About

The David Sobey Retailing Centre at the Sobey School of Business is a thought leader and trusted partner in the retail sector. Working with our colleagues and partners in the retail industry, we are committed to “Shaping the Future of Retail” through research, innovation and education.

The David Sobey Retailing Centre was established in 2014, thanks to a visionary and generous gift by Dr. David F. Sobey, Chair Emeritus of Sobeys Inc, and an iconic, well-respected leader in Canadian retail. We are very appreciative of his generosity and inspired by and committed to his vision. The centre is part of the Sobey School of Business, one of Canada’s most respected business schools, located at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

The David Sobey Retailing Centre is extremely fortunate to have an Advisory Council whose membership includes retail veterans and innovators. These members provide the centre with industry connections, insights into industry issues and trends and guiding the centre in its mission to shape the future of retail.

What do we mean by “Shaping the Future of Retail”?

It’s a tremendously exciting time for the retail sector. The pace of change is rapid and consumers have more control over where and how they buy. The industry is heavily influenced by workforce changes and challenges, increased competition, consumer trends, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, supply chain issues and ESG. Anticipating challenges, seizing opportunities and helping the industry optimize for future success is core to our mission.

David Sobey Retailing Centre helps “Shape the Future of Retail’ to be more vibrant, successful and innovative by providing thought leadership and guidance, identifying issues and opportunities and producing relevant, actionable insights.

Three Areas of Focus

Research

The David Sobey Retailing Centre conducts and funds applied and collaborative research addressing real issues and opportunities in the retail sector. Our research, most often conducted with industry partners, provides actionable insights that help improve business practices and outcomes for retailers, making the centre a trusted source of expertise for the retail sector.

Researchers with the David Sobey Retailing Centre are experts in key areas relevant to the retail sector including retail technology, automation, artificial intelligence/machine learning, behavioural economics, consumer psychology/behaviour, hiring & talent management, technology in personnel selection, consumer behaviour trends, retail strategy, omnichannel retailing, e-commerce/digital, competition and retail branding.

 

Innovation

Innovation is essential to the success of the global retail industry. The David Sobey Retailing Centre funds, develops, and tests new technologies, processes, and methodologies critical to the future of the retail industry.

Our innovation projects are primarily done in partnership with the retail industry – tackling real world challenges facing the sector where innovation is essential for future success.

Our primary goals with respect to innovation:

1. address industry challenges using unique approaches have impact on the retail sector, particularly for small to midsized retailers.

2. engage faculty and graduate students in innovation projects to develop intellectual property at Saint Mary’s University.

All innovation projects are done in-house, with faculty and graduate students (from multiple disciplines), working with industry partners. These projects give students real life experience and training in cutting-edge technologies and methodologies.

The David Sobey Retailing Centre labs (biometric lab and digital lab), mock store and store-lab provide the ideal environment for identifying innovation opportunities, developing, and testing innovations, as well as deploying them in a retail store.

 

Education

The David Sobey Retailing Centre is an established leader in retail education offering a full suite of professional development and educational programs for experienced executives, mid-level managers and those just beginning their retail career. These programs help retailers, and their employees, respond and succeed in the rapidly changing retail landscape.

All of our programs and events are developed with input from industry experts ensuring they are contemporary, relevant and industry focused. The centre provides thought leadership as well as upskilling and training on new tools and methodologies participants can apply immediately.

Building interest and capacity in the sector is critical to future success. Exposing students to the opportunities retail provides and for students just starting their retail journey, the centre provides contemporary, relevant education, skills and experiences. Students are offered a variety of hands-on experiential learning opportunities and internships giving students a deep understanding of the sector and its career opportunities.

In addition to our well established open enrollment programs, the centre works directly with companies to create custom executive education tailored to their unique needs and timeframes.