERVILLE, QC, April 3, 2025 /CNW/ - GROUPE LSL PHARMA INC (TSXV: LSL) (TSXV: (the "Company" or "LSL Pharma"), a Canadian integrated pharmaceutical company, is pleased to announce the signing of two new agreements to market six (6) to ten (10) sterile eye drops for the prescription market in Canada. "We are extremely pleased to have signed these two commercial agreements for new prescription ophthalmic products. These products will significantly enhance the ophthalmic portfolio of our Steri-Med Pharma division. The Company expects to start commercialization of some of these products as early as the fourth quarter of 2025. Together, these products represent an annual market of over $105 million in Canada, according to IQVIA Canada data", said François Roberge, President and CEO. Four of the new products would be exclusive to the Company for the Canadian market, and have no generic equivalent on the Canadian market to date. The commercialization of new products remains subject to satisfactory due diligence by the Company and to regulatory approvals. In parallel with the internal development of new prescription and over-the-counter sterile ophthalmic ointments, LSL Pharma intends to pursue its efforts to conclude new commercial agreements with local and international strategic partners for the addition of ophthalmic drops to its sterile product portfolio. ABOUT LSL PHARMA GROUP INC. LSL Pharma Group Inc. is a Canadian integrated pharmaceutical company specializing in the development, manufacturing and marketing of high-quality sterile ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, as well as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and natural health products in solid, semi-solid and liquid forms. For further information, please visit Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Groupe LSL PHARMA INC. View original content to download multimedia: