Industry News
In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Canadian Associations
- Association of Footwear & Apparel Canada (AFA Canada) | The country's premier source for sales and marketing assistance to retailers and wholesalers within the footwear, apparel and accessory industries through events and education. You can take a look at their past webinars here.
International Associations
- Retail Industry Leaders Association | The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) is the US trade association for retailers with the aim to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate.
- American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) | The national (US) trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, which compete in the global market. Try starting with Tools and Research.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for business planning. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
- Retail Insider the magazine | Canada’s only national retail industry publication, Retail Insider the magazine is a dynamic digital quarterly that presents sponsors and advertisers with a premium platform by which to reach Canada’s retail decision-makers. The Daily News section is regularly updated with retail news around the web.
- Retail Merchandiser Magazine | Retail Merchandiser magazine has been reporting on the retail sector and all its complexities for nearly six decades. Alongside feature articles provided by companies with hands-on experience, and experts in the field, each issue of Retail Merchandiser includes case studies, product reviews, and industry news.
- Chain Storage | Chain Store Age is the nation’s leading provider of retail news and analysis for retail headquarters executives across all sectors of the industry, both in print and online. In addition to a print magazine (published six times annually), CSA offers a variety of digital products, including a rich and robust web site, a daily e-newsletter and category-specific newsletters in store development and facilities and real estate. Digital editions are available here.
- Drapers | A UK magazine, Drapers provide industry news, insightful analysis, commentary and key data, as well as a growing portfolio of face-to-face networking opportunities. While the magazine is subscription-based you can view some pages and sections free.
Consultant & Other Websites
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
- The imperatives for retailers to build consumer trust
- What Canadian consumers want: a retailer’s guide to deciphering shoppers’ shifting habits
- The new shopping preferences shaping the future of retail and consumer goods in Canada
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre | This free resource created by the Vancouver Public Library is an online and in-person resource that helps newcomers to Canada find information to get a job, explore different careers or start a business.
Blogs & Discussion Forums
- The Voice of Retail | A weekly podcast hosted by retail pioneer, senior retail advisor and keynote speaker Michael LeBlanc and produced in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.
- National Retail Federation | A US- based retail trade organization that advocates for the people, policies and ideas that help retail thrive. Their blog and podcasts are a wealth of information.
- Retail Insider Podcast Network | A collection of all podcast episodes from both “The Weekly” and “The Interview Series” shows created by Retail Insider.
- Kizer & Bender’s Retail Adventures | Produced by Rich Kizer and Georganne Bender, they are consumer anthropologists and experts on generational diversity, consumer trends, marketing and promotion, and everything retail.
- The Retail Doctor | Bob Phibbs, otherwise known as The Retail Doctor, is an expert on brick-and-mortar retailers. The Retail Doctor has both a blog and a podcast.
- Retail Minded | Founded in 2007 by retail thought leader and influencer Nicole Leinbach Reyhle, Retail Minded delivers quality news, education and support specific to independent retailers.
- Retail Customer Experience | A Web portal devoted to helping retailers differentiate on experience, rather than on price. Take a look at their webinars and podcasts.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.