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
Retail Council of Canada | RCC is a not-for-profit, industry-funded association representing more than 43,000 store fronts of all retail formats across Canada, including department, specialty, discount, and independent stores, and online merchants. Sign up to receive their weekly e-Newsletter.
Global Distribution Alliance (GDA) | The Global Distribution Alliance (GDA) is a partnership of over 100 leading logistics and transportation companies.
International Associations
Internet Merchants Association | The mission of the IMA is to develop, promote, and to protect the economic vitality of internet merchants through a positive business environment and to foster a climate in which commerce, industry and technology will flourish.
Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) | A US trade association for retailers to collaborate and share expertise. RILA’s aim is to elevate the industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate. The blog is regularly updated with posts covering a variety of topics related to the retail industry.
National Online Retailers Association (NORA) | This Australian online retailers association has a growing membership of more than 19,000. NORA TV includes links to their webinars and podcasts related to the retail industry.
National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) | NAW is a US-based association for persons conducting business in the wholesale trade industry.
AD | A member-owned organization, AD has over 5,000 branches and is North America’s largest marketing/buying group for construction and industrial supplies
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.
Ecommerce Insider | This free magazine made available via Canada Post is for businesses of all sizes. Get inspiration, data-driven insights, fresh ideas and actionable recommendations to help you make informed decisions.
Retail Insider the magazine | Published quarterly the magazine is an extension of Retail Insider and is dedicated to covering topics around Canada’s retail industry.
ECommerce Times | This online resource covers topics in e-commerce including news and trends.
Practical ECommerce | Starting as a print magazine in 2005, Practical ECommerce has since moved online to provide reliable ecommerce resources to help merchants improve their online businesses.
B2B Wholesaler Magazine | A magazine exclusively covering the business to business side of wholesaling.
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.
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.
Retail Insider | Canada's most-read online retail industry publication covering a range of topics within Canada’s retail industry.
Digital Commerce 360 | Industry news and reports, membership required for access to some research.
Ecommerce Guide | Lists all the latest ecommerce platform reviews, news, ecommerce jobs and product launches from around the world.
Retail Customer Experience | US based news, resources and webinars. Divided into multiple topic areas, check out the E-commerce/Online & Mobile Shopping section.
Retail Dive | News stories and analysis covering all aspects of the retail industry.
Blogs & Discussion Forums
Blogs
Ecommerce Conversations | This weekly podcast is hosted by Beardbrand founder and CEO Eric Bandholz, who speaks with inspirational entrepreneurs and executives on the realities of online selling.
Wholesaler Mastermind | Over 400 blog posts with tips and advice on how to succeed as a wholesaler.
Handshake Blog | Created by Shopify, the blog posts range from topics about starting a business, a glossary of terms, and more
Wholesale Helper | Categorizes blog posts into helpful segments including guides, checklists, tips & tricks, and how to’s.
Podcasts
The Voice of Retail Podcast | A weekly podcast hosted by retail pioneer, senior retail advisor and keynote speaker Michael LeBlanc and produced in conjunction with Retail Council of Canada.
Retail Remix Podcast | A weekly podcast featuring guest speakers with experience as practitioners, analysts, and innovators in retail.
eCommerce MasterPlan Podcast | New episodes every Monday, this podcast interviews inspiring founders and is filled with tips and ideas.
Make it Big Podcast | This biweekly podcast gathers global thought leaders to discuss all things ecommerce.
Wholesale Hotline | Covers a wide range of topics relevant to wholesaling.In each episode, they tackle real-life situations with creative solutions, break everything down into simple steps you can take immediately to boost your business, get more contracts signed, and how to do more deals.
The New Wholesalers Masterminds Radio Show | Experts are gathered to share their thoughts on this podcast that’s custom designed just for financial services wholesalers and their leaders.
The Wholesale Change Show | Hosted by industry veterans Ian Heller and Jonathan Bein, debate timely and tough topics affecting businesses in wholesale distribution channels.
Discussion Forums
Digital Point eCommerce Forum | This online forum has members from across the globe to discuss various ecommerce topics ranging from growing a business to marketing advice to the best platform suited for your business.
Reddit ecommerce - Online Store Owners | This community is for anyone interested in the operations of ecommerce sites. Ask your questions on marketing, seo, products, checkout, conversions, etc.
Wholesale Forum | An active discussion forum for wholesalers, dropshippers, manufacturers, distributors and trade services providers.
The Wholesale Forums | Stay connected with other wholesale business owners, buyers and sellers from around the world.
TopTenWholesale | Provides a space for wholesale buyers to connect with suppliers around the world.
The Supplier Central | An active forum for the eCommerce community to discuss advice, trends and ask questions.
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.