Canadian Retailer - Fall 2014 - 42

2014 kpmg WomEN IN REtAIL EXEcutIvE RouNDtABLE

are some of our challenges in attracting the best and brightest, and what can we do to impress the dynamic and exciting
nature of the industry on the youth today?"
"I think some of the challenges that we as an industry are
facing in attracting young people to work within retail is that
there is a stigma around it," says Morgan. "We need to change
our language around retail so that we're presenting all of the
exciting opportunities. Retail is business, and it is big business and one with sizable remuneration opportunities, if you
are driven and willing to work hard at it."
And, as Dean points out, the opportunities are not limited to
financial incentives.
"What I love about retail is how vast it is. There is so much
opportunity to learn and it's always changing. I always tell
people that just about any skill that you can learn in any
school, or within any other industry, can be applied in retail.
And when you are able to show those skills and capabilities,
the opportunities available to those ready to apply themselves
can be limitless. We need to convey this message more effectively as a collective industry."
And it's that excitement that Metro's Bacon recognizes as
well, suggesting that if younger people were more aware of the
engaging and fast-paced nature of retail, more of them would
become interested in retail as a career.
"I like the fact that I can see the results of my work, and it's
measurable," she says. "There's something extremely gratifying about that. I think young people need to understand that
retail is highly relevant. And we need to impress on them the
fact that it's an important industry to be in, and that it's one
that greatly impacts the day-to-day lives of every Canadian."
Canadian Tire invests in its talent. Something Deacon says
needs to happen more often across the industry if the pitch
of retail as a viable career is to be taken seriously by today's
youth. "I have always had a passion for retail. But, I wasn't always employed within the industry," she explains. "The amazing people at Canadian Tire supported me and recognized my
passion for the industry, and they decided to take a chance on
me. We need to present the industry as an exciting one to work
in, and then invest in the people who are passionate about it."
Energy and results

Another way the industry can cultivate a positive message to
deliver to tomorrow's future retail leaders, Bennison explains,
is in appealing to energetic and enthusiastic young professionals the results-driven nature of the industry.
"You clearly need to have a passion for the industry," she says.
"And you need to fall in love with it for the right reasons. For
those looking for diversity, an opportunity to deliver results, and
the chance to get noticed quickly based on those results, this is
the industry for them. We need to show people who are willing
to be creative, innovative and to take risks, all in the name of
results, that retail is where they need to be."

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cANADIAN REtAILER | fall 2014

Canadian Retailer - Fall 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Canadian Retailer - Fall 2014