News & Media
Distinguished Retailer Speakers Series
Date Published: February 10, 2022
-616x346.png)
Join the David Sobey Centre for a Fireside Chat with this year’s Distinguished Retailer Speaker, Brian Hill, Founder and CEO of Aritzia.
The Distinguished Retailer Speaker Series is an annual event hosted by the David Sobey Centre for Innovation in Retailing & Services at Saint Mary’s University. The event welcomes a retail CEO to share their relevant industry knowledge and experience with the retail community and students across Canada.
Questions will be open to the audience and answered live. Questions may include topics such as, the company and its journey over the years, the industry, Brian Hill himself, or about careers at Aritzia. Submit your questions upon registration.
About Brian Hill
Brian Hill is Founder and CEO of Aritzia and has served as a member of its Board since 2005. As a third-generation retailer, Mr. Hill has led the company since the Hill family opened the first Aritzia store in Vancouver in 1984. Under his leadership, Aritzia have opened 97 retail boutiques in key markets in Canada and the U.S., in addition to developing and launching its eCommerce business. As an accomplished retailer, merchant, creative director and corporate strategist, Mr. Hill’s vision and expertise have shaped Aritzia and driven its growth. He is intimately involved in all aspects of the business. In recognition of his creative and business strength, Mr. Hill was awarded the Henry Singer Award for Retail Excellence presented by the University of Alberta (2013), Distinguished Retailer of the Year, presented by the Retail Council of Canada (2012), and was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® for the Pacific Region (2008). Mr. Hill has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics from Queen’s University.
About Aritzia
Aritzia are creators and purveyors of Everyday Luxury, home to an extensive portfolio of exclusive brands for every function and individual aesthetic. They pride themselves on creating immersive, and highly personalized shopping experiences at aritzia.com and in its 100+ boutiques throughout North America to everyone, everywhere.
In 1984, Brian Hill opened the first standalone Aritzia boutique in Oakridge Centre — an upscale shopping mall in his hometown. The idea was simple: offer beautiful clothes in aspirational spaces with exceptional service.
A few decades later, that idea hasn’t changed. Now, a public Company and household name with over 100 stores across North America and a global eCommerce platform, Aritzia continues to serve Everyday Luxury to communities near and far.
